The Searcher (by Tana French)
Sometimes I put off reading an author I adore, or a book I look forward to being released, for too long. I suppose I get overwhelmed by all the books to choose from. The Searcher by Tana French is a perfect example. I’ve read all her books up to the publication of The Searcher. I’m thrilled I finally read it!
Hal Cooper is a retired detective from Chicago who moves to a remote village in Ireland. He purchased a neglected cottage that he plans to restore so he can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. He enjoys walking in the mountains and fishing. Hal begins developing friendly relationships with the locals. As the story progresses, the reader gains more information about the life Hal has left behind in Chicago. I enjoyed French’s style of giving away bits as though she were gradually handing out pieces to a puzzle.
The last thing Hal is looking for arrives at his doorstep. A local boy, Trey, starts coming around seeking help from Hal to find his missing older brother. Hal doesn’t want to get involved in police work, plus he doesn’t have the resources to do so in a foreign country. Trey is insistent, and the community doesn’t appreciate Hal being nosy.
I found The Searcher to be different from French’s Dublin Murder Squad books, whose story lines are still vivid in my memory. I’m happy that Hal Cooper is different from her previous characters. I really like Hal and want to see him content in Ireland. I appreciate the tug of war he feels in wanting to both help Trey and establish a quiet life in his new home. The story didn’t have the quick-paced, suspenseful twists and turns that are common in a lot of thrillers. I found the pace of the story smooth and engaging. The overall outcome wasn’t surprising, but the details and people involved were unexpected. The Searcher contained more emotion than fast-paced crime-solving tactics.
I borrowed the audiobook of The Searcher from my local library with the Libby app. Narration by Roger Clark was excellent! I look forward to reading book two in the series, The Hunter. I’m not procrastinating this time -- I already placed a hold on the audiobook with the Libby app.
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