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The Truth About Ruby Cooper
Not yet published
Expected 12 Mar 26Brought to you by Penguin.
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.
Liz Nugent 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
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.
Liz Nugent 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
Expected publication March 12, 2026
13 people are currently reading
2063 people want to read
About the author
Liz Nugent
14 books4,719 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 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 20, 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!
😁😁😁😁😁
November 26, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Liz has done it again! Another horrid character that you love to hate!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve just finished this book with a lump in my throat!, Dark, disturbing raw, honest and very emotive.
The characters are so well written . Ruby herself had me feeling all the emotions. One minute detest another sympathy. One rule my parents instilled in me was they could accept most things except lies. I learned the hard way the outcome of not being truthful. Having personally being on the receiving end of lies, I know first hand the devastation they leave behind. This book explores this subject with accuracy and empathy.
The impact of addiction was another difficult subject covered in the book ,one which may make difficult reading to anyone who has experienced it in their lives.
As it is written in multiple character viewpoints it felt like I got to know each character individually and it gave me a real understanding of how they were each thinking and feeling.
I was gripped from beginning to end. This family story is full of secrets, sibling rivalry, lies, repercussions, motherhood and jaw dropping moments, definitely one I would recommend.
The characters are so well written . Ruby herself had me feeling all the emotions. One minute detest another sympathy. One rule my parents instilled in me was they could accept most things except lies. I learned the hard way the outcome of not being truthful. Having personally being on the receiving end of lies, I know first hand the devastation they leave behind. This book explores this subject with accuracy and empathy.
The impact of addiction was another difficult subject covered in the book ,one which may make difficult reading to anyone who has experienced it in their lives.
As it is written in multiple character viewpoints it felt like I got to know each character individually and it gave me a real understanding of how they were each thinking and feeling.
I was gripped from beginning to end. This family story is full of secrets, sibling rivalry, lies, repercussions, motherhood and jaw dropping moments, definitely one I would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Ruby Cooper is 16, she falls victim to rape. The impact it has on her, the lives of those who love her, and the lives of the accused rapist and his family reverbates down the years to a shocking finale.
This was a rivetting read. Ruby is not the most sympathetic of characters, but her story is gripping, as is her sister Erin's.
The subject matter is powerful and disturbing, especially as more and more truths (and lies) come to light, and it begs the question of the reader: is anyone truly evil, truly innocent or truly good?
Liz Nugent has a knack for making dislikable people empathetic, delving into their past to explain if not excuse their actions in the present, and this makes her characters very believable.
The narrative covers many years, but is never monotous, ducking as it does between past and present, and presenting different viewpoints along the way.
This novel will be triggering for a lot of people, but I think that in this #MeToo era, Lizzie Nugent is brave to tackle the subject of sexual assault in a different and challenging way.
This was a rivetting read. Ruby is not the most sympathetic of characters, but her story is gripping, as is her sister Erin's.
The subject matter is powerful and disturbing, especially as more and more truths (and lies) come to light, and it begs the question of the reader: is anyone truly evil, truly innocent or truly good?
Liz Nugent has a knack for making dislikable people empathetic, delving into their past to explain if not excuse their actions in the present, and this makes her characters very believable.
The narrative covers many years, but is never monotous, ducking as it does between past and present, and presenting different viewpoints along the way.
This novel will be triggering for a lot of people, but I think that in this #MeToo era, Lizzie Nugent is brave to tackle the subject of sexual assault in a different and challenging way.
November 25, 2025
Book Review
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Pub Date 26th March 2025
Firstly WOW!
With Strange Sally Diamond still living rent free in my head I was gagging to get my hands on this ARC!
I've never been more desperate to sit down with an author and pick their brains about a story!! Im still deciding what the moral of the story is 🤔
The story reflects on how one bad event can have such ruinous and tragic effects on people..you don't need to know anymore, just dive right in.
The book had me hooked from page one and I read it in one sitting, I nearly missed my flight to Lisbon on friday as I was so engrossed!!
The story collects together a gazillion emotions and fires them out all over the pages like bullets from a gun! Jealousy, guilt, betrayal, depression, addiction, they're all there entwined and melded together to form and absolute belter of a novel.
To whoever has read this pm me so we can discuss the ending!
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Pub Date 26th March 2025
Firstly WOW!
