John Connolly discussion

I have recently read all of the books in Connolly's Parker series. My favorites are Every Dead Thing and The Lovers. His writing in all of his books stirs emotions and borders on poetry, yet, it is the plot lines and character development in these two novels that made my hair stand on end. Any one else have a particular favorite?

I've read 5 of Connolly's books so far but only the first two Parker novels. I loved them both, they were excellent with the 2nd being a bit better.

Hi, I've only read tow of Connolly's books (Book of Lost Things and Nocturnes). I really liked the Charlie Parker novella in Nocturnes so I'm thinking of picking up the novels.

Should the novels be read in order? Or is it ok to pick up any of the Charlie Parker books to read first?

Thanks in advance for the advice! =)

It wouldn't be necessary, since Connolly does an excellent job of including bits and pieces of back story in each book, but I'd suggest it. The first book opens the reader up to Charlie Parkers inner pain and torment and supernatural quirks.
The first book, Every Dead Thing, is riveting. The hairs on the back of your neck will stand on end. Check that one out.
Good reading,
- Amanda

Thank you! I'll pick up the book soon then :)

I just went on a shopping spree and picked up The Killing Kind, The White Road, Black Angel and Unquiet. I plan to read 'em all over the summer.

Pretty excited.

I'm thinking of rereading the books you just mentioned, Brandon. I had a lot of fun reading those.

Excited for the new book to see what the Collector has in store for Charlie Parker.

From JohnConnollybooks.com
T H E W H I S P E R E R S

Now coming July 13th in the US!

The border between Maine and Canada is porous. Anything can be smuggled across it: drugs, cash, weapons, people.

Now a group of disenchanted former soldiers has begun its own smuggling operation, and what is being moved is infinitely stranger and more terrifying than anyone can imagine. Anyone, that is, except private detective Charlie Parker, who has his own intimate knowledge of the darkness in men's hearts.

But the soldiers' actions have attracted the attention of the reclusive Herod, a man with a taste for the strange. And where Herod goes, so too does the shadowy figure that he calls the Captain. To defeat them, Parker must form an uneasy alliance with a man he fears more than any other, the killer known as the Collector . . .

Apparently, in John's most recent blog posting - he expects another Parker book either late 2011 or early 2012!

Brandon wrote: "Apparently, in John's most recent blog posting - he expects another Parker book either late 2011 or early 2012!"

Sweet!
_

Hey, has anyone else seen "The New Daughter" with Kevin Costner yet? It is based on the short story of the same name from Nocturnes. The beginning of the movie was good, the part which follows Connolly's story, but the ending left me disapointed because it was so very predictable.

I have not watched the New Daughter yet for that exact reason. I figure I'll give it a shot maybe one day, but I am so much more of a reader than a movie watcher, so who knows when that one day might be.
On another note, I just finished The Whisperers. Oh, how I love John Connolly. The book was good, and I stated such in my review, but it didn't have as much Charlie Parker as I like. I know they can't all be like Every Dead Thing and The Lovers, my 2 favorites simply because they are both full of Parker, but I can't help it. I wanted more Parker.
But as with all his books, the stories within stories were fabulously entertaining. His writing is captivating and I had to force myself to slow down while reading so I didn't consume the book and then be full of saddness for it's ending. Now I have to wait again for the next Charlie Parker......

The Whisperers was a fantastic read. Next to Stephen King, Connolly is my favorite author and the best thriller writer alive. His books are so well written you sometimes forget how dark they can be. Parker is such a multi-dimensional character which I don't often find in other book series. Louis and Angel are great supporting characters. Can't wait for the next one.

You know, I have to agree with the previous poster...Connolly's writing is poetic that you sometimes forget (or maybe excuse?) the very dark and gruesome nature of the stories.

I was happy to finally get the story about his parentage. However, I am still waiting to find out why Parker has been marked. I mean I remember from one of the previous books that he was a fallen angel or brother of one....can't really remember.....

I think I will have to re-read the earlier books!

