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The Truth About Ruby Cooper
Not yet published
Expected 12 Mar 26If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.
Ruby Cooper and her sister, Erin, live an idyllic life in their close-knit church community in Boston. But when Ruby is sixteen, she is involved in an incident that causes her family’s world to implode.
Across decades, the fallout leaves a wake of destruction behind Ruby in Dublin and Erin in Boston.
Not that Ruby wants to think about the past.
But it can’t stay a secret forever.
Ruby Cooper and her sister, Erin, live an idyllic life in their close-knit church community in Boston. But when Ruby is sixteen, she is involved in an incident that causes her family’s world to implode.
Across decades, the fallout leaves a wake of destruction behind Ruby in Dublin and Erin in Boston.
Not that Ruby wants to think about the past.
But it can’t stay a secret forever.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 12, 2026
12 people are currently reading
3459 people want to read
About the author
Liz Nugent
14 books4,845 followersLiz Nugent worked as a stage manager in theatres in Ireland and toured internationally before writing extensively for radio and television drama.
Unravelling Oliver was published in 2014, hit the number 1 spot for several weeks and won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.
Lying in Wait, published in 2016, went straight to number 1 and was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. It won the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award at the Irish Book Awards.
In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in Literature.
Skin Deep was published in 2018. It also went straight to number 1 in the bestsellers charts and scooped two awards at the An Post Irish Book Awards in Nov '18: Crime Novel of the Year AND the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listener's Choice Award.
Little Cruelties (Our Little Cruelties) was published in 2020. Another number 1 bestseller, it topped the charts for fifteen weeks, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, long listed for a CWA award at Theakston Crime Festival at Harrogate. It was listed as one of the most recommended thrillers of the Year by the New York Times.
Liz was presented with the James Joyce Medal for Literature (via Zoom!) in February 21 and was a Guest of Honour at Iceland Noir in November 21.
Strange Sally. Diamond was published in 2023 and was number 1 in the Irish charts for 9 weeks and stayed I the top ten for 26 weeks. It won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and made the shortlist of six for Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2024. It was the second best selling book in Ireland after the Booker Prize winning Prophet Son by Paul Lynch and the most borrowed book for adults from Irish libraries.
Her new novel The Truth About Ruby Cooper will be published in March 2026 in UK and iRL by Penguin Sandycove and in the US by Gallery /Simon and Schuster at a later date TBC.
Unravelling Oliver was published in 2014, hit the number 1 spot for several weeks and won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.
Lying in Wait, published in 2016, went straight to number 1 and was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. It won the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award at the Irish Book Awards.
In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in Literature.
Skin Deep was published in 2018. It also went straight to number 1 in the bestsellers charts and scooped two awards at the An Post Irish Book Awards in Nov '18: Crime Novel of the Year AND the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listener's Choice Award.
Little Cruelties (Our Little Cruelties) was published in 2020. Another number 1 bestseller, it topped the charts for fifteen weeks, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, long listed for a CWA award at Theakston Crime Festival at Harrogate. It was listed as one of the most recommended thrillers of the Year by the New York Times.
Liz was presented with the James Joyce Medal for Literature (via Zoom!) in February 21 and was a Guest of Honour at Iceland Noir in November 21.
Strange Sally. Diamond was published in 2023 and was number 1 in the Irish charts for 9 weeks and stayed I the top ten for 26 weeks. It won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and made the shortlist of six for Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2024. It was the second best selling book in Ireland after the Booker Prize winning Prophet Son by Paul Lynch and the most borrowed book for adults from Irish libraries.
Her new novel The Truth About Ruby Cooper will be published in March 2026 in UK and iRL by Penguin Sandycove and in the US by Gallery /Simon and Schuster at a later date TBC.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 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.
January 28, 2026
" 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Liz Nugent is a genius and I will read anything she writes. The Truth About Ruby Cooper is not an easy book to read as it tackles some really difficult issues and the author is not afraid to go there. In saying that, it is compelling, it is addictive and it is brilliant. An absolute must read and easy 5 stars.
