The Likeness by Tana French
by Jenners • 02/21/2011 • 4.5 Stars, F Authors, Fiction, L Titles, Mystery/Thriller • 67 Comments
The Likeness by Tana FrenchPublisher: Viking, 2008
Pages: 466
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Where I Got It: Bought it (and will soon be sending it to its new home with Zibilee from Raging Bibliomania)
My Rating: 4.5 stars
The Likeness is Tana French’s second novel and a follow-up of sorts to In The Woods. Although you don’t need to have read the first book to follow this one, I highly recommend that you read them in order as The Likeness references events that happened in the first book. In addition, Tana French has a unique approach to writing her novels. In her first book, the narrator was Rob Ryan, a Dublin Murder Squad detective who has a bit of a personal crisis when a secret from his past and one of his cases become intermingled. In that book, we got to know his partner, Cassie Maddox, through Rob’s eyes. In this book, Cassie is the narrator, and, as the book starts, she is dealing with the fallout of the Operation Vestal. (The events of The Likeness start 6 months after the events of In The Woods.)
At the start of the book, Cassie is doing time in Domestic Violence (DV) after quitting the Murder Squad due to Operation Vestal. But her talents and interests lie elsewhere as DV doesn’t quite engage her mind or get her adrenaline pumping quite like murder or undercover work. So when her old boss Frank Mackey from the Undercover unit calls, Cassie thrills at the chance to get back into the mix of things. When she gets to the crime scene where Frank has summoned her, she finds something very disturbing and unexpected: a dead girl who is the spitting image of Cassie. Not only that, the dead girl’s ID says she is “Lexie Madison,” which is the alias that Cassie and Frank created back in Cassie’s undercover days. Just who is this Lexie Madison? How and why did she end up dead? And how did she come to use the identity that Cassie and Frank created?
Seeing a unique opportunity, Frank proposes something outrageous and dangerous: Cassie should assume Lexie’s identity and flush out the killer. Cassie’s boyfriend Sam (who is the lead detective on the case) is dead-set against this idea. But Frank is persuasive, and Cassie realizes that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she can’t pass up. So the police put out the story that the four stab wounds weren’t quite fatal and Lexie Madison managed to survive. Once Cassie gets up to speed on Lexie’s life, “Lexie” is released from the hospital and returns home to Whitethorn House, a large mansion shared by a group of close-knit friends who are known for their intimacy and rather strange group dynamics—as well as their the barriers they’ve erected between themselves and the rest of the world. Infiltrating this group and flushing out the killer will take all of Cassie’s wits, intelligence, daring and luck. What Cassie didn’t expect was how assuming Lexie’s life would affect her emotionally as the line between Cassie and Lexie begins to blur and blend.
My Thoughts
Doesn’t this sound like an intense and fantastic idea for a story? And I’m thrilled to report that Tana French hit another home run with this book. Just as with In the Woods, I got completely involved in the story. French has a way of writing that just draws you in, and the tension and stress that Cassie experiences seems to leap right out of pages and into the reader. I was on pins and needles throughout this book and could not wait to find out where the story was going to go. Unlike In The Woods, French doesn’t leave us with such a messy and ambiguous ending, and I think that will be appreciated by readers who got bent out of shape with how In The Woods ended. (And no … you don’t really get closure on Operation Vestal either, but Cassie does deal with her feelings for Rob.)
Having read two of her books now, I can say that French has a particular talent for immersing the reader in the story. French takes her time developing the story and the characters, which results in a vicarious reading experience that has the reader slipping into Cassie’s skin in much the same way that Cassie is slipping into Lexie’s. Just as when I read In The Woods, I felt like I left my real life when I read the books and walked into the story. It isn’t a book you should rush through; you need to savor it and enjoy the ride. Plus, sometimes things were so intense that you’ll need to take a break.
If you like intelligent mysteries with well-drawn characters, psychological tension and suspense, and excellent writing, both The Likeness and In The Woods are must reads. (And read them in order!!) Knowing that French only has one more book out now (A Faithful Place, which features Frank Mackey), I’m saving it for myself as I don’t want to live in a world where I don’t have a Tana French book to read.
