The short stories were okay but overall disappointing. It took me a while to finish reading this book as I could not keep interest up.

Note: I received a free unpublished proof of this book, for a limited time, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.

I’ve been vaguely aware of John Connolly’s existence in the past, mostly as a YA author who wrote The Book of Lost Things, which would show up on library shelves and book recommendation lists every so often, but I’d never actually read any of his work. But I saw he wrote a collection of short stories that sounded interesting, so I figured I’d request it for review.

This book was honestly one of the most mid-tier books I read this year. A lot of these stories feel like they would have been big hits had they been published in the first half of the twentieth century, but now that our literary culture has “done” all these themes before, Connolly’s skill and style just don’t stand out. He brings a bit of family-friendly magic to the page of the sort that is easily marketable at Barnes and Noble and makes people say “oh, that’s nice,” and even when it all gets a bit scary, dark, and edgy you still feel as if everybody reading this will nevertheless remain peacefully curled up with their cookies and milk.

There is another prominent author whose work I am tempted to compare with that of Connolly, but as it were that would actually be in very, very questionable taste, so I’m not going to, particularly as Connolly’s sins do not involve being accused of any misconduct off the page as far as I know.

Here are my thoughts on the individual stories:

“The Pilgrims’ Progress: A Tale of the Caxton Private Lending Library”—The idea of an author’s works coming to life is nothing new, but I don’t inherently dislike that subgenre. I am a bit tired of it myself, if only because I am tired of the onslaught of twee, cozy books about the magic of books, libraries, and so forth. The whole thing feels a bit like back-patting, as any author who is depicting the power of books is inevitably preaching to the choir, kind of like if Arsenal and Manchester United teamed up to play a special football-themed game to enlighten the audience about the power of football. That said, I am not going to say something is “bad” simply because it’s part of a subgenre I don’t personally like that much. Frankly, I haven’t read The Canterbury Tales yet so I don’t know how faithful Connolly’s take on these characters and themes is to the original work.

“And All the Graves of All the Ghosts”—I am convinced this story would have been a roaring hit if Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle, or some other old-school author had published it about 120–150 years ago. 8th grade teachers would still be teaching it in English class to this day. Alas, “man sees mysterious omens of his own death” is not really a new theme anymore, nor was I particularly thrilled by Connolly’s take on the material.

“The Evenings with Evans”—Another ghost story with an old-school feel and vaguely Christian undertones. I liked it better than the first two but it did not particularly impress me.

“Abelman’s Line”—I understand the motivation behind “science fictional revenge on Nazis,” but the whole production was overlong and, frankly, felt like it was missing the point. I do not know Connolly’s ethnic or religious background, but I believe he is writing about Judaism from an outside perspective. Nearly all works, both fiction and nonfiction, that I have read on the subject of Nazis and the Holocaust which are written by Jewish, Romani, and Sinti people who were actually targeted in the Holocaust, are really not concerned with getting revenge on the Nazis. Most of these works talk instead about understanding what led to the rise of the Nazis and preventing a similar event from happening again, as these cultures do not necessarily believe in punishment for its own sake. The First Bright Thing by J. R. Dawson is an awesome book on a similar idea from a Jewish perspective—I’m not Jewish so I can’t really speak to how well the people and religious ideas are represented, but from an outsider’s point of view I think that Dawson is very good at craft, storytelling, and introducing their personal takes on religion and morality to a larger audience.

“The Mire at Fox Tor”—Okay, I liked this one, if only because it reminded me of a bunch of stuff in another book I’m working on, Tales Accursed, which is a folk horror collection. Again—Algernon Blackwood or somebody in that vein would have made this tale a classic. It doesn’t quite have the same staying power in 2025, but I appreciate Connolly’s brief dip into the folk horror genre.

“The Bear”—This reads like a children’s book written by a depressed wine mom. No, I will not elaborate.

“The Flaw”—Another great folk-horror type tale. I honestly think Connolly should have stuck with this genre and tone throughout, as he has a talent for it.

“Unquiet Slumbers: A Tale from the Caxton Private Lending Library”—More book characters come to life. Again, not really familiar enough with the source material to be charmed by it.

“Our Friend Carlton”—This one was actually a bit unsettling, and might have fit into a more horror-centered anthology. The idea of a guy killing his friend who then comes back to life as a zombie is, the way Connolly does it, actually somewhat original, though in spite of this I still felt like it didn’t fit the tone of the rest of the book very much. That said, in terms of individual quality I’d place it beside the two folk-horror tales.

