Proceed With Caution 'In the Woods"

*Apparently, I'm working my bucket list bottom to top, because I found myself starting with number three. (And I'm pretty sure Crystal would appreciate me adding the disclaimer that just because she let me borrow it didn't mean she recommended it to me.)* 

It’s a fine line that anyone who reviews a book has to walk because for me so much of how I feel about a book is subject to change based soley on the final pages and so how can I  share how I feel about a book without divulging too much about the ending? 

Since I'm not actually qualified to review I will share this: I stewed for days after finishing this book, wishing I could manipulate the ending, confused and wondering why a character I had grown so attached to could betray me by acting like such a douche and aching for an actual ending.

There is no denying that Tana French knows how to spin a tale, I couldn't put the book down. The book runs two separate mysteries, decades apart, simultaneously, while our narrator, Detective Rob Ryan has a foot in both. Another factor that kept me coming back for more was the way French built the relationship between Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox. The problem was (and I know I'm taking this way too personally) French spent the last thirty or so pages breaking my heart. And (SPOILER) she left HUGE loose ends, as in don't expect both mysteries to be resolved. 

So, if you are looking for a well written mystery and you can rise above an unsatisfying ending this book is for you. Or if you can't fully trust me and need to read this book for yourself, pick it for a book club, because I think you'll enjoy talking it out, it will be like much needed therapy.

And finally, the truth is, in doing research for this post I found out that there is actually a follow up book called The Likeness, from Caisse's point of view, that picks up six months after In the Woods. And for all my complaining I actually can't wait to finish reading our current book club pick so I can continue my search for resolution with Rob and Cassie. Don't worry, I'm prepared to be disappointed!


Andrea