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The Survivors by Jane Harper is a 2020 Flatiron publication.

So far, I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author, but for some reason when this book came out, I never got around to reading it. It’s been lingering on my TBR list for about three years- plus there’s a new Aaron Falk installment, I haven’t read yet either- so it’s time to do a little catching up.

It took a bit for the story to begin taking shape, but once a crime had been committed, and the backstory that linked an old case with this new one, became apparent, I found myself completely engrossed. I liked the way the plot played out, without the usual procedural/detective elements of investigation taking the primary spotlight.

The story is centered around Keiran Elliott, a man who has returned home to help his mother who is about to move her husband, who has dementia, into a care facility. Being back has already dredged up a host of emotions for Keiran, the reminders of his deceased brother, Finn, haunting him at every turn, his ghost standing between him and his mother.

But when a body is found on the beach- a different case- that of a teenage girl that went missing on the same day that Finn died- is once more being looked at as the two deaths have eerie similarities. The connection between the two tragedies come crashing together in yet another perfect storm that will bring Kieran to a shocking pinnacle that will either solidify his guilt or set him free��

This is just as much a story about family, guilt, grief, and redemption as it is a mystery. I admit I guessed who the culprit was very early on in the novel, but of course I could never have guessed all the whys and wherefores. Though confident in my knowledge, the suspense was still palpable when the moment of truth transpires.

While I can’t say this is my favorite book by this author, I am glad I stuck with it. It does have its faults- the pacing, the large cast of characters being the main complaints. But�� I love cold cases and this book has that element. I also liked the way the characters finally get some answers- not just to the crimes committed, but in other aspects of their lives as well- which will bring much needed peace. The mysteries are compelling, too, don’t get me wrong- even knowing who the murderer was didn’t dampen the impact of the revelation when it came. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion and tension and suspense, and once the story finally got moving it was difficult to put it down.

So, overall, not as strong as some of Harper’s other stories, but still a very solid effort.

3.5 rounded up.