Tana’s answer to “I LOVE your books and am about to start The Secret Place. I am sure you have been asked this befor…” > Likes and Comments
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While I totally understand your explanation, I'm definitely hoping to see Rob's mystery revisited and solved at some point in the future!!!! I love your books, Tana!!!! Keep 'em comin'!!!!
I cant tell you what a hook that story was. I cant say Ive read any more of your books but I always check back and see if you have done anything with that story.
As excruciating as it is, I think the ambiguous ending of In The Woods is perfect! It's what elevates the whole story above a who-done-it to something haunting. There are so many things I love about your writing, but the slightly gothic undercurrent to all of your stories is probably one of my favorites!
The choice you made here was mind blowing, I loved it, feel in love with the characters and I was instantly addicted!
The ending was perfect for the book, but it would be such a reward for your faithful readers to find out what happened in a later book. :)
I am really hoping that you will find a way to solve this mystery somewhere down the line--There are so many options--one being that one or both of them are still alive, or that Cathal has something to do with it or a new character shows up--so many options--let us know!! I stayed up until 3am to finish the book--obviously --a great read, but arghh I was disappointed with the ending
I was definitely one of those furious readers, but I sat with the ending for a while before I fell in love with how it ended...now it's on the top of my list whenever anyone asks for book recommendations. And like someone previously commented - it created an instant addiction to all of your following books, just in case there might be a clue to what happened to Rob! Your books are like 'saving the best for last' - I've been sitting on "The Secret Place" for a while now, because I know once I finish it, it's over...like binge-watching a DVR'd TV series or movie; the let-down after I finish one of your books is just devastating!
There's a part of me that really loves that we don't know what happens. Or, rather, that I love being mad at Rob for knowing and not telling me.
I loved the way you ended this book. It felt more real than so many others ways you could have gone. I felt deeply sad for Rob and how he was unable to allow himself the things he really wanted in his life. It was a beautifully written story and, while I find myself really curious about where Rob is now, I was completely satisfied with not knowing at the end of this book. Thanks for the wonderful story!
I think it is fitting to Rob's personality and character that the mystery of his 12th year remains unsolved. He's too big of a wuss to push forward towards completion and I think a bit afraid of the answer. Kudo's for sticking to your plot and character development. I'm awaiting the arrival of A Secret Place and have become quite the fan of your writing! Hoping for more books to come from you!
IMHO, you definitely made the wisest choice! It is one of my favorite things about this book! Not every mystery is necessarily "solved"! :)
I just finished the book and looking back, I saw the kids disappearance as a red herring more than anything, something that served as distraction from the real motive behind Katy's murder, and it worked pretty well that way.
I just finished Into the Woods (A Goodread rec from a friend!) & was so happy to find this question was asked & answered. I agree w/ many of the comments that it was a great choice not to solve this mystery...yet. I have no doubt Tana French will find a way to solve it, maybe by pieces here & there in the series, maybe in another book in the series. I sure hope so!
I loved the book and I think you made the right decision for how to end it. I have my theory about what happened in Rob's past, and it's something I can't imagine him ever wanting to remember.
Unfortunately, for me the lack of resolution was a turn off. That mystery was far more intriguing than the present day one and I came out caring about his friends more than the girl whose death they were investigating. I feel like you can have both in a follow up novel. Simply finding the bodies would be something and could trigger an investigation in which Rob is either helpful or continues running. However, I was so let down by the tease and haven't read anything else though I do check to make sure none of your new books are the story I am waiting on.
I loved the lack of resolution and I must say, this book is one of the best fictional psychological studies I've ever read. Well-played.
I found it very refreshing that you didn't stick to the conventions of the mystery genre!
One way you could do it is to write the story in the third person detailing everything that happened when they were children. You could give us the background on all three characters and their family lives and friendships before that fateful day. In the Woods cast a spell on me, and it hasn't ever loosened its hold.
The ending of in the woods was perfect and elevated it far far above normal crime fare. I loved it. It was a brave decision as a writer too (many have hated on the book in Amazon reviews, they didn't get it.) Thank you for that book and ending. Life is not always tied up in a neat little bow, that's why I appreciate a book or film that reflects that reality.
Yes, I have to second Lee- have just finished In the Woods and am awestruck. Wonderful ending. Can't wait to read all your work :)
The ambiguous ending seems to be growing in popularity, and I am all for it. Life is seldom neat and tidy.
I thought the ending was perfect based on who Rob is. Not all mysteries get solved. The unsolved mysteries are always the most captivating. I wouldn't be opposed to eventually finding out what happened, but I won't lose sleep if I don't. I have checked out all of your books that my local library has to offer. Currently on The Secret Place.
