The Trespasser

'Contains the most tense and serpentine interrogation scenes outside of John Le Carré' - Guardian

'Taut, twisty, packed with all-too believable characters and rattles along at breakneck speed.' Woman and Home

Antoinette Conway is not your average detective; she's tough, abrasive, and more comfortable on her own than working within the ambit of a team. Partnered with Stephen Moran, she remains a controversial figure in the Murder Squad, often the target of a malicious campaign aiming to force her out. Despite this, Antoinette is resolute in her determination to stay and to prove herself.

Conway and Moran are assigned a seemingly straightforward case: the death of Aislinn Murray, initially pegged as a lovers' quarrel gone wrong. The easy answer points to the victim’s boyfriend, but something about the case gnaws at Antoinette. As Conway scrutinises the crime scene and pores over details, she is struck by a jolt of recognition—she has seen Aislinn’s face before. This moment of clarity turns the investigation on its head.

Tana French masterfully crafts an intricate narrative that delves deeply into the complexities of criminal investigation, blending moments of high tension with the rich,, methodical unfolding of procedural detail. As Conway and Moran dig deeper, they uncover layers of secrets and lies that challenge their perspectives and test their resilience.

The Trespasser offers readers a thrilling journey through a case brimming with unexpected twists, a portrayal of the persistent battle against the personal and professional adversities faced by women in male-dominated environments, and an unflinching look at the dedication required to uncover the truth.

Fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers will find much to admire in French's nuanced storytelling and her ability to build compelling, multi-dimensional characters. Tana French’s The Trespasser is not only a page-turner but an incisive exploration of the human psyche, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a novel that challenges as it entertains.