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St. John Strafford #5
The drowned
From the renowned Booker Prize winner and nationally bestselling author of Snow comes a richly atmospheric new mystery about a woman’s sudden disappearance in a small coastal town in Ireland, where nothing is as it seems.
"John Banville is one of my favorite writers alive, and I pick up his books whenever I need a reminder how to write a good sentence.”—R.F. Kuang
“He had seen drowned people. A sight not to be forgotten.”
1950s, rural Ireland. A loner comes across a mysteriously empty car in a field. Knowing he shouldn’t approach but unable to hold back, he soon finds himself embroiled in a troubling missing person case, as a husband claims his wife may have thrown herself into the sea.
Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector Strafford, who soon turns to his old ally—the flawed but brilliant pathologist Quirke—a man he is linked to in increasingly complicated ways. But as the case unfolds, events from the past resurface that may have life-altering ramifications for all involved.
At once a searing mystery and a profound meditation on the hidden worlds we all inhabit, The Drowned is the next great Strafford and Quirke novel from a beloved writer at the top of his game.
"John Banville is one of my favorite writers alive, and I pick up his books whenever I need a reminder how to write a good sentence.”—R.F. Kuang
“He had seen drowned people. A sight not to be forgotten.”
1950s, rural Ireland. A loner comes across a mysteriously empty car in a field. Knowing he shouldn’t approach but unable to hold back, he soon finds himself embroiled in a troubling missing person case, as a husband claims his wife may have thrown herself into the sea.
Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector Strafford, who soon turns to his old ally—the flawed but brilliant pathologist Quirke—a man he is linked to in increasingly complicated ways. But as the case unfolds, events from the past resurface that may have life-altering ramifications for all involved.
At once a searing mystery and a profound meditation on the hidden worlds we all inhabit, The Drowned is the next great Strafford and Quirke novel from a beloved writer at the top of his game.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
1296 people are currently reading
22224 people want to read
About the author
John Banville
134 books2,411 followersWilliam John Banville is an Irish novelist, short story writer, adapter of dramas and screenwriter. Though he has been described as "the heir to Proust, via Nabokov", Banville himself maintains that W.B. Yeats and Henry James are the two real influences on his work.
Banville has won the 1976 James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the 2003 International Nonino Prize, the 2005 Booker Prize, the 2011 Franz Kafka Prize, the 2013 Austrian State Prize for European Literature and the 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2007. Italy made him a Cavaliere of the Ordine della Stella d'Italia (essentially a knighthood) in 2017. He is a former member of Aosdána, having voluntarily relinquished the financial stipend in 2001 to another, more impoverished, writer.
Banville was born and grew up in Wexford town in south-east Ireland. He published his first novel, Nightspawn, in 1971. A second, Birchwood, followed two years later. "The Revolutions Trilogy", published between 1976 and 1982, comprises three works, each named in reference to a renowned scientist: Doctor Copernicus, Kepler and The Newton Letter. His next work, Mefisto, had a mathematical theme. His 1989 novel The Book of Evidence, shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winner of that year's Guinness Peat Aviation award, heralded a second trilogy, three works which deal in common with the work of art. "The Frames Trilogy" is completed by Ghosts and Athena, both published during the 1990s. Banville's thirteenth novel, The Sea, won the Booker Prize in 2005. In addition, he publishes crime novels as Benjamin Black — most of these feature the character of Quirke, an Irish pathologist based in Dublin.
Banville is considered a contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He lives in Dublin.
Banville has won the 1976 James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the 2003 International Nonino Prize, the 2005 Booker Prize, the 2011 Franz Kafka Prize, the 2013 Austrian State Prize for European Literature and the 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2007. Italy made him a Cavaliere of the Ordine della Stella d'Italia (essentially a knighthood) in 2017. He is a former member of Aosdána, having voluntarily relinquished the financial stipend in 2001 to another, more impoverished, writer.
Banville was born and grew up in Wexford town in south-east Ireland. He published his first novel, Nightspawn, in 1971. A second, Birchwood, followed two years later. "The Revolutions Trilogy", published between 1976 and 1982, comprises three works, each named in reference to a renowned scientist: Doctor Copernicus, Kepler and The Newton Letter. His next work, Mefisto, had a mathematical theme. His 1989 novel The Book of Evidence, shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winner of that year's Guinness Peat Aviation award, heralded a second trilogy, three works which deal in common with the work of art. "The Frames Trilogy" is completed by Ghosts and Athena, both published during the 1990s. Banville's thirteenth novel, The Sea, won the Booker Prize in 2005. In addition, he publishes crime novels as Benjamin Black — most of these feature the character of Quirke, an Irish pathologist based in Dublin.
Banville is considered a contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He lives in Dublin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
September 22, 2024
I have been following Strafford&Quirke since the beginning and their dynamics never cease to engage me in the reading process. The two men and women surrounding them create the world that draws me in, and the investigation is merely a most appropriate background. Apart from the mystery, we receive, as always, descriptions of class and language differences, and with each offering readers get closer to Strafford's past, but not too close, mind. Enigmatic man, to say the least.
This book opens with a character whose past should distance us from him, and yet, Mr Banville made me feel more sympathetic towards him than any other male appearing as the story progresses. Unusual and unexpected feeling!
The books with Strafford should be read in order of publication, however, much is explained as to the events from the past and a new reader to the series should have no difficulty understanding Strafford or Quirke.
*A big thank-you to John Banville, Faber and Faber, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
This book opens with a character whose past should distance us from him, and yet, Mr Banville made me feel more sympathetic towards him than any other male appearing as the story progresses. Unusual and unexpected feeling!
The books with Strafford should be read in order of publication, however, much is explained as to the events from the past and a new reader to the series should have no difficulty understanding Strafford or Quirke.
*A big thank-you to John Banville, Faber and Faber, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
October 24, 2024
This book is being marketed as a standalone and as a mystery. It is neither. There are constant references made to the Rosa Jacobs case that was investigated a year earlier by Dr. Quirke, the pathologist, and DI St John Strafford. THE DROWNED appears to be the second instalment of the Rosa Jacobs case, which occurred in a novel entitled “The Lock-up”. Unfortunately, the marketing blurb fails to mention this. So a reader who has not read “The lock-up” flounders almost immediately when information about the Rosa Jacobs case is casually introduced early in the story.
After a short interesting introduction to the mystery—a car is found in the middle of a field and a woman has gone missing—the mystery is dropped while the story rambles on and on about the personal lives of the two investigators, Quirke and Strafford. In particular, it seems to be a rumination about men and their wives, marriages that don’t work in 1950s Ireland, and an affair taking place between Strafford and Phoebe, Quirke’s daughter.
Then, the story switches to the background of a paedophile, released from prison and living in a nearby caravan. He discovered the empty car in the middle of the field, but we know from the beginning that he had nothing to do with the missing woman; he only found the empty car, and later helped her distraught husband.
