Echoes of Mulholland Drive

Detective Harry Bosch, recently reinstated to the homicide division, is drawn to a crime scene on Mulholland Drive by the echoes of music from the Hollywood Bowl. There, he discovers a Rolls-Royce with a body in the trunk, identified as Tony Aliso, a film producer shot execution-style. Bosch, with partners Jerry Edgar and Kizmin Rider, begins piecing together the mystery, noting the scene's peculiarities and potential mob connections.

Crime Scene and First Suspects

Bosch encounters Officer Powers, whose handling of the scene raises suspicions. The investigation, led by Bosch's team, notes the absence of robbery indicators and a personalized license plate linking the car to Aliso's production company. The investigation hints at organized crime involvement, with Bosch determined to uncover the truth.

The Return to Homicide

Bosch reflects on his return to the homicide division after a forced hiatus, navigating new team dynamics with Rider as a promising partner. Supported by Lieutenant Grace Billets, Bosch faces pressure to solve the case quickly, feeling the weight of his past and the need to prove himself once more.

Unraveling Aliso's Double Life

Bosch and Rider uncover Aliso's financial records, revealing a web of money laundering through his film production company. Aliso's dealings suggest ties to organized crime, with dummy corporations and suspicious transactions pointing to a larger conspiracy. The looming IRS audit adds urgency to the investigation.

Vegas Connections and Old Flames

Bosch travels to Las Vegas to trace Aliso's last movements, discovering his gambling habits and connections to a dancer named Layla. Bosch encounters Eleanor Wish, a former lover and ex-FBI agent, now living in Vegas. Their reunion is charged with unresolved emotions, complicating Bosch's focus on the case.

The Mob's Shadow Looms

Bosch's investigation points to mob involvement, with Aliso's murder linked to his financial dealings with the Chicago Outfit. Fingerprints on Aliso's jacket lead to Luke Goshen, a known associate of mob boss Joey Marks. Bosch navigates the dangerous waters of corruption and betrayal.

Interrogation and Unraveling Secrets

Bosch is questioned by federal agents about Aliso's murder, accused of planting evidence to frame Luke Goshen, an undercover agent. The FBI reveals Goshen's solid alibi, leaving Bosch reeling as he realizes the case's complexity and the implications of federal involvement.

Eleanor's Dilemma and Bosch's Promise

Eleanor Wish confesses to Bosch that she was coerced into working for a mob-connected figure in Las Vegas. Bosch is torn between his feelings for Eleanor and the implications of her involvement, promising to protect her while grappling with the possibility that her actions may have led to Aliso's murder.

Confrontation and Unexpected Alliances

Bosch confronts mob boss Joey Marks, who denies involvement in Aliso's murder and suggests a larger conspiracy. Bosch forms an uneasy alliance with Marks to uncover the truth, navigating a dangerous path as he balances his pursuit of justice with the risks of dealing with organized crime.

The FBI's Hidden Agenda

Bosch learns of the FBI's undercover operation, codenamed Telegraph, aimed at dismantling organized crime networks. The feds' desire to protect their operation and key agent, Luke Goshen, creates tension and obstacles for Bosch, as he navigates the complexities of federal involvement.

Bosch's Determination and New Leads

Despite setbacks, Bosch remains determined to solve the case. He revisits the crime scene, discovering overlooked evidence suggesting a personal vendetta rather than a mob hit. Bosch refocuses on Aliso's personal life, suspecting someone close had a motive to kill, pursuing new leads despite pressure to drop the case.

A Plan to Trap Veronica

Bosch's investigation points to Veronica Aliso as a key suspect. He believes she orchestrated the murder with an accomplice, using the mob as a cover. Bosch devises a plan to trap her, enlisting Edgar and Rider to gather evidence and monitor her movements, determined to bring justice to Aliso's killer.

Confrontation at Veronica's Doorstep

Bosch, Edgar, and Rider visit Veronica Aliso, suspecting her involvement in her husband's murder. Bosch subtly accuses her of knowing more than she admits, hinting at her husband's mob connections and financial troubles. Veronica feigns ignorance, but Bosch senses her unease, prompting further investigation.

Bosch's Strategic Stakeout Plan

Bosch recalls his Vietnam experience to strategize a stakeout in the woods where Aliso's suitcase was found. He and Edgar hide, waiting for someone to retrieve the suitcase, suspecting Powers' involvement. The plan is risky, but Bosch is determined to catch the suspect in the act.

Bosch's Personal and Professional Closure

As the case concludes, Bosch reflects on the personal and professional challenges he's faced. His relationship with Eleanor Wish adds emotional complexity to his life. Despite the case's difficulties, Bosch finds closure, knowing he's uncovered the truth. He contemplates his future with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face whatever comes next.

Characters

Harry Bosch

Bosch is a seasoned detective driven by a deep sense of justice. His instincts and experience guide him through the complex investigation, despite personal and professional challenges. Bosch's determination to uncover the truth about Aliso's murder and his connection to Eleanor Wish add layers to his character, highlighting his resilience and commitment to justice.

