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The Likeness summary
Brief summary
The Likeness by Tana French is a gripping psychological thriller that follows detective Cassie Maddox as she goes undercover to investigate the murder of a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her.
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The Likeness
Summary of key ideas
The Intriguing World of The Likeness
In The Likeness by Tana French, we are introduced to Cassie Maddox, a detective who has recently moved from the Dublin Murder Squad to working in domestic violence. However, her peaceful life is disrupted when she is called to a murder scene. The victim is a woman who looks exactly like Cassie and is using an alias Cassie once used in an undercover operation. The mystery deepens when it is revealed that the woman had been living as Lexie Madison, a character Cassie invented.
Cassie, with the help of her colleagues, devises a plan to go undercover as Lexie to find out what happened to her. She moves into the house where Lexie lived with four other students, all of whom are suspects in her murder. As Cassie immerses herself in Lexie's life, she becomes increasingly attached to her new identity and the friends she makes. She starts to understand why Lexie chose to live in this secluded house with her friends, away from the rest of the world.
The Complexities of Identity and Relationships
As Cassie becomes more involved in the lives of the four housemates, she begins to understand the complexities of their relationships. Each of them has their secrets and reasons for living as they do. They all have their reasons for being Lexie's friend, and their own reasons for wanting her dead. As Cassie gets closer to the truth, she has to confront the fact that she might be putting herself in danger by living as Lexie.
The lines between Cassie and Lexie start to blur, and she struggles to maintain her own identity. She finds herself questioning who she really is and what she truly wants. Her relationships with her colleagues and her boyfriend are also tested as she becomes more and more enmeshed in her undercover life.
The Unraveling of the Mystery
As the story progresses, Cassie discovers that Lexie had been conducting a dangerous social experiment, trying to form a new kind of family with her housemates. She had been living as a fictional character to escape her past and create a new identity. However, this experiment had devastating consequences, leading to her murder.
The unraveling of the mystery is both thrilling and heart-wrenching. Cassie uncovers the truth about Lexie's past and her relationships with the housemates. The final revelation about the murderer and their motives is shocking and unexpected, leaving Cassie reeling from the impact of the truth.
The Aftermath and Conclusion
As the case concludes, Cassie is left to deal with the aftermath. She has to come to terms with the fact that she had been living as someone else and the consequences of that choice. She also has to face the emotional toll of the case on her own life and relationships.
In conclusion, The Likeness is a compelling psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of identity, relationships, and the consequences of our choices. Tana French masterfully weaves a gripping mystery with an exploration of the human psyche, leaving the reader both satisfied with the resolution of the case and contemplative about the deeper themes addressed in the novel.
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What is The Likeness about?
The Likeness by Tana French is a gripping psychological thriller that follows detective Cassie Maddox as she goes undercover to investigate the murder of a young woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her. Posing as the victim, Cassie delves into the lives of her housemates, uncovering dark secrets and blurring the lines between truth and fiction.
The Likeness Review
The Likeness (2008) by Tana French is a captivating mystery about a detective who assumes the identity of a murder victim to solve a complex case. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its intriguing premise of undercover detective work, the novel offers a fresh and unconventional take on the traditional mystery genre.
- The deep exploration of friendship dynamics and the blurred lines between truth and lies adds layers of complexity, keeping readers guessing until the end.
- Through its rich character development and vivid descriptions, the story immerses readers in a world of secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists, ensuring a riveting and unpredictable reading experience.
Who should read The Likeness?
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and intricate plot twists
Those interested in exploring the blurred boundaries between truth and fiction
Individuals who appreciate atmospheric and immersive storytelling
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The Likeness FAQs
What is the main message of The Likeness?
Discovering the truth behind a mysterious murder within a close-knit group of friends.
How long does it take to read The Likeness?
Reading time for The Likeness varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.
Is The Likeness a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Likeness is captivating with an intriguing plot that keeps you hooked till the end.
Who is the author of The Likeness?
Tana French is the author of The Likeness.
What to read after The Likeness?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Likeness, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
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- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
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- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz