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Charlie Parker #18
The Dirty South
It is 1999, and someone is slaughtering young black women in Burdon County, Arkansas.
But no one wants to admit it, not in the Dirty South.
In an Arkansas jail cell sits a former NYPD detective, stricken by grief. He is mourning the death of his wife and child, and searching in vain for their killer. He cares only for his own lost family.
But that is about to change . . .
Witness the becoming of Charlie Parker.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2020
2788 people are currently reading
7152 people want to read
About the author
John Connolly
220 books7,902 followersJohn Connolly was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1968 and has, at various points in his life, worked as a journalist, a barman, a local government official, a waiter and a dogsbody at Harrods department store in London. He studied English in Trinity College, Dublin and journalism at Dublin City University, subsequently spending five years working as a freelance journalist for The Irish Times newspaper, to which he continues to contribute.
He is based in Dublin but divides his time between his native city and the United States.
This page is administered by John's assistant, Clair, on John's behalf. If you'd like to communicate with John directly, you can do so by writing to contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com, or by following him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See other authors with similar names.
He is based in Dublin but divides his time between his native city and the United States.
This page is administered by John's assistant, Clair, on John's behalf. If you'd like to communicate with John directly, you can do so by writing to contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com, or by following him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See other authors with similar names.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 937 reviews
June 22, 2020
"The past shadows us.
The past defines us.
In the end, the past claims us all."
Young black women are being butchered in Cargill, Arkansas. Their murders have been swept under the rug to draw in corporate investors. But the mutilation of their bodies draws the eyes of another, a former NYPD police detective reeling from the murder of his wife and daughter.
The Dirty South is a prequel to the Charlie Parker series. It can be read as a standalone mystery. If you are interested in starting this series, I wouldn't start with this book. It lacks the eccentric characters and the overall strangeness that makes this such a unique series. It shows the beginnings of Parker, of who he is going to come to be, but he’s not yet fully formed. The ghosts are present, but Parker can’t yet fully grasp their presence.
Connolly, always the historian, spends a good amount of time on the history of Cargill, a town rife with corruption. The characters are a reflection of this history. The line between good and bad is quite thin. Parker’s invasion into this tightly knit community throws off this balance, and those who find themselves in between good and bad emerge in full force.
A good portion of the book is told from those who are from Cargill; mainly, the police detectives and the players in town. It takes a while for Parker’s character to fully emerge. I was annoyed by this because I just wanted Parker! Bits of his character are woven in, which kept me reading, and eventually he takes a central role. Young and raw, he is not wholly himself, but there are glimmers of who he will become. Our favorite friends make a short appearance (not until about the 90% mark). I could have used more of this dynamic duo to lighten the mood. Funny, how it takes a thief and assassin to lighten the mood, but this is the way a Charlie Parker novel works!
This was one of those books I didn’t love while reading it. The pacing is slow, and the history of Cargill is not the most exciting. I constantly grappled with my expectations, as I went in thinking that this was going read like a traditional Parker novel. However, when I finally finished, I realized I liked it more than I thought. The characters got under my skin and Connolly brought Cargill to life--the good, the bad, the ugly, and, of course, the evil.
If you are looking for the traditional Charlie Parker novel, you are not going to get it here. What you will get is an intricately plotted, well-written, straight forward mystery with well-developed characters and small glimpses of what's to come.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
The past defines us.
In the end, the past claims us all."
Young black women are being butchered in Cargill, Arkansas. Their murders have been swept under the rug to draw in corporate investors. But the mutilation of their bodies draws the eyes of another, a former NYPD police detective reeling from the murder of his wife and daughter.
The Dirty South is a prequel to the Charlie Parker series. It can be read as a standalone mystery. If you are interested in starting this series, I wouldn't start with this book. It lacks the eccentric characters and the overall strangeness that makes this such a unique series. It shows the beginnings of Parker, of who he is going to come to be, but he’s not yet fully formed. The ghosts are present, but Parker can’t yet fully grasp their presence.
Connolly, always the historian, spends a good amount of time on the history of Cargill, a town rife with corruption. The characters are a reflection of this history. The line between good and bad is quite thin. Parker’s invasion into this tightly knit community throws off this balance, and those who find themselves in between good and bad emerge in full force.
A good portion of the book is told from those who are from Cargill; mainly, the police detectives and the players in town. It takes a while for Parker’s character to fully emerge. I was annoyed by this because I just wanted Parker! Bits of his character are woven in, which kept me reading, and eventually he takes a central role. Young and raw, he is not wholly himself, but there are glimmers of who he will become. Our favorite friends make a short appearance (not until about the 90% mark). I could have used more of this dynamic duo to lighten the mood. Funny, how it takes a thief and assassin to lighten the mood, but this is the way a Charlie Parker novel works!
This was one of those books I didn’t love while reading it. The pacing is slow, and the history of Cargill is not the most exciting. I constantly grappled with my expectations, as I went in thinking that this was going read like a traditional Parker novel. However, when I finally finished, I realized I liked it more than I thought. The characters got under my skin and Connolly brought Cargill to life--the good, the bad, the ugly, and, of course, the evil.
If you are looking for the traditional Charlie Parker novel, you are not going to get it here. What you will get is an intricately plotted, well-written, straight forward mystery with well-developed characters and small glimpses of what's to come.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
Original review 8/20/20
My thanks to Atria book's, Netgalley and especially John Connolly. This is exactly what I needed after the last 4 to 5 Connolly books. Some of the last books have been so intense! I really didn't know where Charlie would go from here! The Dirty South reminded me of how it all began. I did know how he lost his family, and where he was at the moment. What I had forgotten was how lost he was at the time. Emotionally, spiritually. I would say the deep mourning, except that has never left Parker. I loved this book because it was a thriller. Just a messed up bad guy with a grudge. After the last book, I was ready for a reset. I love Parker, Angel and Louis. I love the weird. But, I also needed this! I've been a Connolly fan from the beginning. That means that I wait every year for a Parker book. I've read some awful reviews about this book, but I don't agree! To each their own! For me! I too needed this. Next year? Strange will happen. I'll be in board with that!
My thanks to Atria book's, Netgalley and especially John Connolly. This is exactly what I needed after the last 4 to 5 Connolly books. Some of the last books have been so intense! I really didn't know where Charlie would go from here! The Dirty South reminded me of how it all began. I did know how he lost his family, and where he was at the moment. What I had forgotten was how lost he was at the time. Emotionally, spiritually. I would say the deep mourning, except that has never left Parker. I loved this book because it was a thriller. Just a messed up bad guy with a grudge. After the last book, I was ready for a reset. I love Parker, Angel and Louis. I love the weird. But, I also needed this! I've been a Connolly fan from the beginning. That means that I wait every year for a Parker book. I've read some awful reviews about this book, but I don't agree! To each their own! For me! I too needed this. Next year? Strange will happen. I'll be in board with that!
January 12, 2021
3.5 stars
"Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is the rule." - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Burdon County, Arkansas, 1977 - Someone is killing women. But no one wants to admit to it. Charlie Parker, a former police detective, is in town, following a lead, looking for a killer. His wife and daughter have been murdered. He desperately wants to find the person who did this.
"I am a widower. I do not know if there is a name for one that has lost a child. If there is, there should not be. It is unnatural."
He is sitting in a jail cell, those in town are trying to figure out who he is and why he is in town. Boy will they be surprised. This is a prequel which shows of the beginning of Charlie Parker becoming Charlie Parker. This would work as a stand-alone, but I agree with other reviewers, to fully appreciate this book, you need to go back to the beginning or at least to earlier books. Parker has lost a lot. He is consumed with pain. He is also a hunter; he solves crimes and mysteries aided by Louis and Angel.
"The past defines us. In the end, the past claims us all."
There is not as much Parker in this book as I would have liked. With him, I always want more. The book is about a town, that does not appear to have a lot going for it, there is crime, there are grudges, deep secrets, corruption, intimidation, greed, and a promise that money will come to the town if they just keep quiet.
