Gripping criminal thriller with ghostly undertones

Additive thriller with sometimes disturbing supernatural elements. But also shot through with dark humour. The narrator is masterful; he captures the mood Connolly wants to convey perfectly. And this is only the beginning of the series.

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Good in parts

I really wanted to like this as the crits have been so good. But.... the author can't seem to control his need to describe every person crossing the path of the protagonist - in detail. I completely lost the plot on all the sub-characters and what part they played. I know he also probably wanted to set up Bird's character in this first novel of the series - but we got WAY too much back-story. Also - the two threads of the story really didn't connect for me at all. Very frustrating, as the primary story itself, when he forgot to get sidetracked by all his sub-plots/characters, was quite good. I had guessed who the baddie was by about half/two-thirds through the story which gave an element of 'just get on with it' as the marathon progressed towards an eventual conclusion.
I love Jeff Harding's narration - he could read the phone book and I'd listen! However, I couldn't decide if Bird's character was a little reminiscent of Reacher's (Lee Child), or if it was just that I now associate Reacher with Harding's voice - it was a little distracting at times.
Normally if I'm not sure about a series, I'll try a 2nd one to check. This time - nah, not sure I will.

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Excellent Story

I read the physical book of this many years ago, Loved the audio book and I will listen to all of John Connolly now

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good book if you like this kind of thing

This is the first in the Charlie Parker series and I'd listen to this before listening to any of the others as it's story is often referred to in the other books. The story is very much in the style of the Phillip Marlow books; lots of hard boiled patter and tough guy philosophising. This gives it an old fashioned feel so it just depends on whether you like your detectives macho and just a tiny bit cheesy; I do and so loved this book. It's also worth noting that the murders are truly gruesome so if you've got a weak stomach I'd avoid this title. Turns out I'd read this title years ago and remembered who the murderer was half way through listening but this didn't lessen my enjoyment. It does on the other hand make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the red herrings and eventual twist but as I said before even knowing who did it didn’t spoil my enjoyment. The narration really fits the story; an inspired choice of reader

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29 people found this helpful

Bargain 2 books in one!

Two separate stories barely connected. Must be first of a series as sets scene and characters. Does not spoon feed and once or twice needed to rewind and listen a bit harder.

Nothing new or different to other books in this genre, but if that's what you like, it's one for you. I'll definitely be getting others by this author.

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1 person found this helpful

The complexity of evil

If you could sum up Every Dead Thing in three words, what would they be?

labyrinthine, baffling , compelling.

What did you like best about this story?

The workings of the characters minds

What does Jeff Harding bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Jeff Harding makes the work live...without his masterful characterisation of the characters voices it could collapse into tedium. You need a voice to carry the plot along and that's Mr Harding's talent.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Triumph emerging from the depths of a resident evil.

Any additional comments?

No.

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1 person found this helpful

the title was appropriate every thing dead .

I forgot how really gory Connolly is. storyline poor lapsing into philosophy!
not for me

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1 person found this helpful

Gripping

Fantastic read with a couple of stories woven into one. Finished within a few days and sorry when it ended.

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Pulpy, thrilling, intense

Amazing performance and an all around enjoyable detective tale.
Massively impressed with everything from start to finished!

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Brilliant & thrilling

I have read this book a few times but took great pleasure in listing to Jeff Harding fabulous reading. John Connolly makes his characters come to life as true people and you immediately get engaged with the story. Get it - you won’t regret it.

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3 people found this helpful