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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Another one of these books where I'm waffling on how to feel. Overall, I'd say it just slightly edges into a 3 star read, but just barely. It's closer to a 2.5 star read if Goodreads did half stars. French really excels with family drama. It's the mystery element that can sort of fall flat on it's face.
This mystery isn't overly bad. It's a locked room mystery in the most basic sense. Four people in a secure home, 3 found dead and 1 rushed to the hospital. Then things start getting weird with a potential stalker who may or may not be breaking in. Weird, erratic behavior, and other weirdness.
And the problem is.
Woah, okay, rant over. Basically, I was not really pleased with the mystery element because some of the narrative choices made. And I've noticed with French the more her books lengthen, the more weird crap she pulls out to try and make the length not boring. Except instead of adding thrills, it just leaves me feeling disgruntled and wondering if it actually made sense based on the characters' previous actions or if it was all just forced to prolong the plot.
This mystery isn't overly bad. It's a locked room mystery in the most basic sense. Four people in a secure home, 3 found dead and 1 rushed to the hospital. Then things start getting weird with a potential stalker who may or may not be breaking in. Weird, erratic behavior, and other weirdness.
And the problem is
Spoiler
if it was just that then this could have been a good thriller plot. Instead, this is over 500 pages long and French threw in several red herrings that felt ridiculously out of character. His partner, Richie, who from all description and behavior is a streetwise young man who edges just the slightest on the side of paranoid but definitely clever and a little empathetic, throws all of his wits out the window to hide the evidence of Jenny's crime. Which, weird. I didn't buy it. It felt contrived solely to force Scorcher into a corner to break his own blessed rules. Secondly, Dina. The whole Dina follows Richie home and streetwise, paranoid Richie doesn't immediately go nope, didn't fit. Sure, he'd try to handle things himself a little cause he likes to prove himself, but I thought at a certain point he had developed enough trust in Scorcher to call the man up and go, hey, your weird friend followed me home, is acting a little off. But, no, Richie instead sleeps with her and Dina, not at all acting mentally unbalanced even though she's been barely functional for most of the book, steals from Richie and then has a meltdown at the precinct. I'm not even sure how she knew that Richie had the evidence. Or if it was just opportunistic. Did she rifle through Richie's things after sleeping with him? Weird. Overall, it was just off. It added 200 pages of waffling and drama that was unnecessary. French could have had the same effect just with the whole weird wall behavior. No need for the whole Richie trying to cover for Jenny by forcing the Pat issue. There was no need to force it. Pat was plenty suspicious on his own given he had a wolf trap in the attic and a crazy amount of holes in the walls and weird ranting on the internetWoah, okay, rant over. Basically, I was not really pleased with the mystery element because some of the narrative choices made. And I've noticed with French the more her books lengthen, the more weird crap she pulls out to try and make the length not boring. Except instead of adding thrills, it just leaves me feeling disgruntled and wondering if it actually made sense based on the characters' previous actions or if it was all just forced to prolong the plot.
Many of French's endings are devastating, but this was the only to make me cry so far!
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I LOVE Tana French's books. Always thrilling, always keep me reading straight through until I'm done, alway in-depth character development...
That said, I loved this book at the beginning. It had me in the first couple pages and sucked me in. It was so disturbing and creepy, different from from your average murder mystery. There is so much psychology in her novels and it makes the stories that much richer.
As the book went on, I still enjoyed it but began to deeply dislike some of the characters. And I was disappointed that a quarter of the way through the book I was 100% sure who the killer was. And I was right. So in many ways, I saw what was coming.
As for the shitty characters, The Spains were absolutely unbearable, the type of people who cared only keeping up appearances and having money. It got to the point where it was so ridiculous I wanted to barf. I HATED them, hated Pat Spain but absolutely despised Jenny Spain...
I felt absolutely no compassion for the sad end to their lives or their broken dreams because they were just the type of people who deserved what they got...of course no one deserves to be murdered, but I didn't much care if they died. I didn't feel one bit bad for them. Their kids though, they didn't deserve it.
OK SPOILERS AHEAD...
