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Sign up todayThe Ruin
The Cormac Reilly Series: Book #1
Narrator
Aoife McMahon
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Length
10 hours 24 minutes
Language
English
Bookseller recommendation
“In a thrilling debut police procedural, Dervla McTiernan's The Ruin introduces readers to honest and likeable Cormac Reilly, a 20 year veteran detective recently relocated to Galway, Ireland trying to figure out where he fits in at his new police station. Tasked with closing cold case files, Reilly's investigation of a case from his rookie days soon intersects with the current case of an apparent suicide that proves to be much more than it appears. With a detailed setting that allows visualization of the unfolding plot, McTiernan has introduced readers to a mystery that has intriguing characters and tense, suspenseful plot twists The Ruin will compel readers to keep turning the pages until they reach the satisfying conclusion that will leave them impatiently waiting for the next installment in this promising series.”
— Betsy Von Kerens • The Bookworm
“Compelling, unexpected twists and a hold-your breath standoff . . . Hand this one to readers of Tana French and to police-procedural fans.” —Booklist
It’s been twenty years since Cormac Reilly discovered the body of Hilaria Blake in her crumbling Georgian home. But he’s never forgotten the two children she left behind.
When Aisling Conroy’s boyfriend Jack is found in the freezing black waters of the river Corrib, the police tell her it was suicide. A surgical resident, she throws herself into study and work, trying to forget—until Jack’s sister Maude shows up. Maude suspects foul play, and she is determined to prove it.
Cormac Reilly is the detective assigned with the reinvestigation of a seemingly accidental overdose twenty years ago—the overdose of Jack and Maude’s drug and alcohol addled mother. Detective Reilly is under increasing pressure to charge Maude for murder when his colleague Danny uncovers a piece of evidence that will change everything.
This unsettling small-town noir draws us deep into the dark heart of Ireland, where corruption, desperation, and crime run rife. A gritty look at trust and betrayal where the written law isn’t the only one, The Ruin asks who will protect you when the authorities can’t—or won’t.
International no.1 bestseller Dervla McTiernan’s first two novels, The Rúin and The Scholar, were critically acclaimed around the world. Dervla has won multiple prizes, including a Ned Kelly Award, Davitt Awards, a Barry Award, and an International Thriller Writers Award, and has been shortlisted for numerous others. Dervla’s third book, The Good Turn, went straight to no.1 in the bestseller charts, confirming her place as one of Australia’s best and most popular crime writers.
Aoife McMahon, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an Irish actress with extensive experience in theater and television. She won the 2002 Best Actress Gemini Award for Random Passage opposite Colm Meaney. She has also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Old Vic and has toured the United Kingdom with Goodnight Mister Tom.
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Reviews
“A gripping mystery…that touches on corruption, clandestine cover-ups, and criminal conspiracy.”
“An intricate story of impossible decisions, family bonds, and police politics. Avid mystery readers will be enthralled with this intricate, mysterious, and edgy debut.”
“McTiernan’s powerful first novel has the authentic feel of its Irish setting…[A] tightly woven plot…[with a] suspenseful conclusion.”
“Brings together procedural and psychological thriller for a fascinating portrait of small-town Ireland and its big city problems.”
“A compelling story line deepened by McMahon’s Irish-accented voice, perfect pacing, and riveting attention to details…McTiernan’s well-written story and McMahon’s top-notch narration make this a compelling listen. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
“The story that unfolds shows the worst of Irish society and its police force and includes compelling, unexpected twists and a hold-your-breath standoff.”
“Fans of Tana French will love McTiernan’s expertly plotted, complex web of secrets that refuse to stay hidden.”
“An excellent story, very well written…This one was a winner for me!”
“A terrific debut and a rare gem: a compelling crime thriller that delivers depth as well as twists, with every page clearly written from the heart.”
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