I had some very extreme emotions reading this book I must say. I was sad, I was shocked, I was so very angry and appalled at times. Ruby is not a nice person and her actions are hard to understand or sympathise with. It all starts with “the incident “ and carries on throughout this story. There is no care for how her actions will impact those that she loves, changing all of their lives forever.
And look at that cover! Stunning 💜
Thank you so much to Penguin UK Books for my advanced copy to read. I will be singing its praises to anyone who will listen. Publishes on March 12th.
I had some very extreme emotions reading this book I must say. I was sad, I was shocked, I was so very angry and appalled at times. Ruby is not a nice person and her actions are hard to understand or sympathise with. It all starts with “the incident “ and carries on throughout this story. There is no care for how her actions will impact those that she loves, changing all of their lives forever.
And look at that cover! Stunning 💜
Thank you so much to Penguin UK Books for my advanced copy to read. I will be singing its praises to anyone who will listen. Publishes on March 12th.
Want to read
July 25, 2025Eeeek! I love this authors work!
I cant wait for this to be released!
😁😁😁😁😁
I cant wait for this to be released!
😁😁😁😁😁
January 3, 2026
The Queen of the Opening Line has done it again!
This is a perfect example of how to nail the psychological thriller, keep the reader utterly gripped and throw in several WTF and OMG moments that literally left me open mouthed with shock.
As a huge fan of Liz Nugent and having read all her books, I was delighted to get an early ARC copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper. I was so excited I didn’t even read the blurb, so went in completely oblivious to what this story was about and if you need further proof of how much I loved it, I didn’t put it down and devoured it in a day, only stopping halfway to message Liz to say WOW.
I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but I will say it’s about a family, a shocking and awful incident and the cataclysmic and devastating effects it has on everyone from that moment on.
It’s raw and beautiful, brutal and heartbreaking laying bare some of the truths about addiction, recovery and the effect our actions have on those we love.
5 big fat stars
This is a perfect example of how to nail the psychological thriller, keep the reader utterly gripped and throw in several WTF and OMG moments that literally left me open mouthed with shock.
As a huge fan of Liz Nugent and having read all her books, I was delighted to get an early ARC copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper. I was so excited I didn’t even read the blurb, so went in completely oblivious to what this story was about and if you need further proof of how much I loved it, I didn’t put it down and devoured it in a day, only stopping halfway to message Liz to say WOW.
I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but I will say it’s about a family, a shocking and awful incident and the cataclysmic and devastating effects it has on everyone from that moment on.
It’s raw and beautiful, brutal and heartbreaking laying bare some of the truths about addiction, recovery and the effect our actions have on those we love.
5 big fat stars
January 20, 2026
I’m not even kidding when I say I haven’t moved in six hours, in which time I both started and finished this book. If you’re looking for a compelling, powerful, one-sitting read definitely add this one to your lists but WARNING: it will absolutely consume you… so maybe wait until you have zero plans and all the time to dedicate to reading this in it’s entirety.
I appreciate the fact that in the proof copy I received was a note from Liz Nugent herself telling me beforehand that at some point whilst reading this book, I might feel the urge to hurl it across the room - this couldn’t have been more true. However, I wasn’t expecting to also need to take time-outs after every other chapter to control both my anger and my breathing. Liz also messaged me on instagram to inform me that it’s a much different book to SSD so my advice is: please don’t go into this expecting it to be similar to that. It’s such a unique book written from a very different POV, but honestly blew my mind. It’s raw and gut-wrenching, featuring themes of grief, trauma and really dives deep into a tough subject matter. The ending to part one left me utterly speechless.
I found it impossible to put down and it’s been a long time since I devoured a book over 350 pages in literally one sitting. I’m so impressed by this author and she definitely deserves to be on everyone’s radar!!!!!! I know this book is going to be an absolute hit!!!! 5 stars!!!!!
