The Searcher

ByTana French

Release Date: 2020-10-06
Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers

Score: 4

From 3,458 Ratings

Description

Best Book of 2020
New York Times |NPR | New York Post

"This hushed suspense tale about thwarted dreams of escape may be her best one yet . . . Its own kind of masterpiece." --Maureen Corrigan, The Washington Post

"A new Tana French is always cause for celebration . . . Read it once for the plot; read it again for the beauty and subtlety of French's writing." --Sarah Lyall, The New York Times

Cal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a bucolic Irish village would be the perfect escape. After twenty-five years in the Chicago police force and a bruising divorce, he just wants to build a new life in a pretty spot with a good pub where nothing much happens. But when a local kid whose brother has gone missing arm-twists him into investigating, Cal uncovers layers of darkness beneath his picturesque retreat, and starts to realize that even small towns shelter dangerous secrets.

"One of the greatest crime novelists writing today" (Vox) weaves a masterful, atmospheric tale of suspense, asking how to tell right from wrong in a world where neither is simple, and what we stake on that decision.

Reviews

The Searcher
4
By AZ Shari
Enjoyed the fabric of the story but it ended abruptly and unfinished.
Her other books have a more satisfying ending.
Excellent read, and well written!
5
By BigFanOfIt
When I read pure fiction, I find the best books rely on the place. This is a well written, entertaining read that makes you feel like you are there. It’s not overbearing on the story line or the perfectly developed characters, but the place is there all the time! Will be reading more from this author immediately.
Not the author’s best
3
By Fritzie's 2nd
Fresh setting, vivid prose and well drawn characters but got bogged down in the setting.
Many searches in this beautifully written tale
5
By Gary Manko
I loved this book. The characters are rich and beautifully developed. The countryside and culture are vividly portrayed and the storyline is compelling and interesting. There are many searchers in this beautifully written tale and each arrives where they are meant to be.
Tana French is Excellent
4
By Lucylww
At her best, Tana French’s work is genius. This book isn’t up to Into the Woods or Broken Harbor, but the descriptions are truly fine, and there are some nice twists and turns. The plot didn’t always resonate with me, but I’m certainly going to read the sequel, and I recommend French’s work most highly.
Depth of character and setting
5
By solve4life
A personal and devastating mystery. The characters and the village they live in are woven into a beautiful, heartbreaking, and rich story.
Another French Irish dish
4
By jacknnance
Touching, eloquent, a solid good read.
Diasppointing
2
By phmokda
This starts with such promise and humor, and then falls flat. There is too much conversation that goes nowhere and French would do well to do more “showing” than “telling.” The story could have been told with 100 less pages.. It is hard to connect with many characters as details are lacking. I have no idea what Lena or Noreen or Mart even look like. I will not be reading the follow-up book.
One of my favorite books.
5
By Mosully97
I felt like I was in a cozy small town in Ireland while reading. Shocking twists and turns. I loved every page.
Excellent character development
4
By MargoLikesPodcasts
Such a well written story of people and place. French is an incredible story teller. This one is a slow burn…at times too slow, IMO. But ultimately an interesting story. I look forward to future books set here - she has certainly set the stage for a good series.