Then back to DI Strafford’s personal life. Followed by a trip into Quirke’s personal life and reminiscences of his past. Back and forth. Ruminations by Strafford , then Quirke, about their past and current personal troubles. But nothing about the mystery of the missing woman and we are at the 50% mark.
Finally, DI Strafford begins his investigation, by visiting Denton Wymes, the paedophile who discovered the empty car. Strafford only learns that the husband of the missing woman was behaving very peculiarly.
Then the body of the missing woman is found, and Quirke solves the mystery fairly quickly through an autopsy.
This is not a mystery story. It is a story of men, women, and their extramarital affairs.
Also, I thought the ending left the reader hanging; the story was unfinished.
Banville’s writing is excellent—in terms of word choice and sentence structure. But the novel lacks a compelling plot.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
After a short interesting introduction to the mystery—a car is found in the middle of a field and a woman has gone missing—the mystery is dropped while the story rambles on and on about the personal lives of the two investigators, Quirke and Strafford. In particular, it seems to be a rumination about men and their wives, marriages that don’t work in 1950s Ireland, and an affair taking place between Strafford and Phoebe, Quirke’s daughter.
Then, the story switches to the background of a paedophile, released from prison and living in a nearby caravan. He discovered the empty car in the middle of the field, but we know from the beginning that he had nothing to do with the missing woman; he only found the empty car, and later helped her distraught husband.
Then back to DI Strafford’s personal life. Followed by a trip into Quirke’s personal life and reminiscences of his past. Back and forth. Ruminations by Strafford , then Quirke, about their past and current personal troubles. But nothing about the mystery of the missing woman and we are at the 50% mark.
Finally, DI Strafford begins his investigation, by visiting Denton Wymes, the paedophile who discovered the empty car. Strafford only learns that the husband of the missing woman was behaving very peculiarly.
Then the body of the missing woman is found, and Quirke solves the mystery fairly quickly through an autopsy.
This is not a mystery story. It is a story of men, women, and their extramarital affairs.
Also, I thought the ending left the reader hanging; the story was unfinished.
Banville’s writing is excellent—in terms of word choice and sentence structure. But the novel lacks a compelling plot.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
November 17, 2024
John Banville wrote the “serious” books, the award winners. “The Sea,” a book I cherish, won the Booker Prize in 2005. His alter ego, Benjamin Black, wrote crime novels, the entries trapped in that genre, most featuring a pathologist, Quirke. Later, too, he employed detective St. John Strafford. The serious books took years to write, the crime books (“cheap fiction” in his words) came flying out effortlessly. With the publication of “Snow” in 2020, the pseudonym Benjamin Black was dissolved, and work was now solely credited to Banville, as he decided that his crime writing was not so bad, after all.
I recently read Banville’s “The Lock Up” just before reading “Drowned.” Both team the Quirke and Strafford characters and I was a little anxious trying to get the back story on their relationship. I discovered Gabriel Byrne’s mini-series, “Quirke,” and that threw me for a loop as I pictured the character quite differently. This is a case where I would have greatly benefited from reading the earlier entries in the series.
As a “stand alone,” “The Drowned” is still a treat. Banville’s crime novels may seem quite stripped down and to the point, but he cannot keep some wonderful prose out. This is not paint-by-the-numbers whodunit writing. Sometimes you look at what you have read and marvel…
“The day was still fine, but the sky was hazed over, and the sunshine had grown dense and grainy. The Indian summer was even still clinging on— along the roadside most of the trees had not turned yet, though their green was more a dusty grey. And there was that familiar tang of wood smoke on the air. Bonfire season. Strafford had a sense of listless melancholy. Why did this time of year always conjure up childhood and the past?”
And later…
“Even yet the weather held, autumn still masquerading as summer. But there was none of summer’s languorous vibrancy, only a great paleblue stillness, the air shot through with glints of old gold. All was misted, pensive, tinged with melancholy.”
There are very few writers who can build up the pulse of a thriller without sacrificing the richness of language. I find James Lee Burke can floor me with his feel for place, be that Louisiana or Montana.
“The Drowned” starts off in 1950’s Ireland with a missing woman and both Quirke and Strafford are drawn into the case. Strafford happens to be romantically involved with Quirke’s daughter… a potentially explosive situation. This is a quick read; the pages turn themselves (pardon the cliche) and provide for a rewarding experience. I have the first of the Quirke series, “Christine Falls,” sitting on my dresser and I plan on working my way back down to the latest two. Every Banville book is worth the journey.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for providing the reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I recently read Banville’s “The Lock Up” just before reading “Drowned.” Both team the Quirke and Strafford characters and I was a little anxious trying to get the back story on their relationship. I discovered Gabriel Byrne’s mini-series, “Quirke,” and that threw me for a loop as I pictured the character quite differently. This is a case where I would have greatly benefited from reading the earlier entries in the series.
As a “stand alone,” “The Drowned” is still a treat. Banville’s crime novels may seem quite stripped down and to the point, but he cannot keep some wonderful prose out. This is not paint-by-the-numbers whodunit writing. Sometimes you look at what you have read and marvel…
“The day was still fine, but the sky was hazed over, and the sunshine had grown dense and grainy. The Indian summer was even still clinging on— along the roadside most of the trees had not turned yet, though their green was more a dusty grey. And there was that familiar tang of wood smoke on the air. Bonfire season. Strafford had a sense of listless melancholy. Why did this time of year always conjure up childhood and the past?”
And later…
“Even yet the weather held, autumn still masquerading as summer. But there was none of summer’s languorous vibrancy, only a great paleblue stillness, the air shot through with glints of old gold. All was misted, pensive, tinged with melancholy.”
There are very few writers who can build up the pulse of a thriller without sacrificing the richness of language. I find James Lee Burke can floor me with his feel for place, be that Louisiana or Montana.
“The Drowned” starts off in 1950’s Ireland with a missing woman and both Quirke and Strafford are drawn into the case. Strafford happens to be romantically involved with Quirke’s daughter… a potentially explosive situation. This is a quick read; the pages turn themselves (pardon the cliche) and provide for a rewarding experience. I have the first of the Quirke series, “Christine Falls,” sitting on my dresser and I plan on working my way back down to the latest two. Every Banville book is worth the journey.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for providing the reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2024
The Drowned is technically the third and probably final volume in John Banville's Quirke/Strafford series. It is the fifth Stafford book, and the tenth Quirke book, just to confuse you. Oh, and some of these books are listed as having been authored by Banville's pseudoynm, Benjamin Black.
As of today, 10/19/24, John Banville will turn 80 in a month or so (December 8). This could very well be the final entry in the Dr Quirke/Detective St. John Strafford crime series, and it feels like it just might be. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that I felt the touch of sentimentality in the closing pages of this one might be a fitting end to the series (okay, okay, I was a little bit moved, all right?). Quirke and his daughter Phoebe have earned a little bit of comfort after so much misery.