I appreciate the fact that in the proof copy I received was a note from Liz Nugent herself telling me beforehand that at some point whilst reading this book, I might feel the urge to hurl it across the room - this couldn’t have been more true. However, I wasn’t expecting to also need to take time-outs after every other chapter to control both my anger and my breathing. Liz also messaged me on instagram to inform me that it’s a much different book to SSD so my advice is: please don’t go into this expecting it to be similar to that. It’s such a unique book written from a very different POV, but honestly blew my mind. It’s raw and gut-wrenching, featuring themes of grief, trauma and really dives deep into a tough subject matter. The ending to part one left me utterly speechless.
I found it impossible to put down and it’s been a long time since I devoured a book over 350 pages in literally one sitting. I’m so impressed by this author and she definitely deserves to be on everyone’s radar!!!!!! I know this book is going to be an absolute hit!!!! 5 stars!!!!!
January 21, 2026
The way Liz Nugent writes her characters is literally like no other 😮💨
This story is DARK so if you’re easily triggered & don’t like touchy subjects I’d really advise you to check trigger warnings before reading it!
But once again although it’s a touchy subject I feel like Liz Nugent could be the one to write a story about it and do it right which in my humble opinion she did just that!
This story is DARK so if you’re easily triggered & don’t like touchy subjects I’d really advise you to check trigger warnings before reading it!
But once again although it’s a touchy subject I feel like Liz Nugent could be the one to write a story about it and do it right which in my humble opinion she did just that!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In her introduction, author Liz Nugent states that she had not written a book like this before, she was trying something new, and she warned that there might come a time when the reader would want to throw said book at the wall. She wasn't wrong.
This is an extremely dark book, with themes that some may find triggering. These include:
- Alcoholism
- Substance Abuse
- Sexual Assault
- Grooming
- Rape
The story centres around the Cooper family who live in Boston, namely sisters Erin and Ruby. Spanning three decades, it chronicles the lives of the sisters, and an incident in 1999 which saw the family divided; while Ruby and her mother, Maureen, move to Dublin, Erin and her father, Doug, remain in Boston.
As well as wanting to hurl my kindle at the wall, I found myself shouting WTF quite a lot. I've gone through every emotion imaginable whilst reading this book, that's how bloody good it is.
I found it incredibly difficult to like Ruby, and I have to be honest, Erin annoyed me a wee bit too.
Despite, or maybe because of, its dark themes, I loved The Truth About Ruby Cooper. What transpires within its pages are thankfully rare in real life, but it's interesting to read them from this perspective.
Thanks to Penguin Sandycove, Penguin Random House UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
This is an extremely dark book, with themes that some may find triggering. These include:
- Alcoholism
- Substance Abuse
- Sexual Assault
- Grooming
- Rape
The story centres around the Cooper family who live in Boston, namely sisters Erin and Ruby. Spanning three decades, it chronicles the lives of the sisters, and an incident in 1999 which saw the family divided; while Ruby and her mother, Maureen, move to Dublin, Erin and her father, Doug, remain in Boston.
As well as wanting to hurl my kindle at the wall, I found myself shouting WTF quite a lot. I've gone through every emotion imaginable whilst reading this book, that's how bloody good it is.
I found it incredibly difficult to like Ruby, and I have to be honest, Erin annoyed me a wee bit too.
Despite, or maybe because of, its dark themes, I loved The Truth About Ruby Cooper. What transpires within its pages are thankfully rare in real life, but it's interesting to read them from this perspective.
Thanks to Penguin Sandycove, Penguin Random House UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
December 3, 2025
Another fantastic and riveting story from Liz Nugent.
The story of 16 year old Ruby and her older sister Erin who live with their religious parents in Boston. When an incident occurs between Ruby and Erin’s boyfriend it sets in motion a series of events that rips their family apart and Ruby and her mother move to Dublin leaving Erin and their father behind.
