Denver crime-beat reporter Jack McEvoy specializes in violent death. So when his homicide detective brother kills himself, McEvoy copes in the only way he knows how--he decides to write the story. But his research leads him to suspect a serial killer is at work--a devious murderer who's killing cops and leaving a trail of poetic clues. It's the news story of a lifetime, if he can get the story without losing his life.
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In the opening pages, journalist Jack McEvoy states, "Death is my beat." A truly excellent line in its own right, this statement encapsulates the rhythm and suspense of the text, delving into the macabre aspects of the mystery genre. Michael Connelly is a master of crime, and The Poet will certainly leave you wanting more. - Rachel (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
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Jack McEvoy is a newspaper reporter who is having trouble dealing with the suicide of his twin brother. When Detective McEvoy is found dead from a gunshot wound, Jack decides to write Sean's story. The further Jack investigates the death, the more his suspicions grow. Jack sees a pattern between suicides of detectives and unsolved murders of children – and a diabolical serial killer. - Emma (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
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Starting with the apparent suicide of Jack McEvoy's brother the Poet is flat out from the first page. Convinced that his brother couldn't take his own life Jack dives head first into a twisted conspiracy. A perfect read for any longtime Bosch fan or a starting point for anyone new to Connelly, The Poet is a high octane thriller full of twists and turns with a killer ending you won't see coming. - Lindsay (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
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Jack McEvoy is a newspaper reporter who is having trouble dealing with the suicide of his identical twin brother. When Detective Sean McEvoy is found dead with what's ruled a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Jack decides he will write Sean's story. The further Jack investigates the death, the more his suspicions grow into it being a murder. Jack begins to see a pattern between the suicides of homicide detectives and the unsolved murders of children – and a diabolical serial killer who has a way with words. The Poet will leave you on the edge of your seat, make you look over your shoulder when alone, and have you second guessing what you thought you knew until the very last page. A compulsive and well written read! - Emma (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
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This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. When you thought the twists and turns were done there was another one right around the corner. I won't give anything away but the ending just left me gob smacked and wanting more. Give bestselling author Michael Connelly a go, you won't regret it - I didn't.
- Barbara (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
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The first book in Michael Connelly's new series, The Poet hooks you in from the first line and it doesn't let go. Jack McEvoy is chasing after a serial killer who makes every murder look like a suicide and leaves them all with a quote from poet Edgar Allan Poe. I really loved this book, it's fast paced storyline draws you in and leaves you hungry for more. - Elizabeth (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
The poet by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly is at his finest in this classic crime novel that I can't recommend enough. Following the trail of a cop killer, Jack McEvoy investigation skills are put to the test, as he tries decipher unusual 'suicide notes' left by the killer. Filled with unforeseeable twists and turns this book is sure keep you wanting more until the very end.
Pacific Fair, 31/03/2017
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I don't normally read crime, but I am so glad I gave this a try! Michael Connelly weaves an engrosing thriller, with plenty of twists and turns. You'll never guess the ending! A good book for rainy day reading! - Alexandra (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2017
A mystery, a murder - a must read!
'Death is the beat' and fast is the pace of this compelling crime thriller. This book follows Jack McEvoy, a crime reporter, as he traces the poetic words and bodies a killer is leaving behind. Connelly, a giant of the genre has produced an engrossing and compelling read. As Jack learns more about his brothers death the reader is drawn further and further into the gritty world of crime, murder and mystery.
This is a page turner that keeps you guessing. Any Lee Child, Vince Flynn, or Patricia Cornwell fan will love this suspenseful take on the classic 'whodunnit'.
- Lucinda, The Canberra Centre
Canberra Centre, 31/03/2017
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A solid crime thriller with credible characters. A page turning investigation to catch psychopathic killer with a romance thrown in for good measure . You think you know how it will end, but it all changes before the conclusion. Loved the vintage 90's setting, with vibes of the movie Se7en or Zodiac. A great edition to the Harry Bosch universe and a a fun read for anyone who likes twisty tales. - Sarah (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
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An engaging ‘whodunit’ crime thriller. Brothers, Sean and Jack, go into different sides of crime fighting; one a homicide detective and the other a homicide journalist. Sean, the policeman, is discovered dead in his car–a supposed suicide. Jack, feeling that something is off, goes digging for information, following the trail of clues, and finds himself in increasing danger. I couldn't put it down! - Deanna (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
The Poet
There aren't many books that pack such a punch in the first paragraph, let alone are able to maintain such strength for their entirety, but 'The Poet' is definitely one of those books! Connelly is skilled at believable characterization and his pacing is impeccable. The story unfolds so organically that reading it is just an enjoyable and easy experience; a feat which makes the twists in the story that much more shocking! -Megan, QBD Charlestown
Charlestown, 30/03/2017
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Ah, the educated serial killer. The literate fiend. It's a path that has been trodden before, and while The Poet doesn't dine upon his victims' livers with fava beans and a nice Chianti or quote John Milton on the walls in their blood, he is a dangerous and rather grubby adversary, nonetheless. Among other clues, notes of Edgar Allan Poe's verse have been found at the scenes of several police suicides, leading crime reporter, Jack McEvoy, to believe that they have, in fact, been murdered. One of them is his brother. It's personal.
