The Instruments of Darkness - John Connolly

 The Instruments of Darkness - John Connolly

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Colleen Clark’s child is missing.  When his bloody blanket is found in her trunk, prosecutors with political ambitions are convinced she has murdered him.  Most neighbors, strangers, and even her husband believe her to be guilty.  Moxie Castin is her attorney and he enlists the help of private investigator Charlie Parker. 

There is a lot to consider in this case.  The husband’s story is a bit suspect to Parker. A psychic who has helped and hindered past missing child cases steps forward.  There is a strange, foreboding house deep in the Maine woods. And, what danger does that Fascist group arming themselves in the adjacent woods bring to the situation?

In addition to the basic mystery, there are aspects of horror and the supernatural, along with some humor.  I  typically do not like otherworldly elements in a story, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of this book.  Although it seemed long, it was an engrossing read and I was anxious to get to the resolution.  

This is the twenty first in the Charlie Parker series.  Incredibly, it is the first one I have read; I felt it worked well as a standalone. I liked the repeating characters (and they are characters!), although I think I might have enjoyed them even more if I had read some of their previous adventures.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @atriabooks for the DRC.

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