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annaavian 's review for:
In the Woods
by Tana French
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tana French's In the Woods sets out with the promise of a gripping dual murder mystery but ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying resolution. While the book initially captivates with an intriguing premise, its conclusion leaves much to be desired, resolving only one of the mysteries in an unsatisfying manner and leaving the other entirely unanswered.
One of the most striking aspects of In the Woods is its pervasive misogyny. It's surprising and disheartening to find such a strong undercurrent of sexism in a book written by a woman. Despite the book's contemporary setting, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and attitudes toward women. Cassie, the sole notable female character, shines with professionalism and intelligence, particularly during a standout interrogation scene. Yet, her competence is undermined by the narrative's insistence that "there was no place for women on the Murder squad." This blatant dismissal of her abilities is both infuriating and unrealistic, especially given her pivotal role in the investigation.
The male characters, primarily Rob, are deeply unlikable and consistently portrayed as misogynistic and incompetent. Rob, the protagonist, is especially problematic. His character is mired in self-pity and poor decision-making, and he frequently mistreats women. The expectation that readers should empathize with him due to his troubled past is both presumptuous and ineffective. Rob's downward spiral into desperation and recklessness makes him one of the least likable protagonists in recent memory.
While the book deserves some credit for its strong beginning, the lackluster and disappointing ending overshadows any initial promise. The plot's unfolding towards the end is particularly weak, making In the Woods one of the most unsatisfying mystery novels. The story suffers from a lack of suspense and slow pacing, focusing more on character development—primarily Rob's psychological disintegration—than on the murder investigation itself. This character-driven approach might appeal to some, but it significantly diminishes the novel's excitement and thrill, leaving readers wondering when the police will finally piece together the clues.
Overall, In the Woods fails to deliver on multiple fronts. The unresolved mysteries, flawed policing practices, underdeveloped characters, and pervasive misogyny make it a disappointing read. While it starts strong and has moments of potential, these are ultimately overshadowed by a frustratingly weak conclusion and problematic character portrayals.
One of the most striking aspects of In the Woods is its pervasive misogyny. It's surprising and disheartening to find such a strong undercurrent of sexism in a book written by a woman. Despite the book's contemporary setting, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and attitudes toward women. Cassie, the sole notable female character, shines with professionalism and intelligence, particularly during a standout interrogation scene. Yet, her competence is undermined by the narrative's insistence that "there was no place for women on the Murder squad." This blatant dismissal of her abilities is both infuriating and unrealistic, especially given her pivotal role in the investigation.
The male characters, primarily Rob, are deeply unlikable and consistently portrayed as misogynistic and incompetent. Rob, the protagonist, is especially problematic. His character is mired in self-pity and poor decision-making, and he frequently mistreats women. The expectation that readers should empathize with him due to his troubled past is both presumptuous and ineffective. Rob's downward spiral into desperation and recklessness makes him one of the least likable protagonists in recent memory.
While the book deserves some credit for its strong beginning, the lackluster and disappointing ending overshadows any initial promise. The plot's unfolding towards the end is particularly weak, making In the Woods one of the most unsatisfying mystery novels. The story suffers from a lack of suspense and slow pacing, focusing more on character development—primarily Rob's psychological disintegration—than on the murder investigation itself. This character-driven approach might appeal to some, but it significantly diminishes the novel's excitement and thrill, leaving readers wondering when the police will finally piece together the clues.
Overall, In the Woods fails to deliver on multiple fronts. The unresolved mysteries, flawed policing practices, underdeveloped characters, and pervasive misogyny make it a disappointing read. While it starts strong and has moments of potential, these are ultimately overshadowed by a frustratingly weak conclusion and problematic character portrayals.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Suicide, Suicide attempt