“Horror Express: Extended Edition”—This section was actually my favorite part of the book, in which Connolly discusses the history and making of a film he enjoyed as a child, “Horror Express.” I appreciated that, while Connolly acknowledges the way that nostalgia colored his view of the film, he nevertheless points out that it still has merit even if some of his positive memories of the film are tied more closely to the circumstances than the film itself. I feel the same way about a lot of things, especially the third “Myst” game and a whole bunch of books I read in elementary school. This section also got me interested in seeing “Horror Express,” because I get the impression that while it wasn’t a remarkable film, it was good for what it was and had an interesting history.

Overall, I don’t really recommend this collection, but I enjoyed a few bits and pieces of it here and there, so take that as you will.

I'm such a huge John Connolly fan that I've written just to thank him. This is not like anything else I've read by him, and some of the stories seemed experimental. But they were interesting, fun, and even haunting -- I particularly keep thinking about the one with the mobster roommates.
There's a large section about an old horror movie, and I had to watch the movie first. That was a lot of fun, too, because I've never learned so much about a movie -- Connolly really did his homework.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

John Connolly's "Night and Day" is an immersive foray into the intertwining realms of mystery and the supernatural, skillfully crafted to leave readers captivated yet contemplative. As part of the celebrated Charlie Parker series, this installment maintains the high standards Connolly's fans (including this reviewer) have come to expect, while delivering fresh twists and compelling narratives.

Set against a richly atmospheric backdrop, "Night and Day" delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of light and darkness, both literal and metaphorical. Connolly's masterful storytelling is evident from the first page, as he seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of complex characters, eerie settings, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Charlie Parker, the enigmatic private investigator, once again takes center stage, bringing with him a depth of character that is haunting and heroic. Connolly's portrayal of Parker is multi-faceted, balancing his vulnerabilities with a relentless pursuit of justice. This complexity adds layers to the narrative, making Parker not just a detective, but a symbol of resilience and determination.

The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each bringing their unique contributions to the story.

Connolly excels in creating characters that feel real and relatable, even within the supernatural elements of the plot. The interactions between characters are authentic and engaging, adding a human touch to the otherwise dark and suspenseful narrative.

Connolly's creates a palpable sense of place. The settings in "Night and Day" are vividly described, drawing readers into a world as beautiful as it is terrifying. Whether it's the quiet menace of a deserted town or the eerie stillness of a moonlit night, Connolly's descriptive prowess makes the environment a character in its own right.

The plot of "Night and Day" is intricately constructed, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Connolly masterfully balances suspense with moments of introspection, ensuring this story is thrilling and thought-provoking. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the plot, adding an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the central mystery.

"Night and Day" is a testament to John Connolly's exceptional talent as a storyteller. It is a gripping and evocative read that will appeal to fans of mystery, thriller, and supernatural fiction alike. With its rich character development, atmospheric settings, and expertly crafted plot, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Connolly has once again proven why he is a master of his craft, delivering a novel that is chilling yet profoundly human.

My first thought about this book is that cover blows me away. I'm not going to lie and say it definitely pulled me in. Smart choice.

Aside from the cover the short stories are entertaining, and can be spooky. I am a fan of short stories so it worked for me. I also like how the author uses comedy in his writing because we all need a few laughs amongst the chaos.

I wasn't a big fan on the nonfiction aspect of the book but if you're someone who enjoys the details of author's lives, you'll be satisfied.

"Night and Day" by John Connolly had the potential to be interesting, and I was really looking forward to working my way through his short stories, as Halloween, horror, and creep are my favorite things to read in short story format. But alas, the tone that Connolly is able to strike so easily with his long lasting Charlie Parker series just wasn't quite there with this collection. In those books the connected-ness of the characters and plot lend itself to a similar short story collection, and Connolly excels at making the hair on your arms stand up with Parkers ins and outs...but this collection didn't quite have that same spark. Interesting, and a must-read for any die-hard John Connolly fan but if you're new to his work, pick up the first Parker book...it will serve as a better example of what you can expect and enjoy from this prolific and gifted author.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity afforded me to have an early read by netgalley and Atria Books. The opinions in this review are expressly those of ButIDigressBookClub and are intended for use by my followers and friends when choosing their next book. #butidigress #butidigressbookclub #nightandday #johnconnolly #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #arc #arcs

