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Just started John Connolly's third Charlie Parker novel. Only 10 pages in, but as a mild arachnophobe I get the feeling this may be a tough read.
I recently read the first two and really enjoyed them. He has a pretty turn of phrase considering his stories are so dark. I have Killing Kind and a couple more in my to-read pile. Need to spread them out with something gentler though :O
@noonjinx The Killing Kind definitely maintains the standard of the first two. It's just as dark as them... actually no, it's grim alright, but I'm not sure there will ever be a character as disturbing as Stritch from Dark Hollow... it certainly continues the trend though.
I was right when I suggested it may be *extra* distressing for arachnophobes (not a spoiler, it's pretty obvious from the opening scene) so bear that in mind if you decide to read it.
@noonjinx There's a subgenre within detective fiction focusing on the lone detective who fights the system even as they fight for justice for the victim. Flawed characters, they nonetheless possess a moral code that makes them incorruptible in the search for truth and justice.
Philip Marlowe, Harry Bosch and Sherlock Holmes are the best 3 examples (imo). They have a thousand imitators. I think Charlie Parker may join those three at the top table. I've already put The White Road next to the bed!
@JimBliss other system fighters/justice seekers I’ve really enjoyed recently…
Walter Mosley - Easy Rawlins series (Devil in a Blue Dress is great)
Sarah Paretsky - V I Warshawski series
@noonjinx I've not heard of either of them, but I'll definitely keep an eye out.
I've been listening to the BBC radio adaptations of Chandler's Philip Marlowe novels recently and they are an absolute treat. They do a great job of capturing the raw prose while adding just enough quality voice acting, sound-effects and music to pull you even deeper into the story.
Worth checking out if you ever get the chance.
EDIT: Seems like some of them are up on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf2kM565U_o
@JimBliss yes I’m a huge Chandler/Marlowe fan. I listened to the recent BBC radio series, the 1970s one with Ed Bishop and some of the NBC old time radio version from the 1940s. All great. And of course the Humphrey Bogart Big Sleep is unmissable.
If you like Chandler, Mosley is definitely worth a read
@JimBliss I’m two weeks behind you, but having the same experience. That prologue is beautifully written but not for the faint-hearted
@noonjinx Right?
I'm about halfway through The White Road (and yes, it's still as good).
The next week or so is going to be super busy for me though, so I may not get back to it for a bit. Frustrating given how gripping it is!