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Three Reasons for Revenge
An incredibly twisty, gripping crime thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat! 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.
What readers are saying about Three Reasons for Revenge “It grabbed me from the off, held me captive throughout, delivered shocks along the way, and spat me out at the end wholly satisfied”
“A real page-turner, just about impossible to put down, and undoubtedly her best yet”
“Had me hooked from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down”
“Gripping, clever, and emotionally charged”
“An adrenaline-fuelled thriller that grips from the outset—my heart was still racing by the final pages”
“DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! This book is amazing and I stayed up till 4am to finish it!! One of the most exciting books I have devoured in a long time”
“Stop what you are doing, buy this book. Forget your job. Forget your family. Forget all of your responsibilities. As matter of fact, just call in sick for about 48 hours so you can read this book and then get a shower and then re-read it for a second time. And then thank me later”
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.
What readers are saying about Three Reasons for Revenge “It grabbed me from the off, held me captive throughout, delivered shocks along the way, and spat me out at the end wholly satisfied”
“A real page-turner, just about impossible to put down, and undoubtedly her best yet”
“Had me hooked from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down”
“Gripping, clever, and emotionally charged”
“An adrenaline-fuelled thriller that grips from the outset—my heart was still racing by the final pages”
“DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! This book is amazing and I stayed up till 4am to finish it!! One of the most exciting books I have devoured in a long time”
“Stop what you are doing, buy this book. Forget your job. Forget your family. Forget all of your responsibilities. As matter of fact, just call in sick for about 48 hours so you can read this book and then get a shower and then re-read it for a second time. And then thank me later”
Audible Audio
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Dervla McTiernan
15 books5,763 followersNumber 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 920 reviews
June 10, 2026
UMMM YEAH I DON’T GET IT
Three Reasons for Revenge is a psychological thriller centered on Detective Sergeant Judith Lee. When a young woman, Alexis Turner, reports a sexual assault by a prominent psychologist and then vanishes, three destructive, tailored packages arrive at three seemingly unconnected homes. What do they mean and how are they connected?
Sigh! This book was not for me.
Its not even the fact that I figured out the ‘who’ quite early on, but I think how the story was told and structured just to be honest… bored me.
I didn’t feel any connections to any of the characters and there was so many of them that my brain after a while switched off because I couldn’t be bothered to keep up or truly understand what was going on.
The reasoning for certain actions and vengeance was convoluted, way too dramatic and unbelievable for my liking. Had it been a popcorn thriller kind of novel I might have been able to take a blindside but it wasn’t so it just felt so nonsensical to me.
It’s a shame as I have enjoyed the authors previous novels, but this one was a miss for me. Nonetheless I will still pick up what she releases next.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I really enjoyed "what happened to Nina"
The synopsis on this book sounds so intriguing!
Ready to dive in!
💚💛💛💚
Three Reasons for Revenge is a psychological thriller centered on Detective Sergeant Judith Lee. When a young woman, Alexis Turner, reports a sexual assault by a prominent psychologist and then vanishes, three destructive, tailored packages arrive at three seemingly unconnected homes. What do they mean and how are they connected?
Sigh! This book was not for me.
Its not even the fact that I figured out the ‘who’ quite early on, but I think how the story was told and structured just to be honest… bored me.
I didn’t feel any connections to any of the characters and there was so many of them that my brain after a while switched off because I couldn’t be bothered to keep up or truly understand what was going on.
The reasoning for certain actions and vengeance was convoluted, way too dramatic and unbelievable for my liking. Had it been a popcorn thriller kind of novel I might have been able to take a blindside but it wasn’t so it just felt so nonsensical to me.
It’s a shame as I have enjoyed the authors previous novels, but this one was a miss for me. Nonetheless I will still pick up what she releases next.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I really enjoyed "what happened to Nina"
The synopsis on this book sounds so intriguing!
Ready to dive in!
