The Instruments of Darkness cover art

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

What listeners say about The Instruments of Darkness

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  • Overall
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Brilliant new Charlie Parker book

Jeff Harding once again has sublimely captured John Connelly's brilliant writing. Fans of the Charlie Parker series will enjoy meeting up with old acquaintances and new 10/10

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great read

loved it would of loved more of angle and lue well worth the listen can't wait for the next instalment

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One if the best book series I've ever read.

Great story, loved the ending but hope it's not the last Charlie Parker book. Thank you John Connolly.

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I wish these were longer

love these books. really enjoyed it. been with John Connolly right from everything dead. I just wish the books were longer!!

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Back to the old Charlie Parker

Loved this book. I was a little let down with the last couple in the series but the writer has redeemed himself. While a little more depth would not have gone astray. This book was well written without heading down dark tunnels that the characters have to crawl out of, with over complicated twists.

I started listening to the series after searching for Jeff Harding narration. I have become enamoured with his narration after discovering him with the Jack Reacher series. Jeff Harding is a superb narrator, bringing all the characters to life.

I can’t wait until Jeff Harding returns with the next instalment in the Charlie Parker series.

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Another great story by Connolly.

Great narration, compelling mystery and well written. Very enjoyable and another fine performance by Jeff who takes on Parker with perfection.

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Just typically delicious John Connolly

As usual with his novels I couldn’t put this book on hold, fantastic, consuming. Loved it.

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Another great John Connolly Audiobook!

Perfectly narrated once again. This series just keeps getting better and better. I look forward to many more.

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Terrible Narrator ruins Writer's story!

John Connolly is one of my all-time favorite Authors. I have read all of his books and rate them 5 out of 5. His imagination, writing and characters are first class and intelligent. Unfortunately, I purchased this book on Audible (I've since ordered a hard copy on Amazon!) and the sound of the Narrator's voice was so grating it ruined the story for me.

The Narrator sounds like one of those cheap suited gum shoes from a cheap black and white Hollywood movie. Alternatively, he could have voiced those cheap black and white 1940s/50s cartoons!!

I've since noticed that he also voices Lee Child's audible books, another favorite author. Suffice to say I won't be listening to anymore of Jeff Harding's work. I'll stick to reading them.

I'd be surprised if John Connolly thought Jeff Harding is truly representative of Charlie Parker's voice.

Do yourself a favour, these stories deserve better, get hard copies and read them. You won't be disappointed.

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I had hoped for more

I have followed the Charlie Parker series for decades and have so enjoyed them. I am a little disappointed with the last 3 books. I am sorry the characters of both Charlie's daughters Jennifer and Sam are hardly mentioned in the new book and Luis and Angel are not there until the end . I had been waiting eagerly for the new book all year and had hoped this one would be back to what I've loved by this series. I like the added supernatural themes in many of the series which is lacking here.

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