The Unquiet Grave

DI Cormac Reilly, Book 4

By: Dervla McTiernan

Narrated by: Aoife McMahon

For years the boglands of Northern Europe have given up bodies of the long-deceased. Bodies that are thousands of years old, uncannily preserved. Bodies with strange injuries that suggest ritual torture and human sacrifice.

When a corpse is found in a bog in Galway, Cormac Reilly assumes the find is historical. But closer examination reveals a more recent story. The dead man is Thaddeus Grey, a local secondary school principal who disappeared two years prior.

There's nothing in Grey's past that would explain why he was murdered, or why his body was mutilated in a ritual manner. At first, progress on the case is frustratingly slow and Cormac struggles to keep his mind on the job. His ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, is in trouble, and she's reached out to him for help – Emma's new husband has gone missing in Paris, and the French police are refusing to open an investigation into his disappearance.

Cormac is sure that he has found Grey's killer, and is within hours of an arrest, when another mutilated body is discovered on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body is found. Press attention is intense. Is there a serial killer at work in Ireland? Has Cormac been on the wrong trail? And if so, can he find the murderer before they strike again?

©2025 Dervla McTiernan (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing

Outstanding

Page turner. Well developed characters and interesting plot line. Thoroughly enjoyable listen. Highly recommend! Yup.

Good procedural

I like the Cormac books - reliable whodunnits. Nothing mind blowing but entertaining nonetheless. The narrator was good as well. Solid listen.

Cormac is the man!!

I’ve listened to most of DM’s books and all of the Cormac Reilly series. They are great! I this one, Cormac was vintage Cormac and the story was super captivating. It took me no time to finish this because I didn’t want to stop. I just can’t wait for the next installment!

Love her books

This was many stories in one and was excellent. Help my interest all the way through until the conclusion of each case. Cormac Reilly is a favorite of mine and this was another great story.

Multithreaded plot keeps interest high

McTiernan is always the masterful story teller and the plot twists and turns never disappoint. One of my favorite authors with characters of complexity. Yes there are ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ but they are not immediately sorted out and - like real life - sometimes the good ones make bad choices. My only disappointment was when I finished the book and realized how much I would miss it.

Another great read

I enjoy this classic murder mystery series because it combines an intricate plot that makes sense. The characters are human, make mistakes and have emotions but are not over dramatic or unrealistic.
The 'mystery' is downright good. This plot twist is completely unexpected but reasonable. Maybe it's fed by the wonderful narration bringing everyone to life...regardless, you'll be quite pleased with this book. I highly recommend it.

Excellent follow up

The best results for concluding Cormac and Peter’s partnership. All of it rings true. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the Complaints Department in Galway.

Excellent!

Love this series! Both author and narrator always deliver! (Please… .. don’t let this be the end of the series!)

Love this series!

Love this series and can't wait the next book! Really love this narrator - so good!

Still the best!

This series remains a favorite and this book did not disappoint! The level of detail is amazing, and we get the perfect blend of suspense and heart. Already looking forward to the next one!