The book has filler and the author's wonderings that make it drag. The characters were pretty good. The author may be over-rated.

This book is very disappointing. It doesn't work as a mystery or a novel. I'm baffled by all the praise it has received. Read her Dublin Murders series instead and experience outstanding writing.

She writes well. Characters and story interesting, but she dragged it on too long. When the fate of the older brother was discovered and shared with his sibling was the place to end the book.

This started out fine, but it really started to drag. Too much about the dreary weather and the plot was glacially slow. I kept reading because of its great reviews, but it was too long and unsatisfying.

A beautifully written "fish out of water" story. Retired Chicago detective, Cal Hooper, moves to a small town in Ireland, looking to create a new life after his unexpected divorce. Soon after he arrives, a young teenager asks Cal to find the teen's missing older brother. The story builds very slowly, but I was glad I didn't quit reading. While Cal's search for a missing young man drives the plot, this is primarily a character-driven novel. Tana French is an American who emigrated to Ireland, and she uses her insights as an outsider entering Irish culture to create obstacles for Cal. Highly recommended.

Very engrossing. Well developed characters. This is my first book of hers, and I can't wait to read more.

The first I have read by Ms. French. Too much of the book is used to describe ALL of the countryside, each day, various weather. Flora, fauna, birds. The 2 main characters are good,
Disappointing.

Her best yet. The language, landscape, atmosphere, are spot on.

Couldn’t finish reading the book. Got too slow and boring. Quite a disappointment

A stunning stand-alone thriller from a master storyteller. The atmosphere sneaks up on you just like the cold of the Irish winter, and the brutality can be felt just out of view in the dark fields.