The Dirty South

EVIL TAKES MANY FORMS.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR CHARLIE PARKER HUNTS THEM ALL.

It is 1997, and a serial killer is on the loose 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. Charlie Parker 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 . . .

From the number one Sunday Times and multi-million-copy bestselling author John Connolly comes the most compelling and unsettling thriller yet - witness the making of Charlie Parker.

The Charlie Parker novels can be read and enjoyed in any order. The Dirty South is the eighteenth book in this globally bestselling series.

“Anyone who enjoys the exploits of the former New York Detective-turned-private-investigator Charlie Parker will be thrilled by this prequel to his stories . . . Beautifully told, this underlines the sheer brilliance of the character of Parker - Daily MailA beautifully measured novel that is equal parts gripping mystery and an unsentimental meditation on grief, probably the best crime novel you will read this year - The Irish TimesThis is a story populated with richly described characters, be they honorable or slimy, as well as rich descriptions and dialogue. Fast-moving, witty dialogue helps speed this well-plotted yarn to a dramatic conclusion. A most satisfying read for crime buffs. - Kirkus ReviewsThis epic tale deserves all the praise that is coming its way. Phenomenal. - SunIntelligent and subtle . . . Connolly is writing at the top of his game - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)Mr. Connolly's slam-bang thriller is studded with memorable characters and boasts cliffhangers within cliffhangers - Wall Street Journal'The master of the supernaturally charged thriller [takes] Charlie Parker back to near the start of his story . . . it serves to remind long time admirers of what it was that they loved about the character in the first place . . . Have a care if you are new to the series though, as you'll be clearing your schedule for the rest of the Parker”

A finely written thriller haunted by a powerful sense of the struggle between good and evil Daily Mail
Anyone who enjoys the exploits of the former New York Detective-turned-private-investigator Charlie Parker will be thrilled by this prequel to his stories . . . Beautifully told, this underlines the sheer brilliance of the character of Parker Daily Mail
A beautifully measured novel that is equal parts gripping mystery and an unsentimental meditation on grief, probably the best crime novel you will read this year The Irish Times
This is a story populated with richly described characters, be they honorable or slimy, as well as rich descriptions and dialogue. Fast-moving, witty dialogue helps speed this well-plotted yarn to a dramatic conclusion. A most satisfying read for crime buffs. Kirkus Reviews
Intelligent and subtle . . . Connolly is writing at the top of his game Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
There's no denying this one is a hell of a tale: dark, haunting, and beautifully told . . . For fans of the Parker series, the book is required reading Booklist
It is a dark and wondrous tale . . . an indispensable addition to the Parker canon for Connolly's longtime readers and a terrific introduction for those who have yet to discover his dark prose magic Book Reporter
Mr Connolly's slam-bang thriller is studded with memorable characters and boasts cliffhangers within cliffhangers Wall Street Journal
A story populated with richly described characters, be they honorable or slimy, as well as rich descriptions and dialogue. Fast-moving, witty dialogue helps speed this well-plotted yarn to a dramatic conclusion Kirkus Reviews
Mr. Connolly's slam-bang thriller is studded with memorable characters and boasts cliffhangers within cliffhangers Wall Street Journal
'The master of the supernaturally charged thriller [takes] Charlie Parker back to near the start of his story . . . it serves to remind long time admirers of what it was that they loved about the character in the first place . . . Have a care if you are new to the series though, as you'll be clearing your schedule for the rest of the Parker novels once this excellent thriller piques your curiosity' Hot Press
A finely written thriller haunted by a powerful sense of the struggle between good and evil Daily Mail

John Connolly is author of the Charlie Parker mysteries, The Book of Lost Things, the Samuel Johnson novels for young adults and, with his partner, Jennifer Ridyard, co-author of the Chronicles of the Invaders. John Connolly's debut - EVERY DEAD THING - introduced the character of Private Investigator Charlie Parker, and swiftly launched him right into the front rank of thriller writers. All his subsequent novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers. He was the winner of the 2016 CWA Short Story Dagger for On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man (1637) by Frans Mier from NIGHT MUSIC: Nocturnes Vol 2.

It is 1997, 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.

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