A Goodreads user asked:

Is anyone else disgusted with the politics pushed by Michael Connelly? He "had to eliminate the Trumper" from the Jury. He said Trump had his head in the sand on Feb 23, (when the next day on Feb 24, Nancy Pelosi went to the China town street fair and told everyone "everything is fine here." ) Never mind Fauci told us there was NO need for masks up until March 8. I will never buy a Connelly book again

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26 likes · like
4 years ago
49 answers

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Aaron Turing Considering Trump is a moron I think it's a good thing.

I'm more disgusted by anyone who supports Trump.

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Jim Pozenel Not disgusted all.

I'm in agreement with all things that are anti-tRump! At least if you never buy a Connelly book again, we shouldn't be hearing from you again.

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Richard For those readers complaining about the Trump references in the book, trial lawyers ALWAYS are concerned about a potential juror's political views in jury selection. This goes for both sides and in both criminal and civil trials. A prosecutor in a case like the one in the book would want to know if a potential juror supported a politician who was anti death penalty. Thus the reference in context was realistic.

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Claire Ehrenfeld I happened to like the fact that the book was so timely, with its references to what was going on in 2020.

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Marc I don't necessarily think Connelly is anti-Trump nor pushing any political view (but so what if he is - you wouldn't read an author in the future b/c of said author's political views? That seems rather narrow-minded), but rather he's telling the story of a defense attorney, typically much more liberal in their beliefs than prosecutors. So his description of Haller and how he's selecting jurors fits. Connelly's done a great job of developing his characters and bringing them into the era of the pandemic and the current political climate.

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Brian Connelly isn't "pushing" his politics. The fact that juror #68 was a Trump supporter was, as Haller noted, a good window into her soul, and it made it likely that she was a "law-and-order hard-liner." No defense lawyer would want a person like this on the jury, so it was entirely reasonable for Haller to want to remove her. Haller and Maggie do make a couple of other negative comments about Trump and Fox News (in the course of a 400+ page book), but since they are portrayed as thoughtful, educated people, that rings true to me.

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Joan politics is part of life like it or not. I certainly would not want a Trumper on my jury -a narrow minded person -no thanks who believes the stuff he peddles

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Robert And they call Liberals "snowflakes!" Ya probably should stick with books recommended by Fox News and maybe Trump's co-authored masterpieces.

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David Smith I admire the anti-Trump rhetoric. It shows intelligence, wisdom, and class. I bet Harry Bosch was also disgusted by the former guy.

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Tom Strup Trump is a liar and a crook [ he doesn't pay his debts putting many a sub out of business] .I wouldn't want a member of his cult on the jury either.

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Johnny Harris I agree. I can't recall another time in all of the "Bosch Universe" books that Connelly used real-world politics, so the 4-5 mentions here felt over the top. I didn't appreciate it, this is one of the few escapes that remain from political agendas. If this is the way he's going, he'll have to go without me.
...The book was a noticeable decline in quality from past works anyway. The "climax" was less like fireworks and more like a half-burned cigarette fizzling out in a mud puddle. I guess I won't miss him too much.

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FRANK Anyone who was/is a tRump supporter is probably very unstable and I wouldn't want them on any jury or any reason. Michael does have the right to express his opinion and from the comments in this section, he seems to connect with his fan base. Non-readers of which tRump is one of the best examples, probably wouldn't see these posts anyway.

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Nancy Crane Yes! I love his books but can do without his politics.

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Tim I wrote in my review that the political comments were unnecessary because they really didn't add the story with the exception of jury selection. The other random comments seemed forced. I read fiction to escape the garbage of the real world. Reminders that Trump was lacking to say the least interrupted my escape from reality. Most comments supporting Connelly's politics are positive because you agree with him. I wonder if an author wrote negative about Biden, would the stance be the same. I read Connelly's books for entertainment. If I want my daily dose of politics, I know what channel CNN is on...

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Mary Otoole It is so sad that a comment on a work of fiction degenerates into a divisive political conversation.

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Warren Yes. He could have rejected the racist BLM supporter because she hates whites males. How would that have gone over? A lot of authors have all gone stupid lately.

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Socal444 Yes, it is disgusting. I just want to sit back and enjoy reading a book. I do this to get away from having to read about politics. Now, I will have to Boycott Connelly.

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anita mallick I understand that jarring feeling you get when you read something political in a mystery. I happen to agree with the references so it didn’t bother me

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Stevev A novel about the unmitigated and unapologetic corruption of the justice system, and the author feels the need to express (again) his dislike for Trump. It's just unnecessary.
Maybe his next novel will have comments about the corrupt and comatose current president.

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Alex Lewis Anyone in the arts or entertainment media who is pro-Trump is taking a career risk. Anti-Trump is a much safer position. Michael Connelly checks the correct box.

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Bobbie Hartsfield I truly believe that people who read for all of their lives and think that we need to comment on politics when we read for fun, and love books have forgot that books are fiction. We respect each other on goodreads and have a good time. I hope we don't get into a Trump bashing party.

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Craig Cook Yes I'm disgusted and I'll be closing my wallet to Mr. Connelly in the future.

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Larry Was going to read this book, changed my mind ....dirty politics...not good...

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Chris A Of course one would want to remove a "Trumper" from the jury, as they clearly have very poor skills when it comes to reason, logic, ethics, etc.

