Book Review: The Black Angel

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Black Angel     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
John Connolly
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Private Investigator
Series: Charlie Parker # 5
Atria, Jun 2005, $25.00, 480 pp.

Charlie “Bird” Parker thought he overcame the brutal murders of his wife and daughter by quitting as a NYPD detective, returning to his home of Portland, Maine and especially since he forged a new relationship with psychologist Rachel. They share a home and have a newborn boy Sam. Still Charlie senses the ghosts of his deceased spouse and daughter linger nearby.

The Woman arrived by bus to pound the streets of Portland, Maine searching for her missing daughter Alice with no success. Feeling desperate, the Woman crashes Sam’s christening seeking her nephew, Louis, who failed to watch over Alice as he promised her.

Charlie and Louis accompanied by the latter’s boyfriend Angel begin inquiries to find Alice. However, they quickly learn that Alice, a heroin using prostitute, was part of a gang that stole a fragment of a sixteenth century Christian map that if all the pieces are put together would mark the spot in Eastern Europe where a fallen angel was allegedly hidden. A simple missing person’s case turns internationally dangerous as various groups want to possess the angel; each expects Charlie to work for them or else be dispatched to his next life sooner.

Charlie really soars in this exciting tale in which his fans and his two cohorts traveling with him to find a missing woman and instead end up in the Czech Republic seeking the BLACK ANGEL. The support cast is as usual way out enhancing Charlie’s investigation by interfering, recruiting, or misinforming him. On the personal side, Rachel and Sam have left him as the blood and gore that seems to be a magnet for the beleaguered hero overwhelms the doc. This is another terrific Parker tale that readers will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner