Tana French’s The Hunter – Life in a Small Irish Village
Those who devoured Tana French’s stand alone mystery, The Searcher, hoped the novel was the start of another series. It was, and the second entry, The Hunter, leaves us eagerly waiting for the third one.
The Searcher introduced Cal Hooper, a burnt-out Chicago police detective who, seeking peace and quiet, moves to the small Irish village, Ardnakelty, and sets about renovating a small cabin. If he hoped to remain anonymous, however, he soon discovers there are no secrets in Ardnakelty. Plus, once a copper, always a copper. His young neighbor, Theresa, called Trey, seeks his help finding her older brother, Brendan, who has gone missing. Cal initially hesitates, but Trey is persistent and finally wins him over. The search doesn’t have a happy ending for Trey, but the experience bonds the two and the young girl soon is a regular in Cal’s shop, helping him repair furniture.
The Hunter begins on an upsetting note for Trey. Her deadbeat father, Johnny Reddy, who was often drunk and beat his wife and kids, is back, promoting a new get rich scheme. While Reddy’s financial situation has placed him and his family on the lower social and economic rung in the village, he can spin a good tale.
During his time in London (although what he actually did there he never explains), Johnny tells a gathering in Séan Óg’s pub that he met a man whose grandmother was from Ardnakelty and talked about gold hidden in the hills. Cillian Rushborough says he has a map showing where the gold is buried, but being unfamiliar with the area, enlists Johnny’s help. The idea that gold might be found on someone’s land is enough to enlist the others in Johnny’s scheme. He wants each homeowner to contribute 300 pounds to purchase gold dust that can be sprinkled in the local stream, enough to convince Rushborough he should invest the funds necessary to dig for gold. Soon the locals are envisioning themselves in fancy cars and outfitting their women in designer clothes.
Cal, having once worked fraud in Chicago, is certain that Johnny is running a scam. But he’s puzzled when Trey seems to believe her dad and actually wants to help. Cal’s girlfriend, Lena Dunne, who is close to Trey, also is confused. Cal knows from experience that to pressure Trey won’t work. So he does what he can to keep an eye on Johnny by pretending also to buy into the plan.
When Cillian arrives in Ardnakelty he puts on a good show, talking with a posh accent about his wealth, how he was close to his grandmother, and even claiming to be related to some of the locals. Johnny has little trouble getting the funds he needs from the men.
But when a body turns up, there’s no doubt the gold hunt was responsible for the murder. In the small village, everyone is a suspect, even Cal. A Dublin detective is dispatched to investigate and he zeroes in on Cal, ostensibly for his help. But, then again, a detective would know how to kill without leaving any evidence.
The Hunter is set in present time, but even with internet, cellphones, and television, Ardnakelty seems as remote as Brigadoon. Murder, however, can turn up anywhere, anytime. French has a way of reminding us of that fact, with intriguing characters who may live simple lives but still yearn for something more. And that pastoral setting, while beautiful and tranquil, can invite violence and evil.
The Hunter
Tana French
Top photo: Bigstock