With Strange Sally Diamond still living rent free in my head I was gagging to get my hands on this ARC!
I've never been more desperate to sit down with an author and pick their brains about a story!! Im still deciding what the moral of the story is 🤔
The story reflects on how one bad event can have such ruinous and tragic effects on people..you don't need to know anymore, just dive right in.
The book had me hooked from page one and I read it in one sitting, I nearly missed my flight to Lisbon on friday as I was so engrossed!!
The story collects together a gazillion emotions and fires them out all over the pages like bullets from a gun! Jealousy, guilt, betrayal, depression, addiction, they're all there entwined and melded together to form and absolute belter of a novel.
To whoever has read this pm me so we can discuss the ending!
November 28, 2025
I am a huge fan of everything Liz writes, and this book is another sensation! It’s so good that I’m not even going to tell you about the storyline - the first sentence tells you everything you need to know:
‘If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.’
If Sally Diamond was the character you rooted for, Ruby Cooper is the character you’re going to despise. But not always. Sometimes you’ll feel sympathy for her, or you’ll think you understand how she’s ended up in the situations she finds herself in. But by the end of the book you may just think she’s the worst character you’ve ever met.
This is an extremely ambitious book. Not just because nailing a truly despicable character is such a delicate balancing act, but because of the complexity of the themes it tackles and the sheer scope of the story packed into just over 350 pages. The story spans 26 years, crosses multiple continents, and by the end of chapter two I genuinely felt that what I’d read could have been another author’s entire novel - and a very good one at that. Needless to say, Liz pulls it all off brilliantly.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper is coming out on 12th March and it really should be on everyone’s radar. And if you haven’t read Liz’s earlier books then please do - they are genuinely all 5 star reads.
‘If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.’
If Sally Diamond was the character you rooted for, Ruby Cooper is the character you’re going to despise. But not always. Sometimes you’ll feel sympathy for her, or you’ll think you understand how she’s ended up in the situations she finds herself in. But by the end of the book you may just think she’s the worst character you’ve ever met.
This is an extremely ambitious book. Not just because nailing a truly despicable character is such a delicate balancing act, but because of the complexity of the themes it tackles and the sheer scope of the story packed into just over 350 pages. The story spans 26 years, crosses multiple continents, and by the end of chapter two I genuinely felt that what I’d read could have been another author’s entire novel - and a very good one at that. Needless to say, Liz pulls it all off brilliantly.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper is coming out on 12th March and it really should be on everyone’s radar. And if you haven’t read Liz’s earlier books then please do - they are genuinely all 5 star reads.
November 20, 2025
I didn’t read the blurb, I didn’t read the author foreword letter to the reader. I went in blind.
Ruby and Erin are sisters. The Truth About Ruby Cooper tells the story of the incident that happened when they were teenagers and the impacts on those concerned through the decades and through generations.
This is a completely original thriller, I’ve never read this angle before.
This is a masterpiece from Liz Nugent. Serious subjects, deeply involving believable characters, tightly plotted and with plenty of hard hitting shocks along the way.
Definitely a book of the year. Read it as soon as you possibly can!
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business
Ruby and Erin are sisters. The Truth About Ruby Cooper tells the story of the incident that happened when they were teenagers and the impacts on those concerned through the decades and through generations.
This is a completely original thriller, I’ve never read this angle before.
This is a masterpiece from Liz Nugent. Serious subjects, deeply involving believable characters, tightly plotted and with plenty of hard hitting shocks along the way.
Definitely a book of the year. Read it as soon as you possibly can!
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business
December 2, 2025
Liz Nugent's latest offering has left a permanent mark. Her skill at weaving a dark, sharp, gripping narrative and crafting memorable storylines is second to none, and I was completely hooked from the first page. You can't help but be drawn into the exploration of how secrets and hidden truths within a family can shape their lives, with every character so flawed and damaged.
The book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions—dark, wicked, and unputdownable. I was so enthralled I completely lost track of time. This is a must-read for any psychological thriller fan and a powerful reminder of how the choices we make, and the secrets we keep, can echo for a lifetime. Thanks to Liz, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
The book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions—dark, wicked, and unputdownable. I was so enthralled I completely lost track of time. This is a must-read for any psychological thriller fan and a powerful reminder of how the choices we make, and the secrets we keep, can echo for a lifetime. Thanks to Liz, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
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