readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve already read all of Tana French’s mystery novels, so when I went looking for a mystery/thriller to read before a trip to Ireland, I wanted to try a new-to-me author. I am so glad I branched out and gave Dervla McTiernan a chance! The Ruin, for my money, is every bit as good as the Dublin Murder Squad series. At the beginning of the book, Cormac Reilly is a wet behind the ears cop who responds to a call where a woman has overdosed, leaving her two children alone in a crumbling mansion in the middle of nowhere. Years later, one of the children from that incident turns up dead himself. Reilly is now in Galway, relegated to cold cases and feeling some ennui about his career. The two cases may be connected, and Reilly seems to be the only one willing to take a closer look. I found this book extra compelling because it deals with people in power doing corrupt shit, and it all felt very #relevant. I’ve already added the sequel to my list.
leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
This was kind of a slow start for me, I couldn’t really get into it. I found the dynamics at the police station to be really annoying and seemed over the top for the dramatic factor. The story picks up about the half way point and the last quarter of it is quite good for a thriller. I’m not sure I’ll continue on with the series but I’m glad it ended better than it began.
I really enjoyed the narration on this.
I really enjoyed the narration on this.
stephasaurous's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ozziemarie's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t remember much of this and I barely read it yesterday
bookshop_b's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t usually love crime novels but this was awesome!
and_cats's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
raytheron's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent read! I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characterisation is good, and the storyline keeps one entranced. I love the subtle hints at the denouement. Highly recommended.
elle_loves_reading's review against another edition
5.0
A good little suspense. Will definitely read more in the series
agjuskalian's review against another edition
1.0
Soooo slow and mediocre. Tried to push to finish it and I can’t. Have been dreading to pick it back up so moving on