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What did you think of The Searcher and why?
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The Searcher was the beginning of my love affair with Tana French’s writing. Her descriptions of the Irish landscape created vivd images of the story setting in my mind. “Here, the first light spreads across the fields like something holy is happening, striking sparks off a million dewdrops and turning the spiderwebs on the hedge to rainbows; mist curls off the grass, and the first calls of birds and sheep seem to arc effortless miles.” As she described the countryside I found myself wanting to drop everything and board a plane for Ireland. I so wanted to experience something that beautiful in person.
Tana’s characters drew me right into the story. Since I have always loved watching the murder of crows in my neighborhood I immediately liked Cal because he wanted to befriend the rooks on his property. Seems getting the locals to accept Cal was as complicated as getting the rooks to trust him. Mart educated us about the residents of rural Ireland, their customs and culture, and their personalities. And it was through Cal’s investigation that we see a more in depth connection between all the characters. What keeps sticking with me, though, is the relationship between Cal and Trey, how it grew, and how we learned about Cal’s character, what kind of man he is, and who Trey is as well as the kind of person she will grow to be.
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I very much enjoyed the Searcher. As I was reading the image that came to my mind was that of a pot of simmering water that would soon erupt into a boil. And did it ever when Trey soaked Cal’s shirt in white primer and splattered that primer all over the desk he was rehabbing because Cal would not help find her missing brother. I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Both were flawed human beings, but very likeable. Cal is out of place in the village in Ireland, having retired from the Chicago PD to have a new beginning and a more relaxed life. As an outsider, it is interesting how Cal goes about investigating Trey’s brother’s disappearance, even though he has no legal authority to do so. And yet, everyone in the village knows he is an ex-cop, although he has never identified himself as such. I was not satisfied with the ending with Mart and his lads closing ranks and getting away with Brendan’s death. So much so that I went back to the library to get the next Cal Hooper book The Hunter and read it to see if there was a more satisfying closure. Together both books provide an interesting, engaging and surprising read. I look forward to the third Cal Hooper book from Tana French.
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Oh Nancy!! I’ve been dying to read The Hunter, but haven’t found the time yet. Your little teaser here gives me that little itch to put everything down and run out to get the next Cal Hooper!!
I also loved The Searcher. The writing is superb and I was immediately drawn in and sanding down old desks in the west of Ireland, keeping an ear out for spies. The moment when Trey revealed her purpose actually took my breath away. I hope that doesn’t sound too dramatic, but I was so completely invested that I felt right there with Cal and the sudden “aha” moment. Brilliant writing.
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All of the above! The description of the setting is palpable. I think I could literally feel the rain, what the Irish call “soft weather” and smell the peat fires. Clearly Tana French knows the landscape and it informs both her story and its characters.
However, it is the characters who captured my interest. Not only Cal and Trey but the lot of them. Every character, both the one’s I admired and who’s struggle resonated and those I struggled to connect with. Every character was more than a caricature. Surely one of the challenges of writing a tightly knit story is to make each person and each event in the story fit and count. Tana French accomplishes that here.
I am looking forward to all of this discussion. I particularly look forward to the perspectives on the characters whose story is essential to understanding the people of Ardnakelty and how their lives come together in this story.
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Tana French is a brilliant writer. I have read everything else she’s published. In this book, I especially appreciate way she draws Trey as a full person, not a stereotype of “troubled teen.” I love when her gender is revealed. I wish every “troubled teen” had a friend/mentor like Cal who could help them develop a skill like her carpentry.
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I totally agree with you about Tana’s writing. I also enjoyed The Hunter and several other mysteries she has written. I really loved as well The Witch Elm.
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I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved it. The narrator, Roger Clark, was brilliant. He brought Cal to life. With all of the other characters, he had a lovely Irish accent, which created another level of immersion into this wonderfully written novel. Tana French drew me into her book immediately and there I stayed for the entire story, feeling like I was right there in Ireland. So effective is her writing that I could see, very clearly, the scenes, the characters and even the tiniest of facial expressions during conversations. I look forward to reading more from this author, especially book #2 of the series.
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I agree with what’s being said here so far — the excellent atmospheric writing and the characters totally drew me in from the get-go of this book. Much like the Three Pines books, it was a seamless immersion into that world and those characters. I found Cal to be “my kind of hero;” very human, very sympathetic, and with a strong sense of right and wrong; a kind, caring, and capable person. Trey was a revelation, in a number of ways! She is also my sort of hero, in much the same way, and I admire her feistiness and determination. I was quite invested in the whole story, and IMMEDIATELY had to run to the library resources to get hold of and read the sequel! And, BTW, loved that as well!
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I agree with everyone; Tana French’s writing is masterful. I loved The Searcher and was fully immersed in the story throughout the book. Not only did the setting come to life, but the characters were authentic and the dialogue was brilliant. I also enjoyed the literary devices that were used. I haven’t had time to read The Hunter yet, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity. She is now one of my favourite authors because of this book.
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I also loved this book and am a huge Tana French fan. Few authors have captured my attention the way Tana has. I have particular appreciation for her concise descriptions that paint detailed scenes so efficiently.
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Shelly I so agree with your comment about Tana’s descriptions of the countryside. I could feel myself in the environment she was describing. It was the first thing that drew me into her stories.
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I agree with what everyone has written about the book. Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful characters, wonderful writing. I initially thought the book seemed slow-paced and a “quiet” introspective kind of book (because we spend so much time with Cal and his thoughts) but the suspense builds up so masterfully it sneaks up on you and packs an emotional wallop. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
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Loved this book. Loved the characters, the setting, the pace, the writing. I’m an audiobook person, and was out walking when we came to the conversation with Mart when Cal finds out about Trey. Literally stopped in my tracks and said “NO WAY!!!!”. Cal’s re-evaluation of the relationship and finding his way forward was excellent.
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That was a great twist wasn’t it? I had to take a moment to absorb it.
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