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Kathleen Mallory #11
It Happens in the Dark
The astonishing new Mallory novel from the New York Times–bestselling author and one of the most acclaimed crime writers in America.
The reviews called it "A Play to Die For" after the woman was found dead in the front row. It didn’t seem so funny the next night, when another body was found—this time the playwright’s, his throat slashed.
Detective Kathy Mallory takes over, but no matter what she asks, no one seems to be giving her a straight answer. The only person—if "person" is the right word—who seems to be clear is the ghostwriter. Every night, an unseen backstage hand chalks up line changes and messages on a blackboard. And the ghostwriter is now writing Mallory into the play itself, a play about a long-ago massacre that may not be at all fictional. "MALLORY," the blackboard reads. "TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT. NOTHING PERSONAL."
If Mallory can’t find out who’s responsible, heads will roll. Unfortunately, one of them may be her own.
The reviews called it "A Play to Die For" after the woman was found dead in the front row. It didn’t seem so funny the next night, when another body was found—this time the playwright’s, his throat slashed.
Detective Kathy Mallory takes over, but no matter what she asks, no one seems to be giving her a straight answer. The only person—if "person" is the right word—who seems to be clear is the ghostwriter. Every night, an unseen backstage hand chalks up line changes and messages on a blackboard. And the ghostwriter is now writing Mallory into the play itself, a play about a long-ago massacre that may not be at all fictional. "MALLORY," the blackboard reads. "TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT. NOTHING PERSONAL."
If Mallory can’t find out who’s responsible, heads will roll. Unfortunately, one of them may be her own.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2013
112 people are currently reading
1570 people want to read
About the author
Carol O'Connell
56 books667 followersBorn in 1947, Carol O'Connell studied at the California Institute or Arts/Chouinard and the Arizona State University. She lives in New York City.
Series:
* Kathleen Mallory
Series:
* Kathleen Mallory
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
July 18, 2019
I have a soft spot for the Mallory novels.
Early on in my reading life this genre teemed with men. I'd sailed through Ludlum, Clancy, Trevanian, Grisham, Turow, Connelly and the like. These were tales of action and intrigue; agents, lawyers, spies and detectives racing against the clock, fueled by a force that was predominantly male. Women, if they were granted a role, served primarily to inform the character of the hero. They introduced his emotions, his sense of valor, his compassion, his lust, his savior soul. Well-written female protagonists were rare and almost exclusively the province of British authors - P.D. James, say, or Minette Walters - and anyone who's read as broadly knows that's not quite the same thing at all.
Enter Kathleen Mallory, circa 1994.
She's a feral child at eleven, homeless and darkly damaged by life on the streets. Taken in by NYPD Detective Louis Markowitz and his long-suffering wife, Mallory's unsavory skills and sociopathic instincts are channeled (as best they can be) toward a more productive use. She has a keen aptitude for solving crime and is basically grandfathered onto the force by her foster father and his squad - all of whom keep a close eye on her, trying (and frequently failing) to restrict her to the straight and narrow; to confine her methods within the boundary of the law.
The first novel, Mallory's Oracle, opens with the death of Markowitz and Mallory's hunt for his killer. Her foster father, wise man that he was, foresaw the day she'd be loosed on an unsuspecting world and has provided her a number of guardians. All are seasoned professionals and long-standing friends - among them an attorney, a psychologist, a rabbi, a chief medical examiner, and Riker, another veteran detective of the NYPD. Of course, keeping watch on Mallory is a laughable enterprise and only really succeeds for as long as she allows it. This she does, for reasons that probably have more to do with tactical manipulation than the sentiment of friendship, and it offers a great little dynamic for the ongoing series.
It's a tension that's tricky to maintain, though. Every once in awhile, when O'Connell isn't paying the kind of direct attention this collective requires, the structure will collapse into something less effectively interactive and more along the lines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. (If Snow White was a cop and, you know, moderately sociopathic.) It pains me to report that happened here and, yes, contributed to poisoning the apple. Still, there were some clever bits and a very nice interrogation scene at the start of Chapter 18.
Not the best of the novels by a long shot. But a fair one, and forgivable.
Early on in my reading life this genre teemed with men. I'd sailed through Ludlum, Clancy, Trevanian, Grisham, Turow, Connelly and the like. These were tales of action and intrigue; agents, lawyers, spies and detectives racing against the clock, fueled by a force that was predominantly male. Women, if they were granted a role, served primarily to inform the character of the hero. They introduced his emotions, his sense of valor, his compassion, his lust, his savior soul. Well-written female protagonists were rare and almost exclusively the province of British authors - P.D. James, say, or Minette Walters - and anyone who's read as broadly knows that's not quite the same thing at all.
Enter Kathleen Mallory, circa 1994.
She's a feral child at eleven, homeless and darkly damaged by life on the streets. Taken in by NYPD Detective Louis Markowitz and his long-suffering wife, Mallory's unsavory skills and sociopathic instincts are channeled (as best they can be) toward a more productive use. She has a keen aptitude for solving crime and is basically grandfathered onto the force by her foster father and his squad - all of whom keep a close eye on her, trying (and frequently failing) to restrict her to the straight and narrow; to confine her methods within the boundary of the law.
The first novel, Mallory's Oracle, opens with the death of Markowitz and Mallory's hunt for his killer. Her foster father, wise man that he was, foresaw the day she'd be loosed on an unsuspecting world and has provided her a number of guardians. All are seasoned professionals and long-standing friends - among them an attorney, a psychologist, a rabbi, a chief medical examiner, and Riker, another veteran detective of the NYPD. Of course, keeping watch on Mallory is a laughable enterprise and only really succeeds for as long as she allows it. This she does, for reasons that probably have more to do with tactical manipulation than the sentiment of friendship, and it offers a great little dynamic for the ongoing series.
It's a tension that's tricky to maintain, though. Every once in awhile, when O'Connell isn't paying the kind of direct attention this collective requires, the structure will collapse into something less effectively interactive and more along the lines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. (If Snow White was a cop and, you know, moderately sociopathic.) It pains me to report that happened here and, yes, contributed to poisoning the apple. Still, there were some clever bits and a very nice interrogation scene at the start of Chapter 18.
Not the best of the novels by a long shot. But a fair one, and forgivable.
September 4, 2013
It was almost painful to give a Carol O'Connel Mallory book only two stars, because from the beginning of her books, I have adored this series and anxiously awaited the arrival of each Mallory mystery. Regrettably, I have found Mallory less interesting as the series has continued, significantly less likable, and importantly,less believable. This is Ms. O'Connell's creation, and she can portray her as she sees fit; she has stated in interviews she is aware that she has a winning character. However, consider this: people are influenced and changed by events in their lives. Mallory--in spite of what should have been an epiphany, a life-altering experience (the finding of her birth father after many years of searching in "Find Me")--appears unchanged by this event, and indeed, it is never mentioned or alluded to in subsequent novels.
One has to wonder why she has such a loyal and devoted group of people in her life, from wonderful sensitive, homely Charles who remains inexplicably in love with Mallory, to her partner Riker, and friends of her deceased father's. She is virtually never nice to any of them and delights in one-upping them at every turn; her character does not grow, but remains static. What is her appeal? She never seems to repond in ways that make her sympathetic or human . She reponds with a kind of petty, robotic meanness to the people who always forgive her, always look out for her, and continue to love her.
