The Drowned by John Banville offers a glimpse into 1950s Ireland through the lens of a crime that almost feels secondary to the bleak and introspective lives of its characters. While the writing is undeniably atmospheric, the Strafford and Quirke novels lean heavily on mood and personal struggles, making the mystery feel like a backdrop rather than the main event. For me, the focus on the grim realities of the era was a bit too much, overshadowing the intrigue I look for in crime fiction. Not entirely my cup of tea, but fans of slow, character-driven narratives might find it compelling.