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.
DI Cormac Reilly is the detective assigned with the re-investigation of an ‘accidental’ overdose twenty years ago – of Jack and Maude’s drug- and alcohol-addled mother. Cormac is under increasing pressure to charge Maude for murder when his colleague Danny uncovers a piece of evidence that will change everything…
Oh my word, The Ruin was completely wonderful in a heart wrenching, often traumatic but always utterly compelling way. Gorgeous gorgeous writing, an incredibly atmospheric sense of place and some amazingly authentic characters make this an absolute must read.
I fell for Cormac within a chapter then stayed with him all the way as past and present collide in a truly fascinating and addictive story that kept me up late, bleary eyed, desperate to get to the resolution. The Ruin is the very definition of a page turner, a read in one sitting literary masterpiece, without doubt one of the best books I have read this year.
Beautifully plotted, a multi layered and thought provoking narrative, a supporting cast that will sink into your consciousness, all this to be found here and I loved every minute of it.
Dervla McTiernan is a true talent, I’m so so happy that Cormac will return and I’m going to be first in line when “The Scholar” is ready – everyone had better move out of my way. Erm please.
These are the books I read and wait for.
Highly Recommended.
You can purchase The Ruin (Sphere) here.
Happy Reading!