Dark distrurbing, possibly a little controversial but Nugent attacks this head on and again somehow ropes you in to caring for some pretty unsavoury and flawed characters. You will find yourself equally repulsed and empathetic throughout as you spend half a life time with these characters.
Another tour de force from Nugent. Storytelling of the highest calibre. Original, dark, sad and at times funny, I just loved this one.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
The story of 16 year old Ruby and her older sister Erin who live with their religious parents in Boston. When an incident occurs between Ruby and Erin’s boyfriend it sets in motion a series of events that rips their family apart and Ruby and her mother move to Dublin leaving Erin and their father behind.
Dark distrurbing, possibly a little controversial but Nugent attacks this head on and again somehow ropes you in to caring for some pretty unsavoury and flawed characters. You will find yourself equally repulsed and empathetic throughout as you spend half a life time with these characters.
Another tour de force from Nugent. Storytelling of the highest calibre. Original, dark, sad and at times funny, I just loved this one.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a tough read..... This will have you questioning yourself as a mother, sibling, spouse....and ask yourself if there's ever a right time to correct a wrong.
This book to me was like a character study ....in the aftermath of 'the incident', when Ruby Cooper was 16yrs old....and spans decades after that day and the ripple effects that took place in so many lives.
This was a difficult read....an unsettling read, but one I could not put down and finished in one sitting.
I'll put a more coherent review together once I gather my thoughts 😄
This book to me was like a character study ....in the aftermath of 'the incident', when Ruby Cooper was 16yrs old....and spans decades after that day and the ripple effects that took place in so many lives.
This was a difficult read....an unsettling read, but one I could not put down and finished in one sitting.
I'll put a more coherent review together once I gather my thoughts 😄
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Have I ever disliked a character so much yet found the book so brilliant that I was unable to keep turning the pages? I really don't think so!
This is another cracker from Liz Nugent. It’s uneasy, it’s tense and it is utterly gripping. From the brilliant opening line to the last page I was captivated and read it in just a couple of sittings.
The story focuses on Ruby and her sister Erin . Unfolding from a rape, crossing decades and moving from America to Ireland, it follows the consequences and impact of the sexual assault on each of the womens lives. As well as the rape , the book also deals with further difficult topics such as alcoholism but all are skillfully handled.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot as I definitely think it is one of those books you’ll enjoy more if you go into blind.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a book that will make you think, with excellent, well developed characters particularly Ruby with all her flaws and conniving ways
All the stars!
This is another cracker from Liz Nugent. It’s uneasy, it’s tense and it is utterly gripping. From the brilliant opening line to the last page I was captivated and read it in just a couple of sittings.
The story focuses on Ruby and her sister Erin . Unfolding from a rape, crossing decades and moving from America to Ireland, it follows the consequences and impact of the sexual assault on each of the womens lives. As well as the rape , the book also deals with further difficult topics such as alcoholism but all are skillfully handled.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot as I definitely think it is one of those books you’ll enjoy more if you go into blind.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a book that will make you think, with excellent, well developed characters particularly Ruby with all her flaws and conniving ways
All the stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Liz has done it again! Another horrid character that you love to hate!
November 26, 2025
I can honestly say when I got an email with a widget for Liz Nugent’s new book I literally screamed with delight . I couldn’t wait to dive straight into The truth about Ruby Cooper. I didn’t even read the blurb and went in completely clueless as to what the book was actually about . Well yet again Liz Nugent has literally blown me away with another unforgettable book . This story is about two sisters, Ruby and Erin and is based between Boston and Dublin . It’s a tense, emotional and at times heartbreaking read. Again Liz Nugent has knocked it out of the park with another book that rendered me speechless at times . I won’t say any more in case of spoilers but I guarantee this is one book you won’t want to miss when it’s published in March . My only gripe is that I will have to wait another 2 years for the next one .
