Unfallen Dead [Mass Market Paperback]

The first two Connor Grey novels were more like detective novels with a paranormal flair. This third volume is firmly in the paranormal, while still having an intricate mystery, giving readers a deep look at the world and characters Del Franco has imagined. It is easily the best of the series so far and makes me hungry for the next installment.

A lot of plot lines take route in Unfallen Dead, and readers finally get significant progress on Connor's disability, the political instability among the Fae and even Connor's relationship with Meryl. Yes! Connor is still struggling with the black mass in his mind which blocks his druid abilities, and working with Murdock on cases the Guild won't bother with. His latest case involves two humans murdered by a druidess that link back to an old case of Keeva's (so of course The Guild eventually gets invoved). And Meryl is involved up to her neck as well, in ways that will startle Connor and the reader. Keeva's got her own problems - on suspension for being manipulated against the Guild. Connor is stunned when his old Guild partner, Dylan, arrives to temporarily take over her position. Connor and Dylan have unresolved issues, naturally, but their camaraderie is just what I was missing in Connor's relationship with Murdock. To top it off, the Faerie royal court has taken an interest in Connor and Meryl because of the events at Forest Hill and the malignant essence, Taint (book 3). Queen Ceridwen has come to investigate, or place blame, depending on one's point of view. She carries a spear which seeks the truth. Only, it does more than seek truth and it likes Connor more than her. Samhain is approaching and the veil between worlds is thinning - finally allowing crossovers that have not happened since Convergence.

Chock full of action, intrigue and outright adventure, this novel has it all. I was engrossed from the first page to the last. Connor finally recognizes that the black mass in his head has not so coincidentally saved his life, and the world, more than once now. It figures directly into the plot here, and like the spear, is more than it seems. The arrival of Dylan brought welcome information about Connor's past and a new ally. Dylan doesn't dismiss Connor because of his lack of power, and even offers him a way back into the Guild if he wants. Connor's command of the spear will take him through the veil in a kick-butt ending that includes a confrontation with his arch enemy, revelations about Queen Maeve and her motives, and the dead crossing over into Boston from Tir Na Nog (the land of the dead). I especially liked that Connor didn't "accidentally" save the day this time despite his disability, he planned and executed it. This author has a gift for hooking a reader with an awesome ending. Consider me hooked - and bring on book 4.

Connor Grey is a druid, a member of the various fey/magical races, and formerly a powerful Guild (enforcers for the magical races) member until his abilities were destroyed in a duel with an elf terrorist. He's been consulting with the human police in Boston's fey-ghetto ever since. This time out there is magical trace-evidence at the murder-site of a homeless man and later at that of an elderly woman in her residence... How are the two connected? As usual, the Guild isn't interested in the death of a homeless man, but things begin to look like they involve much more, as usual. And Samhain is approaching--formerly a time when the portals to Faerie and other worlds were open in the past, but not since the Convergence of the lands over a century ago. However, it seems as if this year may be different...

Between interviewing folk and sleuthing, Grey finally gets a little farther with his love-life and more folk from his past appear. There is also more Guild politics and tension between the various fey factions, along with the threat of Grey's old nemesis, the terrorist he was fighting when he lost his powers. The mix of mystery, magic and suspense continues to be fun. I admit that I have a fondness for this series. It's interesting watching Grey trying to cope with his lack of abilities. And the mystery of his disability, and of the strange powers that he's sometimes capable of him, continues to deepen.

While not strictly necessary, it's probably best to start the series from the first book, UNSHAPELY THINGS.

Sadly, it seems as if Del Franco's next book will feature a new and different main character. I hope the Connor Grey series will continue, eventually, since it is one of my favorites.

The third in the Connor Grey series, Unfallen Dead was simply great! I really like Connor Grey's character and find that he makes a wonderful hero. Lots of new developement in this installment, which you'd have to read the first two to fully appreciate. I won't go into detail as I'm sure other great reviewers will do that. All I can say is that I strongly recommend not only this novel, but the whole series if you're looking for a good urban fantasy. I suspect there is going to be lots more of Connor Grey in the future and will eagerly look forward to them. If you like Rob Thurman, Jim Butcher and his Harry Dresden Files and Anton Strout and Simon R. Green, then pick up a Mark Del Franco book. He won't disappoint!