Published by Flatiron Books on February 2, 2021
Genres: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Crime
Pages: 320
Format: Audiobook
Source: ARC
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Instant New York Times Bestseller
“As always, Harper skillfully evokes the landscape as she weaves a complicated, elegant web, full of long-buried secrets ready to come to light.” -The New York Times Book ReviewKieran Elliott's life changed forever on the day a reckless mistake led to devastating consequences.
The guilt that still haunts him resurfaces during a visit with his young family to the small coastal community he once called home.
Kieran's parents are struggling in a town where fortunes are forged by the sea. Between them all is his absent brother, Finn.When a body is discovered on the beach, long-held secrets threaten to emerge. A sunken wreck, a missing girl, and questions that have never washed away...
Mysteries don’t always have to be grim, but The Survivors definitely followed a heavy path. Harper’s atmospheric writing brought this small broken town to life within the first chapter. A town scarred by a devastating storm, deaths, and a missing girl, it really felt as thought the community had never recovered. Shanahan’s soothing narration truly elevated the haunting air that Harper managed to elicit. Coupled with each of the characters, no matter how small and unassuming, coming under suspicion at one point. Expertly layered past and present mysteries kept me reading even when the angst started to pile up.
As great as the setting and twists were, I struggled a little with the slow-burn of the mysteries. There was so much low-key drama and angst with each character. While this made the community feel authentic, I also found myself anxious to see if my hunch was right about Abigail’s disappearance, Bronte’s death, and all the little mysteries in-between. I just have to be in the right mood for a slow burn.
Ultimately, this wasn’t my favorite Harper novel but since I adored her entire backlist it was only a matter of time before a story didn’t resonate for me personally. I really struggled with the ending but it was poetic in a way. As always, Stephen Shanahan’s narration was lovely and relaxing. By the end, I felt mostly heartbroken for the entire town.
**I voluntarily read/listened and reviewed a advanced audio copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Jane Harper
Jane Harper is the author of international bestsellers The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man and The Survivors. Her books are published in 40 territories worldwide.
Jane has won numerous top awards including the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel, the British Book Awards Crime and Thriller Book of the Year, the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year and the Australian Indie Awards Book of the Year.
The major motion picture adaptation of The Dry, starring Eric Bana as Aaron Falk, has taken more than $20m at the Australian box office since its release on New Year's Day.
