THE HUNTER

by Tana French

Continuing with my all-Irish-author reviews this month, I want to praise Tana French’s The Hunter, which is absolutely riveting.  French’s genre is entirely different from Williams’: The Hunter is a mystery that may or may not involve a murder.  Where she and Williams are alike is in setting their books in small Irish towns and creating memorable characters who are so authentic and believable that they add to the sense of place the authors so expertly develop.

Cal Hooper, the protagonist of The Hunter, moved to Ireland and lives at the foot of a mountain with the hope of starting his life over at a more relaxed pace after retiring from his Chicago policeman’s job and agreeing to a divorce from his wife.  Trey Reddy is a fifteen-year-old local teen who befriends Cal, ostensibly to learn carpentry from him.  But as the story develops, we realize she wants him to help her find her older brother who disappeared the year before.  Subplots include Trey’s absentee father showing up with a get-rich-quick scheme that he tries to put over on the locals.  Then there is Lena Dunne, a self-possessed single woman who makes the townspeople a little nervous with her independence, but who becomes friendly with Cal—and Trey. Additionally, French develops the story of Trey’s mother, Teresa, who was left penniless when her husband abandoned her with a pack of kids to raise.

As each of these storylines unfolds, French masterfully reveals that there is always a story-under-the-story where the locals are concerned.  Their interactions with Cal, especially as he digs into Trey’s brother’s disappearance, brilliantly depict the subtleties of conversation.  When combined with French’s ability to describe the place—its scenery, its smells, its aura—the reader is transported to that time and place. The Hunter is a great book.  Be prepared to read into the night because you won’t be able to put it down.  (Liz)

Note:  After finishing The Hunter, I realized it was the follow-up to a previous book, The Searcher.  So, having enjoyed The Hunter so much, I read The Searcher.  I don’t think you need to read The Searcher if you read The Hunter.  The second book catches you up beautifully.