Faithful Place

Faithful Place

By Tana French
Published: Viking, 2010
Pages: 400
Genre: Mystery
Amazon, Goodreads

I got to feel the riptide pull of my life spinning around me, one winter night, while I waited in the dark at the top of Faithful Place.

About the book

Back in 1985, Frank Mackey was nineteen, growing up poor in Dublin's inner city and living crammed into a small flat with his family on Faithful Place. But he had his sights set on a lot more. He and his girl, Rosie Daly, wee all set to run away to London together, get married, get good jobs, break away from factory work and poverty and their old lives.

But on the winter night when they were supposed to leave, Rosie didn't show. Frank took it for granted that she'd given him the brush-off - probably because of his alcoholic father, nutcase mother, and generally dysfunctional family. He never went home again.

Neither did Rosie. Everyone thought she had gone to England on her own and was over there living a shiny new life. Then, twenty-two years later, Rosie's suitcase shows up behind a fireplace in a derelict house on Faithful Place, and Frank is going home whether he likes it or not.

Getting sucked in is a lot easier than getting out again. Frank finds himself straight back in the dark tangle of relationships he left behind. The cops working the case want him out of the way, in case loyalty to his family and community makes him a liability. Faithful Place wants him out because he's a detective now, and the Place has never liked cops. Frank just wants to find out what happened to Rosie Daly - and he's willing to do whatever it takes, to himself or anyone else, to get the job done.

Review

Once again, Tana French expertly crafts an intriguing, who-dun-it murder mystery story set in poverty-stricken Ireland. I picked up this book because I wanted to read a good, thick mystery while I was stuck inside during a snow storm and I was not disappointed.

What makes French's novels so addicting and popular is the air of mystique she creates; every single one of her Dublin Murder Squad books is dark and emotionally-charged that leaves readers feeling ALL of the feels. I've read the first three books  (Faithful Place is the third), and they're all excellent.

As for Faithful Place, the characters are elegantly written. Frank Mackey is a character you can either love or hate. He's stubborn and snarky and willing to bend the rules to get what he wants. But, Frank is also charming and fiercely protective of his daughter, Holly, who becomes a major part of this story.

I've also read The Secret Place, which I believe is the seventh or eighth book of the series, and Holly is older and centered in that story as well; from reading that book then Faithful Place, I can tell French has adequately developed Holly's character and personality. You don't have to read the books in order, but I feel it is best in order to get the full effect of French's series.

So ANYWAY, back to the book (I feel like I keep getting off track!). The plot is solid, and French's novels are always well-written and gripping. The Faithful Place is the perfect book to read for those looking for a good mystery!

RATING (out of five puppies):

The Cruel Prince

The Cruel Prince

By Holly Black
Published: Little Brown Books, 2018
Pages: 381
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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What they don't realize is this: Yes, they frighten me, but I have always been scared, since the day I got here. I was raised by the man who murdered my parents, reared in a land of monsters. I live with that fear, let it settle into my bones, and ignore it.

About the book: Jude's parents are murdered when she is young, leaving her and her sisters to be brought up in a magical fairy world by the man who killed her parents. Ten years later, Jude and her twin sister are despised by the fairy folk for being humans, made worse by Jude being targeted by Cardan, a fairy prince. Jude is given a chance to find her place in this magical world, but as she becomes embroiled in palace politics and deceptions, she discovers her capacity for bloodshed and trickery. The Court of Faerie threatens to collapse and Jude must choose between doing what is right and deceiving those she loves.

OK, so I wasn't sure I'd like The Cruel Prince; I'm usually one for fairytales. This book still managed to draw me into Faerie, a place of imagination full of magic, imaginative creatures, and impossible scenery. The writing, plot and characters were so gripping and addicting that I would have liked the book with or without the fairytale theme.

I absolutely loveeeedddd the characters. Jude is great as a protagonist; she is both courageous, intelligent while also full of darkness and deception. The interaction between Jude and Madoc is interesting... They have (something of) a father-daughter relationship but they are also sort of enemies. Honestly, I don't think The Cruel Prince would be as entertaining without this weird and disturbing dynamic.

After the first few chapters, I instantly recognized the strange chemistry between Jude and Cardan, and I was pretty worried that the relationship would turn into the typical YA romance. I was pleasantly surprised to see how the relationship transforms into something else entirely.

I immensely enjoyed the plot and writing style in The Cruel Prince; I believe I read one other book by Holly Black and I remember enjoying it, especially the ending. I also enjoyed the ending in this novel as well. I won't say I hate, but I will say I strongly dislike stories I can easily guess the ending of... I like to be surprised and shocked. The Cruel Prince is definitely a book I recommend to those who enjoy the YA genre!

RATING (out of five puppies):

Haunted Ground

Haunted Ground

By Erin Hart
Published: Scribner, 2003
Pages: 328
Genre: Mystery
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Their beliefs, their ideals, their intentions are all present with these sodden old logs ... and these, ladies and gentlemen, are some of the only concrete clues we have as to what their whole society and way of life was like. I invite you to become the discoverers of what lies in this hallowed ground.

About this novel: When Irish farmers make a gruesome discovery - the preserved head of a young woman with bright red hair - Cormac Maguire, Irish archeologist, and Nora Gavin, American pathologist, team up in the case. The woman's head could have been buried at any time - even decades ago - due to how peat bog prevents decay. While Cormac and Nora investigate the young woman's remains, they find themselves in the middle of another mystery: the disappearance of Mina Osborne and her young son. As time starts to run out, Cormac and Nora must traverse through the mysteries surrounding them while also battling old wounds.

Haunted Ground is a decent debut novel that's an OK but not great read. The background and setting of this book - Ireland's bog lands - is captivating but the writing is a little dull at times. The plot is solid in generally but I felt like this book was almost about two different stories: the woman's head and Mina's disappearance. They aren't really connected, except towards the end (I don't reveal spoilers!) and even then I was a little disappointed. I also was able to guess who the "killer" was not that far into the novel, but I was never actually sure who it was until the end.

I did like the characters, though, and generally enjoyed reading the novel. I'd recommend it to those who love a decent mystery story.

RATING (out of five puppies):

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

By Kiersten White
Published: Delacorte Press, 2018
Pages: 292
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
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All my work, all my sacrifice, has been for a single purpose: I'm going to defy death. I am going to steal the spark of creation from it, to make life eternal, untouchable by corruption.

About the book: Elizabeth Lavenza is being starved and abused by her "caregiver" until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, who has everything one could need - except a friend. She and Victor become inseparable, but as years pass, Elizabeth's position in the Frankenstein home grows increasingly uncertain and she must manage Victor's temper and indulge his every whim, no matter how dangerous. How far will Elizabeth go to survive? 

I wasn't sure I'd even like this book because retellings also make me anxious; I never think retellings will hold up against the original stories. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein definitely does! It's a dark, engrossing novel beautifully crafted in a way that reminds me of Mary Shelley's original monster. 

I loved Elizabeth's character, she is conniving and whip smart. I'm impressed by how White characterized Victor; readers get a clear view into the twisted mind of a psychopath. The tone of the novel is so very creepy and compelling; if anyone is looking for the perfect Halloween read, this is it!

Ultimately, Frankenstein - both the original and White's retelling - tells us who the real monsters are and what creates monsters. It's been several years since I read Shelley's novel, but I feel like the Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is the perfect complement.

RATING (out of five puppies):

Awakening

Awakening

By S.J. Bolton (or Sharon Bolton)
Published: Minotaur Books, 2009
Pages: 393
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
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All around the room, the creatures watched me with their round, black pupiles, their slender bodies swaying to and fro, tracking my movements, their tiny tongues working overtime, flickering in and out, tasting the air, tasting me. Foe or food? They weren't sure.

About the book: Veterinary surgeon Clara Denning is young and intelligent, but an almost recluse because of a horrid scar that leaves her disfigured. Her expertise is needed when a local man dies of a snake bite, but she's alarmed to learn that the victim's body has an unusually high concentration of snake venom, meaning the victim's killer is human. Clara unravels sinister links to an ritual, an abandoned house, and a fifty-year tragedy that's left survivors secretive. Someone still wants the truth buried, though, even if they have to kill for it.

Awakening is an intriguing, cozy-up-by-the-fire mystery read. Throughout the story, you can't guess who the killer will be until the climax. This book stands out in the mystery genre because SNAKES are used to kill people, and it takes place in rural England. Bolton gives the backdrop a very gothic-literature-like-vibe that I immensely enjoyed. I can tell Bolton conducted thorough research before writing this gem - it feels so believable to me. Not only does Awakening contain snakes, but the story also deals with religious fervor. I was surprised that the Church of Latter Rain and the Church of God with Signs Following really did exist, and mostly followed doctrines discussed in Bolton's novel.

