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The Truth About Ruby Cooper
Not yet published
Expected 12 Mar 26If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.
Ruby Cooper and her sister, Erin, live an idyllic life in their close-knit church community in Boston. But when Ruby is sixteen, she is involved in an incident that causes her family’s world to implode.
Across decades, the fallout leaves a wake of destruction behind Ruby in Dublin and Erin in Boston.
Not that Ruby wants to think about the past.
But it can’t stay a secret forever.
Ruby Cooper and her sister, Erin, live an idyllic life in their close-knit church community in Boston. But when Ruby is sixteen, she is involved in an incident that causes her family’s world to implode.
Across decades, the fallout leaves a wake of destruction behind Ruby in Dublin and Erin in Boston.
Not that Ruby wants to think about the past.
But it can’t stay a secret forever.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 12, 2026
2644 people want to read
About the author
Liz Nugent
14 books4,763 followersLiz Nugent worked as a stage manager in theatres in Ireland and toured internationally before writing extensively for radio and television drama.
Unravelling Oliver was published in 2014, hit the number 1 spot for several weeks and won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.
Lying in Wait, published in 2016, went straight to number 1 and was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. It won the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award at the Irish Book Awards.
In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in Literature.
Skin Deep was published in 2018. It also went straight to number 1 in the bestsellers charts and scooped two awards at the An Post Irish Book Awards in Nov '18: Crime Novel of the Year AND the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listener's Choice Award.
Little Cruelties (Our Little Cruelties) was published in 2020. Another number 1 bestseller, it topped the charts for fifteen weeks, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, long listed for a CWA award at Theakston Crime Festival at Harrogate. It was listed as one of the most recommended thrillers of the Year by the New York Times.
Liz was presented with the James Joyce Medal for Literature (via Zoom!) in February 21 and was a Guest of Honour at Iceland Noir in November 21.
Strange Sally. Diamond was published in 2023 and was number 1 in the Irish charts for 9 weeks and stayed I the top ten for 26 weeks. It won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and made the shortlist of six for Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2024. It was the second best selling book in Ireland after the Booker Prize winning Prophet Son by Paul Lynch and the most borrowed book for adults from Irish libraries.
Her new novel The Truth About Ruby Cooper will be published in March 2026 in UK and iRL by Penguin Sandycove and in the US by Gallery /Simon and Schuster at a later date TBC.
Unravelling Oliver was published in 2014, hit the number 1 spot for several weeks and won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.
Lying in Wait, published in 2016, went straight to number 1 and was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. It won the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award at the Irish Book Awards.
In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in Literature.
Skin Deep was published in 2018. It also went straight to number 1 in the bestsellers charts and scooped two awards at the An Post Irish Book Awards in Nov '18: Crime Novel of the Year AND the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listener's Choice Award.
Little Cruelties (Our Little Cruelties) was published in 2020. Another number 1 bestseller, it topped the charts for fifteen weeks, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, long listed for a CWA award at Theakston Crime Festival at Harrogate. It was listed as one of the most recommended thrillers of the Year by the New York Times.
Liz was presented with the James Joyce Medal for Literature (via Zoom!) in February 21 and was a Guest of Honour at Iceland Noir in November 21.
Strange Sally. Diamond was published in 2023 and was number 1 in the Irish charts for 9 weeks and stayed I the top ten for 26 weeks. It won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and made the shortlist of six for Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2024. It was the second best selling book in Ireland after the Booker Prize winning Prophet Son by Paul Lynch and the most borrowed book for adults from Irish libraries.
Her new novel The Truth About Ruby Cooper will be published in March 2026 in UK and iRL by Penguin Sandycove and in the US by Gallery /Simon and Schuster at a later date TBC.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 12, 2025
Wow! You just couldn't make this stuff up............Well actually, Liz Nugent did and what a page turner this novel turns out to be.
A psychological thriller that is dark, disturbing, wicked and unputdownable. Just what we have come to expect from Liz Nugent. She is not afraid to take on difficult subjects and characters and trust me Ruby Cooper is a character that is difficult to forget. This story had me exclaiming out loud on more than one occasion and the less said here the better.
The story moves between Boston and Dublin. Ruby Cooper and her sister Erin grow up in a very close religious family. When Ruby is sixteen, the unthinkable happens and her and her family must deal with the consequences. The novel spans decades and is a twisty rollercoaster of a ride that certainly doesn't disappoint the reader.
I didn't want this novel to end and was pacing my reading time, there is lots to discuss in this book and I think book groups are going to enjoy the discussion on this one.
This book is due for release in Spring 2026, and I don't want to give anything away as I know many readers are looking forward to this novel hitting the shelves.
My thanks to Liz and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper and I have no doubt I'll be re-reading it for book club come spring 2026.
A psychological thriller that is dark, disturbing, wicked and unputdownable. Just what we have come to expect from Liz Nugent. She is not afraid to take on difficult subjects and characters and trust me Ruby Cooper is a character that is difficult to forget. This story had me exclaiming out loud on more than one occasion and the less said here the better.
The story moves between Boston and Dublin. Ruby Cooper and her sister Erin grow up in a very close religious family. When Ruby is sixteen, the unthinkable happens and her and her family must deal with the consequences. The novel spans decades and is a twisty rollercoaster of a ride that certainly doesn't disappoint the reader.
I didn't want this novel to end and was pacing my reading time, there is lots to discuss in this book and I think book groups are going to enjoy the discussion on this one.
