Michael connelly introduced his signature protagonist harry bosch in the 1992 novel the black echo over twenty harry bosch novels have been published in this successful run for connellys lone wolf battle scarred hero detective there is no such thing as a coincidence. The black echo is the 1992 debut novel by american crime author michael connellyit is the first book in connellys bosch series the book won the mystery writers of america edgar award for best first novel in 1992 plot the novel centers on harry bosch a vietnam veteran who served as a tunnel rat nicknamed hari kari bosch with the 1st infantry division a specialized soldier . The black echo the first harry bosch novel tells the tale of a protracted and difficult investigation into a daring year old bank heist as the investigation unfolds complications steadily arise harry is doggedly pursued by two thuggish detectives from internal affairs key characters are murdered. To make matters worse harry bosch recognises the victim billy meadows was a fellow tunnel rat in vietnam running against the vc and the fear they all used to call the black echo bosch believes he let down billy meadows once before so now he is determined to bring the killer to justice