💚💛💛💚
June 3, 2026
The premise is very simple. Three beautifully wrapped packages are delivered anonymously via courier to three different people. How are these three people connected, and who is responsible for sending the packages? What is the purpose of the packages? All very important questions! Detective Judith Lee is in charge of the investigation and is trying to determine how everything is connected.
This book is told in several different parts, and in each part, we learn about the recipients of the packages. This took me out of the story and had me reset each time it happened. By doing it this way, I never really was able to get emotionally attached to any of the characters. I also had a hard time connecting with Judith’s character. It felt like I was missing some of her backstory. I wondered maybe if this was part of a series and I accidentally stumbled midway through it, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. I’m also a little unsure of why the side plot with her colleagues and other murder cases was mentioned in the detail it was when it didn’t appear that it was relevant to the case at hand. This may have worked for other readers, but for me, it was more of a distraction.
The mystery itself was fine and held my attention through the investigation. I’m not entirely sold on the resolution but wasn’t completely illogical.
I am most certainly an outlier as other reviewers have enjoyed this immensely, so please check out their reviews.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told in several different parts, and in each part, we learn about the recipients of the packages. This took me out of the story and had me reset each time it happened. By doing it this way, I never really was able to get emotionally attached to any of the characters. I also had a hard time connecting with Judith’s character. It felt like I was missing some of her backstory. I wondered maybe if this was part of a series and I accidentally stumbled midway through it, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. I’m also a little unsure of why the side plot with her colleagues and other murder cases was mentioned in the detail it was when it didn’t appear that it was relevant to the case at hand. This may have worked for other readers, but for me, it was more of a distraction.
The mystery itself was fine and held my attention through the investigation. I’m not entirely sold on the resolution but wasn’t completely illogical.
I am most certainly an outlier as other reviewers have enjoyed this immensely, so please check out their reviews.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2026
4.5★
"Judith’s mouth felt dry, and her hands felt cold. She swallowed. She felt an unsettling combination of pity for the girl in front of her and intense anticipation. This time she was going to get the bastard. Finally, after all these years, she was going to get a second chance."
Jude's a detective who listens to a young woman, Alexis Turner, describe how she'd been referred to the university's psychologist for counselling, and he'd fondled her while pretending to help her relax her shoulders.
"For a moment, Judith experienced a profound sense of déjà vu. Alexis was still there, still in the room, but she was overlaid onto another girl who had sat in front of Judith in a room just like this one, ten years before. Judith knew exactly what Alexis was going to say. Every word of it."
As Alexis talks, rage builds up in Jude, furious that she missed Dr. Walker last time. Maybe this time…
I'm delighted to say that this is McTiernan at the top of her game. I'm very fond of her Cormac Reilly series, based in her Irish homeland, and I've enjoyed her other books to varying degrees. (I realise publishers are often awfully influential about locations.)
This one is based here, in her adopted homeland of Australia, but it's not full of gum trees or desert heat, and it's not Outback Noir. It's a good, complex, urban crime novel with Melbourne as the backdrop, not to mention a Ben Quilty* painting on Dr. Walker's wall.
Jude's a bit of a biker, rides a BMW R1250 and dresses accordingly – black. Detectives don't wear uniforms, and the all-black look appears reasonably professional when necessary. She loves her leather jacket.
"Judith’s best friend told her that she treated the jacket like a comfort blanket. Katy said that with the jacket, Judith’s gym addiction, and the buzz cut, most of the time she looked more like a jacked, angry Sinéad O’Connor than a detective. Katy had a way with words."
McTiernan gives us three storylines targeting victims who don't seem to be connected … until they are. By the time Jude begins to make the connections, she discovers she is probably a target as well. But that doesn't stop her.
"Her leg throbbed. With the fear and the adrenaline, the pain from the bullet wound had receded. Now it was back."
This isn't a cosy, cup-of-tea-by-the-fire sort of mystery. McTiernan shows no mercy to her characters (don't get too attached to anyone!), and the crimes are nasty, but she doesn't indulge in gratuitous horror. Thanks, Dervla.
It's complicated but never confusing. It's also scary, but not serial-killer scary where you don't want to read it alone in the dark. I'd call it a compelling page-turner and probably my favourite of hers (so far).
