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The Ruin Audiobook By Dervla McTiernan cover art

The Ruin

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The Ruin

By: Dervla McTiernan
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
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“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. Crime Crime Fiction Crime Thrillers Fiction Noir Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Mystery Scary Detective Irish Mystery

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)

Featured Article: The 10 Detective Book Series That Keep Us Guessing


Chances are if you’re a mystery or crime fan, you love detective novels. And if, like me, you hate having a suspenseful story interrupted by life’s chores and routines, then you’re always on the lookout for the best detective book series in audio. Here are 10 detective series that are so good, you’ll have a hard time not marathoning them all. Bonus: there are short marathons, two completed series, and series with more than five books for you. Let's go!

Featured Article The 10 Detective Book Series That Keep Us Guessing
Intricate Storytelling • Compelling Mystery • Excellent Narration • Authentic Irish Setting • Satisfying Plot Twists
Highly rated for:
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This book kept my interest until the end. Good storyline and characters. Worth the time.

Well written mystery

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I just discovered this author and narrator duo and am so excited. I listened to The Sisters first as one of my free monthly picks not realizing that it was an after the fact prequel and dove head first into this. Currently about to purchase the next in the series! Very excited!

Love love love

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I was thrilled when I found “The Ruin” by Dervla McTiernan for just $5. This suspenseful murder mystery is one of my favorites and my second listen. Aoife McMahon's narration brings the story to life, and the author-narrator duo is perfectly paired. This Irish police force thriller has it all: Twists, turns, surprises and an abundance of emotions. The story follows Cormac Reilly as he reinvestigates a years-old cold case and becomes entangled in a web of corruption, desperation and crime. With its gritty small-town noir atmosphere, “The Ruin” is a captivating listen that explores the dark heart of Ireland. The characters are well-developed and the plot is expertly woven. It’s my second listen after a few years and I’m looking forward to it. Very highly recommended.

✍️👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️👏

Thrilling suspenseful murder mystery and one of my favorites!

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Wonderful book. Great story and great narration. I hope this author turns this detective's work into a series.

Awesome

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New writer for me. I am transfixed. Breathless. Please write another story and put on Audible. Galway is a character. I can feel the weather. The story is tense and grippingly crafted. The characters have flesh. More, more, more.

Keeps Me Up at Night

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Very interesting, sad, tears, happiness. It is likely you may have to listen to it again to understand who is who.

The ruin

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Entertaining and fast paced with interesting attention to detail. Like-able and hate-able characters and a solid ending. Good narration as well.

Tightly knitted story...

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I really enjoyed this one. I'm not huge on crime thrillers but I was intrigued and In the story the entire time. I'm looking for more film this author

I listened on a lark and really liked this one

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I was a bit nervous about getting book at first but after the 2nd chapter, couldn’t seem to put this audiobook down. The story was well developed and the plot was well prepared. Well done!!!!

A gripping storyline

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(As posted in GoodReads)
What a treat: a new author, and one who pays attention to detail and writes a complete story and complete characters! It's too bad that this is her only book so far, but I am looking forward to future endeavors! I really liked it!

Super introduction to new artist!

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