Three Reasons for Revenge

by Dervla McTiernan, To Be Announced (Narrator)

From the internationally bestselling author of THE MURDER RULE comes a new compelling story of gripping suspense – pre-order now!

Three gifts.

Three packages arrive at three very different a respected psychologist’s house, a socialite’s mansion, and a single father’s run-down apartment. The contents will tear apart the lives of their victims.

One deadly game of revenge.

This quickly becomes the most complex case of DS Judith Lee’s career. She’s convinced the gifts connect to a young woman who reported an assault then disappeared overnight…but how?

Not everyone will survive.

As Judith races to uncover the truth, she realises she's no longer just investigating – she's being forced to play a very dangerous game. A game where only the winners will survive.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

Expected publication June 4, 2026

About the author

Number one internationally bestselling author Dervla McTiernan is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of six novels, including the much-loved Cormac Reilly series and two number 1 bestselling standalone thrillers, The Murder Rule and What Happened to Nina?, both New York Times Best Thrillers of the Year and both currently in development for screen adaptation. Dervla is also the author of four novellas, and her audio novella, The Sisters, was a four-week number one bestseller in the United States. Before turning her hand to writing, Dervla spent twelve years working as a lawyer in her home country of Ireland. Following the global financial crisis, she relocated to Western Australia where she now lives with her husband, two children and too many pets.

**CLICK ON DERVLA'S WEBSITE LINK ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR DIRECT EMAILS FROM DERVLA WITH BOOK NEWS AND CHAT**

Reviews

[Laura Lovesreading]

I really enjoyed "what happened to Nina"
The synopsis on this book sounds so intriguing
I cant wait to read it!
💚💛💛💚

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of Three Reasons for Revenge immediately pulls you in. Three identical packages, three completely different people, each one containing something that could blow their lives apart. A strong setup that had me gripped from the start.

This is a layered, character-driven crime thriller centred on Detective Sergeant Judith Lee, who I found genuinely compelling. She’s driven, flawed, and makes choices that don’t always feel straightforward, which is exactly what made her feel real. Dervla McTiernan adds depth to Judith’s character through her past without it feeling overdone, especially in how it shapes her instincts and judgement.

The structure worked well, moving between the three recipients while slowly building the bigger picture. I kept feeling like everything had to connect somehow, and I liked trying to piece it together as it unfolded. I didn’t see where it was going, which is always a win.

I listened to this on audio, narrated by Alison McGirr, and it was an easy listen. Even with multiple perspectives, I never felt lost, and each voice was distinct enough to follow.

All in all, this was a strong read for me. The rising stakes and growing urgency are what had me completely glued to the pages. As a first-time reader of Dervla McTiernan, I’ll definitely be back for more, and I’m already keen to pick up her Cormac Reilly series next.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5⭐️

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Wow brilliant, I loved it! If you’re desperately seeking an absolute cracker of a read, you have found it. Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan is a gripping psychological thriller and it’s a fast paced roller coaster ride, I devoured it. The plot is amazing and full of suspense.

Alex Turner has just reported an assault from a psychologist and now she has vanished.

Set in Melbourne Detective Judith Lee is assigned an investigation into the death of a psychologist who is accused of unprofessional conduct. Judith finds herself confronting her past as she delves into the case.

Three beautifully wrapped and unexpected packages including cryptic notes are delivered to three different homes. Each package is relevant to the recipient but what is the connection that ties these people together?

A confronting and absorbing story of trauma and revenge, it’s a smartly plotted thriller for fans of crime fiction.

This author will now be an auto- buy author for me! I may just have to buy myself another copy with that pretty cover.

Publication Date 28 April 2026
Publisher Imprint Harper Collins

Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for an ARC copy of the book

[John Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a thriller that grabs you by the throat on page one and doesn’t let go, then Dervla McTiernan’s Three Reasons for Revenge is the book for you. Highly intelligent, involving and so, so gripping. A stunner.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

THREE REASONS FOR REVENGE is one those books that will capture you from the start and keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I was fully entertained and in detective mode while reading and listening to this story. It was filled with surprises and had me guessing a lot. I've read another book by this author and loved it too. I would definitely recommend this one to those who like crime thrillers.

