I just finished reading this book for the second time, not only to
enjoy the excellent writing but to follow up on all the clues. The
plot centres ostensibly around the murder of a child on an
archaeological site, but the secondary plot concerning the
detective and his missing childhood friends becomes front and
centre as the book progresses.
I was surprised at the readers who didn't solve the "20 years ago"
mystery - Tana French plays it very fair all the way along and
gives you a number of clues to consider, without making things
plain. The picture becomes clearer as Detective Ryan (who tells
both stories) experiences flashbacks, and interviews people who
have their own ideas about what happened. He says at the beginning
"Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked." Tana
French's greatest talent is for characterization, and every word
and conversation clears another tile of the murky mosaic.
If you were disappointed by the lack of a solution handed to you on
a plate, take the time to read this book again and look for the
clues and take note of the last paragraph of the opening chapter.
The hidden ending gave me a jolt and an incentive to read the next
book.