I think much of this book has to do with the secrets we are all living with, the separation that exists between all of these characters. Yeah, there’s a death that Strafford has to figure out, working a bit with someone who dislikes him intensely, Quirke. But the focus in this one is less on the crime (embodying its own set of secrets, of course), and more about the relationships between these flawed, and often adorably miserable characters we have come to know and care about.
So, briefly: The main characters are forensic pathologist Dr. Quirke and DI Strafford, and the action is set in 1950s Ireland. Quirke, who lost his wife Evelyn (in an accidental shooting death) and is drinking hard, has a sometimes estranged daughter, Phoebe, who almost comically chooses the absolutely worst boyfriends, including the present Strafford, who is socially awkward and reclusive. Strafford’s been told by his wife Marguerite that she is having an affair and wants a divorce. Of course Strafford is having his own affair with Phoebe, to the dismay of Quirke. So maybe that’s all I’ll say, since the book just came out, but the resolution of this set of complications--involving several issues!--is more than satisfying.
The main investigatory action: History Professor Ronnie Armitage of Trinity College claims his wife, Deirdre (Dee) has fallen in the sea, drowned. But others are “drowning” in this book, too, and they need to be rescued one way or the other: Quirke, Phoebe, Strafford.
Because I love this series so much, I consumed it like fire, so maybe because the crime itself is unremarkable, and unremarkably resolved, it is a four-star read. But! I loved the ending with Quirke and Phoebe, including our reading of a letter Quirke receives from London, so screw it, five stars, I love this fifties Irish sadsack world.
As of today, 10/19/24, John Banville will turn 80 in a month or so (December 8). This could very well be the final entry in the Dr Quirke/Detective St. John Strafford crime series, and it feels like it just might be. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that I felt the touch of sentimentality in the closing pages of this one might be a fitting end to the series (okay, okay, I was a little bit moved, all right?). Quirke and his daughter Phoebe have earned a little bit of comfort after so much misery.
I think much of this book has to do with the secrets we are all living with, the separation that exists between all of these characters. Yeah, there’s a death that Strafford has to figure out, working a bit with someone who dislikes him intensely, Quirke. But the focus in this one is less on the crime (embodying its own set of secrets, of course), and more about the relationships between these flawed, and often adorably miserable characters we have come to know and care about.
So, briefly: The main characters are forensic pathologist Dr. Quirke and DI Strafford, and the action is set in 1950s Ireland. Quirke, who lost his wife Evelyn (in an accidental shooting death) and is drinking hard, has a sometimes estranged daughter, Phoebe, who almost comically chooses the absolutely worst boyfriends, including the present Strafford, who is socially awkward and reclusive. Strafford’s been told by his wife Marguerite that she is having an affair and wants a divorce. Of course Strafford is having his own affair with Phoebe, to the dismay of Quirke. So maybe that’s all I’ll say, since the book just came out, but the resolution of this set of complications--involving several issues!--is more than satisfying.
The main investigatory action: History Professor Ronnie Armitage of Trinity College claims his wife, Deirdre (Dee) has fallen in the sea, drowned. But others are “drowning” in this book, too, and they need to be rescued one way or the other: Quirke, Phoebe, Strafford.
Because I love this series so much, I consumed it like fire, so maybe because the crime itself is unremarkable, and unremarkably resolved, it is a four-star read. But! I loved the ending with Quirke and Phoebe, including our reading of a letter Quirke receives from London, so screw it, five stars, I love this fifties Irish sadsack world.
March 19, 2024
After having read the synopsis, I was really interested in this book. However, I was disappointed.
It’s marketed as a stand alone novel, it is not. John Banville has combined two previous series into one — Quirke and Stafford. This was not clear until I looked further into the author after having been confused on supposed details Banville assumed I knew.
It’s suppose to be a mystery novel., right? Nope! It focuses less on the mystery and more on unrelated tangents. I love mystery novels in which you can play detective. This was not one of those.
I also found Wymes’ character to be unnecessary. Why do we need a pedophilic character? And why does it feel like we should feel a little sorry for him? It’s gross. He was a teacher who took advantage of children.
Overall, it should have focused on the death of Armitage’s wife rather than meandering into many other plot lines.
Danville also set up for another book after this. I will not be reading it.
Published on Goodreads March 19, 2024.
It’s marketed as a stand alone novel, it is not. John Banville has combined two previous series into one — Quirke and Stafford. This was not clear until I looked further into the author after having been confused on supposed details Banville assumed I knew.
It’s suppose to be a mystery novel., right? Nope! It focuses less on the mystery and more on unrelated tangents. I love mystery novels in which you can play detective. This was not one of those.
I also found Wymes’ character to be unnecessary. Why do we need a pedophilic character? And why does it feel like we should feel a little sorry for him? It’s gross. He was a teacher who took advantage of children.
Overall, it should have focused on the death of Armitage’s wife rather than meandering into many other plot lines.
Danville also set up for another book after this. I will not be reading it.
Published on Goodreads March 19, 2024.
November 16, 2024
Based on Banville's reputation as an excellent writer, I requested and received an advance reading copy of this book, not knowing that it was part of a series. And, while it's not necessary to have read the earlier books, there are many, MANY references to previous cases and relationships.
The novel is EXTREMEMLY well written, which is good as there's not a single likable character. Though the story held my interest, and I plan to seek out more of Banville's work, this is probably not a series I'll continue.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the read.
The novel is EXTREMEMLY well written, which is good as there's not a single likable character. Though the story held my interest, and I plan to seek out more of Banville's work, this is probably not a series I'll continue.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the read.
August 11, 2025
This superb crime novel is the 4th volume of the "Strafford & Quirke" mystery series.
Once again I like to say that the author's storytelling is sublime, his descriptions of people are very lyrical and accurate about their lives and their feelings, the good and bad in body, mind and soul, while also describing 1950s Ireland in general is very exquisite in detail.
Its another marvellous Irish crime mystery, set in 1950s Ireland, in Dublin but mostly in Co. Wicklow where various crimes will be committed.
The book starts off when a former convicted loner, Denton Wymes, comes back from fishing when he notices an abandoned car in a field, and this find will be his downfall in the eyes of the local community.
Missing from this abandoned car is a woman called Deirdre, who's supposedly drowned according to her husband Ronald Armitage, History Professor at Trinity College, Dublin, and a very sly character himself, see the book "The Lock-Up", and with Wymes in tow Armitage will set off to a house inhabited by the fighting Ruddock family and their sick child.
DI Strafford is called in to investigate this supposed drowning by sea, but after the post mortem it will be revealed that Deirdre drowned in sweet water, and not salt, and will result in a final reckoning for Armitage himself, while the sick child is found dead and soon enough a scapegoat is found in the form the loner Wymes, and all this is brought to us in a most heartfelt and spectacular fashion by the author.
Very much recommended, for this is in my view another classical addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Perfect Drowning Case'!
Once again I like to say that the author's storytelling is sublime, his descriptions of people are very lyrical and accurate about their lives and their feelings, the good and bad in body, mind and soul, while also describing 1950s Ireland in general is very exquisite in detail.
