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leezreading 's review for:
The Children of Eve
by John Connolly
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’ve devoured every Charlie Parker novel and had The Children of Eve pre-ordered the moment it was announced. That makes this review all the more frustrating to write, because this book simply didn’t deliver.
The signature atmosphere — that eerie blend of mystery, melancholy, and menace — was missing. It felt flat. The pacing dragged, and most of the core characters felt like they were on the sidelines, reduced to cameo roles rather than contributing meaningfully to the plot. Angel and Louis barely registered, and even Parker himself felt distant at times.
The one shining thread was the focus on his daughters, which added a layer of emotional depth. But even that wasn’t enough to carry a story that felt empty — as if it was going through the motions. And the ending? Rushed, abrupt, and unsatisfying. It read more like a contractual obligation than a novel Connolly was invested in.
I’ll always read Connolly, but this one felt like a misstep. Here’s hoping the next book finds its way back to what makes this series so extraordinary.