August 31, 2025
I’ve read everything this author has written so I was excited to read a 30 page sampler and I enjoyed it. It’s got quite a heavy storyline but it is a page turner and written in the authors typical style. I’m excited and intrigued to read more.
February 1, 2026
After a life-altering event fractures their family, 16 year old Ruby and her sister are separated between the US and Ireland. Spanning decades, this book explores the fallout and the impact ‘the incident’ has on everything - their lives, relationships, family - truth and lies.
Without spoilers, this is a crime fiction novel, more akin to a family or generational saga, exploring themes of femininity, religion, addiction, trauma, s*xual ass*lt, and much more. It is dark and controversial, with complex characters.
There is a lot to discuss in this book and it would make an excellent book club choice. When you read it (because you MUST read it) feel free to talk to me about it as I have a lot of thoughts.
I read most of this book in one day (I never do this as I’m such a slow reader!). Very addictive and highly recommend!
After reading Strange Sally Diamond a few years ago, this has cemented Liz Nugent as a must-read author for me. Can’t wait to read some of her other books.
**
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Fig Tree for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Out March 2026!
**
“What was it dad said that day? ‘I love her, but she doesn't make it easy.’ I think of that a lot.“
Without spoilers, this is a crime fiction novel, more akin to a family or generational saga, exploring themes of femininity, religion, addiction, trauma, s*xual ass*lt, and much more. It is dark and controversial, with complex characters.
There is a lot to discuss in this book and it would make an excellent book club choice. When you read it (because you MUST read it) feel free to talk to me about it as I have a lot of thoughts.
I read most of this book in one day (I never do this as I’m such a slow reader!). Very addictive and highly recommend!
After reading Strange Sally Diamond a few years ago, this has cemented Liz Nugent as a must-read author for me. Can’t wait to read some of her other books.
**
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Fig Tree for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Out March 2026!
**
“What was it dad said that day? ‘I love her, but she doesn't make it easy.’ I think of that a lot.“
January 28, 2026
Wow I’m sure no one is going to be weird about this AT ALL
She's done it again folks! Synopsis wise I'm saying very little here. A family implodes due to an incident and at the centre of it is Ruby. We follow them for the next few decades as the after effects of said incident continue to ripple.
Okay so I'm really hoping people will be normal about this!! I dunno!! But I was entertained and horrified in equal measure. I love a wretched character! There were times when the plot spun out to something that felt superfluous and then it was tied back in. Everything meant something!
This reminded me of Skin Deep which to this day is still my fave Liz Nugent book and my fave thriller ever.
*read via Netgalley
She's done it again folks! Synopsis wise I'm saying very little here. A family implodes due to an incident and at the centre of it is Ruby. We follow them for the next few decades as the after effects of said incident continue to ripple.
Okay so I'm really hoping people will be normal about this!! I dunno!! But I was entertained and horrified in equal measure. I love a wretched character! There were times when the plot spun out to something that felt superfluous and then it was tied back in. Everything meant something!
This reminded me of Skin Deep which to this day is still my fave Liz Nugent book and my fave thriller ever.
*read via Netgalley
December 18, 2025
4.5 rounded up 😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/4
Erin and Ruby Cooper may be close sisters but when Ruby is involved in terrible incident the family fractures beyond repair leaving Ruby with their mother in Dublin and Erin in Boston with their father. As the years go by the fractures deepen and Ruby buries her head further and further into the sand. The past is the very last place she wants to revisit.
Having read several rave reviews about this latest offering from Liz Nugent I was looking forward to reading Ruby's story. However the truth about Ruby is not much of a secret and the story itself, while well written, felt less exciting than Strange Sally Diamond, which I preferred.
Ruby is certainly not meant to be a sympathetic character but I didnt particularly warm to many other characters either.
The story felt a little forced at times with everything being thrown at it. Trigger warnings should include coercive control, grooming, sexual and physical abuse plus alcohol and drug abuse.