This book is due for release in Spring 2026, and I don't want to give anything away as I know many readers are looking forward to this novel hitting the shelves.
My thanks to Liz and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper and I have no doubt I'll be re-reading it for book club come spring 2026.
December 6, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Sisters Erin and Ruby Cooper live a comfortable life in Boston where their father is both a successful pastor and financier. The sisters tell their versions of the story of Southie Milo Kelly from South Boston. At age 16 on the 15th September 1999 there’s an incident which changes everything. After this their Irish mother Maureen, takes Ruby to Dublin to her mother whilst Erin stays in Boston with her father. Two broken girls, a family rent asunder, lives destroyed. The novel follows the family over 25 years examining the ramifications and the trail of destruction.
I wondered how Liz Nugent would follow up on the hugely successful Strange Sally Diamond and it’s safe to say she’s got another best seller on her hands. This is quite a departure from her other novels as she’s trying something new which she explains in the introduction. What she’s achieved in this format has all the ingredients of a compelling psychological thriller. At times the plot and storytelling is very raw, emotional and utterly gripping with multiple shocks along the way. Some aspects of the plot almost have me questioning what I’ve just read as I can’t quite believe my eyes!
The characters are all very well drawn and my sympathies flip-flop all over the place as does my condemnation. The author has created quite something in Ruby Cooper and I don’t want to say too much about her personality traits for fear of spoiling things for future readers and so I’ll settle for saying that she’s fascinating.
I think the first half has more sock in the jaw moments and sharp inhales of breath as the second half examines the long-term impact on the central characters of Ruby and Erin and those around them. However, that’s not to say it’s not engrossing reading and there are still plenty of chills, taut tension and episodes of shocking behaviour. It builds to what can only be described as an inevitable end with Ruby having the final word. Or is it?
Overall, it’s beautifully written and a dark dramatic look at what human emotions can lead to and how they dictate future behaviours.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Sisters Erin and Ruby Cooper live a comfortable life in Boston where their father is both a successful pastor and financier. The sisters tell their versions of the story of Southie Milo Kelly from South Boston. At age 16 on the 15th September 1999 there’s an incident which changes everything. After this their Irish mother Maureen, takes Ruby to Dublin to her mother whilst Erin stays in Boston with her father. Two broken girls, a family rent asunder, lives destroyed. The novel follows the family over 25 years examining the ramifications and the trail of destruction.
I wondered how Liz Nugent would follow up on the hugely successful Strange Sally Diamond and it’s safe to say she’s got another best seller on her hands. This is quite a departure from her other novels as she’s trying something new which she explains in the introduction. What she’s achieved in this format has all the ingredients of a compelling psychological thriller. At times the plot and storytelling is very raw, emotional and utterly gripping with multiple shocks along the way. Some aspects of the plot almost have me questioning what I’ve just read as I can’t quite believe my eyes!
The characters are all very well drawn and my sympathies flip-flop all over the place as does my condemnation. The author has created quite something in Ruby Cooper and I don’t want to say too much about her personality traits for fear of spoiling things for future readers and so I’ll settle for saying that she’s fascinating.
I think the first half has more sock in the jaw moments and sharp inhales of breath as the second half examines the long-term impact on the central characters of Ruby and Erin and those around them. However, that’s not to say it’s not engrossing reading and there are still plenty of chills, taut tension and episodes of shocking behaviour. It builds to what can only be described as an inevitable end with Ruby having the final word. Or is it?
Overall, it’s beautifully written and a dark dramatic look at what human emotions can lead to and how they dictate future behaviours.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
" I love her, but she doesn't make it easy.".. the words of Ruby's father to her mother.
To enter the world of Ruby Cooper and the subsequent and consequential actions of one moment at the age of sixteen is a hard-hitting emotional and deeply unsettling read.
Many readers will have got to know the work of Liz Nugent through the phenomenal Strange Sally Diamond; this new story again takes readers through a multitude of emotions and moral questions.
Ruby and her sister Erin live in what would appear to be an idyllic childhood and life but living in the shadow of expectations and demands can lead to unexpected actions- and so during her mid teens one incident and decision impact upon Ruby, her family and those closely connected. The outcomes ripple out for decades ahead. To say much more about the plot would certainly spoil the read
This is a story of deep psychological trauma and the impact of a terrible event. This is not a comfortable read and may will divide readers - it will raise questions about parenting, sibling rivalry and choices.
To say anymore in a review would further persuade or even dissuade people to read this challenging novel. One point that has to be made is that this novel explores the impact of addiction and for many who have experienced the repercussions of this then this could be /will be a tough read.
Gripping, horrifying and shocking- and a book that was hard to put down even in its darkest moments.
4.5 out of 5 due to certain unsettling content.
To enter the world of Ruby Cooper and the subsequent and consequential actions of one moment at the age of sixteen is a hard-hitting emotional and deeply unsettling read.
Many readers will have got to know the work of Liz Nugent through the phenomenal Strange Sally Diamond; this new story again takes readers through a multitude of emotions and moral questions.
Ruby and her sister Erin live in what would appear to be an idyllic childhood and life but living in the shadow of expectations and demands can lead to unexpected actions- and so during her mid teens one incident and decision impact upon Ruby, her family and those closely connected. The outcomes ripple out for decades ahead. To say much more about the plot would certainly spoil the read
This is a story of deep psychological trauma and the impact of a terrible event. This is not a comfortable read and may will divide readers - it will raise questions about parenting, sibling rivalry and choices.
