The Ruin

By: Dervla McTiernan

Narrated by: Aoife McMahon

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

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)

The Ruin was no Ruin of a Read for Me!

” So far in this lovely story we have alcohol abuse, and apathetic social workers. there’s only one thing missing, isn't there, to round out this Irish trinity ?’ Collins sat back in his chair and said you’ll have to enlighten me.’ ” The Holy Catholic Church, detective, what else?”p134
Another interesting fact I discovered from this story : ”... motive was the least thing in any case to be proven - it was not a legal element of a crime. Intent or mens rea, that is the thing....” p 330 But juries usually will not convict without a motive!
This book is full of true tidbits of knowledge that Dervla McTiernan digs up for you!!
I could not stop reading this Irish Detective story told from the point of view of a young copper on his first assignment who later meets up with the same young people as adults with one dead and the other arrested for murder? But, things are not explained that simple around St. Paddy’s Day in the beautiful setting of Galway! There are many mysteries within mysteries and strange suspicious folks everywhere in The Ruin as the main DI Cormac Reilly sets out to find the truth behind the dead Mother in The Ruin and her abused children, Maude and Jack who who are obvious victims of the darkest part of society. Cormac is a man who follows laws and seeks justice. Yes, this is just the start! There is a preview of the next Cormac Reilly Case to be released in 2019 in the back of the book!
If this Book Fairy
@Oxford, Mississippi, USA
Can wait that long!
I will be sharing this book! So watch out readers!

The performance!

The performance turns a good story into a fantastic listen. This is one of those books that, if you had read it instead of listened to it, you would have had an entirely different experience.

Pretty good

This book will hold your attention but the tidy ending is disappointing. Well written, excellently narrated.

Fabulous!

First week on the job and Garda Cormac Reilly answers a call where two children are in a derelict home with their dead mother. Both children show signs of abuse and neglect.

Twenty years later and now a Detective Sergeant, Reilly is asked to investigate the cold case murder of the children’s mother. But all is not as it seems in the Police station.

This had great characters and the story was top notch. There were many potential solutions that kept me guessing. The location of Galway added a unique aspect. Dervla McTiernan’s writing, especially dialogue, was fabulous. The narration by Aoife McMahon was spot on. I can’t wait for the second book in this series.

Excellent

Loved this book. I liked the complexities, character development, and how the timeline came together smoothly which I find doesn’t happen that often. I saw some reviews didn’t care for the book for all the reasons I enjoyed so I suppose it comes down to personal taste. Excellent narration.

Wonderfully Written

This book was so descriptive!! I felt like I knew what each person looked liked and how their personalities would be in real life.

A great mystery

What strikes me about this mystery that’s a bit different is McTiernan introduces us to her hero as an experienced, middle aged detective beginning an assignment at a new station with virtually no friends. He has an excellent reputation, but it matters little to his chief. He’s not getting good cases and it’s clear he’s not earning the trust of his peers.

The story itself is a remarkable mystery, expertly told. Aoife McMahon does a wonderful job with narration.

wonderful

The ending made me happy, there was just enough closure where some books don't always give us that satisfaction. Can't wait ti start the next book!

Great Story

The characters were well developed and I only asked “Who?” Once. It’s fast moving and intriguing. Very worth the time and credit!

Excellent

Soooo good. Great characters, story was incredible and the narration was superb! I couldn't wait to get to the end to see what happened!