Wow this was well-written. Not just, y'know, solid prose that doesn't get in the way of the story, but on every level, genuinely a level or four above, what a pleasure to dive right into something so well-crafted. The remote west of Ireland setting is brilliantly depicted in all its closeness and friendliness and its insularity and secretiveness. There's a magnificent scene of a night in the pub that manages to be hilarious and warm but also with a carefully and subtly conveyed sense of threat. The voice and point of view of the ex-Chicago divorcee cop are brilliantly maintained, the outsider's view as he navigates the landscape and personalities when unexpectdly persuaded to look into the disappearance of a local young man is splendidly sustained, his rocky relationship with the younger sibling who seeks him out both scary and touching. Fantastic plot, great characters, wonderful writing.