To say anymore in a review would further persuade or even dissuade people to read this challenging novel. One point that has to be made is that this novel explores the impact of addiction and for many who have experienced the repercussions of this then this could be /will be a tough read.
Gripping, horrifying and shocking- and a book that was hard to put down even in its darkest moments.
4.5 out of 5 due to certain unsettling content.
Want to read
July 25, 2025Eeeek! I love this authors work!
I cant wait for this to be released!
😁😁😁😁😁
I cant wait for this to be released!
😁😁😁😁😁
January 3, 2026
The Queen of the Opening Line has done it again!
This is a perfect example of how to nail the psychological thriller, keep the reader utterly gripped and throw in several WTF and OMG moments that literally left me open mouthed with shock.
As a huge fan of Liz Nugent and having read all her books, I was delighted to get an early ARC copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper. I was so excited I didn’t even read the blurb, so went in completely oblivious to what this story was about and if you need further proof of how much I loved it, I didn’t put it down and devoured it in a day, only stopping halfway to message Liz to say WOW.
I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but I will say it’s about a family, a shocking and awful incident and the cataclysmic and devastating effects it has on everyone from that moment on.
It’s raw and beautiful, brutal and heartbreaking laying bare some of the truths about addiction, recovery and the effect our actions have on those we love.
5 big fat stars
This is a perfect example of how to nail the psychological thriller, keep the reader utterly gripped and throw in several WTF and OMG moments that literally left me open mouthed with shock.
As a huge fan of Liz Nugent and having read all her books, I was delighted to get an early ARC copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper. I was so excited I didn’t even read the blurb, so went in completely oblivious to what this story was about and if you need further proof of how much I loved it, I didn’t put it down and devoured it in a day, only stopping halfway to message Liz to say WOW.
I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but I will say it’s about a family, a shocking and awful incident and the cataclysmic and devastating effects it has on everyone from that moment on.
It’s raw and beautiful, brutal and heartbreaking laying bare some of the truths about addiction, recovery and the effect our actions have on those we love.
5 big fat stars
December 3, 2025
Another fantastic and riveting story from Liz Nugent.
The story of 16 year old Ruby and her older sister Erin who live with their religious parents in Boston. When an incident occurs between Ruby and Erin’s boyfriend it sets in motion a series of events that rips their family apart and Ruby and her mother move to Dublin leaving Erin and their father behind.
Dark distrurbing, possibly a little controversial but Nugent attacks this head on and again somehow ropes you in to caring for some pretty unsavoury and flawed characters. You will find yourself equally repulsed and empathetic throughout as you spend half a life time with these characters.
Another tour de force from Nugent. Storytelling of the highest calibre. Original, dark, sad and at times funny, I just loved this one.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
The story of 16 year old Ruby and her older sister Erin who live with their religious parents in Boston. When an incident occurs between Ruby and Erin’s boyfriend it sets in motion a series of events that rips their family apart and Ruby and her mother move to Dublin leaving Erin and their father behind.
Dark distrurbing, possibly a little controversial but Nugent attacks this head on and again somehow ropes you in to caring for some pretty unsavoury and flawed characters. You will find yourself equally repulsed and empathetic throughout as you spend half a life time with these characters.
Another tour de force from Nugent. Storytelling of the highest calibre. Original, dark, sad and at times funny, I just loved this one.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a tough read..... This will have you questioning yourself as a mother, sibling, spouse....and ask yourself if there's ever a right time to correct a wrong.
This book to me was like a character study ....in the aftermath of 'the incident', when Ruby Cooper was 16yrs old....and spans decades after that day and the ripple effects that took place in so many lives.
This was a difficult read....an unsettling read, but one I could not put down and finished in one sitting.
I'll put a more coherent review together once I gather my thoughts 😄
This book to me was like a character study ....in the aftermath of 'the incident', when Ruby Cooper was 16yrs old....and spans decades after that day and the ripple effects that took place in so many lives.
This was a difficult read....an unsettling read, but one I could not put down and finished in one sitting.
I'll put a more coherent review together once I gather my thoughts 😄
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Have I ever disliked a character so much yet found the book so brilliant that I was unable to keep turning the pages? I really don't think so!
This is another cracker from Liz Nugent. It’s uneasy, it’s tense and it is utterly gripping. From the brilliant opening line to the last page I was captivated and read it in just a couple of sittings.
The story focuses on Ruby and her sister Erin . Unfolding from a rape, crossing decades and moving from America to Ireland, it follows the consequences and impact of the sexual assault on each of the womens lives. As well as the rape , the book also deals with further difficult topics such as alcoholism but all are skillfully handled.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot as I definitely think it is one of those books you’ll enjoy more if you go into blind.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a book that will make you think, with excellent, well developed characters particularly Ruby with all her flaws and conniving ways
All the stars!
This is another cracker from Liz Nugent. It’s uneasy, it’s tense and it is utterly gripping. From the brilliant opening line to the last page I was captivated and read it in just a couple of sittings.
The story focuses on Ruby and her sister Erin . Unfolding from a rape, crossing decades and moving from America to Ireland, it follows the consequences and impact of the sexual assault on each of the womens lives. As well as the rape , the book also deals with further difficult topics such as alcoholism but all are skillfully handled.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot as I definitely think it is one of those books you’ll enjoy more if you go into blind.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a book that will make you think, with excellent, well developed characters particularly Ruby with all her flaws and conniving ways
All the stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Liz has done it again! Another horrid character that you love to hate!