*A nod to Ben Quilty.
https://benquilty.com/year/exhibition/
Thanks to #NetGalley and HarperCollins for the copy of "ThreeReasonsForRevenge" for review.
"Judith’s mouth felt dry, and her hands felt cold. She swallowed. She felt an unsettling combination of pity for the girl in front of her and intense anticipation. This time she was going to get the bastard. Finally, after all these years, she was going to get a second chance."
Jude's a detective who listens to a young woman, Alexis Turner, describe how she'd been referred to the university's psychologist for counselling, and he'd fondled her while pretending to help her relax her shoulders.
"For a moment, Judith experienced a profound sense of déjà vu. Alexis was still there, still in the room, but she was overlaid onto another girl who had sat in front of Judith in a room just like this one, ten years before. Judith knew exactly what Alexis was going to say. Every word of it."
As Alexis talks, rage builds up in Jude, furious that she missed Dr. Walker last time. Maybe this time…
I'm delighted to say that this is McTiernan at the top of her game. I'm very fond of her Cormac Reilly series, based in her Irish homeland, and I've enjoyed her other books to varying degrees. (I realise publishers are often awfully influential about locations.)
This one is based here, in her adopted homeland of Australia, but it's not full of gum trees or desert heat, and it's not Outback Noir. It's a good, complex, urban crime novel with Melbourne as the backdrop, not to mention a Ben Quilty* painting on Dr. Walker's wall.
Jude's a bit of a biker, rides a BMW R1250 and dresses accordingly – black. Detectives don't wear uniforms, and the all-black look appears reasonably professional when necessary. She loves her leather jacket.
"Judith’s best friend told her that she treated the jacket like a comfort blanket. Katy said that with the jacket, Judith’s gym addiction, and the buzz cut, most of the time she looked more like a jacked, angry Sinéad O’Connor than a detective. Katy had a way with words."
McTiernan gives us three storylines targeting victims who don't seem to be connected … until they are. By the time Jude begins to make the connections, she discovers she is probably a target as well. But that doesn't stop her.
"Her leg throbbed. With the fear and the adrenaline, the pain from the bullet wound had receded. Now it was back."
This isn't a cosy, cup-of-tea-by-the-fire sort of mystery. McTiernan shows no mercy to her characters (don't get too attached to anyone!), and the crimes are nasty, but she doesn't indulge in gratuitous horror. Thanks, Dervla.
It's complicated but never confusing. It's also scary, but not serial-killer scary where you don't want to read it alone in the dark. I'd call it a compelling page-turner and probably my favourite of hers (so far).
*A nod to Ben Quilty.
https://benquilty.com/year/exhibition/
Thanks to #NetGalley and HarperCollins for the copy of "ThreeReasonsForRevenge" for review.
June 3, 2026
"2.5-Stars ^ 3-Stars" for a Disappointing Effort
I am disappointed because I expected better from a favourite writer who produced the excellent "Detective Cormac Reilly" series, three of which I rated 5-Stars.
Addendum: June 03, 2026 - After 24 hours thinking on and off about this book, I have settled on 2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars, and I will not be bothering to "skim-read" it in search of "reasons why".
I will revise this review and choose my "X-Stars" rating very soon, but I feel like I need to listen to the book again because clearly I have missed some obvious clues, or cues, or whatever. I heard this over just three, mostly flat-on-my-back 'sittings', so concentration was not an issue, but I think after hearing Part One and being really enthused by that, the subsequent Parts seemed to lose momentum, with some doubtful characters and questionable plausibility not helping the cause. A book that needs Four Parts, 31 Chapters, to tell a story, then an Epilogue, plus a 'Letter to Renee', to tell the reader why and how it finished as it did - I am obviously missing something, or a lot.😟
Of course I won't listen to the whole audiobook again, but I will probably 'sound-skim' through all the chapters and see what I might have missed. Normally, it would never occur to me to do this, but Dervla McTiernan holds a special spot near the top of my list of favourite authors, and that's a good enough reason for me.