Its another marvellous Irish crime mystery, set in 1950s Ireland, in Dublin but mostly in Co. Wicklow where various crimes will be committed.
The book starts off when a former convicted loner, Denton Wymes, comes back from fishing when he notices an abandoned car in a field, and this find will be his downfall in the eyes of the local community.
Missing from this abandoned car is a woman called Deirdre, who's supposedly drowned according to her husband Ronald Armitage, History Professor at Trinity College, Dublin, and a very sly character himself, see the book "The Lock-Up", and with Wymes in tow Armitage will set off to a house inhabited by the fighting Ruddock family and their sick child.
DI Strafford is called in to investigate this supposed drowning by sea, but after the post mortem it will be revealed that Deirdre drowned in sweet water, and not salt, and will result in a final reckoning for Armitage himself, while the sick child is found dead and soon enough a scapegoat is found in the form the loner Wymes, and all this is brought to us in a most heartfelt and spectacular fashion by the author.
Very much recommended, for this is in my view another classical addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Perfect Drowning Case'!
June 29, 2024
John Banville is a beautiful, intelligent author. I enjoy his "literary" as well as his "genre" (mystery) novels. (I put quote marks because there is great overlap in Banville's work between the two types of writing.)
I'm a big mystery novel fan and Banville's Quirke series is one of my favorite. He creates a powerful sense of Ireland, Dublin and the more rural areas. No one knows better how to use landscape as metaphor while at the same time creating a very specific sense of place with the use of poetic yet accurate details and descriptions. I can get lost in his luxurious prose while coping with the painful, often very dark Ireland society he depicts.
Speaking of dark, Quirke practically defines the word. In The Drowned he is even darker than usual, lost in grief in the wake of his wife's death. I almost hate to see Quirke experience relief from his chronic emotional pain since it always seems to presage another loss. He is an alcoholic of the old-fashioned romantic variety.
In The Drowned, we are faced with mysterious disappearances, deaths, un- (or semi-) solved murders as well as the highly ambivalent relationship between Quirke's daughter Phoebe and Inspector Strafford. Quirke and Strafford's work relationship is strained by this relationship which is already strained.
For much of the book, it's not even certain that a crime has been committed. I enjoyed the confusion over not only "whodunit" but also: what was done? Was there a crime?
None of the characters in this--or any of the Quirke's novels--is wholly sympathetic. At the same time, most are not purely bad either (with some outstanding exceptions!)--Banville's people are complicated. I will say that they do tend to land on the dark side.
Banville switches things up in the final solution. At first I greatly enjoyed this turning things on their head, but I was a little disappointed in the ending--at the same time, it felt totally right for the book and if not predictable not an unexpected Banville conclusion.
I will admit in full disclure that despite his alcoholic moroseness, I'm a little bit in love with the ever-suffering Quirke.
A beautiful, atmospheric read which kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishin, and John Banville for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big mystery novel fan and Banville's Quirke series is one of my favorite. He creates a powerful sense of Ireland, Dublin and the more rural areas. No one knows better how to use landscape as metaphor while at the same time creating a very specific sense of place with the use of poetic yet accurate details and descriptions. I can get lost in his luxurious prose while coping with the painful, often very dark Ireland society he depicts.
Speaking of dark, Quirke practically defines the word. In The Drowned he is even darker than usual, lost in grief in the wake of his wife's death. I almost hate to see Quirke experience relief from his chronic emotional pain since it always seems to presage another loss. He is an alcoholic of the old-fashioned romantic variety.
In The Drowned, we are faced with mysterious disappearances, deaths, un- (or semi-) solved murders as well as the highly ambivalent relationship between Quirke's daughter Phoebe and Inspector Strafford. Quirke and Strafford's work relationship is strained by this relationship which is already strained.
For much of the book, it's not even certain that a crime has been committed. I enjoyed the confusion over not only "whodunit" but also: what was done? Was there a crime?
None of the characters in this--or any of the Quirke's novels--is wholly sympathetic. At the same time, most are not purely bad either (with some outstanding exceptions!)--Banville's people are complicated. I will say that they do tend to land on the dark side.
Banville switches things up in the final solution. At first I greatly enjoyed this turning things on their head, but I was a little disappointed in the ending--at the same time, it felt totally right for the book and if not predictable not an unexpected Banville conclusion.
I will admit in full disclure that despite his alcoholic moroseness, I'm a little bit in love with the ever-suffering Quirke.
A beautiful, atmospheric read which kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishin, and John Banville for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2024
I am admittedly a huge fan of John Banville's Quirke (now Strafford and Quirke) novels. Without fail, they are simultaneously carefully plotted mystery novels and genuinely literary fiction. I do, however, have my favorites among these novels—and The Drowned is definitely taking a place among them.
What I particularly appreciated about The Drowned
• significant changes and developments in the cast of characters
• a small leavening of hope to go with the usual Banvillean bleakness
• an interesting and unexpected wrap up to the previous Strafford and Quirke mystery, The Lock-Up
Like most of the Quirke novels, the pace here is slow. People are determined to reveal as little of themselves as possible, so we spend more time exploring their interiority than we do looking at person-to-person interactions.
If you haven't yet read any Quirke novels, I would suggest going through them in order. At a minimum, be sure to read The Lock-Up before taking on The Drowned—the former is essential to understanding the latter.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
What I particularly appreciated about The Drowned
• significant changes and developments in the cast of characters
• a small leavening of hope to go with the usual Banvillean bleakness
• an interesting and unexpected wrap up to the previous Strafford and Quirke mystery, The Lock-Up
Like most of the Quirke novels, the pace here is slow. People are determined to reveal as little of themselves as possible, so we spend more time exploring their interiority than we do looking at person-to-person interactions.
If you haven't yet read any Quirke novels, I would suggest going through them in order. At a minimum, be sure to read The Lock-Up before taking on The Drowned—the former is essential to understanding the latter.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
November 27, 2024
This book is actually a continuing series with Banville’s major characters, the pathologist Quirke and Detective Inspector Strafford taking center stage. But it can be read as a stand-alone. Although, some reviewers have recommended reading “The Lock Up” to refresh readers, and, to be reminded of some details. Especially the epilogue.
Readers are thrust into 1950s-era Ireland where the crime in question is a professor claiming his wife drowned herself. The problem is, how believable is the professor, when another young woman, known to the professor, has also disappeared?
How will the Inspector work with Quirke this time out, while being involved with Quirke’s daughter Phoebe, as well?
This story is atmospheric, intriguing, at times slow-moving, with an abrupt ending. This may or may not frustrate some readers.
Still, as we read, we can’t help but wonder what secrets are being held and emotional upheavals will we find ourselves entangled in? And, what twists and turns will readers be subjected to as they navigate this mystery? Also, how will readers feel about the end? (No spoilers from me.)
Readers are thrust into 1950s-era Ireland where the crime in question is a professor claiming his wife drowned herself. The problem is, how believable is the professor, when another young woman, known to the professor, has also disappeared?