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I like reading a decent mystery in the summer, and read In the Woods a while back. I found The Likeness at a Little Free Library and traded for it. I read it, but I had to just accept the premise of the close resemblance, which is ridiculous really. The problem with this book is its thin development of these supposedly fascinating characters up at the house. Reads like a ripoff of/homage to The Secret History, which features much better developed characters and better writing. I didn’t mind it, I definitely finished it, but….it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
I can see your point about The Likeness — it is a bit implausible. And I know a lot of people were unsatisfied with In the Woods because of the untidy ending. I highly encourage you to read her third books (Faithful Place) and fourth book (Broken Harbor). They are excellent and don’t have as many contrived issues. I admire her writing so much.
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I didn’t love this one as much as French’s first two, mainly because Frank didn’t appeal to me. I’m really impressed with French’s talent, though, and can’t wait for her next book!
She does have an amazing talent, doesn’t she? I can’t wait to read A Faithful Place but then I’m done with all her books! I hope she is writing right NOW!
A double-dog dare? Geez, you don’t need to bring a bazooka to a snowball fight. I’ve got a library hold placed.
I request feedback upon completion.
Would I like these?
I think you would. I double-dog dare you to try one.
I have bought both of these books just haven’t cracked them open yet. Sounds like it was a good choice.
I think you will really like them.
I’ve got to get on reading these! I’ve had them on my TBR for too long!
Read them soon! They are soooooo good!
I keep hearing how good these books are supposed to be, but I just don’t think they’re for me. For one, I don’t generally enjoy mysteries, psychological tension OR suspense! So…I think I’ll pass. I’m glad you enjoyed them, though!
Well, I think not liking “mysteries, psychological tension or suspense” make these not for you … and a lot of other books too!
I still have started this series, nor have I started the Steig Larrson, yet when I do I hope I can read these back to back….maybe a marathon weekend sometime??
I’m so happy you’ve loved these.
Oooohhh…to have never read both of those series and experience them fresh for the first time. I’m jealous.
I just imagine a wide eyed, grinning moment when the author thought up that plot. It is good! I would definitely have to read the first book first. If I know anything’s a sequel I have to start with the first one, regardless of how remotely it might be related.
And thank you for adding me to your blog roll. I am very sincerely flattered, and I certainly always enjoy your blog as well!
You can feel the same glee in the character when she realizes she is going to do it.
Oh yeah! I’m so glad the next Tana French novel is as great as the first! I have both on audiobook which forced me to listen very, very slowly to In the Woods. I haven’t started The Likeness yet simply because I haven’t been walking as much to listen to the book (shame on me on both counts!) Reading your review has me wanting to enjoy this beautiful weather by going to the park with my ipod and The Likeness loaded and ready! (and I’m so glad Cassie deals with those pesky feelings for Rob….but I want to know what happens to Rob!!!!)
I want to know what happens to Rob (and what happened to Rob) too!! I hope she revisits him in a future book. And get walking and listening!
Thanks for the great review Jenners. A good, intelligent mystery is just what I need right now to get through jury duty. I’ll take your advice and read them in order. Hope you’re having a wonderful day
These would be great to read during jury duty …. though it might make it hard to pay attention! How long are you having to serve? This seems like it is going on forever!
I still haven’t read the first book but I grabbed this one from the discount shelves for $3 about a week ago. I figure that if I get through the first, I’m going to be compelled to read this one too!
Cool! Only $3!! That is a bargain! You should be able to get “In The Woods” from the library easily.
I still need to read In The Woods and I actually own it! I just heard from a few bloggers that it ended oddly so I’ve been pushing it further and further back in my TBR piles.
“In The Woods’ does has a very messy ambiguous ending and lots of people didn’t like that. I personally like when an author dares to leave things messy but I could see why people might get upset about it. I just think her writing is so good that I’m willing to go with it anyway.
Oh yes! Yes! YES! I loved this, love French, too. So glad you liked it too. Faithful Place is to die for, as well, of course.
So glad that A Faithful Place is just as good as these ones!
Ooh, I’ve got In the Woods on the shelf, so I’ll try to read that one before tackling this one.
I do think it is best to read them in order to get the most out of the books.
I’ll confess to being bent out of shape by the first book. But by more than just the ending…it was all that hinting at supernatural stuff that went nowhere! This one was much better, in my opinion. Although I really have no interest in reading the third.
