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The Ruin  By  cover art

The Ruin

By: Dervla McTiernan
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
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Publisher's summary

“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.

©2018 Dervla McTiernan (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Aoife McMahon delivers Cormac's low-key, hard-working style of detective work in an easy-listening manner in this multilayered police procedural.... This debut novel has a compelling storyline deepened by McMahon's Irish-accented voice, perfect pacing, and riveting attention to details. Building tension seems to come naturally to McMahon; his precise pauses add to the emotional impact. McTiernan's well-written story and McMahon's top-notch narration make this a compelling listen." (AudioFile)

Editorial Review

For fans of Tana French

It may have been risky to choose a gritty & disturbing thriller set in one of my favorite places in the world as my pick this month, but I could not resist the Galway setting of The Ruin, even if it might reveal a disturbing side of life in this otherwise idyllic Irish city. Not unexpectedly, the setting does add a distinct air of Irish melancholy that permeates the story, but dare I say it's in a "good" way? In the end, the unnerving themes explored in this cleverly composed police procedural speak more to the universal demons that haunt so many people—just in an Irish accent. Debut author Deverla McTiernan makes full use of her Irish upbringing, legal training, and calculating mind to create the perfect tale for those who like their mysteries on the darker side. Brace yourself, but don't let it keep you from visiting Galway! —Tricia F., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Ruin

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Well written mystery

This book kept my interest until the end. Good storyline and characters. Worth the time.

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3 people found this helpful

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Thrilling suspenseful murder mystery and one of my favorites!

“The Ruin” was my first Irish audiobook. Author and narrator are a superb duo and work extremely well together. Plots and sub-plots, including both 20 years past cold cases and current, create twists and turns and surprises throughout. So many emotions, oh, so many emotions and and an ending I never saw coming. Very highly recommended!

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Love love love

I just discovered this author and narrator duo and am so excited. I listened to The Sisters first as one of my free monthly picks not realizing that it was an after the fact prequel and dove head first into this. Currently about to purchase the next in the series! Very excited!

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Awesome

Wonderful book. Great story and great narration. I hope this author turns this detective's work into a series.

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2 people found this helpful

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Keeps Me Up at Night

New writer for me. I am transfixed. Breathless. Please write another story and put on Audible. Galway is a character. I can feel the weather. The story is tense and grippingly crafted. The characters have flesh. More, more, more.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

The ruin

Very interesting, sad, tears, happiness. It is likely you may have to listen to it again to understand who is who.

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Tightly knitted story...

Entertaining and fast paced with interesting attention to detail. Like-able and hate-able characters and a solid ending. Good narration as well.

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I listened on a lark and really liked this one

I really enjoyed this one. I'm not huge on crime thrillers but I was intrigued and In the story the entire time. I'm looking for more film this author

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A gripping storyline

I was a bit nervous about getting book at first but after the 2nd chapter, couldn’t seem to put this audiobook down. The story was well developed and the plot was well prepared. Well done!!!!

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Super introduction to new artist!

(As posted in GoodReads)
What a treat: a new author, and one who pays attention to detail and writes a complete story and complete characters! It's too bad that this is her only book so far, but I am looking forward to future endeavors! I really liked it!

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