How will the Inspector work with Quirke this time out, while being involved with Quirke’s daughter Phoebe, as well?
This story is atmospheric, intriguing, at times slow-moving, with an abrupt ending. This may or may not frustrate some readers.
Still, as we read, we can’t help but wonder what secrets are being held and emotional upheavals will we find ourselves entangled in? And, what twists and turns will readers be subjected to as they navigate this mystery? Also, how will readers feel about the end? (No spoilers from me.)
November 25, 2024
I think this is my favorite volume of the series. John Banville truly has a gift for storytelling that truly holds me spellbound.
Standout quotes that resonated with me:
Quirke wonders to himself about what his daughter could possibly see in "this cold-blooded long drink of water."
"Hot-buttered toast is delicious when it's hot but it's oogy when it's cold."
"No-one kissed as Phoebe did with a kind of melting reluctance."
Narration was provided by Stanley Townsend who is new to me. He had a very pleasant voice and spoke at a leisurely pace which I truly enjoyed.
Standout quotes that resonated with me:
Quirke wonders to himself about what his daughter could possibly see in "this cold-blooded long drink of water."
"Hot-buttered toast is delicious when it's hot but it's oogy when it's cold."
"No-one kissed as Phoebe did with a kind of melting reluctance."
Narration was provided by Stanley Townsend who is new to me. He had a very pleasant voice and spoke at a leisurely pace which I truly enjoyed.
January 26, 2025
You've got to be in the mood for lugubrious, atmospheric, slow-drip drama and Darlings, deep in the Big Dark of January, I was. This is not the story to begin the Quirke/St. John Strafford series if you haven't yet discovered the world of Banville's 1950's Ireland–the backstory will lose you completely. But if you're a fan of the series, you'll likely enjoy this one. As always, the tension is internal; it's a thoughtful thriller, if you will.
A Mercedes stalled in the middle of a field, a jumpy husband who has lost track of his wife, a vacationing couple who can barely stand the sight of each other, and a local man living with the shame of his past: all converge in a sleepy Wicklow village to become the focus of a possible crime. Strafford is sent to investigate and discovers, awkwardly, that his own past is standing in a kitchen, offering him a glass of whiskey.
It's all very noir and moody and perfectly Banville.
A Mercedes stalled in the middle of a field, a jumpy husband who has lost track of his wife, a vacationing couple who can barely stand the sight of each other, and a local man living with the shame of his past: all converge in a sleepy Wicklow village to become the focus of a possible crime. Strafford is sent to investigate and discovers, awkwardly, that his own past is standing in a kitchen, offering him a glass of whiskey.
It's all very noir and moody and perfectly Banville.
March 9, 2025
John Banville is one of the best Irish writers. His 2005 novel The Sea won the Booker Prize.
For several years Banville has also written dark, atmospheric crime fiction, often using the name Banjamin Black. The first two of these Christine Falls and Silver Swan are very good indeed. It is as if Banville becomes a more relaxed writer as Black writing for the fun of it, not for kudos.
Sadly The Drowned, written under Banville’s own name falls far short of the standards set by his earlier thrillers. It feels forced and dare I say it, pointless. There’s no mystery in this thriller. The only mystery is why he came to write it and why he published this tale under his own name.
For several years Banville has also written dark, atmospheric crime fiction, often using the name Banjamin Black. The first two of these Christine Falls and Silver Swan are very good indeed. It is as if Banville becomes a more relaxed writer as Black writing for the fun of it, not for kudos.
Sadly The Drowned, written under Banville’s own name falls far short of the standards set by his earlier thrillers. It feels forced and dare I say it, pointless. There’s no mystery in this thriller. The only mystery is why he came to write it and why he published this tale under his own name.
October 23, 2024
Interesting start with the car and the missing woman but after that boring. Lots of references to past affairs and police cases. Eventually the missing woman is found but not through police work. A drunk rural cop exacts “justice” in one case, and apparently acts on prejudices in another. Mostly the story is about who has slept or is sleeping with whom and how morose and boringly unhappy they all are.
October 16, 2024
This is John Banville’s fourth book featuring Inspector Strafford and pathologist Dr. Quirke. Banville also has a series that only features Dr. Quirke, but it is written under his pseudonym, Benjamin Black. No matter which name he writes under, his writing is flawless, lyrical, and wry. If you haven’t read any of his books, I urge you to go and borrow one from the library. You might as well start with this one.
After a day of unsuccessful fishing, Denton Wymes comes across a car that has skidded to a stop in a meadow. He approaches the car and notices that the motor is still running, the driver’s door is open, the headlights are on, and there is no one in sight. However, he soon sees someone approaching him from the direction of the sea. It is Ronnie Armitage, who tells Wymes that his wife--Dee--wrecked the car, and then ran off towards the water. They were arguing, he says, and he is afraid she may have thrown herself into the sea. In need of help, they approach the house that overlooks the meadow. From there, they contact the local Garda. While they wait, Wymes notices that Armitage and the occupants of the house--Charles and Charlotte Ruddock—are acting strangely. There is an undercurrent of anxiety; a recognition that belies their protestations that they have never met.
Dublin Inspector Strafford from is sent to the seaside town of Wicklow to head the investigation. Strafford realizes he knows Charles Ruddock and Ronnie Armitage: one from his school days, and the other from a murder inquiry. Like Wymes, he senses a connection between the two men, one that neither is willing to acknowledge. What really happened that night? Did they just happen to be in Wicklow, or was it their destination? Armitage is drinking too much and acting oddly. Can he be trusted? And how—if at all--are the Ruddock’s connected? Strafford must get past the lies, and his own biases in order to get the answers.
In The Drowned, we are transported back to1950s Dublin. It is the fourth novel in the Inspector Strafford and pathologist Dr. Quirke. Although there is much they do not agree upon, they share a common goal to find the truth. Adding spice and friction is 40-something Strafford’s relationship with Quirke’s twenty-year-old daughter, Phoebe. This adds a secondary storyline involving Quirke, Phoebe, and Strafford; one with surprises in wait for these three characters.
One can easily enjoy The Drowned without reading the previous books of the series. If you choose to read the others, book one is Snow.
I would like to thank Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
After a day of unsuccessful fishing, Denton Wymes comes across a car that has skidded to a stop in a meadow. He approaches the car and notices that the motor is still running, the driver’s door is open, the headlights are on, and there is no one in sight. However, he soon sees someone approaching him from the direction of the sea. It is Ronnie Armitage, who tells Wymes that his wife--Dee--wrecked the car, and then ran off towards the water. They were arguing, he says, and he is afraid she may have thrown herself into the sea. In need of help, they approach the house that overlooks the meadow. From there, they contact the local Garda. While they wait, Wymes notices that Armitage and the occupants of the house--Charles and Charlotte Ruddock—are acting strangely. There is an undercurrent of anxiety; a recognition that belies their protestations that they have never met.
