The Sisters

By: Dervla McTiernan

Narrated by: Aoife McMahon

Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Two sisters climbing the ranks of Dublin’s criminal justice system. A murder case that could change their lives forever. The Sisters is a gripping new thriller from one of the most exciting voices in crime fiction.

In this prequel to the international best seller The Ruin, set 10 years prior, bright-eyed Carrie Ryan is at the very start of her career. When she has a hunch about an ongoing murder investigation, she knows it could be her only chance to prove herself and truly break into the “boys' club” of Dublin’s police force. 

 Carrie uncovers this make-or-break moment in a case file that her sister Aifric, a newly qualified barrister, leaves on their kitchen counter: Robert Collins has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend after a fight in a local pub. All signs point toward a guilty verdict, but both sisters quickly begin to find evidence that complicates the story. All the while, Carrie is very aware that she’s crossed the line—if the detective sergeant running the investigation finds out she’s been messing around with his case, her career will be over before it has begun. Aoife McMahon lends her authentic accent and her knowledge of the series’ characters, delivering a powerful performance that heightens the drama with every twist and turn. 

Please note: This audio contains strong language, distressing situations, and descriptions of violence that some listeners may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.

©2019 Dervla McTiernan (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Look forward to hearing more from this author

Truth is- I am old and although a former English teacher and librarian, I don’t listen to the fine/uplifting literature others read/listen to. I like suspense and mysteries. This is the FIRST monthly freebie from Audible I have liked. It’s a good story (although, like any short story, it ties things up way too simply. Afric’s story isn’t complete. But the reader was great and I’d listen to more by the author or the reader.

Glaring inaccuracies

I thought this was extremely well-written, and very engaging, but do not understand how a book set in 2004 could be casually referencing Fifty Shades of Grey, or have characters binge watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy whilst texting each other casually. In 2004. How did this get past an editor? And make it all the way to audible?

Missing something

The story pulled me in rather quickly, but in the end, it felt like they tried to wrap it up too soon. It begins getting you invested in Afric’s story, then switches to Carrie and pretty much leaves you hanging on Afric.

Would have been better with one more chapter

Also, I wish the author could have found some more creative interjections than using “god” and “Jesus” over and over. Many find this offensive.

The Sisters

I enjoyed this story it was good and the narration was beautifully done. I Loved it.

Lags then takes off

I wanted to shut this off. The narrator was terrible with male voices. The intro dragged on. Then once the case began it got interesting. It would have been far better with two narrators. The male parts were OTT falsely masculine and the girls a bit too flowery as if every girl was a damsel in distress. With better narration, this would have gotten a better review.

Very good story and I look forward to reading more

I love the choice of an Irish narrator for an Irish writer's story set in Ireland. it lent an air of authenticity when listening. I'm very interested in reading more about these two great characters and hopes the author returns to both of them in the future.

Also, I'm no SJW but did *not* find the male characterizations so over the top as some did. cops everywhere tend to be an old boys club group. But even in that regards there were two, possibly three, male characters (not counting the defendant) who were not antagonizing or patronizing, but legitimate allies to the sisters.

Excellent story.

I was actually delighted and surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I couldn’t stop listening and finished it all in one sitting. Great character development, great storyline, narration was well done. I enjoyed the dialogue throughout. I highly recommend this. Perfect length for a road trip.

A good listen

I am more likely to listen to non-fiction, but I enjoyed The Sisters. It was a good yarn read by a great narrator. As well as the action of the story, I liked the details that paint a picture of life in Dublin ... setting the scene without stalling the story. As a bonus, it was the perfect length for my car trip!

OK narration, abrupt ending

As others have said, the narrator did not portray male voices very well. I also found myself checking to see if I missed any chapters somehow once the story ended since it was so abrupt. I was expecting a better resolution with the 2 sisters working together instead of staying so separate from each other.

Didn't care for how it ended

It was short and missing some action. We started with one character telling her story and her story was never finished. Instead we switch to a 2nd character whom I thought was building and potentially interesting story but gave us an anticlimactic and abrupt finish.

Lean, light, literature

I liked the characters, the interrelationships and as individuals. I enjoyed touches of humour. I especially liked that it wasn't sensational, nor was it hard work. It was a nice listen when I was looking for a little entertainment.

Gripping

Brilliant book , really enjoyable with a great flow and just the right amount of intrigue.

Good book, but rushed ending

I was really enjoying this book, especially as it was a free download, but was very disappointed with the end. It felt as if the book was just getting going, and then the author remembered it was only supposed to be 3 hours long, so ended it abruptly. I also felt the music that was played at the end was just odd.

One word: Brilliant!

This is only a short listen but sums up the writing of Dervla McTiernan excellently. Brilliant, believable characters, I love these sisters. Clever, clever storyline. Great narration too from Aoife McMahon.

I liked this enough to immediately buy Book 1

Simple story that was enhanced by being set in Dublin. A bit straight forward but I liked the relationships within the story and the development of the characters. I think it's worth your time. It won't change your world but it will take you on a journey and offers an acceptable denouement.

Really Enjoyable Whodunnit

I had been looking at Dervla McTiernan books for a while so was thrilled to find this prequal and I have to say I found it a very good listen that would make me try the next in the series. It was a great plot, well read and skilfully crafted - the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that at just over 3 hours it was more of a taster than a full thriller so I look forward to getting to know the sisters better in the next book

Doesn't leave any feelings

Book - to listen and do not remember about it tomorrow. Simple story. Easy listen.

Engrossing!

Listened to it all in one go. Becoming a signature of Dervlas writing. Highly recommend it!

An intriguing start to a series

Not having read or listened to the Ruin books, I was unsure of what to expect when I decided to buy this audiobook. it was excellent, even in its compactness, the story coming alive through the experiences of two different sisters who are united in their quest for justice. I am altogether intrigued about what the series proper holds in store for me. Very good narration, and a great book altogether!

Gripping, completely credible, loved it!!!

From the start, I had to keep listening. Great strong characters, all places and stories so well described and told that I could picture all clearly in my mind. Sisters relationship perfectly written. I can't wait for Dervla's next audible book! Soon please!!