If you love Liz Nugent's previous novels you will enjoy this.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the digital review copy.
Erin and Ruby Cooper may be close sisters but when Ruby is involved in terrible incident the family fractures beyond repair leaving Ruby with their mother in Dublin and Erin in Boston with their father. As the years go by the fractures deepen and Ruby buries her head further and further into the sand. The past is the very last place she wants to revisit.
Having read several rave reviews about this latest offering from Liz Nugent I was looking forward to reading Ruby's story. However the truth about Ruby is not much of a secret and the story itself, while well written, felt less exciting than Strange Sally Diamond, which I preferred.
Ruby is certainly not meant to be a sympathetic character but I didnt particularly warm to many other characters either.
The story felt a little forced at times with everything being thrown at it. Trigger warnings should include coercive control, grooming, sexual and physical abuse plus alcohol and drug abuse.
If you love Liz Nugent's previous novels you will enjoy this.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I honestly don't think anything I say will do this justice. The way that Liz writes dark and twisted characters and truly brings them to life is absolutely unmatched! I've read a few of her books so far and this is definitely the best yet. I was fully invested in this absolutely horrifying story from the very first page, right through to the very last.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this!
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Sandycove for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I found this review quite difficult to write because I think you'll get more enjoyment out of it if you go in knowing little about it.
Who doesn't love a Liz Nugent book?
Like a lot of people I know, I came to know Liz through Strange Sally Diamond, and have since bought or been gifted a number of her previous books. I even had this one on pre-order until a lack of money forced my hand into cancelling it.
It isn't an easy read. There are some very difficult topics mentioned, effectively from page one. But she's done it in a very sensitive manner.
I really enjoy books that cover the same characters over different ages because we get to see how they change with time, so I loved that aspect.
I liked Ruby for the most part. And I get the idea we're to meant to. But I couldn't help it. Yes, bad things happened and she wasn't always a hero, wasn't always holier-than-thou, but I liked this dark, sort of morbid passion she had. Okay I admit, it became quite difficult to keep loving her as it went on, but part of me still felt for her.
Ruby and Erin are polar opposites. Ruby - dark, thin, virginial, Erin - light, curvy, and romantic. They were both interesting to read. I am not sure I have a favourite because they're so different. Having one sister in America and one in Ireland helped add layers to that difference and it was fascinating to see how this impacted upon them individually and their relationship.
I'm used to Liz's books being real thrillers, full of violence and deaths and whatnot. This was more of a psychological thriller, but it was no less fantastic than her others. This is more about humanity, relationships - romantic and familial - trust, lies, wants, hates, addictions. It is full on but fabulous.
It's not as twist turny as other thrillers have been, but there are enough twists to keep you on your toes, and none I saw coming - but then again I am notoriously terrible at working out twists.
It's nearly 400 pages, which isn't a short book, but it's so addictive and all-consuming that the page count just vanishes.
The first half is more shock value, and the second looks more at the long-term effects of those shocks. It's very cleverly done and gives the reader lots of enjoy.
As far as I can tell, Sally Diamond was the big book of hers, the one that got lots of people interested in her work. And this will definitely be another bestseller and will have readers talking about it for a long time. I'm not in a book club but I can see this being a popular choice.
I'm not going to say whether I think it's better or worse than her "normal" type of books because it's completely different so to compare it like that would be unfair. But it is brilliant, tense, exciting, sad, dark, morbid, psychological, thrilling, and addictive. Perfection.
I found this review quite difficult to write because I think you'll get more enjoyment out of it if you go in knowing little about it.
Who doesn't love a Liz Nugent book?
Like a lot of people I know, I came to know Liz through Strange Sally Diamond, and have since bought or been gifted a number of her previous books. I even had this one on pre-order until a lack of money forced my hand into cancelling it.
