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The Drowned
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 13:04:02
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
From the renowned Booker Prize winner and nationally bestselling author of Snow comes a richly atmospheric new mystery about a woman’s sudden disappearance in a small coastal town in Ireland, where nothing is as it seems “He had seen drowned people. A sight not to be forgotten.” 1950s, rural Ireland. A loner comes across a mysteriously empty car in a field. Knowing he shouldn’t approach but unable to hold back, he soon finds himself embroiled in a troubling missing person case, as a husband claims his wife may have thrown herself into the sea. Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector Strafford, who soon turns to his old ally—the flawed but brilliant pathologist Quirke—a man he is linked to in increasingly complicated ways. But as the case unfolds, events from the past resurface that may have life-altering ramifications for all involved. At once a searing mystery and a profound meditation on the hidden worlds we all inhabit, The Drowned is the next great Strafford and Quirke novel from a beloved writer at the top of his game.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 1, 2024
About the author
John Banville
112 books2,032 followersWilliam John Banville is an Irish novelist, short story writer, adapter of dramas and screenwriter. Though he has been described as "the heir to Proust, via Nabokov", Banville himself maintains that W.B. Yeats and Henry James are the two real influences on his work.
Banville has won the 1976 James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the 2003 International Nonino Prize, the 2005 Booker Prize, the 2011 Franz Kafka Prize, the 2013 Austrian State Prize for European Literature and the 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2007. Italy made him a Cavaliere of the Ordine della Stella d'Italia (essentially a knighthood) in 2017. He is a former member of Aosdána, having voluntarily relinquished the financial stipend in 2001 to another, more impoverished, writer.
Banville was born and grew up in Wexford town in south-east Ireland. He published his first novel, Nightspawn, in 1971. A second, Birchwood, followed two years later. "The Revolutions Trilogy", published between 1976 and 1982, comprises three works, each named in reference to a renowned scientist: Doctor Copernicus, Kepler and The Newton Letter. His next work, Mefisto, had a mathematical theme. His 1989 novel The Book of Evidence, shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winner of that year's Guinness Peat Aviation award, heralded a second trilogy, three works which deal in common with the work of art. "The Frames Trilogy" is completed by Ghosts and Athena, both published during the 1990s. Banville's thirteenth novel, The Sea, won the Booker Prize in 2005. In addition, he publishes crime novels as Benjamin Black — most of these feature the character of Quirke, an Irish pathologist based in Dublin.
Banville is considered a contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He lives in Dublin.
Banville has won the 1976 James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the 2003 International Nonino Prize, the 2005 Booker Prize, the 2011 Franz Kafka Prize, the 2013 Austrian State Prize for European Literature and the 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2007. Italy made him a Cavaliere of the Ordine della Stella d'Italia (essentially a knighthood) in 2017. He is a former member of Aosdána, having voluntarily relinquished the financial stipend in 2001 to another, more impoverished, writer.
Banville was born and grew up in Wexford town in south-east Ireland. He published his first novel, Nightspawn, in 1971. A second, Birchwood, followed two years later. "The Revolutions Trilogy", published between 1976 and 1982, comprises three works, each named in reference to a renowned scientist: Doctor Copernicus, Kepler and The Newton Letter. His next work, Mefisto, had a mathematical theme. His 1989 novel The Book of Evidence, shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winner of that year's Guinness Peat Aviation award, heralded a second trilogy, three works which deal in common with the work of art. "The Frames Trilogy" is completed by Ghosts and Athena, both published during the 1990s. Banville's thirteenth novel, The Sea, won the Booker Prize in 2005. In addition, he publishes crime novels as Benjamin Black — most of these feature the character of Quirke, an Irish pathologist based in Dublin.
Banville is considered a contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He lives in Dublin.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 20, 2024
This book is being marketed as a standalone and as a mystery. It is neither. There are constant references made to the Rosa Jacobs case that was investigated a year earlier by Dr. Quirke, the pathologist, and DI St John Stratford. THE DROWNED appears to be the second instalment of the Rosa Jacobs case, which occurred in a novel entitled “The Lock-up”. Unfortunately, the marketing blurb fails to mention this. So a reader who has not read “The lock-up” flounders almost immediately when information about the Rosa Jacobs case is casually introduced early in the story.
After a short interesting introduction to the mystery—a car is found in the middle of a field and a woman has gone missing—the mystery is dropped while the story rambles on and on about the personal lives of the two investigators, Quirke and Stratford. In particular, it seems to be a rumination about men and their wives, marriages that don’t work in 1950s Ireland, and an affair taking place between Stratford and Phoebe, Quirke’s daughter.