This will not be one of my favorite books in the series, but it will not be my least favorite better. This is one of my favorite and initially was not sure if this book was necessary. But as I continued reading, I must admit Connolly is showing us how the Parker I enjoy in other books, became that way. One thing that I feel Connolly excels at is giving us a glimpse into Parker's pain over losing his wife and daughter. Those passages are heartbreaking and beautiful.
"I want to be with you again. I do not want to live in this world without you. But I have to stay. I will find him, the one who did this, and when I am done with him, I will search for you both. I will leave this place, and I will travel to where you are. Wait for me. Listen for me. I will come."
I also wanted more of Louis and Angel. But I also liked how they came to help.
"When it comes time, you only have to ask. You call our names, you hear? You call our names."
The book started strong, lagged a little in the middle for me, then picked up again. As I said, this book is different from the other books in the series and it reads as such. Beautifully written and compelling.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
**See more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
"Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is the rule." - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Burdon County, Arkansas, 1977 - Someone is killing women. But no one wants to admit to it. Charlie Parker, a former police detective, is in town, following a lead, looking for a killer. His wife and daughter have been murdered. He desperately wants to find the person who did this.
"I am a widower. I do not know if there is a name for one that has lost a child. If there is, there should not be. It is unnatural."
He is sitting in a jail cell, those in town are trying to figure out who he is and why he is in town. Boy will they be surprised. This is a prequel which shows of the beginning of Charlie Parker becoming Charlie Parker. This would work as a stand-alone, but I agree with other reviewers, to fully appreciate this book, you need to go back to the beginning or at least to earlier books. Parker has lost a lot. He is consumed with pain. He is also a hunter; he solves crimes and mysteries aided by Louis and Angel.
"The past defines us. In the end, the past claims us all."
There is not as much Parker in this book as I would have liked. With him, I always want more. The book is about a town, that does not appear to have a lot going for it, there is crime, there are grudges, deep secrets, corruption, intimidation, greed, and a promise that money will come to the town if they just keep quiet.
This will not be one of my favorite books in the series, but it will not be my least favorite better. This is one of my favorite and initially was not sure if this book was necessary. But as I continued reading, I must admit Connolly is showing us how the Parker I enjoy in other books, became that way. One thing that I feel Connolly excels at is giving us a glimpse into Parker's pain over losing his wife and daughter. Those passages are heartbreaking and beautiful.
"I want to be with you again. I do not want to live in this world without you. But I have to stay. I will find him, the one who did this, and when I am done with him, I will search for you both. I will leave this place, and I will travel to where you are. Wait for me. Listen for me. I will come."
I also wanted more of Louis and Angel. But I also liked how they came to help.
"When it comes time, you only have to ask. You call our names, you hear? You call our names."
The book started strong, lagged a little in the middle for me, then picked up again. As I said, this book is different from the other books in the series and it reads as such. Beautifully written and compelling.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
**See more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 12, 2021
Interestingly in this book Connolly has a little break from his long running series to take us back to how the whole thing started. We meet a lost and grieving Charlie Parker, passing through a small town in Arkansas as he searches for the killer of his wife and child. Events occur which make him stay, and by the end of the book he has begun to realise that he wants more than vengeance in his life.
I love the way John Connolly writes. The story is gripping, the characters are sometimes horrible people but are always interesting, the pacing is good and the book is hard to put down. There is also a lot of very dry humour which led to me reading bits out loud to anyone who would listen. All these things mean a good book to me.
Of course there is also Charlie Parker who is one of the best characters ever created and his wonderful sidekicks Angel and Louis. I have read all of the seventeen books preceding this one and although I enjoyed The Dirty South very much, I cannot wait to get back to the main action and the man that Charlie has become. Please don't keep us waiting too long Mr. Connolly!
I love the way John Connolly writes. The story is gripping, the characters are sometimes horrible people but are always interesting, the pacing is good and the book is hard to put down. There is also a lot of very dry humour which led to me reading bits out loud to anyone who would listen. All these things mean a good book to me.
Of course there is also Charlie Parker who is one of the best characters ever created and his wonderful sidekicks Angel and Louis. I have read all of the seventeen books preceding this one and although I enjoyed The Dirty South very much, I cannot wait to get back to the main action and the man that Charlie has become. Please don't keep us waiting too long Mr. Connolly!
October 29, 2020
Nope, nothing to see here... nothing at all.... uhhh.... move along.”
Shortest Summary Ever: Charlie Parker has a score to settle in 1999. His wife and daughter murdered, he finds himself in Cargill, Arkansas, a veritable “armpit “ of America. Black girls are dying in horrifying ways while some prefer to sweep them away and preserve the town’s image, thus cementing the acquisition of a new corporation with promises of wealth for all. Parker is reluctantly pulled in to help a local officer - while most don’t want him there and will go to great lengths to keep Parker, and the town secrets, hush-hush.
Thoughts: I didn’t realize Arkansas was considered “the South” 😂. I know that might seem ignorantly simple, but I grew up in Michigan and now reside in the Carolinas (definitely south). I think of Texas as the South and Alabama and Mississippi - KY, TN... the Virginias. So here’s Arkansas and I go “hmmmm”, because let me fess up - the Netflix show Ozark and Bill Clinton are about all I know of the state. Wait unless that’s Missouri... see what I mean? But here’s where it gets familiar - the longer I’ve lived in the South the more I’ve been introduced to the “good ol’ boy” culture from this novel - in schools, industries and yep - police departments. I was instantly into drawn this narrative - the corruption and underhandedness of the law enforcement? Resonates. If you’ve never lived in an area like this, well, it’s an experience. Welcome to the dirty south.
This is my first Charlie Parker series book read and I had no trouble dropping by 18 books in, though I usually avoid plucking random series books off the tree, but the plot sounded too good and the title? Sold! I enjoyed the complicated character of Charlie Parker - a seemingly ruined man with a single-minded mission: find the sadistic killer of his wife and daughter. He’s sarcastic (a trait Southerners I’ve met do NOT appreciate), and focused - tormented and determined all at once. His story simply beckons the reader.
The plot is a bit of jazz... it’s fast and frantic turning slow and mellow. I enjoyed the tune but at times lost a little interest. But Charlie kept me coming back. And I’ll be back for another book or two.
All my reviews available at scrappymags.com around time of publication.
Genre: Mystery/Police Who-done-it
Recommend to: Reminds me a bit of Jack Reacher, those in the mood for a solid police mystery.
Not recommended to: if you need quick and done. This book has a few slow spots. Needs time to breathe.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for making me mentally cross off Arkansas on my “places to visit.” (Kidding!)
Shortest Summary Ever: Charlie Parker has a score to settle in 1999. His wife and daughter murdered, he finds himself in Cargill, Arkansas, a veritable “armpit “ of America. Black girls are dying in horrifying ways while some prefer to sweep them away and preserve the town’s image, thus cementing the acquisition of a new corporation with promises of wealth for all. Parker is reluctantly pulled in to help a local officer - while most don’t want him there and will go to great lengths to keep Parker, and the town secrets, hush-hush.
Thoughts: I didn’t realize Arkansas was considered “the South” 😂. I know that might seem ignorantly simple, but I grew up in Michigan and now reside in the Carolinas (definitely south). I think of Texas as the South and Alabama and Mississippi - KY, TN... the Virginias. So here’s Arkansas and I go “hmmmm”, because let me fess up - the Netflix show Ozark and Bill Clinton are about all I know of the state. Wait unless that’s Missouri... see what I mean? But here’s where it gets familiar - the longer I’ve lived in the South the more I’ve been introduced to the “good ol’ boy” culture from this novel - in schools, industries and yep - police departments. I was instantly into drawn this narrative - the corruption and underhandedness of the law enforcement? Resonates. If you’ve never lived in an area like this, well, it’s an experience. Welcome to the dirty south.
This is my first Charlie Parker series book read and I had no trouble dropping by 18 books in, though I usually avoid plucking random series books off the tree, but the plot sounded too good and the title? Sold! I enjoyed the complicated character of Charlie Parker - a seemingly ruined man with a single-minded mission: find the sadistic killer of his wife and daughter. He’s sarcastic (a trait Southerners I’ve met do NOT appreciate), and focused - tormented and determined all at once. His story simply beckons the reader.
