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John Connolly (author)
Encyclopedia
John Connolly is an Irish writer who is best known for his series of novels starring private detective Charlie Parker.
and went on to win the 2000 Shamus Award
for Best First Private Eye Novel (he is the first author outside of the US to have won the award). Connolly's debut introduced readers to the anti-hero
Charlie Parker, a former police officer hunting the killer of his wife and daughter. Connolly has since written further books in the popular Parker series and a non-Parker thriller, as well as venturing outside of the crime genre with the publication of first, an anthology
of ghost stories and later, a novel about a young boy's coming-of-age
journey through a fantasy realm during World War II
England. Several film adaptations of his works are currently in development; the earliest to appear to audiences will be partially based on the short story "The New Daughter", and stars Kevin Costner
and Ivana Baquero. Connolly is also known to tour to promote the launch of his books. In 2007, Connolly made book-store appearances in Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan to promote The Unquiet.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Connolly worked as a journalist, a barman, a local government official, a waiter and a gofer at Harrods
department store in London. After graduating with a B.A.
in English from Trinity College, Dublin and a M.A. in Journalism
from Dublin City University
, he spent five years working as a freelance journalist for The Irish Times newspaper. He quickly became frustrated with the profession, and began to write Every Dead Thing in his spare time. Connolly continues to contribute articles to the paper, most notable of which have been a series of interviews with other established authors.
Although Connolly's novels fall under the crime genre, his stories have become increasingly tinged with supernatural overtones. In the Parker book, The Black Angel, Parker is haunted by the ghosts of his murdered wife and daughter (whether real or imagined), while his search for a missing New York prostitute is linked to the myth of the fallen angel
s. The setting of Portland, Maine
, in each of his novels, coupled with paranormal, invite comparisons to the works of Stephen King
. Connolly was drawn to the tradition of American crime fiction
, because it seemed the best medium through which he could explore the issues of compassion, morality, reparation and salvation. He credits veteran authors Ross Macdonald
, James Lee Burke
and Ed McBain as influences, and is often praised for writing in a rich and introspective style of prose.
The eighth book in the Charlie Parker series, The Reapers, was published in 2008. It differs from the earlier books in that the story is told from the point of view
of Parker's close friends and allies in combat, Louis and Angel. Louis and Angel are an unlikely couple whose quibbles and good humour are sometimes the source of comic relief
. Louis is an enigimatic, large black man who was a hired killer but who now seems to be in semiretirement; Angel is a small white man and ex-burglar. They appear episodically throughout the Charlie Parker books as his only close friends, revealing themselves when Parker is in need of help and professional protection from his enemies.
The ninth Parker novel, titled The Whisperers, was published in 2010; the tenth, The Burning Soul, in 2011.
Life and works
His first novel, Every Dead Thing, was met with critical acclaim; it was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for Best First NovelBram Stoker Award for Best First Novel
The Bram Stoker Award for First Novel is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for an author's first horror novel.-Winners and nominees:Nominees are listed below the winner for each year....
and went on to win the 2000 Shamus Award
Shamus Award
The Shamus Award is awarded by the Private Eye Writers of America for the best detective fiction genre novels and short stories of the year....
for Best First Private Eye Novel (he is the first author outside of the US to have won the award). Connolly's debut introduced readers to the anti-hero
Anti-hero
In fiction, an antihero is generally considered to be a protagonist whose character is at least in some regards conspicuously contrary to that of the archetypal hero, and is in some instances its antithesis in which the character is generally useless at being a hero or heroine when they're...
Charlie Parker, a former police officer hunting the killer of his wife and daughter. Connolly has since written further books in the popular Parker series and a non-Parker thriller, as well as venturing outside of the crime genre with the publication of first, an anthology
Anthology
An anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler. It may be a collection of poems, short stories, plays, songs, or excerpts...
of ghost stories and later, a novel about a young boy's coming-of-age
Coming of age
Coming of age is a young person's transition from childhood to adulthood. The age at which this transition takes place varies in society, as does the nature of the transition. It can be a simple legal convention or can be part of a ritual, as practiced by many societies...
journey through a fantasy realm during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
England. Several film adaptations of his works are currently in development; the earliest to appear to audiences will be partially based on the short story "The New Daughter", and stars Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner
Kevin Michael Costner is an American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and businessman. He has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, won two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Costner's roles include Lt. John J...
and Ivana Baquero. Connolly is also known to tour to promote the launch of his books. In 2007, Connolly made book-store appearances in Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan to promote The Unquiet.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Connolly worked as a journalist, a barman, a local government official, a waiter and a gofer at Harrods
Harrods
Harrods is an upmarket department store located in Brompton Road in Brompton, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London. The Harrods brand also applies to other enterprises undertaken by the Harrods group of companies including Harrods Bank, Harrods Estates, Harrods Aviation and Air...
department store in London. After graduating with a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in English from Trinity College, Dublin and a M.A. in Journalism
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
from Dublin City University
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is a university situated between Glasnevin, Santry, Ballymun and Whitehall on the Northside of Dublin in Ireland...
