Nightshade: A Catalina Novel
May 2025 · Sold by Little, Brown
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AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Introducing Detective Stilwell: a cop relentlessly following his mission in the seemingly idyllic setting of Catalina Island.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell has been “exiled” to a low-key post policing rustic Catalina Island, after department politics drove him off a homicide desk on the mainland. But while following up the usual drunk-and-disorderlies and petty thefts that come with his new territory, Detective Stilwell gets a report of a body found weighed down at the bottom of the harbor—a Jane Doe identifiable at first only by a streak of purple dye in her hair. At the same time, a report of poaching on a protected reserve turns into a case fraught with violence and danger as Stilwell digs into the shady past of an island bigwig.
Crossing all lines of protocol and jurisdiction, Stilwell doggedly works both cases. Though hampered by an old beef with an ex-colleague determined to thwart him at every turn, he is convinced he is the only one who can bring justice to the woman known as “Nightshade.” Soon, his investigation uncovers closely guarded secrets and a dark heart to the serene island that was meant to be his escape from the evils of the big city.
Propulsive and atmospheric, Nightshade launches a brand new character into the Connelly universe, and proves without question that Michael Connelly is “the undisputed master of the modern crime novel” (Real Book Spy).
Introducing Detective Stilwell: a cop relentlessly following his mission in the seemingly idyllic setting of Catalina Island.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell has been “exiled” to a low-key post policing rustic Catalina Island, after department politics drove him off a homicide desk on the mainland. But while following up the usual drunk-and-disorderlies and petty thefts that come with his new territory, Detective Stilwell gets a report of a body found weighed down at the bottom of the harbor—a Jane Doe identifiable at first only by a streak of purple dye in her hair. At the same time, a report of poaching on a protected reserve turns into a case fraught with violence and danger as Stilwell digs into the shady past of an island bigwig.
Crossing all lines of protocol and jurisdiction, Stilwell doggedly works both cases. Though hampered by an old beef with an ex-colleague determined to thwart him at every turn, he is convinced he is the only one who can bring justice to the woman known as “Nightshade.” Soon, his investigation uncovers closely guarded secrets and a dark heart to the serene island that was meant to be his escape from the evils of the big city.
Propulsive and atmospheric, Nightshade launches a brand new character into the Connelly universe, and proves without question that Michael Connelly is “the undisputed master of the modern crime novel” (Real Book Spy).
AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Introducing Detective Stilwell: a cop relentlessly following his mission in the seemingly idyllic setting of Catalina Island.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell has been “exiled” to a low-key post policing rustic Catalina Island, after depar...
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Ratings and reviews
94 reviews
Laura Martinez
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May 22, 2025
This was my first Michael Connelly book and I really liked it! The small island setting great, and the mystery had me hooked! Detective Stilwell has found himself in Catalina Island tucked away and exiled. I really enjoyed the mystery and enjoyed learning about many of the big players on the island. There were a lot of sketchy things happening behind the scenes and they were revealed in such a thrilling way. Perfect for fans of police procedurals and twisty investigations.
Carlos Garcia
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June 19, 2026
I must say that this book left me wanting more. It wasn't a bad read, and I did finish it relatively quickly, but it didn't have that master storytelling I am now used to with MC. It was an ok entry, but I feel like his publishers were rushing him to release. I believe this was a protest book to the publishers, a "here, take this and shut up!" book. Stilwell also seemed like a dunce in his investigations and a push over. Tash was such an awesome supporting character to Stilwell. When Stilwell and Tash were together, I could see a great book emerging. The bad guys were underdeveloped and you didn't get a real sense of danger because of it. With no awesome twist ending and no real danger from the bad guys, it was just ok. It was a "passing time" book. Not MC's best, as a matter of fact, it's his worst I've read. But given that it's still a decent 3.75/5 it's not that bad at all.
Rhonda “Nader” McBath
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June 2, 2025
I've read every Micheal Connelly book he's ever written! my favorites is with Detective Bosch!! I cried when Connelly slowly retired Harry, his new young female detective is great, her and Bosch sometimes work together, they make a great team!? I also love his Standalone books!
About the author
Michael Connelly is the author of thirty-nine previous novels, among them New York Times bestsellers The Waiting, Resurrection Walk, and Desert Star. His books, which include the Harry Bosch series, the Lincoln Lawyer series, and the Renée Ballard series, have sold more than eighty-nine million copies worldwide. Connelly is a former newspaper reporter who has won numerous awards for his journalism and his novels. He is the executive producer of four television series: Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, The Lincoln Lawyer, and the upcoming Ballard. He spends his time in California and Florida.
Michael Connelly is the author of thirty-nine previous novels, among them New York Times bestsellers The Waiting, Resurrection Walk, and Desert Star. His books, which include the Harry Bosch series, the Lincoln Lawyer series, and the Renée Ballard series, have sold more than eighty-nine million c...
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