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The Instruments of Darkness

A Charlie Parker Thriller, Book 21

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The Instruments of Darkness

By: John Connolly
Narrated by: Jeff Harding
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About this listen

 'John Connolly is the creator of a unique blend of thriller and horror who receives rave reviews every time' Sunday Telegraph
'A moving entry in a remarkable series' Irish Times

A Child Missing. A Mother Accused. Charlie Parker Is Their Only Hope.

In Maine, Colleen Clark stands accused of the worst crime a mother can commit: the abduction and possible murder of her child. Everyone - ambitious politicians in an election season, hardened police, ordinary folk - has an opinion on the case, and most believe she is guilty.

But most is not all. Defending Colleen is the lawyer Moxie Castin, and working alongside him is the private investigator Charlie Parker, who senses the tale has another twist, one involving a husband too eager to accept his wife's guilt, a disgraced psychic seeking redemption, and an old crooked house deep in the Maine woods, a house that should never have been built.

A house, and what dwells beneath.

'Dark and dangerous ... but where there is also kindness, loyalty, love. Ultimately, it's a story of hope' IRISH EXAMINER©2024 John Connolly (P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Crime Thrillers Thriller & Suspense Crime Marriage
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Just like all John Connolly books brilliant and by far the best Narrator anywhere Jeff Harding

Superb

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Connolly at his best.
A masterfully put together detective story with undertones of supernatural menace.
Superb narration from a talented story teller. He truly captures and exudes the essence of Parker.
I cannot wait for the next installment.

Unputdownable!

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The amazing Charlie Parker is back again in another cracking read. Good to see lots of familiar faces like Louis and Angel as well as a central role for Moxy. The story weaves its way through the mystery of a young boys disappearance and the subsequent accusations faced by his mother. Of course nothing is as straightforward as it first appears in Charlie Parker’s world and we soon find ourselves embroiled in a nasty underground world of hidden dark forces and some nazi sympathisers to boot. I don’t think we will have heard the end of the lurking terror under the ramshackle house, no doubt it will rear its head in later books. I certainly hope so. I’d also like to think we might meet Sabine again in the future. Jeff Harding embodies Charlie Parker like no other and gives another incredible performance here.

Charlie Parker rides again!

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My only complaint about this Charlie Parker audible is how late Angel and Louie first appeared in this novel.

Another Parker classic

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Humour was there, laughed out loud sometimes, people thought I was nuts! The storyline was there but not as developed as previous books (and I have all the Parker books). It just felt ‘less’ than I had anticipated 😕.

Parker-Ok not great by Connolly standards

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Love every minute as always. perfectly read by harding. now comes the wait for the next parker story.

outstanding as usual

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The Charlie Parker series is my favourite story ever. The quality of John Connolly’s writing is so powerfully exhibited throughout and I have found that it’s developed substantially from the first of the novels to now. I’m excited to see what comes next for Parker & the gang, particularly the development of the dynamic of Samantha & Jennifer. His character development is second to none in my opinion, and his ability to inject humour has seen me both laughing and crying at the same time throughout the series. Jeff Harding is brilliant in his performance and I truly hope he continues to be the voice of the Parker series in future. This novel was great, if I had to criticise anything it would be lack of conclusion on the dynamic or lack thereof between Parker & Reggio but I assume that we haven’t heard the last of that arc quite yet. The back story and over all arc of the characters within these novels is the reason I’ll return to reading them over and over again throughout my life. If you’ve not given the Parker series a go, I implore you to do so.

Thanks Mr Connolly

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Previous books were more gripping and this felt like a filler. I really want to know more about Charlie and Sam and the fallen Angels.

Good but a bit lacking

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The ending seemed a little rushed and everything was tied up quickly. Apart from that it was great.

Another cracker, yet again a great story for the fans of Charlie Parker. Long may he continue!

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Great story line as usual, dark and entertaining, superb narration. Hopefully the next Charlie Parker thriller will be along soon

Superb Throughout

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