November 26, 2025
I can honestly say when I got an email with a widget for Liz Nugent’s new book I literally screamed with delight . I couldn’t wait to dive straight into The truth about Ruby Cooper. I didn’t even read the blurb and went in completely clueless as to what the book was actually about . Well yet again Liz Nugent has literally blown me away with another unforgettable book . This story is about two sisters, Ruby and Erin and is based between Boston and Dublin . It’s a tense, emotional and at times heartbreaking read. Again Liz Nugent has knocked it out of the park with another book that rendered me speechless at times . I won’t say any more in case of spoilers but I guarantee this is one book you won’t want to miss when it’s published in March . My only gripe is that I will have to wait another 2 years for the next one .
August 31, 2025
I’ve read everything this author has written so I was excited to read a 30 page sampler and I enjoyed it. It’s got quite a heavy storyline but it is a page turner and written in the authors typical style. I’m excited and intrigued to read more.
December 18, 2025
4.5 rounded up 😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book in one sitting, I literally couldn't put it down, the book shows that one lie can affect more than one person and can tear families and people apart, absolutely fantastic read.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
November 28, 2025
4.5-4.75⭐️
I love this author. You can rely on her for extremely strong character driven stories who are morally grey and complicated. I was so excited to get to read this book
Ruby and Erin are privileged sisters living the perfect life until an incident happened when Ruby was 16, we get to see how the family implodes for decades following it.
It took me a while to settle into it, when suddenly an OMG moment totally grabbed my attention then kept me fixated. I couldn’t read it fast enough.
We get the story told mostly from Ruby and Erin’s perspective.
This book had me yelling out loud! The characterisation is great, it really shows the impact of a persons crime not only on the survivor of that crime but their family and friends too. A book friend pointed out those similarities to a book called What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan, so if you loved Ruby try that book too.
I loved it, one I’d highly recommend as I would most of Liz Nugent’s books. The only one I couldn’t gel with is Unraveling Oliver.
I had this book for free
I love this author. You can rely on her for extremely strong character driven stories who are morally grey and complicated. I was so excited to get to read this book
Ruby and Erin are privileged sisters living the perfect life until an incident happened when Ruby was 16, we get to see how the family implodes for decades following it.
It took me a while to settle into it, when suddenly an OMG moment totally grabbed my attention then kept me fixated. I couldn’t read it fast enough.
We get the story told mostly from Ruby and Erin’s perspective.
This book had me yelling out loud! The characterisation is great, it really shows the impact of a persons crime not only on the survivor of that crime but their family and friends too. A book friend pointed out those similarities to a book called What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan, so if you loved Ruby try that book too.
I loved it, one I’d highly recommend as I would most of Liz Nugent’s books. The only one I couldn’t gel with is Unraveling Oliver.
I had this book for free
December 13, 2025
Wow thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book and to Liz Nugent. A story of family rivalries between two sisters, one of which makes a shocking accusation that affects the rest of the family for years to come. Story was so fast paced with twists and turns and one sister in particular an absolute mess. Kept me entertained throughout and if you are looking for a good thriller you cannot get any better than this.
December 13, 2025
Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book was phenomenal I absolutely loved it . It follows a family in Boston who after an “incident” leaves the family torn apart and the mum and youngest daughter fleeing to Ireland.
The ups and downs that all members of the family go through during the following years are heartbreaking and I found my disgust for Ruby Cooper growing throughout the book. Loved it
This book was phenomenal I absolutely loved it . It follows a family in Boston who after an “incident” leaves the family torn apart and the mum and youngest daughter fleeing to Ireland.
The ups and downs that all members of the family go through during the following years are heartbreaking and I found my disgust for Ruby Cooper growing throughout the book. Loved it
December 19, 2025
“If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.”
That opening line does a lot of heavy lifting — cool, unsettling, and quietly loaded with threat. You know immediately that this story is going to go somewhere dark.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper begins in a close-knit church community in Boston, where sisters Ruby and Erin are growing up in what appears to be a safe, ordered world. When sixteen-year-old Ruby makes an accusation against her sister’s boyfriend, that world collapses. What follows is a long, devastating aftermath that tears their family apart and sends shockwaves far beyond the original incident. Ruby and her mother leave for Ireland, while Erin remains in Boston, trying to piece together a life from the wreckage.
The novel unfolds across decades and continents, moving between America and Ireland, and is told through multiple perspectives, with Ruby and Erin firmly at its emotional centre. Liz Nugent handles this with real restraint, allowing the damage to reveal itself slowly. Themes of guilt, loyalty, silence, and self-preservation run through the book, and nothing is presented in neat, comfortable boxes.
This is a deeply gripping read from the outset. Dark, twisted, raw, and at times brutal, but never sensationalist. Nugent excels at creating characters who feel disturbingly real — flawed, defensive, and morally complicated. You may not like them, but you’ll understand them, which somehow makes it all more unsettling.
The pacing is spot on, with revelations carefully drip-fed to keep you constantly off-balance. The twists are sharp and well-earned, and the ending is particularly strong — controlled, unsettling, and quietly devastating in the best possible way.
