Michael Connelly Reaquires Rights to Series Character Harry Bosch

Back in March, we reported on crime novelist Michael Connelly's efforts to reacquire the rights to Harry Bosch, a character he created for his bestselling mystery series featuring the LAPD homicide detective.

In 1995, Paramount optioned Connelly's first two books featuring Bosch, The Black Echo and The Black Ice, but the deal also included a 15-year adaptation lock on the character himself. The studio never developed the books into films, and, with the option expiring, the author has spent much of this year negotiating to regain the rights. Deadline|Hollywood is now reporting that he has succeeded. "All I can say on the record is: 'The case has been settled in a confidential agreement'," Connelly says.

What's next for Harry Bosch? Connelly can't say, but has indicated a desire to see the character on television. But before that, he can be pleased to say that another of his characters, Mickey Haller, will be seen by audiences on the big screen. The Lincoln Lawyer opens in theaters March 18th, 2011.

The Black Echo was the winner of the 1993 Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Readers interested in Connelly's debut mystery can read the first chapter or so below.