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This might be a stupid question but do we have to read any or all of the preceding 13 books in order to give this one due justice? Thanks in advance.
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A Time of Torment,
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Socal444
Since anybody reading any one of the Charlie Parker books will want to read the others, it makes sense to start at Book No. 1, Every Dead Thing. (1) To me, it is important to know how Parker wound up like he is and what his motivations are. (2) There are a number of personal relationships that develop over the entire 14 book series. For example, a close friend, Louis, is a stone killer. Yet he not only respects Charlie, but he fears him as well. His friends, and certain enemies, realize that he is special and must be treated with special care. You cannot know this by simply picking up book No. 14. (3) The reader develops a personal relationship with Charlie that enriches the reading experience. I began to experience a kinship with Parker around the fourth novel, and it has grown stronger with each book released. Certainly, one can read No. 14 , and enjoy it. However, do yourself a favor and start with No. 1. You will wind up reading them all anyway!
Neil Thayne
I'm about a third of the way through, and the main plot is pretty much self contained. However, there are certainly themes and long running character dynamics that make sense having read the preceding books. Without giving spoilers, Connolly has an overarching conceit surrounding his main character which may appear somewhat odd if you haven't read any of the other Charlie Parker novels and seen the development.
Donna Davis
I just finished it and it was my first in the series. You can enjoy it as a singleton, and Connolly fills in the contours without going into the detail some authors indulge in as book promotion. And you should.
Tonytoni
While the book itself can be read as an individual one, like other said, you'll wonder why some characters acts that way, also, mentions of events happened in previous books could be spoiler!!! Furthermore, why skip one of the very best of this series? I highly recommend Every Dead Thing.
Pattyh
YES - Read them all. Connelly is a superior writer and by far the Charlie Parker series is the best in this genre. All his books can be standalone, but there are references that a follower of the series will understand. Read them all. you won't regret it.
John Stanley
Start with #1, there's just too much good story and writing not to. I've found the early Connolly books fairly available at Half Price Books. I pick up extra copies for friends so they can get started. -J. (You rarely HAVE to start with the first book of a series but it just makes it better.)
Caryl V.
Not really, particularly in this book. But it will probably make you want to go back to book one and read through.
Bhulinder Singh
yes absolutly.
these are amazing books
these are amazing books
Arlene Arredondo
I came across this author with a book of this series and loved it so much that began collecting them, the book was Wrath of Angels. I've read almost every book (except The Lovers and The Reapers). You can read this book even if you haven't read the ones before, but the depth of the characters will not be the same.
Bookworm9992001
I hope you've taken the advice of all the previous posts. There are many references to past events in this book which assume a prior knowledge of all the characters' past history. To read the previous titles in order, will give you a better understanding of each book.
Innula
I'm about two thirds of the way through the book now, and am enjoying it a lot.
I've read all the previous novels in the series, having become hooked on them when the first one, Every Dead Thing, was first published, and I agree that, while it could certainly be read as a stand-alone novel, I think it's going to be much more enjoyable if you've read the previous ones. That way various allusions and references in this book to characters and events in the earlier novels will make a lot more sense.
The narrative makes perfect sense without knowing the context, but I think that, in a few places, I'd be left wondering why the author makes such a big deal of what otherwise might seem to be incidental points of detail if I didn't pick up on the references to events and characters in other books in the series.
I've read all the previous novels in the series, having become hooked on them when the first one, Every Dead Thing, was first published, and I agree that, while it could certainly be read as a stand-alone novel, I think it's going to be much more enjoyable if you've read the previous ones. That way various allusions and references in this book to characters and events in the earlier novels will make a lot more sense.
The narrative makes perfect sense without knowing the context, but I think that, in a few places, I'd be left wondering why the author makes such a big deal of what otherwise might seem to be incidental points of detail if I didn't pick up on the references to events and characters in other books in the series.
Spencer Carter
Yes go back and read from the start. I actually had started with the second book by accident. It dosent matter if you don't. But you will deny yourself a reading experience.
Bill
I would absolutely strongly recommend beginning the Charlie Parker series at the beginning. One of my very favorite authors, I am biased. But, if you begin with "Every Dead Thing", you will come to understand....
Ali
I would highly recommend reading the first 13, not essential but Neil's points are correct.
Tori Barratt
I started reading this series with Unquiet, unaware that it was part of a series. From there on in I read there of the earlier books out of order, as they weren't easy to find in bookstores, (and have since read all of them), yet I still fell in love with the series. Yes, it does make much more sense and will be better appreciated if you read it in order, especially with the last few books, but each one truely is a delight in it's self.
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May 12, 2017 06:06PM · flag
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