The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld Published by Harper on September 5th 2017
Pages: 256
Goodreads
Three years ago, Madison Culver disappeared when her family was choosing a Christmas tree in Oregon’s Skookum National Forest. She would be eight years old now—if she has survived. Desperate to find their beloved daughter, certain someone took her, the Culvers turn to Naomi, a private investigator with an uncanny talent for locating the lost and missing. Known to the police and a select group of parents as The Child Finder, Naomi is their last hope.
Naomi’s methodical search takes her deep into the icy, mysterious forest in the Pacific Northwest, and into her own fragmented past. She understands children like Madison because once upon a time, she was a lost girl too.
As Naomi relentlessly pursues and slowly uncovers the truth behind Madison’s disappearance, shards of a dark dream pierce the defenses that have protected her, reminding her of a terrible loss she feels but cannot remember. If she finds Madison, will Naomi ultimately unlock the secrets of her own life?
If you follow me on Goodreads, you may have seen my cry for help. I considered DNF’ing The Child Finder at about the half way point. I had already put it down and picked it again once. Still, I struggled. Then something happened. I’m not sure what it was. Perhaps I had gotten used to the style of writing. Perhaps the pace quickened. Who knows? Whatever it was, I’m glad for it. It would have been a shame if I’d quit.
Here are some of my thoughts:
The Good
It’s unique and original – Big kudos to Rene Denfeld here. It’s not easy to create something that feels fresh and new in this genre and she did a fabulous job. The story itself is brilliant!
The characters – Though I found Naomi’s character to be slightly one dimensional, I liked her well enough. However, the author really shined in the development of some of the other, more minor characters that collectively gave the book the ability to transport the reader to this rural mountain town of settlers in Oregon’s Skookum National Forest.
Atmosphere – Another A+ here. The detailed descriptions of the beautiful, white, unforgiving landscape set the scene perfectly and completely.
The Bad
Formatting – I was frustrated with the way the chapters are formatted. There were no clear breaks when the narrative perspective changed. I found the interjection of magical realism and fairy tales detracted from the story itself which I actually liked very much.
Romance – I know. I’m sorry. I’m a cynical woman who is no longer interested in reading flowery romances. In fact, one of my biggest pet peeves is gratuitous romances in books where their presence is not, in fact, necessary.
Melodrama – At times it was just too… While the writing was beautiful for the most part, there were a couple of times I found myself saying really??? For example: “Naomi felt something deeper than crying, a flush in her womb.” Honestly, I’ve had three children and I’m not sure I’ve ever felt a flush in my womb.
The Verdict
While I did struggle with some aspects of this book, the story itself was original, well thought-out, and provided the ideal amount of intensity. The positives definitely outweighed the negatives. I’m giving this book a solid four stars. I hope to see Naomi return in a sequel to The Child Finder.
Please note that this book contains descriptions of child physical and sexual abuse and descriptions of wildlife hunting and trapping methods.
Thanks to Harper for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am really interested in this one and glad it wound up being a good read. I will know to stick with it if I get to it. Great review!
Thanks, Grace! I think I was the exception so hopefully you won’t have any issues.
“Naomi felt something deeper than crying, a flush in her womb.” Honestly, I’ve had three children and I’m not sure I’ve ever felt a flush in my womb.
Haha! Great line! Sometimes I think it’s these creative writing classes that encourage authors to come with this kind of silliness, when something much plainer would work better… 🙂
Thank you! Yes, I couldn’t agree more though I understand it must be a fine line to walk. Which is why I review books and don’t write them. 😉
I totally agree with your point, the language does get a little flowery at times! I’m finishing this one up tonight so we’ll have to compare thoughts….I’m already hoping for a sequel! I saw your update on goodreads btw and I thought ‘oh no’ because I had just started it so I’m glad you stuck with it!
Renee, your review was great! I’d also love to see a sequel. I’m glad I stuck with it as well. I was very, very close to DNF though. I’m hoping if there is a sequel, there will be a little less of of the flowery stuff with equal originality.
I was so hesitant to read your update on Goodreads after you said you were struggling because I had just started it. I listened to the first half on audio and I wonder if that helped because I got to hear Naomi’s voice (the narrator was great) and I didn’t notice the flowery language as much until I switched to print.
That’s interesting. I have never listened to an audio book. I hear they’re really catching on. Lol. 😉
you should try one…the narrator makes all the difference though!!
So what put you off the first half of the book?
I didn’t care for the way the story toggled back and forth between Naomi and the snow child. It felt disjointed. I wasn’t that invested in the whole snow child concept if I’m honest. It wasn’t exactly magical realism but it wasn’t not magical realism either. I also felt the fairy tale paragraphs didn’t contribute much to the story.
Thank you for your feedback. I’m a new subscriber and appreciate the honesty and introduction to popular reads. I am a “cynical woman” as well and have also had 3 children without ever feeling a “flush in my womb” so I think we’re going to get along just fine. 🙂
Thanks, Lory for reading and subscribing! I’m glad you understand. I don’t want to sound negative but sometimes this stuff just leaves me rolling me eyes. 🙂