And where did she get this power Riker describes, to strike fear and awe in the hearts of every person--and animal--she meets, simply with a "look"? Why do some of these people not simply disregard her posturing, or laugh at her and walk away, as most would in real life? Her "power" is simply not believable. If Ms. O'Connell wants to create a super-heroine with indefinable and inexplicable powers, than she has failed with Mallory. All Mallory's posturing would not strike awe, but rather it would promote the kind of annoying feeling one gets with an impotent bully. Hence, Mallory has become a caricature of her earlier self, fixed and immutable, not very believable, and now, alas, somewhat irritating.
I found the explication of the plot often confusing and difficult to follow; it seemed choppy to me, and not Ms. O'Connell's best writing. Carol O'Connell has been a master wordsmith, and innately possesses a special gift for writing heart-wrenching scenes and characters. These gifts were not highlighted in this novel.
For the above reasons, I found this book to be disappointing and not up to her usual standards. My greatest concern is with the characterization of Mallory who appears to have devolved into self-centered meanness from the wounded warrior as she was described in the earlier books. Nonetheless, I will no doubt be chomping at the bit waiting for the next chapter in Mallory's life, and seriously hoping to see some character growth in a more positive and realistic direction.
September 5, 2013
I won an ARC from Goodreads. Unfortunately, my library copy came in first so I read that instead.
I've been reading these Mallory books from the beginning. Mallory was one of my favorite mystery characters - strong, brilliant and respected. She had a mysterious background, was much loved, yet displayed sociopathic tendencies. But, she used her powers for good (well, justice in her own mind) and not bad. But, here's the problem that I had with this book and the last one. There has been no character growth or development since Kathy Mallory debuted in 1994 (Mallory's Oracle). The author had a slow but steady pace in releasing these books (fine by me), but her writing and story telling seems to be at a standstill.
Since Mallory's debut, much of her mysterious background has been explored by Mallory herself. She's answered many of her internal questions, what happened to her mother, where was she from, who is her father, etc. But, even with these questions answered, Mallory is the exact same person as she was in 1995.
But the biggest problem is the writing. It started in book #10. O'Connell has the irritating habit of repeating Mallory's characteristics every time one of her friends come in contact with her. Yes, she's beautiful, wears expensive clothes, moves quietly, doesn't feel for others, has a glare, blah blah blah. Once is enough. But, these things pop up in virtually every chapter. Same with Charles' memory, incapable of lying face etc. Or Riker's constant dishevelment. The repetitive nature of the characters is now tiresome. There is also nothing to explain how Mallory builds such loyalty with her father's friends or with new people she meets. Is it just her looks? Because now it seems that everyone is attracted to her constant petulance.
Lastly, the story, while an interesting premise, was pretty choppy. It just didn't hold my attention. I had thought the series had ended a few years ago. That was my impression after finishing the book (maybe #9?). I'm sad to say, it should have stopped then, because these last two books were just huge disappointments.
I've been reading these Mallory books from the beginning. Mallory was one of my favorite mystery characters - strong, brilliant and respected. She had a mysterious background, was much loved, yet displayed sociopathic tendencies. But, she used her powers for good (well, justice in her own mind) and not bad. But, here's the problem that I had with this book and the last one. There has been no character growth or development since Kathy Mallory debuted in 1994 (Mallory's Oracle). The author had a slow but steady pace in releasing these books (fine by me), but her writing and story telling seems to be at a standstill.
Since Mallory's debut, much of her mysterious background has been explored by Mallory herself. She's answered many of her internal questions, what happened to her mother, where was she from, who is her father, etc. But, even with these questions answered, Mallory is the exact same person as she was in 1995.
But the biggest problem is the writing. It started in book #10. O'Connell has the irritating habit of repeating Mallory's characteristics every time one of her friends come in contact with her. Yes, she's beautiful, wears expensive clothes, moves quietly, doesn't feel for others, has a glare, blah blah blah. Once is enough. But, these things pop up in virtually every chapter. Same with Charles' memory, incapable of lying face etc. Or Riker's constant dishevelment. The repetitive nature of the characters is now tiresome. There is also nothing to explain how Mallory builds such loyalty with her father's friends or with new people she meets. Is it just her looks? Because now it seems that everyone is attracted to her constant petulance.
Lastly, the story, while an interesting premise, was pretty choppy. It just didn't hold my attention. I had thought the series had ended a few years ago. That was my impression after finishing the book (maybe #9?). I'm sad to say, it should have stopped then, because these last two books were just huge disappointments.
September 19, 2013
This is the 12th addition to Carol O’Connell’s Mallory series. When Mallory was first introduced in “Mallory’s Oracle” (1995), readers hadn’t seen a character quite like the deeply flawed Mallory. Despite her lack of human emotion, there were hints that beneath the sociopathic surface, a human heart beat. However, with “It Happens in the Dark,” the latest in the Mallory series, we know that Mallory is just that - a deeply flawed human who is incapable of even the most basic human emotion.
After 18 years, Mallory has gotten darker with few, if any redeeming qualities. “It Happens in the Dark,” unfolds at a snail’s pace. It is not one of those books that the reader can’t put down nor is it a book that the reader is willing to read into the wee hours of the night. It may very well be one of those books that doesn’t make it past many people’s 50 page rule - you know, I’ll read at least 50 pages and if it hasn’t grabbed me by page 50, I’m on to the next book in my To Be Read pile.
From start to finish the author relied heavily on the willingness of her fans to continue to read her book long after they would have given up on another author. I stopped ready the series after the third or fourth entry because Mallory was becoming boring. I decided to revisit the series because I was curious about what O’Connell had done with Mallory in the intervening years. The answer to that didn’t take long to ascertain - nothing, Mallory was still Mallory.
July 27, 2013
There are so many great mystery and detective series out there, but this is my number one favorite. The one I just can't wait until a new on is written. The Mallory series and Mallory herself, are both unusual, psychologically interesting and well written. I read an interview one time with the author and someone had asked her if she was a sociopath like Mallory, and if she wasn't how she could write about one so well. She had mentioned that she was not but she was very good at getting inside her character's head. It is best to start with the first book in the series, because than one learns what has made Mallory as she is and much of her back story. That is fascinating as well, as are many of the characters that associate or work with Mallory.
This story takes place in the theater, and people in the theater are often times different characters themselves. Many red herrings, many dead ends and always Mallory's unique blend of quick thinking and her original way of garnering justice. This is definitely character driven mysteries, and once again I find myself awaiting the next in series.
ARC from Librarything.
This story takes place in the theater, and people in the theater are often times different characters themselves. Many red herrings, many dead ends and always Mallory's unique blend of quick thinking and her original way of garnering justice. This is definitely character driven mysteries, and once again I find myself awaiting the next in series.
ARC from Librarything.
November 1, 2013
This book was so bad that I couldn't finish it. The characters - all of them, old and new - were grotesque caricatures, and the plot was miles beyond implausible. It is difficult to make the story of multiple murders in a theatrical setting, with extremely(!) dramatis personae, simultaneously confusing and boring, but O'Connell managed it somehow.
When I remember how much I liked the earlier books in the series, it makes me sad, and a bit angry.
When I remember how much I liked the earlier books in the series, it makes me sad, and a bit angry.
