I devoured mystery novels like there was no tomorrow at one point of time. Suddenly, I just quit reading them. Tana French’s Faithful Place is my first mystery in a long while. I heard her interview on radio and decided to give Faithful Place a try and it was a great decision.

Faithful place – a small cul-de-sac in Ireland where the story begins and ends is colorful – not in the visual sense but by means of its people. The Mackays, the Dalys and the assorted neighbors make it an interesting place. Frank Mackay made his escape from Faithful Place years ago. His escape was not what he expected it to be. He planned to get away with Rosie – his first love and move to London. But Rosie never turns up. Frank leaves alone and never plans to return but he is forced to return back.

Rosie’s suitcase turns up in the fireplace of an abandoned unit and the past, present and future mingle. Frank – his relationship with his parents and siblings, his daughter and ex-wife and the web of secrets make this book gripping and page turning.

If you are into mysteries written well without too much gore, you should be reading this