The plot is a bit of jazz... it’s fast and frantic turning slow and mellow. I enjoyed the tune but at times lost a little interest. But Charlie kept me coming back. And I’ll be back for another book or two.
All my reviews available at scrappymags.com around time of publication.
Genre: Mystery/Police Who-done-it
Recommend to: Reminds me a bit of Jack Reacher, those in the mood for a solid police mystery.
Not recommended to: if you need quick and done. This book has a few slow spots. Needs time to breathe.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for making me mentally cross off Arkansas on my “places to visit.” (Kidding!)
September 28, 2020
Being the 18th book in the series, but also a prequel of sorts, this novel is quite different from the usual fare.
This time, we're in Arkansas and Charlie Parker is fresh off the police force, which was kind of by mutual agreement. He's also relatively fresh off the brutal murder of his wife and daughter. Upon searching for clues in that case, he becomes tangled up in a local murder mystery involving the deaths of three young girls. The local law invites him to stay and assist in their investigation and at first, Parker declines. But upon further thought on his way out of town, he turns back and agrees to help. Will he be able to help track down this brutal killer? You'll have to read this to find out!
It was hard going back with Charlie so fresh after his heartbreaking losses. His grief feels so real to the reader, I swear I felt my own heart crack. Even this soon after the tragedy though, his eyes and body language speak intensity and violence to whomever he meets. He's not popular in Burdon County, pretty much right off the bat, and the animosity builds every day he remains in town.
I'm going to leave off the plot, other than a few generalities. There were 2 characters I was hoping to see, and they do make an appearance. Even at that time period, we can see and feel how loyal and how strong of a friendship was formed between them. There were other characters, though, both alive and dead that didn't make an appearance, and though I noticed that, I did not miss them.
Once again, John Connolly delivers. It's never just the usual murder mystery with him, but this time, it actually was. There was barely a hint of the supernatural at all. It really doesn't matter to me at this point. If John Connolly wrote it, I'll read it and tell everyone about it!
My highest recommendation!
Available November 3rd, but you can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/3cFZORw
*Thank you to Atria, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
This time, we're in Arkansas and Charlie Parker is fresh off the police force, which was kind of by mutual agreement. He's also relatively fresh off the brutal murder of his wife and daughter. Upon searching for clues in that case, he becomes tangled up in a local murder mystery involving the deaths of three young girls. The local law invites him to stay and assist in their investigation and at first, Parker declines. But upon further thought on his way out of town, he turns back and agrees to help. Will he be able to help track down this brutal killer? You'll have to read this to find out!
It was hard going back with Charlie so fresh after his heartbreaking losses. His grief feels so real to the reader, I swear I felt my own heart crack. Even this soon after the tragedy though, his eyes and body language speak intensity and violence to whomever he meets. He's not popular in Burdon County, pretty much right off the bat, and the animosity builds every day he remains in town.
I'm going to leave off the plot, other than a few generalities. There were 2 characters I was hoping to see, and they do make an appearance. Even at that time period, we can see and feel how loyal and how strong of a friendship was formed between them. There were other characters, though, both alive and dead that didn't make an appearance, and though I noticed that, I did not miss them.
Once again, John Connolly delivers. It's never just the usual murder mystery with him, but this time, it actually was. There was barely a hint of the supernatural at all. It really doesn't matter to me at this point. If John Connolly wrote it, I'll read it and tell everyone about it!
My highest recommendation!
Available November 3rd, but you can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/3cFZORw
*Thank you to Atria, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
March 22, 2020
Over the years I have read many rave reviews about John Connolly’s Charlie Parker series but had never read one of his books. Since this is a prequel to the Parker character I thought this was a good place to start.
The beginning grabbed my attention as we find Parker not long after the death of his wife and daughter in a small town, Cagill, Arkansas. He was just passing through at the beginning of his hunt for his family’s killer. There have been two, perhaps three cases of young black women killed within a short period of time and left naked, mutilated and dead in what seemed at first random places. Parker was starting to investigate any murders that might have been committed by the same person who killed his family. They were violated as well as murdered, so he was drawn to investigate what happened in Cagill. The police chief asks Parker to help since he has a background in criminal investigations and was with the NYPD.
This southern town is about as bad as things can get. There are few businesses, a few bars and restaurants and a couple of motels. There are lots of characters to keep straight in this novel with families that have lived in the town for a long time and many have deep grudges against each other. Besides the murder of the black women there is also a big time meth operation somewhere in the marshes around the Karagol lake. The police chief, Griffin, has been hampered in his investigations of the women’s deaths because the county Sheriff, Jurel Cade, has reasons why he doesn’t want murders in his county. There is a large company, Kovas, that is poised to build a plant in Cargill and bring prosperity back to the town “Any public acknowledgment of murder risked drawing unwanted attention from outside”. The Cade family has a lot invested in this company coming to town as they own the land where building would take place.
While the beginning of the book grabbed my attention I felt that the large majority of the book was really slowly paced for a mystery/thriller novel. It wasn’t until the last few chapters when those responsible for the meth lab and murder were “dealt with” that I felt some tension and excitement in this book.
I know there are many Connolly fans out there and I’m sure they will enjoy this prequel. For me it was just an o.k. read. The three stars are for the setting and plot twists. I’m sure that this book will find it’s audience.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
This book is set to publish on June 30, 2020
The beginning grabbed my attention as we find Parker not long after the death of his wife and daughter in a small town, Cagill, Arkansas. He was just passing through at the beginning of his hunt for his family’s killer. There have been two, perhaps three cases of young black women killed within a short period of time and left naked, mutilated and dead in what seemed at first random places. Parker was starting to investigate any murders that might have been committed by the same person who killed his family. They were violated as well as murdered, so he was drawn to investigate what happened in Cagill. The police chief asks Parker to help since he has a background in criminal investigations and was with the NYPD.
This southern town is about as bad as things can get. There are few businesses, a few bars and restaurants and a couple of motels. There are lots of characters to keep straight in this novel with families that have lived in the town for a long time and many have deep grudges against each other. Besides the murder of the black women there is also a big time meth operation somewhere in the marshes around the Karagol lake. The police chief, Griffin, has been hampered in his investigations of the women’s deaths because the county Sheriff, Jurel Cade, has reasons why he doesn’t want murders in his county. There is a large company, Kovas, that is poised to build a plant in Cargill and bring prosperity back to the town “Any public acknowledgment of murder risked drawing unwanted attention from outside”. The Cade family has a lot invested in this company coming to town as they own the land where building would take place.
While the beginning of the book grabbed my attention I felt that the large majority of the book was really slowly paced for a mystery/thriller novel. It wasn’t until the last few chapters when those responsible for the meth lab and murder were “dealt with” that I felt some tension and excitement in this book.
I know there are many Connolly fans out there and I’m sure they will enjoy this prequel. For me it was just an o.k. read. The three stars are for the setting and plot twists. I’m sure that this book will find it’s audience.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
This book is set to publish on June 30, 2020
April 18, 2021
8The Dirty South is the 18th book in the Charlie Parker series by John Connolly. This is the first one I have read but I have been reliably told that this acts as a sort of a prequel to the series, and therefore I haven't missed anything. While reading this I can see how this is true but I warn any others who are reading in order, the last chapter takes place 10 years after the main body of the book and may give something away. Of course, having not read the others, I can't be sure that it does.
Charlie Parker is driving the country in search of a murderer, one extremely close and personal. The man Parker seeks murdered his wife and daughter in a brutal display and now former NYPD member Parker seeks vengeance.
He is not driving the country aimlessly seeking a needle in a haystack, he is acting on information being fed to him from former colleagues. This information covers off all of the recent murders that have been excessively brutal and have left the deceased 'displayed' to the world in an unusual fashion. Parker believes that the murderer of his family could not stop at one scene, he had a need, a thirst to continue his crimes and Parker is going to hunt him down.
Currently, he is drawn to Burdon County, Arkansas where some young women have been murdered. The county is a real backwater and Parker takes no time at all to realize that this trail is cold for him but before he leaves town he is asked to help find the identity of the local murderer. Murder is only one of a myriad of issues that the county has. The town of Cargill is a seedy dump of a town living off seedy bars and burger joints shut down stores and gas stations and ever fading dreams. The surrounding bushland is home to a dirty, stinking black-watered lake and old farmhouses whose residents moved on years ago but are now home to clandestine meth labs.