I read In 'The Woods', then immediately purchased it for my library (to lend out as well as pass down to my children/grandchildren). I have watched for each of your successive books, checking them out of our library & reading them, in the hope of learning the mystery of that year in Rob's life that he does not want to remember. I have not purchased any of your other books to date. Some were so dark & the character's used such crude language that I found them difficult to enjoy. I believe you are gifted author & will continue to read your works, but in my heart of hearts, I want answers to the central driving mystery of your first book.
I wouldn't say the ending made me angry but it did depress me for about three days. I felt so sorry for the guy. You did the right thing. It would be nice to see him stick his chest out and get to the bottom of it one day but for a book to have that kind of effect on me I can only say, "well done!"
I can handle the ambiguity but, I would like to see Rob again. Maybe a few years after "In the Woods". It is interesting to see him through the eyes of other characters. I can't imagine he will ever pull it together completely but, it would be nice to see him experience some growth. You did such a great job with the Rob and Cassie characters; that's why we want more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ride even if that meant my roller coaster car floated down to earth and turned into a pumpkin
This aspect of your writing is what makes me absolutely adore your books and inspires me as a writer. The resolution to be true to your characters even if that means not revealing everything is admirable. Thank you so much for your writing and teaching me so much about working through both characters' and my own trauma.
My mother and I fall on completely opposite sides of the issue, which I absolutely love, because it is so characteristic of our entire relationship in that we bond over topics on which we disagree.
She couldn't get past the fact that Rob didn't uncover the entire mystery, and I loved the fact that it wasn't tied up in a neat little bow, because life so rarely is. One of the things that I love about this series is that, while you think that there are good guys and bad guys when you are listening to one section of the story, the second you hear the story from the "good guy's" point of view, you realize that he/she is just as flawed as everyone else.
I just finished this first book in your series and am disappointed but intrigued by the ending. I had hoped it would be a mystery taken on by another of the detectives in your series in a future book but it appears, to date, this is not the case. I enjoy your writing style and gave this book 5 stars but I am not sure about reading more of them if they are so unresolved. I wonder if you might consider a new book in the series that deals with Rob from an observer's perspective and have THAT detective solve the mystery. Or revisit Rob and have him finally be ready to confront his failings. It does seem like a cheap ending to never resolve the mystery this book revolved around. In the genre of "and then he woke up because it was all just a dream." Such endings seem lazy. I don't see you as a lazy writer. Returning to this mystery in a future book would be wonderful.
I felt exactly the same way. The book was about Rob Ryan's mind - and how his own ghosts screwed up his future. I really loved it. Thank you for writing this book.
Release a Novella from another persons POV solving the In The Woods mystery!!! I read this book originally in college during an English elective course on Mysteries and I just reread your first two books in the Dublin Murder Series... I'm dying to know what happened with the hair barrette and how someone else's blood got in Rob's shoes!!!
It would be cool to explore post traumatic amnesia and treatments such as EMDR for the character; to develop a trajectory of healing not quick resolution.
Oh, you HAVE to clear it up!! Make Cassie find the answers. As long as Rob himself isn't the perpetrator....
I always thought someone would find a bone while building the motorway but Rob would have moved on somewhere else and the bonefinder wouldn't realise it's significance.
no! The ending was perfect! Life is not tied up in a neat bow, I loved that this book didn't! I have now read all your books! MORE PLEASE!
One of my favorite books of all time. You are an incredible writer and of course you have every right to write in whatever way you like. I do wish you would solve the mystery - even if its not through Rob- that could be another chapter in the phenomenal series
Kajoli, I too would love the mystery to be resolved. I have actually not picked up another in the series because I was so mad I didn't get a resolution. I was more interested in the cold case than the modern one so when I realized we wouldn't learn what happened, I just stopped reading. There are other ways that don't involve Rob- a body being found or another kid returning having not been killed but trained... depending on what happened.
I loved the book and I appreciate that you stayed true to your main character... the mystery is going to drive me crazy tho!
I reviewed In The Woods for my bookclub in February. Everyone loved it (usually they don't like my choices) but a few were unhappy with the ending even though they liked the rest of the book.
I've always thought it would be solved in the last book of the series - apparently I just decided that myself though. haha I'm (im)patiently waiting for the next book - DMS or otherwise. It's impossible for Tana to write books as quickly as I want to read them - The Searcher feels like it came out forever ago. When I find an author I enjoy and start reading all their books, certain things like recurring phrases or descriptions will start to annoy me and I have to go off them for a while - that never happened with any of Tana French's books and I frequently check her website with the hopes of a new book being announced. Fingers crossed that it's soon!
FWIW, a novel in which Rob's childhood mystery is the present-day story could be a great way to tell it.
I would very much enjoy reading that.
