I have read several Tana French books and rather enjoyed them. Most are quite fast-paced with plenty of action to keep the pages turning. Sadly, 'The Searcher' is a break from that standard. It's still a well-written and interesting book, but it felt way too long and very little happened along the way.

Oddly, we learned very little about why ex-Chicago cop Cal has fled his home country and set up in the middle-of-nowhere in Ireland. Nobody runs away from their past without there being something to run away from, surely. Cal finds it impossible to be alone when all the neighbours want to get stuck into his business and soon he has a young side-kick, Trey, with a troubled family background and a big brother who has gone missing. Can Cal find out what happened to Trey's brother Brendan without getting himself or his new friend in more trouble than they can handle.

French does Irish dialogue and small town thinking really well. The problem with this book is that it just takes much too long for not very much to actually happen. I'll read Tana French again, but I'll be looking for a little more action than she delivers in 'The Searcher'.

I received a review copy from Netgalley.

I did not finish this book. It was very slow and I could not get into the story. I will maybe try again at a later date

The Searcher is a very very slow story set in a tiny remote Irish Village .Cal is an ex Chicago Cop who settles there for peace and quiet .Soon he is asked to find out why a boy has disappeared and this in itself was a good story but for me it took far too long to get there ! There are some very interesting characters, Mart and Trey but not much happened until nearly the end of the book .Many thanks to the Publisher the Author and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review .

I loved this book. I loved the contrasts and the parallels drawn between Cal's role as a US city cop and the investigation he is drawn into in this remote Irish village. I loved the characters and the way the reader is gently drawn into the their lives. I really enjoyed he description of the lives of those in the village and yes I thought the plot itself was great. I think it is a very clever and very enjoyable book to read.

This is a long, dull, drawn out tale of one mans journey through his midlife crisis..
The book seemed outdated and old fashioned to me; 'Lots of machismo, Playing air drums', thuggish behaviour, and the fixation and fascination with guns.
There area few twists and turns in this story, however, not really enough to keep me interested

An ex-Chicago policeman retires to a small village in Ireland and buys a rundown cottage in a small village to renovate. However, his law enforcement background follows him and he is drawn into a missing person case and a strange friendship with the brother of the missing man.

Although it took a while to get going, I know from past experience that Tana French’s immersive descriptive writing would eventually hook me in - which it did. The descriptions of the village, the community and the surroundings are so spot on you can’t help but get involved. Although this falls in the crime genre, it is more a mystery that oozes secrets and atmosphere that do just enough to keep the reader engaged. There were times I wished the pace would pick up and this is why I’m giving it 4* rather than 5*. Not my favourite Tana French but I’m glad I read it.

Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for my ARC

OMG – I really loved ‘The Searcher’. Tana French travels to the classic ‘outsider from the big city moves to an idyllic rural community and finds out that all is not as it seems’ scenario and she absolutely nails it – what fabulous writing, what a fantastic read!

And what great, great characters, – Cal, the world weary but decent ex-cop hero, is all you could desire from a leading man; Trey, the vulnerable, neglected teenager who Cal befriends is heartbreakingly true to life; Marty, Cal’s tricky, busy-body old-timer neighbour and guardian of the local secrets is not exactly trustworthy but I still really liked him – they are all so well drawn that I found myself caring for them all - I shall miss them terribly.

This book is a complete treat for the senses. Thank you so much to Viking publishers, to Ms French and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it.

This is book is so good. I knew from the first page I was going to love it. I was immediately drawn into the small rural Irish community, with all its complex hierarchy’s and difficult relationships, this combined with the remote rugged landscape, helps create a dark and edgy atmosphere. The depiction of rural life is perfect and I like the way you get to know the characters just enough to know them but not enough to truly trust them. This book is a brilliant crime thriller, one of the best, ultimately though, this book is quite beautifully and quite touchingly written.

Retired Chicago policeman, Cal Hooper buys an old house in a remote Irish village to get slow down the pace of his life and renovate his house in peace and quiet. He takes the time to make careful acquaintance with the locals and looks forward to easy days ahead.

When he gets approached by a young teenager, Trey Reddy, whose older brother Brendan has gone missing, he absolutely will not get involved, especially as the locals have nothing good to say about the Reddy family.
I really loved the friendship between Cal and Trey, it felt like that of a trainer trying to gain the trust of an abused horse.

The story quietly lures you in, to the point where you don’t want to put the book down. The author expertly explores the quiet as well as the explosive moments between characters.

I really loved this author’s Dublin Murder Squad series and although this story has a VERY different feel and pace it made for riveting reading.

Sadly, this book did not manage to hook me in which is in stark contrast to all of her other books, especially the Dublin Murder Squad ones. This book started off slow and then it remained at that pace until the end, it never really picks up.

But I do love how she subtly adressed current issues, that was really well done and definitely some of the best parts of the book.

The mystery itself was kind of boring. I never really cared for it, though, shouldn't that be crucial for a mystery book?

This book may have been a miss for me but I do look forward to Ms. French's next books.

A compelling, atmospheric thriller that revels in the quiet moments between characters as much as in explosive revelations. Playing dexterously with ideas of community, of who belongs and who is an outsider, and how far people will go to protect their way of life, Tana French has once again produced a riveting mystery that sucked me in through its rich cast and vivid setting.

I enjoyed this book very much and was sorry to finish it.It tells the story of a retired Chicago policeman,Cal Hooper ,who buys an old house to renovate in a remote Irish village.He’s approached by a young teenager, Trey Reddy, whose older brother Brendan is missing, and who asks for his help in finding what happened to him.Although Cal is reluctant, he gradually develops a friendship with the vulnerable Trey ,and tries to find out what has happened to Brendan.In the process,he discovers secrets held by members of the local community where nothing is quite as it seems.
The book is slow paced but beautifully written, especially the descriptions of the natural world and the interaction between some of the characters .The relationship between Cal and Trey is moving and sympathetically portrayed, but there is also humour in the dialogue between the locals ,and some great plot twists which I didn’t see coming.
Highly recommended.Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.

I really enjoyed reading thos book. The story of a retired US cop getting to know a local kd in a fairly remote Irish village is different and well written. The tale develops quite slowly with several unexpected twists as the suspense builds to a satisfying climax. Great characterisation and excellent story-telling made this hard to put down, not a murder every second page novel but inteligent and believable.

If you're seeking a fast-paced thriller, Tana French is not the writer for you. Rather, if you're after subtle examinations of character and place - with crime often almost as an incidental rather than central plot point - then you're in the right hands. And while I desperately miss her Dublin Murder Squad novels, which is amongst the best police procedural series ever written, The Searcher is the perfect book to curl up in front of a fire with this autumn.

The Searcher – Tana French
I know that Tana French has an army of loyal fans but this is the first book I’ve read by her. It is however a stand-alone story so there was no need to read up on any of her other books before diving in.
Without getting into the details of the plot, this is essentially a story about small-town secrets, set in rural Ireland. What makes the book stand out for me within the genre is French’s ability to create a very believable setting with well-crafted characters. You really can see, hear and almost smell life in this Irish village. So visual is the book that it is crying out to be turned into a movie.
I would say it is fairly slow paced, but I mean that in a good way. French takes the time to really lure you into the world of her book. This is thoughtful story telling with believable and complex characters and an atmosphere thick with threats.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Having read other books by Tana French I was really looking forward to curling up with this stand alone novel. This a slow burn read unlike the Dublin Murders which have a faster pace. A lot of time is used to get to know the characters and the setting and surrounding area. Cal Hooper is an ex Chicago police officer, his marriage broke down and he decided to move to a remote fictitious village in Ireland where he has purchased an old farmhouse which he plans on doing up, looking for a complete change of lifestyle. He is starting to settle in the neighbours are gradually starting to welcome him. Especially Mart who he picks up cookies for, and occasionally joins in the local pub.

It’s not long before Cal realises someone is watching him, he gradually lures the person out, a young 13 year old kid known as Trey, but what does Trey want? Turns out he hears that Cal is ex police and he wants him to try and find his older brother Brendan who went missing a few months earlier. Trey is convinced something has happened and that Brendan wouldn’t have just left with no word. The family are well known by the villagers who seem to have little time or sympathy for them. But when cal starts making discreet enquiries he gets a couple of warnings from people to steer clear. But why?

This is a well plotted, well crafted story, with some good characters, some not so good. I enjoyed this despite it being a slower pace to what I usually go for. My attention was held and I needed to finish it to find out who was doing what and why. What had happened to Brendan? Who was involved? Nothing really big happens until around three quarters of the way through the book. But I did enjoy the interaction between characters, Mart trying to match make Cal with Lena. The atmosphere in the village is claustrophobic with everyone knowing somehow everything everyone is doing, seems no one can keep a secret.