Whether or not this 18th book serves as a series prequel, it has got me hooked and I will be taking this series on. Connolly writes a great crime novel centred on a large cast of characters, each with unique characteristics that instantly get you to hate, like, pity, ignore or even love them. If you haven't tried a Charlie parker novel, join me back at book one as I start the series.
Charlie Parker is driving the country in search of a murderer, one extremely close and personal. The man Parker seeks murdered his wife and daughter in a brutal display and now former NYPD member Parker seeks vengeance.
He is not driving the country aimlessly seeking a needle in a haystack, he is acting on information being fed to him from former colleagues. This information covers off all of the recent murders that have been excessively brutal and have left the deceased 'displayed' to the world in an unusual fashion. Parker believes that the murderer of his family could not stop at one scene, he had a need, a thirst to continue his crimes and Parker is going to hunt him down.
Currently, he is drawn to Burdon County, Arkansas where some young women have been murdered. The county is a real backwater and Parker takes no time at all to realize that this trail is cold for him but before he leaves town he is asked to help find the identity of the local murderer. Murder is only one of a myriad of issues that the county has. The town of Cargill is a seedy dump of a town living off seedy bars and burger joints shut down stores and gas stations and ever fading dreams. The surrounding bushland is home to a dirty, stinking black-watered lake and old farmhouses whose residents moved on years ago but are now home to clandestine meth labs.
Whether or not this 18th book serves as a series prequel, it has got me hooked and I will be taking this series on. Connolly writes a great crime novel centred on a large cast of characters, each with unique characteristics that instantly get you to hate, like, pity, ignore or even love them. If you haven't tried a Charlie parker novel, join me back at book one as I start the series.
November 14, 2020
In 1997, several young Black women have been killed and mutilated in Burdon County, Arkansas. The former New York cop Charlie Parker is looking for the man who murdered his wife and daughter, and he thinks that these murders may provide clues to the killer he s hunting. Although he decides that this is a dead end, Parker is persuaded by Police Chief Evander Griffin to stay in town and help in the investigation of the murders. It’s a story that includes competing police forces, fraught family dynamics, coverups, real estate speculation, strip clubs and meth dealers.
This book isn’t exactly a prequel to the rest of the Charlie Parker series because it takes place shortly after the events in the first book. However, it works fine as a standalone and as an introduction to Parker. Louis and Angel make a brief appearance near the end of the book. This book doesn’t have the spooky elements that are in some of the other books in the series, which is fine with me. I love the way the author writes, including his descriptions of characters and the dialog which is sharp and often amusing. The book was on the long side, but I never lost interest. 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This book isn’t exactly a prequel to the rest of the Charlie Parker series because it takes place shortly after the events in the first book. However, it works fine as a standalone and as an introduction to Parker. Louis and Angel make a brief appearance near the end of the book. This book doesn’t have the spooky elements that are in some of the other books in the series, which is fine with me. I love the way the author writes, including his descriptions of characters and the dialog which is sharp and often amusing. The book was on the long side, but I never lost interest. 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
March 17, 2024
3.5 stars
This is the 18th book in the Charlie Parker series, but it's actually a prequel that introduces us to the former cop turned independent investigator. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
It's 1997 and NYPD Detective Charlie Parker, who's devastated by the horrific ritualistic murders of his wife and daughter, quits his job. Hearing of other macabre murders from an FBI source, Charlie wanders the country seeking his family's killer.
This brings Parker to the downtrodden town of Cargill, Arkansas, where two black girls were tortured and slain.
Unfortunately the county's Chief Investigator, Jurel Cade, is disinclined to look into the homicides.
Cade's family, a wealthy clan that owns most of the property in Cargill, is negotiating with Kovas industries to build factories in the area. The plants would bring prosperity and jobs to the region, and Jurel and other residents don't want to scare Kovas off.
Thus the first murder is swept under the rug and the second killing is declared an accident, though both victims were stabbed with a knife and and violated with tree branches.
When Parker rolls into town asking questions about the dead girls, he irritates the townsfolk and comes to the attention of Police Chief Evander Griffin, who throws Charlie in jail overnight. Coincidentally another dead black girl is discovered, this time in Griffin's jurisdiction, and the Police Chief DOES plan to investigate.
When the Chief learns Parker is a former NYPD detective, he asks the ex-cop to help with the murder inquiry, and Parker (reluctantly) agrees.
Cargill is a typical poverty-stricken, old-fashioned southern town with a strong racial divide, though not much overt animosity between blacks and whites.
Still, most of the white population doesn't make a fuss when the murders of black victims go unsolved.
When Parker starts looking into the black girls' homicides, the Cade family, which has a LOT to lose, takes exception....and one of them hires thugs to beat Parker to a pulp. Charlie hears about this plan and phones his acquaintances Louis and Angel, who hustle down to Cargill to watch his back. What they do when they get there made me smile. 🙂
In addition to being plagued by a serial killer, Cargill has other problems. The abutting Ouachita Forest is home to meth labs, which spawns an entire criminal industry;
the negotiator from Kovas who flies into Cargill periodically is corrupt;
and Pappy Cade (Jurel's father) bribes, threatens, cheats, and strongarms the locals to acquire their land.
The criminal elements also employ sadistic enforcers, who just add to Cargill's woes.
The story has a large cast of characters, including a troubled preacher; a sociopathic pedophile; a venal businessman; a haughty woman; and other folks I wouldn't want to meet. The novel is almost a sociological study of a poor town run by a heartless. greedy, self-serving family.
Unlike other Charlie Parker novels, this one has almost no supernatural elements, as Charlie (apparently) hasn't plugged into his paranormal abilities yet.
I liked seeing Parker at the beginning of his private detective odyssey, and his early association with Louis and Angel. A good addition to the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (John Connolly), and the publisher (Atria/Emily Bestler Books) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
May 26, 2020
This book is would be considered a prequel, which would make it the first book in the series about Charlie Parker and his undertakings. And while I have no idea why the writer would want to go back it sure is his prerogative and our pleasure.
This is an early story about Charlie Parker who after the dead of his wife and daughter still is hurting badly and being no longer employed as a NYPD detective, he is hunting the killer who was responsible for the dead of his wife and first daughter. He ends up in Arkansas the town of Cargill were some person or persons is/are responsible for the death of two young colored girls and leaving them behind for the general public. There is an early third possible killing of a similar kind on record as well.
Parker looks into this matter before deciding that this killer is not the one he seeks but he gets asked for help by the local chief of police, because he found out who Parker is and feels that the man might be the one to set matter in motion towards the solution and capture of the killer.
Once again Connolly set the story on fire by creating a very three dimensional world in the South were nothing is what it seems and nothing seems to be what one might expect. The whole place comes to live with people and an interesting and disturbing history. When Parker leaves the place he has solved the murders and kept his promise to the dead.
Another excellent book by Connolly who this time steers clear of the supernatural but still shows you the darkness and light in men and women in this police thriller. And the promise that there will be a new Parker book continuing the search and wrath of Charlie Parker.
This is an early story about Charlie Parker who after the dead of his wife and daughter still is hurting badly and being no longer employed as a NYPD detective, he is hunting the killer who was responsible for the dead of his wife and first daughter. He ends up in Arkansas the town of Cargill were some person or persons is/are responsible for the death of two young colored girls and leaving them behind for the general public. There is an early third possible killing of a similar kind on record as well.
Parker looks into this matter before deciding that this killer is not the one he seeks but he gets asked for help by the local chief of police, because he found out who Parker is and feels that the man might be the one to set matter in motion towards the solution and capture of the killer.
Once again Connolly set the story on fire by creating a very three dimensional world in the South were nothing is what it seems and nothing seems to be what one might expect. The whole place comes to live with people and an interesting and disturbing history. When Parker leaves the place he has solved the murders and kept his promise to the dead.
Another excellent book by Connolly who this time steers clear of the supernatural but still shows you the darkness and light in men and women in this police thriller. And the promise that there will be a new Parker book continuing the search and wrath of Charlie Parker.