Then, the story switches to the background of a paedophile, released from prison and living in a nearby caravan. He discovered the empty car in the middle of the field, but we know from the beginning that he had nothing to do with the missing woman; he only found the empty car, and later helped her distraught husband.
Then back to DI Stratford’s personal life. Followed by a trip into Quirke’s personal life and reminiscences of his past. Back and forth. Ruminations by Stratford, then Quirke, about their past and current personal troubles. But nothing about the mystery of the missing woman and we are at the 50% mark.
Finally, DI Stratford begins his investigation, by visiting Denton Wymes, the paedophile who discovered the empty car. Stratford only learns that the husband of the missing woman was behaving very peculiarly.
Belatedly, the body of the missing woman is found, and Quirke solves the mystery fairly quickly through an autopsy.
This is not a mystery story. It is a story of men, women, and their extramarital affairs.
Also, I thought the ending left the reader hanging; the story was unfinished.
Banville’s writing is excellent—in terms of word choice and sentence structure. But the novel lacks a compelling plot.
“The Drowned” Will be released in North America on October 1, 2024.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
After a short interesting introduction to the mystery—a car is found in the middle of a field and a woman has gone missing—the mystery is dropped while the story rambles on and on about the personal lives of the two investigators, Quirke and Stratford. In particular, it seems to be a rumination about men and their wives, marriages that don’t work in 1950s Ireland, and an affair taking place between Stratford and Phoebe, Quirke’s daughter.
Then, the story switches to the background of a paedophile, released from prison and living in a nearby caravan. He discovered the empty car in the middle of the field, but we know from the beginning that he had nothing to do with the missing woman; he only found the empty car, and later helped her distraught husband.
Then back to DI Stratford’s personal life. Followed by a trip into Quirke’s personal life and reminiscences of his past. Back and forth. Ruminations by Stratford, then Quirke, about their past and current personal troubles. But nothing about the mystery of the missing woman and we are at the 50% mark.
Finally, DI Stratford begins his investigation, by visiting Denton Wymes, the paedophile who discovered the empty car. Stratford only learns that the husband of the missing woman was behaving very peculiarly.
Belatedly, the body of the missing woman is found, and Quirke solves the mystery fairly quickly through an autopsy.
This is not a mystery story. It is a story of men, women, and their extramarital affairs.
Also, I thought the ending left the reader hanging; the story was unfinished.
Banville’s writing is excellent—in terms of word choice and sentence structure. But the novel lacks a compelling plot.
“The Drowned” Will be released in North America on October 1, 2024.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
June 29, 2024
John Banville is a beautiful, intelligent author. I enjoy his "literary" as well as his "genre" (mystery) novels. (I put quote marks because there is great overlap in Banville's work between the two types of writing.)
I'm a big mystery novel fan and Banville's Quirke series is one of my favorite. He creates a powerful sense of Ireland, Dublin and the more rural areas. No one knows better how to use landscape as metaphor while at the same time creating a very specific sense of place with the use of poetic yet accurate details and descriptions. I can get lost in his luxurious prose while coping with the painful, often very dark Ireland society he depicts.
Speaking of dark, Quirke practically defines the word. In The Drowned he is even darker than usual, lost in grief in the wake of his wife's death. I almost hate to see Quirke experience relief from his chronic emotional pain since it always seems to presage another loss. He is an alcoholic of the old-fashioned romantic variety.
In The Drowned, we are faced with mysterious disappearances, deaths, un- (or semi-) solved murders as well as the highly ambivalent relationship between Quirke's daughter Phoebe and Inspector Strafford. Quirke and Strafford's work relationship is strained by this relationship which is already strained.
For much of the book, it's not even certain that a crime has been committed. I enjoyed the confusion over not only "whodunit" but also: what was done? Was there a crime?
None of the characters in this--or any of the Quirke's novels--is wholly sympathetic. At the same time, most are not purely bad either (with some outstanding exceptions!)--Banville's people are complicated. I will say that they do tend to land on the dark side.
Banville switches things up in the final solution. At first I greatly enjoyed this turning things on their head, but I was a little disappointed in the ending--at the same time, it felt totally right for the book and if not predictable not an unexpected Banville conclusion.
I will admit in full disclure that despite his alcoholic moroseness, I'm a little bit in love with the ever-suffering Quirke.