Dublin Inspector Strafford from is sent to the seaside town of Wicklow to head the investigation. Strafford realizes he knows Charles Ruddock and Ronnie Armitage: one from his school days, and the other from a murder inquiry. Like Wymes, he senses a connection between the two men, one that neither is willing to acknowledge. What really happened that night? Did they just happen to be in Wicklow, or was it their destination? Armitage is drinking too much and acting oddly. Can he be trusted? And how—if at all--are the Ruddock’s connected? Strafford must get past the lies, and his own biases in order to get the answers.
In The Drowned, we are transported back to1950s Dublin. It is the fourth novel in the Inspector Strafford and pathologist Dr. Quirke. Although there is much they do not agree upon, they share a common goal to find the truth. Adding spice and friction is 40-something Strafford’s relationship with Quirke’s twenty-year-old daughter, Phoebe. This adds a secondary storyline involving Quirke, Phoebe, and Strafford; one with surprises in wait for these three characters.
One can easily enjoy The Drowned without reading the previous books of the series. If you choose to read the others, book one is Snow.
I would like to thank Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 20, 2025
This book by one of my favorite authors (if not THE favorite!) is so wonderfully constructed and beautifully written that I will simply have to start from the beginning and enjoy every word, every plot construction, every character yet again.
Wonderful read!
Library Loan
Wonderful read!
Library Loan
October 12, 2024
This was a most unusual book for me to rate.
The author is clearly talented. The characters were interesting and realistic. That is usually more than enough. However, I felt the plot let the book down. It seemed to me that there was a lot going on that the reader should really know from previous books in the series. Not an easy stand-alone. The actual crimes were almost an insignificant plot feature compared to the characters, their relationships and interactions. The ending was romantic and pleasing. It was a nice finish.
Overall though I had a feeling of disappointment. That was down to the plot I am sorry to say. However I did enjoy the creative style of the author and book characters. (Well, apart from Prof. Armitage).
The author is clearly talented. The characters were interesting and realistic. That is usually more than enough. However, I felt the plot let the book down. It seemed to me that there was a lot going on that the reader should really know from previous books in the series. Not an easy stand-alone. The actual crimes were almost an insignificant plot feature compared to the characters, their relationships and interactions. The ending was romantic and pleasing. It was a nice finish.
Overall though I had a feeling of disappointment. That was down to the plot I am sorry to say. However I did enjoy the creative style of the author and book characters. (Well, apart from Prof. Armitage).
April 29, 2025
This is my fifth Strafford book (although I see the marketers now ignore the first book The secret guests, which was actually not bad) and I think I finally understand why I find them so compelling, and yet so oddly unsatisfying.
You pick up a crime novel and expect it to be, perhaps, 80% crime story and 20% about the detective's personal story arc. Banville flips this formula with the majority of his books being about his cast of characters and a barely believable crime his excuse for exploring them further.
Yes, the detailed psychological observations are compelling and interesting, but the unsatisfying thing is I've been promised a crime/mystery novel, and his central conceits are frankly just a bit ridiculous and incredible, hence the overall feeling of dissatisfaction.
Snow was an exception to suck everyone in, but the three novels following have been, well...a Booker prize winner writing in a popular genre in the hopes of selling more? I know his books are popular so I'm no doubt sounding a bit sour, but they leave me feeling like I've been somehow hoodwinked and short changed.
You pick up a crime novel and expect it to be, perhaps, 80% crime story and 20% about the detective's personal story arc. Banville flips this formula with the majority of his books being about his cast of characters and a barely believable crime his excuse for exploring them further.
Yes, the detailed psychological observations are compelling and interesting, but the unsatisfying thing is I've been promised a crime/mystery novel, and his central conceits are frankly just a bit ridiculous and incredible, hence the overall feeling of dissatisfaction.
Snow was an exception to suck everyone in, but the three novels following have been, well...a Booker prize winner writing in a popular genre in the hopes of selling more? I know his books are popular so I'm no doubt sounding a bit sour, but they leave me feeling like I've been somehow hoodwinked and short changed.
July 18, 2024
In my down time today, I wrapped up my E-ARC of The Drowned by John Banville. Not my favorite book. I hate to say it, but I didn't even like it a little bit. It was a SLOW read and took a couple of weeks for me to finish.
First off, it's not marketed as the continuation of a series. But apparently it is somehow related to his other series. Which explains why I didn't follow the backstory on some of the characters. Secondly, it is supposed to be about a missing woman, presumed drowned. There is about 5 minutes worth of missing woman. And 5 hours worth of other people and their lives. And then there is the pedophile... I can't even with this one.
First off, it's not marketed as the continuation of a series. But apparently it is somehow related to his other series. Which explains why I didn't follow the backstory on some of the characters. Secondly, it is supposed to be about a missing woman, presumed drowned. There is about 5 minutes worth of missing woman. And 5 hours worth of other people and their lives. And then there is the pedophile... I can't even with this one.
January 18, 2025
I really like Banville’s novels, but not this one! Because I expected so much from him I was very disappointed. I kept thinking “why am I still reading this?”.
May 11, 2025
John Banville’s "The Drowned" is another brooding, atmospheric installment in the Strafford & Quirke series.
Banville richly rewards patient, attentive readers. Like "The Lock-Up", it leans more toward character study than traditional mystery. The pacing is slow, almost meditative, but the emotional payoff is significant.
Banville excels at writing & leaving at the scene what’s left unsaid. Much of the suspense is not dramatic action, but in subtle shifts, glances, hesitations, buried memories.
Quirke remains a deeply haunted figure, and Strafford a quiet counterweight. Their dynamic is one of understated tension & mutual respect, made richer by their shared weariness with the systems they serve.
While the plot moves slowly, Banville delivers a quiet revelation late in the novel that reframes not just "The Drowned" , but also "The Lock-Up".
Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say it’s the kind of moment that rewards faithful readers (!!!) subtle, devastating, and deeply ethical. Banville trusts his audience to remember, reflect, and read between the lines.
Thematically, he continues to confront the legacy of hidden abuse in 1950s Ireland. Characters like Wyems are rendered with chilling precision, not as caricatures, but as part of a broader indictment of silence and complicity. Banville never sensationalizes. Instead, he explores how abuse ripples outward, through institutions, families, and trauma itself.
This is a novel that lingers. It's slow, so probably not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed immensely.
Banville richly rewards patient, attentive readers. Like "The Lock-Up", it leans more toward character study than traditional mystery. The pacing is slow, almost meditative, but the emotional payoff is significant.
Banville excels at writing & leaving at the scene what’s left unsaid. Much of the suspense is not dramatic action, but in subtle shifts, glances, hesitations, buried memories.
Quirke remains a deeply haunted figure, and Strafford a quiet counterweight. Their dynamic is one of understated tension & mutual respect, made richer by their shared weariness with the systems they serve.
While the plot moves slowly, Banville delivers a quiet revelation late in the novel that reframes not just "The Drowned" , but also "The Lock-Up".
Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say it’s the kind of moment that rewards faithful readers (!!!) subtle, devastating, and deeply ethical. Banville trusts his audience to remember, reflect, and read between the lines.
