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)

Great book

Wow. This one caught and held me. The story is one of neglect and misalliances but ends with satisfaction- of sorts. The writing of this author reminds me of Tana French. I love Tabs French.
Made my commute go cruising along.

Eagerly Awaiting Book 3 .

I was reluctant to purchase this title based upon a few bad reviews. I am so happy I decided to give this title a chance.This is an excellent book with great narration. The book takes off from the start. I was hooked halfway through and found it getting better and better the longer I listened. It only took me 2 days to finish the entire book at which point I have purchased the second book in this series. I see here on Audible that the third book in this series is due to be out in audio format in late February 2020.

Don't pay attention to the negative reviews, this book is very well written with a great plot that builds up to a great ending. The plot thickens and has several surprises that delight the reader ( or listener in the case of audio books).

enjoyed

first I'd like to see the accent really made the story hop, I enjoyed it all the way through the end could feel some of the emotions coming from the characters

Excellent

I don't usually write reviews but I would definitely recommend this story. Tough to put it down.

Beautifully intertwined themes.

This is an excellent mystery book to listen to while scrubbing the bath tub. The beautifully weaved weather and tea drinking imagery, helps me conjure images of my tea drinking parents while doing a chore that also reminds me of home. The murders (which do not remind me of home...to be clear) are masterfully played off each other. The book mixes together some heavy duty themes without making the reader feel overwhelmed or needing to provide too much detail. Focal points consist of religion, the shield of God for evil, alcoholism, abuse, corruption and sacrifice. However, the main underlying theme is that of freedom, the freedom of choice, freedom from your childhood, freedom from authority and the freedom to live.

Very solid story, weak finish

Firstly, the narration was great. I loved listening to Aoife McMahon.

The story was a good Whodunit mystery. I also liked that crimes were not gory.

For me, the story fell apart a bit toward the end. The 'bad guy' reveal was lackluster and rushed. However, I enjoyed it enough and I will get the next book.

An intricately woven mystery

McTieernsn has written quite a tale of mystery, heartbreak, and betrayal. There is no triumph in this book, but it's quiet unraveling of years of mystery is time well spent four any mystery lover.

Awesome book

Great Book, am not a reader, but loved this on Audible!! Would recommend to anyone

Decent beach read

This book was decent for a summer beach mystery novel. Too many characters, and not enough depth. Many side story lines that were easy to lose track of. The main character is likable.

Grand story, amazing performance

Great story, well drawn characters who acted and did things one would expect but not predict. The loose ends did not all tie together, which isn’t a bad thing, but some loose ends tied together a little too conveniently. But the criticism is really not-picking a really good story.

The performance was flawless. Just flawless.