A beautiful, atmospheric read which kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishin, and John Banville for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big mystery novel fan and Banville's Quirke series is one of my favorite. He creates a powerful sense of Ireland, Dublin and the more rural areas. No one knows better how to use landscape as metaphor while at the same time creating a very specific sense of place with the use of poetic yet accurate details and descriptions. I can get lost in his luxurious prose while coping with the painful, often very dark Ireland society he depicts.
Speaking of dark, Quirke practically defines the word. In The Drowned he is even darker than usual, lost in grief in the wake of his wife's death. I almost hate to see Quirke experience relief from his chronic emotional pain since it always seems to presage another loss. He is an alcoholic of the old-fashioned romantic variety.
In The Drowned, we are faced with mysterious disappearances, deaths, un- (or semi-) solved murders as well as the highly ambivalent relationship between Quirke's daughter Phoebe and Inspector Strafford. Quirke and Strafford's work relationship is strained by this relationship which is already strained.
For much of the book, it's not even certain that a crime has been committed. I enjoyed the confusion over not only "whodunit" but also: what was done? Was there a crime?
None of the characters in this--or any of the Quirke's novels--is wholly sympathetic. At the same time, most are not purely bad either (with some outstanding exceptions!)--Banville's people are complicated. I will say that they do tend to land on the dark side.
Banville switches things up in the final solution. At first I greatly enjoyed this turning things on their head, but I was a little disappointed in the ending--at the same time, it felt totally right for the book and if not predictable not an unexpected Banville conclusion.
I will admit in full disclure that despite his alcoholic moroseness, I'm a little bit in love with the ever-suffering Quirke.
A beautiful, atmospheric read which kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishin, and John Banville for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2024
I am admittedly a huge fan of John Banville's Quirke (now Strafford and Quirke) novels. Without fail, they are simultaneously carefully plotted mystery novels and genuinely literary fiction. I do, however, have my favorites among these novels—and The Drowned is definitely taking a place among them.
What I particularly appreciated about The Drowned
• significant changes and developments in the cast of characters
• a small leavening of hope to go with the usual Banvillean bleakness
• an interesting and unexpected wrap up to the previous Strafford and Quirke mystery, The Lock-Up
Like most of the Quirke novels, the pace here is slow. People are determined to reveal as little of themselves as possible, so we spend more time exploring their interiority than we do looking at person-to-person interactions.
If you haven't yet read any Quirke novels, I would suggest going through them in order. At a minimum, be sure to read The Lock-Up before taking on The Drowned—the former is essential to understanding the latter.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
What I particularly appreciated about The Drowned
• significant changes and developments in the cast of characters
• a small leavening of hope to go with the usual Banvillean bleakness
• an interesting and unexpected wrap up to the previous Strafford and Quirke mystery, The Lock-Up
Like most of the Quirke novels, the pace here is slow. People are determined to reveal as little of themselves as possible, so we spend more time exploring their interiority than we do looking at person-to-person interactions.
If you haven't yet read any Quirke novels, I would suggest going through them in order. At a minimum, be sure to read The Lock-Up before taking on The Drowned—the former is essential to understanding the latter.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
March 19, 2024
After having read the synopsis, I was really interested in this book. However, I was disappointed.
It’s marketed as a stand alone novel, it is not. John Banville has combined two previous series into one — Quirke and Stafford. This was not clear until I looked further into the author after having been confused on supposed details Banville assumed I knew.
It’s suppose to be a mystery novel., right? Nope! It focuses less on the mystery and more on unrelated tangents. I love mystery novels in which you can play detective. This was not one of those.
I also found Wymes’ character to be unnecessary. Why do we need a pedophilic character? And why does it feel like we should feel a little sorry for him? It’s gross. He was a teacher who took advantage of children.
Overall, it should have focused on the death of Armitage’s wife rather than meandering into many other plot lines.
Danville also set up for another book after this. I will not be reading it.
Published on Goodreads March 19, 2024.
It’s marketed as a stand alone novel, it is not. John Banville has combined two previous series into one — Quirke and Stafford. This was not clear until I looked further into the author after having been confused on supposed details Banville assumed I knew.
It’s suppose to be a mystery novel., right? Nope! It focuses less on the mystery and more on unrelated tangents. I love mystery novels in which you can play detective. This was not one of those.
I also found Wymes’ character to be unnecessary. Why do we need a pedophilic character? And why does it feel like we should feel a little sorry for him? It’s gross. He was a teacher who took advantage of children.
Overall, it should have focused on the death of Armitage’s wife rather than meandering into many other plot lines.
Danville also set up for another book after this. I will not be reading it.
Published on Goodreads March 19, 2024.
