In the Woods - Tana French

In a nutshell

This book has an interesting take on the detective genre, which may be why it picked up a heap of awards when it was published in 2008.  The lead character/detective was one of three children who were victims of a horrific crime.   He escaped, but the other two have been missing ever since.  Flash forward twenty or so years and the detective is investigating a crime in the small community where the original crime took place.  Inevitably, it is a mystery after all, potential links between the past and present start to appear.

Did I like it?

I found myself really enjoying this book.  It managed to surprise me, which is always refreshing.  Tana French also has a pretty good sense of humour, so this helped to lighten the darker tone.  While the detective was the brooding type, he also was adept at  self deprecation, which somehow made him more appealing.  The supporting characters and the setting were also well drawn out, helping to build an "immersive" community.  All in all, a good book that has encouraged me to pick up Tana French's subsequent murder mysteries.

Will you like it?

If you enjoy a good murder mystery, this one will appeal as it has all the elements of a great one.  An interest in Ireland will also help you generate interest in this book.

What else happened while I was reading this book?

Went to see Jack Ryan: Shadow Recurit (not too bad - entertaining but forgettable).  Made an amazing new salad  of black beans, avocado, and roasted carrots (thank-you New York Times).  Celebrated Wellington Anniversary over the long weekend.  A tropical cyclone headed our way.