Faithful Place

A Novel

By: Tana French

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

From Tana French, "the most interesting, most important crime novelist to emerge in the past 10 years" (The Washington Post), the best-seller called "the most stunning of her books" (The New York Times) and a finalist for the Edgar Award. Don't miss her newest, The Trespasser, now available.

Back in 1985, Frank Mackey was a nineteen-year-old kid with a dream of escaping his family's cramped flat on Faithful Place and running away to London with his girl, Rosie Daly. But on the night they were supposed to leave, Rosie didn't show. Frank took it for granted that she'd dumped him-probably because of his alcoholic father, nutcase mother, and generally dysfunctional family. He never went home again. Neither did Rosie. Then, twenty-two years later, Rosie's suitcase shows up behind a fireplace in a derelict house on Faithful Place, and Frank, now a detective in the Dublin Undercover squad, 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.

©2011 Tana French (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Tana French’s mysteries are like big old trees: the deeper their roots, the more luxurious the foliage they wave in your face.” (Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review)

“French does something fresh with every novel, each one as powerful as the last but in a very different manner. Perhaps she has superpowers of her own? Whatever the source of her gift, it’s only growing more miraculous with every book.” (Laura Miller, Salon.com)

“Irish writer Tana French hit the big time with her stunning cop-drama debut, 'In the Woods,' and followed it with an equally brilliant book, 'The Likeness.' Both demonstrated French’s gift for merging the best traits of the crime genre with the compassionate insights and nimble prose associated with 'serious' literature. A third dazzler, 'Faithful Place,' puts Detective Frank Mackey, a supporting actor from 'The Likeness,' front and center.” (The Seattle Times)

Complex characters, simpler plot line

The characters are rich and multi faceted. My relationship with them was a love hate one, just like many relationships. The characters break your heart, make you laugh, allow forgiveness because they are human and therefore so very relatable. The crime story was good but I wish it had gone to trial. I felt like there was more twist to this plot and that it had ended a bit too simply. That being said, it was a great book. I will miss Frank Mackie 😪

thriller

great story based in Ireland, with an Irish reader on top of that.The mystery held me for the entirety of the book. Highly recommend to murder mystery fans

Another great Dublin detective

A new detective, new setting. Very good performance and loved the colorful characters. Mystery is another good one too.

excited

I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. Whether I was making a short drive or going on a road trip, I had it on. I remember a saying my Mother would say when she was reading an Agatha Christy book or any murder mystery book she loved those type of books. She'd say hurry up help me with these dishes or what ever was taking her away from her read, " hurry I need to get back to my book, I don't want to miss anything while I'm away". That saying always made me laugh. And, to me this was that read.

Character Development Was Interesting

This book was interesting and the character development was good.

Without revealing any spoilers, there were parts of the plot that were predictable, but not to the point that the revelations weren't satisfying.

Entertaining.

I really enjoyed the story. The characters were interesting and relatable. The narrator did a wonderful job. I will definitely continue listening to more of Tana's books.

Fascinating love the Family Streets Descriptions

The author can make you emerge into the streets of her imagination.
A place I would love to have seen, walked Grafton Street, look for the old buildings hear the voices … I can visit Dublin see smell the history of the culture and smile at the mystery I couldn’t stop listening to
I am to old to travel but have walked in my mind and have thoroughly enjoyed And will move on to the next mystery excited to start
Thank you to the author the reader and Audible

Great Compelling Story

The 2nd Tana French book that I have experienced. Enjoyed the story and the narrator. Her style does not leave the reader with a strong resolution. But can we ever really know how mysteries are resolved?

Kept me guessing

Tana French write the most compelling police procedurals.Her books are full of wonderfully written characters and crimes to be solved. Highly recommend!

Love this series

What is there to say? Tana French nails it every time! This is the third book in the series, although it could be read as a stand alone, and my favorite so far.
The narrator also did an excellent performance and I’ll look for more books he’s done too.