Are you a fan of twisted psychological thrillers and suspenseful crime novels? Then you’ve probably heard of Tana French, one of the most brilliant and best-known authors in this genre. With her gripping style and unique storytelling, Tana French has become a staple on the bookshelves of mystery lovers worldwide. If you’re new to her work or just looking for your next read, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the best Tana French books that you must read right now.
Before diving into her works, let’s get to know more about the author behind these compelling novels. Tana French was born in Vermont in 1973 and grew up in Ireland, Italy, the United States, and Malawi. Her upbringing in different cultures exposed her to various perspectives and ways of life, which undoubtedly contribute to the rich and diverse characters in her novels.
French has always had a passion for literature, which led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin. She then went on to earn an M.Phil in Medieval Italian literature from the University of Dublin, where she developed a love for historical fiction.
After completing her studies, French worked as an actress on stage and screen for many years before devoting herself to writing full-time. Her experience in acting may have contributed to her ability to create vivid and realistic characters that readers can connect with.
A Brief Introduction to the Author
French is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Dublin Murder Squad series, which has been highly praised for its gripping, atmospheric storytelling and multidimensional characters. Her works have won numerous accolades, including the Edgar, Anthony, Macavity, and Barry Awards, and have been translated into over 35 languages.
French’s writing style is often described as lyrical and immersive, with a keen eye for detail that brings the settings and characters to life. Her ability to create a sense of place is particularly impressive, as readers are transported to the streets of Dublin and the surrounding countryside.
The Dublin Murder Squad Series
One of French’s most famous works is the Dublin Murder Squad series, which follows a group of detectives who solve crimes in and around Dublin. Each book in this series can stand alone, but the characters and their relationships develop throughout the series.
French’s attention to detail and character development is particularly evident in this series, as each novel explores the lives and motivations of both the detectives and the suspects they are investigating. The series has been praised for its complex plotlines and realistic portrayal of police work, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and trauma.
Overall, Tana French is a talented and accomplished author whose works have captivated readers around the world. Her ability to create rich and immersive worlds, as well as compelling and complex characters, is a testament to her skill as a writer.
Top Tana French Books You Must Read
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, Tana French is a name you need to know. Her novels are known for their intricate plots, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric settings. Here are some of her best books that you must read:
In the Woods
“In the Woods” is French’s debut novel and it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to explore her writing. The book is set in a small town in Ireland where two children go missing. The story is told by Rob Ryan, the detective assigned to the case, who has his own troubled past. As he investigates the case, he begins to uncover secrets that he thought he had buried long ago. This book is a gripping read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Likeness
“The Likeness” is the second book in French’s Dublin Murder Squad series, but it can be read as a standalone. The book follows detective Cassie Maddox, who is pulled back into the murder squad to investigate a case where the victim looks exactly like her and has been living under a false identity that Cassie once used for an undercover operation. As Cassie delves deeper into the case, she begins to lose herself in the persona of the victim, and the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur. This book is a thrilling page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Faithful Place
“Faithful Place” is another great Tana French novel that you must read. The book follows detective Frank Mackey as he returns to his hometown in Dublin to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, who he thought had left him years before. As he investigates the case, he begins to uncover secrets that he never knew existed, and he must confront the ghosts of his past. This book is a masterful exploration of family, betrayal, and memory, and French’s writing will leave you in awe.
Broken Harbor
“Broken Harbor” is one of French’s most haunting novels yet. The book follows detective Mick “Scorcher” Kennedy as he investigates a grisly murder in a newly-built housing development outside of Dublin. As he delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover the dark secrets of the family who lived in the house, and he must confront his own demons. This book is a chilling exploration of mental illness, dysfunction, and the impact of the recession on modern-day Ireland.
The Secret Place
“The Secret Place” takes place at an exclusive girls’ boarding school in Ireland where a boy is found murdered. The story is told from the perspectives of both the detectives investigating the case and the teenage girls who may have information about the killer. As the detectives and the girls delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover secrets that they never knew existed. This book is a compelling exploration of female friendship, power dynamics, and the dark underbelly of adolescence.
The Trespasser
“The Trespasser” is the sixth book in French’s Dublin Murder Squad series and it’s a must-read for anyone who loves crime fiction. The book follows detective Antoinette Conway as she investigates the murder of a young woman with her partner, Stephen Moran. As they delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover secrets that the victim was trying to keep hidden. This book is a thrilling exploration of power, misogyny, and police corruption, and it will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Witch Elm
“The Witch Elm” is French’s latest standalone novel, and it’s one of her most thrilling yet. The book follows Toby, a privileged young man who discovers a skull in the garden of his family’s ancestral home in Ireland. After he suffers a brutal attack, Toby’s life begins to unravel as he discovers the dark secrets of his family’s past, and learns what it truly means to be a victim. This book is a masterful exploration of privilege, identity, and the nature of evil.
The Searcher
“The Searcher” is a new standalone novel that follows Cal Hooper, a retired Chicago cop who moves to a small village in Ireland to find peace and solitude. However, when a local boy goes missing, Cal finds himself drawn into the investigation and must confront his own past as he races to unravel the secrets of the tight-knit community. This book is a gripping exploration of justice, redemption, and the power of community.
If you’re looking for a new author to add to your reading list, Tana French is definitely someone you need to check out. Her books are thrilling, thought-provoking, and will keep you hooked until the very end.
Exploring Themes and Writing Style
When it comes to the works of Tana French, there are a few key elements that stand out and make her writing truly unique. From the vivid settings to the complex characters and relationships, French’s books are a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.
The Importance of Setting
As mentioned, one of the most notable aspects of French’s works is the attention she pays to creating vivid and atmospheric settings. Whether it’s the sprawling Irish countryside or the gritty streets of Dublin, French’s descriptions of the locations in her novels are so detailed and immersive that they almost become characters in their own right.
For example, in her novel “In the Woods,” the woods themselves play a crucial role in the story. French’s descriptions of the forest are so rich and detailed that you can almost smell the damp earth and feel the chill of the trees. The setting becomes a part of the mystery, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already-compelling plot.
Complex Characters and Relationships
Another hallmark of French’s writing is her ability to create complex and nuanced characters. Her protagonists are never one-dimensional heroes or villains; instead, they are flawed, complicated individuals with their own past traumas and motivations.
For instance, in “The Likeness,” French introduces us to a detective who goes undercover to investigate a murder by assuming the identity of the victim. As the detective delves deeper into the victim’s life, she finds herself becoming more and more entwined with the victim’s friends and loved ones. The relationships between the characters are just as important as the mystery itself, and French’s ability to create such intricate and believable relationships is a testament to her skill as a writer.
Psychological Thrills and Suspense
Of course, no discussion of Tana French’s writing would be complete without mentioning the intense psychological thrills and suspense that permeate her novels. French is a master at creating tension and keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
In “Broken Harbor,” for example, French introduces us to a detective investigating a brutal murder in a seemingly idyllic seaside town. As the investigation progresses, the detective begins to unravel a web of secrets and lies that threaten to consume him. The tension builds and builds until the explosive conclusion, leaving the reader breathless and eager for more.
All in all, Tana French’s novels are a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. From the vivid settings to the complex characters and relationships, French’s writing is truly one-of-a-kind. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and suspenseful mysteries, then Tana French is an author you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tana French is a gifted writer who has made a name for herself in the world of crime fiction. Her books are full of suspense, richly woven characters, and atmospheric settings that will keep you turning pages until the very end. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her now, these are the Tana French books that you won’t want to miss!
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
