A review by wahistorian
In the Woods by Tana French

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I accidentally read this one out of order, since it is the first book in French’s Dublin Murder Squad series. A young girl is found murdered on an archaeological dig, and detective partners Cassie Maddox and Adam “Rob” Ryan are tasking with leading the investigation. French is equally deft at plot and character development; we see Maddox and Ryan’s relationship develop complications as Ryan’s eerie past connection to the murder site is revealed. The two solve the crime, but not before destroying their partnership. ‘In the Woods’ is simultaneously a well-plotted police procedural and a reconstruction of a community, which is probably why it has held up so well over the years.
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