Thematically, he continues to confront the legacy of hidden abuse in 1950s Ireland. Characters like Wyems are rendered with chilling precision, not as caricatures, but as part of a broader indictment of silence and complicity. Banville never sensationalizes. Instead, he explores how abuse ripples outward, through institutions, families, and trauma itself.
This is a novel that lingers. It's slow, so probably not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed immensely.
September 30, 2024
Strangely compelling!
Bizarre and yet not? The thinking person’s mystery novel or not? A tangled mystery novel from Booker prize winner John Banville.
Downtrodden, slightly worn ex private school characters, come together in this murder mystery that seemingly no-one solves, yet maybe they do! Set in Ireland in the early 1959’s
A middle aged, separated Detective Inspector (Garda) Strafford, a middle aged pathologist, his daughter who’s been dating the detective, and various strange or deadly characters, linked by a previous murder and school days. Then there’s the pedophile!
A Mercedes sports is spotted doors open, light’s blazing. A man approaches it feeling he shouldn’t, suddenly a man emerges from the night claiming his wife has gone missing. Admittedly the man’s behaviour is strange.
The plot becomes more twisted as memories are flayed, even if only to the character.
And yet, despite the half finished conversations and thoughts I found this complex mystery weirdly fascinating!
A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Bizarre and yet not? The thinking person’s mystery novel or not? A tangled mystery novel from Booker prize winner John Banville.
Downtrodden, slightly worn ex private school characters, come together in this murder mystery that seemingly no-one solves, yet maybe they do! Set in Ireland in the early 1959’s
A middle aged, separated Detective Inspector (Garda) Strafford, a middle aged pathologist, his daughter who’s been dating the detective, and various strange or deadly characters, linked by a previous murder and school days. Then there’s the pedophile!
A Mercedes sports is spotted doors open, light’s blazing. A man approaches it feeling he shouldn’t, suddenly a man emerges from the night claiming his wife has gone missing. Admittedly the man’s behaviour is strange.
The plot becomes more twisted as memories are flayed, even if only to the character.
And yet, despite the half finished conversations and thoughts I found this complex mystery weirdly fascinating!
A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 21, 2024
John Banville toes the line between very literary, poetic fiction (he has won the Booker prize) and crime fiction. He used to write crime fiction under the pseudonym Benjamim Black, though now he doesn't bother any more. This being the 5th in the Quirke seried, he dropped the Benjamin Black cover.
This is both a wonderfully woven mystery/thriller and a very lovely written novel of lonely, somewhat depressed men and women. An Englishman comes into a house after leaving his car in the middle of the field. He claims his wife has run off and is either missing or drowned. DI Strafford is called in to help figure out what is actually going on and to help search for the missing woman. Eventually he calls on his disgruntled cohort Quirke, a pathologist, to help him in the case. They don't really get along, not being helped by the fact that Strafford is dating Quirke's daughter who is half his age.
The book deals with the lives of these characters, while spinning quite the clever little mystery. Things are not what they seem, and it takes until the end for everything to be solved. I found myself totally involved in both aspects of this novel and really appreciated that the action was kept down to a minimum--no chase scenes, no having to save the "damsel in distress," no major climaxes. It is just a very well told story from a true writing master.
This is both a wonderfully woven mystery/thriller and a very lovely written novel of lonely, somewhat depressed men and women. An Englishman comes into a house after leaving his car in the middle of the field. He claims his wife has run off and is either missing or drowned. DI Strafford is called in to help figure out what is actually going on and to help search for the missing woman. Eventually he calls on his disgruntled cohort Quirke, a pathologist, to help him in the case. They don't really get along, not being helped by the fact that Strafford is dating Quirke's daughter who is half his age.
The book deals with the lives of these characters, while spinning quite the clever little mystery. Things are not what they seem, and it takes until the end for everything to be solved. I found myself totally involved in both aspects of this novel and really appreciated that the action was kept down to a minimum--no chase scenes, no having to save the "damsel in distress," no major climaxes. It is just a very well told story from a true writing master.
July 13, 2024
Exceptional crime series which features multifaceted characters and intricate plottin
Stafford and Quirke return for a fourth outing in The Drowned, which continues on from the previous novel The Lock-up.. Strafford finds himself investigating the case of a missing woman who could have drowned, he finds himself coming into contact again with Professor Armitage, a strange man whose research assistant was murdered in The Lock-up. Nothing seems right to Strafford and so he decides to speak with Quirke to get his take on the strange situation he finds himself in.
This outstanding series isn't just a crime series, it is a multi layered novel dealing with characters who are multifaceted in their natures. John Banville is a masterful novelist who luckily turned his eye to crime writing and has created a quite exceptional series.
Stafford and Quirke return for a fourth outing in The Drowned, which continues on from the previous novel The Lock-up.. Strafford finds himself investigating the case of a missing woman who could have drowned, he finds himself coming into contact again with Professor Armitage, a strange man whose research assistant was murdered in The Lock-up. Nothing seems right to Strafford and so he decides to speak with Quirke to get his take on the strange situation he finds himself in.
This outstanding series isn't just a crime series, it is a multi layered novel dealing with characters who are multifaceted in their natures. John Banville is a masterful novelist who luckily turned his eye to crime writing and has created a quite exceptional series.
December 21, 2024
Once again, I read a book that I didn't know was part of a series. This is book three of the Strafford and Quirke series. At first, I wasn't sure that I would finish it. I kept putting it down but think about what would happen next and pick it up again. I think probably reading it during the Christmas season was the problem. It's set in rural Ireland during the 1950s, which seemed to be a depressing time with characters that also seem to be in different states of depression. What kept me coming back was the writing and my increasing interest in what made each character tick. I think I definitely should have read the previous books first, but too late for that! However, I will read those books because I want to know more about the relationship between Strafford and Quirk.
October 3, 2024
This was another entry into the Strafford and Quirke series. John Banville is a wonderful writer. The way he observes a scene is delightful. I always enjoy the experience. You do need to have read the prior novel or novels to understand this one. I had to remind myself of the plot of the last one. Strafford is much more prominently featured in this entry in the series, with Quirke still grieving in the background. Both are learning to deal with each other in a more mature way. However, Strafford's love life is messy here, and he really shows no signs of emotional maturity with the women in his life. This is full blown midlife crisis Strafford, without an ounce of self analysis. He tries to solve the murder when he gets around to it, but his efforts feel half-hearted. The most vibrant characters in the book are the murderer and the wrongfully accused.
August 28, 2024
John Banville is a fine writer who elevates the crime thriller to an art form. There are so many things that took my breath away in this latest Strafford and Quirke novel I don’t know where to start.
Firstly there’s the authenticity of the 1950s setting in rural Ireland. Banville is a master of taking us back in time. The strained smiles and awkwardness; the behaviours, the words unsaid. Even the sound of dust motes hissing on the gas fire.
There’s his understanding of the perennial pursuit of women by men, and the sometimes jaded attitude of women, at that time, in accepting unwanted advances or even marriage proposals, because they had to.