August 4, 2013
I love Carol O'Connell's Kathy Mallory Books and this one is as good as, if not better than, all the rest. Kathy Mallory is a detective with no feelings and a myriad of inner demons. These are so deep seated it makes your average inner demon look al pink and fluffy in comparison. This makes mallory a complex character. I have to admit that she grows on you throughout the series and she shows flashes of being almost human in this one. There are a number of strands to the book, but the author skilfully weaves then into one tense whole. The action mainly takes place in a theatre which one would think would limit the drama. However, this is not the case. The lives of the actors and their characters are so interspersed it is difficult to tell fact from fantasy. This makes for interesting reading and so many twists and turns it made me feel dizzy. The theatre itself also provides a sinister backdrop to the story. Mallory is no ordinary cop and the normal rules of investigation do not seem to apply to her. She breaks the rules at any given moment and will do whatever it takes to solve the case. I think this adds a certain something to the whole proceedings as you never know what she is going to do next.
Would I recommend this book? Yes definitely. However, it may be worth reading some of the previous books in the series in order to get the full measure of mallory's character.
Would I recommend this book? Yes definitely. However, it may be worth reading some of the previous books in the series in order to get the full measure of mallory's character.
August 17, 2013
Well....lets see, when you've figured out " whodunnit" within the first 100 pages, and its been verified by page 200 or so, wrapping it all up in the next 150 pages is just...exhausting.
I wanted to like this alot more than I did. Sadly I found the characters less than one dimensional and contrived. I did find Bugsy interesting however, ( sigh)
the contrivance of a former crime connected to the present serial crimes just took too blasted long for me, and made all the police involved look stupid, lazy, or witholding evidence for some unknown reason. not something I'd appreciate if I was a hard working blue blood.
I wanted to like this alot more than I did. Sadly I found the characters less than one dimensional and contrived. I did find Bugsy interesting however, ( sigh)
the contrivance of a former crime connected to the present serial crimes just took too blasted long for me, and made all the police involved look stupid, lazy, or witholding evidence for some unknown reason. not something I'd appreciate if I was a hard working blue blood.
August 21, 2019
Something of a black comedy: all theatrical effects, pun intended. A Broadway play turned deadly has Mallory managing to rope everyone into working the case. Entertaining, of course, but also O'Connor succeeds at pulling in reference to every Broadway story I can think of. The end result is perhaps less of a puzzle to solve and more of a dazzling performance. Vicious fun.
Library copy
Library copy
August 25, 2013
Maybe I need to go back and re-read some of the earlier Mallory novels, because I just don't remember that those books continually hammered home Mallory's more "interesting" tendencies or that she's lacking in empathy, that the squad looks out for her, etc.. It got in the way of the story at times and if you haven't read one before, you'll be very annoyed. I get why this stuff needs to be explained, but once per book is fine. Ditto Charles' eidetic memory or technophobia. Once, then move on.
As for the mystery itself, it was an interesting look backstage and the process of putting on a play, changing the direction/director, etc.. It was never clear to me why anyone paid attention to the ghostwriter's changes, and the copyright issues were a little muddy but that was ok. Bugsy's character was absolutely fascinating; Alma's much less so. Having the new play mimic the plot of the old Nebraska mass killing added an interesting element, but here again there were times when things were rushed.
Only three stars? Had we spent more time on the mystery and less on Mallory's quirks, this would have been a solid four or even a five.
As for the mystery itself, it was an interesting look backstage and the process of putting on a play, changing the direction/director, etc.. It was never clear to me why anyone paid attention to the ghostwriter's changes, and the copyright issues were a little muddy but that was ok. Bugsy's character was absolutely fascinating; Alma's much less so. Having the new play mimic the plot of the old Nebraska mass killing added an interesting element, but here again there were times when things were rushed.
Only three stars? Had we spent more time on the mystery and less on Mallory's quirks, this would have been a solid four or even a five.
July 6, 2013
I must confess, I came to the Mallory series late, and so read the first nine books in immediate succession. Sadly, that burned me out on the series and I vowed to steer clear of future additions. I picked this book not really realizing that it was part of the series, and boy am I glad I did. This is an excellent mystery story, and one that also adds interesting revelations about Mallory herself and her relationships with those around her. I enjoyed it so much I went back and picked up the book I had missed along the way, happy to once again find myself in Mallory's world. For me at least, these books are best digested a bit at a time- all in one go was just too much and blunted their impact.
A great story, but not a great intro into the series so be sure to read them in order if possible!
A great story, but not a great intro into the series so be sure to read them in order if possible!
July 11, 2013
I received this on a giveaway from Putnam, and dived into it immediately. I love the Mallory series and despite this being #11 it did not feel tired, like other mystery series that revolve around one character's eccentricities. The plot line which involves excerpts from a play was unnecessarily over done, but the character development and the action kept it interesting and moving right along. All in all not my favorite of the series, but more than good enough to make me look forward to the next one, maybe where Mallory takes on some personal growth. I recommend you get to know O'Connell's Mallory mysteries. Start with the first, or Stone Angel, one of the best.
September 26, 2014
I have read this series (The Kathy Mallory mysteries) from the beginning and it was one of my favorites. Sadly, I think that the series should have ended with Find Me, which wrapped up much of the mystery surrounding Mallory's past. The following book, The Chalk Girl, worked because it built on that past. But I'm afraid that the author has run out of things to say about Mallory. This book was very disappointing.
October 27, 2013
I have read all of these and some are definitely better than others. This one is a beaut. An engrossing mystery with an amazing list of perpetrators. I like it better when no one is explaining how we should feel sorry for Mallory. Mallory just is, she certainly doesn't need my sympathy. And like a true Mallory all the bad guys got their comeuppances. The ending is brilliant!
October 18, 2018
Unlike the previous Mallory novel I had read, the writer executes the core concept of Mallory's character much better here. Long before anyone heard Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock shout that he is a high functioning sociopath, O'Connell created NYPD detective Kathy Mallory who is a sociopath.
What may aid in the portrayal this time around is that more play is given to other members of the special crime detective unit, associate Charles Butler and the cast of a Broadway show where people keep dying. The small bits about Janos, Riker,Sanger and the CSIs works as counterpoints as to how disassociated Mallory is from humanity.
But, you could argue that she hasn't completely divorced herself from humanity in this tale. Mallory feels something for the show's gofer, Bugsy, a tragic figure in his own right. What happens at the ends makes some of those surrounding her wonder is she has found a shred of humanity.
O'Connell puts together a quickly paced and amusing mystery/crime thriller here. Multiple suspects, and engaging characters. But, in the background lurks Mallory even when she is not physically there often her presence is felt.
What may aid in the portrayal this time around is that more play is given to other members of the special crime detective unit, associate Charles Butler and the cast of a Broadway show where people keep dying. The small bits about Janos, Riker,Sanger and the CSIs works as counterpoints as to how disassociated Mallory is from humanity.
But, you could argue that she hasn't completely divorced herself from humanity in this tale. Mallory feels something for the show's gofer, Bugsy, a tragic figure in his own right. What happens at the ends makes some of those surrounding her wonder is she has found a shred of humanity.
O'Connell puts together a quickly paced and amusing mystery/crime thriller here. Multiple suspects, and engaging characters. But, in the background lurks Mallory even when she is not physically there often her presence is felt.
August 1, 2017
Ms O'Connell writes absorbing crime novels you don't want to put down and this one is no exception. A playwright is murdered in his seat on the second night of his play, except it's no longer his play as it has been altered beyond recognition. Without issuing spoilers more bodies appear and links to a 10 year old massacre are uncovered and at the centre of it all Mallory pulls the strings in her usual inimitable style. This is a clever, compulsive book and a shining example of great writing. I enthusiastically recommend this as a great read.
