Dark and Ghostly

The Instruments of Darkness is a thriller/mystery about a missing child, a group of white nationalists, and a menacing presence in an old, ominous house.

This is book #21 in The Charlie Parker series--I would not recommend reading this as a standalone.

Parker, working for lawyer Moxie Castin, is hired to solve the case of a missing two-year-old child, Henry. The police, prosecutors, and Henry’s father believe Henry’s mother, Colleen, is responsible for Henry’s death. But Parker believes something else is at stake.

Parker is the primary narrator, and we get a lot of his voice, which is welcome, especially since his presence was sparse in the last few installments of this series. A few other POVs are shared, but the most compelling is of Sabine Drew, a medium who hears the voices of the dead.

In addition to Parker and lawyer Moxie, Angel and Louis arrive in the second half of the novel. There are also a few brief glimpses of Jennifer.

The case of Henry’s disappearance and accusation of his mother being the prime suspect was compelling, but the side story featuring the white nationalists didn’t seem to fit, although I did enjoy reading how their storyline plays out. The paranormal entity wasn’t quite as sinister as I was expecting, but there is the potential that it will show up again. The ending was a little rushed yet satisfying.

Although I have a few gripes about this particular installment, it reminded me why I adore this series. It also highlighted how poorly written some of the thrillers I've read are. Connolly's writing is exceptional. The plot is intricate, the characters are multidimensional, and his inclusion of the paranormal is seamless and captivating. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment, but in the meantime, I will be rereading one of the earlier books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

John Connolly never ceases to amaze me. Through the whole Charlie Parker series (this book being #21), the Lost Things duology, the Nocturne short stories, and his Samuel Johnson trilogy, he has never, in my estimation, written a bad book. And The Instruments of Darkness continues his track record.

In this installment, Charlie Parker is hired by the attorney of a woman accused of murdering her child. His job is to find evidence to support her story that she didn’t kill her toddler. What ensues is a fascinating journey, which brings back old characters from prior novels (no need to read the prior books though you truly would be missing out on great reads), and a new character, a medium who is contacted by the dead. This volume isn’t as dark as some of the prior novels, but nonetheless is a riveting read and hard to put down.

Highly recommended.

My thanks to Atria Books and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.

The Instruments of Darkness by John Connolly

The Instruments of Darkness is a novel about a mom accused of murdering her baby boy, and the private detective that tries to find the truth.

I absolutely loved this novel. My first read of the Charlie Parker series, it is a lovely, easy read that goes fast. This novel feels like a big bowl of candy; a cozy, accessible book that will please a wide range of readers.

I will definitely go back to read the other books in this series; although the author gives good context when needed so I think it’s a good read as a standalone also.

I would recommend this book to everybody that loves a good cozy thriller.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an ARC ♥️
John Connolly's latest masterpiece has left me breathless! The story is a intricate and chilling tale that will keep you up all night. Colleen Clark, a mother accused of the unspeakable, sets the stage for a thrilling investigation that will leave you questioning everything. With Parker and his team on the case, the truth slowly unravels, revealing a complex web of deceit and corruption that goes far beyond the accused. And let's not forget the eerie old house in the woods - it'll send shivers down your spine! Connolly's writing is top-notch, his characters are so well-crafted that you'll feel like you're part of the investigation. I was completely absorbed in this book and finished almost in one sitting and still reeling from the experience. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

This novel is ostensibly about a missing child (presumed dead) with the mother as the prime suspect. An attorney is engaged and his investigator is thrust into a world of psychics, marriage infidelity, Nazis, murder, families in dispute over land boundaries, etc. The story line is interesting and intriguing with well defined characters but what makes this book stand out is the fantastic prose used by Mr. Connolly throughout the pages . The following are a few examples:
“…..the sun shown only reluctantly, as though electing to be frugal about the expenditure of its rays …” and “…..dressed in pressed tan chinos and white shirts. They looked like massive vanilla ice cream cones.” and “….clouded by physical indolence and intellectual sloth.
The book is recommended for all who enjoy this genre and want to be intellectually challenged. I thank NetGalley and Simon & Shuster for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Always like when Charlie Parker and Moxie team up. In this book they work to prove the innocent of a woman charged with killing her young son. Of course Charlie ‘s troubled past and the supernatural make for an interesting ride. Love the banter between Charlie ,Moxie , Louis and Angel . Charlie’s sarcasm always adds humour to difficult and dangerous situations.

How does John Connolly do this? How does he manage to just write books that hit you in the gut and wish for something better in humanity while also being horrified when he lifts the rocks off of it. A perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, and horror.

