Ironwood (A Catalina Novel) - an exciting crime thriller set in southern California on Catalina Island.

L.A. County Detective Sergeant Stilwell's banishment to Catalina Island was his punishment for getting in the middle of department politics while working in homicide. However, over time, Stilwell no longer felt like he was in exile. He enjoys his life on the island, living with his girlfriend, Tash. After a drug stakeout goes disastrously wrong during an aircraft interception, Stilwell is deeply affected by the death of one deputy and the serious injury of another. While removed from active duty, he discovers clues to a cold case under LAPD’s Detective Renée Ballard. The case leads them to other unsolved disappearances of female hikers on Catalina Island and a suspect who is clearly manipulating them at every turn. 

Add Detective Sergeant Stilwell to the list of captivating characters by Michael Connelly.  Ironwood is the second installment in his new Catalina series, which hopefully will have a long run. Connelly, a master of crime fiction, incorporates characters from the "Harry Bosch Universe," ensuring a sense of familiarity while creating a distinct persona for Stilwell. Excited to learn that HBO Max is adapting the series for TV. 

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Mystery Thriller | Crime Fiction.

Publication Date: May 19, 2026.

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