Three of the men in this story would be described in the 50s as “Lotharios” – brooding detective Strafford, who has an uneasy relationship with dour pathologist Quirke, whose daughter he is seeing. Widower Quirke was briefly seeing a woman connected to the crime of the last book. And then there’s the protagonist of The Drowned, a man who claims his wife has gone missing.
The most amazing sleight of hand though is how Banville makes us pity the paedophile, hiding from society and constantly in fear of being falsely accused of a new crime.
A truly remarkable book. Thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
Firstly there’s the authenticity of the 1950s setting in rural Ireland. Banville is a master of taking us back in time. The strained smiles and awkwardness; the behaviours, the words unsaid. Even the sound of dust motes hissing on the gas fire.
There’s his understanding of the perennial pursuit of women by men, and the sometimes jaded attitude of women, at that time, in accepting unwanted advances or even marriage proposals, because they had to.
Three of the men in this story would be described in the 50s as “Lotharios” – brooding detective Strafford, who has an uneasy relationship with dour pathologist Quirke, whose daughter he is seeing. Widower Quirke was briefly seeing a woman connected to the crime of the last book. And then there’s the protagonist of The Drowned, a man who claims his wife has gone missing.
The most amazing sleight of hand though is how Banville makes us pity the paedophile, hiding from society and constantly in fear of being falsely accused of a new crime.
A truly remarkable book. Thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
August 22, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this literary mystery series set in Ireland in the 1950s featuring Gardai Detective St John Stratford and Pathologist Quirk. “The Drowned” follows on from “The Lock Up” which I loved. Strafford is still dating Phoebe, Quirke’s daughter and Quirke himself is still mourning the death of his wife which occurred in an earlier book. Both men are “quirky” and introverted. Strafford is a good investigator but hopeless with women, particularly when a difficulty occurs as in this book. He doesn’t know how to react.
This is more of a study of the male characters although there is a mystery involved when a professor’s wife disappears from a car she is travelling in with him and he says she has drowned in the sea. Armitage, the husband, was also in the previous novel so readers will be familiar with him.
All this being said the book did not hold my attention as much as Stafford’s earlier outings, there was something missing. There was a lot of character description and scene setting which tended to slow down the narrative. There wasn’t much of a mystery, it was obvious from the outset what had happened although there was a slight twist. There was a lot of sadness for all the characters including Strafford’s boss Hackett, and another family caught up in the mystery. I would call the novel bleak and it definitely wasn’t my favourite in the series although it has not put me off reading the next book should the author decide to write one.
However if you like an extremely literary thriller this will appeal.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
This is more of a study of the male characters although there is a mystery involved when a professor’s wife disappears from a car she is travelling in with him and he says she has drowned in the sea. Armitage, the husband, was also in the previous novel so readers will be familiar with him.
All this being said the book did not hold my attention as much as Stafford’s earlier outings, there was something missing. There was a lot of character description and scene setting which tended to slow down the narrative. There wasn’t much of a mystery, it was obvious from the outset what had happened although there was a slight twist. There was a lot of sadness for all the characters including Strafford’s boss Hackett, and another family caught up in the mystery. I would call the novel bleak and it definitely wasn’t my favourite in the series although it has not put me off reading the next book should the author decide to write one.
However if you like an extremely literary thriller this will appeal.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
October 10, 2024
Right from the start, the tension surrounding Dee's disappearance had me hooked. The atmosphere/setting was creepy, and the quirky behaviors of everyone involved really kept me guessing. I could have read a book solely focused on this group because the behaviors were completely unhinged, and I ate it up.
The main investigator was a standout character for me. I appreciated how his personal life was woven into the story—it made him feel real and relatable. And 1950s Irish setting was perfect. I felt completely transported to that time and place, which made the mystery even more engaging.
That said, I did find myself wanting a bit more detail about the investigation itself. It felt like some key parts were glossed over, and I was left craving more info about the suspects and what was happening with the case. At times, it felt like I was sitting at a café listening to a group of friends talk about people and things that happened that I didn’t know, which was charming but also left me a bit disconnected from the main plot.
If this is part of a series, I’d definitely want to check out the earlier books for more context. Overall, though, this book was such a fun read! If you love a good mystery with rich atmosphere, I highly recommend it!
The main investigator was a standout character for me. I appreciated how his personal life was woven into the story—it made him feel real and relatable. And 1950s Irish setting was perfect. I felt completely transported to that time and place, which made the mystery even more engaging.
That said, I did find myself wanting a bit more detail about the investigation itself. It felt like some key parts were glossed over, and I was left craving more info about the suspects and what was happening with the case. At times, it felt like I was sitting at a café listening to a group of friends talk about people and things that happened that I didn’t know, which was charming but also left me a bit disconnected from the main plot.
If this is part of a series, I’d definitely want to check out the earlier books for more context. Overall, though, this book was such a fun read! If you love a good mystery with rich atmosphere, I highly recommend it!
January 18, 2026
The Drowned by John Banville
In this atmospheric 1950s Irish mystery, a solitary man named Denton Wymes stumbles upon an abandoned car in a field near the sea, its engine running and no one in sight. A distressed stranger then insists his wife may have drowned, pulling Wymes into an ever more puzzling case that draws in Detective Inspector Strafford from Dublin and the brilliant but troubled pathologist Quirke, both returning from Banville’s earlier novels in this series. The investigation slowly reveals eerie tensions among the locals, deep personal conflicts, and murky motives that blur certainty at every turn.
Reading The Drowned made me feel suspended between dread and fascination, as Banville’s prose captures Ireland’s damp coast and the private aches of his characters with a subtle, probing intensity. Strafford’s emotional fragility, Quirke’s brooding presence, and Wymes’s odd vulnerability made this mystery feel more like a meditation on flawed humanity than a straightforward whodunit. The pacing is steady and reflective, rich in mood and quietly unsettling revelations.
Rating: 4 out of 5, for its haunting depth and evocative writing.
In this atmospheric 1950s Irish mystery, a solitary man named Denton Wymes stumbles upon an abandoned car in a field near the sea, its engine running and no one in sight. A distressed stranger then insists his wife may have drowned, pulling Wymes into an ever more puzzling case that draws in Detective Inspector Strafford from Dublin and the brilliant but troubled pathologist Quirke, both returning from Banville’s earlier novels in this series. The investigation slowly reveals eerie tensions among the locals, deep personal conflicts, and murky motives that blur certainty at every turn.
Reading The Drowned made me feel suspended between dread and fascination, as Banville’s prose captures Ireland’s damp coast and the private aches of his characters with a subtle, probing intensity. Strafford’s emotional fragility, Quirke’s brooding presence, and Wymes’s odd vulnerability made this mystery feel more like a meditation on flawed humanity than a straightforward whodunit. The pacing is steady and reflective, rich in mood and quietly unsettling revelations.
Rating: 4 out of 5, for its haunting depth and evocative writing.
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