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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I picked this up after reading Connolly's Samuel Johnson books for children because I was curious what his adult work would be like. A good story, but I miss the tone in the Johnson books. I'll read more, but will probably try one written closer in time to the Johnson books just to see if his voice is any different a decade later.
The fourth entry in the Charlie Parker series is a continuation of the third book. The story is a bit muddy for a while, but ultimately has a satisfying ending. I would have liked a little more of Louis and Angel. I would have also liked more resolution on the first case that Parker takes on early in the novel. John Connolly continues to write a really interesting series with a cool macabre atmosphere. I'll continue reading.
Liked this, just didn't love it. The writing, imagery and pace are excellent as always, it's just it felt at times there was nearly too much happening. I liked how it linked in with previous books, with reference to The travelling man, and Faulkner - it's a series that rewards readers who've been with Parker from the start. Racism, white supremacy and Lynching are all explored here, and the deep south contains more than enough ghosts.
This one tragically follows some of the powerful moral issues we're still facing today, the sort that is rightfully situated front and center in our lives. The issue of race and discrimination is the main theme here and what happens when those feelings are taken too far.
I'm so happy to get a deeper glimpse into Louis and Angel's past, how they came to meet one another.
And a suggestion on what Charlie's ultimate role might actually be outside of the apparent need of his to do right where there is so much wrong.
I'm so happy to get a deeper glimpse into Louis and Angel's past, how they came to meet one another.
And a suggestion on what Charlie's ultimate role might actually be outside of the apparent need of his to do right where there is so much wrong.
The characterisation was not quite as strong in this one, and the end saw some conveniently tied loose ends, but despite this it was still a fantastic book, full of dark twists and turns that you can lose yourself in.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I gotta say, I love these books. They are formulaic, follow the same basic plotline every time, and somehow elevate the main characters to almost omniscient status; I mean, how many times can Charlie be about to bite it and Louis comes out of the shadows & blows someone's head off? But they're still so great, either in spite of or because of it! The creepiest, worst characters get awesome comeuppances (I particularly love that in this one, spooky Kittim, who somehow killed the Golem in the last book & bummed me out to no end, gets his beat-down from Ben Epstein & assorted badass Jews ) & even though evil still exists in the world by the end of the book, the morally ambiguous good of Bird, Louis & Angel always triumphs. And, hey, when the awfully descriptive brutality gets to me, I've got a stack of Jeeves books to take my mind off of it.
Another excellent addition to the Charlie Parker books. Although Parker typically tackles racial issues in his books, this one deals with an injustice from the past that needs to be made right.
As always there is action, darkness, and characters who are constantly fighting with their own morality and just trying to do what is right.
As always there is action, darkness, and characters who are constantly fighting with their own morality and just trying to do what is right.
Mini-Review:
3.5 Stars for Narration by Paul Birchard (I couldn't get used to the NYC accent for Parker. Otherwise, he was great.)
4 Stars for Story
One of the elements I really enjoy about Connolly's writing is the way he seems to get the essence of the area he uses in the story. I don't feel like he was quite on the mark with Charleston, SC but there were a few parts that really did feel like the Low Country area. The casual remark about Hurricane Hugo and a small exchange Parker had with a local during his investigation. The part where the old man made Parker take a boiled peanut to prove Parker had the manners to take what was offered.
I really like the way the overall story arc develops within each book. It makes me want to read the next one because each tidbit is a satisfying lure for the next.
3.5 Stars for Narration by Paul Birchard (I couldn't get used to the NYC accent for Parker. Otherwise, he was great.)
4 Stars for Story
One of the elements I really enjoy about Connolly's writing is the way he seems to get the essence of the area he uses in the story. I don't feel like he was quite on the mark with Charleston, SC but there were a few parts that really did feel like the Low Country area. The casual remark about Hurricane Hugo and a small exchange Parker had with a local during his investigation. The part where the old man made Parker take a boiled peanut to prove Parker had the manners to take what was offered.
I really like the way the overall story arc develops within each book. It makes me want to read the next one because each tidbit is a satisfying lure for the next.