I can see where you are coming from about the supernatural stuff. I’m much easier with that stuff … it doesn’t bother me. I think that was just Rob’s view as a child making up stuff to help him understand things he didn’t really understand.
I guess I need to get busy with In the Woods!
Yes you do!
Well, since I passed on the first (and have since gotten rid of the book after my husband and daughter read it) I guess I’ll pass on this one, too. Even if it does do a better job of wrapping things up.
Well, I guess not everyone in the world is as entranced with Tana French as I am.
Hey, I offered to have Tana French’s babies, that is how much I love this woman. CRAZY AMAZING writing skills, and is really what a mystery thriller should be…smart, tense, developed and completely memorable. I listened to The Likeness (and Faithful Place) on audio, and they were phenomenal. You are right to wait to read FP, because I don’t know when she is releasing another book. It’s like Sarah Waters. You’ve just got to space them out and make the fun last as long as possible.
I bet these were AMAZING on audio … the first person narration would just rock with the right voice. I love that you offered to have her babies!!!!! And I’m going to try and hold out at least until the end of the year for Faithful Place … but I bet I crack.
I’ve had this on my TBR list forever!! I think I need to push it up a little! Awesome review as always!
Yes … push it up! You’ll be happy you did!
this one lingers in my TBR pile…with a lot of company.
but I am happy to see you loves it so much. maybe I need to move it up.
Have you read In The Woods yet? I think these would be PERFECT for you! Very smart, set in Ireland, lots of suspense. I’m amazed you haven’t read it yet!
I have that one in the pile too…it is quite a pile…
Oh, I adore intelligent mysteries!
Then these are for you!
I enjoyed In the Woods very much, but you know how the first book included chapter 1 of the second book? Well, when I read that snuck a peek at that first chapter of book 2, I didn’t care for it, so I never picked up book 2. I suppose I should at some point, but the sizzle that I felt over book 1 fizzled out.
Hmmm…interesting. I just couldn’t imagine reading “In the Woods” and not wanting to continue on. Give it a little bit and try again. I think you’ll find it worthwhile.
Sounds like a good read and I love the cover, hopefully our library will have a copy of both these books.
I hope so! She is an Irish author so she should be big “over the pond” I think.
Thanks for the review. I do want to read both of these.
I think they should be marked “must read” for pretty much everyone.
I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Jenners. I’ve read In the Woods and loved it. Now to read this and Faithful Place!
I’m amazed you would wait! : )
I’m doing the Ireland readalong, of A Faithful Place so I did get in the Woods, so glad I don’t have to worry about the not stand alone thing. Glad you enjoyed this.
These are perfect for global challenges I think. Set in Ireland, by an Irish author and just plain awesome. Have fun with them.
Awesome review! you left me with an intense desire to run out and get these right now. BUT, maybe I’ll read them with other people around. Intense books just do that to me. Thanks for the recommendations!
Oh goody! I think these books are sooooo good! I’m excited if I get anyone to read them!
I love French’s writing but I just couldn’t buy the premise. Did you have trouble with it?
I didn’t really… but I’m easily convinced. Yes … it is a bit unlikely to find someone who looks exactly like you and have this circumstance but I wanted to go with it so I did!
I completely agree. French has amazing talent with getting you sucked into her characters. I have read all three and I love them all. I can’t wait to see who she writes about next.
Happy Monday!
michelle
So good to hear that “A Faithful Place” is just as good as the first two. (I expected it to be but you never know.) I hope she is busy writing her next book.
I am so ridiculously excited about these books! I have heard nothing but good things about them and really need to give them a try. I love it when I can totally immerse myself in a book and get lost, and this sounds like just the series to do that with! Great review, Jenners. I am so glad that you loved this second installment!
This series is sooooo good! I’m almost 100% sure you will just adore them. I’m so excited to be able to provide you with my copy!
I’m so glad you liked it! I have this sitting on my shelf, but I really want to read In the Woods first. Once I finish all of the readalongs I’m punishing myself with, I’ll delve into Tana French. I can’t wait!
Oh you’re in for a treat! And why are you punishing yourself so much???? I can never read all “punishing” books at one time! I must have one that I really really like.