Overall an enjoyable read.

I would like to thank #netgalley and #Viking for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

3.5 stars

There are a handful of authors on my “No-Brainer” list. Their books are the ones I automatically reach for.…don’t need to see the cover, read the synopsis or check any reviews. Just gimme.

That doesn’t mean all of their books were 5 star reads. You always enjoy some more than others but something about their writing style and/or characters keeps me coming back. Ms. French is one of those authors & this book is no exception. All her books contain an element of crime but some are driven by suspense while others focus on the characters. This story is more about how the characters are affected by a crime than the crime itself.

Cal Hooper is a man who doesn’t mess around when he decides he needs a change. In short order he retired from the Chicago P.D., got divorced & bought a cottage in rural Ireland sight unseen. Yep, it’s a handyman special but he now has nothing but time. Let the renovations begin.

At first Cal’s solitude is only broken by visits from Mart, his elderly cookie-scarfing neighbour. But he soon senses another presence. It turns out to be 13 year old Trey Reddy, a shy kid who’s heard about this odd American. And he wants to hire him. Trey’s brother Brendan disappeared a while back & no one seems to care. Not the local cops, not even his worn out mother. Trey figures it’s because he’s a Reddy….a name synonymous with the Irish equivalent of trailer trash.

Cal came here to leave his old life behind. He’s lost his inner compass, that thing that made him trust his own judgement. In its place is self-doubt & uncertainty as to who he is now & where he belongs. You get the sense he & the old cottage have a lot in common. Both need someone to peel away layers, repair what’s broken & build them back up.

Cal chose his new home based on location. As an outsider in a rural area, he thought he’d have the physical & emotional space he needs. Now he’s buying cookies for a nosy neighbour while dodging the local matchmaker. Trey shows up most days to help with the renos. The kid’s quiet desperation finally gets to him & Cal agrees to look into Brendan’s disappearance. Oh man, be careful what you wish for.

So….a wee heads-up for all you French fans. Don’t go into this expecting a tense, suspenseful read akin to the Dublin Murder Squad books. It’s more like her last book, a slow burn type of story with fully realized characters & atmospheric prose. Yes, there is crime but it’s almost incidental. What you have is a beautifully written narrative that is completely character driven. It’s moody, descriptive & some scenes hurt my heart.

As I read I couldn’t help but think of “Shane”, the classic western. A solitary stranger arrives in town & is approached by a poor kid up against locals intent on maintaining the status quo. All the ingredients are there, delivered in Irish vernacular. Just don’t expect any white hats.

So maybe leave your preconceptions at the door. The depiction of setting & language is spot on & you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by misty rains & 40 shades of green. It’s a quiet, well written character study that deals with themes that will resonate no matter where you call home.

Cal is a Chicago cop disillusioned with the job and divorced he seeks the quiet life on the west coast of Ireland. A local kid asks him to investigate what happened to their missing brother and he is sucked into local feuds and intrigues. The treat of violence is never far away. Its a good plot and keeps you interested and turning the pages.

There is a dark undercurrent of cruelty and menace running through the book. The story is well told, in beautiful, descriptive prose.

I enjoyed the book, although I found it slow to start and I was disappointed to some extent in the ending. It cast an ugly light on some apparently harmless characters.

When Cal left America and his job in the police force to enjoy retirement in an small Irish village, he was glad to have left the hassle and the problems of his profession behind, but then unexpectedly trouble finds him again - in form of a little kid who desperately needs clarification on the whereabouts of their missing brother and strangely enough Cal seems to be the only one willing to look into it...

"The Searcher" is a standalone and is quite the opposite from Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad books (which I love!). Where the books from the series are fast-paced, thrilling and often brutal, French really takes her time with The Searcher. It's not until almost three quarters into the book that actually something happens and the plot really moves forward but never was I bored for a minute before that.
French paints the village and its complicated dynamics, its unwritten laws and rules that nobody tells you but you're expected to follow anyway, the land that turns harsh and haunting as autumn sets and especially the characters so vividly and with such love for detail.
I flew through the book, getting to know Trey and the other villagers, trying to look behind their masks and untangling the web of their relations at Cal's side and I loved every second of it. Tana French just knows what she is doing!

Thanks to Penguin General UK and NetGalley for the eBook!