August 8, 2022
Nueva novela de la serie protagonizada por Charlie Parker que rememora el caso que lo convirtió en la persona que ahora es.
Un thriller en el que la presencia sobrenatural pesa poco, con grandes personajes y excelentemente narrada y ambientada.
Un thriller en el que la presencia sobrenatural pesa poco, con grandes personajes y excelentemente narrada y ambientada.
July 26, 2020
The Dirty South is the eighteenth book in Connolly's Charlie Parker detective series and, perhaps because it is chronologically a prequel to the other seventeen books, for me, it was a great place to start. Connolly offers us here a novel about a man haunted by a past where his wife and daughter were brutally butchered. Parker, a former NYPD Detective, deals with his agony, by traipsing across the country after mutilated bodies are found, hoping some similarities might lead him to exact what needs to be done.
Here, Parker finds himself in a small, out of the way, rundown Arkansas town, sort of the place where everyone knows everyone's business and wishes they didn't. It's a town stuck in decline and hoping that, like Huntsville, Alabama, a major defense contract can bring prosperity to a town with nothing going for it. Corruption, apathy, and a series of vicious killings of young Black girls threaten to derail the lucrative defense contract. That is, if such things don't get swept under the table.
Skillfully written, hauntingly told, The Dirty South is a great place to begin exploring this series.
Here, Parker finds himself in a small, out of the way, rundown Arkansas town, sort of the place where everyone knows everyone's business and wishes they didn't. It's a town stuck in decline and hoping that, like Huntsville, Alabama, a major defense contract can bring prosperity to a town with nothing going for it. Corruption, apathy, and a series of vicious killings of young Black girls threaten to derail the lucrative defense contract. That is, if such things don't get swept under the table.
Skillfully written, hauntingly told, The Dirty South is a great place to begin exploring this series.
January 16, 2024
A return to where it all started for Charlie Parker in this gripping prequel. As we're back at the beginning, the supernatural element of the series is missing here with Parker more or less on his own . Bleak and gruesome, with writing reminiscent of James Lee Burke, The Dirty South is a terrific slice of Southern Gothic and a perfect place to start if your new to the series.
May 28, 2021
Sometimes he believed that he saw them, his lost wife and child. He caught glimpses of them in the shadows, or smelled their scent. He conversed with them, and heard their responses. It was not uncommon, he knew, this conjuring of the dead by the living. It was an illusion, but who was to say what was real and what was not? If nothing else, it was a bulwark against the final forgetting.
After the epic conclusion of the last book, The Dirty South is a breathing space in the form of a prequel, taking place in 1997 Arkansas. It's been a few novels since we got such a completely standalone novel, even if you get enough explanation for all of them to work on their own - this one gives enough explanation to fly completely solo. Though why miss the rest of an absolutely outstanding series?
Charlie Parker is almost peripheral for roughly the first third of the novel, the focus shifting instead to Cargill and the problem it has with someone killing young black women. Well, problem if you're the kind of person not so easily able to sweep that kind of thing under the rug - something plenty of the law in that region have proved themselves only to happy to oblige in. But when Bird's path does cross with this town, he finds himself unable to avoid a detour on his route to vengeance.
This did feel lighter than quite a few of the previous books, though the writing quality is (as ever) phenomenal. It did feel like a few of the threads going on got a little loose towards the end; but keep in mind that I judge these books against themselves. A four star for John Connolly is still, compared to almost anyone else, a stunning book. This was a great breather; I'm impatient to see where the path of the series lies next.
After the epic conclusion of the last book, The Dirty South is a breathing space in the form of a prequel, taking place in 1997 Arkansas. It's been a few novels since we got such a completely standalone novel, even if you get enough explanation for all of them to work on their own - this one gives enough explanation to fly completely solo. Though why miss the rest of an absolutely outstanding series?
Charlie Parker is almost peripheral for roughly the first third of the novel, the focus shifting instead to Cargill and the problem it has with someone killing young black women. Well, problem if you're the kind of person not so easily able to sweep that kind of thing under the rug - something plenty of the law in that region have proved themselves only to happy to oblige in. But when Bird's path does cross with this town, he finds himself unable to avoid a detour on his route to vengeance.
This did feel lighter than quite a few of the previous books, though the writing quality is (as ever) phenomenal. It did feel like a few of the threads going on got a little loose towards the end; but keep in mind that I judge these books against themselves. A four star for John Connolly is still, compared to almost anyone else, a stunning book. This was a great breather; I'm impatient to see where the path of the series lies next.
January 8, 2024
Terrific, as every one of these books by Mr. Connolly in the Charlie Parker series has been. I can't praise this series enough.
January 5, 2024
I loved this one! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a prequel right after Charlie experiences the death of his wife and daughter, and I liked what John Connolly does with our main character, recurring characters in the series, along with how he’s set up the first book, Every Dead Thing.
I also must have been in the mood for a gritty southern crime novel since The Dirty South checked all the boxes for me.
I loved how the ending gets resolved and the conclusion of the mystery of the killer.
The slow burn turns full throttle at the end when all the puzzle pieces are finally snapped into place.
The Charlie Parker series is one of my favorite book series.
When I pick up the next book in the series, I’m always extremely happy to jump back into the dark madness and supernatural atmosphere. The writing is top notch and the characters are fantastic!
This is a prequel right after Charlie experiences the death of his wife and daughter, and I liked what John Connolly does with our main character, recurring characters in the series, along with how he’s set up the first book, Every Dead Thing.
I also must have been in the mood for a gritty southern crime novel since The Dirty South checked all the boxes for me.
I loved how the ending gets resolved and the conclusion of the mystery of the killer.
The slow burn turns full throttle at the end when all the puzzle pieces are finally snapped into place.
The Charlie Parker series is one of my favorite book series.
When I pick up the next book in the series, I’m always extremely happy to jump back into the dark madness and supernatural atmosphere. The writing is top notch and the characters are fantastic!
June 2, 2023
En lo más profundo del sur
Novela que hace el número dieciocho de la serie del detective Charlie Parker del irlandés John Connolly. Como siempre, una historia bien construida a medida de Parker que siempre tiene enfrente personajes inquietantes que hacen que saque lo mejor (o lo peor, si hace falta) de él.
En este caso es en el sur de estados unidos donde el famoso detective tendrá que resolver unas muertes de unas chicas adolescentes en un ambiente de corrupción y racismo latente en esa parte del país.
Esta novela rompe la línea que llevaba la serie hasta ahora, hemos visto al personaje crecer linealmente desde que empezó todo, pero en esta, el mismo autor se ha tomado un pequeño descanso del libro anterior que le llevó mucho trabajo escribir.
Aquí, vuelve al origen de la serie al recordar un caso que ocurrió cuando Parker buscaba al asesino de su familia. La historia que cuenta en esta novela se puede introducir en el primer libro de la saga, ya que los hechos que se detallan ocurrieron antes de encontrar al Viajante.
O sea que esta novela no va entre ninguna de las siguientes, ni antes, ni entre la primera y la segunda. Va justo en “Todo lo que muere” que fue la primera. El día que le falten ideas, puede recurrir a esto otra vez, porque fueron unos cuantos meses los que estuvo buscando.
Otra cosa que me ha gustado, o, más bien me ha hecho gracia, es al principio de esta historia, que empieza en el presente cuando a Parker le recetan unas gafas progresivas, algo que les llega a los que cumplimos años, y nos enteramos también que le gustan las novelas del oeste de Louis L’Amour.
Novela que hace el número dieciocho de la serie del detective Charlie Parker del irlandés John Connolly. Como siempre, una historia bien construida a medida de Parker que siempre tiene enfrente personajes inquietantes que hacen que saque lo mejor (o lo peor, si hace falta) de él.
En este caso es en el sur de estados unidos donde el famoso detective tendrá que resolver unas muertes de unas chicas adolescentes en un ambiente de corrupción y racismo latente en esa parte del país.
Esta novela rompe la línea que llevaba la serie hasta ahora, hemos visto al personaje crecer linealmente desde que empezó todo, pero en esta, el mismo autor se ha tomado un pequeño descanso del libro anterior que le llevó mucho trabajo escribir.