Liz Nugent is a long-time favourite of mine, and this feels noticeably different from her earlier novels while still delivering the dark intensity she does so well. If she writes it, I’ll read it — and once again, she absolutely delivers.
Out in March 2026. This is, without doubt, going to be one of next year’s standout psychological reads.
That opening line does a lot of heavy lifting — cool, unsettling, and quietly loaded with threat. You know immediately that this story is going to go somewhere dark.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper begins in a close-knit church community in Boston, where sisters Ruby and Erin are growing up in what appears to be a safe, ordered world. When sixteen-year-old Ruby makes an accusation against her sister’s boyfriend, that world collapses. What follows is a long, devastating aftermath that tears their family apart and sends shockwaves far beyond the original incident. Ruby and her mother leave for Ireland, while Erin remains in Boston, trying to piece together a life from the wreckage.
The novel unfolds across decades and continents, moving between America and Ireland, and is told through multiple perspectives, with Ruby and Erin firmly at its emotional centre. Liz Nugent handles this with real restraint, allowing the damage to reveal itself slowly. Themes of guilt, loyalty, silence, and self-preservation run through the book, and nothing is presented in neat, comfortable boxes.
This is a deeply gripping read from the outset. Dark, twisted, raw, and at times brutal, but never sensationalist. Nugent excels at creating characters who feel disturbingly real — flawed, defensive, and morally complicated. You may not like them, but you’ll understand them, which somehow makes it all more unsettling.
The pacing is spot on, with revelations carefully drip-fed to keep you constantly off-balance. The twists are sharp and well-earned, and the ending is particularly strong — controlled, unsettling, and quietly devastating in the best possible way.
Liz Nugent is a long-time favourite of mine, and this feels noticeably different from her earlier novels while still delivering the dark intensity she does so well. If she writes it, I’ll read it — and once again, she absolutely delivers.
Out in March 2026. This is, without doubt, going to be one of next year’s standout psychological reads.
November 26, 2025
As usual with Liz Nugent’s writing, I could not put this book down when I started reading it. I remember reacting the same way with her last book Strange Sally Diamond. I love that about Liz, and I love how her books just hook me. I love even more how she’s Irish!
This book was no different, and it was an emotional rollercoaster for me to read. It was apparent that Liz did her research on addiction and trauma, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a thriller and who knows any of Liz Nugent’s work. I always talk about her to friends of mine who enjoy reading and they love her work too!
This book was no different, and it was an emotional rollercoaster for me to read. It was apparent that Liz did her research on addiction and trauma, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a thriller and who knows any of Liz Nugent’s work. I always talk about her to friends of mine who enjoy reading and they love her work too!
December 7, 2025
Wrong marketing - this book is not a thriller or a mystery. Yes, the cover is similar to Strange Sally Diamond, but it is nothing like it. In that regard I was disappointed, because I have expected a suspenseful story with weird characters. If I had known, what this book is about, I wouldn’t pick it up.
Saying that, if we erase the expectations and read the book as it is, I think it will have the appealing of a wide audience. This is a family story with secrets that bring devastated consequences to everyone that is involved. Please look up trigger warnings for this book (alcoholism, sexual assault, violence etc.).
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the early digital copy in return for an honest review.
Saying that, if we erase the expectations and read the book as it is, I think it will have the appealing of a wide audience. This is a family story with secrets that bring devastated consequences to everyone that is involved. Please look up trigger warnings for this book (alcoholism, sexual assault, violence etc.).
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the early digital copy in return for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
I have no hesitation in giving this fabulous book 5 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and its relatable characters.
Deceit, family and relationships are at the heart of this story with sad and devastating consequences.
I particularly liked how each chapter was told by different characters and found that this enhanced their personality in the storyline.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital advanced copy of this great read by the talented Liz Nugent.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and its relatable characters.
Deceit, family and relationships are at the heart of this story with sad and devastating consequences.
I particularly liked how each chapter was told by different characters and found that this enhanced their personality in the storyline.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital advanced copy of this great read by the talented Liz Nugent.
August 6, 2025
Can’t wait for this book, all her others are 5 stars so I’m assuming this one will be too haha
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent | Pub Date Mar 12 2026 | Penguin General UK
It was a tough book. Not in a way that makes you feel no connection, quite the opposite. It leaves an aftertaste and doesn’t let you go for a long time. To be honest, I should have known it wouldn’t be about unicorns and ponies. What can you expect when the writer says: “This story is told from a point of view I don’t think we have seen before. That was my inspiration. Why don’t we hear Ruby Cooper’s story more often?”
In this book, we follow a family of four that live a happy (happy?) life in Boston. But like many families, they look picture-perfect on the outside only. Inside we see two very different daughters. One was born to shine, the other to live in her shadow.
Erin, the eldest, is smart, beautiful, charming, charismatic, everyone loves her. Ruby, on the other hand, is everything her sister is not. Expectations are high, and that’s where all the problems begin. When Ruby is sixteen, some bad event happens. Lies are told, and everything changes.
As a consequence of the incident, Ruby moves to Dublin with her mum, her homeland. Over the years, we follow the lives of each family member. We watch the girls grow older, see how their lives take shape, and how the relationships between them shift. We witness their maturity and how deeply lies can affect everyone involved.
The ending of the story is predictable, I’d say, but with the very last sentence it reminds you that some things (or people) never truly change, no matter what.
