The Instruments of Darkness: A Charlie Parker Thriller

John Connolly

May 2024 · Charlie Parker Thriller Book 21 · Hodder & Stoughton · Narrated by Jeff Harding

About this audiobook

'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

Ratings and reviews

It's been years since I read a John Connolly novel, and what have I missed. I could not stop listening to this audiobook. The plot got me hooked from the start. Full of good characters especially Charlie Parker. The supernatural elements hit the marks without being to oner the top and Jeff Harding's narration was easy to listen too I liked his tone and pacing. Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for letting me listen to this excellent book.

About the author

John Connolly is author of the Charlie Parker mysteries, The Book of Lost Things, the Samuel Johnson novels for young adults and, with his partner, Jennifer Ridyard, co-author of the Chronicles of the Invaders. John Connolly's debut - EVERY DEAD THING - introduced the character of Private Investigator Charlie Parker, and swiftly launched him right into the front rank of thriller writers. All his subsequent novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers. He was the winner of the 2016 CWA Short Story Dagger for On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man (1637) by Frans Mier from NIGHT MUSIC: Nocturnes Vol 2.

In 2007 he was awarded the Irish Post Award for Literature. He was the first non-American writer to win the US Shamus award and the first Irish writer to win an Edgar award. BOOKS TO DIE FOR, which he edited with Declan Burke, was the winner of the 2013 Anthony, Agatha and Macavity awards for Best Non-Fiction work.