The Her.ie book club is back and this month’s pick is Before He Finds Her by Michael Kardos.
It tells the story of Ramsey Miller who, on the night of a dinner party, murdered his wife and three-year-old daughter before fleeing.
Well, that's what people believe happened. The truth is that the girl got away and she is now tired of looking over her shoulder. In fact, she wants to find her father.
A few members of the Her.ie team give their thoughts on the book…
Marie says: The cover of this novel warns the reader to "kiss the next 24 hours goodbye" and this was definitely the case for me. The air of intrigue that continues throughout the book begins on the first page and clever character development means that the momentum never lags. Even the 'villains' of the story are drawn in a sympathetic manner, which adds a three-dimensional element that is lacking in many similar books.
The pace picks up from the mid-section and a few clever twists and turns from the author make for a very satisfying ending. I'll definitely be lending my copy to a friend as this is a great read that manages to entertain without demanding too much from the reader.
Rebecca says: Before He Finds Her is one of those thrillers that I'll certainly look back on and say "ah yes, I remember that one." Michael Kardos weaves a captivating dialogue that slowly but surely fills the reader in on the tragic story of the Millers. While one narrative sees Meg Miller, now know as Melanie Denison, facing her past, the other pieces together the relationship between her parents. Both of course are overshadowed by the tragic events of that night in September 1991.
The characters are undoubtedly flawed but incredibly engaging and once you get through the first few chapters, you really won’t be able to put this book down. It takes you on a journey, flitting between the past and present, with an unforgettable ending that twists and turns just enough times for the conclusion to remain plausible. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers and crime novels, I find it hard to come across something that surprises but this one certainly did and I would jump at the chance to read another Michael Kardos novel because of it.
Michelle says: A good thriller is a rare find and the search can prove long and frustrating. The appreciation of a book that makes your heart race has been reawakened in many since
Gone Girl became a literary phenomenon
. Before He Finds Her may not be the next classic in this genre but it’s a worthwhile read along the way.
Central character Ramsey Miller is a troubled and complex man, but is he troubled enough to have been responsible for the death of his wife and daughter? That’s the question that faces the reader, until of course we learn that his daughter escaped following the horrific events of 1991. Will it be a tale of redemption or of long-overdue punishment? When Meg, now grown up and known as Melanie, returns to Silver Bay after her years in hiding, there are more than a few surprises in store.
Kardos’ style of writing is punchy and inviting – you’ll find yourself arguing with drooping eyelids for "one more chapter" in the wee hours of the morning. The complexities of the relationships that should be the most simple are put under a magnifying glass in this rollercoaster of a read. Highly recommended.
If you want to get involved in our book club, keep an eye out on site. If you've read this book, we'd love to know what you think. Get in touch with us on Facebook here, on Twitter here and via email to hello@her.ie. 
