Approached by his lawyer Moxie Castin, Charlie Parker is tasked with clearing the name of a mother accused of murdering her child. It isn't going to be easy. The deck is stacked against her in the form of a bloody blanket found at the scene and an ambitious prosecutor; a combination that should make Parker think twice. With a whole town against her, can Charlie uncover the truth? Will he like what he finds when he does?

I started reading John Connolly's Charlie Parker series back in 2008. At that point, Connolly was already up to eight books. It took me a year or two to catch up, but I feel like I blinked and now we're twenty-one books deep. I keep waiting for the series to lose steam or that one day I won't be as excited to get my hands on a new installment, but that day has yet to come and after finishing The Instruments of Darkness, Connolly proves that there is lots of life left in these characters.

Connolly's titular detective series has often straddled the line between grounded crime fiction and elements of the supernatural and while Instruments of Darkness is more geared toward the boots-on-the-ground detective work, there is that otherworldly flavor Connolly is known for thrown in for good measure. I'm not sure, but we could be entering the beginning an overarching storyline that could stretch out for several books. I liked the introduction of Sabine Drew, someone I hope Connolly uses again, but could easily be a one-off.

Instruments of Darkness benefits from a short-chapter-strategy where I'd say to myself "okay, one more chapter", which kept me reading for hours. It all keeps everything moving at a break-neck pace where much like Parker, I needed to know where all this was headed and just who was responsible. Speaking of Parker, at this point, he comes across as deeply genuine and as fully realized a fictional character can be that given the hours I've spent with him on the page, it very much feels like sitting and having a beer with a friend, even if he and I aren't really drinkers. I guess that's what comes with lengthy series.

The Instruments of Darkness continues what is already a classic series that if you haven't yet checked out, I'm not sure how much harder I can recommend it. I even named my blog after the first book! While I'm not one who does this myself, outside of The Dirty South (book 18), you could read this as a standalone, which is crazy considering how deep we are into the series. But I mean, read the first twenty.

Connolly doesn't disappoint with INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS. He’s a master of weaving several seemingly discrete plots into one compelling story with just the right amount of levity infused by robustly developed characters. Don't miss this one!

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

The Instruments of Darkness is an installment in the PI Parker series that follows the case of a missing presumed dead child where the mother is the prime suspect. Everything quickly unravels from an open and shut case to a rat race on trying to find out what really happened to this child. Let's just say it involves a mother being blamed, a husbands infidelity's, a medium, neo-Nazi's, a monster house, crazy bush people and more.
This story escalated very quickly and was quite the journey. It was difficult at times to keep track of people because there is so much going on but I am going to cough some of this up to not having read other installments in this series. But, I am definitely going to.!!
The writing was really well done and the premise, though convoluted, was very intriguing and exciting.
If you are looking for a new detective/mystery series I suggest picking up PI Parker, but I would start from the first book. :🧐😁

I would like to thank NetGally, the author and publisher for allowing ARC access to this novel. I really enjoyed it. 4.25 ✨✨✨✨

My first Parker book- and it won’t be my last. Parker is a troubled but likable PI called in to help his lawyer friend to investigate a child missing and presumed dead.
The mother is believed by all but Parker and the lawyer who is defending her. Parker has many characters who help him discover the truth, including a medium who was unsuccessful in a past case. I did not know this was the latest in a series, and I very much look forward to reading the rest- beginning at #1. I feel that the author gave enough insight to the characters that I still felt the bond of Parker and the people who help him along they way.

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.

This was an amazing book. I highly recommend it to everyone. Great characters and a great plot. I will be looking for more books by this author. The book is superbly written. Lots of twists, turns and shocking turns of events. Quickly becoming a go to author for me!!!!

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.