Obsessed by what he has found, Jack throws all caution to the wind and accompanies the FBI team investigating the murders, which have quickly become linked to a gruesome series of unsolved slayings. It seems that the more clues revealed, the more suspicions and doubts are cast. Through his involvement, he has the scoop of his lifetime, but will he help stop The Poet's killing spree and solve the riddle of his brother's death?
This is an atmospheric and boldly written book which seized my attention in a stranglehold from the very start. Admittedly, it does sag a little in the middle like a cop contemplating a career change, but is redeemed by a narrative that twists and turns upon itself as if travelling down a precipitous Colorado mountain pass in a car that has had the brake lines severed. The ambiguity of the ending cleverly sets the scene for more great storytelling in 'The Narrows' - the sequel to this book. It's a solidly entertaining police procedural with an edge to it, and I would recommend to readers who have enjoyed Thomas Harris' Hannibal books, as well as Ian Rankin's Rebus novels and authors like James Lee Burke and Robert Crais. - Marica (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
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Crime reporter Jack McEvoy discovers a connection between an alarming number of police suicides. But are things what they seem? He must decide between catching a potential serial killer responsible for his brother’s death, or breaking the biggest story of his career.
Michael Connelly’s The Poet gives fans of investigative crime fiction a gripping tale of twists, turns and ultimately, closure. - Maddie (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
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I felt this book had a promising start plot wise, but then descended a great speed towards terrible and implausible. An awkward and unlikeable main character, a terribly written romance and outdated technology references meant that I struggled to even skim read past the first chapter or so. - Rachel (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
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A trip down memory lane to the mid 90s, when the book was originally published. Imagine reporters now using dial up modems now!
Look, I'll be honest, this book got me with the tagline "Murder. There's a rhyme. And there's a reason".
This is the perfect book for readers of James Patterson, David Baldacci, and Dennis Lehane. - Laurence (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
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This is a great old-style detective thriller. The plot is intricate but flows along at a great rate - I couldn't put it down! Connelly has created a fantastically flawed character in Jack McEvoy, and you find yourself questioning his motives the whole way through. Read this if you enjoy Robert Galbraith and Lee Child. - Tina (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2017
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A tense thriller following Jack, a denver crime writer, making his way through his most career defining assignment. When his detective brother Sean is found dead with what seems a self inflicted bullet wound to his head, Jack makes his was through the evidence to prove his brothers death a murder. As Jack sifts through the poetic evidence he moves dangerously closer to the murderers line of fire. - Sarah (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2017
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Jack McEvoy is a newspaper reporter in Denver. When his twin brother, Sean, a homicide detective is found dead in his car by what's ruled as a suicide, Jack decides to write his story. But, the more he probes, his suspicions grow about it possibly being a murder. As he continues his research, Jack lands himself into an FBI investigation that points to a serial killer. - Jo (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2017
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This is the first time I have read a Michael Connelly book and what a book! The Poet is a fast paced story that will have your attention from the first sentence "Death is my beat" The story starts with a detective's suicide. You will be drawn into a family's grief and a twin brother's anger as he doesn't accept what has happened and sets out to find the answer. A roller coaster ride to the end. - Karen (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2017
The Poet by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly sets the bar for himself pretty high with great titles like 'The Last Coyote' and 'Echo Park' and 'The Poet' does not dissappoint.
'The Poet' starts Jack McEvoy on the path of a serial killer who makes every murder look like a suicide and every note left behind a one-line quote from Edgar Allan Poe. After the murder of his police detective brother, Jack is determined to find the killer. Can Jack find this cop killer before it is too late for him? Enthralling read.