Your book, you write it as you see it - and thank you
Maybe I am a glutton for punishment, but I am hoping Rob and Cassie can find their way back to each other, Once Rob gets his act together of course :)
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Shandra
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Sep 30, 2014 09:08AM
While I totally understand your explanation, I'm definitely hoping to see Rob's mystery revisited and solved at some point in the future!!!! I love your books, Tana!!!! Keep 'em comin'!!!!
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I cant tell you what a hook that story was. I cant say Ive read any more of your books but I always check back and see if you have done anything with that story.
As excruciating as it is, I think the ambiguous ending of In The Woods is perfect! It's what elevates the whole story above a who-done-it to something haunting. There are so many things I love about your writing, but the slightly gothic undercurrent to all of your stories is probably one of my favorites!
The choice you made here was mind blowing, I loved it, feel in love with the characters and I was instantly addicted!
The ending was perfect for the book, but it would be such a reward for your faithful readers to find out what happened in a later book. :)
I am really hoping that you will find a way to solve this mystery somewhere down the line--There are so many options--one being that one or both of them are still alive, or that Cathal has something to do with it or a new character shows up--so many options--let us know!! I stayed up until 3am to finish the book--obviously --a great read, but arghh I was disappointed with the ending
I was definitely one of those furious readers, but I sat with the ending for a while before I fell in love with how it ended...now it's on the top of my list whenever anyone asks for book recommendations. And like someone previously commented - it created an instant addiction to all of your following books, just in case there might be a clue to what happened to Rob! Your books are like 'saving the best for last' - I've been sitting on "The Secret Place" for a while now, because I know once I finish it, it's over...like binge-watching a DVR'd TV series or movie; the let-down after I finish one of your books is just devastating!
There's a part of me that really loves that we don't know what happens. Or, rather, that I love being mad at Rob for knowing and not telling me.
I loved the way you ended this book. It felt more real than so many others ways you could have gone. I felt deeply sad for Rob and how he was unable to allow himself the things he really wanted in his life. It was a beautifully written story and, while I find myself really curious about where Rob is now, I was completely satisfied with not knowing at the end of this book. Thanks for the wonderful story!
I think it is fitting to Rob's personality and character that the mystery of his 12th year remains unsolved. He's too big of a wuss to push forward towards completion and I think a bit afraid of the answer. Kudo's for sticking to your plot and character development. I'm awaiting the arrival of A Secret Place and have become quite the fan of your writing! Hoping for more books to come from you!
IMHO, you definitely made the wisest choice! It is one of my favorite things about this book! Not every mystery is necessarily "solved"! :)
I just finished the book and looking back, I saw the kids disappearance as a red herring more than anything, something that served as distraction from the real motive behind Katy's murder, and it worked pretty well that way.
I just finished Into the Woods (A Goodread rec from a friend!) & was so happy to find this question was asked & answered. I agree w/ many of the comments that it was a great choice not to solve this mystery...yet. I have no doubt Tana French will find a way to solve it, maybe by pieces here & there in the series, maybe in another book in the series. I sure hope so!
I loved the book and I think you made the right decision for how to end it. I have my theory about what happened in Rob's past, and it's something I can't imagine him ever wanting to remember.
Unfortunately, for me the lack of resolution was a turn off. That mystery was far more intriguing than the present day one and I came out caring about his friends more than the girl whose death they were investigating. I feel like you can have both in a follow up novel. Simply finding the bodies would be something and could trigger an investigation in which Rob is either helpful or continues running. However, I was so let down by the tease and haven't read anything else though I do check to make sure none of your new books are the story I am waiting on.
I loved the lack of resolution and I must say, this book is one of the best fictional psychological studies I've ever read. Well-played.
I found it very refreshing that you didn't stick to the conventions of the mystery genre!
One way you could do it is to write the story in the third person detailing everything that happened when they were children. You could give us the background on all three characters and their family lives and friendships before that fateful day. In the Woods cast a spell on me, and it hasn't ever loosened its hold.
The ending of in the woods was perfect and elevated it far far above normal crime fare. I loved it. It was a brave decision as a writer too (many have hated on the book in Amazon reviews, they didn't get it.) Thank you for that book and ending. Life is not always tied up in a neat little bow, that's why I appreciate a book or film that reflects that reality.
Yes, I have to second Lee- have just finished In the Woods and am awestruck. Wonderful ending. Can't wait to read all your work :)
The ambiguous ending seems to be growing in popularity, and I am all for it. Life is seldom neat and tidy.
I thought the ending was perfect based on who Rob is. Not all mysteries get solved. The unsolved mysteries are always the most captivating. I wouldn't be opposed to eventually finding out what happened, but I won't lose sleep if I don't. I have checked out all of your books that my local library has to offer. Currently on The Secret Place.
