Book Review: The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly

 

The Wrath of Angels
A Charlie Parker Thriller
John Connolly
Emily Bestler Books/Atria, January 2013
ISBN 978-1-4767-0302-2
Hardcover

Private investigator Charlie Parker works a bit off the trodden path. Instead of run-of-the-mill bad guys, Charlie chases fallen angels, agents of the devil whose aim is to cause pain and suffering not only here on earth, but in the afterlife as well. Some of the more accomplished fallen angels are even impossible to kill–permanently–although they can be stymied, which Charlie has done more than once. A being named Brightwell, for instance, who has come back to life as a small child after Charlie once killed him. Then there are characters who may be something in-between good and evil, like the Collector, who kills fallen angels, but also the innocent.

This story revolves around a mysterious downed plane hidden deep in the Maine forests. A plane that no one has reported missing. Even close proximity to the wreckage gives chills to anyone who stumbles upon it, and when a couple hunters confiscate a great deal of money they find inside it, they–and their heirs–will be pursued by evil-doers bound on retribution.

Even Charlie, may not be as free of moral wrong as he thinks, or as he wishes.

A great cast of characters people this book. The good, the bad, and the ugly. What’s more, the story will probably scare your pants off. The title may say this is a Charlie Parker thriller, but I believe the genre is more horror than straight forward thrilling.

The plot is engrossing. The setting is excellent. You’ll find the Maine forest looming over you and closing in, adding to the tension. And there is a ton of tension throughout this book. You’re even apt to get so caught up with the characters you neglect to put the book down at bedtime. Well, it may be because you’re afraid to close your eyes, due to this entirely compelling novel.

Reviewed by Carol Crigger, April 2014.
Author of Three Seconds to Thunder.