The Searcher

by Tanya French

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Ann Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story. Cal Hooper has moved to Ireland after his retirement from the Chicago Police Department after 25 years and a divorce. Here he has bought a rundown cottage in a small village which he intends to repair and live in, choosing a simpler, less demanding life listening to his favorite music, fishing and just living a less dangerous life. This he does until Trey a 12/13 year local comes into his life. Trey observes Cal from a distance, moving closer and closer to Cal's home until they eventually meet. Trey wants Cal to investigate the disappearance of Brendan an older brother. Cal initially refuses but he becomes intrigued when no-one wants to discuss Brendan's disappearance. Cal continues to ask questions and eventually discovers what has really happened to Brendan.
The first 150 pages or so were a bit of a slow read and I found myself wondering if anything would really happen to liven up the book a bit more. Then there is a major plot twist which forces Cal to suspend his investigation, but he can't. The last 100 pages has further twists leading to a solution that I didn't see coming.
This is a mystery story not filled with police procedures, warrants, forensics etc, which sometimes makes reading murder/mystery novels quite boring in my opinion. It's a story about a man who has an honor code which he tries to live by daily. Cal does this even though it might endanger him and those around him.
Beautifully written especially those sections describing the animals in Cal's life (the rooks, dogs, sheep), life in the village and walking through the countryside.

[Sharon Colston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was disappointing after into the woods

[Mary Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok. Retired Chicago cop goes to live by himself in Ireland. Helps a young person figure out what happened to her brother amidst strange sheep killings in the vicinity.Bad things happen because of drugs. Mildly interesting, but not worth your time.

[Carolinecarver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the writing and French has developed a great character in her retired Chicago cop who has moved to a small Irish village to live a quieter life. When a preteen neighbor asks for help finding his brother, things get ugly. This was not the satisfying murder mystery I anticipated, but I would read more from French if only to disabuse myself of the notion that Ireland might be a nice place to retire.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. It has some beautiful words to tell a story oftentimes sad but hopeful.

[Rebecca Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. Description of the land, house and town made me feel I was there. The characters were in-depth and very surprising in the end. First one of hers I have read but I’ll be finding the others shortly.

[Marcelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character was very interesting and likeable but that is as far as it goes. Long drawn out mystery which was really obvious from the first chapter and not that shocking at all

[Megan]

I wasn’t grabbed into the story so stopped reading. Not my style.

[Jim Coley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal is a likeable character and the Irish environment adds to the “flavour “ of the story

[Sue K]

The book took a great deal of time to develop the characters and establish a plot.
It was predictable, despite twists and didn’t thrill me.