June 15, 2018
the beginning just didn't catch my interest
July 23, 2023
IT HAPPENS IN THE DARK [2013] By Carol O’Connell
My Review 4.0 Out Of 5.0 Stars
This is Book 11 of 12 in the author’s popular Mallory Book series. I discovered author Carol O’Connell sheerly by accident in January of last year as noted below. She is one of the most talented if not enchanting writers I have ever encountered. Her Mallory series is absolutely addicting. I burned through Book 10 out of the 12-book series by November of 2022, but decided to get a grip on my desire for immediate gratification and save the final two novels in the series until this year. O’Connell also wrote two standalones, “Judas Child” and “Bone by Bone.” They are must-reads as well, but I want to slow my roll and savor the last chapters of the stellar, sensational saga of Mallory the cop “with the gunslinger eyes.”
It was only this past November that I read Book 10 “The Chalk Girl” [2012] which was decidedly darker than all the preceding installments of this sensational series. The story moved me to tears, made me laugh out loud, and caused me to feel a sympathetic pang of sadness for the enigmatic protagonist Mallory. (Chalk Girl) was perhaps the most genuinely disturbing entry in the superlative series, and was released to critical acclaim six years following the ninth entry in her Mallory Books “Find Me” [2006]. I read (Find Me) in the August heat last summer. The author crafted a complex plot which was executed both beautifully and brilliantly. I was exhilarated by the book’s explosive thrills but especially enjoyed the richly detailed narrative that O’Connell dedicated to the backstory of her disturbed and dangerous” main protagonist. I think of (Find Me) as the installment which served to flesh out another layer of the enigmatic Mallory’s familial history. In its final pages, Mallory remained the beautiful and perfect predator whose psyche defied categorization.
But I digress. This customer book review is for Mallory Book 11 which was released in 2013 only a year following the critically acclaimed and truly wonderful entry (Chalk Girl). This installment of the series “plays” out against the background of Broadway (pun intended). Mallory and her partner Riker figure prominently in the investigation of a series of suspicious deaths that occur during the opening of a new play. Two members of the audience die in the first two nights. The second victim is the playwright who wrote the play. Initially there is jurisdictional warfare between Mallory (Special Crimes Unit) and the local police. Did the first victim really die of natural causes from a heart attack? Did the playwright really commit suicide by slashing his throat with his own straight razor? During the First Act the theater is pitched into darkness, and the inky blackness signals a “fantasy sequence” in the play. “It Happens in The Dark” (Title of Book). It is suggested that O’Connell deploys the old Phantom of the Opera device since there is a backstage blackboard on which an unknown entity writes notes using crumbling white chalk. The blackboard routinely directed changes to be made in the play, many which entailed elaborate additions (like the “Fat Man’s Ballet”) to changes in wardrobe, dialogue among the actors, and obviously to alterations in lighting. The theater was never supposed to extinguish lights at the exit doors or otherwise cut all lighting and pitch the theater into inky blackness. Ah, there are also threats and intimidations to adorn the blackboard, including ones directed at Mallory.
There are more deaths to follow of course and the “stages” of the investigation by Mallory’s Special Crimes Unit into the colorful characters in the play at the theater are predictably fascinating. The aspects of this police procedural are filled with tension stemming from the shenanigans of the anonymous “ghostwriter” but even more riveting are the interactions between Mallory and her colleagues. Her boss Jack Caffey, the interdepartmental heads of CSI and the ME’s Office are all involved and targeted for manipulation by Mallory to achieve the goal of solving the case. O’Connell has been known to use ancient history to embellish upon her main plot which then effectively expands the story into dual plot lines and time frames. In this instance the altered stage play is mirroring an unsolved family massacre which happened a decade before the play opened. The bloody massacre happened in another state, and the sheriff handling the case so long ago is still holding the entire case file hostage. It has been his mission to close the case by gathering information from other police jurisdictions, reporters, anybody really, who can supply him with pertinent data. The man has no concept of quid pro quo and over the years that spanned the decade since the murders he has never given an inch. But then he has never met Mallory. This character rich plot is fascinating in its complexity and the author executes it like a maestro. Mallory metes out justice through the judicial process but all too often this proves either restrictive or completely off the table or woefully inadequate. It is then that Mallory divines the price that is owed by any given source of evil in the story and deliveries to the perpetrator his or her just dues. I was left unfulfilled by this particular installment in one specific area, and that entails the description of Mallory (her characterization most commonly divined through the POVs of the people who feel that they are objective in their assessments and know her best). This novel failed to depict Mallory beyond the scope of a gorgeous hyperintelligent manipulative sociopath. I failed to glimpse the “chinks” in that armor of psychopathy to reveal the truth that has previously cast Mallory as absolutely unique and a case “that defies categorization.” Comparatively I would predict that fans of this series would feel literally in the “dark” if they skipped this installment and they will have read it by now (or if a new recruit like me already have it on their TBR shelf). Frankly it is not as satisfying as the prior two installments mentioned earlier (“Find Me” and particularly the monumentally magnificent “Chalk Girl”). But----any reader who appreciates masterful storytelling, complex whodunits, rich character development and a heroine who is “out of this world”, part “Avenging Angel” and part deadly Doc Holliday with a lightning fast draw and those green “gunslinger eyes”---read the whole collection.
That said, Carol O’Connell was a “new-to-me” author when I read “Mallory’s Oracle” [1995], the debut book which featured her sociopathic main protagonist the disturbed and dangerous female cop Kathy Mallory. It so happened in January of last year I made a New Year’s Resolution to try new authors with a specific focus on novels prominently featuring sociopathic main characters. I struck gold with O’Connell and her Mallory series which proved to be absolutely addictive. I have been totally impressed with her writing style, agility in juggling and brilliantly executing complex plot lines, and perhaps most of all the author’s uncanny ability to create colorful yet believable characters in her stories that feel real enough to step off the written page. The recurring cast in the book series is out of this world, and although arguably any one of the books could be enjoyed as a standalone reading experience, the Mallory novels in my opinion feel more like a soap opera format where you have Mallory and the people in her universe in each installment. Book 11 released in 2013 is no exception. Readers of the series will see all of the beloved supporting characters again in (It Happens in The Dark).
O’Connell introduced the character of Mallory in the mid-90’s so falling in love with a character and the author’s incomparable talent and style when the writer has concluded her accomplished and illustrious career is both maddening and saddening. I have never loved any police procedural series or female protagonist any more in my entire life. The discovery of a dozen spectacular novels to feast upon was bitter sweet in that I was aware that the number was finite. I am looking forward to her two standalones of course, but it makes me long for a time machine to travel back and experience the excitement for a new release of the Mallory series to hit the shelves.
I still consider myself lucky indeed to have discovered this wonderful author and her riveting, addictive novels that feature NYPD Special Crimes Detective Kathleen Mallory and the recurring cast of colorful characters who populate her universe. The plot of each book is unique but the stories are continued with the same characters. Readers who like continuing characterization and following the character arcs of a fantastic assortment of a supporting cast will love the entire Mallory series. O’Connell’s plots are invariably highly imaginative, incredibly original, compelling, and complex. The storylines are multi-layered, often with subplots, and always with a narrative style that manages to mix poetic prose, scintillating dialogue, sardonic humor, and a relentless yet perfect pace. Mallory’s “tricked-out” VW Beetle with the racing power of a Porsche engine provides some wicked humor. Mallory’s face-offs with other police personnel, forensics, the medical examiner’s office, and other characters in the book always inject a dose of satisfying adrenaline. There are often parallel story lines that weave throughout the novel, and the layers of the narratives are gradually peeled away as the book unfolds.