In the "Instruments of Darkness" we have a slower Charlie, no less committed to shedding light on things dark, but more reluctant in this one after Moxie takes on a case that could cause issues in the community. Moxie agrees to take on the case of Colleen Clark who is accused of murdering her baby. Moxie though thinks she is innocent. And though Charlie is reluctant to believe it, enough of her story has him wondering if something dark came for her son.

There is some humor in this one, but not a lot. Some of it is mostly between Charlie and Moxie. And of course Charlie's unending horror of dealing with the Fulci brothers who I absolutely adore.

We do also get Louis and Angel in this one, they may be a bit slower, but are still ride or die for Charlie.

We do get some mentions of Samantha, but don't see her, and just a few cutaways to Jennifer.

I loved the plot in this one and some wrap up to prior characters who became a problem to Charlie in the past. This one felt less dark though. I mean it's not like reading a book about an abducted child and their possible murder. But it just felt lighter somehow even though we now know about another thing that is dark that lurks in Maine.

The twists to this one were great and I absolutely adored the ending.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I love this series, and this 21st book felt like it returned to the roots of the series in a way that the last couple did not. That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed all of the books, as on the whole I have, but I did like the focus turning back to Charlie and an investigation into a mysterious evil. I love his cast of supporting characters and was glad to see pretty much everybody return by the time the story played out.

I did feel like it wrapped up a little quickly, given the delicious tension-filled slow build, and there were some outstanding questions that I would have liked to have answered, but that's true to the nature of the Parker mythology I think and so didn't bother me. I do hope Connolly keeps writing Charlie Parker books for a long time!

Absolutely amazing!
Love the way it is written alternating the narrative of the plot with chapters that describe the eerie nature of the back story.
This could be read as a standalone and it’s perfect for anyone that loves thrillers with a hint of the macabre.
Will definitely recommend it.

I have read every John Connolly book. As a. matter of fact, I have all of them in my possession. Love them. I hate to say this, but that is ending. I wish I could put my finger on what it is that is missing, but something is definitely different. At first, I thought it was the fact that the characters Louis and Angel didn't seem to be in it. But they were reintroduced about 2/3s of the way into the book. Not soon enough. I have always loved these books because of the otherworldly aspect. It wasn't as pronounced in this one. Not at all.

This is coming from a die hard John Connolly fan. I don't want to trash this book. All I am saying is John Connolly, please, please bring back your past recipe for best sellers. This is not it.

I suspect that many of his fans will have no problem with this book. I am just saying that I did.

I was super excited to get an ARC for one of my all time favorite series. Its been almost 3 years since the last full Charlie Parker novel (not counting short stories in The Furies) and it was worth the wait!

Charlie Parker is back in full force with the whole cast of supporting characters when he joins Moxie Castin to investigate a woman who is charged with the murder of her own son. One of the things I love about this series is how the supernatural aspects are subtly blended in and contribute to the overall feel of the story. Some of the books have zero overtones - this one had a ton and it was a major part of the story line. Reminded me a lot of The Wolf In Winter when Charlie took on the strange town of Prosperous.

The Fulci brothers and Louis and Angel all take part as well and the story moved quickly with a few subplots that all come together in the big finale. Loved the book and if you are a fan of the series Im pretty sure you are gonna like it too.

This is the latest installment of the Charlie Parker series. I had only read one other book in this series, so I don’t know a lot of the backstories of the characters. In this one, Colleen Clark’s toddler son. Is missing. When she awakens after a night of sleep, her son is gone. The police soon find a bloody blanket in the trunk of her car and this arrest her and charge her with murder. She hires Moxie, a defense attorney, who then brings Parker into the case as an investigator, Parker and Moxie both believe her to be innocent and set out to prove what really happened to the boy.
There are a lot of supporting characters in this story including a psychic who is visited by the dead. When she hears a small boy crying, she goes to the police to try to help find the missing boy. There is also a creepy house that the author uses as a character in the story. There are entire chapters devoted to the house and property as a character.
The book is a little long and I found myself skimming some areas that seemed repetitive. But all in all, it was an enjoyable read and makes me want to go back and read some of the earlier installments.

"The Instruments of Darkness" by John Connolly is an absolute masterpiece that captivates from the very first page to the final chilling conclusion. This gripping tale of intrigue and suspense set in the heart of Maine had me hooked from the start, and I couldn't put it down until I had devoured every word.

The author, John Connolly, weaves a complex and intricately plotted narrative that keeps the reader guessing at every turn. The central plot revolves around Colleen Clark, accused of a heinous crime that challenges the very fabric of motherhood. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of depth to the story.

What sets this book apart is the brilliant combination of legal drama and private investigation. Moxie Castin, the dedicated lawyer defending Colleen, and Charlie Parker, the intuitive private investigator, form a dynamic duo that adds a unique flavor to the narrative. As they delve into the case, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, suspense, and unexpected twists.

