What In the Woods is about:
As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled sneakers, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours. Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a twelve-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox—his partner and closest friend—find themselves investigating a case chillingly similar to the previous unsolved mystery. Now, with only snippets of long-buried memories to guide him, Ryan has the chance to uncover both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past.
After reading Broken Harbor I knew that I needed, absolutely needed to read all of French's book from the beginning. From the very first page I was drawn into Rob and Cassie's world. Dublin has been a city that has captured my attention and is one that I must visit before I die, but I do hope that I never ever experience the ugly, dirty, seedy side that encompasses this book. French is masterful and clever with her writing and left me wanting more, so much more. I tried not to get all flustered and angry at the ending of this book. I've been told that she has a way of dangling her readers over the edge of a big cliff called NO REAL ANSWERS and left wondering if anyone will save them!!
Recommend? Yes. Her writing is solid and her characterization is rich and complete. I conjured up images of the scenes and the people who walked the streets. Even though she has the tendency of not wrapping up everything nice and neat, I have found that I am becoming a bit fond of that. I must be off my rocker....but in a good way!! On to The Likeness before I ring out 2012!
Source: Public Library
Blogger who recommended it:
Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts #56
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I don't think I'd be disappointed by the up in the air type of ending, because even though Broken Harbor left me with questions, I loved the story.
ReplyDeleteI need to lead all of these in 2013 as well.
This sounds right up my alley!! Adding to my list!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy her writing as well! I was thinking she was a Minnesota author but now I cant recall :)
ReplyDeleteI've had this book for longer than I care to admit. So many people rave about French's writing - I must make time to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI just love her writing! I think her best book is Faithful Place, but I am sorry I didn't listen to it instead of read it, because I think it would have been sensational, with all the Irish dialogue going on!
ReplyDeleteHer books are on my TBR list but I go back and forth on whether to read or listen - I've heard the audiobooks are great. I'm glad you enjoyed it and that you were ok with the ending.
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself I need to read this series but just haven't gotten around to it. Glad you enjoyed it and recommend it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like these are books I should quit ignoring. LOL
ReplyDeleteI so want to read this!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I'm okay with that type of ending and sometimes I'm not. It really all depends on the telling and writing of the story.
ReplyDeleteI liked this one a lot. I need to read some of her other books though. I intended to read all of them but you know how it is.
ReplyDeleteYou know, this is another author that I have never tried
ReplyDeleteI haven't started her books. They sound engaging though.
ReplyDeleteTana French is an author I must read in 2013... will start here!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one as much as I did! I really, really need to read more by her...I'm even considering rereading this one before I do. It's been long enough that I'm sure it won't matter if I do :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteI had this book home from the library and had to return it 'cause it was on hold for someone else. It is one of the first books for the new year that I will be requesting!
ReplyDeleteI felt exactly the same way and went out and bought The Likeness and Faithful Place. Unfortunately they got buried in my TBR pile. Moving them up to read early next year.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like it when a book leaves me with questions. Makes me think!
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Ok you convinced me, it's been a while since I've read a Tana French book but looks like I'm going back to the beginning too LOL
ReplyDeleteI was like you when I finished Broken Harbor but just have not gotten to this one yet. I've had it for a while and picked up the other two recently. So looking forward to them!
ReplyDeleteThis is still the only book int his series I have read and I loved it. One of my favorite books of the year, at least the year I read it.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind when endings aren't neat, but I don't like to be left with unanswered questions. I think my husband has The Likeness on his shelf, so I can't wait to see what you think of that one!
ReplyDeleteI want to read this one and they finally have it in my city's library system- woohoo! I don't mind endings that aren't all wrapped up tidy, but sometimes it depends on the book, too.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. I don't mind ambiguous endings, and so wasn't bothered at all by how this one ended. Like Becca said though, it can depend on the book. I am glad you enjoyed it, Staci!
ReplyDeleteBah humbug! I am currently reading this one and love it, but have prepared myself for a nonending.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed all of TF's books, but still haven't had a chance to read her latest. When I reviewed Faithful Place, I think I said it was my favorite, but now that some time has passed, I want to say that The Likeness is one that has stuck with me the longest. You have to be willing to suspend disbelief from the get-go, but it's a great thriller! Can't wait to read your thoughts on it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou must be in the midst of The Likeness by now! Woo! That's my favorite in the series thus far. Enjoy!
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