Reviews

Even after I was deeply disappointed in In the Woods, I still wanted to read more of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series. Thankfully, Faithful Place was INFINITELY better than the first book in the series, though not as sparkling as The Likeness. Its narrator, Frank Mackey (who appeared in The Likeness), was much more compelling even though he had his own host of issues. I figured out the murderer almost immediately, but the mystery was still gripping. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Frank to connect the dots. In that way, the reveal itself is not very exciting, but the confrontation scene was incredibly suspenseful. The book was grueling but also riveting. I couldn't look away even if I wanted to...

Tana French really has a knack for depicting the dark, intricate webs of human relationships. As with many of her books, past and present are combined to devastating effect. Frank's passionate love for Rosie shines through his flashbacks, but he also hates her in the present even as he discovers she might not have abandoned him after all. Frank hasn't spoken to his family in years and (justifiably) resents them, yet he is pulled back into their orbit almost immediately to an almost disturbing degree. I can't say too much without a spoiler cut, but in the case of the murder: hate, love, and family are inexplicably entwined. It was depressing but also very fascinating. After I finished this book I was compelled to go thank my family for being so utterly sane and good to me! *wipes brow*

Of all French's narrators, Frank has the most developed backstory and established family. His relationships with his ex-wife and his young daughter were interesting and less devastating that his relationship with his parents and siblings (spoiler alert: it still doesn't end well for everybody anyway). I'm not sure quite what I think about his daughter (if anything she didn't seem to behave like a real kid) but I will admit that the book recieved much more emotional poignancy because of her presence. I dare anyone to read some of the final scenes without holding your breath!

Spoiler

When Frank and Shay are cleaning each other up after their fight and the reveal that Shay killed Rosie, I was absolutely stunned by the depth of their interactions. Frank was one second away from killing his brother and Shay absolutely loathes him, but the way Shay points out the blood on Frank's face and helps him clean it so they don't scare their family or make the neighbors talk was absolutely amazing. The mix of tenderness and a united cause even after all that's happened between them is just indescribable. I could never write something something so compelling or quietly disturbing...

Overall, this was a very well-done book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Parts were dark and brutal, but Tana French's masterful storytelling made me really enjoy the ride. While the murderer is easy to identify, the emotional payoff makes the book worthwhile. I can't say too much without spoiling it, but I do recommend this book alongside The Likeness if you can handle some dark subject matter. Hmm, does really enjoying all these dark books suddenly make me a proper grown up? What a scary thought.

rightpapaya's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

aygulel's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lauraborkpower's review against another edition

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3.0

I'd drop this by half a star if I could. French creates a rich and authentic world, but it's filled with unlikeable characters. I hate to say it, but I didn't even like Frank's daughter mid-way through the book. I did like Steven (or Stephen? I listened to the book...)and hope that French uses him as the protagonist in the next book (if the pattern Angie pointed out is accurate, and I think it is).

What I do appreciate is French's consistency; I too frequently find an author who's only written a couple of books, or writes them every seven years (Donna Tartt...). I'll look forward to her next one and hope that she can find her protagonist mojo like she did with The Likeness.

avalete's review against another edition

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4.0

After meeting Frank in The Likeness, I was excited to see more of him. This book did not disappoint. The plot was a little slow going, but once the pieces started to connect it picked up.

kristinhzta90's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a great story with well developed characters. I enjoyed the male perspective in the book, and I really liked the main character, Frank. While the overall plot is a crime that needs to be solved, I think the real story is about the interactions between the characters and the family dynamic. While the underlying story is dark, there are a lot of witty observations made by Frank that made me laugh out loud.

This was the first book that i read by Tana French, and I will definitely read more by this author.

mbpartlow's review against another edition

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5.0

Could not put this book down. It immediately gripped me and wouldn't let go.

The small details are fabulous. You feel like you're inside the scenes she writes. Working class Dublin, not glossed over and prettied up at all, just presented simply and beautifully.

I was surprised to like this book so much, since I reacted so strongly to her first book. But this is tight and suspenseful. And the ending is completely satisfying.

I guess I'll need to go back and read her second book now.

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