Tana French's The Hunter captivates with its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, showcasing her trademark atmospheric style. Reviewers praise the novel's suspense and psychological depth, though some found the pacing uneven and the resolution less compelling. Overall, it stands out as a strong addition to French's body of work, engaging readers with its eerie, immersive storytelling.

Readers who revel in richly layered psychological thrillers akin to Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins will find Tana French’s The Hunter captivating. Fans of intricate character studies, atmospheric settings, and suspenseful narratives will appreciate the nuance and depth in French's storytelling.

The Hunter by Tana French follows retired detective Cal Hooper mentoring teenager Trey Reddy in Ardnakelty, Ireland, as they navigate the turmoil brought on by the return of Trey’s manipulative father, Johnny, and the death of her brother, Brendan, unraveling a scheme involving buried gold while delving into themes of loyalty, grief, and revenge. The book references domestic abuse.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Gritty / Challenging

**Cal Hooper**  
A retired police officer from Chicago who moves to Ardnakelty, Ireland, seeking a peaceful life in the country and becomes involved in the local community through carpentry.  

**Trey Reddy**  
A determined 15-year-old girl from Ardnakelty who forms a close bond with Cal and challenges traditional gender norms by focusing on sports and carpentry.  

**Johnny Reddy**  
Trey's charismatic yet absent father with a reputation as a swindler, whose schemes often create complications for his family and the townspeople.  

**Cillian Rushborough**  
An Englishman posing as someone with ties to Ardnakelty, driven by greed and known for his criminal activities, particularly related to a story about gold.

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