-Sam, QBD Plenty Valley
Plenty Valley, 29/03/2017
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I first read this book years ago and while some areas are a little dated now, it still stands up as one of the best crime thrillers around. It's credible characters and gripping, tense story telling have made this my recommendation go to for anyone who likes crime, or for those looking for a place to start. - Jessalyn (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2017
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The back of this novel reads: 100% Connelly, 100% Addictive, and thats 100% correct! Captivating from the very first page, investigate alonside Jack McEvoy as he looks into his brother's untimely death. The death points toward suicide and local police are happy to close the case. But McEvoy is not convinced and so begins the spiral down towards the truth, no matter how dark it may become. - Erin (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2017
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The Poet is an exciting mystery thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. It keeps on suprising you till the very last page. Jack's brother, a homicide cop, is dead and naturally Jack wants to know how the current killings relate to the Poet, which the serial killer is known as. If you are wanting an amazing read than "The Poet" is the book for you as it will keeps you turning pages. - Cassandra (QBD)
Guest, 28/03/2017
The Poet
The first book in the Jack McEvoy series takes a personal turn when his brother commits suicide. But as you go along things are not what they seem and all of Jack's doubts start to amount to something much more sinister.
Once you get through the first couple of chapters you find yourself engrossed and need to know who is behind not just his brothers death but that of other victims and their unusual suicide notes.
Not something I would normally read but I did enjoy this Novel and it reminds of other authors like David Baldacci and Nelson Demile.
- Kristin, QBD Mt Ommaney
Mt Ommaney, 28/03/2017
The Poet
I really loved this one, a very strong beginning that only picked up its pace as the story led on, it just grabs you and drags you into the dark twisted world of Jack McEvoy - A news reporter, whose twin brother Sean, is found dead in his car from a supposed self inflicted gun shot, Jack makes the decision to write his brothers story, but the more he uncovers, the more suspicious he grows, not everything is as it seems anymore..
“For her passivity in these horizontal moments was diametrically opposed to her demeanor in our vertical moments.”
- Peta, Mt Druitt
Mt Druitt, 28/03/2017
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When crime reporter Jack McEvoy finds out his homicide detective twin brother Sean has commited suicide he deals with his grief the best way he knows how, by writing about it. The more Jack dives into the world of police suicide the more Jack starts to find patterns, did his brother kill himself or is there a serial killer going around killing detectives? Will keep you guessing till the very end. - Jodie (QBD)
Guest, 27/03/2017
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Definitely not a book I'd want to read alone in the dark! This epic cat-and-mouse hunt for a serial killer switches point of views from the perverted Poe-obessed killer to reporter Jack McEvoy who first discovers his existence. It's dark, gorey and graphic, all perfect ingredients for a good crime novel. But you have to wonder, just how far will Jack McEvoy go for the story of a lifetime? - Lana (QBD)
Guest, 26/03/2017
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After many years of turning out fantastic book after fantastic book.
Michael Connelly shouldn't suprise you with his newest title, right?
The Poet grabs the reader right from the start and drags you kicking and screaming on one of his most twisted stories to date.
The Poet, one great crime novel, by one of the masters of the genre. Go on open it and see for yourself. - Steven (QBD)
Guest, 26/03/2017
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Michael Connelly hits us with a great murder mystery this time following crime beat journalist Jack McEvoy. I haven't read Connelly's Harry Bosch series, only having read The Lincoln Lawyer before this, but after following Jack try to uncover the mystery sorrounding the 'suicide' of his brother, who also happened to be a cop, I am feeling drawn to his major series.
Jack can sometimes be a bit unlikeable, willing to go to any lengths to uncover the truth. But that's what I like about this book and Connelly's writing; he is able to create a flawed character that seems real, rather than a infalliable super detective with no baggage to weigh them down.
To any classic Connelly fans, fans of murder mystery, or really anyone, I definitely recommend this book. - Ashley (QBD)
Guest, 25/03/2017
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I'm not usually a crime novel sort of person. I prefer magic over murder, quests over cases. I hesitated picking up this book but I'd heard so many good comments about Michael Connelly that I kept coming back to it and I must say, I'm glad I did. This story gripped me from the first chapter and didn't let go. The twists, turns and characters kept me reading well into the night. I loved it! - Chelsea (QBD)
Guest, 25/03/2017
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Full of psychological twists and eerieness a book that keeps you hanging on for dear life. A great read I couldn't put down! - Joshua (QBD)
Guest, 25/03/2017
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The Poet took me a couple of days to read as it kept me hooked all through out.