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd seen a stack of other people receive early copies of Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan for review and thought I'd missed out, so was grateful when this arrived. If I was one to 'squee' I might have squeed. I love McTiernan's Cormac Reilly series but my absolute favourite book of hers was What Happened to Nina , a standalone published in 2024. It's unclear if this is to be a standalone but I for one will be cheering if it becomes a new series because I really liked DS Judith Lee and her boss (and family friend) Rocky.

I did guess the 'who' here but was somewhat surprised at their actions and the extent of their need for vengeance given they were (ultimately) willing to sacrifice the only link to their past.

I'd be happy if this becomes a series given I really liked Judith; McTiernan writes her as if she's very real... effortlessly intertwining down-time with friends as well as navigating a difficult relationship with her mother, borne of a turbulent childhood. And then there's her fear recurring nightmares could indicate her own predilection towards violence.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and engrossing as usual. New fav detective is Judith Lee.

My second favourite crime writer after Agatha Christie.

[Ad_Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was soo good! I didn’t quite know what to expect from reading the synopsis, but this truly delivered. A cleverly crafted twisty thriller that has you on the edge of your seat until the very final chapter. I would expect nothing less from Dervla McTiernan. I also loved the Melbourne/Victoria setting and found that it really worked with the story. Three seemingly different strangers, all with one subtle common denominator. What I can say is that Ruth Hall was one very nasty sociopath.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan

Thoughts: I own quite a few of Dervla’s books, but this is the first one I’ve read so far and it did not disappoint. The suspense is so well written, with clever twists from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat, and it became one of those books you just can’t put down. The characters are strong and really drive the story, and every time I thought I’d figured things out, another twist proved me wrong. The ending completely caught me off guard. If you love psychological thrillers with smart plotting and plenty of surprises, this one is such a good read.

A huge thank you Harpercollins Aus for gifting me an ARC copy of Three Reasons for Revenge in exchange for an honest review!

Synopsis: Three gifts. Three victims. One deadly game.

Alexis Turner walks into the police station to report an assault. By the end of the day, she is nowhere to be found.

Soon after she disappears, three identical packages arrive at three very different doors: a respected psychologist’s home, a socialite’s mansion, and a struggling single father’s run-down apartment. Inside, each gift is perfectly tailored to its recipient - and each will tear apart the life of its intended victim.

Detective Sergeant Judith Lee is smart and experienced, but this is no ordinary case. Someone with intimate knowledge of their targets is orchestrating these attacks. Someone who knows exactly how to hurt each victim where they’re most vulnerable. And she’s convinced that somehow, it connects back to Alexis Turner.

As she races to uncover the connection between three seemingly unrelated people, Judith discovers she’s no longer just investigating the game - she’s being forced to play.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 💫

[4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars on Goodreads]

[Toss Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never disappoints.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have found this author very hit and miss. I enjoyed the Cormac O’Reilly series and What Happened to Nina but found Murder Rule and this book lacking.
There were plot holes in both books you could drive a truck through, the main character is either oblivious to something in front of them but can make a brilliant deduction from the tiniest thing.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I wasn’t overly impressed on the narrator’s voice so that didn’t help.
Scraped in a 3 star rating from me.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young woman comes into the police station to report an assault that sounds all too familiar to Detective Judith Lee. What unraveled from there was a web of lies and revenge.

There were a number of subplots here, some pulled me in more than others. The author did not hold back, expect the unexpected! While the ending was predictable this was still an enjoyable fast paced read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Unputdownable, Twisty Thriller, Revenge Served Hot

full review ⬇️

You know those books you read and think ‘just one more chapter..’ because it’s impossible to put down. This is that book.

