Thriller novels have always been a favorite among readers, and two recent releases that have caught the attention of many are Michael Connelly’s “The Drop” and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”. Both novels explore the genre in unique ways, with different storytelling techniques, characters, and themes. In this article, we will be comparing these two books to determine which one is the better thriller.
Introduction to the two novels being compared
The Drop is a crime thriller novel written by Michael Connelly. It was published in 2011 and is the fifteenth novel featuring the famous fictional detective Harry Bosch. The story revolves around Bosch investigating the death of a city councilman’s son who was found dead outside a bar in Los Angeles’s Southeast division. The novel received critical acclaim, with many praising Connelly’s writing style and the main character’s development.
The Incident – Inferno Rising, on the other hand, is a political thriller released in 2020. The novel was written by Lars Emmerich, an author known for his writing on politics and national security. The book follows John Maverick, a former military veteran, who teams up with an investigative journalist to uncover a terrorist plot that threatens the United States. The novel explores themes of power struggles, political corruption, and terrorism.
Despite the differences in genre, both novels share a common theme of investigating crimes and uncovering the truth. The protagonists in both novels are determined to solve the mysteries they are faced with, even if it means putting themselves in danger. Additionally, both novels offer a glimpse into the darker side of society, whether it be the criminal underworld or the corrupt political landscape. Overall, both The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising are gripping reads that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Plot summary and analysis of The Drop by Michael Connelly
The Drop tells the story of detective Harry Bosch investigating the death of a city councilman’s son. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a trail of corruption that implicates the police department and city government. The novel highlights the institutional issues plaguing the city of Los Angeles while highlighting the human toll of police brutality and cover-up. Connelly does an excellent job of keeping readers engaged through his utilization of various storytelling techniques, such as flashbacks and multiple storylines.
One of the strengths of The Drop is the development of its main character, Harry Bosch. Over the course of the novel, readers learn more about Bosch’s personality, past, and struggles as a detective. Through the use of flashbacks, we witness his time in Vietnam and how it has shaped his worldview. Additionally, Connelly highlights the difficult relationship Harry has with his daughter, who is a key player in the novel’s climax.
Plot summary and analysis of The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich
The Incident – Inferno Rising is a political thriller that centers around John Maverick, an ex-Special Forces soldier, who discovers a plot to launch a terrorist attack against the United States. Alongside an investigative journalist, they attempt to foil the plot and bring the perpetrators to justice. The novel explores themes of power struggles, political corruption, and terrorism. Emmerich does an excellent job of keeping readers engaged through various twists and turns in the plot.
One of the strengths of The Incident – Inferno Rising is the vivid descriptions of the political world and its intricacies. We see how those in power use their influence and bend rules to achieve their goals, and how that corruption can lead to catastrophic events. Further, Emmerich’s use of primary sources, such as transcripts from congressional hearings, adds an aura of authenticity to the plot.
Comparison of the writing styles and narrative techniques used in both novels
The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising have different approaches when it comes to narration and writing style. The Drop is written in the first person, with Harry Bosch serving as the narrator. This approach creates a heightened sense of intimacy between the reader and the character, allowing the reader to immerse themselves more fully in the story. In contrast, The Incident – Inferno Rising is told in the third person, with an omniscient narrator. This approach allows Emmerich to create a broader picture of the story, bringing different characters and their motivations into the picture. Both approaches are effective in their own way and serve the story well.
Both authors also utilize various narrative techniques to keep readers engaged throughout the novel. Connelly uses flashbacks and multiple storylines, allowing the reader to piece together the mystery bit by bit. Emmerich, on the other hand, utilizes primary sources and shifting perspectives that keep the plot unpredictable.
Analysis of the main characters in both novels
The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising both have intriguing main characters that are well-developed and have their own unique personalities and struggles.
In The Drop, we see Harry Bosch as a troubled, complex protagonist. A war veteran and police officer tasked with investigating a case that implicates powerful people, Bosch balances tradition with justice. He portrays the tension between the bureaucratic powers that be and justice. The character is highly relatable as he struggles to balance personal and professional life.
Meanwhile, The Incident – Inferno Rising’s John Maverick is an ex-Special Forces soldier who is seeking redemption. Maverick’s character is complex, given his experiences in the army and subsequent struggles outside it. The past records of combat inform how he responds to events happening around him. He is a credible and believable character that readers can empathize with.
Themes explored in The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising
The themes of corruption, power, and justice are prevalent in both The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising. The Drop explores the idea of institutional corruption and the consequences of leaving those in power unchecked, painting a bleak picture of the state of some institutions. The Incident – Inferno Rising showcases how powerful persons use their influence to achieve their goals and how such actions have far-reaching consequences. Both novels shed light on issues and challenges faced by society in different ways, making them relatable to readers.
Exploring the role of setting in both novels
The setting of both novels is crucial to the stories they tell. The Drop is set in Los Angeles’s Southeast division, a city that is riddled with crime and corruption. Connelly takes readers on a tour of the city’s seedy underbelly, providing a glimpse into the intense environment that the police and citizens face. On the other hand, The Incident – Inferno Rising is set in Washington, DC. Where the corridors of power dominate, and corruption is waiting to be exposed. Emmerich captures the city’s elaborate network of power players and their scheming to achieve their various goals.
Critique of the pacing and structure used by both authors
The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising have different pacing and structures. The Drop’s pacing is deliberate and measured, focusing on building tension and atmosphere. The structure aids in this, as Connelly provides flashbacks and subplots that keep readers engaged in the story. Emmerich’s The Incident-Inferno Rising, on the other hand, has a faster pace driven by the urgency of the plot. The narrative is woven so as to keep the reader engaged and interested as to what would happen next. The novel’s pacing complements Emmerich’s omniscient narrative style.
Examining the reception and critical acclaim received by each novel
The Drop received widespread critical acclaim when it was published in 2011. Readers and critics praised Connelly’s writing style, narrative techniques, and character development. The novel went on to win the 2011 Anthony Award for Best Novel and was nominated for the 2012 Edgar Allan Poe Award.
The Incident – Inferno Rising, on the other hand, has recently been released and has not yet had the time to build up its critical acclaim. Still, early reviews have praised Emmerich’s skills in creating a plausible and intriguing story, making it an exciting read.
Conclusion: Which novel is the better thriller?
Choosing the better thriller between The Drop and The Incident – Inferno Rising is a difficult task since both novels excelled in their own ways. The Drop was highly praised for its character development, vivid descriptions of a corrupt system, and use of narrative techniques. Meanwhile, The Incident-Inferno Rising stood out for its plot-driven narrative, fascinating diving into the corridors of political power and themes of terrorism and corruption. Ultimately, both novels are well-written and are excellent examples of the thriller genre, making it worth the time to read them both.