Twists and turns of plot, mystery, and a setting in Dublin, Ireland — what more could one ask of an engaging read?
The theme of identity permeates The Likeness by Tanya French, both in a literal and figurative sense. In fact, to explain the convoluted plot is to defy logic; but read the book, and see how the author makes all of these details plausible.
Cassie Maddox of the Dublin Murder Squad must go undercover to assume the identity of Alexandra “Lexie” Madison, whose body is found in an old stone cottage in a village outside of Dublin. Lexie was a graduate student at Trinity College and had lived with four other students in a unique communal housing arrangement in the village. Cassie highly resembles Lexie, and in a further twist, the name “Lexie Madison” was created by Cassie and a detective partner on another investigation. Complicated so far?
Imagine further how Detective Maddox must live with the four other housemates never knowing who, if any of them, may have tried to kill Lexie. The detective will lead a group of undergraduates in literature tutorials at Trinity College and continue work on Lexie’s thesis — since she had been a student at the famous institution herself, those details come somewhat more easily than the minutiae of daily living with housemates Daniel, Abbey, Justine and Rafe. Will something as mundane as a food preference give her away?
I was drawn to The Likeness after reading some favorable reviews. Not one to depend on other reviewers or even agree with them, I can still “highly recommend” this title. Along with her detective partners, Cassie first appeared in Into the Woods, French’s Edgar-winning prior novel. However, I have not read the first title, so readers can be assured that this second work can stand alone both in plot and characterization.
The Library also owns this work as a CD featuring narrator Heather O’Neill reading with a lilting Irish accent. Try either the book or the CD to acquaint yourself with the work of Tana French.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am
The first one is excellent, too. Good murder mystery, plus a unresolved hint of the supernatural.
July 11th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I really loved this book. The ending was sad, but provided closure to all the loose ends. I listened to the audio version, and the narrator was excellent. I enjoyed the various Irish accents – the narrator made all the characters come to life, especially Frank. I cried several times at the end – when Cassie talked to Abbie and when Lexie’s dad told Cassie about his daughter. Somehow, I wish the ending had not been such a downer – but I knew from the beginning that this was not going to have a fairy tale happy ending. I highly recommend listening to this book – all 20 CDs.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I so enjoyed this book that I chose it for the Contemporary Fiction Book Club that meets at the Glenwood Branch of the Howard County Library. Our discussion will take place Monday evening, August 3, 2009 at 7 pm. I highly recommend the audio version as well. The characterizations hold their own on paper, but with Heather O’Neill’s lovely Irish voice they really come to life.
We love to add new members to the book club. Copies are available at the Glenwood Branch.