Title: A Game of Ghosts
Author: John Connolly
First published April 6, 2017
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
Winter has arrived and the darkness has taken over. Jaycob Eklund, a private detective with a passion for solving the most unusual cases, has gone missing.
The assignment to find him is given to Charlie Parker by his boss, Edgar Ross, an FBI agent with a mysterious motive. Eklund’s obsession with tracking a series of murders and disappearances, all linked to supernatural activities, has led him down a dangerous path.
Parker must now follow in his footsteps, entering a world where the monstrous Mother reigns supreme over a criminal empire, where men make deals with angels, and where the living and the dead are nothing but pieces in a deadly game of ghosts.
About the Author
Meet John Connolly, a man of many talents and experiences. Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1968, he’s had a diverse career path that’s included stints as a journalist, barman, local government official, waiter, and even a dogsbody at Harrods department store in London.
He pursued his passion for English by studying at Trinity College, Dublin, and further honed his skills with a journalism degree from Dublin City University. For five years, he worked as a freelance journalist for The Irish Times, a publication he still contributes to today.
Though he is based in Dublin, John splits his time between his hometown and the United States. If you want to get in touch with John, his assistant Clair manages this page on his behalf.
However, if you’d like to communicate with him directly, you can reach him at contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com or follow him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks.
Editoral Review
John Connolly’s “A Game of Ghosts,” published on April 6, 2017, is a thrilling addition to the crime fiction genre. Connolly, the Irish author of the Charlie Parker series, is known for his dark and complex narratives that blend crime, supernatural elements, and deep psychological insights.
With “A Game of Ghosts,” he weaves together a gripping mystery, an eerie atmosphere, and a fascinating exploration of the legacy of violence and trauma. The plot of “A Game of Ghosts” follows private detective Charlie Parker as he investigates a series of gruesome murders that seem to be linked to a secret society of serial killers.
As Parker digs deeper into the case, he must also confront his own haunting past and the ghosts that lurk within him. Alongside him are his trusted comrades, Louis and Angel, as well as new allies and enemies who add to the complexity of the narrative.
The setting of the novel is another strong point, as Connolly masterfully describes the landscapes of Maine and other locations in the United States with vivid and poetic language. The rugged coasts, the dense forests, and the decaying towns create an immersive atmosphere that envelops the reader in a sense of dread and wonder.
One of the themes that Connolly explores in “A Game of Ghosts” is the nature of evil and its lasting impact on individuals and communities. Through his portrayal of the secret society and its members, Connolly highlights the ways in which trauma and abuse can lead to distorted and destructive beliefs and behaviors.
He also delves into the psychological dynamics of power, manipulation, and loyalty, showing how they can be both empowering and destructive. Another strength of the book is the depth and complexity of the characters, especially the protagonist Charlie Parker.
Despite the many challenges and losses he has endured, Parker remains a compelling and sympathetic figure who embodies the contradictions and complexities of the human psyche. His relationship with his daughter Sam, who has inherited his gift of seeing the dead, adds another layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
Despite these strengths, “A Game of Ghosts” is not without its flaws. At times, the plot can become convoluted and difficult to follow, with multiple storylines and characters vying for attention.
Some of the dialogue and exposition can also feel heavy-handed and overly dramatic, detracting from the realism of the narrative. Overall, however, “A Game of Ghosts” is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will satisfy fans of the crime fiction genre and beyond.
Its blend of horror, mystery, and psychological insight make it a unique and engaging read. While it may not be Connolly’s best work, it is still a strong and memorable addition to his oeuvre.
I would recommend “A Game of Ghosts” to readers who enjoy crime fiction that explores deeper themes and pushes the boundaries of the genre. It may also appeal to fans of horror and supernatural fiction, as well as readers who appreciate strong character development and atmospheric descriptions.
I would give “A Game of Ghosts” a rating of 8 out of 10, based on its strengths in plot, setting, and character development, as well as its weaknesses in dialogue and pacing.