Overall, it’s a beautiful, gripping thriller that hooks you from the first page. The writing is clean and flowing through, and Liz definitely knows how to deliver a powerful plot. I really enjoyed this story, my mind was wondering what would be after and where all this is going.
This is a book I will absolutely be recommending to everyone. It stays with you long after you finish it and makes you think about what you would do, and how your actions can affect everyone around you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for providing me this ARC in exchange on my honest review.
It was a tough book. Not in a way that makes you feel no connection, quite the opposite. It leaves an aftertaste and doesn’t let you go for a long time. To be honest, I should have known it wouldn’t be about unicorns and ponies. What can you expect when the writer says: “This story is told from a point of view I don’t think we have seen before. That was my inspiration. Why don’t we hear Ruby Cooper’s story more often?”
In this book, we follow a family of four that live a happy (happy?) life in Boston. But like many families, they look picture-perfect on the outside only. Inside we see two very different daughters. One was born to shine, the other to live in her shadow.
Erin, the eldest, is smart, beautiful, charming, charismatic, everyone loves her. Ruby, on the other hand, is everything her sister is not. Expectations are high, and that’s where all the problems begin. When Ruby is sixteen, some bad event happens. Lies are told, and everything changes.
As a consequence of the incident, Ruby moves to Dublin with her mum, her homeland. Over the years, we follow the lives of each family member. We watch the girls grow older, see how their lives take shape, and how the relationships between them shift. We witness their maturity and how deeply lies can affect everyone involved.
The ending of the story is predictable, I’d say, but with the very last sentence it reminds you that some things (or people) never truly change, no matter what.
Overall, it’s a beautiful, gripping thriller that hooks you from the first page. The writing is clean and flowing through, and Liz definitely knows how to deliver a powerful plot. I really enjoyed this story, my mind was wondering what would be after and where all this is going.
This is a book I will absolutely be recommending to everyone. It stays with you long after you finish it and makes you think about what you would do, and how your actions can affect everyone around you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for providing me this ARC in exchange on my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Penguin Ireland for an advanced copy of this book.
Blurb:
𝐈𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝. 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧, 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲'𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐞. 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.
Review:
I literally just finished it, at about 1am in the morning.
My mind is completely like 🤯, that was one very dark and heavy book, I did not expect this at all.
I think this is one of those books that when you finish it, you will think about it for weeks because literally what just happened in this book is insane.
We essentially follow two sisters, Ruby and Erin, about an incident that occurred. In the book you get both of their POV’s and the storyline takes place over decades.
The writing of this book is excellent, it’s very gripping, the flow and development of the story was very good too. Like I mentioned, this takes place over many years, I think the timeline aspect was well explained too. It kept me on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen at the end of this book.
I enjoyed the story, but not all of the aspects. The story is very tense, it has twists and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. A trigger warning and I did not expect going into this but this book is very heavy on the themes of sexual assault, addiction and sex. At some points I did feel uncomfortable reading about the things that happened, it was just too much. I think the reader is meant to be uncomfortable with the situations that have occurred, I think that’s the point, but I think for me it was a bit too much.
Blurb:
𝐈𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝. 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧, 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲'𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐞. 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.
Review:
I literally just finished it, at about 1am in the morning.
My mind is completely like 🤯, that was one very dark and heavy book, I did not expect this at all.
I think this is one of those books that when you finish it, you will think about it for weeks because literally what just happened in this book is insane.
We essentially follow two sisters, Ruby and Erin, about an incident that occurred. In the book you get both of their POV’s and the storyline takes place over decades.
The writing of this book is excellent, it’s very gripping, the flow and development of the story was very good too. Like I mentioned, this takes place over many years, I think the timeline aspect was well explained too. It kept me on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen at the end of this book.
I enjoyed the story, but not all of the aspects. The story is very tense, it has twists and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. A trigger warning and I did not expect going into this but this book is very heavy on the themes of sexual assault, addiction and sex. At some points I did feel uncomfortable reading about the things that happened, it was just too much. I think the reader is meant to be uncomfortable with the situations that have occurred, I think that’s the point, but I think for me it was a bit too much.
December 20, 2025
The Truth About Ruby Cooper draws you in from the very first page, unfolding a story that is deeply unsettling and impossible to put down. Liz Nugent once again demonstrates her mastery of psychological fiction, delivering a novel that feels both intimate and dark, and one that left me speechless.
Ruby Cooper grows up in a religious family in Boston alongside her sister, Erin. When Ruby is sixteen, a single incident changes everything, fracturing the family in ways that can never fully be repaired. What follows is a slow, carefully layered journey of guilt, secrecy, and the long reach of trauma, spanning decades and moving between Boston and Dublin as the sisters’ lives diverge.
Nugent’s strength has always been her character work, and Ruby is a particularly compelling figure. She is flawed, guarded, and profoundly shaped by the truths she refuses to face. Every character described with motivations that are complex and often uncomfortable, making the story feel disturbingly real.
While this novel feels quite different from Nugent’s earlier work, particularly in its structure and storytelling, it still carries her unmistakable intensity: dark, raw, and emotionally uncompromising. The Truth About Ruby Cooper is very much a “just one more chapter” read, and one that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
Without spoilers it's worth noting that the book deals with themes of addiction, trauma and abuse, so I would recommend checking the content warnings beforehand.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the ARC.