ENGAGING INSTALLMENT FROM O’CONNELL AS THE SAGA OF MALLORY IS COMING TO AN END
My Review 4.0 Out Of 5.0 Stars
This is Book 11 of 12 in the author’s popular Mallory Book series. I discovered author Carol O’Connell sheerly by accident in January of last year as noted below. She is one of the most talented if not enchanting writers I have ever encountered. Her Mallory series is absolutely addicting. I burned through Book 10 out of the 12-book series by November of 2022, but decided to get a grip on my desire for immediate gratification and save the final two novels in the series until this year. O’Connell also wrote two standalones, “Judas Child” and “Bone by Bone.” They are must-reads as well, but I want to slow my roll and savor the last chapters of the stellar, sensational saga of Mallory the cop “with the gunslinger eyes.”
It was only this past November that I read Book 10 “The Chalk Girl” [2012] which was decidedly darker than all the preceding installments of this sensational series. The story moved me to tears, made me laugh out loud, and caused me to feel a sympathetic pang of sadness for the enigmatic protagonist Mallory. (Chalk Girl) was perhaps the most genuinely disturbing entry in the superlative series, and was released to critical acclaim six years following the ninth entry in her Mallory Books “Find Me” [2006]. I read (Find Me) in the August heat last summer. The author crafted a complex plot which was executed both beautifully and brilliantly. I was exhilarated by the book’s explosive thrills but especially enjoyed the richly detailed narrative that O’Connell dedicated to the backstory of her disturbed and dangerous” main protagonist. I think of (Find Me) as the installment which served to flesh out another layer of the enigmatic Mallory’s familial history. In its final pages, Mallory remained the beautiful and perfect predator whose psyche defied categorization.
But I digress. This customer book review is for Mallory Book 11 which was released in 2013 only a year following the critically acclaimed and truly wonderful entry (Chalk Girl). This installment of the series “plays” out against the background of Broadway (pun intended). Mallory and her partner Riker figure prominently in the investigation of a series of suspicious deaths that occur during the opening of a new play. Two members of the audience die in the first two nights. The second victim is the playwright who wrote the play. Initially there is jurisdictional warfare between Mallory (Special Crimes Unit) and the local police. Did the first victim really die of natural causes from a heart attack? Did the playwright really commit suicide by slashing his throat with his own straight razor? During the First Act the theater is pitched into darkness, and the inky blackness signals a “fantasy sequence” in the play. “It Happens in The Dark” (Title of Book). It is suggested that O’Connell deploys the old Phantom of the Opera device since there is a backstage blackboard on which an unknown entity writes notes using crumbling white chalk. The blackboard routinely directed changes to be made in the play, many which entailed elaborate additions (like the “Fat Man’s Ballet”) to changes in wardrobe, dialogue among the actors, and obviously to alterations in lighting. The theater was never supposed to extinguish lights at the exit doors or otherwise cut all lighting and pitch the theater into inky blackness. Ah, there are also threats and intimidations to adorn the blackboard, including ones directed at Mallory.
There are more deaths to follow of course and the “stages” of the investigation by Mallory’s Special Crimes Unit into the colorful characters in the play at the theater are predictably fascinating. The aspects of this police procedural are filled with tension stemming from the shenanigans of the anonymous “ghostwriter” but even more riveting are the interactions between Mallory and her colleagues. Her boss Jack Caffey, the interdepartmental heads of CSI and the ME’s Office are all involved and targeted for manipulation by Mallory to achieve the goal of solving the case. O’Connell has been known to use ancient history to embellish upon her main plot which then effectively expands the story into dual plot lines and time frames. In this instance the altered stage play is mirroring an unsolved family massacre which happened a decade before the play opened. The bloody massacre happened in another state, and the sheriff handling the case so long ago is still holding the entire case file hostage. It has been his mission to close the case by gathering information from other police jurisdictions, reporters, anybody really, who can supply him with pertinent data. The man has no concept of quid pro quo and over the years that spanned the decade since the murders he has never given an inch. But then he has never met Mallory. This character rich plot is fascinating in its complexity and the author executes it like a maestro. Mallory metes out justice through the judicial process but all too often this proves either restrictive or completely off the table or woefully inadequate. It is then that Mallory divines the price that is owed by any given source of evil in the story and deliveries to the perpetrator his or her just dues. I was left unfulfilled by this particular installment in one specific area, and that entails the description of Mallory (her characterization most commonly divined through the POVs of the people who feel that they are objective in their assessments and know her best). This novel failed to depict Mallory beyond the scope of a gorgeous hyperintelligent manipulative sociopath. I failed to glimpse the “chinks” in that armor of psychopathy to reveal the truth that has previously cast Mallory as absolutely unique and a case “that defies categorization.” Comparatively I would predict that fans of this series would feel literally in the “dark” if they skipped this installment and they will have read it by now (or if a new recruit like me already have it on their TBR shelf). Frankly it is not as satisfying as the prior two installments mentioned earlier (“Find Me” and particularly the monumentally magnificent “Chalk Girl”). But----any reader who appreciates masterful storytelling, complex whodunits, rich character development and a heroine who is “out of this world”, part “Avenging Angel” and part deadly Doc Holliday with a lightning fast draw and those green “gunslinger eyes”---read the whole collection.
That said, Carol O’Connell was a “new-to-me” author when I read “Mallory’s Oracle” [1995], the debut book which featured her sociopathic main protagonist the disturbed and dangerous female cop Kathy Mallory. It so happened in January of last year I made a New Year’s Resolution to try new authors with a specific focus on novels prominently featuring sociopathic main characters. I struck gold with O’Connell and her Mallory series which proved to be absolutely addictive. I have been totally impressed with her writing style, agility in juggling and brilliantly executing complex plot lines, and perhaps most of all the author’s uncanny ability to create colorful yet believable characters in her stories that feel real enough to step off the written page. The recurring cast in the book series is out of this world, and although arguably any one of the books could be enjoyed as a standalone reading experience, the Mallory novels in my opinion feel more like a soap opera format where you have Mallory and the people in her universe in each installment. Book 11 released in 2013 is no exception. Readers of the series will see all of the beloved supporting characters again in (It Happens in The Dark).
O’Connell introduced the character of Mallory in the mid-90’s so falling in love with a character and the author’s incomparable talent and style when the writer has concluded her accomplished and illustrious career is both maddening and saddening. I have never loved any police procedural series or female protagonist any more in my entire life. The discovery of a dozen spectacular novels to feast upon was bitter sweet in that I was aware that the number was finite. I am looking forward to her two standalones of course, but it makes me long for a time machine to travel back and experience the excitement for a new release of the Mallory series to hit the shelves.
I still consider myself lucky indeed to have discovered this wonderful author and her riveting, addictive novels that feature NYPD Special Crimes Detective Kathleen Mallory and the recurring cast of colorful characters who populate her universe. The plot of each book is unique but the stories are continued with the same characters. Readers who like continuing characterization and following the character arcs of a fantastic assortment of a supporting cast will love the entire Mallory series. O’Connell’s plots are invariably highly imaginative, incredibly original, compelling, and complex. The storylines are multi-layered, often with subplots, and always with a narrative style that manages to mix poetic prose, scintillating dialogue, sardonic humor, and a relentless yet perfect pace. Mallory’s “tricked-out” VW Beetle with the racing power of a Porsche engine provides some wicked humor. Mallory’s face-offs with other police personnel, forensics, the medical examiner’s office, and other characters in the book always inject a dose of satisfying adrenaline. There are often parallel story lines that weave throughout the novel, and the layers of the narratives are gradually peeled away as the book unfolds.
