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The Trespasser

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Tana French

The Trespasser

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2016, The Trespasser by Tana French is a contemporary crime fiction novel set in Dublin, Ireland. The story follows Detective Antoinette Conway, the lone female member of the elite Dublin Murder Squad, as she navigates a routine domestic murder case that quickly becomes more complex. Alongside her partner, Steve Moran, Conway must solve the mystery of Aislinn Murray's death against the backdrop of internal department politics and personal struggles. The novel explores themes of revenge, trust, and betrayal.

Mysterious

Gritty

Suspenseful

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

112,764 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Tana French's The Trespasser receives acclaim for its intricate plot and character depth, particularly the well-drawn protagonist. Readers appreciate the atmospheric tension and psychological insight. However, some critique the novel's slow pacing and lengthy exposition. Overall, it is praised for strong suspense and engaging storytelling, despite minor pacing issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Trespasser?

Fans of intricate, character-driven mysteries with a dark, psychological edge will relish The Trespasser by Tana French. Readers who enjoyed Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Kate Atkinson's Case Histories will be drawn to French's expertly woven plot and her deep dive into the inner lives of her characters.

4.1

112,764 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Antoinette Conway

A rookie detective on the Murder Squad, Conway is both the only female and biracial detective on the team, often facing harassment from her colleagues. Her tough demeanor is marked by a determination to not be intimidated by others.

Conway's partner on the Murder Squad, Steve is optimistic and youthful, providing a contrasting demeanor to Conway's abrasiveness. Despite his desire for camaraderie with the squad, he remains loyal to Conway.

The murder victim whose life is revealed through the perspectives of other characters. Initially perceived as superficial, her transformation and motives are central to the investigation.

Aislinn’s love interest and the prime suspect in her murder. His youthful appearance and nervous demeanor lead detectives to question his innocence.

Aislinn’s best friend who is fit and has a naturally athletic appearance. Initially hesitant with the detectives, Lucy ultimately provides clarity about Aislinn's true intentions.

A confident detective on the Murder Squad, Breslin has a commanding presence and a high opinion of himself. He underestimates his colleagues while being loyal to his partner McCann.

A middle-aged detective known for looking perpetually exhausted. While appearing unremarkable, he is under pressure from concealing significant secrets.

The no-nonsense chief of the Murder Squad, O’Kelly is respected by his team and focused on achieving justice, despite his rough exterior and reluctance to offer praise.

A journalist for The Courier known for sensationalist reporting and disguising his self-serving motives as a quest for truth. He interferes with Conway's work by receiving leaked information about her cases.

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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