Ruby Cooper grows up in a religious family in Boston alongside her sister, Erin. When Ruby is sixteen, a single incident changes everything, fracturing the family in ways that can never fully be repaired. What follows is a slow, carefully layered journey of guilt, secrecy, and the long reach of trauma, spanning decades and moving between Boston and Dublin as the sisters’ lives diverge.
Nugent’s strength has always been her character work, and Ruby is a particularly compelling figure. She is flawed, guarded, and profoundly shaped by the truths she refuses to face. Every character described with motivations that are complex and often uncomfortable, making the story feel disturbingly real.
While this novel feels quite different from Nugent’s earlier work, particularly in its structure and storytelling, it still carries her unmistakable intensity: dark, raw, and emotionally uncompromising. The Truth About Ruby Cooper is very much a “just one more chapter” read, and one that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
Without spoilers it's worth noting that the book deals with themes of addiction, trauma and abuse, so I would recommend checking the content warnings beforehand.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the ARC.
November 30, 2025
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent
I had read and loved Strange Sally Diamond and so was very much looking forward to Liz Nugent’s latest book and I wasn’t disappointed. She has done it again creating nuanced, flawed characters and a fascinating storyline. It is a gripping psychological thriller based around the lives of Ruby and her older sister Erin.
The sisters are members of a very closeknit family who have strong Christian Beliefs. Their father runs a church community in Boston and their lives are seemingly perfect. We know from the outset that Ruby has always envied her older sister who seems almost too perfect to be true.
But then a terrible incident occurs and the ripples caused by this tear the family apart. Ruby moves to Dublin with her mother to try and rebuild her life whilst Erin stays in Boston with her father. It is a dark story but with emotional depth, there are devastating revelations which lead you to question everything which you originally believed.
This would make a great book club read as there are so many issues to discuss about the choices which people make. I will be recommending it to the various book groups I attend. Many thanks to Penguin, the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
I had read and loved Strange Sally Diamond and so was very much looking forward to Liz Nugent’s latest book and I wasn’t disappointed. She has done it again creating nuanced, flawed characters and a fascinating storyline. It is a gripping psychological thriller based around the lives of Ruby and her older sister Erin.
The sisters are members of a very closeknit family who have strong Christian Beliefs. Their father runs a church community in Boston and their lives are seemingly perfect. We know from the outset that Ruby has always envied her older sister who seems almost too perfect to be true.
But then a terrible incident occurs and the ripples caused by this tear the family apart. Ruby moves to Dublin with her mother to try and rebuild her life whilst Erin stays in Boston with her father. It is a dark story but with emotional depth, there are devastating revelations which lead you to question everything which you originally believed.
This would make a great book club read as there are so many issues to discuss about the choices which people make. I will be recommending it to the various book groups I attend. Many thanks to Penguin, the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.
A huge thanks to @liznugentwriter @penguinbooksireland and @netgalley for the ARC.
Before we dive into The Truth About Ruby Cooper, we are presented with a note from the auther. She informs us that this book is very different from anything she's written before; that is absolutely true.
We follow the lives of Ruby Cooper, her sister Erin, their families and the lengths someone can go to in order to keep the truth sealed away. Lies, addiction, manipulation, and promiscuity follow our characters throughout the book, culminating with the reveal of the books namesake; The Truth About Ruby Cooper.
The perfectly crafted twists and turns will keep you fully engaged and you won't be able to stop yourself reading "just one more chapter". Liz does an incredible job of tackling some very dark and troubling subjects, some parts left me genuinely horrified and reflecting on just how evil human beings can be.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper absolutely lives up to the hype and will stick with you for days afterwards. If you're wanting something dark, twisted, and very real that will throw your emotions around like a ragdoll, get your copy preordered now!
A huge thanks to @liznugentwriter @penguinbooksireland and @netgalley for the ARC.
Before we dive into The Truth About Ruby Cooper, we are presented with a note from the auther. She informs us that this book is very different from anything she's written before; that is absolutely true.
We follow the lives of Ruby Cooper, her sister Erin, their families and the lengths someone can go to in order to keep the truth sealed away. Lies, addiction, manipulation, and promiscuity follow our characters throughout the book, culminating with the reveal of the books namesake; The Truth About Ruby Cooper.
The perfectly crafted twists and turns will keep you fully engaged and you won't be able to stop yourself reading "just one more chapter". Liz does an incredible job of tackling some very dark and troubling subjects, some parts left me genuinely horrified and reflecting on just how evil human beings can be.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper absolutely lives up to the hype and will stick with you for days afterwards. If you're wanting something dark, twisted, and very real that will throw your emotions around like a ragdoll, get your copy preordered now!
January 6, 2026
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent
The main protagonists in this story are Ruby and Erin Cooper. They live a privileged life in Boston where their father is a devout pastor at their local church and a successful financial advisor.
Erin is beautiful and smart and Ruby is jealous as she waits for her own body to catch up. Erin is rewarded with a day out for her excellent school results, while Ruby is left at school to try and salvage hers. Ruby wants revenge and she knows the perfect way to get it.
Ruby’s actions send a tidal wave through the whole Cooper family and they all feel the consequences for years to come.
I don't want to give too much away about this sensational book because I want you to feel the same excitement and tension I felt while reading it. Ruby sent me through a whirlwind of emotions and there were times I despised her and then times I was rooting for her to succeed.
Nugent has such an exceptional talent for creating these wonderful characters that you become so invested in and that get right under your skin.