Three Reasons For Revenge pulled me in immediately and never let go. It was a smart, fast moving thriller that felt frighteningly relevant to the world we’re living in right now, particularly the unsettling reality of deepfakes and online manipulation.

This story was about revenge but also about reputation, truth and just how quickly a life can unravel when vicious rumours take hold. Reading how misinformation spreads and the devastating consequences it can have made the tension hit extra hard.

The pacing was brilliant and the story moved quickly but with depth behind every decision, twist and consequence that had me fully invested in how everything would unfold. By the final stretch I was completely locked in and racing through pages because I needed to know how it would all end.

If you like your thrillers gripping, unsettling and fast paced, this one should definitely be on your list when it releases in April

A big thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the early sneak peek.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this authors novels and recently discovered two earlier books I haven’t read…..such joy.
Three reasons for Revenge centres around Detective Sergeant Judith Lee. At the start of the book she has been responsible for the arrest of a fellow cop and has fallen out of favour with a lot of the team. However she is soon distracted from the fallout when another case pops up. Judith is visited by a young girl who wants to talk to her, asked for her by name and tells her about her referral to a renown psychologist who assaulted her., by touching her inappropriately. Then the psychologist turns up dead and a solo dad is arrested after police receive an Anonymous tip off.
It’s a page turning tale, three victims and an assailant obviously unleashing revenge for reasons unknown. As Judith follows the trail she realises that she is involved in the case on a personal level, one she hasn’t disclosed to her fellow officer. Soon her best friend Katy and Katy’s family are in danger too and it all revolves around an incident that happened 10 years ago.
Fabulous read as always. Highly recommend.

#ThreeReasonsForRevenge. #NetGalley

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
A solid read that hooked me in as quickly as What Happened to Nina. Fast paced, tricky characters and a twisty plot I powered through this!
Ending wrapped up a tad quicker than I would’ve liked but overall I’d recommend 👏🏽

[Leisa Back Porch Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Review to come

[ddjb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but predicable. Writing was serviceable. Not her best.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely stunning, heart-pounding page-turner featuring the worst kind of evil perpetrator — the kind that lingers in your mind long after you close the book and can genuinely haunt your dreams. I devoured it in just three sittings! Honestly, it could have been even faster, but some chapters hit me so hard emotionally that I had to pause and recover. One particular death made me gasp — I actually screamed. That’s how deeply it affected me.

I don’t think I can ever say no to another Judith Lee novel again. Even though the author is best known for the DI Cormac Reilly series (which I shamefully haven’t read yet!), I immediately added it to my TBR. My TBR, by the way, is expanding at such an alarming rate that I might need a support group. Who needs Ozempic when your bookshelf is swelling daily with irresistible new titles? One book a day is simply not fast enough anymore — I need to invent new ways to read more hours in a day!

I previously read What Happened to Nina?, the author’s brilliant standalone that instantly made her an auto-buy author for me. So of course, I jumped at the chance to read this one as soon as possible. And I loved it — even though parts of it are deeply triggering and traumatic. This is not an easy read emotionally, but it is an unforgettable one.

I was immediately hooked by the concept and the fast-paced mystery as it unfolded. The tension builds steadily, and the stakes feel terrifyingly real. I will say I slightly preferred the first half — it had me completely captivated. In Elsa’s storyline, there were moments with extended influencer/fashion/money-making dialogue that slowed the momentum for me personally, and I found myself thinking, “Okay, let’s get back to the core mystery.” But thankfully, the final act more than made up for it. The explosive action, the dramatic revelations, and the powerful ending were executed perfectly. The payoff was absolutely worth it.

Now, let me tell you a bit about the story:

Everything begins when young Alexis Turner walks into a police station to report that she has been sexually assaulted by a psychologist highly recommended by her college friend. She bravely shares a detailed account of what happened. DI Judith Lee is already entangled in a separate case involving a corrupt cop whose powerful father is doing everything possible to protect his son’s reputation — while simultaneously trying to destroy Judith’s. Assault cases are not typically Judith’s responsibility, but she makes an exception. Ten years earlier, another woman reported being assaulted by a man with the same name — and Judith has never forgotten that failure. This time, she is determined to make things right.