I read In 'The Woods', then immediately purchased it for my library (to lend out as well as pass down to my children/grandchildren). I have watched for each of your successive books, checking them out of our library & reading them, in the hope of learning the mystery of that year in Rob's life that he does not want to remember. I have not purchased any of your other books to date. Some were so dark & the character's used such crude language that I found them difficult to enjoy. I believe you are gifted author & will continue to read your works, but in my heart of hearts, I want answers to the central driving mystery of your first book.
I wouldn't say the ending made me angry but it did depress me for about three days. I felt so sorry for the guy. You did the right thing. It would be nice to see him stick his chest out and get to the bottom of it one day but for a book to have that kind of effect on me I can only say, "well done!"
I can handle the ambiguity but, I would like to see Rob again. Maybe a few years after "In the Woods". It is interesting to see him through the eyes of other characters. I can't imagine he will ever pull it together completely but, it would be nice to see him experience some growth. You did such a great job with the Rob and Cassie characters; that's why we want more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ride even if that meant my roller coaster car floated down to earth and turned into a pumpkin
This aspect of your writing is what makes me absolutely adore your books and inspires me as a writer. The resolution to be true to your characters even if that means not revealing everything is admirable. Thank you so much for your writing and teaching me so much about working through both characters' and my own trauma.
My mother and I fall on completely opposite sides of the issue, which I absolutely love, because it is so characteristic of our entire relationship in that we bond over topics on which we disagree. She couldn't get past the fact that Rob didn't uncover the entire mystery, and I loved the fact that it wasn't tied up in a neat little bow, because life so rarely is. One of the things that I love about this series is that, while you think that there are good guys and bad guys when you are listening to one section of the story, the second you hear the story from the "good guy's" point of view, you realize that he/she is just as flawed as everyone else.
I just finished this first book in your series and am disappointed but intrigued by the ending. I had hoped it would be a mystery taken on by another of the detectives in your series in a future book but it appears, to date, this is not the case. I enjoy your writing style and gave this book 5 stars but I am not sure about reading more of them if they are so unresolved. I wonder if you might consider a new book in the series that deals with Rob from an observer's perspective and have THAT detective solve the mystery. Or revisit Rob and have him finally be ready to confront his failings. It does seem like a cheap ending to never resolve the mystery this book revolved around. In the genre of "and then he woke up because it was all just a dream." Such endings seem lazy. I don't see you as a lazy writer. Returning to this mystery in a future book would be wonderful.
I felt exactly the same way. The book was about Rob Ryan's mind - and how his own ghosts screwed up his future. I really loved it. Thank you for writing this book.
Release a Novella from another persons POV solving the In The Woods mystery!!! I read this book originally in college during an English elective course on Mysteries and I just reread your first two books in the Dublin Murder Series... I'm dying to know what happened with the hair barrette and how someone else's blood got in Rob's shoes!!!
It would be cool to explore post traumatic amnesia and treatments such as EMDR for the character; to develop a trajectory of healing not quick resolution.
Oh, you HAVE to clear it up!! Make Cassie find the answers. As long as Rob himself isn't the perpetrator....
I always thought someone would find a bone while building the motorway but Rob would have moved on somewhere else and the bonefinder wouldn't realise it's significance.
no! The ending was perfect! Life is not tied up in a neat bow, I loved that this book didn't! I have now read all your books! MORE PLEASE!
One of my favorite books of all time. You are an incredible writer and of course you have every right to write in whatever way you like. I do wish you would solve the mystery - even if its not through Rob- that could be another chapter in the phenomenal series
Kajoli, I too would love the mystery to be resolved. I have actually not picked up another in the series because I was so mad I didn't get a resolution. I was more interested in the cold case than the modern one so when I realized we wouldn't learn what happened, I just stopped reading. There are other ways that don't involve Rob- a body being found or another kid returning having not been killed but trained... depending on what happened.
I loved the book and I appreciate that you stayed true to your main character... the mystery is going to drive me crazy tho!
I reviewed In The Woods for my bookclub in February. Everyone loved it (usually they don't like my choices) but a few were unhappy with the ending even though they liked the rest of the book.
I've always thought it would be solved in the last book of the series - apparently I just decided that myself though. haha I'm (im)patiently waiting for the next book - DMS or otherwise. It's impossible for Tana to write books as quickly as I want to read them - The Searcher feels like it came out forever ago. When I find an author I enjoy and start reading all their books, certain things like recurring phrases or descriptions will start to annoy me and I have to go off them for a while - that never happened with any of Tana French's books and I frequently check her website with the hopes of a new book being announced. Fingers crossed that it's soon!
FWIW, a novel in which Rob's childhood mystery is the present-day story could be a great way to tell it.
I would very much enjoy reading that.
Your book, you write it as you see it - and thank you
Maybe I am a glutton for punishment, but I am hoping Rob and Cassie can find their way back to each other, Once Rob gets his act together of course :)
