Tana French is an American-Irish author of psychological mystery/crime fiction and Ireland has been the backdrop for all of her books so far, as she has lived there since the ’90s. You may have heard of her Dublin Murder Squad series (it starts with Into The Woods) or perhaps her 2018 standalone novel, The Witch Elm, and this year, The Searcher is another standalone novel set for release in November. Personally, I have never read a Tana French novel before even though I do enjoy the odd crime novel and like to read a good mystery now and then, so this review is coming from a Tana French newbie!
Having no expectations or preconceptions, I was drawn to the book because of its setting and the fact the main character was no longer working in law enforcement. To me, a crime novel without all of the cops offered something different.
The Searcher follows Cal Hooper, a recently divorced, recently retired policeman from Chicago. He’s now in the fictional small town of Ardnakelty for some fresh air, good scenery, and to throw himself into the project of fixing up the old farmhouse he’s trying to live in. It doesn’t take long for another project to demand his attention. The object of his search is a missing nineteen-year-old, and Cal must do his searching without all of the tools of the police at his disposal. This means Cal has to figure out the town and its people, seek them out, get them talking, and get to uncovering secrets all the while trying to fit in as the American stranger in their town.
The setting and surroundings within The Searcher add to the enjoyment of the novel. Ardnakelty is almost a character itself as it is always present but changing. The isolated rural town adds to the slow-growing tension and gives off a good atmosphere. At times, it was almost a cosy reading experience because of the plentiful descriptions of the weather, animals, and the food. I read this as the weather changed to a grey, rainy week in October, which is similar to The Searcher as it is set during the time of year where the darker nights are closing in.
The slower pacing allows time to introduce the reader to the residents of Ardnakelty, as well as giving a bit of background to Cal. The character of Marty helps the reader get to know about who’s who. This is done well as the same time he’s getting Cal up to speed on his neighbours, the reader is being informed too. This helps the reader on their journey as they are trying to work out the secrets along with Cal. Although the slow start is not a negative, I would have liked to see an increase in pacing after the halfway point, because slow burners are not for everyone.
I’d have liked a fuller conclusion for an ending, but I appreciate different readers are going to want different things. It would have been more engaging to have a bit more drama, or a twist in the plot of the mystery, but on the other hand, too much drama would have been out of place with the setting of the novel. I think this is one of those stories and endings that will divide opinions!
Also, I must add a mention that Tana French gets some bonus points for dropping in a mention of the amazing musician, Hozier!
The Searcher is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of November 5th 2020.
Will you be picking up The Searcher? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Cal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a remote 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 then a local kid comes looking for his help. His brother has gone missing, and no one, least of all the police, seems to care. Cal wants nothing to do with any kind of investigation, but somehow he can’t make himself walk away.
Soon Cal will discover that even in the most idyllic small town, secrets lie hidden, people aren’t always what they seem, and trouble can come calling at his door.
Our greatest living mystery writer weaves a masterful tale of breath-taking beauty and suspense, asking how we decide what’s right and wrong in a world where neither is simple, and what we risk if we fail.
