Tana French's New Book "The Searcher" Is the Mystery Novel of the Season
You'll be on the edge of your seat.


Lovers of mystery novels like myself, recognize that author Tana French sets herself apart from the group. Rather than relying on shocking-yet-typical twists and dramatic outbursts, French's books rest on beautiful writing, vivid descriptions of Irish scenery, and incomparable storytelling.
Fans of French might be familiar with the Dublin Murder Squad series (my personal copy of The Likeness is held together by duct tape and love), but French's two most recent books have left those familiar characters behind. The Searcher, her most recent book (it hit shelves on October 6th), is yet another step away from her go-to.
The protagonist, world-weary and suspicious Cal Hooper, is a retired cop from Chicago, who intended to retreat to the Irish countryside, away from the drama he left behind. Of course, a bit of peace and quiet isn't what he finds. When a local kid asks for Hooper's help finding a missing teenager who no one in the small town is looking for, Hooper is drawn back into his old habits, but without the power or protection of being an officer.
The Searcher is far more than your average mystery novel. It has everything you love–the suspense, the questions, the unraveling of lies–without bureaucracy, clichés, or the moral high ground. This book draws you in with images of an idyllic town with friendly neighbors, but by the end you're left with an understanding that nothing is what it seems—even the characters you trusted implicitly are hiding something dark. If that's not enough to convince you to read it, here's something else: I finished it in 8 hours straight. That's how obsessively fascinating this book is.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.
-
Hailey Bieber Secures a Vintage Versace Dress That's Exactly Her Age
Fall 1996 was a big season.
-
I Tossed My Entire Haircare Routine for the Messy Method and My Wavy Texture Has Never Looked Better
Alli Webb's new brand to the rescue.
-
I Dressed Like Princess Diana For a Week—Here's What Happened
Call it the Diana Effect.
-
10 Must-Read Thrillers to Inspire You to "Be Gay, Do Crime" This Pride
These murder mystery books feature acts of queer resistance—and should absolutely be on your TBR stack.
-
8 Divinely Erotic Books to Kick Off Your Hot Nun Summer
With her new memoir, 'The Dry Season,' out now, Melissa Febos shares the surprisingly sexy books she read during her year of intentional celibacy.
-
Everything We Know About 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' Book Six, From the Release Date to the Plot
We're dying to read the next installment in the hit romantasy series.
-
Every Ali Hazelwood Book, Ranked—From 'The Love Hypothesis' to 'Bride'
Her novels are known for being set in the STEM world...and being very steamy.
-
The 30 Best Self-Help Books to Read in 2025
Allow these titles to empower and inspire you.
-
13 Books That’ll Make You Want to Call Your Mom
These must-reads come from literary mothers like Maya Angelou and Amy Tan, as well as our contemporary faves.
-
"Crime Junkie" Host and Mystery Author Ashley Flowers Shares Her Must-Read Crime Books
'The Missing Half' author/podcaster knows a good whodunit.
-
Natural Women
In an excerpt from Amanda Hess's debut memoir, 'Second Life,' she writes about a movement that predates MAHA moms.