Books 112-113: The Unquiet and A Dark Mind
Book 112: The Unquiet (Charlie Parker #6).
Author: John Connolly, 2007.
Genre: Crime Fiction. Horror. Disturbing Content.
Other Details: Hardback. 480 pages.
Daniel Clay, a once-respected psychiatrist, has been missing for years following revelations about harm done to the children in his care. Believing him dead, his daughter Rebecca has tried to come to terms with her father's legacy, but her fragile peace is about to be shattered. Someone is asking questions about Daniel Clay, someone who refuses to believe that he is dead: the revenger Merrick, a father and a killer obsessed with discovering the truth about his own daughter's disappearance. Private detective Charlie Parker is hired to make Merrick go away, but Merrick will not be stopped. Soon Parker finds himself trapped between those who want the truth about Daniel Clay to be revealed, and those who want it to remain hidden at all costs. But there are other forces at work. - synopsis from author's website.
This sixth book in the series proved a very dark offering with its theme of child abuse. As with the other books in the series there is always the closeness of dark forces that reside in the space between life and death. I do remain invested in the series and well aware of its disturbing qualities considering it a powerful blend of horror and crime fiction.
One thing that caught me out was almost halfway through there was mention of an earlier incident that I did not recognise. A little on-line research revealed that it occurred in a novella that was included in his collection Nocturnes. I decided not to make a detour to read that but will read before embarking on Book 7.
Book 113: A Dark Mind (Lizzie Gardner #3).
Author: T. R. Ragan, 2013.
Genre: Crime Fiction. Serial Killers.
Other Details: ebook. 375 pages.
A serial killer is terrorizing Sacramento, preying on happily married couples and unleashing unspeakable cruelties upon his victims. The ordeal rekindles disturbing memories for private investigator Lizzy Gardner, who barely escaped a serial killer’s clutches only years ago. But while most Sacramento residents are hiding in the shadows, paralyzed by fear, Lizzy is compelled to go after the Lovebird Killer. So it’s no surprise that, when a routine workers’ compensation case suddenly leads her and her two young assistants onto the killer’s trail, she welcomes the chase, determined to bring him to justice before he can claim another victim. She never imagines he could be two steps ahead, watching her every move and plotting his bloodiest, most triumphant conquest of all. - synopsis from author's website.
Another impossible-to-put-down book in this series as Lizzy attracts the attention of another serial killer. This fictional Sacramento appears to attract them. Each chapter is headed by a chilling quote from a real life serial killer. I can hardly wait to start the next in the series.
Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.