Meanwhile, Robert Walker — a famous psychologist married to a well-known TV anchor — receives a mysterious package containing a cryptic note and a video recording of one of his private séances. The atmosphere grows darker. Secrets begin to surface.

Judith is determined to bring him to justice. But when she tries to reconnect with Alexis, she discovers that Alexis has vanished into thin air. Was Alexis ever her real name? Soon, two other people receive similar packages: Jack Miller, a single father and insurance adjuster, and his close friend Elsa Anderson, a work-from-home mother of two. Then a bloody tragedy ties them all together.

Who is targeting them? What is the connection? And why does it feel like someone is also targeting Judith herself, pulling her into a dangerous and deeply personal cat-and-mouse game?

To survive — and to win — Judith must confront her own dark past and face one of the most chilling adversaries she has ever encountered. This is a battle of intellect, endurance, and emotional strength — and the final confrontation is both satisfying and deeply unsettling.

Overall, this was a gripping, stunning, emotionally intense read. Judith Lee is one of the most layered and complex characters I’ve encountered recently, and I am absolutely looking forward to reading more of her investigations.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital copy of this unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This one will stay with me for a long time.

medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter

[Lizp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read. I had been hanging out to read it.

Alexis Turner walks into a police station in Melbourne to report that she has been sexually assaulted by an esteemed psychologist. She discloses a detailed account of what happened with copper Judith Lee. Judith is already embroiled in another case involving a corrupt cop whose dad high up in the police service is doing everything possible to protect his son’s reputation. He wants to destroy Judith and her career. Someone slices the leather on her treasured motorcycle and urinates on it. They also do mechanical damage. She tries not to overreact, as she knows that’s what her nemesis, the high ranking copper wants so he can portray her as just another emotional woman.

Sexual Assault cases are not typically Judith’s area but she feels she has to take this one on as someone reported anther sexual assault to her about the same psychologist, Robert Walker, ten years earlier that she didn’t handle well. She goes to see the psychologist and challenges him. He denies all that she puts to him. His wife, Vanessa receives a video clip of him supposedly having sex in his consulting rooms along with an odd serpentine note. She doubts her husband but still has the video analysed to see if it’s AI. The wife is a tv anchor and her boss advises her to leave Robert or else her career will be over. She leaves him. They have two sons, one who is loving and lives at home and another who lives interstate and is cold and distant towards his parents.

Judith is determined to bring Robert to justice. But when she tries to reconnect with Alexis, the girl who reported the sexual assault, Alexis has vanished and has given her fake contact details. Was Alexis even real? Two other people receive similar packages to Vanessa: Jack Miller, a single dad with a dead end job and his well off close friend Elsa Anderson, an influencer with two kids and a surgeon husband. Then there’s a murder that links them all together.

Judith has an unhinged mum, who lives in a parallel universe. Judith killed the mum’s violent husband 25 years earlier in self defence. The mum wants to have a 25th anniversary for him, an idea repugnant to Judith!

Judith has to work out who is targeting them all, and why someone is also targeting Judith specifically. A serial killer from many years before daughters enter the story. Are they somehow involved?

Judith has to confront her horrible, traumatic childhood past. She hears some home truths about herself from her dearest, longstanding friend Katy that makes her feel uncomfortable and enter into self examination.

She needs to identify and confront an intelligent and vicious adversary who is playing serious mind games with her. This is a fast paced read, brimming with suspense. I read it in one sitting. The characters are all very well drawn, especially Judith. Judith has a friend and mentor, Rocky, a cop who she’s known for 25 years, since she killed her step dad. She doesn’t tell him about some of the important things she finds out in the investigation and feels bad about holding back.

