Nocturnes (2006)
Brandon Sears
PAGES: 496
AUTHOR: John Connolly
"Nocturnes" is John Connolly's sixth literally release and one he chose wisely. Throughout a writer's career, he/she may come up with hundreds of ideas for novels, some intricately plotted and explored while others may not need more than a chapter or a few pages at the least. Connolly compiled the latter into a heavy 496 page journey throughout horror and suspense when he released Nocturnes.
Aside from the many short stories, you're given two novellas. One of which is the best Charlie Parker story that I've read to date (keeping in mind that I've only read about two and a half so far). Those of you who do not know, Parker is Connolly's franchise character, amassing 4 books prior to this release and a several more after it. Parker is your standard anti-hero cop searching for a way to cope with the guilt he feels over his family's murder several years ago. While Parker sounds boring and predictable from my description, he certainly is not. Connolly writes this character with such passion and emotion that he finds the perfect balance between sorrow and comedy, keeping the reader entertained thoroughly. The other novella contained within deals with a character who takes the human form of a deadly disease, living only to murder those around him in an effort to stall the constant pain he suffers every minute of every day. The man could make the case for an interesting character study but rather comes across as unremorseful and evil.
Scattered throughout are several short stories that are very hit or miss. Some stellar efforts include tales about a family's home that exists over an ancient burial ground (which is actually being made into a movie starring Kevin Costner) in "The New Daughter", a story about two detectives in 18th century London investigating what appears to be recent deaths caused by that of a wild animal in "The Underbury Witches" and a writer's tool that comes to life in "The Inkpot Monkey".
While it's not as good as Connolly's best effort "The Book of Lost Things" it certainly serves its purpose. While you are not going to find someone who loves every story within, you do not really have to dig all that hard to find the gems. I'd recommend this only to really big fans of the author, it's nothing I would search out and it's really not a good place to start with Connolly, if anything - save it for after you've read everything.
Brandon Sears is an insurance salesman by day and a superhero by night (not really). He has been writing for Modern Distraction since 2004. He lives in Sydney Mines with his wife, Ashley and his dog Toby.