The Survivors by Jane Harper

Hello everyone. Hope your day is going well.

Have you ever gone to the beach off season?  Maybe you like Myrtle Beach in the winter to play golf or the Outer Banks to watch the wild horses.  I live near two beach resort areas and can tell you that many people prefer to go after labor day. Rates drop, kids are back to school, the pace of life slows down.  Of course, some people like the winter. There are fewer restaurants open and less excitement in the air, obviously no swimming or sun bathing...still it is a special time.  There is a sort of melancholy, at least on the NC beaches, that envelops you.  Not a sad state exactly, but a peaceful, thoughtful one. You can walk beaches normally packed with tourists and not see another person for miles. If you've always wanted a picture of your favorite knobby sweater with your hair tousled and the ocean behind you for your social media, maybe you should consider a winter trip.

I recently read The Survivors by Jane Harper, my first by this author.  This mystery is FULL of atmosphere and perfectly describes a beach resort town off season.  You will feel exactly what it's like to be a resident.  The imagery is flawless, without the author running through endless pages of description, she gives you just enough to lead you in the right direction. The book is full of characters, the residents of this small beach community.  The author reveals each person and their traits in a natural way, not bogging down the story with specific introductions.  

The story begins with the death of a young girl. As the reader slowly discovers who might be responsible, an older tragedy is revealed.  What did this earlier natural occurrence do to this quaint seaside town and who has it haunted for years?  Unlike the thrillers I adore, this story is told slowly, allowing us to ponder what is actually happening and feel like a real part of the town.  The mystery is interesting and the writing wonderful, but the star here is the way the story is told, how we can smell the salt air and feel the sand under our feet. While this is my first Jane Harper, I will be purchasing the back list. I wonder what other worlds she has created.

Don't blame me if you suddenly want clams and salt water taffy.