THE HUNTER, by Tana FrenchFour years ago in these pages, the critic Janet Maslin published a guide to “the essential Tana French.” For some of French’s fans, all the novels are essential. Unpredictability and a refusal to be boring are part of French’s talent, and they make the books (almost) as much fun to debate as they are to read. Instead, a rebellious, preteen outcast named Trey Reddy enlists his help in finding her missing brother. In “The Hunter,” Cal, two years older, is still living in Ardnakelty. Cal and Lena want Trey to stay well clear, but she has different ideas.

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Persons: Tana, Janet Maslin, ”, Cal Hooper, Chicago who’s, Trey Reddy, Cal, ” Cal, Lena, Trey, Smart, Trey —, —, Reddy, Trey’s, Johnny, he’s, Trey can’t, fatalism Organizations: Chicago Locations: Tana French, Ireland, Ardnakelty