‘A truly fine police procedural’ – IRISH INDEPENDENT
‘Utterly compelling’ – JANE CASEY
‘A superbly paced, engaging read’ – WOMAN’S WAY
BRILLIANCE CAN BE DEADLY . . .
When Detective Cormac Reilly’s girlfriend Emma stumbles across the victim of a hit and run early one morning, he is first on the scene of a murder that would never have been assigned to him.
The investigation promises to be high profile and high pressure: the dead girl is carrying an ID, that of Carline Darcy, heir apparent to Ireland’s most successful pharmaceutical company. Darcy Therapeutics has a finger in every pie, including the laboratory where Emma works.
As Cormac investigates, evidence mounts that the death is linked to the lab and, increasingly, to Emma herself. Cormac is sure she couldn’t be involved, but how well does he really know her? After all, this isn’t the first time Emma’s been accused of murder . . .
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Praise for Dervla McTiernan’s debut novel, THE RUIN:
‘Dervla McTiernan is a future star of the genre’ CHRIS BROOKMYRE
‘Cormac Reilly is a brilliant new character’ SAM BLAKE
‘Brilliantly crafted . . . incredibly real-feeling characters. An absolute treat!’ SUNDAY MIRROR
‘An exciting new voice in Irish noir’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘Corruption, clandestine cover-ups and criminal conspiracy … as moving as it is fast-paced’ VAL McDERMID
‘Loved THE RUIN by Dervla McTiernan. A compelling story with beautifully drawn characters I really cared about’ LAURA MARSHALL
‘Absolutely brilliant. Wonderful characters, authentic setting, and a sublime, twisty plot’ IRISH EXAMINER
‘Heartbreaking and heart-stopping’ CAZ FREAR
‘THE RUIN is as convincing as it is multi-layered, as compelling as it is complex . . . Dervla is a future star of the genre’ CHRIS BROOKMYRE
‘Fans of Tana French will love McTiernan’s expertly plotted, complex web of secrets that refuse to stay hidden’ KAREN DIONNE
There are not many books that will keep me reading from start to finish but Dervla McTiernan’s THE RUIN did just that . . . An excellent story, very well written . . . this one was a winner for me! ALEX GRAY
‘Loved every page . . . Cormac Reilly is a brilliant new character, so real you can hear his footsteps on the stairs. Utterly gripping, brilliantly executed story’ SAM BLAKE
‘Intelligent, compassionate and believable’ SINEAD CROWLEY
Delve into the gripping world of Detective Cormac Reilly with "The Scholar" by acclaimed Irish author Dervla McTiernan. This page-turning police procedural, a standout in "The Cormac Reilly Series," promises suspense, intrigue, and a chilling exploration of secrets buried deep within Ireland's elite. Following the resounding success of McTiernan's debut novel, "The Ruin," hailed by critics as "an exciting new voice in Irish noir" and compared to the masterful storytelling of Tana French, "The Scholar" plunges readers into another meticulously crafted mystery. Prepare to be captivated by McTiernan's compelling narrative style, which seamlessly blends intricate plotting with richly drawn characters and an authentic sense of place. In "The Scholar," Reilly's life takes an unexpected turn when his girlfriend, Emma, discovers the body of a young woman Carline Darcy, the heiress to Darcy Therapeutics, a powerful pharmaceutical giant. What appears to be a tragic hit-and-run quickly unravels into a complex murder investigation, pulling Reilly into a web of corporate intrigue, hidden agendas, and potentially deadly secrets. As Reilly delves deeper, the investigation leads him to Emma's workplace the very laboratory intertwined with Darcy Therapeutics. Evidence begins to surface, casting suspicion not only on the lab itself but also, disturbingly, on Emma. Reilly, torn between his unwavering belief in her innocence and the mounting evidence against her, is forced to confront the unsettling question: how well does he truly know the woman he loves? This isn't the first time Emma has been accused of murder, and as the pressure intensifies, Reilly must race against time to uncover the truth and protect her from a potentially devastating fate. McTiernan masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric read that will keep you guessing until the very end. The authors keen eye for detail brings the Irish landscape and its complex social dynamics to life, while her unflinching portrayal of corruption and power imbalances adds a layer of authenticity to the story. "The Scholar" is not merely a crime novel; it is a nuanced exploration of trust, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. Perfect for fans of intelligent, character-driven crime fiction, "The Scholar" is a must-read for those who appreciate intricate plots, compelling characters, and a chillingly realistic portrayal of the dark side of human nature. Experience the thrill of the investigation and the emotional turmoil of Detective Cormac Reilly as he navigates a dangerous world where brilliance can indeed be deadly. Get ready to lose yourself in Dervla McTiernan's masterful storytelling and discover why she is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary crime fiction.