OK, so Awakening speaks to me in another way as well - Clara, who was horribly disfigured following a childhood accident when her mother was neglecting her. I, like Clara, am very introverted and oftentimes a near recluse because I tire of being around people easily. As the story progresses, Clara learns that others don't see the way she often sees herself: as a monster. Awakening makes a statement about beauty being in the eyes of the beholder; Sean and Matt viewed her as attractive, despite her very unattractive scars. I always enjoy books like Awakening, that are more than just another mystery novel. Clara is also a headstrong, intelligent, strong woman, which is ALWAYS my favorite kind of protagonist.

The one complaint I do have is the novel was slow at times. About halfway through, I almost DNF'ed but I figured I was more than 50% done with it and it wasn't like it was bad so I just continued to read it. I still really enjoyed it, though, and I plan to check out the author's other works, too!

RATING (out of five puppies):

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

By Stephanie Oakes
Published: Speak, 2015
Pages: 396
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
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Fear floated around like a constant pollen, but none of us were allergic. But there's a moment when it all becomes too much. And it was coming like a wildfire bent on burning the whole place to the ground.

About the book: Minnow Bly spent twelve years in a cult that took away her family, her ability to trust and her hands. The Prophet is murdered and his community burned down, and Minnow may be the only one who truly knows what happened that night. While incarcerated in juvie, Minnow meets an FBI agent who offers her a deal: she can walk free if she gives up all she has left - her secrets.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is a novel that should be more popular than it is. The writing is great; Oakes establishes a dark, poetic ambience that is both addicting and horrid. I've been low key obsessed with cults for a while now. There's something so fascinating and outrageous about cults' ability to brainwash and control innocent people. I really felt this when Minnow's sister, Constance, stands by the Prophet even after seeing Minnow's horrid punishment. Minnow herself notices this brainwashing effect when she realizes that she never asked the Prophet about the sun, or questioned the Prophet's conflicting explanations about stars.

The flaws of the justice system and right versus wrong were epitomized in this novel. Angel is serving a decades-long sentence for murder because she was abused; it blows my mind how she could receive such a harsh sentence when she was basically defending herself. Some would say that murder is a capital sin, but there's so many gray lines, such as with Angel's situation. This book made me sit down and think about this stuff. It's the marker of a great novel when the story is not only intriguing and gripping but also makes readers question the big religious and philosophical questions.

So WOW. I think anyone who enjoys YA should read this book!

RATING (out of five puppies):

These Shallow Graves

These Shallow Graves

By Jennifer Donnelly
Published: Delacorte Press, 2015
Pages: 487
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction
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"If you're going to bury the past, bury it deep, girl. Shallow graves always give up their dead."

About the novel: In 1890s New York City, Jo Montfort has everything: money, popularity, a good family and an expected engagement to the most sought-after bachelor. There's something inside Jo, though, that yearns for journalism, to write the stories of those facing adversity. Jo's sheltered life comes to a halt when her father dies and she discovers that he was murdered. With the help of reporter Eddie, Jo becomes lost in a world of secrets and must decide who the real villain is and who she wants to become.

I lovedddd Jo Montfort... she's everything I want in a main female character: brave and intelligent while also kind and good-natured. Strong female characters really speak to me - they're what I wish I was in real life. I didn't pay much attention to the book's description so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Jo was interested in reporting (I work in the newsroom of a newspaper myself). Jo's character is my favorite part of These Shallow Graves. The other characters were just as well-written and gripping as Jo.

I also liked how the book turned a corner in its plot: Donnelly highlighted an unexpected friendship as Jo grows into herself as a person and learns what real friendships are all about. Women, both in real life and in media, are constantly pitted against each other when in reality us ladies need to stick together. The book also shows how our past can never be buried or forgotten; we need to deal with our demons and embrace our past or we will be forever haunted (trust me, that's something I'm currently working on).

These Shallow Graves felt too long sometimes, and I could guess the true bad guy almost halfway into the novel. I liked the book but it wasn't quite as spellbinding as other reviews say it is. I enjoyed it overall (especially the characters), but I felt like the writing fell a bit short.

RATING (out of five puppies):