The ending of this story is really good, albeit confronting. This is an emotional, powerful, intense read that I would highly recommend to others.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[MarilynW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan
Narrated by Alison McGirr

I was so excited to get to read/listen to Dervla McTiernan's latest book and she really delivered with this police procedural featuring Detective Sergeant Judith Lee. I'm even hoping this first book leads to more of this world and these characters. My mind was spinning with all the things that happen in this story. When trouble arrives, which it does often, there is no guarantee the characters will survive. Whoever is doing whatever is really good at what they are doing.

Judith has her own troubled past that few are aware of now that so much time has passed. It still haunts her to this day, will always haunt her, and one of the hardest things concerning that past has to do with her mom, who seems to have blocked so much of what happened out of her mind that it's like what happened didn't happen.

In the present day, a young lady arrives at the station to report an assault by a psychologist. Judith knows the name of this man because years ago another young woman reported the same thing to Judith and the way Judith handled that case will be another thing that haunts her. Judith has so much to deal with in her past that may never get resolved in a way she can let those things go. This new case is really making Judith face that past case and she wants to get things right this time.

We also meet a Jack, a single father, struggling to support himself and his young son. His little boy is so very smart and Jack is a fantastic father. Jack and his son, Cameron, join Judith as my favorite characters in this story. What Jack and Cameron go through had me staying up through the night until I finished the story.

We'll find out how all these people and more are very much connected. It seems there will be no way out, no salvation, from the evil that stalks so many of the characters in this story. How can a person fight such madness, such evil, such a strong urge for revenge against some who might deserve it and others who don't deserve it at all? One of my favorite buddy reads with Jayme and DeAnn because there is so much to discuss and the story is written in such a way that it can be impossible to know where it is leading and who did what. I had both the ebook and audiobook and enjoyed both. Getting to hear Alison's accent in the audiobook made the location feel so real, as if I was there.

Thank you to HarperAudio Adult | William Morrow, SOTC Early Read, and NetGalley for this ARC

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Three Reasons for Revenge
Author: Devral McTiernan
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Alison McGirr
Publisher: HaperAudio Adult & William Marrow
Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Pages: 336

Story begins when twenty-year-old college student Alexis Turner reports to Detective Judith Lee that she has been sexually assaulted by Clinical Psychologist Robert Walker who was highly recommended by her college friend; as Alexis has been experiencing anxiety attacks - then goes to the college health center for a referral.

Ten years ago, another woman reported being assaulted by Robert Walker— however, Judith failure in that case and is determined that is not going to happen again and wants to make things right.

Assault cases are not typically Judith’s responsibility, but she makes an exception. Ten years earlier, another woman reported being assaulted by a man with the same name — and Judith has never forgotten that failure. This time, she is determined to make things right.

Robert Walker’s wife Vanessa is the TV anchor of the popular “Let’s talk Australia’ — She received a mysterious package containing an USB Drive with a cryptic note and a video taken in one of her husband’s consulting ‘rooms of him in an sex act.

Judith then tries to reconnect with Alexis but discovers that Alexis is missing.

Soon, two other beautifully wrapped and unexpected packages including cryptic notes are delivered to different homes. Jack Miller, a single father and insurance adjuster, and his close friend Elsa Anderson, a work-from-home mother of two.
Each package is relevant to the recipient, but what is the connection that ties these people together? Is it Alexis?

DI Judith Lee is also entangled in a separate case involving a corrupt cop whose powerful father is doing everything possible to protect his son’s reputation — while simultaneously trying to destroy Judith’s career.

This story was about revenge
I am a big fan of audiobooks, and the narrator did a fabulous performance of the characters. Which included Judith’s as well as many of the characters’ unfiltered language. I have a low tolerance for profanity but sometimes the story is so good I can tolerate it. This story was Good!!!

I want to thank NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult & William Morrow for providing me with unputdownable thriller.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 21, 2026.

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THREE REASONS FOR REVENGE -told in FOUR PARTS…

PART ONE:

Alexis Turner walks into a police station to report a sexual assault to Detective Sergeant Judith Lee. It’s an accusation that she has heard before-years ago-one that she never followed up on. The accused? A Psychologist named Robert Walker.

