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The Ruin cover art

The Ruin

Written 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.

What the critics say

"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)

What listeners say about The Ruin

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  • Overall
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An ambitious and successful debut

For a debut novel, there’s a lot to unpack in Dervla Mctiernan’s The Ruin. Several backstories, a large cast of characters, all spread over two time periods, and wonderfully brought together in a satisfying climactic reveal. I will definitely be reading more Mctiernan books. The narration on this audiobook was perfectly done for this story and its vast cast of characters.

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  • Overall
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Compelling story

I really enjoyed this story. Loved the characters and plot. Funny thing: Did anyone else catch that in Chapter 31 MacIntyre said "your brother's death" to Ashlin rather than "your boyfriend's death" ? I had to go back and listen to that section 3x to be sure I hadn't missed who he was talking with.

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  • Overall
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Fantastic and compelling listen

This is the third time I've read this author and I liked this book the most. I love the characters and the exploration of social issues. The storyline had me guessing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Great story!

Thoroughly enjoyable. Kept my interest and although, as another reviewer mentioned, there’s no big twist it is still a great listen.

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  • Overall
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couldn’t stop listening

Loved this book. Characters evolved throughout the story. Lots of interesting twists that kept me guessing. Great narration as well. I’ll be listening to more like this.

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  • Overall
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Enjoyed this book very much

I liked the story line and enjoyed the narration very much. It is a good book.

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A Great Read

Lots of Twists and turns, and Unexpected outcomes. Loved the narration ! Will definitely look for more books by this author 👍

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    4 out of 5 stars

Engrossing debut novel w/ strong language warning

This debut novel was well written. It didn't keep you guessing WHO had done it, but rather WHY. Or I had guessed early who on. Even still, I was compelled to read until the end. And I liked that it was a standalone book. The end finished neatly. You could leave the story there or read on about DS Reilly.
I thought the narrator did a brilliant job with this book and will definitely look for more of her work.
Yes, I do recommend this book.

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I enjoyed this book

Worth a listen, especially from the plus catalogue. I liked the narrator, too. Will go for more from this author

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4 people found this helpful

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Good story!

This was a good listen and I enjoyed the ending. It all came together nicely.

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