It is a tradition as old as the detective story itself that detectives are complicated individuals, with failed love affairs, drink problems and shameful secrets in their past. The hero of Tana French's superior thriller, Detective Inspector Rob Ryan, of the Dublin police, is no exception. Not only is he overfond of the bottle, and incapable of forming lasting relationships with women, but he has been caught up in an unsolved crime himself.

Twenty years before, he and his two friends went into the woods to play, but he was the only one who returned. Now heading an investigation into the murder of Katy Devlin — who was 12, the same age as Rob when he had his brush with destiny — the detective must confront memories that he had thought long buried. Katy's body was found on an archaeological site near the village where Rob grew up; and this is not the only similarity between the cases. As Rob and his partner, Cassie Maddox, begin the time-consuming process of eliminating suspects, a disturbing picture starts to emerge of a community undermined by lies and guilt. From town councillors soliciting bribes to ease the construction of a controversial motorway scheme, to the family of the dead girl, everyone seems to have something to hide.

Sharply written and insidiously creepy, this is a mesmerising read that grabs hold of the reader from the very first page and doesn't let go until well past two in the morning.

In the Woods by Tana French

Hodder & Stoughton, £6.99

Times Recommends

• Superfreakonomics by Steven D Levitt and Stephen J Dubner
• The Times picks the 50 best paperbacks of 2009
• Vincent van Gogh’s letters show the soul of the artist