Another thing that really got to me was the selfishness of the mothers in this story. Suicide is one of the main topics of this book and as someone who has had way too much experience with this subject, I can talk about it with some understanding.
I get depression, being sick, feeling suicidal. I've known loved ones who have killed themselves, I've been there, but the fact that both Kennedy's mother and Jenny Spain would be willing to kill themselves, ruining their families lives forever, and not only that but take their children with them...that just infuriates me.
And I'm not judgmental about people who kill themselves. I feel sadness and compassion for them, but the characters in this story just made me extremely angry. Having children is a sacrifice. Once you have them, it's not about YOU anymore. Even if you're miserable, you still have your children and families to look after.
I know these women had problems, but to me, I saw other things they could have done to save themselves. Jenny could have gone to therapy, taken the kids to her mother's or her sister's but her STUPID PRIDE got in the way of that. REALLY?????? Are there actually people out there so pathetic that they would kill their children and husband to keep up appearances? Because that was what it came down to in the end.
Just like Pat could have used poison, blocked up the holes, called another exterminator, bought an actual video camera.
Yes, Jenny lost it. Yes, Pat lost it. But there were so many other options, so many other ways out! These people CHOSE the worst ways to fix their problems and I have a hard time thinking anyone would make those decisions in real life. (Perhaps that's why Scorcher said: people deserve what they get) But I find it rather unbelievable that one would kill their whole family on this premise.
Okay rant over...
Anyway, I still love how French adds little bits of mystery to everything. This sort of reminded me of In The Woods with the supernatural element...Pat was searching for some dark mysterious evil creature in the walls. Was it there or was it all just in his mind? We all get the impression that it was him losing it, but there was some physical evidence saying otherwise.
But the animal was more symbolic, a metaphor for the decline of their family. First it affects Pat, it's his obsession. Then he gets the kids involved. His little son believes he's hearing it. His daughter is told it isn't real but eventually becomes very afraid. They all become obsessed. In the end, Jenny is the one who suffers from this thing's presence the most. Even though she KNOWS it's not real, she becomes terrified. The animal is a dark presence, a madness, an end to it all.
This story was so depressing and really got to me, but that's why I love French. She makes it all feel so real that you could reach out and touch it. Beautiful writing that is thrilling to read. She knows how to weave the main story and side plots so that they all come together to create a perfect piece of art.
Although I had issues with this book, this author is one of my favorites, a master story teller. All her books are worth reading.
That said, I loved this book at the beginning. It had me in the first couple pages and sucked me in. It was so disturbing and creepy, different from from your average murder mystery. There is so much psychology in her novels and it makes the stories that much richer.
As the book went on, I still enjoyed it but began to deeply dislike some of the characters. And I was disappointed that a quarter of the way through the book I was 100% sure who the killer was. And I was right. So in many ways, I saw what was coming.
As for the shitty characters, The Spains were absolutely unbearable, the type of people who cared only keeping up appearances and having money. It got to the point where it was so ridiculous I wanted to barf. I HATED them, hated Pat Spain but absolutely despised Jenny Spain...
I felt absolutely no compassion for the sad end to their lives or their broken dreams because they were just the type of people who deserved what they got...of course no one deserves to be murdered, but I didn't much care if they died. I didn't feel one bit bad for them. Their kids though, they didn't deserve it.
OK SPOILERS AHEAD...
Another thing that really got to me was the selfishness of the mothers in this story. Suicide is one of the main topics of this book and as someone who has had way too much experience with this subject, I can talk about it with some understanding.
I get depression, being sick, feeling suicidal. I've known loved ones who have killed themselves, I've been there, but the fact that both Kennedy's mother and Jenny Spain would be willing to kill themselves, ruining their families lives forever, and not only that but take their children with them...that just infuriates me.
And I'm not judgmental about people who kill themselves. I feel sadness and compassion for them, but the characters in this story just made me extremely angry. Having children is a sacrifice. Once you have them, it's not about YOU anymore. Even if you're miserable, you still have your children and families to look after.
I know these women had problems, but to me, I saw other things they could have done to save themselves. Jenny could have gone to therapy, taken the kids to her mother's or her sister's but her STUPID PRIDE got in the way of that. REALLY?????? Are there actually people out there so pathetic that they would kill their children and husband to keep up appearances? Because that was what it came down to in the end.
Just like Pat could have used poison, blocked up the holes, called another exterminator, bought an actual video camera.
Yes, Jenny lost it. Yes, Pat lost it. But there were so many other options, so many other ways out! These people CHOSE the worst ways to fix their problems and I have a hard time thinking anyone would make those decisions in real life. (Perhaps that's why Scorcher said: people deserve what they get) But I find it rather unbelievable that one would kill their whole family on this premise.
Okay rant over...
Anyway, I still love how French adds little bits of mystery to everything. This sort of reminded me of In The Woods with the supernatural element...Pat was searching for some dark mysterious evil creature in the walls. Was it there or was it all just in his mind? We all get the impression that it was him losing it, but there was some physical evidence saying otherwise.
But the animal was more symbolic, a metaphor for the decline of their family. First it affects Pat, it's his obsession. Then he gets the kids involved. His little son believes he's hearing it. His daughter is told it isn't real but eventually becomes very afraid. They all become obsessed. In the end, Jenny is the one who suffers from this thing's presence the most. Even though she KNOWS it's not real, she becomes terrified. The animal is a dark presence, a madness, an end to it all.
This story was so depressing and really got to me, but that's why I love French. She makes it all feel so real that you could reach out and touch it. Beautiful writing that is thrilling to read. She knows how to weave the main story and side plots so that they all come together to create a perfect piece of art.
Although I had issues with this book, this author is one of my favorites, a master story teller. All her books are worth reading.
Her stories are always interesting but it's getting to be a bit old having the case be the case that broke the detective working it.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well this was a definite mixed bag of nuts for me. Excuse the pun for those of you who may have read it. The book grabbed me from the get go which I knew then I was in for a treat. The story is set in Ireland during the recession, a time when many are losing their jobs and homes are on the line. We all know the story.
A family is murdered, mostly, out in a fairly new and empty development where maybe 5 or 6 families live. The development halted when money dried up and was basically abandoned. I love the way author describes this place and the isolated feeling you get from being out there. It's far from everything and the houses although seem really nice, when looking more closely are pretty shoddy. So Im super into this creepy feeling and it keeps me going.
Then about halfway through, the story begins to fall apart in places for me. I say in places, because I liked parts and other parts went into Wierd silly places for me making things a bit not too believable. The author tends to go on a bit with no movement to the story and repeats alot. Could have used quite a bit of editing.
Her ability to create interesting, conflicting characters is strong.
Overall I found the story sad and tragic. I think the author was trying in her way to illustrate how we can all follow the rules and do all the right things in life, make the best decisions for our families, but in the end life just isn't fair and it doesn't mean it's all going to workout just the way we want it.
I'm interested in reading another book by this author.
A family is murdered, mostly, out in a fairly new and empty development where maybe 5 or 6 families live. The development halted when money dried up and was basically abandoned. I love the way author describes this place and the isolated feeling you get from being out there. It's far from everything and the houses although seem really nice, when looking more closely are pretty shoddy. So Im super into this creepy feeling and it keeps me going.
Then about halfway through, the story begins to fall apart in places for me. I say in places, because I liked parts and other parts went into Wierd silly places for me making things a bit not too believable. The author tends to go on a bit with no movement to the story and repeats alot. Could have used quite a bit of editing.
Her ability to create interesting, conflicting characters is strong.
Overall I found the story sad and tragic. I think the author was trying in her way to illustrate how we can all follow the rules and do all the right things in life, make the best decisions for our families, but in the end life just isn't fair and it doesn't mean it's all going to workout just the way we want it.
I'm interested in reading another book by this author.
Oof, goodness.
Back when I reviewed Faithful Place, Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad book that precedes this one, I said her books were more character studies than typical mysteries. And that’s how they had been, until Broken Harbor.
The mystery was truly a mystery. And it was more of a horror story than many horror stories I’ve read. Every development was creepier and creepier.
French’s character development was as strong as ever. As is the case with this series, we had met the main character, Detective “Scorcher” Kennedy in the book before, the aforementioned Faithful Place. But we had met him as seen through the eyes of the main character of that book, Frank. And Frank thought Scorcher was kind of a prick. In Faithful Place, Frank comes off as the one with problems, but when we are in Scorcher’s thoughts in this book we see why Scorcher can rub people the wrong way. That’s the brilliance of French’s characters and structure; you see characters from all sides and don’t necessarily love the characters even as you empathize with them.
I loved this book. It was one of the saddest books I’ve ever read that didn’t make me cry. It just sat heavy in my throat.
Back when I reviewed Faithful Place, Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad book that precedes this one, I said her books were more character studies than typical mysteries. And that’s how they had been, until Broken Harbor.
The mystery was truly a mystery. And it was more of a horror story than many horror stories I’ve read. Every development was creepier and creepier.
French’s character development was as strong as ever. As is the case with this series, we had met the main character, Detective “Scorcher” Kennedy in the book before, the aforementioned Faithful Place. But we had met him as seen through the eyes of the main character of that book, Frank. And Frank thought Scorcher was kind of a prick. In Faithful Place, Frank comes off as the one with problems, but when we are in Scorcher’s thoughts in this book we see why Scorcher can rub people the wrong way. That’s the brilliance of French’s characters and structure; you see characters from all sides and don’t necessarily love the characters even as you empathize with them.
I loved this book. It was one of the saddest books I’ve ever read that didn’t make me cry. It just sat heavy in my throat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: Book 4 of the Dublin Murder Squad series, Broken Harbour follows Mick "Scorcher" Kennedy as he attempts to solve a murder that, if he is successful, will put him in place to be the next in charge of his department. Unfortunately the murder proves to be more complex than it first appears, and as things continue to go poorly for Kennedy, he must also address difficult memories coming up as a result of being back in Broken Harbour. How will Kennedy solve this murder while also holding onto his sanity?
Genre: Crime fiction, mystery, police procedural, detective.
----------
Thoughts While Reading:
Thoughts at 27%:
1. Broken Harbour is so good so far; although considering it's by Tana French, there's no way it wouldn't be. I didn't like Kennedy in Faithful Place, so I was a little worried when I saw that he was the main character in Broken Harbour. It turns out that there was nothing to worry about though, I really like him in this book.
2. The mystery is so intriguing so far! I have no idea what could have been going on with all the holes in the walls etc., and I love that! It's so rare these days that I read something that is so different and presents a mystery that completely stumps me while simultaneously sucking me in. Awesome!
3. Dina is a tad annoying. I always dislike it when the main character is pulled away from what they should be doing by a family member/friend who due to the severity of their mental or physical illness, should be receiving professional care. I understand the love and obligation that people feel towards those that need their care, but it irritates me, especially when I see the protagonist giving up so much of themselves for the other person. I work with foster carers, and this is a message that I'm always trying to get across: people need to look after themselves first and foremost, otherwise they are no good to the people whom they are trying to care for. Sorry for the rant, this is just a bit of a bugbear of mine.
Thoughts at 50%:
1. I don't know what's going on with Richie, but I'm so anxious about what happened in Conor's flat that made him go weird. I really like his character, and I really like the relationship between him and Kennedy. Please let things turn out alright for Richie in the end!
2. I'm already 50% through Broken Harbour, and there has been very little information yet about how Broken Harbour (or "Brianstown") connects to Kennedy. I really thought we'd have had a few more hints by now. I'm so curious!
❗️SPOILERS AHEAD❗️
3. Obviously Conor isn't the killer, I think he saw something happening and tried to help or something? He was definitely doing the wrong thing by watching the family, and breaking into their house and stealing things, but I just don't think he was involved in the murders (except as a witness and trying to save them afterwards perhaps). This story is so intriguing, I'm so invested in the mystery as well as all the characters. I think that this might be my favourite Tana French book so far.
Thoughts at 100%:
1. Well that was a doozy. It's so incredible how Tana French is able to take a clever murder mystery and wrap it inside an in-depth portrait of mental health. I loved Broken Harbour so much. I don't want to say too much in case I accidentally give something away, but the twists and turns in this book didn't just seem like they were thrown in for the sake of the plot; they felt natural and well planned. I'm totally a Tana French fan.