, he spent five years working as a freelance journalist for The Irish Times newspaper. He quickly became frustrated with the profession, and began to write Every Dead Thing in his spare time. Connolly continues to contribute articles to the paper, most notable of which have been a series of interviews with other established authors.
Although Connolly's novels fall under the crime genre, his stories have become increasingly tinged with supernatural overtones. In the Parker book, The Black Angel, Parker is haunted by the ghosts of his murdered wife and daughter (whether real or imagined), while his search for a missing New York prostitute is linked to the myth of the fallen angel
Fallen angel
Fallen angel is a concept developed in Jewish mythology from interpretation of the Book of Enoch. The actual term fallen angel is not found in either the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. Christians adopted the concept of fallen angels mainly based on their interpretations of the Book of...
s. The setting of Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine
Portland is the largest city in Maine and is the county seat of Cumberland County. The 2010 city population was 66,194, growing 3 percent since the census of 2000...
, in each of his novels, coupled with paranormal, invite comparisons to the works of Stephen King
Stephen King
Stephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books...
. Connolly was drawn to the tradition of American crime fiction
Crime fiction
Crime fiction is the literary genre that fictionalizes crimes, their detection, criminals and their motives. It is usually distinguished from mainstream fiction and other genres such as science fiction or historical fiction, but boundaries can be, and indeed are, blurred...
, because it seemed the best medium through which he could explore the issues of compassion, morality, reparation and salvation. He credits veteran authors Ross Macdonald
Ross Macdonald
Not to be confused with John D. MacDonaldRoss Macdonald is the pseudonym of the American-Canadian writer of crime fiction Kenneth Millar...
, James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke is an American author of mysteries, best known for his Dave Robicheaux series. He has won an Edgar Award for Black Cherry Blues and Cimarron Rose . The Robicheaux character has been portrayed twice on screen, first by Alec Baldwin and then Tommy Lee Jones...
and Ed McBain as influences, and is often praised for writing in a rich and introspective style of prose.
The eighth book in the Charlie Parker series, The Reapers, was published in 2008. It differs from the earlier books in that the story is told from the point of view
Point of view (literature)
The narrative mode is the set of methods the author of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical story uses to convey the plot to the audience. Narration, the process of presenting the narrative, occurs because of the narrative mode...
of Parker's close friends and allies in combat, Louis and Angel. Louis and Angel are an unlikely couple whose quibbles and good humour are sometimes the source of comic relief
Comic relief
Comic relief is the inclusion of a humorous character, scene or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension.-Definition:...
. Louis is an enigimatic, large black man who was a hired killer but who now seems to be in semiretirement; Angel is a small white man and ex-burglar. They appear episodically throughout the Charlie Parker books as his only close friends, revealing themselves when Parker is in need of help and professional protection from his enemies.
The ninth Parker novel, titled The Whisperers, was published in 2010; the tenth, The Burning Soul, in 2011.
Charlie Parker series
- Every Dead Thing, 1999
- Dark Hollow, 2000
- The Killing Kind, 2001
- The White Road, 2002
- "The Reflecting Eye", a novella included in Nocturnes, his collection of short stories, 2004
- The Black Angel, 2005
- US editions were accompanied by the first of two soundtracks to his novels, featuring tracks by Lullaby for the Working ClassLullaby for the Working ClassLullaby for the Working Class was an indie folk rock band from Lincoln, Nebraska, active from the mid-to-late 1990s. Fronted by Omaha, Nebraska singer-songwriter Ted Stevens , the group also featured multi-instrumentalist and producer Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes, his brother, producer A.J...
, Red House PaintersRed House PaintersRed House Painters were an alternative rock group formed in 1989 in San Francisco, California by singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek.-History:While in Atlanta, Georgia, Ohio-born Kozelek became friends with Anthony Koutsos, a drummer. He then moved to San Francisco, California, adding guitarist Gorden...
, HemHem (band)Hem is an indie folk-rock band from New York City, United States. Band members include Sally Ellyson , Dan Messé , Gary Maurer , Steve Curtis , George Rush , Mark Brotter , Bob Hoffnar , and Heather Zimmerman .-Band history:In 1999,...
, LambchopLambchop (band)Lambchop, originally Posterchild, is a band from Nashville, Tennessee. Lambchop is loosely associated with the alternative country genre...
, Kate BushKate BushKate Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Her eclectic musical style and idiosyncratic vocal style have made her one of the United Kingdom's most successful solo female performers of the past 30 years.In 1978, at the age of 19, Bush topped the UK Singles Chart...