She produces these fantastic concepts that have you enthralled and gripped from the very first page. One of my favourite books is Strange Sally Diamond which I recommend to everyone I meet and this book will be no different. I adored this book so much that I swallowed it up in two days.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star rating
The main protagonists in this story are Ruby and Erin Cooper. They live a privileged life in Boston where their father is a devout pastor at their local church and a successful financial advisor.
Erin is beautiful and smart and Ruby is jealous as she waits for her own body to catch up. Erin is rewarded with a day out for her excellent school results, while Ruby is left at school to try and salvage hers. Ruby wants revenge and she knows the perfect way to get it.
Ruby’s actions send a tidal wave through the whole Cooper family and they all feel the consequences for years to come.
I don't want to give too much away about this sensational book because I want you to feel the same excitement and tension I felt while reading it. Ruby sent me through a whirlwind of emotions and there were times I despised her and then times I was rooting for her to succeed.
Nugent has such an exceptional talent for creating these wonderful characters that you become so invested in and that get right under your skin.
She produces these fantastic concepts that have you enthralled and gripped from the very first page. One of my favourite books is Strange Sally Diamond which I recommend to everyone I meet and this book will be no different. I adored this book so much that I swallowed it up in two days.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star rating
November 23, 2025
Thanks to Liz and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Truth About Roby Cooper prior to the publication date.
I am a fan of the author and was delighted to be granted access to the ARC.
I could not put this book down. The story is told from the perspective of each of the characters over 25 years.
“If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened”….and so begins the blame game.
The Coopers are a wealthy and well respected family in their Boston community and church.
Douglas Cooper is an investment broker and the Pastor of the church which he founded, which also gives him a steady supply of investors. The church has expanded into other towns and Douglas is often away from home.
His Irish wife, Maureen and teenage daughters, Erin and Ruby are active participants in his congregation.
They want for nothing, but for some, that will never be enough.
An incident in 1999 will impact on the entire family with the consequences reaching far into the church family and the community.
At the heart of the story is a monster.
I am a fan of the author and was delighted to be granted access to the ARC.
I could not put this book down. The story is told from the perspective of each of the characters over 25 years.
“If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened”….and so begins the blame game.
The Coopers are a wealthy and well respected family in their Boston community and church.
Douglas Cooper is an investment broker and the Pastor of the church which he founded, which also gives him a steady supply of investors. The church has expanded into other towns and Douglas is often away from home.
His Irish wife, Maureen and teenage daughters, Erin and Ruby are active participants in his congregation.
They want for nothing, but for some, that will never be enough.
An incident in 1999 will impact on the entire family with the consequences reaching far into the church family and the community.
At the heart of the story is a monster.
November 29, 2025
I really enjoy Liz Nugent novels and once again she succeeds in achieving a chilling and intriguing read. The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a gripping read that is well paced and full of interesting characters.
Ruby and her older sister Erin appear to live a sheltered, idyllic life within a tight-knit church community in Boston. But one catastrophic moment when Ruby is sixteen shatters that picture-perfect world, and the consequences ripple across decades and continents.
Erin is still in Boston, trying to rebuild her life amid the lingering wreckage of her family’s downfall, and Ruby is attempting to reinvent herself in Dublin with a fierce determination to outrun the past. The more Ruby tries to escape the truth, the more dangerous she becomes to herself and others.
This is a dark, compelling novel about the past’s relentless grip, well paced with emotional depth, shocking revelations, and unforgettable characters.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby and her older sister Erin appear to live a sheltered, idyllic life within a tight-knit church community in Boston. But one catastrophic moment when Ruby is sixteen shatters that picture-perfect world, and the consequences ripple across decades and continents.
Erin is still in Boston, trying to rebuild her life amid the lingering wreckage of her family’s downfall, and Ruby is attempting to reinvent herself in Dublin with a fierce determination to outrun the past. The more Ruby tries to escape the truth, the more dangerous she becomes to herself and others.
This is a dark, compelling novel about the past’s relentless grip, well paced with emotional depth, shocking revelations, and unforgettable characters.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely love Liz Nugent’s previous books, so I was beyond excited to get early access to The Truth About Ruby Cooper, and it did not disappoint. This is an excellent read from start to finish and feels very different from her earlier novels while still delivering the dark intensity she does so well.
From the very first chapter, the story is completely engrossing. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” reads that quickly turn into another, and then another. The novel is dark, twisted, devious, raw, and at times brutal but utterly compelling.
Each character is explored in depth, making their motivations and flaws feel disturbingly real. Spanning a decade and set across both America and Ireland, the story unfolds with shocking revelations that keep you constantly on edge. The twists land perfectly, and the ending is incredibly satisfying.
This is without doubt going to be a must-read of 2026. I really, really recommend The Truth About Ruby Cooper to anyone who enjoys intelligent, unsettling, and unforgettable psychological fiction.
From the very first chapter, the story is completely engrossing. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” reads that quickly turn into another, and then another. The novel is dark, twisted, devious, raw, and at times brutal but utterly compelling.
Each character is explored in depth, making their motivations and flaws feel disturbingly real. Spanning a decade and set across both America and Ireland, the story unfolds with shocking revelations that keep you constantly on edge. The twists land perfectly, and the ending is incredibly satisfying.
This is without doubt going to be a must-read of 2026. I really, really recommend The Truth About Ruby Cooper to anyone who enjoys intelligent, unsettling, and unforgettable psychological fiction.
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