In Faithful Place, the third book by Tana French, undercover policeman Frank Mackey finds out if you really can't go home again. In 1985 Frank prepares to the leave his lower middle class Dublin neighborhood
with his first love Rosie Daley. The two 19-year-olds were to meet after midnight and leave for London on the next ferry. Rosie never shows up.
Frank becomes a policeman and stays as far away from his dysfunctional family as possible. Then in 2007 he gets a phone call from his sister Jackie. An abandoned suitcase has been found in a derelict house. Frank goes to investigate and finds the suitcase is Rosie's. Soon a body is found at the same location. Frank
begins to suspect one of his family was involved in Rosie's disappearance.
The character of Frank Mackey isn't likable. He's pushy and selfish. His redeeming feature is his love for his 9-year-old daughter Holly. Frank badly wants to find out what happened to Rosie Daly and he's willing to do whatever it takes to himself and anyone else to find out. The novel is a gripping, intelligent story of family trauma and lost love. Give it and the author's other two books a try.
Also by Tana French: In the Woods and The Likeness
The crisp style and brilliant dialogue capture the family relationships and pitfalls thereof in an amazingly accurate and pointed way. The Irish facility with expressive language and humor makes the dialogue absolutely sparkle. The police/crime aspect of the book is secondary to the character novel. Terrific job, Ms French - can't wait for your next one!
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