DS Lee is determined to make it right this time-but- by the end of the day, Alexis cannot be reached and is nowhere to be found.

A beautifully wrapped parcel complete with a red velvet ribbon arrives at Robert Walker’s home. It is addressed to his wife, Vanessa and contains some incriminating evidence against her husband.

In PART TWO an identical package is waiting on the doorstep of struggling single father Jack’s run-down apartment.

AND in PART THREE a “gift” is delivered to another seemingly unrelated person.

Each gift has been carefully chosen to DESTROY the life of its recipient.

Detective Sergeant Judith Lee knows that this isn’t an ordinary case. And she's convinced that somehow, it connects back to Alexis Turner.

In PART FOUR-she will begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together but will it be TOO LATE?

The FORESHADOWING in this book was BRILLIANT! I was a bit confused when I started Part Two because we hadn’t yet met Jack and his son, Cameron but by Part Three, I had a pretty good idea about WHO else would be receiving packages and why…

The FOREBODING had me holding my breath at one point as I turned the pages frantically to find out if my suspicions were correct. (they were!)

By the end, the case is SOLVED but we are left to make a few assumptions about other things. Does that mean that we might see DS Judith Lee again?

I loved “What Happened to Nina” and “The Murder Rule” so I am not surprised that Dervla McTiernan has delivered yet another UNPUTDOWNABLE thriller! Mark your calendars for July 21, 2026 so that you can grab this one as soon as it is out!

4.5 stars!

A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn! Check out their amazing reviews for additional insight!

Thank You to William Morrow Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Three boxes, beautifully packaged, are sent to a psychologist, a single father and a fashion designer, in what transpires to be a deadly game of revenge. This becomes DS Judith Lee’s most complex case to date and she’s convinced it links to a reported assault on a young woman who then disappears without trace. However, Judith herself is drawn into the deadly game for a reason that has been on her conscience for years. Three boxes, ruined lives, and people who have failed in some way. It’s a race against time, a race without rules and with a dangerous adversary who is always one step ahead.

I love an unpredictable mystery thriller and Dervla McTiernan has delivered that in spades here with clanging alarm bells ringing loudly in many places. It holds my interest throughout, desperately seeking the answers to the puzzles posed. I have a few lightbulb moments and one big Aha realisation as it all starts to click into place. The pace is fast and picks up further towards the end. I like the different perspectives which initially makes the situation seem cloudy but then light dawns. It’s very twisty as you’d expect from this author, it’s dark and twisted, the tension and suspense at times are off the charts and as it heads towards the end, It’s a sad, tragic, awful revenge spree and at times it’s terrifying, especially at the end. That’s a wow and a phew situation, it’s action packed and very dangerous scene. The ultimate ending is so sad and there are several moving scenes.

As for the central protagonist in Judith, I wholeheartedly approve of a strong female lead. She’s gutsy, brave, dogged, intuitive, instinctive although she can be impulsive, and she has a strong sense of right and wrong. She has quite the backstory which helps explain much about her personality traits. I do hope that she reappears in another novel as she’s too good and too interesting to be confined to a one off.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[Mugs & Manuscripts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Reasons For Revenge is a standout crime thriller from Dervla McTiernan. After reading What Happened to Nina?, the brilliant standalone that launched her into my top tier of must-read authors, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. It absolutely delivered and is the kind of crime thriller I love. One that maintains a steady undercurrent of dread, a dark and twisty plot, and characters that feel real and make me want to learn more.

McTiernan has crafted a fascinating and believable protagonist in Detective Sergeant Judith Lee. She completely stole the show for me. Gritty, rebellious, and weighed down by personal baggage she’s struggling to confront, Judith is messy in a way that feels authentic. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I believed in her arc from beginning to end.

