The Searcher

A Novel

De: Tana French

Narrado por: Roger Clark

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.

Disappointing compared to her other books

It pains me to give Tana French a 3-star review. I’ve loved all of her other books, even The Witch Elm even though it was an odd sort of departure for her. But this one? It just doesn’t work for me. The main character is a cop from Chicago, where he was a cop for 25 years but apparently never shed his North Carolina accent or taste for country music (I wonder how that went over in Chi-town?). French missed the mark on a few language/culture things of Americans too, and it makes me wonder why she didn’t stick with the Irish characters she does so well - there are plenty of books about American ex-cops already. This ex-cop is grouchy and newly divorced, but there’s very little to explain either except that he’s “exhausted.” As for the mystery and investigation? There’s nothing even remotely exciting here. And leaps of thoughts are made with no explanation - so that I had to make sure I hadn’t skipped half a chapter by mistake more than once. The book's one redeeming point was Trey, a kid who latches on to Cal.

I’m bummed that this was so disappointing. I hope French picks the Dublin Murder Squad series back up again for the next one.

Captivating

I normally listen to books while working. But I find that difficult with a Tana French. I often find myself motionless, engrossed in the story. The Searcher was no different. The narration was obviously in contrast with the rest of her books, because it's an American's. That isn't any slight to the narrator, I think he did well,. It's just not the same. The plot may not have been as strong as her others, but Ms. French is such an amazing storyteller, it didn't matter. Upon finishing the book, I had my normal reaction to this author. More please.

Maybe it’s just me

I usually love Tana French but I just couldn’t get into this book. I found it predictable and I just didn’t really care about any of the characters. The writing is strong but story and characters didn’t grab me. But you might like it.

Depressing and pointless

Initially, I thought that this story would have legs. However, the climax left me completely flat.

French can write a fine pub scene

This is my second Tana French novel I’ve read. Of course, I adored “Into the Woods” when it was published. As I understand it, this new one, “The Searcher” is a departure for her in her genre. She’s classifying it as an Irish Western. The Irish landscape plays a prominent role in its beauty and its harsh conditions.

Another departure is her protagonist: a retired American policeman. Cal Hooper moves to the countryside of Ireland to regroup. He’s morally disenchanted with his role as a policeman after he was part of a questionable police fatality. He’s recently divorced and has a problematic relationship with his daughter. He wanted to get away and be alone with his thoughts. As with all small rural areas around the world, everyone is in everyone’s business. It’s a place where gossip is the fodder of life.

For me, the best part of the novel were the Pub scenes. French knows her Irish pub dwellers. The banter is clever and amusing. I yearned for more.

Cal is working on his home when a kid begins spying on him. The kid’s name is Trey, and because of local gossip, knows that Cal is a retired policeman. Trey’s brother is missing and wants Cal to help find him.

Adding to the tone of the novel, the busy-body neighbors attempt to set Cal up with a local gal. French writes amusing situations and jocularity in the locals getting all into Cal’s business.

French provides various clues as to what could have happened to the brother. It’s the “how” it happened that is the plot twist that made the story stunning.

I’ve read that French has an almost cultish following. I can understand why. I need to read her previous works.

I listened to the audible production narrated by Roger Clark. Clark is fabulous in his Irish brogue and character voices.