The Drop
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown 2011
Book 15 of Harry Bosch
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 15 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- justice vs. politics
- institutional corruption
- forensic science and the limits of DNA evidence
- moral ambiguity
- father–son relationships
- power and influence
- obsession and duty
- aging and legacy
About this book
LAPD detective Harry Bosch, working in the Open-Unsolved Unit with partner David Chu, juggles two explosive investigations: a 1989 rape-murder that yields a startling DNA hit pointing to a man who would have been only eight years old at the time, and the high-profile death—suicide or murder—of powerful Councilman Irvin Irving’s son. As Bosch digs into possible crime-lab errors and City Hall pressure, he confronts political interference, moral compromise, and the ticking clock of the department’s DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan).
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles, including LAPD Open-Unsolved Unit, the city crime lab, Hollywood and West Hollywood locations, and Los Angeles City Hall
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Drop right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Drop. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include justice vs. politics, institutional corruption, forensic science and the limits of DNA evidence. Note: this is book 15 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Drop?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Drop takes around 10h to finish. The book has 105,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Drop have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Drop has an AR quiz available, worth 15 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Drop?
The Drop has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.