I think the resolution of the murder of Bosch's mother was much more interesting, and perhaps more tragic, in the books. Anybody else think so?
shareThat was in The Last Coyote, right? I agree, more succinct, powerful and tragic.
shareHow did it happen in the books?
shareThe old lady in the wheel chair who was dying of cancer had been a prostitute with Harry's mother (and best friend) back in the day. Harry's mother found a man she loved and was leaving the life, with Harry, to marry him. The old lady killed Harry's mother in a jealous rage. Right after Harry interviewed her, she committed suicide. Several days later, Harry found her decomposing body, and this letter, in The Last Coyote:
"Dear Harry,
If you are reading this then my fears that you would learn the truth were well founded. If you are reading this then the decision I have made tonight was the correct one and I have no regrets as I make it. You see, I would rather face the judgment of afterlife than have you look at me while knowing the truth. I know what I have taken from you. I have known all my life. It does no good to say I am sorry or to try to explain. But it still amazes me how one’s life can change forever in a few moments of uncontrolled rage. I was angry at Marjorie when she came to me that night so full of hope and happiness. She was leaving me. For a life with you. With him. For a life we had only dreamed was possible. What is jealousy but a reflection of your own failures? I was jealous and angry and I struck at her. I then made a feeble effort to cover what I had done. I am sorry, Harry, but I took her from you and with that took any chance you ever had. I’ve carried the guilt every day since then and I take it with me now. I should have paid for my sin a long time ago but someone convinced me otherwise and helped me get away. There is no one left to convince me now. I don’t ask for your forgiveness, Harry. That would be an insult. I guess all I want is for you to know my regrets and to know that sometimes people who get away don’t really get away. I didn’t. Not then, not now.
Good-bye. Meredith"
That's the tragic part, but the two women were also mixed up with Los Angeles politicos, past and present, which made it very interesting.
Hmm, they could still work that angle, possibly open up season three with the lady's death and him finding the note. Could open a whole can of worms, maybe she was a CI????
shareI prefer the book version of his mother's death, maybe because I read it first.
shareI haven't read the books so I can't speak to which is better. But I do like that Bosch ultimately failed to bring his mother's killer to justice in both versions. That is how 99% of cold cases wind up (particularly ones that old). I'm glad he didn't get a 'happy ending' where he got to look his mother's killer in the eye and take him to jail.
shareWe have at least 2 more seasons and auntie's not dead yet. Maybe she was hoping for closure for him without implicating herself. Failure may still bring truth.
shareLooks like they're going to be revisiting the subject in Season 4.
shareThe Last Coyote is one of my favorites in the series, I can’t believe they butchered this story like that for season 4.
share