If you’re a true crime fan then look no further.
There’s no spoilers in this editorial for the pure reason that I’m imploring you to go out (support your local bookshop if you can) and buy this book. It’s no secret that we’re fans of Louise O’Neill’s work around here. As an author, her previous novels have not only been best sellers and award-winning pieces of literature but they’ve sparked conversation across Ireland and beyond on matters such as consent and body image.
These matters need to be talked about in order to effect change, and the powerhouse that is Louise O’Neill is spearheading that through her work. Film and TV rights have already been optioned for her previous novels Asking For It and Only Ever Yours, and we’re certain After The Silence will follow suit.
In a slight departure for O’Neill, the West Cork native has delivered a thriller which brings you behind the scenes of a true crime documentary in the process of being made. True crime documentaries are not a new subject matter, but what fascinated me about this book from the off was that I felt I had access to the full story. I was being granted a glimpse into the lives of every aspect of this one event, from the filmmakers, to the wife of the accused, to the locals, unprecedented access is exactly what every true crime fan wants and it’s guaranteed to hold your attention.
Throw in some rugged Irish coastline and an island full of curious locals, as Louise did, and it’s pretty much perfection.
To give you an insight into what’s on offer, Louise sets this story on the island of Inisrún. This small community have been living with a secret for the last decade; an unsolved murder of a young woman, Nessa Crowley. The murder has brought years of turmoil and suspicion into the the lives of Keelin and Henry Kinsella. The fact is, the young woman was murdered at a party, that party was held by the Kinsella’s, and a raging storm on the night of the crime meant that nobody could get on or off the island. Despite these facts, in the ten years since, nobody has been charged with the murder.
Are you gripped yet? Because it only gets better.
Ten years later with the arrival of an Australian documentary crew, old suspicions resurface and the questions of what happened to Nessa Crowley on that fateful night are dragged to the forefront of the locals minds once again.
There’s an unsolved mystery at the heart of this book which, of course, will keep you gripped throughout. But the descriptive nature of Louise’s writing and the nuanced study of relationships will leave you thinking about these characters long after you’ve finished the final pages.
What I personally loved about this book was that you can feel Louise’s own knowledge of West Cork and the surrounding islands bouncing off the pages as you read it.
It truly brings the story to life:
Back in February, when announcing the book Louise said; “I know you’re not allowed to pick a favourite of your novels but… this is it,” she added. “This is my favourite. I’m so proud of this book and I hope you’ll like it too.”
I wouldn’t want to pick a favourite of Louise’s books either, but have no fear, we certainly liked it!
After The Silence by Louise O’Neill is published by Quercus and is available to buy now online and in bookshops.
