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Nine Dragons
Michael Connelly

Nine Dragons

Quick Answer

Read "Nine Dragons" as the 13th book in the Harry Bosch Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Overlook" (Book 12)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 13th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2009384 ppWikidataSource
After what seems like a routine murder investigation, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch finds himself in Hong Kong facing the highest-stakes case of his life: bringing his kidnapped daughter home. Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store Bosch has known for years. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Bosch hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer. The world Bosch steps into next is unknown territory. He brings in a detective from the Asian Gang Unit for help with translation -- not just of languages but also of the cultural norms and expectations that guided Li's life. He uncovers a link to a Hong Kong triad, a lethal and far-reaching crime ring that follows many immigrants to their new lives in the U.S. And instantly his world explodes. The one good thing in Bosch's life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him and Bosch travels to Hong Kong in an all-or-nothing bid to regain what he's lost. In a place known as Nine Dragons, as the city's Hungry Ghosts festival burns around him, Bosch puts aside everything he knows and risks everything he has in a desperate bid to outmatch the triad's ferocity. Featuring ebook bonus materials including an in-depth interview with the author about writing "Nine Dragons," photos from his exciting travels while writing the book, and a link to an online promotional video.
Next Recommended Book

The Black Box

Book #14 of 19 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Harry Bosch Series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Nine Dragons?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Nine Dragons before The Overlook?

No. We recommend reading The Overlook first. Nine Dragons is the 13th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Nine Dragons required reading for the Harry Bosch Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Nine Dragons in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Nine Dragons is The Black Box (Book #14).