In "Night and Day," John Connolly crafts a mesmerizing collection of short stories that masterfully blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. The anthology spans diverse settings - from an otherworldly library where fictional characters come alive to the haunting English marshlands - each tale woven with Connolly's signature blend of psychological tension and supernatural elements.
What sets this collection apart is Connolly's ability to infuse profound emotional depth into his horror narratives. The stories aren't merely meant to frighten; they explore themes of loss, revenge, and healing through a darkly fantastic lens. The personal touch in the final piece, where Connolly connects horror cinema to his relationship with his late father, adds a poignant layer of authenticity to the collection.
While some readers might find the tonal shifts between stories jarring, the underlying threads of nostalgia and human connection bind these tales into a cohesive whole. For fans of literary horror and those who appreciate stories that linger in the mind long after reading, "Night and Day" offers a compelling journey through the shadows of imagination

This was pretty hit and miss for me. Some of the stories were really enjoyable, some of them were kinda boring. My favourite was the one about the ghost who keeps the old man company both while he's alive and after he dies. It was just such a wholesome tale. Contrasted with the one about revenge-killing Nazis, that one was one of my least favourites because of the disjointed narration and how long it felt because of that. Over all, I'm glad I read this, but I wouldn't read it again.

I love John Connolly’s Charlie Parker series and have read several of his other books as well so I was happy to get his newest short story collection on NetGalley (my thanks to the author and publisher). Most of the stories are great spooky tales reminiscent of the ghost stories of Susan Hill. My favorites were The Mire at Fox Tor, An Evening with an Evan’s, and The Flaw.

I was personally less thrilled with the Caxton Library stories and even less thrilled then that with the non-fiction essay about the movie Horror Express. My recommendation (unless you love that movie or have to read the essay) is to go watch the episode of Creepshow on Shudder with Justin Long where he puts himself into the movie. I personally read 50% of the essay and skimmed the rest but I at least have (mostly) seen the movie. Honestly if I had paid money for the book and the last 50% of it was a non-fiction essay about a remote horror movie that I’m going to guess most people have never seen, I’d be very peeved.

Overall there are a handful of excellent stories in this but I’m glad I did not buy it.

I really enjoyed the first part of the book. The short stories were a well-varied collection but also felt cohesive. I loved the ones about the Caxton library. Then I got to the second half of the book - I am not entirely sure what to say about this, as I read some, not all of it. I’ll be frank and say that it felt a bit self-indulgent. To go on a bit of a meandering diatribe about an obscure film that most people reading this will likely not have seen was an odd choice, in my opinion. Although, I think that those who are huge fans of Connolly may find it an interesting jaunt into the author’s personal world. I can’t say I’m enough of a Connolly fan-girl for it, but there may be those who are. The first half of the book gets 4 stars, the second is kind of hard to rate, as I just did not really have any interest in it, though Connolly’s writing there was fine.

I had a great time with this horror-ish/fantasy/sci-fiction short story collection, but, like some other readers, I bounced off the Horror Express essay. It took me a minute to catch that this was a nonfiction piece and I expected a zombie train or something for longer than I would like to admit. (I suggest reading the proper short stories separately, taking a day or two off, and then reading the Horror Express essay like you would a long-form piece in the New Yorker or similar.)

I dug most, if not all, of the remainder of the book. Mr. Connolly is exceptional at creating an eerie, gaslamp-y, Arthur Conan Doyle-like atmosphere. This is a great volume for reading on a comfy bed with a hot toddy or a cup of cocoa. I'll give an extra thumbs up to Abelman's Line, an intriguing time-travel-based sci-fi story that explores culpability, punishment, and the necessity of justice.

I really liked some of the stories in this book, especially the ones about characters from books showing up in real life, and a magical library. This really could be the basis for a whole series of fun, quick fantasy novels, which I would happily read. Out of the 9 stories only 2 didn't really click with me, which is not at all bad, and the story about punishing Nazi war criminals using time travel was a close third for my favorite story in the book. The genre range in these stories is pretty wide, spanning quite a lot of speculative fiction. I didn't enjoy the essay included at the end, and am really not its ideal audience. I suppose for readers who do want to read this essay, it is a nice bonus, but for me it would be like those tedious appendices or literary commentary essays tacked on at the end of books that most readers just skip over. Overall, I found this to be an excellent short story collection and will be recommending it to my friends and family who like short fiction.

John Connolly’s latest story collection is literally a mixed bag. Half the book is made up of nine short stories while the second half of the book contains his Phd thesis written on a film, The Horror Express, that was important to him as a young boy and, perhaps, in his development as writer. Among the stories are two more involving the Caxton Private Lending Library & Book Depository which I enjoy. There is also Abelman’s Line, a sci fi tale that reminded me of Stanislaw Lem’s writing. I enjoyed all of the stories, most featuring gothic or ghostly subjects.