I listened to this audiobook read by Aussie (+Irish) actor Alison McGirr, in a "normal" Australian voice, by which I mean she sounded just like a regular, normally educated Melbourne woman to me, a regular, normally educated Melbourne man. The narration was excellent throughout, although I was occasionally distracted by the McGirr's use of the British-style pronunciation 'garridge' for 'garage' in a story otherwise firmly grounded in contemporary Melbourne. Another minor nit-pick was her pronunciation of 'voyeur' as 'voyer', as in 'foyer'. Both were minor distractions and most likely a reflection of McGirr's early teen years spent living in Ireland, but an attentive editor would have picked them up.
From my Listening Activity:
May 29, 2026 @ 45%: "I am enjoying Alison McGirr's Aussie narration of this new audiobook from Dervla McTiernan. I had to deliberately put the iPhone down at 01:20 AM, as I was quite engrossed with the story."
May 30, 2026 @ 76%: "This book is written in four parts, + epilogue + letter. I loved Part 1, Part 2 puzzled me, taking the shine off Part 1, and Part 3 feels like it's edging towards disappointment. I so wanted to love this book - I still hope I do!"
June 02, 2026 @ 99%: "A disappointment :( Due my enforced "rest", I heard this over just three sittings, and after the first my expectations were quite high... I need to go back, mentally and physically, to see what went wrong.."
Dervla McTiernan - Three Reasons for Revenge - 2026
Audible Direct: 10:28 Hours - Narrator: Alison McGirr
Commenced: May 29, 2026 - Finished June 01, 2026
I am disappointed because I expected better from a favourite writer who produced the excellent "Detective Cormac Reilly" series, three of which I rated 5-Stars.
Addendum: June 03, 2026 - After 24 hours thinking on and off about this book, I have settled on 2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars, and I will not be bothering to "skim-read" it in search of "reasons why".
Of course I won't listen to the whole audiobook again, but I will probably 'sound-skim' through all the chapters and see what I might have missed. Normally, it would never occur to me to do this, but Dervla McTiernan holds a special spot near the top of my list of favourite authors, and that's a good enough reason for me.
I listened to this audiobook read by Aussie (+Irish) actor Alison McGirr, in a "normal" Australian voice, by which I mean she sounded just like a regular, normally educated Melbourne woman to me, a regular, normally educated Melbourne man. The narration was excellent throughout, although I was occasionally distracted by the McGirr's use of the British-style pronunciation 'garridge' for 'garage' in a story otherwise firmly grounded in contemporary Melbourne. Another minor nit-pick was her pronunciation of 'voyeur' as 'voyer', as in 'foyer'. Both were minor distractions and most likely a reflection of McGirr's early teen years spent living in Ireland, but an attentive editor would have picked them up.
From my Listening Activity:
May 29, 2026 @ 45%: "I am enjoying Alison McGirr's Aussie narration of this new audiobook from Dervla McTiernan. I had to deliberately put the iPhone down at 01:20 AM, as I was quite engrossed with the story."
May 30, 2026 @ 76%: "This book is written in four parts, + epilogue + letter. I loved Part 1, Part 2 puzzled me, taking the shine off Part 1, and Part 3 feels like it's edging towards disappointment. I so wanted to love this book - I still hope I do!"
June 02, 2026 @ 99%: "A disappointment :( Due my enforced "rest", I heard this over just three sittings, and after the first my expectations were quite high... I need to go back, mentally and physically, to see what went wrong.."
Dervla McTiernan - Three Reasons for Revenge - 2026
Audible Direct: 10:28 Hours - Narrator: Alison McGirr
Commenced: May 29, 2026 - Finished June 01, 2026
April 29, 2026
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.
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.
June 8, 2026
When the respected psychologist's household received the parcel, his wife opened it. Her shock at what it contained saw her leaving the marriage home. The single father to ten year old Cam was the next to received a parcel. He was about to take it to the police station when they arrived at his door. And a well-known socialite also received a parcel. None of these people were connected; none of them knew each other. But they were all in the mind of a certain person and revenge was on that person's mind.