At just over 300 pages, this is a tightly paced novel. McTiernan skillfully balances character development and backstory with forward momentum, never sacrificing tension. The story revolves around three mysterious packages delivered to three different individuals. At first, the packages appear harmless but it quickly becomes clear that someone is targeting the recipients with malicious intent. DS Judith Lee must untangle the connections and piece together what’s happening, racing against time as more lives are put at risk. As the story unfolds, the web of relationships becomes more intricate and the pressure mounts.

Three Reasons For Revenge is an accessible crime novel that strikes a great balance. It has enough procedural detail to satisfy fans of the genre without bogging down the pace. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, well-written thriller you can fully lose yourself in, this is a perfect weekend read. Another fantastic novel from McTiernan. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Dervla McTiernan for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Robert Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dervla McTiernan burst onto the Australian crime writing scene with a series of Irish procedurals featuring police officer Cormac Reilly. She then tried her had at a couple of American-based thrillers which were less successful before returning to Reilly. Her latest stand-alone crime novel Three Reasons for Revenge, is set in Melbourne and is a a cracking, twisted tale, and one that only gives up its secrets as it morphs from an investigation into a thriller.
The book opens with Detective Sergeant Judith Lee taking a statement from a young woman called Alexis who claims to have been sexually assaulted by her therapist. Lee has some history with this therapist and the story sounds familiar, but before she can investigate too far his wife receives a mysterious package and his life starts to come apart. Then Alexis disappears and two other, seemingly unrelated, people are drawn into the case and Lee starts to suspect that something more is going on.
That is really as much that can be said about Three Reasons for Revenge without giving away some of the many twists and turns. Suffice to say that McTiernan delivers an engaging cat-and-mouse game between a chilling sociopath and a policewoman with a complex past and who is also navigating power and reputation issues within the police force.
McTiernan gives readers enough clues to stay a little ahead of Lee but this just increases the tension. While the final act is fairly standard for narratives of this type, by then the tension is at its highest and readers are likely to be fully invested. It is great, though, that McTiernan has set this thriller in Australia (and in the city – Melbourne once again seems to be the place for Australian crime stories).
McTiernan has all the elements right for this type of thriller – great setting, engaging protagonist, scarily competent antagonist, a puzzling mystery and a slow ratchetting up of tension. All of which makes Three Reasons for Revenge hard to put down.

[Davena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan

You know I love a Dervla McTiernan book. This time last year, I was at the book launch for her last book, The Unquiet Grave. This year, Ross and I weren't able to attend the launch event, where she was speaking with @JPPomare (who?).

Three gifts. Three victims. One deadly game.

Three seemingly unconnected people are caught in a web of deception; Alexis Turner walks into the police station to report an assault. By the end of the day, she is nowhere to be found.

Soon after she disappears, three identical packages arrive at three very different doors: a respected psychologist's home, a socialite's mansion, and a struggling single father's run-down apartment. Inside, each gift is perfectly tailored to its recipient - and each will tear apart the life of its intended victim and Detective Sergeant Judith Lee is determined to unravel the thread. Someone knows exactly how to hurt each victim, and Jude is convinced that somehow, it connects back to Alexis Turner.

Twisty and non-stop, I thought this was clever and well-layered. I got through it in just a couple of days.

A big thumbs up 👍 Oh! And it's set in Melbourne too, an added bonus.

Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan is out now.
If you like Australian noir or procedurals (ish), and you enjoy the books by Jane Harper, Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Sarah Bailey or JP Pomare, then I think you'll like this one.

Side Note: This photo is a lie. I had the eARC of this book, so there was no multitasking while reading. While I did finish the hundreds-and-thousands biscuit picture during the time I read this book, I didn't draw it while reading... although the colours work pretty well together.

#designnerd #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf
@harpercollinsaustralia #harpercollinsaustralia @dervlamctiernan
#NetGalley @NetGalley

[Maureen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judith Lee is a detective sergeant within the Victorian Police Service. She is interviewing a young student, Alexis, who claims she has been sexually assaulted by a therapist. That therapist is later found dead, but was it suicide or foul play?

