Angels Flight (Harry Bosch, #6; Harry Bosch Universe, #7) Summary & Key Insights

Michael Connelly's Angels Flight centers on Harry Bosch's investigation into the seemingly straightforward murder of a young woman found dead in a dilapidated building in the Angels Flight funicular's shadow. The victim, Eleanor Wish, is initially treated as a case of petty crime gone wrong, a victim of an opportunistic killer. However, Bosch's relentless pursuit of the truth, fueled by his innate sense of justice and a personal connection to the victim’s circumstances, unravels a far more complex and politically charged conspiracy.

The investigation leads Bosch into the murky world of Los Angeles real estate development, where he clashes with powerful figures who will stop at nothing to protect their interests. He encounters the ambitious, yet ethically compromised, District Attorney's investigator, Grace Billets, who initially sees Bosch as an obstacle to her own advancement. Their professional rivalry is interwoven with a reluctant but gradually deepening respect and understanding, highlighting the moral ambiguities within the system. Their collaboration is essential in navigating the manipulative tactics employed by the influential figures implicated in the case.

The key to unlocking the murder mystery lies in the victim's past: Eleanor Wish was a whistleblower about corrupt land deals, exposing a network of deceit and illegal activities tied to a prominent developer. This revelation places Bosch in direct conflict with those who orchestrated her death, leading him down a dangerous path fraught with intimidation and threats. He faces obstruction from within the LAPD itself, highlighting the pervasive corruption that permeates the city's power structures.

Bosch's investigation is not simply a pursuit of justice for one victim; it becomes a fight against the systemic corruption that allows such crimes to occur. He uncovers a web of deceit involving city officials, developers, and lawyers who collude to profit from unethical practices. The novel vividly portrays the underbelly of Los Angeles, exposing its inequalities and the lengths to which the powerful will go to protect their position.

The overarching themes of Angels Flight include justice versus power, the corrupting influence of ambition, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Bosch's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, despite personal risks and professional setbacks, underscores his character's moral compass. The novel's ending, while offering a sense of resolution to the murder case, leaves a lingering sense of the pervasive corruption that continues to fester within the city's systems, highlighting the ongoing battle for justice that Bosch embodies.