July 13, 2024
Exceptional crime series which features multifaceted characters and intricate plottin
Stafford and Quirke return for a fourth outing in The Drowned, which continues on from the previous novel The Lock-up.. Strafford finds himself investigating the case of a missing woman who could have drowned, he finds himself coming into contact again with Professor Armitage, a strange man whose research assistant was murdered in The Lock-up. Nothing seems right to Strafford and so he decides to speak with Quirke to get his take on the strange situation he finds himself in.
This outstanding series isn't just a crime series, it is a multi layered novel dealing with characters who are multifaceted in their natures. John Banville is a masterful novelist who luckily turned his eye to crime writing and has created a quite exceptional series.
Stafford and Quirke return for a fourth outing in The Drowned, which continues on from the previous novel The Lock-up.. Strafford finds himself investigating the case of a missing woman who could have drowned, he finds himself coming into contact again with Professor Armitage, a strange man whose research assistant was murdered in The Lock-up. Nothing seems right to Strafford and so he decides to speak with Quirke to get his take on the strange situation he finds himself in.
This outstanding series isn't just a crime series, it is a multi layered novel dealing with characters who are multifaceted in their natures. John Banville is a masterful novelist who luckily turned his eye to crime writing and has created a quite exceptional series.
August 28, 2024
John Banville is a fine writer who elevates the crime thriller to an art form. There are so many things that took my breath away in this latest Strafford and Quirke novel I don’t know where to start.
Firstly there’s the authenticity of the 1950s setting in rural Ireland. Banville is a master of taking us back in time. The strained smiles and awkwardness; the behaviours, the words unsaid. Even the sound of dust motes hissing on the gas fire.
There’s his understanding of the perennial pursuit of women by men, and the sometimes jaded attitude of women, at that time, in accepting unwanted advances or even marriage proposals, because they had to.
Three of the men in this story would be described in the 50s as “Lotharios” – brooding detective Strafford, who has an uneasy relationship with dour pathologist Quirke, whose daughter he is seeing. Widower Quirke was briefly seeing a woman connected to the crime of the last book. And then there’s the protagonist of The Drowned, a man who claims his wife has gone missing.
The most amazing sleight of hand though is how Banville makes us pity the paedophile, hiding from society and constantly in fear of being falsely accused of a new crime.
A truly remarkable book. Thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
Firstly there’s the authenticity of the 1950s setting in rural Ireland. Banville is a master of taking us back in time. The strained smiles and awkwardness; the behaviours, the words unsaid. Even the sound of dust motes hissing on the gas fire.
There’s his understanding of the perennial pursuit of women by men, and the sometimes jaded attitude of women, at that time, in accepting unwanted advances or even marriage proposals, because they had to.
Three of the men in this story would be described in the 50s as “Lotharios” – brooding detective Strafford, who has an uneasy relationship with dour pathologist Quirke, whose daughter he is seeing. Widower Quirke was briefly seeing a woman connected to the crime of the last book. And then there’s the protagonist of The Drowned, a man who claims his wife has gone missing.
The most amazing sleight of hand though is how Banville makes us pity the paedophile, hiding from society and constantly in fear of being falsely accused of a new crime.
A truly remarkable book. Thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
August 22, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this literary mystery series set in Ireland in the 1950s featuring Gardai Detective St John Stratford and Pathologist Quirk. “The Drowned” follows on from “The Lock Up” which I loved. Strafford is still dating Phoebe, Quirke’s daughter and Quirke himself is still mourning the death of his wife which occurred in an earlier book. Both men are “quirky” and introverted. Strafford is a good investigator but hopeless with women, particularly when a difficulty occurs as in this book. He doesn’t know how to react.
This is more of a study of the male characters although there is a mystery involved when a professor’s wife disappears from a car she is travelling in with him and he says she has drowned in the sea. Armitage, the husband, was also in the previous novel so readers will be familiar with him.
All this being said the book did not hold my attention as much as Stafford’s earlier outings, there was something missing. There was a lot of character description and scene setting which tended to slow down the narrative. There wasn’t much of a mystery, it was obvious from the outset what had happened although there was a slight twist. There was a lot of sadness for all the characters including Strafford’s boss Hackett, and another family caught up in the mystery. I would call the novel bleak and it definitely wasn’t my favourite in the series although it has not put me off reading the next book should the author decide to write one.
However if you like an extremely literary thriller this will appeal.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
This is more of a study of the male characters although there is a mystery involved when a professor’s wife disappears from a car she is travelling in with him and he says she has drowned in the sea. Armitage, the husband, was also in the previous novel so readers will be familiar with him.