ENGAGING INSTALLMENT FROM O’CONNELL AS THE SAGA OF MALLORY IS COMING TO AN END
September 6, 2013
First Sentence: The Theater District did not shut down for winter storms.
Putting on a play in New York is always a tough gig. However, having the play change constantly and having a person in the audience die each of the first two nights, makes it particularly challenging. It does draw an audience, and the attention of Special Crimes Unit, including Detective Mallory.
Kathy Mallory is a force and one of the most memorable and compelling characters there is. Her partner Riker, Dr. Edward Slope, brilliant Charles Butler and all of the recurring characters in this series are not only her family, but become part of everyone who follows the series. If you’re a fan, you are a real fan. If you’ve not read the series before, don’t start here.
It has taken me a long time to figure out how I feel about this book. The answer is that I’m somewhat disappointed. The reason why is the plot. It is confusing, to put it kindly. Of the secondary characters, there is only one about whom we care, and it takes us a long time to get there. Of the others, there is only one from whom we may feel some sympathy, but not that’s enough. There is, however, a very good second thread which does make the story more interesting. As opposed to most Mallory books, I did not find this a one-sitting read. I never considered not finishing it, but I did keep hoping it would get better.
The two things that drove me forward were the character of Mallory, who is always compelling, and O’Connell’s dialogue including her use of wry humor…”Words of a wise man: “Don’t ever let me catch you punching out a reporter.” And the late Louis Markowitz had also told her,” It’s unsanitary, kid. You don’t know where that scum has been.”. Those two elements are wonderful, but not enough on their own.
There seems to be a major continuity gap between the previous book, “The Chalk Girl”, and this book. That gap is never explained. There is also an epilogue in this book, as was in the last, that really doesn’t contribute anything to the story itself. The first time, it was interesting and touching; this time it seems disjointed and somewhat out of continuity with the previous one. I do, however, have a suspicion that O’Connell is playing with us, in the way Mallory would, and all will be clear….someday.
“It Happens In the Dark” is not O’Connell’s best book. Were someone new to the series, or someone who is not a true fan, to read it, I suspect this would be the end or only book they would read by her. As someone who is a fan, I am willing to forgive an author their occasional blunder—who knows what may have been going on in Ms. O’Connell’s life during the time she was writing this—but I shall also very much hope the next book rises back to the level we’ve come to expect.
IT HAPPENS IN THE DARK (Pol Prod-Mallory-NYC-Cont) – Good
O’Connell, Carol
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013
Putting on a play in New York is always a tough gig. However, having the play change constantly and having a person in the audience die each of the first two nights, makes it particularly challenging. It does draw an audience, and the attention of Special Crimes Unit, including Detective Mallory.
Kathy Mallory is a force and one of the most memorable and compelling characters there is. Her partner Riker, Dr. Edward Slope, brilliant Charles Butler and all of the recurring characters in this series are not only her family, but become part of everyone who follows the series. If you’re a fan, you are a real fan. If you’ve not read the series before, don’t start here.
It has taken me a long time to figure out how I feel about this book. The answer is that I’m somewhat disappointed. The reason why is the plot. It is confusing, to put it kindly. Of the secondary characters, there is only one about whom we care, and it takes us a long time to get there. Of the others, there is only one from whom we may feel some sympathy, but not that’s enough. There is, however, a very good second thread which does make the story more interesting. As opposed to most Mallory books, I did not find this a one-sitting read. I never considered not finishing it, but I did keep hoping it would get better.
The two things that drove me forward were the character of Mallory, who is always compelling, and O’Connell’s dialogue including her use of wry humor…”Words of a wise man: “Don’t ever let me catch you punching out a reporter.” And the late Louis Markowitz had also told her,” It’s unsanitary, kid. You don’t know where that scum has been.”. Those two elements are wonderful, but not enough on their own.
There seems to be a major continuity gap between the previous book, “The Chalk Girl”, and this book. That gap is never explained. There is also an epilogue in this book, as was in the last, that really doesn’t contribute anything to the story itself. The first time, it was interesting and touching; this time it seems disjointed and somewhat out of continuity with the previous one. I do, however, have a suspicion that O’Connell is playing with us, in the way Mallory would, and all will be clear….someday.
“It Happens In the Dark” is not O’Connell’s best book. Were someone new to the series, or someone who is not a true fan, to read it, I suspect this would be the end or only book they would read by her. As someone who is a fan, I am willing to forgive an author their occasional blunder—who knows what may have been going on in Ms. O’Connell’s life during the time she was writing this—but I shall also very much hope the next book rises back to the level we’ve come to expect.
IT HAPPENS IN THE DARK (Pol Prod-Mallory-NYC-Cont) – Good
O’Connell, Carol
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013
January 30, 2014
So I was curious and a little trepidatious about reading this one. I've always been a fan of the Mallory series, but some family members who have also read them didn't like this one at all, and the Goodreads reviews I checked were mixed.
Well, I'm still a fan of the series. I did really like this one. Mallory is a fascinating character, but she is a bit of a construct (as is Charles, for that matter) and her behavior is somewhat predictable. By that I mean we can always count on Mallory to hack, track, manipulate, lock pick and law break her way into solving each case. And you can count on Charles to adore and try to protect her. And you can count on her not only NOT thanking him, but going out of her way to torment him for it. And you can count on him to endlessly forgive her and keep adoring her. Riker, a bit less predictable, can also be counted on to protect Mallory by turning a blind eye when needed, and covering for her when necessary.
So she IS fascinating, but she's also impossible. She has eerie intuition, an haute couture wardrobe, supermodel looks, ninja fighting skills, world class computer hacking ability, a seemingly limitless bank account, and detecting talents that would rival Sherlock Holmes. She's also cold, emotionless, aloof, and often cruel. But here's the interesting thing about this book. Mallory seems almost a sociopath in some books...I pretty much gave up on her character (but not the series) in one book when she was indifferent and unfeeling toward an animal that obviously adored her. That's pretty much how she treats anyone who adores her, and there are many. It makes me crazy. BUT, in this book, she shows a glimmer (just a touch, mind you) of tenderness, towards not just one character but several. Interestingly, those characters are sad, tormented, broken souls; yet, in her way, Mallory takes them under her wing and acts for their benefit.
Speaking of characters, what a splendid cast of characters in this book...literally. The characters are theatre people and what a deliciously crazy, cruel, sick, vulnerable, and self-absorbed troupe they are!
The plot in this one is as intricate and convoluted as always, with the premise being a long ago murder that has been written into the play performed within the book. It's a page turner! There's also a fascinating revelation about the future Mallory and Charles at the end of the book. Good stuff!
Well, I'm still a fan of the series. I did really like this one. Mallory is a fascinating character, but she is a bit of a construct (as is Charles, for that matter) and her behavior is somewhat predictable. By that I mean we can always count on Mallory to hack, track, manipulate, lock pick and law break her way into solving each case. And you can count on Charles to adore and try to protect her. And you can count on her not only NOT thanking him, but going out of her way to torment him for it. And you can count on him to endlessly forgive her and keep adoring her. Riker, a bit less predictable, can also be counted on to protect Mallory by turning a blind eye when needed, and covering for her when necessary.