A major twist at the end blew my mind! - Sally (QBD)
Guest, 25/03/2017
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A cleverly written thriller that keeps you in suspense until the end with a brilliant double twist. The author is one of the greatest crime fiction writers of our time. - Colette (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
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Where to start with this irresistible thriller masterpiece by Michael Connelly. Every turn of the page kept my heart racing and I am left wondering, "Was it suicide or a murder?" The ending is one which caught me by surprise and definitely off guard. This book encapsulates an intense and sinister aura comparable to that of 'Silence of the Lambs', and leaves you wanting more. - Madison (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
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This is a series I will definitely be continuing! The Poet is a hard-boiled detective story, except the hard-boiled detective is actually a journalist. Jack McEvoy hunts his brother's killer in this thrilling page turner, piece by piece the puzzle becomes whole, and you won't be able to pick just whodunnit! I was on the dge of my seat trying to figure this one out and I was not disappointed! - Samantha (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
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I found The Poet had a very intricate and complex plot that wrapped up well with a good twist at the end. However for me it was a bit confusing at times. It was also a bit too American-ised for my liking, using some jargon and police abbreviations that I didn't really know.
I would 't say The Poet was the best crime novel I have ever read, but would certainly suit many lovers of crime novels. - Peter (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
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I'm not a crime reader, but Connolly grabbed me on the first page. I loved the literary aspect to his murders, and could appreciate the book as a tautly written and plotted thriller. However, I began losing interest in the protagonist partway through, and was made squeamish by the antagonist, and the double twist ending felt a bit much. A good example of its genre I think, but not my cup of tea. - Amy (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
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The Poet drew me in from the first few pages. After a murder that hits close to home the mystery that unfolded was filled with compelling characters and a unique plot that needs to be truly experienced. Amazingly written and intriguing to the last unpredictable end. - Jenna (QBD)
Guest, 22/03/2017
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The Poet focuses on journalist Jack McEvoy as he uncovers the dark secrets surrounding an old case. As he starts to look into his brother's suicide, he discovers that his death was made to look like a suicide. This book is an intense and suspenseful thriller, that grabs a hold of you! For lovers of Karin Slaughter, Lee Child and Harlan Coben! - Tariana (QBD)
Guest, 22/03/2017
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In this dark and gripping thriller, the hunters become the hunted as a depraved serial killer seeks revenge in devastating ways. Uniquely told from the alternating perspectives of killer and reporter, this is a must read for crime lovers. - Nola (QBD)
Guest, 20/03/2017
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I picked up a chapter sample of the Poet when buying some other books at my local bookstore. As soon as I had finished the sample I had to go back to the shop and buy the book to find out what happened. This book had me immediately hooked and did not disappoint. Full of twists and an ending that no one could predict, Michael Connellys' "The Poet" is THE book that got me reading crime fiction. - Lynda (QBD)
Guest, 19/03/2017
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I enjoyed the noir-detective vibe, and loved the presence of Poe's poetry, the calling card of 'the poet' antagonist … the melancholic worldly darkness he could nail down like a coffin lid in words. I would certainly recommend reading some Poe alongside this novel to really flesh out the breadth of the story. Jack's first person narration can be dark and jaded and desperate ... mirroring the Poe. - Jeremy (QBD)
Guest, 19/03/2017
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I have almost finished reading Michael Connelly's “The Poet” and I have been engaged since the beginning..I cant wait to see what happens at the end! I have absolutely loved this book and will be reading more of his work in the future. Its a perfect book for crime lovers! - Yvonne (QBD)
Guest, 18/03/2017
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Slow to start off but then really picked up the pace. The main character (Jack) is a likeable guy who you will grow attached to. Chilling end that will have you guessing to the very end. - James (QBD)
Guest, 15/03/2017
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Crime, intrigue, staged suicides and an Edgar Allan Poe themed mystery to be solved, how could you go wrong?!
Michael Connelly certainly knocks it out of the park with this crime thriller novel.
The haunting tale keeps on you right on the edge of your seat as you eagerly follow the characters throughout their entwining stories until the chilling end. - Caitlin (QBD)
Guest, 15/03/2017
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I tend to buy crime fiction on a whim, get a few pages in and find myself bored. However, if you didn't know this was a work of fiction you could be mistaken into thinking it's a True Crime. I feel this is where Michael Connelly truly got me as normally I am an avid Biography reader. I will be recommending this to anyone who enjoys true crime, action-packed drama or anyone who wants a great read. - Chaille (QBD)
Guest, 15/03/2017
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What an experience! The Poet is a rollercoaster ride - a whole bunch of twists and turns and tiny, misleading drops that build up to the final plummet. This is a novel that kept me turning page after page, wanting to puzzle out whodunnit. I thought I was oh so clever following the hints in between the lines but boy was I wrong! A definite must read for lovers of John Grisham and David Baldacci! - Karen (QBD)
Guest, 08/03/2017