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Monika Avina I love Michael Connelly's books and I think he is a very good human being as well! I was very impressed by the fact that he included these point of views in the book. Anyone who defends Trump has their own head in the sand.

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Susan Connelly and his cast of characters have a long, consistent track record of targeting those who obscure and evade the truth.

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Holly Lenz The main character is a California defense lawyer. That screams Democrat to me. I would be shocked if he was pro Trump. It’s a terrific book.

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Michael After nearly 30 years of reading every Harry Bosch book that came out, it’s time for me to retire both Bosch and Michael Connelly due to leftist politics. Thing is he’ll take a misstep at some time and be cancelled by the woke mob he’s relentlessly on the run from. It was a great ride that ended in a thirty-car pile-up.

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Maureen You are not alone. I won’t buy any more either. He may not have wanted a Trump fan on his jury, but author didn’t have to be insulting. His comment of his many, many untruths ……..put me over the edge. If anyone, including Mr. Connelly disagree and want to comment, please post alleged untruths.

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Diane I liked that Michael Connelly included some recent history in this book. It added a sense of urgency to the story. Also, I like that Michael Connelly articulated his political point of view, knowing that it could alienate some of his readers.

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Matt Witten Right wingers would consider not reading someone's books because you disagree with their politics an example of "cancel culture".

I didn't like Dick Francis's politics, or Tom Wolfe's, and they did sometimes detract a little from my enjoyment of their books, but I still read them.

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John I'm not. I agree with Richard Mitchell's post.

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Maureen I’m reading Resurrection Walk now and there’s negative Trump commentary in this one too. My first book I’ve read by Connelly. Maybe I’ll read more. I just wont’ buy them when they are free at the library. It’s just tedious.

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Maarten Mens It really fascinates me how on earth you can find anything political in a single paragraph. In this particular case, two potential jury members are being scrutinised by the defence. One has a Trump bumper sticker, the other an Extinction Rebellion one. Both are discussed in the same, objective way. Connelly very adequately mentions the beginning of the pandemic and everything he says about this is purely factual. You are the one making it a political fabrication.
If this is the reason you "will never buy a Connelly book again", I can only imagine he won't be too disappointed.
Oh, to answer your question: no, not in the least. But you probably guessed that.

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Judy I think an author of a book is entitled to his own political opinions just like any other citizen of the US. I generally buy books based on if the author tells a good story. Michael Connelly is the best writer of police procedurals that I know of. I enjoy his Bosch, Haller, and Ballard novels. If he turned Republican tomorrow I would still buy his novels because I enjoy them.

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Jack Heath My. What a controversy; having read all the comments, I'm going out to buy a copy, or maybe order one, immediately. Have enjoyed earlier Haller books and can't wait to read this new one. Possibly a second one as a Christmas gift for my brother out west.

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Mickey No, not at all.

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Laura Yes. I don’t want politics in my books. Unless of course they are fictional politics. I read to escape. Yes it is getting tiresome. Not because of a particular political affiliation but because I don’t wanna hear it.

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John Davis Yeah, I don't really care what his politics are, and it won't keep me from being a Bosch/Lincoln Lawyer reader, but the references seem contrived. There is the same stretch in "The Waiting" with references to the "Failed Insurrection"--over the top. It's a distraction that adds nothing to the story, except, perhaps, virtue signalling to Hollywood for those TV deals, though admittedly, it may just be his sincere beliefs. I know many LA cops and they are overwhelmingly pro-Trump versus his 2024 opponent...
That said, your reaction seems like overkill. I will still read his books. I don't read novels for civics debate.

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Aaron Miller His boos. He can say what he likes. If you don't agree, don't read his books. Move on to books more aligned with your jaundiced view of reality. You might also give the thinking folks a break and stop posting your MAGA shite here.

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Ed Someone obviously can't stand the truth about Trump. I am now even a more avid fan of Michael Connelly, if that is possible.

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Lisa Sharp I started reading Connelly a couple years ago (occasionally). I've read five or six so far. But I just read my last. He felt it necessary to make snide comments about Trump and represent a leftist agenda that I cannot stomach. Look, I don't like ANY agendas. It's bad enough I have to deal with it when I watch the news (which I rarely do anymore). I don't want to pick up a book to enjoy and have to deal with the author's political hostilities. I also have washed my hands of Connelly.

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Jerry Bledsoe I did anyone else notice. That everyone that committed. Left out that she was right about Pelosi and Fauci I wonder why. Is it don't confuse me with the facts

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Judith Connelly spoke the truth. This book was written in 2020, from the perspective of what occurred in the early days of the pandemic. History will show that the science was changing practically daily...Trump soon lost focus, failed to lead, & undermined public health efforts.

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Alexander Zhivkov I hope he updates with everything going on with BLM, masks, and how effective the vaccines turned out to be.

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samuel-levi I did not finding he was pushing politics, just stating facts and using judgment in trying to get jurors sympathetics to his case.

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Brenda Holder I just finished the novel and was disappointed, too. My solution? Buy used books. He won’t get another dime from me.

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David Freas I was disappointed by Connelly's references to Trump. I firmly believe politics have no place in mysteries. If Connelly is anti-Trump, that's his choice, but he should keep his opinions to himself.
But I won't stop reading him, will give him a pass this time. But if he continues, I will stop reading him. And that will be a sad day.

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