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4.06k reviews for:
The Searcher: The mesmerising new mystery from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Tana French
3.72 AVERAGE
4.06k reviews for:
The Searcher: The mesmerising new mystery from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Tana French
3.72 AVERAGE
3.5 ⭐️ - a slow read, but I think that was intentional. I enjoyed the special relationship formed between the main characters. I also like the setting of the book and was able to visualize the scenery.
I love Tana French. I love her well-shaped characters, suspenseful setting, and witty writing. Therefore, I enjoyed this one as well. It has a couple of moments where I felt uneasy - like 'these words don't sound naturally from a kid', and 'this is just too cheesy'. But overall it was a good story for my vacation - Tana French had always had a knack at sending me into my happy place, where I would mumble to close ones "give me a minute, I've almost finished a page/chapter/book".
I LOVED this book. I loved it despite the fact that the mystery element, which is usually what I read Tana French books for, wasn't particularly good or gripping. I loved it because of the parent-child relationship between Cal and Trey and I loved it because French writes about Ireland in a way that only a person who truly knows and understands and BELONGS to it ever could. I have devoured each and every one of her books and they are all authentically Irish, but this was the first time I was struck by the sense that Ireland is as much a character in this novel as the human protagonists. She writes about Ireland so beautifully, yet despite the protagonist being an American outsider she never romanticises it, or turns a blind eye to its flaws. There was a warm familiarity among the pages that made reading it feel like wrapping myself up in a blanket. The whole experience of consuming this book was incredibly emotional for me. It made me feel like I was home.
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Until recently, Cal Hooper was a police officer in Chicago, but he could no longer bear the violence and human depravity he faced every day. He yearns for a peaceful life in beautiful nature, with friendly neighbors and the occasional beer at the pub, and he seeks that life in a rural area of Western Ireland.
But then there's this kid, Trey, who watches him like a little wild animal: shy, but ready to use teeth and claws at any moment. Trey has heard that Cal used to be a police officer, and Trey wants to know what happened to his brother Brendan. Everyone says he ran away, no one wants to take it to the police, but Trey is sure Brendan was kidnapped.
And just like that, Cal is caught up in an investigation, but without the resources he had as a police officer - and surrounded by neighbors who are becoming increasingly hostile.
Tana French is a master of subtle tension that unfolds slowly like a smoldering fire. Only in hindsight does a coherent overall picture emerge, convincing through psychological depth and nuanced character portrayal. In each of her books, she demonstrates a deep understanding of her characters and their social environment, and "The Searcher" is no exception. The characters are complex, and the novel explores their interpersonal depths with psychological finesse. For me, that is the greatest strength of this compelling social drama.
Tana French's writing style bridges the gap between crime fiction and literary prose. With attention to detail and a keen sense of the importance of the right setting, she breathes life into the story, relying on atmosphere rather than action.
But then there's this kid, Trey, who watches him like a little wild animal: shy, but ready to use teeth and claws at any moment. Trey has heard that Cal used to be a police officer, and Trey wants to know what happened to his brother Brendan. Everyone says he ran away, no one wants to take it to the police, but Trey is sure Brendan was kidnapped.
And just like that, Cal is caught up in an investigation, but without the resources he had as a police officer - and surrounded by neighbors who are becoming increasingly hostile.
Tana French is a master of subtle tension that unfolds slowly like a smoldering fire. Only in hindsight does a coherent overall picture emerge, convincing through psychological depth and nuanced character portrayal. In each of her books, she demonstrates a deep understanding of her characters and their social environment, and "The Searcher" is no exception. The characters are complex, and the novel explores their interpersonal depths with psychological finesse. For me, that is the greatest strength of this compelling social drama.
Tana French's writing style bridges the gap between crime fiction and literary prose. With attention to detail and a keen sense of the importance of the right setting, she breathes life into the story, relying on atmosphere rather than action.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked the dynamics of a very small & rural place, but this didn’t do it for me. I kept waiting for more and it never came. Of the French books I've read so far, I liked this one least.
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I liked the prose, but I figured it out about 2/3 of the way through leaving me with a lot book left to read