Then on reaching the halfway point, the nature of the writing changes to what Connolly calls his monograph titled The Horror Express. Some of Connolly’s readers will find this an interesting read but others, expecting more of his stories, are apt to be disappointed. Some may well be enthralled. I found myself somewhere in the middle. This section deals with the horror movie which Connolly saw when he was young, with the genre of horror filmmaking especially in Europe in the mid to late 20th century, and some of his favorite actors and personalities involved. There does seem to be a strong relationship between his obvious interest in this movie genre and his chosen subjects for his novels. Personally, I do read and enjoy his Charlie Parker novels but I’m not as fascinated by the details of filmmaking. I did watch my share of creature double features when I was young, so I did appreciate learning how one of these films was actually made.

Rating 3.5* rounded to 3.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for access to an eARC on this book.

I really liked the first half of the book, especially the Bear and the Caxton library. It went downhill in the second half of the book, where the author switches from short supernatural stories to a non-fictional look at a movie that he saw with his dad, Horror Movie. This could have been split as two books, and I would have appreciated more of Connolly's short stories. The second half of the book was a slog.

Not for me. I requested this to read in October, as I always like to stock up on "spooky stories" to get me in the Halloween mood. This wasn't quite what I expected, and not my favorite.

After reading John Connolly’s “The Land of Lost Things”, I was excited to read the collection of short stories in “Night and Day”. The first half of the book includes several magical or spooky tales. My favorite of these were the two describing activities at the Caxton Private Lending Library and Book Depository, a building where book characters go to retire after their author dies. I also enjoyed the science fiction story where scientists have developed a means to extract Nazi war criminals from past timelines to deliver justice.

The book lost me in the second half when the author wrote about an obscure horror movie in a dissertation-like style. Lots of references to psychology papers, introspective stories about the author’s experiences, etc. It was good writing for what it was, but it was such an abrupt change from the first half of the book and not what I was expecting that it really threw me off. I think this part would be better as a stand-alone read.

I think the author has a particularly great idea going with the Caxton Private Lending Library and Book Depository. There could be a whole book with adventures at the library – new characters coming to live there, the legacy of the caretakers, how the building adapts to its ever-growing population. Lots of positives for the first half of the book, but the second half was so jarringly different that I could not get into it.

There’s some good stuff here, but this isn’t Connolly’s finest work.

About half of this is actually short stories, and the entire second half of the book is Connolly’s love letter to a little-known horror film. He makes a valiant effort to make this matter, but ultimately it’s hard to stay engaged with and felt a bit self-indulgent.

The two stories about the Caxton Private Library and Book Depository are exceptional and make the collection worth reading on their own. But I wish we’d gotten more like these, or something akin to the tone of Connolly’s Book of Lost Things. Most of the rest of the short stories are okay, but they aren’t really anything new and vary wildly in terms of entertainment value. In addition to the Caxton stories, I thought The Flaw and Our Friend Carlton were quite good. The rest of this is very skippable.

I was excited to read this because I love all tbings by John Connolly but wasn’t super interested in the monograph portion. I was completely fascinated by it once I started! Loved learning more about Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, loved the lense of looking back at yourself at the time of the movie viewing. As a die hard movie person since my Nana would take me to the movies instead of to Girl Scout meetings, so much of that resonated. Highly recommend this book just for that alone.

I haven’t read a book by this author before, but the synopsis had me hooked. It’s a collection of short stories for the first half and then the latter is a look of reflection and nostalgia through filmmaking. Specifically a thorough examination of one movie… “Horror Express.” This part (the last 150 pages or so) definitely read a bit like a documentary. Fans of this author (and genre) will love the deep examination of the film and his thoughts. I wanted more of his short stories. Ones like “The Bear” “The Mire at the Fox Tor,” and “Our Friend Carlton” were excellent and shined. Spooky, atmospheric, and at times unnerving the short stories are a collection not to be missed and this author is one I will read again. 3.5/5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I've read all of the Charlie Parker series and many of John Connolly's other titles. He's an expert at making a short story sing. NIGHT AND DAY is a collection of 9 short stories, all of them great. The book also contains a nonfiction essay on a horror movie from Connolly's past. It was an interesting read but not on the level of his short stories. The essay did not detract from my enjoyment of the fictional pieces so this is still an easy 5 star read.