The Searcher – Book Review

This suspense novel is different from the other books I have been reading this year. This first-person narration is not an action-packed story with bodies piling up along the way. Instead, it is a relaxed tale that carries you off to a small Irish village and wraps you in local farming custom and gossip. I found myself entwined in this story from the very first chapter, it was a rather quick read (it took me five days) yet it felt like I was wrapped up in it for a lot longer. This story stayed with me throughout the day, even when not reading my thoughts wandered back to the book. The question of how we decide what’s right and wrong staying foremost in your mind all the time.

This was the first Tana French book I have read. Her writing style is very descriptive, she draws out the scenery so beautifully I could picture the Irish village and Cal’s fixer-upper. Her characterisation is rich and wonderfully colourful. This book introduced me to Irish farmers, their habits, and their lingo. Tana French did such a good job with this book I am left itching to visit Ireland.

After twenty-five years as a member of the Chicago police force, an unexpected divorce and after watching his daughter move away, Cal Hooper decides to move to a remote Irish village. He buys himself a piece of land with a fixer-upper which he believes will be the perfect way to fill his retirement days.

What Cal did not plan on was getting caught up in an investigation of a missing kid no-one seems to care about. While Cal tries to undercover the truth behind the disappearance of Brendan Reddy, he discovers the villagers are not always who they appear to be, and the village has its hidden secrets. When he gets too close to those secrets trouble soon comes knocking at his door. But Cal cannot walk away, it is up to him to help young Trey find answers and closure.

The Searcher is a beautiful story with breath-taking scenery along the way. I was drawn into Trey world as easily as into Cal’s. The question of right and wrong and the various characters believes on the topic leads you to look at your moral compass and question where you would fit in this tale.

I battled with the Irish lingo a little bit in the beginning, but the author guides you along the way and before too long you find yourself understanding terms you have never heard before. The only thing you need to be aware of when reading this book, there is a graphic scene about slaughtering a rabbit. I tend to steer clear of hunting tales in general as I find them extremely unappealing. However, I found that these scenes where a necessary part of the story and even though I did not like it, I understood the importance of them in the bigger story and I was able to read through them without feeling my stomach turn.

There are a lot of interesting characters in this book, all very realistic and easily likeable. As a favourite, I have to say I would go with Trey. A damaged teenager with remarkable strength and endurance whom you simply want to wrap in a hug and protect from the world. Even when you know it would not be a welcoming gesture at all. I simply loved this kid and understood why Cal could not walk away.

I loved this book. After spending most of 2020 consumed by fast-paced thrillers filled with dead bodies, this book brought a welcome change. It was a beautifully scenic tale that had me feeling relaxed rather than on edge waiting to see what is going to happen.

The Searcher brings you a smile, a tear, and a little anger while intriguing you with some suspense. This book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys colourful characters, beautiful scenery, and the chance to meet a new community and explore their internal workings.

This book is worth a read, I have already convinced my husband to read this and I have added it as a Christmas gift for two people on my list.