Detective Sergeant Judith Lee was following the case, and knew the person who'd been arrested wasn't the culprit. She was sure she knew what it was about, and knew it was something to do with the secret she'd held deep inside from ten years prior. The plot was getting more and more involved; three people had died and she was sure there would be more unless she could find the killer. But her investigation suddenly turned into something she didn't want - the killer was forcing her to play the game...
Three Reasons for Revenge is a standalone novel by Aussie author Dervla McTiernan and I enjoyed it very much, especially the last half of the book. It was especially gritty and tense as we moved toward the ending, and the discovery of why. I enjoyed Judith's character; her determination to find answers, to go against the majority because her gut told her she was right. I have no hesitation in recommending Three Reasons for Revenge to fans of the author, as well as fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins for my digital ARC to read and review.
Detective Sergeant Judith Lee was following the case, and knew the person who'd been arrested wasn't the culprit. She was sure she knew what it was about, and knew it was something to do with the secret she'd held deep inside from ten years prior. The plot was getting more and more involved; three people had died and she was sure there would be more unless she could find the killer. But her investigation suddenly turned into something she didn't want - the killer was forcing her to play the game...
Three Reasons for Revenge is a standalone novel by Aussie author Dervla McTiernan and I enjoyed it very much, especially the last half of the book. It was especially gritty and tense as we moved toward the ending, and the discovery of why. I enjoyed Judith's character; her determination to find answers, to go against the majority because her gut told her she was right. I have no hesitation in recommending Three Reasons for Revenge to fans of the author, as well as fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins for my digital ARC to read and review.
July 27, 2026
4.5-5⭐️ What begins with a Melbourne student filing a police report against a psychologist, quickly spirals into so much more when three mysterious packages are delivered to three individuals who seem to share no discernible connection. But up to the task of connecting these dots is DS Judith Lee, a character who I hope to see much more of in the future.
There is something about Dervla McTiernan’s writing that makes it easy to follow, even when complex, and quick to engage even the most cynical thriller reader. She continues that pattern here, drawing us in almost immediately as we work to decipher the mystery behind these characters’ motives and actions alongside our MC, giving the reader tiny glimpses into the overall picture as each thread is pulled little by little. And unlike most thriller writers, McTiernan does an impeccable job deep diving into who these characters are under the surface, creating the depth and breath of a literary mystery.
🎧 I did a mostly audio read of this story and found the audiobook to be a very solid format choice. Alison McGirr, in what i believe to be her debut, did a solid job bringing DS Lee to life.
Read if you like:
▪️psychological suspense
▪️police procedurals
▪️who can you trust plot lines
▪️clever writing
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the advanced copies.
There is something about Dervla McTiernan’s writing that makes it easy to follow, even when complex, and quick to engage even the most cynical thriller reader. She continues that pattern here, drawing us in almost immediately as we work to decipher the mystery behind these characters’ motives and actions alongside our MC, giving the reader tiny glimpses into the overall picture as each thread is pulled little by little. And unlike most thriller writers, McTiernan does an impeccable job deep diving into who these characters are under the surface, creating the depth and breath of a literary mystery.
🎧 I did a mostly audio read of this story and found the audiobook to be a very solid format choice. Alison McGirr, in what i believe to be her debut, did a solid job bringing DS Lee to life.
Read if you like:
▪️psychological suspense
▪️police procedurals
▪️who can you trust plot lines
▪️clever writing
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the advanced copies.
August 16, 2026
EXCERPT: ' . . .They sent me to a psychologist.'
Judith's pen stilled.
'Which psychologist?'
'Robert Walker.'
The name washed over Judith like cold water over a feverish skin. Her mouth was suddenly dry. She reached out and took a sip from her horrible coffee. Alexis must have caught the change in mood. For the first time in the interview, she looked straight at Judith. She took in Judith's face and frowned.
'What happened to you?'
