|
|
  | | |
|
» Book Reviews » Features » Short Stories
| BOOK REVIEWS Nocturnes Ruth Bradbury-Horton
In his sixth and latest novel "Nocturnes", John Connolly, bestselling Irish author of "Bad Men", has created a masterful collection of short stories. Using his winning formula of combining the supernatural, mystery and crime, he takes the reader on a chilling journey through the unknown. He effectively brings to life the fears and suffering of his victims, along with the despicable hideousness of his perpetrators; of which, the perpetrators are presented in a variety of disturbing guises. This book is not for the squeamish: blood, gore, torn flesh and the like are scattered between the pages — Connolly fans will love it, and Stephen King fans should well give it a try. Cleverly, Connolly starts each story at a slow and steady pace. No doubt to settle readers into a false sense of security, oblivious of the trauma that is about to erupt. Then, without warning you find yourself gripped, racing through every page, anxious to reach the expected, or as the case may be, the unexpected final scene. Connolly doesn't mince his words. He crafts words and language together superbly, presenting chilling and shocking settings. Vivid imaginations will relish in it. Of the 15 stories included in "Nocturnes", the BBC has recently selected several for radio broadcasting, a testament to the quality of the writing, and Connolly's ability to create images through words. This is definitely the feeling you get as you read: you find yourself pulled into the story, visualising and experiencing the chills and movements of each victim as they struggle for escape. In all, there are 15 short stories, including 2 novellas. The first of which introduces a diseased cowboy, drifting from town to town, deliberately spreading his virus, intent on destruction. This was an excellent starting point that will really get you in the mood for more. There are a couple of stories that are based around children, and will no doubt be disturbing to some. While these stories aren’t particularly gory, they cover topical issues and could be hard to stomach. You won't look at clowns the same way again. The final "Nocturnes" story is also the second novella, and reprises the role of Charlie Parker, a tragic and troubled crime investigator, introduced by Connolly in his first book, "Every Dead Thing". In this story - "The Reflecting Eye" – Parker is expectantly awaiting the birth of his child, and reluctantly takes on the investigation into the disappearance of a child, that has bizarre links to the past. Not as gory as the other stories, bordering more towards a crime story, it nonetheless has a supernatural twist. With it’s ability to satisfy the thirst for the macabre, "Nocturnes" will be a welcomed addition to any bookcase.
Author: John Connolly
| | |
| |||