All this being said the book did not hold my attention as much as Stafford’s earlier outings, there was something missing. There was a lot of character description and scene setting which tended to slow down the narrative. There wasn’t much of a mystery, it was obvious from the outset what had happened although there was a slight twist. There was a lot of sadness for all the characters including Strafford’s boss Hackett, and another family caught up in the mystery. I would call the novel bleak and it definitely wasn’t my favourite in the series although it has not put me off reading the next book should the author decide to write one.
However if you like an extremely literary thriller this will appeal.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
March 25, 2024
The Drowned, the title of John Banville's latest book, refers to a woman who may or may not have drowned in the Bay near Wicklow, Ireland. Her husband intercepts a man who is trying to figure out why a beautiful BMW is sitting in the middle of a field with its doors open. He begs for help so the two trudge up to the top of a hill to a house that a couple have rented for a two week vacation. Yes, there is a mystery but the book is so much more. It delves into the fascinating, Irish, dark characters that these people are. Included are two police and the forensic pathologist who take over once the disappearance of the woman is reported.
Wicklow is a small community so it's not surprising that many of the characters not only know each other but have history. The question hovers 'do more of them know each other than they are saying?'
I like John Banville and found this a fascinating read. There were so many twists and turns of who did what to whom and who was what to whom that the ending, in which the mystery is solved, was almost an afterthought.
So if you like a deep character study of complex people and their complicated lives, you will enjoy this book.
Wicklow is a small community so it's not surprising that many of the characters not only know each other but have history. The question hovers 'do more of them know each other than they are saying?'
I like John Banville and found this a fascinating read. There were so many twists and turns of who did what to whom and who was what to whom that the ending, in which the mystery is solved, was almost an afterthought.
So if you like a deep character study of complex people and their complicated lives, you will enjoy this book.
May 2, 2024
In 1950s Ireland, in a small rural area by the sea, a woman disappeared. Her husband (Armitage) claims after an argument she ran out of the car and probably threw herself off the cliffs into the sea. He is behaving strangely even as a nearby family offers to call for help. Ultimately it is Detective Inspector Strafford who is brought in from Dublin. He consults with Dr. Quirke, a pathologist he has known for a long time. Interestingly, Strafford is seeing Quirke’s daughter. The character of Quirke is in a long-standing series by this author. The Drowned is an atmospheric character study with several tangents. There is soon another missing person to find. While the mystery is solved by the end, it is the complex and interwoven characters that serve as the basis of the book. John Banville is an excellent writer who brings them to life in this dark and foreboding story. With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susanh_bookreviews
May 19, 2024
The Drowned opens with a man claiming that his wife has gone missing. Armitage, believes his wife may have drowned herself in the sea. This he tells Wymes, a passerby, who happened upon an abandoned car and, curious as to why it would be stopped in the middle of an overgrown field with the lights on, engine running and driver’s-side door wide open, goes to inspect it. Armitage, upon seeing the passerby, explains that his wife got out of the car, ran down to the sea and threw herself off the rocks into the water. He then begs Wymes to assist him in finding her.
In the next few chapters, we are introduced to a few key characters in our pursuit to discover what could have happened to Armitage’s wife. In the successive chapters, we delve into the complicated lives of some of these characters. I will say that the characters were well fleshed out, however the author focuses a lot of time introducing us to this lot of complicated characters and not much time on Armitage or his wife and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. So, we read on and wait for the connection to be made back to the missing wife and by the time we start getting some context on what the potential link could be, the book is just about done. The mystery of the missing woman is finally solved, and the reveal is very unimpressive. I also was not a fan of the ending as it just leaves you hanging.
I will say though that I loved the author’s way with words. He definitely has a gift. I look forward to reading more of his works. I thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. This review is voluntary, and the opinions are strictly mine alone.
In the next few chapters, we are introduced to a few key characters in our pursuit to discover what could have happened to Armitage’s wife. In the successive chapters, we delve into the complicated lives of some of these characters. I will say that the characters were well fleshed out, however the author focuses a lot of time introducing us to this lot of complicated characters and not much time on Armitage or his wife and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. So, we read on and wait for the connection to be made back to the missing wife and by the time we start getting some context on what the potential link could be, the book is just about done. The mystery of the missing woman is finally solved, and the reveal is very unimpressive. I also was not a fan of the ending as it just leaves you hanging.
I will say though that I loved the author’s way with words. He definitely has a gift. I look forward to reading more of his works. I thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. This review is voluntary, and the opinions are strictly mine alone.