ABOUT 'THREE REASONS FOR REVENGE': 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.
MY THOUGHTS: Diabolically clever. Suspenseful. Ultimately chilling.
#ThreeReasonsforRevenge @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
Judith's pen stilled.
'Which psychologist?'
'Robert Walker.'
The name washed over Judith like cold water over a feverish skin. Her mouth was suddenly dry. She reached out and took a sip from her horrible coffee. Alexis must have caught the change in mood. For the first time in the interview, she looked straight at Judith. She took in Judith's face and frowned.
'What happened to you?'
ABOUT 'THREE REASONS FOR REVENGE': 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.
MY THOUGHTS: Diabolically clever. Suspenseful. Ultimately chilling.
#ThreeReasonsforRevenge @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THREE REASONS????
3️⃣3️⃣3️⃣
➡️ THREE REASONS FOR MY 3.5-STAR REVIEW:
1) Disappointment.
My sky-high expectations were not met. I’m a huge fan of Dervla McTiernan, revenge thrillers, and unhinged female protagonists. Despite checking all my boxes, this book failed to live up to my internal hype.
2) Uneven pacing.
The story started strong, but the pacing was inconsistent. Some chapters were tense and gripping, while others felt repetitive or scattered.
3) Believability?
This book required a huge suspension of disbelief. The unhinged, unidentified protagonist never felt genuinely authentic. By the final chapter, the story veered into eye-rolling territory rather than delivering a satisfying payoff.
THE SAVING GRACE:
The 5-star concept and the clever book structure.
The book's premise was brilliant and compelling: three beautifully wrapped packages are delivered to three strangers, each containing the means to enact deadly revenge. Who sent those packages and why?
I especially enjoyed the novel's structure and the way the author slowly peeled back the layers of the mystery.
That said, Three Reasons for Revenge didn’t reach the level of What Happened to Nina and the author's earlier releases, which felt sharper and more emotionally resonant.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Alison McGirr.
July 18, 2026
I’m gonna need a minute. Brilliant! Heart-stopping! I had no idea what the hell was going on for a quite a long time lol.
RTC 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RTC 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 27, 2026
Oh that ending!! Hold on, let me get myself emotionally in check! What an Outstanding story that was, Bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽! This one pulled me in and once again I could not put it down….I am still buzzing from this high! Top shelf storytelling awesome character development. To be honest I kind of got a character crush on Judith, yeah. She stole the show for me and now she is my hero 😂 That’s how good it got for me. I felt like we were a team and we literally figured out who the villain was at the same time Lol! Great story!
Looking for a fast paced, on the edge of your seat, emotion thriller with a heartless psychopath? Get your popcorn 🍿 and post up here! This one takes you on a race against time that will have all your flabber gasted and for that I say….well done, thank you!
Looking for a fast paced, on the edge of your seat, emotion thriller with a heartless psychopath? Get your popcorn 🍿 and post up here! This one takes you on a race against time that will have all your flabber gasted and for that I say….well done, thank you!
August 13, 2026
4.5 stars!! Come on Goodreads - give us that half star option already!
I LOVED this book. This one is a jaded and and badass FMC detective based police procedural, with plenty of suspense, multiple storylines woven together with different POVs, and a villian with a serious need for revenge- I mean when it's done right and it's done well, there is nothing better!
In this thriller- three different people receive a package that will destroy their lives, but how are all they connected, and why?
What an expertly crafted and impressively multi-layered thriller. It was perfectly complex without being over the top. I loved how the villian was revealed to be motivated by a trauma based background that was never exploited, but instead used to build and shape their decisions in ways that remained integral to the investigation itself.
I would definitely say that this is a character driven novel, but it still moves at a quick pace. Extremely nuanced and well written characters- I never felt bored or felt that the storyline was repetitive. Each piece was necessary and it all came together at the end with a bang!
My advice is to go in blind to this one with your thinking caps on! You will have a hell of a time trying to fit all the intricate puzzle pieces together before the shocking twist ending!