So she IS fascinating, but she's also impossible. She has eerie intuition, an haute couture wardrobe, supermodel looks, ninja fighting skills, world class computer hacking ability, a seemingly limitless bank account, and detecting talents that would rival Sherlock Holmes. She's also cold, emotionless, aloof, and often cruel. But here's the interesting thing about this book. Mallory seems almost a sociopath in some books...I pretty much gave up on her character (but not the series) in one book when she was indifferent and unfeeling toward an animal that obviously adored her. That's pretty much how she treats anyone who adores her, and there are many. It makes me crazy. BUT, in this book, she shows a glimmer (just a touch, mind you) of tenderness, towards not just one character but several. Interestingly, those characters are sad, tormented, broken souls; yet, in her way, Mallory takes them under her wing and acts for their benefit.
Speaking of characters, what a splendid cast of characters in this book...literally. The characters are theatre people and what a deliciously crazy, cruel, sick, vulnerable, and self-absorbed troupe they are!
The plot in this one is as intricate and convoluted as always, with the premise being a long ago murder that has been written into the play performed within the book. It's a page turner! There's also a fascinating revelation about the future Mallory and Charles at the end of the book. Good stuff!
February 23, 2014
It is opening night of the play, ‘Brass Bed’, by Peter Beck, and for one audience member sitting in the front row it is also the night they are murdered.
This play, based on a true story of a Nebraska family murdered in their home is not only a creepy tale, but also becomes a deadly play to watch. On the second night of the play, while in progress, Peter Beck has his own throat slashed, becoming the next victim to die in the front row without an explanation or a solution. Reviewers begin referring to the production as; “A Play to Die For,” and most believe this is one play that should NOT go on.
Detective Kathy Mallory of the NYPD Special Crimes Unit takes over the case, but soon finds out that she will receive absolutely no cooperation from cast, crew and almost everyone else in charge. The only person who seems open to helping turns out to be a very silent and never before seen person called the ‘ghostwriter’, who leaves messages for Mallory in chalk on a backstage blackboard.
The cast is more than a little strange and the so-called ghostwriter keeps up the charade of invisibility, leaving Mallory to make her own deductions as she tries to manipulate the witnesses and suspects to get someone to talk.
Calling in the small town Sheriff who investigated the murders back in Nebraska, Mallory brings the law to Manhattan in order to see if the murders of the audience members were at all similar to what happened to a family long ago.
Getting more and more odd every night, a deadly hand begins to create rewrites in the script that include Mallory as part of the vicious story. And when the blackboard reads: ‘Mallory, tonight’s the night’, a mysterious murderer takes charge and the play becomes personal.
A fantastically fun and intriguing mystery!
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
This play, based on a true story of a Nebraska family murdered in their home is not only a creepy tale, but also becomes a deadly play to watch. On the second night of the play, while in progress, Peter Beck has his own throat slashed, becoming the next victim to die in the front row without an explanation or a solution. Reviewers begin referring to the production as; “A Play to Die For,” and most believe this is one play that should NOT go on.
Detective Kathy Mallory of the NYPD Special Crimes Unit takes over the case, but soon finds out that she will receive absolutely no cooperation from cast, crew and almost everyone else in charge. The only person who seems open to helping turns out to be a very silent and never before seen person called the ‘ghostwriter’, who leaves messages for Mallory in chalk on a backstage blackboard.
The cast is more than a little strange and the so-called ghostwriter keeps up the charade of invisibility, leaving Mallory to make her own deductions as she tries to manipulate the witnesses and suspects to get someone to talk.
Calling in the small town Sheriff who investigated the murders back in Nebraska, Mallory brings the law to Manhattan in order to see if the murders of the audience members were at all similar to what happened to a family long ago.
Getting more and more odd every night, a deadly hand begins to create rewrites in the script that include Mallory as part of the vicious story. And when the blackboard reads: ‘Mallory, tonight’s the night’, a mysterious murderer takes charge and the play becomes personal.
A fantastically fun and intriguing mystery!
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
August 30, 2013
IT HAPPENS IN THE DARK
Carol O'Connell
In 1995 MALLORY'S ORACLE hit me over the head with this intriguing, complex New York City detective who is not only beautiful but smart and extremely scary. In my mind she is one of the greatest characters in crime fiction or any fiction for that matter! This is the 12th installment of the series,and I must say it would behoove you to go back to the beginning to acquaint yourself with the marvelously drawn characters, and to understand how Kathy became this beauty with overwhelming insights and probably a sociopath.
Opening night on Broadway and a woman in the audience dies and the play goes no further. On the second opening night the playwright is killed while sitting in the audience. Enter Kathy Mallory and her partner to solve the crime. The cast is a mixed bag of older stars, psychopaths, and an emotionally retarded man which only makes the case one for the books.
Despite my enjoyment of the book, it was a little choppy and not Ms. O'Connells best effort, but would never lose me as a devoted fan and reader. It probably should be three stars, but not to this great author. I certainly hope the hint about the end is not preparing us for no more Mallory.
It is important to also include the book THE JUDAS CHILD which is a stand alone book that has been with me for years. It is a great book and one that had me totally surprised at the ending. That doesn't happen often for we obsessive readers, and I have to tip my hat to the authors creative genius.
Carol O'Connell
In 1995 MALLORY'S ORACLE hit me over the head with this intriguing, complex New York City detective who is not only beautiful but smart and extremely scary. In my mind she is one of the greatest characters in crime fiction or any fiction for that matter! This is the 12th installment of the series,and I must say it would behoove you to go back to the beginning to acquaint yourself with the marvelously drawn characters, and to understand how Kathy became this beauty with overwhelming insights and probably a sociopath.
Opening night on Broadway and a woman in the audience dies and the play goes no further. On the second opening night the playwright is killed while sitting in the audience. Enter Kathy Mallory and her partner to solve the crime. The cast is a mixed bag of older stars, psychopaths, and an emotionally retarded man which only makes the case one for the books.
Despite my enjoyment of the book, it was a little choppy and not Ms. O'Connells best effort, but would never lose me as a devoted fan and reader. It probably should be three stars, but not to this great author. I certainly hope the hint about the end is not preparing us for no more Mallory.
It is important to also include the book THE JUDAS CHILD which is a stand alone book that has been with me for years. It is a great book and one that had me totally surprised at the ending. That doesn't happen often for we obsessive readers, and I have to tip my hat to the authors creative genius.
January 6, 2016
With The Chalk Girl, Carol O'Connell's signature character Kathy Mallory became a little less quirky and a little more annoying, as did O'Connell's story about her. In It Happens in the Dark, things go pretty much completely off the rails. O'Connell seems to lose control of her plot, characters and storyline early on and never regains it. Mallory herself is less of a character in the story than a cipher the other characters react to -- usually in awe or fear or moonie puppy-dog crush.
The story concerns a murder -- or is it? -- at the performance of a play, happening on a night which followed someone else in the audience dying. Mallory has to investigate the weird world of actors, playwrights, critics, stagehands and producers, and her notable lack of patience for ordinary folks is stretched thin by the eccentric theater crowd. Stir in a decades-old mystery surrounding a family murdered in their home, and you have a knot that Lt. Columbo would have looked at and said, "I'm putting in for vacation."
