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The Searcher

A Novel

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The Searcher

Written by: Tana French
Narrated by: Roger Clark
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About this listen

Best Book of 2020 by New York Times, NPR, and New York Post

"This hushed suspense tale about thwarted dreams of escape may be her best one yet.... Its own kind of masterpiece." (Maureen Corrigan, The Washington Post)

"A new Tana French is always cause for celebration.... Read it once for the plot; read it again for the beauty and subtlety of French's writing." (Sarah Lyall, The New York Times)

Cal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a bucolic Irish village would be the perfect escape. After 25 years in the Chicago police force and a bruising divorce, he just wants to build a new life in a pretty spot with a good pub where nothing much happens. But when a local kid whose brother has gone missing arm-twists him into investigating, Cal uncovers layers of darkness beneath his picturesque retreat, and starts to realize that even small towns shelter dangerous secrets.

"One of the greatest crime novelists writing today" (Vox) weaves a masterful, atmospheric tale of suspense, asking how to tell right from wrong in a world where neither is simple, and what we stake on that decision.

©2020 Tana French (P)2020 Penguin Audio
Fiction Literary Fiction Police Procedural Suspense Mystery Exciting
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What the critics say

“A slow-burn stunner that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night. Recommend to the author’s legions of fans, as well as those who enjoy crime fiction set in small towns like Julia Keller’s or Jane Harper’s novels.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“In another stand-alone, French again displays impressive versatility...French skillfully builds suspense...a fine thriller, but also a moving story of an unlikely friendship that grows from refinishing a ramshackle desk to rebuilding two nearly broken lives.” (Booklist)

“Deliver[s] plenty of twists, shocking revelations, and truly chilling moments.” (Kirkus)

What listeners say about The Searcher

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

I was expecting a Dublin Murder Squad story ...

I really found this to be disappointing .I love Taa French and had preordered this title... but it was immediately disappointing (the narrator is American) and the main character is an X chicago cop (which it appears is meant to be esteemed and revered as better than the Garfers?) It felt utterly like a bid to expand readership to an American audience. I kept waiting for the familiarity of the Dublin Murder squad but alas nothing.

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1 person found this helpful

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My favourite book for 2021

Brilliant plot and story. The neighbours are a treat to get to know with such wit and brilliant conversation.

Like all great novels, I just didn’t want it to end.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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narration


Narration was grand, dialect especially. Tana's writing begs to be heard. Narrator's various characterization was credible and distinguishing.

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  • Overall
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Perfect book!!! Third time listening to it!

At first it seemed slow and I didn’t get the point. But it builds and builds and then is perfect. And the slowness becomes almost the point as it so speaks to the setting and the characters. It’s an amazing book and the narrator is amazing!

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No Garden of Eden here

This audiobook would get my vote as one of the most memorable listens of 2020. Cal Hooper, a disillusioned Chicago cop, retires to the a small village in Ireland, hoping to find peace, in the quiet countryside. Yes, the story is a bit long at first, but it sets the stage for what comes after. Cal hopes to find a simple country life among good, uncomplicated country folk , a Garden of Eden away from cold hustle of cities. Well, unfortunately this Garden also has snakes and rotten apples in it. Evil plays no geographic favorites. A vivid portrayal of a range of fully colored characters, it’s a grand tale. As for the accents,Roger Clark handled both American and Irish accents deftly. The accents in no way detracted from the story. I loved the audiobook, hated for it to end!

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Enjoyable Story

The story was easy to listen to with a great narrator. The characters were interesting. It was however fairly predictable with a ho hum ending. I gave it a four star because of its predictably & anti climatic ending. I would recommend it to someone looking for an easy listen to story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Unusual and Beautiful

I guess Tana French wanted to write something completely different and effortlessly succeeded. This is not like her usual books. The characters are relatable, the description of the landscape is outstanding. All in all, this is a brilliant book—what a remarkable writer.

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2 people found this helpful

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Loved it.

The story is brilliant, and the accents and soothing voice it's read in makes it a perfect audiobook for a walk in the rain or a comfortable time in an armchair with some tea.

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1 person found this helpful

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Different but certainly great!!!

This was different from Tana French’s previous novels in that the officer is retired. But the story built and I loved Roger Clark’s voice and singing!!! I hope she writes another novel with these characters. You really feel the atmosphere of the setting in Ireland and the characters are interesting. Eager to listen/read the next novel.

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gentle story beautifully narrated.

Not your typical mystery. A story about loyalty and character and how promises can bring the people who make them to places they don't expect to go. Narrator is unbelievably good, switching between American and Irish accents, both male and female. Highly recommended.

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