Kindle British & Irish Mystery Book Club discussion

The Ruin, by Dervla McTiernan

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.

DI Cormac Reilly is the detective assigned with the re-investigation of an 'accidental' overdose twenty years ago - of Jack and Maude's drug- and alcohol-addled mother. Cormac is under increasing pressure to charge Maude for murder when his colleague Danny uncovers a piece of evidence that will change everything...

Discussion Leader: Icewineanne
Link to Book on Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4bv89Ep

This was an interesting 1st novel set in Galway. It did have some holes in the plot; why did M’aide wait 20 years to find out how her brother was doing?, working on a sheep station in Australia, how did she amass so much money?

The characters were believable and one could identify with Cormac quite easily. The situation in his new job with lack of support from what appears to be useless leadership, is not as credible

Overall this was a good read and I think I will go on to the next in the series I would give it 4 stars

Though I agree with Beth that some aspects of the plot weren't fully covered, I also enjoyed reading The Ruin. "Ruined" was a theme, as the house and Maude and Jack's mother were ruins, and many lives were ruined by other characters. I looked forward to reading times and was annoyed when I couldn't read as long as I wanted. I will probably read the next book in the series, The Scholar, to see how that theme plays out and how this author's ability grows in the next work. Based on its interest and promise, I give this title a 4 rating also.

I really enjoyed this first book and gave it 4 stars. I think that Maude didn't contact Jack because she wanted him to have a whole new life away from his past. It was also implied that her birth Father had a lot of money and I suspect that somehow it came to her that way. Although we were never told that. Also, she had quite a good job and nothing to spend money on for a lot of years. Cormac is an interesting copper. Sort of World weary but still dedicated to the job. The whole plot moved along quickly and was a complete page turner for me. I'm itching to get onto the next one now, but sad to see there are only 2 more. Very glad to have found a new Irish set of books.

Glad that you both enjoyed this, Pat & Shell. I thought it was an excellent read. Much better (IMO) than the followup book, The Scholar. I haven’t read the third book yet but I did read the prequel shorts & enjoyed both.
Next on my nightstand is Dervla’s new standalone, What Happened to Nina? Hope you both enjoy the rest of the series.

Let us know what What Happened to Nina? is like. I've already put The Scholar on my phone ready to read. Love finding a new series thanks.

I’ll definitely let you know later this month Shell. Hope you enjoy The Scholar!