I LOVED this book. This one is a jaded and and badass FMC detective based police procedural, with plenty of suspense, multiple storylines woven together with different POVs, and a villian with a serious need for revenge- I mean when it's done right and it's done well, there is nothing better!
In this thriller- three different people receive a package that will destroy their lives, but how are all they connected, and why?
What an expertly crafted and impressively multi-layered thriller. It was perfectly complex without being over the top. I loved how the villian was revealed to be motivated by a trauma based background that was never exploited, but instead used to build and shape their decisions in ways that remained integral to the investigation itself.
I would definitely say that this is a character driven novel, but it still moves at a quick pace. Extremely nuanced and well written characters- I never felt bored or felt that the storyline was repetitive. Each piece was necessary and it all came together at the end with a bang!
My advice is to go in blind to this one with your thinking caps on! You will have a hell of a time trying to fit all the intricate puzzle pieces together before the shocking twist ending!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️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
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
August 20, 2026
This hooked me right in and kept me captivated the entire way through.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
I found myself completely and easily immersed when listening to this audiobook! One case leads to another with the mystery deepening!
The crimes committed are methodical and brilliantly planned out. And it becomes even more personal when the chief police officer is framed for murder.
It’s a revengeful tale of the highest proportions.
A worthy listen and highly recommended.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an AAC in exchange for my honest review.
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.
I found myself completely and easily immersed when listening to this audiobook! One case leads to another with the mystery deepening!
The crimes committed are methodical and brilliantly planned out. And it becomes even more personal when the chief police officer is framed for murder.
It’s a revengeful tale of the highest proportions.
A worthy listen and highly recommended.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an AAC in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2026
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.
August 8, 2026
4.25 Although I enjoy Irish authors, there is no evidence of Dervla's Ireland in this book. Australia is interesting but there's not a lot about the geography or Australian surroundings either. That's okay. Her writing is very good and so is the storyline. I hope there will be a sequel as there are unanswered questions and things left unfinished.
May 31, 2026
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.
March 5, 2026
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
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.
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.
May 17, 2026
Brilliant and engrossing as usual. My new favourite fictional detective is Judith Lee.
Dervla is my second favourite crime writer after Agatha Christie.
Dervla is my second favourite crime writer after Agatha Christie.
August 2, 2026
Very well written--I love Dervla McTiernan's novels. This one was suspenseful and hard to put down. A bit grim, but still great.
July 30, 2026
2.5 stars
May 31, 2026
If you want to read all night, sleep in and be late for work the next day- this is your book!! Could not put it down!!
July 1, 2026
Three Reasons for Revenge is a tense psychological thriller in which three separate characters each receive a luxuriously wrapped parcel that will change their lives forever.
May 3, 2026
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...
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...
March 18, 2026
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
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
July 21, 2026
This was good, I love this author, I just felt like the villain was a little too clever, some people like that in a thriller, though, and minus that it was great
July 20, 2026
Love a good crime thriller that is set in Australia!
June 11, 2026
i liked this one! i found it suspenseful enough to keep me engaged even if some of the twists were a tiny bit predictable. i feel like that’s just me, though, since i read so many thrillers.
there were a few characters that i occasionally had trouble distinguishing from one another, but it never became so confusing that it affected my enjoyment of the story.
i listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job. the chapter transitions were mostly clear and easy to follow, and while i had a couple moments of confusion, it wasn’t a major issue.
overall, this was an enjoyable suspense story and i had fun!! i can definitely see this being made into a tv show.
thank you to NetGalley, Dervla McTiernan, and HarperAudio Adult for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of Three Reasons for Revenge!
there were a few characters that i occasionally had trouble distinguishing from one another, but it never became so confusing that it affected my enjoyment of the story.
i listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job. the chapter transitions were mostly clear and easy to follow, and while i had a couple moments of confusion, it wasn’t a major issue.
overall, this was an enjoyable suspense story and i had fun!! i can definitely see this being made into a tv show.
thank you to NetGalley, Dervla McTiernan, and HarperAudio Adult for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of Three Reasons for Revenge!
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