Review | The Survivors by Jane Harper

Twelve years ago, Kieran survived an accident during a freak storm that left three people dead, including his own brother. Now, he’s back home with his family to help his parents due to his father’s illness. But when a woman is found dead at the beach, his past is dredged up and secrets are uncovered.

The sea swelled again, and this time the drag of the undertow was strong enough that he took a step toward her. She didn’t notice. 

I loved the author’s previous book, The Lost Man, so I was super excited for The Survivors! Unfortunately, it was kind of a letdown. I found the pacing too slow and the mystery simplistic. My main issue is I thought the main character is bland and forgettable. All he does is walk, swim and talk about his new baby (his parenting skills are pretty suspect too). He doesn’t come across as someone who’s in turmoil or troubled by his past. The other characters aren’t much better. Their conflict doesn’t feel genuine and it was difficult to keep track of everyone’s connection with each other due to the tangled nature of the relationships. While the story has some surprises, the ending feels unresolved.

What I loved was the setting of the fictional Evelyn Bay in Tasmania! I could visualise the ocean waves from the characters’ backyards, the deep dive into the sea, the dark and claustrophobic caves. And then there’s the close-knit community that support their own but just as easily turn onto each other. I liked the way the book shows how suffocating such a community can be. The book deals with the themes of grief, guilt and shame so it’s pretty bleak. It has the perfect moodiness for the setting. I just wish the story is more effective.

The Survivors is a contemplative slow burn mystery in a stunning locale that unfortunately fell a little short for me.

I received a digital copy from the publisher and Netgalley for review purposes.

About the author: Jane Harper

Photo by Jack McGrath