, The Go-BetweensThe Go-BetweensThe Go-Betweens were an indie rock band formed in Brisbane, Australia in 1977 by singer-songwriters and guitarists, Robert Forster and Grant McLennan. They were later joined by Lindy Morrison on drums, Robert Vickers on bass guitar and Amanda Brown on violin, oboe, guitar, and backing vocals,...
, The WalkaboutsThe WalkaboutsThe Walkabouts is an American rock band formed in Seattle in 1984. The core members are vocalist Carla Torgerson and vocalist and songwriter Chris Eckman...
, Beachwood SparksBeachwood SparksBeachwood Sparks are an American alternative country band from Los Angeles. A Daily Telegraph article on America's underground psychedelic pop scene described Beachwood Sparks as "country through a kaleidoscope".-Biography:...
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, Thee More ShallowsThee More ShallowsThee More Shallows are a three-piece San Francisco based experimental indie rock band formed in 2001, consisting of song-writer Dee Kesler, Chavo Fraser and Jason Gonzales...
, Pinetop SevenPinetop SevenPinetop Seven is an American band from Chicago, Illinois. The group initially revolved around three core members, supplemented by instruments such as double bass, accordion, slide guitar, banjo, and mandolin; more recent recordings have a more fluid lineup and increasingly orchestral textures...
, The Triffids, Radar Bros.Radar Bros.The Radar Bros. are an indie rock band from Los Angeles, CA currently consisting of Jim Putnam , Be Hussey and Stevie Treichel and joined by Dan Iead , and Ethan Walter in the studio and on recent tours. The band's original members were Jim Putnam, Senon Williams and Steve Goodfriend...
and The Blue NileThe Blue NileThe Blue Nile is an adult alternative/pop band from Glasgow. The music of The Blue Nile is built heavily on synthesizers and electronic instrumentation and percussion, although later works featured acoustic guitar more prominently.-Early years:...
.
- US editions were accompanied by the first of two soundtracks to his novels, featuring tracks by Lullaby for the Working Class
- The Unquiet, 2007
- This time, UK editions were accompanied by a second music compilation, featuring tracks by Nickel CreekNickel CreekNickel Creek was an American progressive acoustic music trio consisting of Chris Thile , Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins . The band was founded in 1989 and released 6 albums between 1993 and 2006...
, MidlakeMidlakeMidlake is an American rock band from Denton, Texas. The band first gained popularity in Europe, signing to Bella Union Records and playing at festivals such as Les Inrockuptibles, Wintercase, End Of The Road Festival and South by Southwest.-History:...
, LowLow (band)Low is an American indie rock group from Duluth, Minnesota, formed in 1993. As of 2010, the group is composed of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker , both founding members, and Steve Garrington ....
, Willard Grant ConspiracyWillard Grant ConspiracyWillard Grant Conspiracy is an alt-country band currently based near Palmdale, California, USA.Originally formed by Robert Fisher and Paul Austin in 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts, the band operates as a collective, with vocalist Fisher the only permanent member. Up to thirty other musicians...
, The CzarsThe CzarsThe Czars was an alternative rock band, formed in 1994 in Denver by John Grant and Chris Pearson. They released six studio albums, one EP, and three singles in the duration of their career. After the release of Goodbye in 2004, five of the six members of The Czars left the band over the span of...
, EfterklangEfterklangEfterklang is an indie rock group from Copenhagen, Denmark, formed in December 2000. To date, the band has released three studio albums and are currently signed to the 4AD label, as well as their own record label Rumraket.-History:...
, HoodHood (band)Hood is a UK-based band from Leeds, that formed in 1991. The band consists of brothers Chris and Richard Adams, and friends .- History :...
, Woven HandWoven HandWovenhand is a band from Denver, Colorado led by former 16 Horsepower lead singer David Eugene Edwards. Woven Hand's music combines elements of neofolk, alternative country, post-rock, punk, industrial music, folk rock, old-time music and native American music, among other influences.-History:The...
, Starless & Bible Black, The NationalThe National (band)The National is an indie rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999 and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. The band's lyrics are written and sung by Matt Berninger, a baritone...
, The DelgadosThe DelgadosThe Delgados were a Scottish indie rock band from Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The band was composed of Alun Woodward , Stewart Henderson , Paul Savage and Emma Pollock .-Biography:...
, Jim WhiteJim WhiteMichael Davis Pratt known professionally as Jim White, is a Southern American singer-songwriter and guitarist. White's music can be loosely described as alternative country, but veers off in different, sometimes experimental directions with occasional nods to Tom Waits and the literary narratives...
