A Book Of Bones by John Connolly

[Saucery]

Anyone finished this yet? At 700 pages I had to neglect a lot of housework since last Thurs but oh my, it is glorious!

Brings together strands from his short stories as well as the previous Charlie Parker novels. I’ll avoid spoilers but the Fractured Atlas plot is explored to some very bitter ends.

[Hightideswetfeet]

I’m halfway through and completely engrossed. I don’t know anyone else who reads these, I have the whole series and have loved every book.

[chickensaresafehere]

Just checking them out on Amazon as I was intrigued when I read your post.
Would I need to start with 'Every Dead Thing' or could I just pick up any of the Charlie Parker books? And are they very,very gruesome?

[Hightideswetfeet]

I would recommend starting with Every Dead Thing because it provides the context for why Parker is how he is. I would say there are aspects of the book which are graphic in terms of describing violence and crime scenes ( trying not to give anything away! ) but it is necessary and it doesn’t feel gratuitous.

[Saucery]

I’d say they do need to be read from the beginning and in sequence and iirc the author says that’ s how he intended the series to be read.
Some of it is quite graphic, yes, but I’ve never found it gratuitous. Parker is fighting the most basic of Evil in all its truest forms so it ‘fits’ with the narrative perfectly. There are some characters who, well......you’ll end up caring about them is all I’ll say.

I am bereft now I’ve finished it. Moved straight on to the latest Mark Billingham but it’s too soon really, should have read something trashy, non fiction or mindless for a week or so instead.

[TreadingThePrimrosePath]

I have read all of them, numerous times. He seems to hit the spot as a great writer of crime fiction with a supernatural twist more accurately than almost anyone else imo.

[Saucery]

I agree, Treading. Michael Marshall Smith would come close if he tried, I suspect, but there’s already a Parker so why would he bother?
It’s the depth of the other characters too, he gives them time and space to develop and you can never really tell who is ‘beaming down in a red shirt’ as the saying goes, because of that amount of detail he goes into.
It’s a world as comprehensive and extensive as Discworld imo.

[SummerPlace]

You've inspired me. I had read all his books up to "The Wrath of Angels" and then stopped for some reason. I had virtually forgotten all about him, but think I will go back and pick up the series again.

I remember loving Louis and Angel.

[Saucery]

I don’t think I can watch it, DisastrousBee. It will be Harry Bosch all over again and I couldn’t bear it

Louis and Angel are one of the best literary Couples ever, SummerPlace. I was worried the Fulci Brothers were being lined up to provide the muscle at one point, but they tend to pop up as a sort of menacing comic relief and L & A are still very much part of the story, although there have been developments there, too.

[Iwouldratherbemuckingout]

Thank you thank you! A whole series I've missed that looks fabulous. I love MN for these recommendations

[afrikat]

I've just started. I have read all his books and love this series. Might start from the beginning again soon.

For anyone just discovering him, definitely start from the beginning it will make much more sense. And I am very jealous you have the whole series to catch up on 😊

[DancelikeEmmaGoldman]

I love John Connolly. I’ve just started at Every Dead Thing Again. Haven’t got to his latest yet. Hes a wonderful writer - such creepy stories -alongside the funniest, deadpan dialogue.

[SummerPlace]

@Saucery: I'd forgotten about the Fulci brothers! You are bringing back fond memories. I don't know why I stopped reading him. I'll definitely have to pick up the one after "The Wrath of Angels."

[implantsandaDyson]

I'm rationing myself with it at the minute . I cant go near it in the evenings or I'll sit up all night . I go and see John Connolly talk about once every 15 months or so - when each new book is released. He's a sketch to listen to and sometimes hilariously indiscreet. I look forward to it every time. He sold the rights to have a sniff around adapting the books. Apparently there's been a rough outline/script floating about which he's read but he had no interest in adapting it himself so wants to stay hands off.

[waycat]

Wow! This thread has prompted me to look into the Charlie Parker series, and I see there are 17 of them!
I love a good series and have been looking around for a new one to start for a few months now, but although I'm tempted with this it seems a rather insurmountable number of books.
I have never read John Connolly, but have heard some very good things about his books.
Anyone care to have a go at convincing me that reading this series is a worthwhile investment of my money, time and attention????

[Saucery]

Imagine Philip Marlowe crossed with John Constantine (the good Garth Ennis era one, not the shit TV series). Add some thoroughly nasty thugs, some morally questionable lawyers and a host of other worldly characters that can almost be explained away by non-Woo scepticism.
A decent sprinkling of snappy dialogue, musings on life, death and after. Real life locations to anchor it all down.

I am so envious you have 17 to go!

[waycat]

Saucery, your comments have all but cemented it for me.

It seems from what you’ve said this series is a must read.

Many thanks!

[Iwouldratherbemuckingout]

Well I'm just about to finish Dead Things after this thread. I am on here telling you how bloody fab it is as I don't want it to finish! So pleased to have found a new author!

[Saucery]

That’s brilliant! Chuffed to bits that I’ve helped introduce Charlie Parker to more people

[burnoutbabe]

Finished it last night, spread it over a week or so. I expected more I think as it was soo long.like a conclusion to various threads. It didn't really warrant the extra length I think.
I will of course read the next one.