Kizmin Rider

Rider is a young detective with intelligence and resourcefulness. Her ability to uncover Aliso's financial misdeeds proves crucial to the investigation. Rider's ambition and double minority status mark her as a rising star, though she remains grounded and focused on solving the case. Her partnership with Bosch is marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice.

Jerry Edgar

Edgar is Bosch's long-time partner, known for his pragmatic approach and loyalty. He provides a steady counterbalance to Bosch's more intuitive methods, handling procedural aspects of the investigation. Edgar's experience and dedication make him a valuable asset, though he struggles with the case's complexities and the personal dynamics within the team.

Eleanor Wish

Eleanor is a former FBI agent and Bosch's past lover, now living in Las Vegas. Her unexpected reappearance in Bosch's life brings unresolved emotions to the surface. Eleanor's history and her connection to the case add layers of intrigue, complicating Bosch's focus on the investigation and his personal life.

Joey Marks

Joey Marks is a powerful figure in the Las Vegas underworld, known for his strategic mind and ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. Despite his denial of involvement in Aliso's murder, Marks's influence looms large over the investigation. His interactions with Bosch reveal a complex character who is both a potential ally and a dangerous adversary.

Luke Goshen

Luke Goshen, also known as Roy Lindell, is an FBI agent who infiltrated organized crime networks as part of a long-term operation. His cover is blown when he becomes a suspect in Aliso's murder, complicating the investigation and putting him at odds with Bosch. Goshen's dual identity and the feds' desire to protect their operation create tension and uncertainty.

Veronica Aliso

Veronica is the widow of Tony Aliso, whose murder reveals her as a key suspect. Her relationship with her husband was strained, marked by infidelity and financial secrets. Veronica's manipulation of Powers and her ties to organized crime paint a picture of a woman caught between ambition and danger, ultimately leading to her downfall.

Ray Powers

Powers is a patrol officer whose involvement in Aliso's murder is uncovered by Bosch. His desperation and violent nature make him a dangerous adversary. Powers' manipulation by Veronica and his ultimate demise highlight the case's complexity and the pervasive influence of organized crime.

Grace Billets

Lieutenant Grace Billets is the commanding officer of the Hollywood Division detective bureau. She is a capable administrator with a keen understanding of the department's politics. Billets supports Bosch's leadership and trusts his judgment, even as she navigates the pressures from higher-ups to solve the case quickly.

Tony Aliso

Tony Aliso is a film producer found dead in the trunk of his Rolls-Royce. His murder reveals a double life, with ties to organized crime and money laundering through his production company. Aliso's dealings and personal relationships paint a picture of a man caught between ambition and danger, ultimately leading to his demise.

Plot Devices

Crime Scene Investigation

The investigation of the crime scene where Tony Aliso's body is found is crucial to the narrative. Bosch and his team meticulously examine the scene, noting the absence of robbery indicators and the presence of a personalized license plate. The discovery of fingerprints on Aliso's jacket and the peculiarities of the scene suggest organized crime involvement, setting the stage for the investigation's direction.

Financial Records and Money Laundering

The examination of Aliso's financial records reveals a complex web of money laundering through his film production company. This plot device is central to the narrative, as it uncovers Aliso's ties to organized crime and the potential motives for his murder. The financial investigation, led by Rider, provides critical insights into the larger conspiracy at play.

Undercover Operation

The FBI's undercover operation, codenamed Telegraph, is a significant plot device that complicates Bosch's investigation. The operation's goal to dismantle organized crime networks conflicts with Bosch's pursuit of justice for Aliso's murder. The feds' desire to protect their operation and key agent, Luke Goshen, creates tension and obstacles for Bosch.

Stakeout Strategy

Bosch's stakeout in the woods is a key plot device, drawing on his Vietnam experience to strategize and capture Powers. The tension and danger of the stakeout highlight Bosch's determination and resourcefulness, setting the stage for the investigation's turning point.

Personal Relationships

Bosch's personal relationships, particularly with Eleanor Wish, add depth and complexity to the narrative. His unresolved feelings for Eleanor and her unexpected reappearance create emotional tension, complicating his focus on the case. This plot device explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, enriching the story's emotional landscape.

Analysis

"Trunk Music" by Michael Connelly explores the intricate dance between justice and morality, set against the backdrop of organized crime and personal redemption. Through Bosch's relentless pursuit of truth, the narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships, the pervasive influence of corruption, and the struggle to maintain integrity in a world rife with deceit. Connelly masterfully weaves a tale that challenges readers to consider the blurred lines between right and wrong, highlighting the resilience required to navigate a morally ambiguous landscape. The novel's exploration of personal and professional challenges underscores the enduring quest for justice, even when faced with insurmountable odds.

Last updated: February 26, 2025