admacg's review against another edition
3.0
For the first 100 pages or so, I wasn’t sure about this fifth instalment to the the Charlie Parker Series. The initial murder of a prostitute had been solved, and the paranormal aspect of the series seemed to be much more to the fore. As usual, it was Connolly’s writing and characterisation that kept me interested.
I find it difficult to talk about crime thrillers without giving away the plot. What I would say about this particular book is that it is dark, dark, dark - though this won’t come as a surprise to anyone reading previous books. It feels like one of the wider ranging books of the series - we travel back to an Ossuary in Nazi occupied eastern europe in the 1940’s, and there are links to gangs in Mexico.
I’m not sure if this is a stand alone book - this far into the series, I don’t think I would have appreciated the backstory as much if I didn’t know some of the previous cases and the interplay between Charlie and Rachel, Louis and Angel. One of the things I did appreciate was the extra layer we seen to Louis in this book - we did know some of his history but for the first time he had a vulnerability, which for me was good to see. There were some wisecracks between the three, but much more muted this time.
Connolly’s writing is strong throughout, though there seemed to be more descriptive passages in this book. Again, he’s added to his cast of grotesque’s - Brightwell is a worthy addition to the rogues gallery, to go along with Pudd and the travelling man. He really is superb at conjuring up some vile, nasty specimens and reminds me of Stephen King on occasions (The highest of praise).
As usual I’ll take a break from the series - I find having these dark stories and characters rattling about in my head is enough for a while. But it’ll be interesting to see the next book and the direction it will go in - I suspect the paranormal aspect to come much more to the fore.
Review from www.bookshelfdiscovery.com
I find it difficult to talk about crime thrillers without giving away the plot. What I would say about this particular book is that it is dark, dark, dark - though this won’t come as a surprise to anyone reading previous books. It feels like one of the wider ranging books of the series - we travel back to an Ossuary in Nazi occupied eastern europe in the 1940’s, and there are links to gangs in Mexico.
I’m not sure if this is a stand alone book - this far into the series, I don’t think I would have appreciated the backstory as much if I didn’t know some of the previous cases and the interplay between Charlie and Rachel, Louis and Angel. One of the things I did appreciate was the extra layer we seen to Louis in this book - we did know some of his history but for the first time he had a vulnerability, which for me was good to see. There were some wisecracks between the three, but much more muted this time.
Connolly’s writing is strong throughout, though there seemed to be more descriptive passages in this book. Again, he’s added to his cast of grotesque’s - Brightwell is a worthy addition to the rogues gallery, to go along with Pudd and the travelling man. He really is superb at conjuring up some vile, nasty specimens and reminds me of Stephen King on occasions (The highest of praise).
As usual I’ll take a break from the series - I find having these dark stories and characters rattling about in my head is enough for a while. But it’ll be interesting to see the next book and the direction it will go in - I suspect the paranormal aspect to come much more to the fore.
Review from www.bookshelfdiscovery.com
kingfan1993's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sebrei's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
andrew61's review
4.0
I really like this series as Charlie Parker's involvement in the supernatural , bubbling around in the first few books , really ramps up with direct reference to the fallen angels of the apocrophyl gospel of Enoch and as ever some very nasty villains which I can only think come from a very fevered imagination as I had not thought you could get worse than Mr Pudd.
The investigation stems from the disappearance of a a girl related to Charlie's friend Louis and while domestic safety in the form of his partner Rachel and new baby's christening offer a comforting future Charlie is drawn into a mystery that leads him into dark waters which include the story behind a mediaeval church in Czech republic in which ancient skulls and human bones adorn the walls and ceilings.
Absolutely gripping and can't wait to read the next in the series
The investigation stems from the disappearance of a a girl related to Charlie's friend Louis and while domestic safety in the form of his partner Rachel and new baby's christening offer a comforting future Charlie is drawn into a mystery that leads him into dark waters which include the story behind a mediaeval church in Czech republic in which ancient skulls and human bones adorn the walls and ceilings.
Absolutely gripping and can't wait to read the next in the series
historybooksandtea's review
5.0
These Charlie Parker novels just keep getting better - The Black Angel was my favorite one yet. And as a bonus, I discovered our copy was signed by John Connolly himself!
bibliobethreads's review
Another good book by john connolly, really enjoying the charlie parker series, long may it continue! Enjoyed the whole "fallen angels" theme although it got a bit irritating at times.
matosapa's review
4.0
This was a bit of a departure from his earlier books in the series but in a good way. The plot is based on events reported in the apocryphal Book of Enoch and concerns the possibility of fallen angels walking the earth in the form of humans. It offers an explanation for Parker's weird "gift" and abilities that I really enjoyed.
Overall, the book is an excellent addition to the series and contains some tough moments that are well-written.
Overall, the book is an excellent addition to the series and contains some tough moments that are well-written.
ashleymontulli1970's review against another edition
2.0
I love John Connolly, and the Charlie Parker series is one of my favorites. This installment went too far off the reservation for me with the biblical/satanic/supernatural stuff. Ultimately, I was not convinced and just mentally checked out. I will move directly on to the next book just to prove I still love Mr. Connolly!
meliemelo's review against another edition
4.0
As usual: a well written thriller, absolutely captivating from start to finish, great characters... The direction the series is taking with its protagonist is interesting and, in some ways, quite creative for the genre. But what I really like the most is the relationship between Parker, Angel and Louis. And Rachel is great too, of course, and I do hope we see more of her in future books.