September 12, 2024
The Drowned by John Banville
This book begins slowly, but having read a few of Banville’s Strafford and Quirke books, it was expected. I like his writing style and appreciate the details (about the main characters, their personal history and relationships; and Ireland at the time). If you are someone who prefers to delve right in to action, this may be a bit of a slow burner for you.
While it can be read as a standalone, I found myself wondering what was it about the Rosa Jacobs case. Strafford reminds us that he has met Armitage (husband of the missing woman) before - during his investigation into the Rosa Jacobs case. I pulled out my copy of The Lock-Up (Quirke #9) to refresh my memory as it was nearly a year ago that I had read it (reading the epilogue was enough). Now that I’ve finished the book, I recommend that you read The Lock-Up first, mainly so that you can draw your own conclusions about Armitage (rather than rely on Strafford’s memory and observations.
This is less a police procedural and paints more of a picture of the relationships between the main characters (Strafford, Quirk, the suspects), each other, and with their partners; their personal lives – past and present; and the societal “norms” of the time - 1950’s, Dublin, Ireland. This exploration into these relationships and the times is why I enjoyed this book. The resolution of the mystery of Deirdre Armitage’s disappearance was a bit of disappointment (to avoid a spoiler, I won’t say more), resulting in the 4 star review.
Thank you to NetGalley; John Banville and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the advanced copy.
This book begins slowly, but having read a few of Banville’s Strafford and Quirke books, it was expected. I like his writing style and appreciate the details (about the main characters, their personal history and relationships; and Ireland at the time). If you are someone who prefers to delve right in to action, this may be a bit of a slow burner for you.
While it can be read as a standalone, I found myself wondering what was it about the Rosa Jacobs case. Strafford reminds us that he has met Armitage (husband of the missing woman) before - during his investigation into the Rosa Jacobs case. I pulled out my copy of The Lock-Up (Quirke #9) to refresh my memory as it was nearly a year ago that I had read it (reading the epilogue was enough). Now that I’ve finished the book, I recommend that you read The Lock-Up first, mainly so that you can draw your own conclusions about Armitage (rather than rely on Strafford’s memory and observations.
This is less a police procedural and paints more of a picture of the relationships between the main characters (Strafford, Quirk, the suspects), each other, and with their partners; their personal lives – past and present; and the societal “norms” of the time - 1950’s, Dublin, Ireland. This exploration into these relationships and the times is why I enjoyed this book. The resolution of the mystery of Deirdre Armitage’s disappearance was a bit of disappointment (to avoid a spoiler, I won’t say more), resulting in the 4 star review.
Thank you to NetGalley; John Banville and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the advanced copy.
September 9, 2024
I have read all of this series which I have enjoyed immensely but this instalment was bitty and baffling.
There was a crime which had a very secondary place in the novel ceding to the ups and downs, mostly downs, of Strafford’s love life. Long passages about his feelings. Quirke hardly makes an appearance but when he does he is still, quite justly, caught up in his grief. And Phoebe needs a good shake. She is also so undecided and it is never clear what is going on between her and Strafford. Is it love? Weird if it is as nether present as attractive, especially Strafford who eyes most of the women in this novel as strangely attractive, ‘attractively flat-chested’ , her ‘jealously guarded independence…he found attractive’ and even one in ‘fisherman’s clogs..and no socks. was ‘distinctly attractive’. Three women.
And the crime is not solved at all but comes to an abrupt ending. Only the quality of the writing kept me reading on. I was disappointed though grateful for the proof supplied by NetGalley and the publishers.
There was a crime which had a very secondary place in the novel ceding to the ups and downs, mostly downs, of Strafford’s love life. Long passages about his feelings. Quirke hardly makes an appearance but when he does he is still, quite justly, caught up in his grief. And Phoebe needs a good shake. She is also so undecided and it is never clear what is going on between her and Strafford. Is it love? Weird if it is as nether present as attractive, especially Strafford who eyes most of the women in this novel as strangely attractive, ‘attractively flat-chested’ , her ‘jealously guarded independence…he found attractive’ and even one in ‘fisherman’s clogs..and no socks. was ‘distinctly attractive’. Three women.
And the crime is not solved at all but comes to an abrupt ending. Only the quality of the writing kept me reading on. I was disappointed though grateful for the proof supplied by NetGalley and the publishers.
September 17, 2024
This is a continuation of the Strafford/Quirke series set in mid 20th century Ireland. Although it could be read as a standalone it is better considered as part of the series - I think that a new reader would be quite baffled by some of the ongoing issues and relationships.
An air of repressed melancholy permeates the book. On one level it is a detective story, following the disappearance of a woman. But more than this it is an exploration of relationships, both between men and women and between men, the repressions and what is left unsaid being as vital as what is said.
