Catherine C. (c-squared) reviewed on 9/7/2011 + 181 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I read a lot of reviews about how Frank Mackey is a complete jerk, as opposed to a likeable character like Rob and Cassie (the protagonists of Tana French's first two novels). I actually thought that Rob was a bit of a self-pitying jerk, but really liked Frank. At the very least, he made me laugh every other time he opened his mouth.

Take for example, this paraphrased conversation between Frank & his majorly jerky older brother.
Frank: Wait here.
Shay: Do I look like your bitch?
Frank: Just a little around the mouth.

If you don't think that's hilarious, you may agree with the majority who don't seem to like Frank.

About the book: I read it in two days, staying up until 2:30 the second night. I read a description of Tana French's novels as "paper crack" and I have to agree. I can't wait for her fourth novel to come out this summer.

Frank Mackey has always believed he was jilted by his teenage love, but 22 years later, her suitcase is found in an abandoned house on his old street. Suddenly, his personal pain turns into a murder investigation. One problem, Frank is an undercover officer, not on the murder squad. If you read The Likeness, you know that Frank doesn't like to follow the rules.

Where French's first two novels took place in the 'burbs and the countryside, this one is set in a rough part of Dublin, featuring Frank's dysfunctional, estranged family as some of the main characters. They're an entertaining cast of characters, with colorful speech and actions. Bloody brilliant.

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