FINALLY! I have my copy of the The Whisperes and am now ready to flip the cover.

Good stuff! I'm excited to hear what you think.

John Connolly is my favorite thriller's author EVER! His writing is strong and poetic, his characters are deep! The Parker serie keep going better and better! I think my favorites is the killing kind, and i can't wait to read Burning Soul!!!!

Node wrote: "John Connolly is my favorite thriller's author EVER! His writing is strong and poetic, his characters are deep! The Parker serie keep going better and better! I think my favorites is the killing ki..."

Couldn't agree more.

Same here! I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for Burning Soul. I'm excited to get it, but at the same time I'm anxious over the thought that as soon as I read it, it's gone and I don't get any more till next year! I'll end up getting the book and then not reading it right away, just kind of coveting it until I can't stand it anymore and then diving in without coming up for air till its done. It's crazy, no other author does this to me.

Brandi ;) wrote: "Same here! I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for Burning Soul. I'm excited to get it, but at the same time I'm anxious over the thought that as soon as I read it, it's gone and I don't get an..."

Same here ;)

Node wrote: "Brandi ;) wrote: "Same here! I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for Burning Soul. I'm excited to get it, but at the same time I'm anxious over the thought that as soon as I read it, it's gone ..."
I know what you mean. I discover John Connolly with The Unquiet. I bought and read the one before that one, then the ones after that one and I stopped at the Lovers. I will start reading the Lovers today. It`s been sitting in my bookshelf (next to the whisperers) for a month now (I am reading Ian Ranking now but it hasn`t hit the spot for me. I am just enjoying them so much that I read them slowly. I don`t want to finish them .

I discover John Connolly with "The White Road". Since that moment, I´ve been reading every book and I try not to read more that two Connolly´s books every year, just not to focus too much on only one author.

Yesterday I finished "The lovers". You can read my review of the book. My favorite ones are "Dark Hollow" (black poetry),"The Black Angel" and "The reapers" (Angel & Louis are the best).

I have "The whisperers" waiting and I´ve asked Santa Claus for "The Gates". I hope the book won´t burn in his blessed hands.

I have started a series looking at John's work to date over at www.blackabyss.co.uk would welcome any comments you might have.

I am so anticipating the newest book - I can't wait!

I'm a little upset that I'm not going to get my hands on this book until January 01st! That's far too long a wait.

I'm considering ordering it from the Amazon UK store.

I have, and read all of John's books and second all praise for John Connolly's writing, truly magical.
My favourites
The Book of Lost Things
The Black Angel
Every Dead Thing

and I've pre-ordered 'The Wrath of Angels' and can't wait for Amazon to deliver end Aug/Sept., It sounds fantastic.

Also excited for "The Wrath of Angels!"

I couldn't wait until January. I just pre-ordered it through Amazon UK to get it early. I hope it doesn't cost too much to get delivered.

I couldn't wait either so I got the ebook yesterday. I've read the first few pages and I have to say I am HOOKED!

Ok now I MUST get on the ball! I prefer books to ebooks but I may have to bend for this....I miss the characters.. as someone else said, it is like poetry and very stirring on many levels.

Finished "The Wrath of Angels" - another great book, and more than a few scary moments. Anyone slse read it ?

Sandy wrote: "Finished "The Wrath of Angels" - another great book, and more than a few scary moments. Anyone slse read it ?"

I read it!

Really liked it. The Collector is an awesome villain (or anti-hero depending on your perspective).

I have only started to read the fisrt book

so have no idea....
Upto now I have finished 20-30 pages...
& its just awesome....
I live in the book

Has anyone noticed the contradiction surrounding Charlie Parker in 'The Wrath of Angels'? Is he...or isn't he? I don't want say too much and spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. :D

In regards to Brightwell?? if so I get your meaning.

Yup...it's what the 'Collector' says after the scene at the plane, after it all kicks off. I was tempted to ask John about it when we met him, but you hadn't read the book, so I didn't want to spoil it for you. It does however, raise another batch of questions about who Parker really is.