I admire the writing very much - the exquisite descriptions and the delicate way in which hidden emotions are revealed. The ending brings some resolution to the detective element but is more a pause, with much signalled for the next in the series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.
An air of repressed melancholy permeates the book. On one level it is a detective story, following the disappearance of a woman. But more than this it is an exploration of relationships, both between men and women and between men, the repressions and what is left unsaid being as vital as what is said.
I admire the writing very much - the exquisite descriptions and the delicate way in which hidden emotions are revealed. The ending brings some resolution to the detective element but is more a pause, with much signalled for the next in the series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.
August 20, 2024
John Banville started the Quirke series under the name of Benjamin Black, crafting well thought out mysteries in the setting of 1950's Dublin, featuring a pathologist with troubles of his own. As he expanded to include DI St. John (Sinjin) Strafford, he dropped the nom de plume and went back to using his own name, that of a Booker prize winner of extraordinarily literary novels featuring deep psychological insights not only of the major characters, but secondary ones as well. Giving the reader pleasure and satisfaction and a total immersive experience. Such is the case here. Those who have complained that they didn't realize this was part of a series should not blame the book or the marketing. Those of us familiar with Banville can rejoice with every installment. After all, the backstories are what make these series so enjoyable.
September 17, 2024
I was so disappointed
John Banville is a prize-winning author of repute that has been shortlisted for a Booker Prize. Consequently, I had high expectations of this book, but 6 didn't meet them for me.
The basic story it tells is fundamentally a good one, set in a repressed class conscious 1950s Dublin and the coast of Wicklow. A car is abandoned, and the female driver has apparently run off. Her husband fears she has fallen into the sea and drowned. From this simple start, the storyline develops into a larger mystery, sometimes ridden with religious discrimination.
So far, so good, but what spoilt it for me was the over elaborate descriptions of minor items that initially were giving colour and background, but for me, this just went overboard and delayed the story progressing. It's a shame.
Sorry.
John Banville is a prize-winning author of repute that has been shortlisted for a Booker Prize. Consequently, I had high expectations of this book, but 6 didn't meet them for me.
The basic story it tells is fundamentally a good one, set in a repressed class conscious 1950s Dublin and the coast of Wicklow. A car is abandoned, and the female driver has apparently run off. Her husband fears she has fallen into the sea and drowned. From this simple start, the storyline develops into a larger mystery, sometimes ridden with religious discrimination.
So far, so good, but what spoilt it for me was the over elaborate descriptions of minor items that initially were giving colour and background, but for me, this just went overboard and delayed the story progressing. It's a shame.
Sorry.
August 11, 2024
This novel is being promoted as a standalone mystery, but it is actually a continuation of the Rosa Jacobs case previously investigated by Dr. Quirke and DI St John Stratford in the novel "The Lock-up". Unfortunately, this connection is not clearly stated in the marketing materials, leaving readers unfamiliar with the previous book confused by the references to the earlier case.
While the story starts off with an intriguing mystery involving a missing woman and a car found in a field, it quickly shifts focus to delve into the personal lives of the investigators, Quirke and Stratford. The narrative becomes more about the complexities of relationships, particularly failed marriages in 1950s Ireland, and the illicit affair between Stratford and Phoebe, Quirke's daughter. The mystery takes a backseat as the story meanders through these personal dramas.
While the story starts off with an intriguing mystery involving a missing woman and a car found in a field, it quickly shifts focus to delve into the personal lives of the investigators, Quirke and Stratford. The narrative becomes more about the complexities of relationships, particularly failed marriages in 1950s Ireland, and the illicit affair between Stratford and Phoebe, Quirke's daughter. The mystery takes a backseat as the story meanders through these personal dramas.
September 6, 2024
When I was asked to review "The Drowned," this was the first book by the author I had read. Initially, I found understanding the characters' relationships and the storyline challenging. Had I read the previous books in the series, I would have better understood the dynamics between Quirke and Stratford, both of whom have evident problems in the novel. Although the novel's beginning was slow, the plot started to make more sense as I continued reading. The story is filled with mystery, deceit, affairs, and various characters that kept me engaged. Banville's writing is captivating, and I look forward to reading his other books.
The publisher sent me a copy of the book for my honest review, and I was not compensated for it.
The publisher sent me a copy of the book for my honest review, and I was not compensated for it.
July 18, 2024
In my down time today, I wrapped up my E-ARC of The Drowned by John Banville. Not my favorite book. I hate to say it, but I didn't even like it a little bit. It was a SLOW read and took a couple of weeks for me to finish.
