Review: The Searcher

The Searcher by Tana French
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book.
I would give this 4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book and am glad I had the opportunity to read it. This is the first book I have read by Tana French, so I was going into it with no expectations, and I was very pleasantly surprised. While this is a mystery/crime book, it is different from most that I have read in that it moves very slow. I think that is to reinforce to the reader how "slow" things move in the isolated Irish countryside, where retired Chicago cop Cal has moved to live in peace and quiet. While it may seem peaceful and quiet, Cal soon realizes more is going on beneath the surface, and the locals aren't sure they need an outsider poking around in their business. Cal wouldn't mind leaving well enough alone, but when he befriends 13-year-old Trey--whose brother has gone missing--he can't help but delve deeper into what mysteries the seemingly placid and easy-going people of his new home might be hiding.
This book was kind of slow reading, and it did take a while for "action" to pick up. While that may bother some readers, it didn't bother me, because I knew the pieces fo the story were falling into just the right places. It also mimicked the development of the relationship between Cal and the inhabitants of his new home, especially Trey. Instead of feeling impatient and frustrated with the pacing of the story, I had the feeling of a warm, cozy blanket. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Irish countryside, the quaint little village, and the rundown cottage that Cal intended to make his home.
As the story progressed, I also loved reading the dialogue between the characters, namely the older men in the pub, and Mart, Cal's neighbor. It was quick, funny, authentic, and often made me laugh. Without giving away too much, it also made the ending of the story and the reveal of the true circumstances of the disappearance of Trey's brother even more poignant and striking.
Cal was a great character, and I enjoyed reading about him. Trey was fascinating as well, and very well-written. The journey that Trey goes on during the book was compelling.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, crime, or books about Ireland. Don't let the slow pace deter you from finishing the book: enjoy it!

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