The Survivors

Coming home, it should be a happy time, seeing family, reminiscing with old friends, going to old hangouts……. But what if going home is a reminder of what you have lost, what you can never forget, what has haunted you, when others do not want you to forget.

Kieran Elliott, his girlfriend, Mia and their infant daughter, Audrey have returned to his hometown to help his mother pack up her home. His father is being moved to a home where he will receive proper treatment for his dementia and his mother, Verity will be able to live nearby. It should have been a nice weekend. But a young woman’s body is found on the beach, and long held secrets want to be released.

The death of the young woman reminds every one of the worst storms to ever hit their small coastal town. A storm during which Kieran made a lapse of judgement, his brother Finn and his friends died, and a young teen, Gabby went missing and only her backpack was found.

The title of this book is incredibly significant, not only does it refer to statues in the book, but it can also apply to those who survived that horrible storm, those who had to move on after loss, those who have lived with grief, guilt and heartache.

This was another solid book by Harper. I enjoyed how she built her story and as the current investigation unfolded, the past came knocking and secrets demanded to see the light of day. I have to say I did not see that ending coming. I had a theory and was wrong. I love when this happens because I enjoy being surprised by a book.

This book was not only a whodunit, it is also a study on loss, pain, guilt and grief. It shows how small towns/villages have memories, how they view outsiders, and how they ban together both in good and bad ways. The characters in this town are flawed. Their reactions feel authentic and believable.

This is not a fast-paced book, but it was not slow either. I enjoyed how everything came together at the pace it did. I enjoyed how she took us back to Kieran’s teenage years and we get a glimpse of some of the characters in the present and in the past. I enjoyed learning how things unfolded at the same time our narrator did. Speaking of our narrator, Kieran, he comes off as a little guarded but knowing what he has been living with, I can understand that. He, along with other characters, have been living with a burden. Of course, there were times I was hoping for a strong reaction from him.

I cannot wait to see what Harper comes up with next!

Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.