, Sufjan StevensSufjan StevensSufjan Stevens is an American singer-songwriter and musician born in Detroit, Michigan. Stevens first began releasing his music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label co-founded with his stepfather, beginning with the 1999 release, A Sun Came...
, EspersEspers (band)Espers is a psych folk band from Philadelphia that is part of the emerging indie folk scene. They formed in 2002 as a trio of singer-songwriter Greg Weeks, Meg Baird and Brooke Sietinsons but later expanded to a sextet including Otto Hauser, Helena Espvall and Chris Smith...
, Phelan SheppardPhelan SheppardPhelan Sheppard are musicians Keiron Phelan and David Sheppard. They are based in London, England, and play mainly instrumental music. Phelan and Sheppard have long been associated with each other, having first met as teenagers with a mutual appreciation of Can, Cluster and Brian Eno and formed a...
.
- This time, UK editions were accompanied by a second music compilation, featuring tracks by Nickel Creek
- The Reapers, May 2008
- The Lovers, 2009
- The Whisperers, 2010
- The Burning Soul, 2011
Other novels
- Bad Men, 2003 (Connolly's first stand-alone crime novel)
- The Book of Lost ThingsThe Book of Lost ThingsThe Book of Lost Things is a fantasy novel by John Connolly. The book follows David, a young boy who struggles with his mother's death and his father's remarriage. When a World War II bomber plane crashes into his garden, he finds himself in the fantasy world of his books; he must find the King,...
, 2006 (Connolly's first non-mystery novel) - The Gates, 2009
- The Infernals, 2011 (Sequel to The Gates) Hell's Bells in the UK
Short story collections
- Nocturnes, 2004 - a collection of supernatural tales book-ended by two novellas, 9 of which are transcripts of stories written for presentation on BBC Radio Four.
Short stories
- "The Inkpot Monkey", 2004 in Like A Charm: A Novel In Voices - an anthology of short stories from 15 mystery writers, (also featured in Nocturnes). Edited by Karin SlaughterKarin Slaughter-Personal Life:Karin Slaughter is an American crime writer, whose first novel Blindsighted became an international success, was published in almost 30 languages, and made the Crime Writers' Association's Dagger Award shortlist for "Best Thriller Debut" of 2001.Fractured, the second novel in the...
. - "Mr. Gray's Folly", 2005 in Dangerous Women - an anthology of short stories from 17 crime writers. Edited by Otto Penzler.
- "The Cycle", 2005 under the pseudonym Laura Froom (after the titular vampire in a story from Nocturnes) in Moments: Short Stories by Irish Women Writers in Aid of the Victims of the Tsunami. Edited by Ciara Considine.
- "A Haunting", June 2008 in Downturn Tales: Stay-Up-All-Night Stories from Your Favorite Bestselling Authors.
Film adaptations
- The New DaughterThe New DaughterThe New Daughter is a 2009 horror film and the directorial debut of Spanish screenwriter Luis Bernejo.Based on the short story of the same name by John Connolly, it tells the story of a novelist and his two children who encounter a malevolent presence when they move to a house in the country...
(2009) - partially based on a short story of the same name from Nocturnes, starring Kevin CostnerKevin CostnerKevin Michael Costner is an American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and businessman. He has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, won two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Costner's roles include Lt. John J...
and Ivana Baquero ; Luiso Berdejo (director), John Travis (scriptwriter) . - The Book of Lost Things - under development by John Moore (director).
- Sanctuary - based on the novel Bad Men and under development.
- Some Children Wander By Mistake - a short film adaptation based on another short story from the Nocturnes collection.
Awards
- Nominee: 1999 Bram Stoker AwardBram Stoker AwardThe Bram Stoker Award is a recognition presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing. The awards have been presented annually since 1987, and the winners are selected by ballot of the Active members of the HWA...
(First Novel), for Every Dead Thing - Nominee: 2000 Barry AwardBarry Award (for crime novels)The Barry Award is a crime literary prize awarded annually since 1997 by the editors of Deadly Pleasures, an American quarterly publication for crime fiction readers. From 2007-2009 the award was jointly presented with the publication Mystery News...
(Best British Crime Novel), for Every Dead Thing - Winner: 2000 Shamus AwardShamus AwardThe Shamus Award is awarded by the Private Eye Writers of America for the best detective fiction genre novels and short stories of the year....
(Best First P.I. Novel), for Every Dead Thing - Nominee: 2001 Barry Award (Best British Crime Novel), for Dark Hollow
- Nominee: 2002 Barry Award (Best British Crime Novel), for The Killing Kind
- Winner: 2003 Barry Award (Best British Crime Novel), for The White Road
- Nominee: 2005 CWA Short Story Dagger Award, for "Miss Froom, Vampire"
- Nominee: 2007 Huges & Huges Irish Novel of the Year, for The Book of Lost Things