Blood Work by Michael Connelly is a work of fiction that is written largely in the first person narrative. The protagonist in this story is Terry McCaleb and the first person narrative is from his perspective. There is also some third person narrative where the actions of the antagonist are described but without the first person knowledge of their intimate feelings. This type of narrative is more observational than participation oriented. The antagonist is this story has more than one role. He is first introduced as a Good Samaritan, trying to save the life of a shooting victim, and then brought in for hypnosis which is unsuccessful as far as further information is concerned. Later, it is revealed that the Good Samaritan is actually also the shooter, and the search for him turns up a personalized note to the protagonist that details their lifelong connection. Michael Connelly tells this story in a way that is cohesive and comprehensive, with enough details to allow the reader to feel as though they are getting a taste of life behind the investigative process. The author also manages to bring into focus the organ donor process and the difficulty not only in finding a donor but in surviving the transplant.
Blood Work