Stephen wrote: "Yup...it's what the 'Collector' says after the scene at the plane, after it all kicks off. I was tempted to ask John about it when we met him, but you hadn't read the book, so I didn't want to spoi..."

Difficult when there are folk who haven't finished the book but are you talking about pg455) "Angels... die at the hands of angels"?

Sandy wrote: "Stephen wrote: "Yup...it's what the 'Collector' says after the scene at the plane, after it all kicks off. I was tempted to ask John about it when we met him, but you hadn't read the book, so I did..."

I am talking about that comment. He's thrown us a bit of a curve ball and confused the crap out of me. So is he...or isn't he?

Gosh I need to finish (well start actually) this book so I can join in the discussion. I made the mistake of trying to order it from the library but no luck....I am buying it this week!

Stehpen... (GR is playing up tonight can't get the reply working) but you aren't the only one confused. I thought he was but that statement says 'No!' You agree ?

Maybe we should corner John and tweak the answer out of him once and for all - too long to wait for the next book.

I doubt he'd tell us anything anyway, it all adds to the mystique surrounding Parker. To be honest, part of me wants him to be what he's implied to be, but the other half wants him to be a regular Joe, albeit a tough one. Can you imagine how Charlie would feel if he died and was reincarnated himself, but ended up missing a significant part of his daughter's upbringing as a result. They don't always remember who they are until they are 'awakened' psychologically by some event. You lot need to read faster, this being cryptic is killing me. lol

Stephen wrote: "I doubt he'd tell us anything anyway, it all adds to the mystique surrounding Parker. To be honest, part of me wants him to be what he's implied to be, but the other half wants him to be a regular ..."

Feel the same way about Charlie Parker and had to admit I'd forgotten about the impact on his daughter's life - a message there?
And yes folks - come on read F -A -S -T -E -R!

I'm a little more than half way through and I am beginning to see what y'all are talking about, is he or isn't he? Hmmm.... when I finish I am going to have to open up a new thread on here about this book so we can talk about everything in this book freely. I suck when it comes to being cryptic and I have a feeling I am going to need to do some serious discussing when I'm done!

Currently reading . Really good so far.

Sandy wrote: "Stephen wrote: "I doubt he'd tell us anything anyway, it all adds to the mystique surrounding Parker. To be honest, part of me wants him to be what he's implied to be, but the other half wants him ..."

Hahahaha...the whole scenario blags your head over time and I have no definitive answers. More's the pity. lol

I read all the books, back to back, on Kindle. I enjoy them, I like the way the characters age and grow tired, and I enjoy each one more than the next. Wrath of Angels was great.

Maybe I might receive some glares for saying this, but even though I enjoyed Wrath of Angels, I liked the earlier books better when the supernatural side of Parker is not one of the main focuses of the book, when it was more subtle and mysterious. Anyone else feel this way?
I did like the fact that the Collector has more of a "human" back-story.
There is more I'd like to talk about, but it is all spoilers...

Amanda wrote: "Maybe I might receive some glares for saying this, but even though I enjoyed Wrath of Angels, I liked the earlier books better when the supernatural side of Parker is not one of the main focuses of..."

Alas...I love the supernatural feel that runs through the whole series and surely the premise would be no different to any other crime novel if it was missing. Besides...who doesn't love a touch of myth and folklore to get the imagination going and I believe it adds depth and mystique to the overall plot. In fact...John Connolly kind of reminds me of a more subtle version of the author Graham Masterton, who was a master of integrating legend and mythology into his own novels. Anyway...what the hell do I know? lol

I have recently finished "The Burning Soul" and I have "The Wrath of Angels" waiting in the shelf. I´ll wait some months to start it.

John wrote: "I have recently finished "The Burning Soul" and I have "The Wrath of Angels" waiting in the shelf. I´ll wait some months to start it."

Wait? Why the hell would you want to do that...are you a masochist or something, get reading. lol :D

"The Wrath of Angels" is the last one. If you finished, you don´t have any more Connolly to read. And I like to change from one book to the next one