A half-dozen rereads are required to know what goes on every dozen pages, and the payoff is meager enough to be worthy of very little of that work. Mallory fans showed a lot of disappointment with Chalk Girl, and it's hard to imagine O'Connell winning many of them back with the gooey mess she offers in Happens.
Original available here.
The story concerns a murder -- or is it? -- at the performance of a play, happening on a night which followed someone else in the audience dying. Mallory has to investigate the weird world of actors, playwrights, critics, stagehands and producers, and her notable lack of patience for ordinary folks is stretched thin by the eccentric theater crowd. Stir in a decades-old mystery surrounding a family murdered in their home, and you have a knot that Lt. Columbo would have looked at and said, "I'm putting in for vacation."
A half-dozen rereads are required to know what goes on every dozen pages, and the payoff is meager enough to be worthy of very little of that work. Mallory fans showed a lot of disappointment with Chalk Girl, and it's hard to imagine O'Connell winning many of them back with the gooey mess she offers in Happens.
Original available here.
May 4, 2014
I have been a Kathy Mallory fan since 1996. 'Mallory's Oracle' intrigued, charmed, and terrified me. I have read each of the 11 books in the series and O’Connell’s brilliance should never be underestimated. (The author's stand-alone novel, 'The Judas Child' still haunts me.) She was writing the anti-hero long before every second author dreamt of doing just that. Mallory, her New York City detective, is one of the most fascinating characters ever created. If you haven’t read the series, it might be a good time to start.
Kathy Mallory and her partner, Riker, are brought in to solve a series of deaths in a theatre on Broadway. The list of troubled suspects in the troubled play include a starlet, a film star, an ageing wardrobe lady, a man who has lost touch with reality, creepy twins, and a real ghost writer. Mallory torments both the actors and her allies, including Charles Butler, as she tracks the killer. The plot is a bit more complicated than it should be, but even that can be overlooked if you’ve read the series. Nothing is ever as it seems in Mallory’s world.
Highly recommended.
Kathy Mallory and her partner, Riker, are brought in to solve a series of deaths in a theatre on Broadway. The list of troubled suspects in the troubled play include a starlet, a film star, an ageing wardrobe lady, a man who has lost touch with reality, creepy twins, and a real ghost writer. Mallory torments both the actors and her allies, including Charles Butler, as she tracks the killer. The plot is a bit more complicated than it should be, but even that can be overlooked if you’ve read the series. Nothing is ever as it seems in Mallory’s world.
Highly recommended.
January 15, 2016
4.5 stars
Maybe 4.5 stars are a little bit too much because it's not perfect, honestly and the previous one was way better but I enjoyed the reading sooooo much that I really can't give it less stars.
The story is brilliant and Riker is at his best in this one! Go Riker! Mallory is always Mallory, so what else coul I say? And the story? Original! Great! Complex! Intersting! Intriguing! Compelling! And even brilliant! I've loved it.
Yes, in some parts seem that the author forget something, namely the sheriff. Sometimes it seems like O'Connell forget all about him for some chapters. But I think that is because it happens a lot in a really short time. That's a flaw, but a minor one. And in the previous one Mallory really touches your heart... ok, if you know her this sentence sounds really ominous, sorry! But in that book sometimes she seems almost human and you can really see al the people who care for her. It was really touching and I loved it a lot! In this one you do not have to see all that, but it's understandable and I liked this last book all the same.
So... where's the next?????
Maybe 4.5 stars are a little bit too much because it's not perfect, honestly and the previous one was way better but I enjoyed the reading sooooo much that I really can't give it less stars.
The story is brilliant and Riker is at his best in this one! Go Riker! Mallory is always Mallory, so what else coul I say? And the story? Original! Great! Complex! Intersting! Intriguing! Compelling! And even brilliant! I've loved it.
Yes, in some parts seem that the author forget something, namely the sheriff. Sometimes it seems like O'Connell forget all about him for some chapters. But I think that is because it happens a lot in a really short time. That's a flaw, but a minor one. And in the previous one Mallory really touches your heart... ok, if you know her this sentence sounds really ominous, sorry! But in that book sometimes she seems almost human and you can really see al the people who care for her. It was really touching and I loved it a lot! In this one you do not have to see all that, but it's understandable and I liked this last book all the same.
So... where's the next?????
September 29, 2013
I've been reading this series since the beginning, so I guess I'm a fan, but I'm becoming a little less enthusiastic lately. The plot was clever, per usual, but contained large implausible elements, also per usual. I've willingly put up with that over the years because O'Connell has a unique writing style and has created memorable characters. However, character development seems to have ground to a halt and she is too enamored of her main character -- more so than her readers are likely to be. Mallory has unique abilities and can occasionally show some humanity, but more often she is just gratuitously mean. I find it increasingly difficult to understand why the other characters still care about her. Although the book kept my attention, at the end my reaction to it all was essentially "so what." I'm willing to go one more round when the next one comes out, but I doubt I'll pre-order again.
March 13, 2014
Kathy Mallory is stone-cold and a cop's cop. She will kill you as soon as look at you. A playwright is murdered in the audience on the second night of his play's run and Mallory and Riker are called in to investigate. Turns out, someone else died on opening night and someone else dies on the third night of the play. Now, everyone in New York wants in; the play is SRO. But is the perp the drug-addled female lead or the Hollywood drop-out gorgeous male lead or the gruesome twins who are killers in the play? Timing is everything. And, who is it that keeps re-writing the playwright's play? The new lines and staging keep showing up on the old chalkboard and no one is claiming responsibility. It's all cat and mouse to Mallory.
April 3, 2016
Not the usual, or maybe it's just me? I'm not sure, but is this a Mallory prequel? The CSI supervisor refers to Mallory as a "puppy cop." Surely Mallory has been at it for quite awhile now? Not one mention of her parents or the mysterious four digit phone number written on Mallory's hand. I think the series ended with Find Me, only someone didn't get the memo.
Very disappointed. Carol O'Connell is usually world class; I've read everything she's written and really never had a problem before. I think Mallory is done, however. If Ms. O'Connell writes a follow up to Judas Child, I'm there.
Very disappointed. Carol O'Connell is usually world class; I've read everything she's written and really never had a problem before. I think Mallory is done, however. If Ms. O'Connell writes a follow up to Judas Child, I'm there.
March 6, 2015
When it comes to warped-
Nobody does it quite like O'Connell. In Kathy Mallory she has created a sociopath you can't help but love. I've been reading these books off and on for years, in gulps of two or three at a time until the stone coldness of the main character gets to be a bit too much even for me. And yet I find myself re-discovering O'Connell every couple of years, surprised and pleased that Kathy Mallory is still out there terrifying both the wicked and the innocent. I'm sated now, after 10 and 11. But it's nice to know there are a few more out there when I'm ready.
Nobody does it quite like O'Connell. In Kathy Mallory she has created a sociopath you can't help but love. I've been reading these books off and on for years, in gulps of two or three at a time until the stone coldness of the main character gets to be a bit too much even for me. And yet I find myself re-discovering O'Connell every couple of years, surprised and pleased that Kathy Mallory is still out there terrifying both the wicked and the innocent. I'm sated now, after 10 and 11. But it's nice to know there are a few more out there when I'm ready.
November 7, 2013
I rarely give 1, or even 2 star, reviews -- but I simply cannot believe how awful, awful, awful this book was, especially following THE CHALK GIRL. Mallory was a horrible caricature of herself in this book, and the writing stuttered. Completely unenjoyable.
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