Posts: 15,851
Threads: 977
Joined: Jan 2016
Reputation:
1
Okay, I'm up to book 16 in this series. And it's getting to seem like each book in the series is more like a chapter in a much longer book. And I'm starting to forget the beginning chapters.
But they are good books. They just seem open ended. The main mysteries will never be solved.
On the surface they are detective stories. Charlie Parker is the detective. He's at odds with the law. His dogged determination will solve the crime. He will defeat the bad guys. His character reminds me often of Spencer from the Robert Parker series. But the Connolly books are better written.
Then there is the occult element. Parker talks to his dead daughter. Occult aspects are at work in his cases. Palbable evil plays a roll. It's a very dense world building. Since, the stories take place in Maine, I keep waiting for Parker to head to Castle Rock or meet with Stephen King. Another odd thing, is that Connolly lives in Dublin. But he has a great way of evoking in New England. I'm curious how he does it.
If you want to get started with the series, you need to read 'Every Dead Thing"
I might have to go back and read the series from the beginning to figure out where I am.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm
Posts: 3,426
Threads: 389
Joined: Oct 2005
Reputation:
0
I really enjoyed his Book of Lost Things. Strong mythic elements, and it held up well on a second reading. Plus it's a stand-alone! I highly recommend it. I tried his next book, The Gates, but couldn't get into it - it read like it was written to be a YA book, and had a writing down at you feeling. I encountered one of his short stories somewhere, and it disturbed me.
the hands that guide me are invisible
Posts: 15,851
Threads: 977
Joined: Jan 2016
Reputation:
1
Book 20 of the Charlie Parker series! To be fair, Parker only appears in one chapter of the book. This book focuses on hitmen Louis and Angel who have to go Europe to avenge the death of their Dutch facilitator De Jaager. He's been killed by some Serbians and he must be avenged. As usual, there is a supernatural accent to the story but it's pretty much hitmen hunting bad guys. But is enjoyable. Not a lot of twists. But a lot of backstory on the conflicts in the former Yugoslav Republic.
The story has been going on so long at this point, I'm not sure what the main thrust of the series is anymore. Plus, the last two books have been outside the main storyline so the knowledge is even farther away. But the characterizations and action are good. And like clockwork or Seanan Maguire, the Charlie Parker books come out every June.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm
Posts: 15,851
Threads: 977
Joined: Jan 2016
Reputation:
1
Book of Lost Things was the first of the series so it might read as a standalone. I think the Gates is part of his YA series.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm
Posts: 33,883
Threads: 2,549
Joined: Oct 2005
Reputation:
3
Should you guys really still be reading YA lit?
Shouldn't you be reading OA lit now?
Shadow boxing the apocalypse
Posts: 15,851
Threads: 977
Joined: Jan 2016
Reputation:
1
I will not stay in my lane!
I haven't read The Gates.
And yes, I'm an oldy oldster reading Pensioner Lit.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm
Posts: 4,735
Threads: 904
Joined: May 2008
Reputation:
2
I like large type and I cannot lie...
--tg
Posts: 6,579
Threads: 169
Joined: Oct 2005
Reputation:
0
(12-09-2021, 05:28 PM)thatguy Wrote: I like large type and I cannot lie...
--tg
LOL!
In the Tudor Period, Fencing Masters were classified in the Vagrancy Laws along with Actors, Gypsys, Vagabonds, Sturdy Rogues, and the owners of performing bears.
Posts: 3,426
Threads: 389
Joined: Oct 2005
Reputation:
0
12-10-2021, 07:02 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-10-2021, 07:05 AM by King Bob.)
YA has broadened since we were young. I occasionally read something that's classified as such and am often pleased and sometimes impressed. If not, I give it up before I finish.
And I do like that big type with lots of space on the page. My current non-fiction book has rather small type. My nephew had given me the paperback and it was tiny, so I got the hardcover from the library and it's still a bit small.
the hands that guide me are invisible
Posts: 33,883
Threads: 2,549
Joined: Oct 2005
Reputation:
3
I read a lot with Tara but then I watched a lot of Disney channel and Barbie movies with her too.
Shadow boxing the apocalypse
