Teresa M. (truthsayer) reviewed on 6/17/2010 + 21 more book reviews

I tend to avoid literary fiction because they focus on beautiful poetic prose, vivid characterizations, an engaging plot, and an utterly depressing ending. All the strings hanging didn't bother me. That only means the author plans to add more details in future books with the same characters.Cassie Maddox may be the most fascinating female character I have ever read. Rob Ryan is brooding and self-absorbed in the tragedy that happened to him at age 12. A bit of a spoiler here but his narcissism about his past ruins not only everything that has meaning for him but other people and the case as well. That is what disgusted me with the book.I have about 20 pages left and I'm too ticked at Rob to read the full extent of how badly he screwed up. I work as a counselor so I think it reminded me too much of people I know. I read to escape not to be reminded of things that make me want to band my head against a wall. However, there is wonderful suggestive description in the background of a monster out of Irish myth and legend killing Rob's friends. There are other suggestions about what happened but I absolutely loved those dark mythic hints. Nothing is ever said directly and that is one thread left dangling that did not bother me. In fact I found it utterly compelling and that would lure me to read more about Cassie. I've had it with Rob who is in seriously need of a good therapist, 30 days in rehab and AA.French's descriptions of the psychological symptoms of PTSD such as psychic numbing and flashbacks are expertly done. She also understand psychopaths very well. Overall, Tana French is a writer to look out for. I would not be surprised if she also writes poetry.

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