Aquí, vuelve al origen de la serie al recordar un caso que ocurrió cuando Parker buscaba al asesino de su familia. La historia que cuenta en esta novela se puede introducir en el primer libro de la saga, ya que los hechos que se detallan ocurrieron antes de encontrar al Viajante.
O sea que esta novela no va entre ninguna de las siguientes, ni antes, ni entre la primera y la segunda. Va justo en “Todo lo que muere” que fue la primera. El día que le falten ideas, puede recurrir a esto otra vez, porque fueron unos cuantos meses los que estuvo buscando.
Otra cosa que me ha gustado, o, más bien me ha hecho gracia, es al principio de esta historia, que empieza en el presente cuando a Parker le recetan unas gafas progresivas, algo que les llega a los que cumplimos años, y nos enteramos también que le gustan las novelas del oeste de Louis L’Amour.
February 20, 2023
If you’ve gotten this far with the brilliant and ever darkening Charlie Parker series, then this just might be one of the best books of the bunch— in my humble opinion.
Why? Because our beloved author has granted us a look at Parker’s early history— after the tragedy that changes him forever but before revenge and saving others saved him.
Loved this and it’s indepth look at corporate greed, southern sensibilities and decaying families and victims.
A really great addition and the timing is equally wonderful— it’s like getting an extra day off before digging back into a bad project at the office.
Just what’s in store for Parker and friends? I dare say it’s going to just get darker and more soulless.
Ready to dive back in now after this prequel breather!
Why? Because our beloved author has granted us a look at Parker’s early history— after the tragedy that changes him forever but before revenge and saving others saved him.
Loved this and it’s indepth look at corporate greed, southern sensibilities and decaying families and victims.
A really great addition and the timing is equally wonderful— it’s like getting an extra day off before digging back into a bad project at the office.
Just what’s in store for Parker and friends? I dare say it’s going to just get darker and more soulless.
Ready to dive back in now after this prequel breather!
July 14, 2021
Μπορεί να είναι στη βάση της μια απλή αστυνομική ιστορία,όμως,για τους λάτρεις της συγκεκριμένης σειράς,τίποτα δεν είναι απλό σε ο,τι αφορά τον Τσάρλι Πάρκερ!
5⭐
5⭐
December 24, 2020
Being a long-time Charlie Parker reader – it is incredible that it’s been 18-odd instalments over a 20-year period to date – I do hold the books up to a higher level of criticism and expectation as a result. The lodestone question for any new book is simply: How does it advance or contribute to Charlie Parker’s quest?
I am unsure if John Connolly is working from any kind of a Grand Plan, but the last couple of books have been fair to middling. When I first heard about ‘The Dirty South’ touted as a ‘prequel’ that gives new blood to the series, my immediate reaction was: WTF!? Poor Charlie Parker needs resolution, not reinvigoration.
If you remove Charlie Parker from ‘The Dirty South’, it makes no difference to the main story at all. In fact, the man himself says at the end that he never gives another thought to Burdon County ever again, possibly to explain the total absence of any repercussion from what transpires there in his ongoing quest
Make no mistake about it, ‘The Dirty South’ is a perfectly okay crime thriller set in Clinton-era Arkansas. Connolly’s insights into State-level corruption and nepotism in both law enforcement and local government are depressing but spot-on. The characterisation is as usual exemplary, particularly the odious Cade clan.
Fans will be pleased that both Angel and Louis, as well as Woollrich, surprisingly enough, get a shout-out. Plus there is a casual mention of a major revelation that, as far as I can recall, was teased out over several books
But you clearly get the feeling that Parker is just cooling his heels here. Well, not actually, because this takes place quite a way back in the timeline, so he is yet to experience most of the horror and sorrow that is to come. Does this make any difference to how we perceive Parker to be in this book? Absolutely not.
This has always been a series where it has not been advisable for readers to jump in at any point. Which must be extremely frustrating for Connolly’s marketing team. Well, now with #18, ironically, he has gone and done just that: Given us a book that is a perfect entry point for newbies. And also one that long-time fans can comfortably skip until the next one pops along.
I am unsure if John Connolly is working from any kind of a Grand Plan, but the last couple of books have been fair to middling. When I first heard about ‘The Dirty South’ touted as a ‘prequel’ that gives new blood to the series, my immediate reaction was: WTF!? Poor Charlie Parker needs resolution, not reinvigoration.
If you remove Charlie Parker from ‘The Dirty South’, it makes no difference to the main story at all. In fact, the man himself says at the end that he never gives another thought to Burdon County ever again, possibly to explain the total absence of any repercussion from what transpires there in his ongoing quest
Make no mistake about it, ‘The Dirty South’ is a perfectly okay crime thriller set in Clinton-era Arkansas. Connolly’s insights into State-level corruption and nepotism in both law enforcement and local government are depressing but spot-on. The characterisation is as usual exemplary, particularly the odious Cade clan.
Fans will be pleased that both Angel and Louis, as well as Woollrich, surprisingly enough, get a shout-out. Plus there is a casual mention of a major revelation that, as far as I can recall, was teased out over several books
But you clearly get the feeling that Parker is just cooling his heels here. Well, not actually, because this takes place quite a way back in the timeline, so he is yet to experience most of the horror and sorrow that is to come. Does this make any difference to how we perceive Parker to be in this book? Absolutely not.
This has always been a series where it has not been advisable for readers to jump in at any point. Which must be extremely frustrating for Connolly’s marketing team. Well, now with #18, ironically, he has gone and done just that: Given us a book that is a perfect entry point for newbies. And also one that long-time fans can comfortably skip until the next one pops along.
August 27, 2021
So far, I’ve read up to book 7 of John Connolly’s Charlie Parker series and have enjoyed them all. The local bookshop didn’t have #8, and I didn’t have the patience to wait for a delivery, so instead I read this one - it’s a prequel, so it’s safe to read out of sequence. I’m glad I did. It’s a really good addition to the Charlie Parker universe: very well written, with interesting, complex and (relatively) believable characters, a smattering of humour and a twisty plot, although with a slightly flat ending and without the usual supernatural elements, which I love.
I don’t pretend to be a literary critic and I’m not an especially perceptive reader, but in jumping from book 7 to 18 I thought there was a noticeable improvement both in Connolly’s writing and his world-building. Now I’m looking forward to the rest of this series even more!
I don’t pretend to be a literary critic and I’m not an especially perceptive reader, but in jumping from book 7 to 18 I thought there was a noticeable improvement both in Connolly’s writing and his world-building. Now I’m looking forward to the rest of this series even more!
October 16, 2020
I haven't read any of the books in the Charlie Parker series, and I didn't realize this was a prequel until after I finished the book. I liked the Parker character and felt sad for him due to the horrible murder of his wife. The first part of the book was slow and I had trouble adjusting to the writing style and getting into the story, but the plot picked up later and it became more interesting to me. I think at this point I will maybe try the first book in the series sometime soon because I know from reading reviews from others that many people like this series and follow this character's advemtures closely.
Thanks to Atria Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Thanks to Atria Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
August 16, 2020
It is good to clean your palate every once in awhile and read a book by a really good author with a really good story with characters you can really bond, even though you don't like them. This is that book. John Connolly is at the top of his game with this book. It's a prequel written right after Parker's wife and daughter are brutally murdered and set in the time when Clinton has just been elected President.
Parker's search for his family's killer takes him to a small, poor county in Arkansas where three young, black girls have been horribly murdered. The county is trying to cover it up as they are hoping for some crumbs from the Clinton table and attracting a large business to provide needed prosperity. There is one lawman who actually wants justice for the girls and he enlists Parker's help in finding the killer.
The search takes them through the scum of Arkansas and I do mean scum. Parker hates the county and can't wait to leave these people to themselves. It is a startingly accurate portrayal of a poor Southern community which is unique. It's a wonderfully drawn sense of place.
I love the picture of the hope that Clinton will wave the magic wand and spread the wealth. I wonder if he really did. I know very little of Arkansas.
This was a good book that kept me guessing to the end, the way a good a good mystery does.
