Book review: The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan

If you love mystery, suspense, odd children, large old houses, flashbacks and elderly women of an evil disposition, you will love The Ruin. Told with empathy, sensitivity and with a huge talent for suspense, McTiernan packs a punch with her first novel.

The Cormac Reilly character is well drawn and the author manages to convey the detective’s own sense of wonder at the events unfolding around him. I loved the atmosphere of the book and McTiernan cleverly ties past to present in a sad but satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading her next novel.