----------
Conclusion and Recommendation:
I'm giving Broken Harbour 5 stars. I couldn't keep my nose out of the book while I was reading it, and I was intrigued every step of the way. All of the characters were portrayed realistically, and I grew to really like Kennedy by the end of the book. Broken Harbour seamlessly intertwines a solid and continually interesting murder mystery with an honest portrayal of mental health. I couldn't recommended this book highly enough. Broken Harbour is a character driven murder mystery that clearly shows the effects of unaddressed mental health issues. I loved it.
Plot: Book 4 of the Dublin Murder Squad series, Broken Harbour follows Mick "Scorcher" Kennedy as he attempts to solve a murder that, if he is successful, will put him in place to be the next in charge of his department. Unfortunately the murder proves to be more complex than it first appears, and as things continue to go poorly for Kennedy, he must also address difficult memories coming up as a result of being back in Broken Harbour. How will Kennedy solve this murder while also holding onto his sanity?
Genre: Crime fiction, mystery, police procedural, detective.
----------
Thoughts While Reading:
Thoughts at 27%:
1. Broken Harbour is so good so far; although considering it's by Tana French, there's no way it wouldn't be. I didn't like Kennedy in Faithful Place, so I was a little worried when I saw that he was the main character in Broken Harbour. It turns out that there was nothing to worry about though, I really like him in this book.
2. The mystery is so intriguing so far! I have no idea what could have been going on with all the holes in the walls etc., and I love that! It's so rare these days that I read something that is so different and presents a mystery that completely stumps me while simultaneously sucking me in. Awesome!
3. Dina is a tad annoying. I always dislike it when the main character is pulled away from what they should be doing by a family member/friend who due to the severity of their mental or physical illness, should be receiving professional care. I understand the love and obligation that people feel towards those that need their care, but it irritates me, especially when I see the protagonist giving up so much of themselves for the other person. I work with foster carers, and this is a message that I'm always trying to get across: people need to look after themselves first and foremost, otherwise they are no good to the people whom they are trying to care for. Sorry for the rant, this is just a bit of a bugbear of mine.
Thoughts at 50%:
1. I don't know what's going on with Richie, but I'm so anxious about what happened in Conor's flat that made him go weird. I really like his character, and I really like the relationship between him and Kennedy. Please let things turn out alright for Richie in the end!
2. I'm already 50% through Broken Harbour, and there has been very little information yet about how Broken Harbour (or "Brianstown") connects to Kennedy. I really thought we'd have had a few more hints by now. I'm so curious!
❗️SPOILERS AHEAD❗️
3. Obviously Conor isn't the killer, I think he saw something happening and tried to help or something? He was definitely doing the wrong thing by watching the family, and breaking into their house and stealing things, but I just don't think he was involved in the murders (except as a witness and trying to save them afterwards perhaps). This story is so intriguing, I'm so invested in the mystery as well as all the characters. I think that this might be my favourite Tana French book so far.
Thoughts at 100%:
1. Well that was a doozy. It's so incredible how Tana French is able to take a clever murder mystery and wrap it inside an in-depth portrait of mental health. I loved Broken Harbour so much. I don't want to say too much in case I accidentally give something away, but the twists and turns in this book didn't just seem like they were thrown in for the sake of the plot; they felt natural and well planned. I'm totally a Tana French fan.
----------
Conclusion and Recommendation:
I'm giving Broken Harbour 5 stars. I couldn't keep my nose out of the book while I was reading it, and I was intrigued every step of the way. All of the characters were portrayed realistically, and I grew to really like Kennedy by the end of the book. Broken Harbour seamlessly intertwines a solid and continually interesting murder mystery with an honest portrayal of mental health. I couldn't recommended this book highly enough. Broken Harbour is a character driven murder mystery that clearly shows the effects of unaddressed mental health issues. I loved it.
Read my review of the audiobook on BooksForEars: http://booksforears.com/2013/06/28/broken-harbor-tana-french/