Parker's search for his family's killer takes him to a small, poor county in Arkansas where three young, black girls have been horribly murdered. The county is trying to cover it up as they are hoping for some crumbs from the Clinton table and attracting a large business to provide needed prosperity. There is one lawman who actually wants justice for the girls and he enlists Parker's help in finding the killer.
The search takes them through the scum of Arkansas and I do mean scum. Parker hates the county and can't wait to leave these people to themselves. It is a startingly accurate portrayal of a poor Southern community which is unique. It's a wonderfully drawn sense of place.
I love the picture of the hope that Clinton will wave the magic wand and spread the wealth. I wonder if he really did. I know very little of Arkansas.
This was a good book that kept me guessing to the end, the way a good a good mystery does.
October 10, 2025
Не съм никак доволен от това завръщане в миналото на Чарли Паркър...
Протяжен опис на пропаднало, затънтено място в Арканзас, трудно отличими герои и маргинални като замисъл и изпълнение престъпления.
Влачи се историята през над 400 безкрайни страници, само за да избухне неудовлетворително в последните двайсет...
Моята оценка - 2,5*. :(
P.S. Май му е време на Конъли да спре да доизцежда тази серия и да се захване с нещо ново!
Протяжен опис на пропаднало, затънтено място в Арканзас, трудно отличими герои и маргинални като замисъл и изпълнение престъпления.
Влачи се историята през над 400 безкрайни страници, само за да избухне неудовлетворително в последните двайсет...
Моята оценка - 2,5*. :(
P.S. Май му е време на Конъли да спре да доизцежда тази серия и да се захване с нещо ново!
September 10, 2020
It's been so long since I've written a review because it's been so long since I've actually finished a book. Yet, there was something about John Connolly's The Dirty South that kept me captivated. It was exactly what I needed during this time in my life to escape. Ironically, instead of an escape to a tropical paradise, I escaped to a rural town in Arkansas where time (and race relations) have apparently stood still.
Early in The Dirty South we learn that there have been 3 gruesome murders of black women that have gone unsolved. These murders have gone unsolved mainly because a new corporate development promises to save Burdon County, Arkansas from the brink of collapse. Essentially, the hope of new jobs, increased wealth, and capital reigns supreme. It doesn't hurt that the victims are of African descent. Their unusual deaths draws Charlie Parker (a recurring character for Connelly) to the dirty south. Before long, he's assisting the small, cash-strapped police force, in capturing the killer.
So... I mentioned that The Dirty South was captivating and that's the truth. I've had a hard time concentrating on any novel the last 8 months. Thankfully, I found this read. It's engaging, mysterious, intelligent, and a real whodunnit. Even when I picked up other reads my main goal was to get back here, to this dysfunctional town where everyone's a suspect. I mean, really, there was no shortage of potential killers. Even when red herrings are thrown about, the ending is still elusive. Kudos to Connolly for keeping up the intrigue factor.
My only gripe was that Burdon County, Arkansas is described as a town on the outs, yet all the characters spoke as if they were scholars. I had to use the dictionary to translate petty criminals choice of words. That was new to me. And with the host of characters, some better drawn out than others, I felt the vocabulary was inauthentic. Idk... maybe my idea of country folk is outdated and prejudiced but I really rolled my eyes a few times.
Ultimately, John Connolly's The Dirty South was a worthwhile read. It was engaging, elusive, thrilling, and a worthwhile journey. I look forward to my next read by this author.
Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley
Early in The Dirty South we learn that there have been 3 gruesome murders of black women that have gone unsolved. These murders have gone unsolved mainly because a new corporate development promises to save Burdon County, Arkansas from the brink of collapse. Essentially, the hope of new jobs, increased wealth, and capital reigns supreme. It doesn't hurt that the victims are of African descent. Their unusual deaths draws Charlie Parker (a recurring character for Connelly) to the dirty south. Before long, he's assisting the small, cash-strapped police force, in capturing the killer.
So... I mentioned that The Dirty South was captivating and that's the truth. I've had a hard time concentrating on any novel the last 8 months. Thankfully, I found this read. It's engaging, mysterious, intelligent, and a real whodunnit. Even when I picked up other reads my main goal was to get back here, to this dysfunctional town where everyone's a suspect. I mean, really, there was no shortage of potential killers. Even when red herrings are thrown about, the ending is still elusive. Kudos to Connolly for keeping up the intrigue factor.
My only gripe was that Burdon County, Arkansas is described as a town on the outs, yet all the characters spoke as if they were scholars. I had to use the dictionary to translate petty criminals choice of words. That was new to me. And with the host of characters, some better drawn out than others, I felt the vocabulary was inauthentic. Idk... maybe my idea of country folk is outdated and prejudiced but I really rolled my eyes a few times.
Ultimately, John Connolly's The Dirty South was a worthwhile read. It was engaging, elusive, thrilling, and a worthwhile journey. I look forward to my next read by this author.
Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley
November 14, 2022
Bang!
This is how you write a cop/mystery book. It appears that author Connelly is quite famous, as is the protagonist of this book, an ex-NYC detective named Charlie Parker, seeking vengeance against somebody who murdered his wife and daughter. As usual, I'm about ten years behind the times (and this is actually the 18th book starring Mr. Parker -- had I known that, I'd have been dissuaded from reading it, which would have been a shame.)
Looking at the book's jacket in the library a few days ago, I noticed the author was from Dublin, and assumed The Dirty South was a reference to the Republic of Ireland, as viewed from Northern Ireland. But no, the book was set in Arkansas, where at the local bar
But no. In fact, one of the odd (endearing?) things about the book is that many of the main players sounded almost as if they'd studied locution at Sarah Lawrence. Here, the two main characters meet for the first time:
This was kind of refreshing. I spent the first twenty years of my life in the Deep South, and it's nice to see some nuance in its depiction, particularly from somebody from elsewhere. Nevertheless, anybody who grew up there knows this guy:
There was a lot going on here, and a fairly large cast, but one reason Mr. Connelly has been rewarded with a steady job writing books of this type is that he's good at it -- good at building tension, good at keeping the various threads clear in the reader's head, reasonably good at providing distinct personalities for all these folks. (One particularly nasty character rests his hand on the edge of a car, and the car's owner "was surprised the paint didn't blister beneath his fingers." Later, this character is described as "smelling like the sediment at the bottom of a vase of dead flowers.")
So what's going on? Dead girls have been turning up around the lake, which threatens to derail a deal with a new industry moving in to save the town's finances. ("No, we have poor dead colored girls," explains one character, "It's not the same thing.") The author either isn't familiar with the criteria corporations use to site their new factories or he's taking dramatic license, but if you're willing to overlook that, the plot is pretty coherent.
Altogether satisfying. I don't feel compelled to go out and read the seventeen preceding books in the series, but it's nice to know they're there if I want a quick, distracting read.
______
*If you don't know what this looks like, then you obviously ain't from around these parts.
This is how you write a cop/mystery book. It appears that author Connelly is quite famous, as is the protagonist of this book, an ex-NYC detective named Charlie Parker, seeking vengeance against somebody who murdered his wife and daughter. As usual, I'm about ten years behind the times (and this is actually the 18th book starring Mr. Parker -- had I known that, I'd have been dissuaded from reading it, which would have been a shame.)
Looking at the book's jacket in the library a few days ago, I noticed the author was from Dublin, and assumed The Dirty South was a reference to the Republic of Ireland, as viewed from Northern Ireland. But no, the book was set in Arkansas, where at the local bar
It was currently playing something by the Eagles, because somewhere in town was always playing something by The Eagles.I was a little dismayed, fearing that the author would populate the entire book with trash-talking grandmas, dumb-as-a-brick redneck cops and the like.
But no. In fact, one of the odd (endearing?) things about the book is that many of the main players sounded almost as if they'd studied locution at Sarah Lawrence. Here, the two main characters meet for the first time:
"My name is Evander Griffin. I'm the Chief of Police here in Cargill."
"I know."
"That's usually the cue for someone to offer his name in return," said Griffin, "or I could ask you to produce some identification, but I find a plain exchange of appellations to be more civilized."
"My name is Parker."
"What do you do, Mr. Parker?"