There are a number of sub-stories happening simultaneously within the story. Judith is involved in the dismissal of a corrupt fellow police officer, who is also a direct family member of the Assistant Police Commissioner. This creates some angst for Judith, who is treated as a turncoat by some of her colleagues. We hear about the therapist’s wife, who is an acclaimed television presenter, and we follow the impact that evolving events have on her career,. There are also insights into evolving events from other characters that feature in the story, offering different perspectives on what is quite an involved plot.

Dervla McTiernan has again written a well-constructed and intriguing novel. The book is promoted as a “compelling story of gripping suspense” and it certainly lives up to that description. The characters in the book have strongly described personalities; the background narrative and evolving plot is tight. The side stories that contribute to the story are well introduced. The author has delved into some difficult topics, including domestic violence, mental illness and misuse of power. These subjects have been treated with intelligence and well-researched insight. The landmarks and locations described in Victoria add authenticity to the work.

In summary, this is a totally riveting and enjoyable story that kept my interest to the last page. The book will appeal to a very wide range of readers who enjoy thrillers, crime, mystery, whodunits and contemporary fiction genres.

[Mara (tailsandtales.streetlibrary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three boxes. Beautifully packaged. Sent to a psychologist, a single dad, and a fashion designer… you know that’s not going anywhere good.

What unfolds is a seriously messed-up revenge game. DS Judith Lee is convinced it ties back to an assault on a young woman who then vanishes without a trace, but the deeper she digs, the more personal it gets. Like… uncomfortably personal. The kind that’s been sitting on her conscience for years.

Multiple perspectives keep things a bit murky at first, in that good, twisty “wait, hold on, what??” way, with alarm bells going off all over the place. I was fully locked in, trying to piece it together alongside her. The pacing is quick from the start and then absolutely takes off toward the end, and when things start clicking into place, it’s so satisfying.

It’s also pretty grim. This is one seriously messed-up sociopath we’re dealing with here. This isn’t a fun little revenge plot, it’s tragic, unsettling, and at times genuinely tense. That final stretch? Proper edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-your-throat stuff.

Judith is a great lead, gutsy, sharp, and stubborn in the best way. She follows her instincts, even when it’s risky, and her backstory adds that extra layer that makes her decisions hit harder.

You get enough procedural detail to scratch that crime fiction itch without it slowing things down, which I appreciate because I am not a fan of heavy procedural detail.

If you’re after a fast-paced, twisty thriller you can disappear into for a weekend, this one absolutely delivers.

Thanks to HarperCollins and HarperFiction for the early copy 🙌

[BiblioPeeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Finally, after all these years, she was going to get a second chance."

Three beautifully wrapped yet creepy packages turn up at the homes of three very different people—what's inside will have a lasting ripple effect. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Judith Lee takes the report of a sexual assault from a young woman, who vanishes after leaving the police station. The man named in the assault is known to Judith, and this time she's determined to bring him to justice.

This layered mystery had me hooked from the first few pages, and although it's not super fast-paced in the beginning, the tension and suspense never let up. 𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙡𝙖 𝙈𝙘𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣 skillfully drops just enough clues to put the pieces together as the truth slowly unravels. There aren't any big or jaw-dropping twists, but rather a complex and entwined story involving several people, in three different scenarios. There's ultimately no way to predict what will happen next, despite knowing who may be the culprit; at one point I was shocked by a turn of events! While Judith drives the narrative—and is entirely believable—there are many interesting characters and story arcs to dig into, including a kiddo that made quite the impression. The pace ramps up quickly near the end—as does the intensity—making the race to the conclusion thrilling!

This is my first book by 𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙡𝙖 𝙈𝙘𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣 and now I must read her backlist ASAP. A fabulous blend of investigative aspects, family drama, and payback, 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 is captivating and clever. Armchair detectives, amateur sleuths, and fans of crime fiction won't want to miss this book!
____

Thank you to William Morrow Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.