First off, it's not marketed as the continuation of a series. But apparently it is somehow related to his other series. Which explains why I didn't follow the backstory on some of the characters. Secondly, it is supposed to be about a missing woman, presumed drowned. There is about 5 minutes worth of missing woman. And 5 hours worth of other people and their lives. And then there is the pedophile... I can't even with this one.
First off, it's not marketed as the continuation of a series. But apparently it is somehow related to his other series. Which explains why I didn't follow the backstory on some of the characters. Secondly, it is supposed to be about a missing woman, presumed drowned. There is about 5 minutes worth of missing woman. And 5 hours worth of other people and their lives. And then there is the pedophile... I can't even with this one.
July 18, 2024
A shopping list written by John Banville would still be well worth reading. He is such a wonderful mellifluous writer with a gift for story telling and characterisation. This is a return of the ill-suited double act of Strafford and Quirke and the book rejoices in their idiosyncrasies which are a total delight to read.
There is naturally a murder to solve too and it would certainly help if you have read his previous book "The Lock-Up" but I just immersed myself in the richness of his language and was exhilarated by the experience.
There is naturally a murder to solve too and it would certainly help if you have read his previous book "The Lock-Up" but I just immersed myself in the richness of his language and was exhilarated by the experience.
September 18, 2024
I was asked to review this book by NetGalley
Story is set in the 50s in a small rural part of Ireland by the sea.
A woman disapears- her husband claims this was due to an argument where she ran from the car and possibly fell off a cliff into the sea! but we know there will be more to this mystery.
DI Strafford is brought in to investigate form Dublin and seeks advice from Dr Quirke a Pathologist.
Will this woman be found as another person is missing?
Really gripping compelling read.
Well written - I am now seeking out this author.
Story is set in the 50s in a small rural part of Ireland by the sea.
A woman disapears- her husband claims this was due to an argument where she ran from the car and possibly fell off a cliff into the sea! but we know there will be more to this mystery.
DI Strafford is brought in to investigate form Dublin and seeks advice from Dr Quirke a Pathologist.
Will this woman be found as another person is missing?
Really gripping compelling read.
Well written - I am now seeking out this author.
August 20, 2024
I feel that I would have enjoyed this more if I was familiar with the series. A missing woman and how she is linked to the players is the premise of this character driven novel. The side stories are more compelling than the mystery as they interact in unexpected ways. I cringed a bit on the ethnic slurs of the time period but no doubt that Banville is a strong story teller.
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
May 2, 2024
Well-developed characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. A good, solid read.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 29, 2024
While listed as a follow up to Snow involving Detective Stratford, which it is, it is also very much a Quirk novel so knowledge of that series (which I do not have) helps. Banville's prose is beautiful, but this is not a traditional police procedural - it's as much a character study and examination of a community and the series regulars. I'll be going back to delve into the Quirk series soon.
March 9, 2024
3.5 rounded up
April 9, 2024
Spotting a sleek Mercedes SL sports car parked in a sloping field below a house, its engine still running and the driver’s door left open, Denton Wymes, on his way home from fishing, pauses to investigate. It’s a moment that the isolated loner will soon regret as he becomes caught up in a missing-person case that will turn his life upside down. Before Wymes can retreat, a man named Armitage approaches, claiming his wife has thrown herself into the sea. Together they walk up to the house to telephone for help. Armitage’s behavior is odd (“he seemed more excited than distressed’) and Wymes senses that the tenant answering the door, Charles Rudduck, recognizes Armitage. Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector St. John (pronounced “Sinjun”) Strafford, who is also juggling a complicated personal life (an estranged wife and a lover who is the daughter of his colleague, state pathologist Quirke). In late 1950s Ireland, divorce is illegal, and Anglo-Irish social tensions remain strong. Banville deftly captures the prejudices and suspicions between the groups. “You’re not a Paddy, then” says Armitage to Wymes, who stiffly corrects him that he is Irish, but not “bog Irish.” In a mostly Catholic police force, Strafford stands out as the rare Protestant. His investigation gradually uncovers secrets that go back years and into previous series installments, but enough back information easily guides new readers through the complex plot. Banville ends his fourth Strafford/Quirke crime novel (after The Lock-Up) on a haunting, ambiguous note. With its complicated, not always likable protagonists, this beautifully written book will appeal to fans of literary mysteries in the vein of Kate Atkinson’s and Tana French’s works. (reviewed in First Clue Reviews: https://firstcluereviews.com/?s=the+d...)
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