Books : The Reapers

Rating: - The depth of a short story
First up, I'm not an avid reader of John Connolly and it's been a while since I read a Charlie Parker novel. I like his work and greatly respect him for The Book of Lost Things in particular. (He is also a brilliant entertainer and storyteller and I saw him once speak at a signing, first class).

However to me this book falls short on a number of counts. It's basically Connolly writing for his fans and using a story to explain more about Louis' past, and in turn give Parker a rest. But this book misses Parker for without him there's no great mystery, the essence of what the characters hang upon. Parker does appear fleetingly and when I look back on that it was a mistake for Parker's motivation is never really explained, for those who would be new to the series. To me this feels like a thriller type short story, with little flesh on it.

The story is dotted throughout with flashback to Louis' past and how he was once a Reaper, a hit man and how this past is now coming back to haunt him. One more assignment puts Louis and Angel in danger and the book does build up to a thrilling ending. For that and the fact that Connolly always injects some great pose, I give it 2 stars.

But then I am not an avid Connolly fan but I can appreciate how fans of the series will find this an intriguing aside from the main plot of Parker, Louis and Angel. This won't stop me however getting back into the Parker books where I left off a few years ago.

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Rating: - Good, but not as good as the rest of the Parker series
I enjoyed this book, but felt a little let down by it. Although it contains all of Connolly's trademark writing characteristics, it is not as good as the other books in his Charlie Parker series. When I thought about why this should be I was able to come up with some simple reasons (and, of course, these are purely personal).

This is the first book in the series that does not have Parker as the narrator. In fact, for the most part, it is written from the third person perspective, but works hard to keep Parker himself as remote as possible. He is mostly referred to as the Detective, which reinforces that most of what we are getting is the view of Willie, as this is how he thinks of 'Bird'. As a result of this marginalising of Parker the book, while still violent and full of unpleasant characters, is not as dark and brooding. Also, the supernatural element, so much a part of Parker's life, is absent. Perhaps this is a subtle comment that the supernatural element of the book is part of Parker's adjustment disorder, but that is up to the interpretation of individual readers. However, these are the elements that make me love Connolly's Parker series so much - this book is like an interlude without them. True, we get to learn much more about Louis (because even Angel is a peripheral figure here - making me wonder if a book about Angel will be on its way), but for me it just reinforces my belief that their real interest lies as a foil to Parker himself. There can be no question - Charlie Parker is the dark heart of these books, and without him as the focus the writing is less interesting and less engaging.

I was able to tear myself away from this book, whereas I have devoured the other books (and novella). It was an interesting exercise from Connolly, but the last of its kind I hope. If he doesn't want to write about Parker that's fine, but I think the series is so strong and it's central character so dominating, that it does the whole series a disservice to distract attention away from him. The length of the book also shows how hard it probably was for Connolly to write a book without Parker as the central force - it is roughly 200 pages shorter than the previous 2 books. This is a sizeable drop in wordage.

The next book ('The Lovers') looks like Connolly is back to form. Let's hope so, and in time 'The Reapers' will be just another chapter in a long and fascinating multi-volume novel. Get it on Charlie!

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Rating: - Different but as good as ever
The Reapers is different to Connolly's previous novels because it focuses primarily on Louis and Angel, rather than on Charlie Parker. The change in focus is a good thing, because it offers a unique insight into the characters of Angel, and especially of Louis. Louis has always been a mysterious figure in Connolly's novels, and I always wondered what motivated him and how he became the professional killer he is. Louis is a fascinating character - a gay black assasin - and in this novel the reader's understanding of Louis, of what 'makes him tick', is deepened. We find out about his childhood, how he became an assasin, his dark professional and personal past, and his relationship with Angel.

As always, there is a lot of violence in this book. Louis's history is imbued with it. But despite the violence, there are amusing moments and tender moments, most of these occuring between Louis and Angel. Their relationship is an odd one, because they are different in so many ways, but they are the same in many ways too, and they need each other.

Parker is in this book, though he is referred to only as 'the Detective' and only has a significant role in the final chapters of the novel. I did miss him, but his absence provided an opportunity for Louis and Angel to take centre stage. We know a lot about Parker already, but not much about these two, and this novel really gives us that insight into them.

The novel is a fantastic read either for long-time fans of Connolly's or for first-time readers.

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Rating: - The Reapers
I was so looking forward to reading the next JC in one gulp, as normal, and I have to say I only stuck at it to the end by the mere fact that it is indeed JC, and was hoping for something to happen to let me enjoy the book. I love Angel and Louis, and the characterisation didn't disappoint. There was no weirdness, I agree, and this has become a trademark of these books. I can read bloodthirsty thrillers involving endless guns, gunmen and baddies anywhere. I've come to expect more from JC and this time he didn't deliver the goods for me. That's not to say I won't persevere and read the next one. That, would indeed be a crime.

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Rating: - The Reapers - John Connolly
This is a strong deviation from the Parker series focusing on Louis and Angel who up to now have been supporting characters.
Connolly's style of writing is accomplished - it is rich, visual and poetic - and conveys the dark and disturbing world that his characters are set within. He has also expertly brought a strong human element to Louis and Angel so that you are on their side and sympathetic to them although they too are assassins - albeit for the greater good in the present day.
The plot has been explained well by other reviewers - all that I can add to that is that the pace is strong throughout. You may miss Parker in this novel but it's to Connolly' credit that he can create a strong thriller using supporting characters. Robert Crais also successfully deviated in a similar way with "The Watchman" but I feel that Connolly has pulled this off with more ease.