Some time has passed since Cal Hooper, a retired Chicago police officer, first came to the rural Irish townland of Ardnakelty. His former life as a copper may still warrant suspicion to some, but mostly he is accepted and viewed as more of a neighbor than an outsider or stranger.

He and Lena are now "engaged," though that's more of an issue to others than it is to either of them. Trey, the wild teen he and Lena have semi-adopted, has matured, remains active in their thriving furniture business, has gathered a band of friends, developed plans of her own, and may even be falling in love. Despite the surrogate parenthood of Cal and Lena, Trey's mother, Sheila, remains an important part of Trey's life and will have a more active role in this third book in the series.

Life seems to be moving at a positive rate for all of them. But life, even in Ardnakelty, can throw a curve into even the best of relationships.

All begins to spiral when Rachel, a sweet-natured girl engaged to Eugene, the son of wealthy Tommy Monyihan, disappears and then is found dead, either a suicide or a victim of foul play. At first, suspicion falls on Eugene, who had been seen arguing with his intended. Then it switches to Tommy himself.

A bully, feared and despised by many, it soon develops that Monyihan has plans that may radically change the future of the townland, and some think Rachel may have posed a risk to those plans. Cal's neighbor, Mart, and his friends press him to put his investigative skills to work. Trey and her friends are also adamant about getting involved, much to Cal's fear about danger to them.

Lena resents Mart's influence on Cal and tries to dissuade him from getting involved. Yet, that doesn't stop her from shedding her usual independent stance and doing a bit of investigating herself -- a move that puts her and Cal in the spotlight as suspects. It's a nail-biting ride to the conclusion of this brilliant story.

French is a master of psychological insights, riveting suspense, and characters (Mart, Bobby, gossipy Noreen, the nasty Mrs.Duggan) so real you'd swear you know them. Her lyrical prose is a joy to read. She says this is the conclusion of the trilogy. I hope not. I don't think I'm the only reader who'd welcome more of Cal and his friends.

[ visit Tana French online ]