Connolly's writing style is simply mesmerizing, creating a dark and atmospheric setting that enhances the tension and mystery. The way he explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the hidden secrets lurking beneath the surface is masterful. The inclusion of elements like a group of fascists preparing for war and a disgraced psychic seeking redemption adds layers of complexity that elevate the story to new heights.

The portrayal of the old, twisted house deep in the Maine woods adds a haunting and eerie backdrop to the narrative. The house becomes a character in itself, and the exploration of what dwells beneath it adds an element of supernatural intrigue that will send shivers down your spine.

In summary, "The Instruments of Darkness" is a triumph of storytelling, blending legal drama, private investigation, and supernatural elements seamlessly. John Connolly's ability to craft a riveting tale with multidimensional characters and a plot full of twists and turns is nothing short of extraordinary. If you're a fan of mystery, suspense, and atmospheric thrillers, this book is an absolute must-read.

One of the darkest, most terrifying books of recent memory, John Connolly returns Charlie Parker to the pages with a book that will be sure to keep you up reading late into the night, even if it's just so you don't have to close your eyes. The Instruments of Darkness is shaping up to be on the best books of 2024.

When young Henry Clark goes missing from his home in the middle of the night, and his bloodied blanket is found in the trunk of his mother's car, lawyer Moxie Castin is called in to handle the murder defense. Moxie, in turn, brings in private detective Charlie Parker to assist with the defense. As Parker begins to turn over stones and talk to witnesses, it's discovered that maybe there are more mysteries and questions around the boy's disappearance than initially speculated. Parker's questions take him across Maine, speaking with gangsters, gun runners, lawyers, the DA, psychics, and everything in between. Parker races against the clock, slowly ticking away until the mother, Colleen, goes on trial.

In another fantastic addition to the Charlie Parker franchise, The Instruments of Darkness is another twisting drive down a dark, wooded road, where the trees are retaking their land and everything that lies within it.

I was quickly enraptured within the pages, and readers can't help but descend into this darkness right alongside Parker. Connolly brilliantly blurs the lines between thriller, crime, and horror, with a touch of the supernatural in the way only Connolly can. It's another terrifying ride in the Charlie Parker universe that is guaranteed to stop your heart.

Let me start by saying that I didn’t realize this was part of a series of books (#21). I didn’t really find any confusion or disturbance in the fact that I hadn’t read the previous books which was nice.

The story is about a woman, Colleen, who may or may not have killed her toddler son. Colleen is unyielding in her clams of innocence while everyone around her seems to believes her to be guilty. There is no body, just a bloody blanket that was rarely used, which adds to the tension of the story. She gets a lawyer, Moxie, who hires a P.I. named Charlie Parker (the lead of the series).

Parker brings with him a host of issues but he believes Colleen to be innocent and is determined to prove it. In doing so he comes across many dangers some of which may be a supernatural evil.

Needless to say the book is interesting, intriguing, and ends with a good chance of meeting up with Parker again in the next installment.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a good read and a possible series to get invested in.

A toddler has gone missing from his home in the night. His mother sleeps through any intrusion and his father is travelling. When a blanket is found soaked in his blood in his mother's car, she is immediately suspected and charged. Her lawyer, Moxie and his investigator Charlie Parker are increasingly sure of her inncence. Set in Maine, Charlie sends for his back up team, Angel and Louis. The Fulci brothers round out the caste of characters. The banter and wisecracks is amusing and certainly in character. A fun mystery.

I thought last year was sad because I didn't get a new Charlie Parker book. Then things got immeasurably worse for me. I don't want to go into details, but I think the quickest way to sum it up is to say that I cried on the phone with a bank and then I got a new John Connolly book. It's so secret that this is my favorite book series, so I was very eager to return to this world. I really liked it, as I always do, even if some parts of the story felt a little unfinished to me. But the story continues, so I s'pose those elements may return in the future.

John Connolly can do no wrong in my eyes, and the Instruments of Darkness proves get again that he is a powerful storyteller. When a child goes missing, and the mother is accused of murder, Charlie Parker is hired to find the case's discrepancies. Sketchy characters, ancient evils, and mayhem ensue, and staple recurrent characters return to get at the root of an evil so great that it contaminates everything around it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as always.

2.5 stars
It was wordy; it could have been a lot shorter. Every detail seemed to be overly explained.
I vacillated between being engaged, and being bored. The story itself was good, but by the time I was 80% done with the book I was skimming over huge chunks of dialogue because it all seemed so repetitive and I just wanted to finish the book and have all the loose ends up tied up.
The ending was extremely satisfactory, though!