"I'm currently between positions."
"Unemployed?"
"By inclination."
"So what was your previous vocation, before you became inclined to divest yourself of it?"
This was kind of refreshing. I spent the first twenty years of my life in the Deep South, and it's nice to see some nuance in its depiction, particularly from somebody from elsewhere. Nevertheless, anybody who grew up there knows this guy:
The truck, a Ford SVT Lightning, was brand new, Vinson having come into money following the death of his stepfather. A more sensible human being might have put some of that cash away instead of blowing the bulk of it on a new truck and the rest on a custom paint job inspired by the cover of Molly Hatchett's Flirtin' with Disaster album*.
There was a lot going on here, and a fairly large cast, but one reason Mr. Connelly has been rewarded with a steady job writing books of this type is that he's good at it -- good at building tension, good at keeping the various threads clear in the reader's head, reasonably good at providing distinct personalities for all these folks. (One particularly nasty character rests his hand on the edge of a car, and the car's owner "was surprised the paint didn't blister beneath his fingers." Later, this character is described as "smelling like the sediment at the bottom of a vase of dead flowers.")
So what's going on? Dead girls have been turning up around the lake, which threatens to derail a deal with a new industry moving in to save the town's finances. ("No, we have poor dead colored girls," explains one character, "It's not the same thing.") The author either isn't familiar with the criteria corporations use to site their new factories or he's taking dramatic license, but if you're willing to overlook that, the plot is pretty coherent.
Altogether satisfying. I don't feel compelled to go out and read the seventeen preceding books in the series, but it's nice to know they're there if I want a quick, distracting read.
______
*If you don't know what this looks like, then you obviously ain't from around these parts.
February 1, 2020
This book is a pure pleasure. A prequel to the always engaging Charlie Parker series. Charlie is deeply mourning the loss of his wife and daughter, and is searching for their killer. He comes upon a small town in the grip of a series of murders. Charlie decides to help.
This is a wonderful addition to the Series. Thank you Mr. Connolly for the many years of entertainment. It was a privilege to receive this arc courtesy of the publisher and edelweiss. Highly recommend.
This is a wonderful addition to the Series. Thank you Mr. Connolly for the many years of entertainment. It was a privilege to receive this arc courtesy of the publisher and edelweiss. Highly recommend.
December 6, 2020
I love this series - this is the 18th entry - but it's not just because the stories are exciting or that series headliner, former NYPD Detective Charlie Parker, is such an intriguing character. It's also because the author's writing is both eloquent and elegant and an all-around joy to read. That does, I admit, make for one issue; the books are impossible to skim through and finish in my usual couple of days. Simply put, there's just too much to be missed by doing that.
This one takes a different approach; it begins with Charlie getting a phone call out of the blue from someone in his decades-ago past - one he wasn't expecting to hear from ever again. At that point - without identifying the caller - the story shifts to that long-ago time when an in-his-30s Charlie quit his job and set off to find the man who slaughtered his wife and young daughter. One of his stops is in a backwoods Arkansas town that eschews outsiders; when Charlie makes a couple of inquiries that rouse suspicions of local law enforcement, they throw him in jail until, hopefully, he'll explain who he really is and why he was nosing around.
But then, a young girl turns up murdered - not that long after another girl was found murdered in similar fashion. Town and county officials - including a powerful family - managed to keep the first incident quiet in the fear that an outside developer with big plans for community investment might get skittish enough to take their money elsewhere. Coming so soon after the other murder, though, the most recent case makes a cover-up more difficult, and a couple of locals who were not happy about the way the first murder was handled (or, more accurately, mishandled) are dead set on solving this one no matter where or on whom the chips may fall.
When Charlie's identity and background becomes known, the local police chief not only springs him from jail but decides - reluctantly - to enlist his help. While Charlie is eager to move on, he - also reluctantly - agrees to stick around for a bit. That puts him at direct odds with the aforementioned powerful family and, not surprisingly, on the hit list of at least one very dangerous man. And that, in turn, means Charlie must turn to a couple of loyal friends who are familiar to those who have been following his adventures for at least several preceding books.
The interaction among all the characters - and the reasons thereof - add interest and intrigue to the story, and the ending brings a few surprises. All told, it's a glimpse into the story of how the Charlie Parker we've come to know came to be. Well done - again!
This one takes a different approach; it begins with Charlie getting a phone call out of the blue from someone in his decades-ago past - one he wasn't expecting to hear from ever again. At that point - without identifying the caller - the story shifts to that long-ago time when an in-his-30s Charlie quit his job and set off to find the man who slaughtered his wife and young daughter. One of his stops is in a backwoods Arkansas town that eschews outsiders; when Charlie makes a couple of inquiries that rouse suspicions of local law enforcement, they throw him in jail until, hopefully, he'll explain who he really is and why he was nosing around.
But then, a young girl turns up murdered - not that long after another girl was found murdered in similar fashion. Town and county officials - including a powerful family - managed to keep the first incident quiet in the fear that an outside developer with big plans for community investment might get skittish enough to take their money elsewhere. Coming so soon after the other murder, though, the most recent case makes a cover-up more difficult, and a couple of locals who were not happy about the way the first murder was handled (or, more accurately, mishandled) are dead set on solving this one no matter where or on whom the chips may fall.
When Charlie's identity and background becomes known, the local police chief not only springs him from jail but decides - reluctantly - to enlist his help. While Charlie is eager to move on, he - also reluctantly - agrees to stick around for a bit. That puts him at direct odds with the aforementioned powerful family and, not surprisingly, on the hit list of at least one very dangerous man. And that, in turn, means Charlie must turn to a couple of loyal friends who are familiar to those who have been following his adventures for at least several preceding books.
The interaction among all the characters - and the reasons thereof - add interest and intrigue to the story, and the ending brings a few surprises. All told, it's a glimpse into the story of how the Charlie Parker we've come to know came to be. Well done - again!
December 4, 2020
Maybe I should start with a disclaimer: being from the Netherlands, I might have missed out on social, cultural, political and other references in this story.
For me, it is still somewhat difficult to read stories with characters that are only busy with securing votes for their next turn in office, rather than doing their jobs. This of course, is something crucial in this 18th book with Charlie Parker as the main character. Also, the fact that a whole family can 'own' a town is completely incomprehensible to me.
Having said that, I must stress that despite the fact that many things in this book are utterly strange to me, the characters are not. I've read all Parker books in order and they are among my absolute favourites. It was good to read more about Parker in the early days of his story, and to see where he's coming from while seeing him, in my mind, as where he will be later.
The evil in the Jurel family is very clear, and on a whole different level of that of the drinking and meth-cooking lowlifes that inhabit the dreary little village of Cargill.
I immensely enjoyed, as always, the wonderful dialogues. Connolly is a master in letting people say the one thing, and entirely meaning the opposite, and the dialogues were thus often very funny without a funny word uttered.
This book is easily to read as a stand alone but I would like to say to readers who've never had the pleasure of reading any of the other books: please do! And preferably in order although it's not necessary for the stories as such - just to see what's happening with Parker and of course, Louis and Angel.
For me, it is still somewhat difficult to read stories with characters that are only busy with securing votes for their next turn in office, rather than doing their jobs. This of course, is something crucial in this 18th book with Charlie Parker as the main character. Also, the fact that a whole family can 'own' a town is completely incomprehensible to me.
Having said that, I must stress that despite the fact that many things in this book are utterly strange to me, the characters are not. I've read all Parker books in order and they are among my absolute favourites. It was good to read more about Parker in the early days of his story, and to see where he's coming from while seeing him, in my mind, as where he will be later.
The evil in the Jurel family is very clear, and on a whole different level of that of the drinking and meth-cooking lowlifes that inhabit the dreary little village of Cargill.
I immensely enjoyed, as always, the wonderful dialogues. Connolly is a master in letting people say the one thing, and entirely meaning the opposite, and the dialogues were thus often very funny without a funny word uttered.
This book is easily to read as a stand alone but I would like to say to readers who've never had the pleasure of reading any of the other books: please do! And preferably in order although it's not necessary for the stories as such - just to see what's happening with Parker and of course, Louis and Angel.
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