The Killing Kind by John Connolly Sept. 2002 (us) ISBN # -0743453344 Simon & Schuster

I decided I couldn't wait for the American print, so I ordered the British copy of John’s third book. I think this one may be the darkest yet. Parker is trying to take more mundane cases, and as a result, safer but boring cases. He is summoned to the home of a wealthy Maine politico and offered a job. look into the suicide of the daughter of a friend. As it turns out, Bird knew the girl when he was a younger man. He takes the case.

Grace Peltier was doing research for a paper on the Aroostook Baptists. A religious community that disappeared without a trace some forty years earlier. When her body is found, her work is missing. The book takes Parker on a journey into the dark again. People don’t want the truth found. In particular, a very gruesome man who keeps showing up, named Mr. Pudd. The case twists around and around, but Parker sees it through and discovers the truth. And in the process irritates some people that maybe shouldn’t be irritated.

Parker is again troubled by ghosts. And I think that it gives him a more human quality even though it gives the books a supernatural hint. And back again to watch his back are Angel and Louis. And Rachel again seems to be his anchor. John Connolly really does his research and it shows. A great book, and so far my favorite of the series. Plus a nice little surprise at the end!

Jon Jordan