It isn't an easy read. There are some very difficult topics mentioned, effectively from page one. But she's done it in a very sensitive manner.
I really enjoy books that cover the same characters over different ages because we get to see how they change with time, so I loved that aspect.
I liked Ruby for the most part. And I get the idea we're to meant to. But I couldn't help it. Yes, bad things happened and she wasn't always a hero, wasn't always holier-than-thou, but I liked this dark, sort of morbid passion she had. Okay I admit, it became quite difficult to keep loving her as it went on, but part of me still felt for her.
Ruby and Erin are polar opposites. Ruby - dark, thin, virginial, Erin - light, curvy, and romantic. They were both interesting to read. I am not sure I have a favourite because they're so different. Having one sister in America and one in Ireland helped add layers to that difference and it was fascinating to see how this impacted upon them individually and their relationship.
I'm used to Liz's books being real thrillers, full of violence and deaths and whatnot. This was more of a psychological thriller, but it was no less fantastic than her others. This is more about humanity, relationships - romantic and familial - trust, lies, wants, hates, addictions. It is full on but fabulous.
It's not as twist turny as other thrillers have been, but there are enough twists to keep you on your toes, and none I saw coming - but then again I am notoriously terrible at working out twists.
It's nearly 400 pages, which isn't a short book, but it's so addictive and all-consuming that the page count just vanishes.
The first half is more shock value, and the second looks more at the long-term effects of those shocks. It's very cleverly done and gives the reader lots of enjoy.
As far as I can tell, Sally Diamond was the big book of hers, the one that got lots of people interested in her work. And this will definitely be another bestseller and will have readers talking about it for a long time. I'm not in a book club but I can see this being a popular choice.
I'm not going to say whether I think it's better or worse than her "normal" type of books because it's completely different so to compare it like that would be unfair. But it is brilliant, tense, exciting, sad, dark, morbid, psychological, thrilling, and addictive. Perfection.
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
January 6, 2026
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent
The main protagonists in this story are Ruby and Erin Cooper. They live a privileged life in Boston where their father is a devout pastor at their local church and a successful financial advisor.
Erin is beautiful and smart and Ruby is jealous as she waits for her own body to catch up. Erin is rewarded with a day out for her excellent school results, while Ruby is left at school to try and salvage hers. Ruby wants revenge and she knows the perfect way to get it.
Ruby’s actions send a tidal wave through the whole Cooper family and they all feel the consequences for years to come.
I don't want to give too much away about this sensational book because I want you to feel the same excitement and tension I felt while reading it. Ruby sent me through a whirlwind of emotions and there were times I despised her and then times I was rooting for her to succeed.
Nugent has such an exceptional talent for creating these wonderful characters that you become so invested in and that get right under your skin.
She produces these fantastic concepts that have you enthralled and gripped from the very first page. One of my favourite books is Strange Sally Diamond which I recommend to everyone I meet and this book will be no different. I adored this book so much that I swallowed it up in two days.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star rating
The main protagonists in this story are Ruby and Erin Cooper. They live a privileged life in Boston where their father is a devout pastor at their local church and a successful financial advisor.
Erin is beautiful and smart and Ruby is jealous as she waits for her own body to catch up. Erin is rewarded with a day out for her excellent school results, while Ruby is left at school to try and salvage hers. Ruby wants revenge and she knows the perfect way to get it.
Ruby’s actions send a tidal wave through the whole Cooper family and they all feel the consequences for years to come.
I don't want to give too much away about this sensational book because I want you to feel the same excitement and tension I felt while reading it. Ruby sent me through a whirlwind of emotions and there were times I despised her and then times I was rooting for her to succeed.
Nugent has such an exceptional talent for creating these wonderful characters that you become so invested in and that get right under your skin.
She produces these fantastic concepts that have you enthralled and gripped from the very first page. One of my favourite books is Strange Sally Diamond which I recommend to everyone I meet and this book will be no different. I adored this book so much that I swallowed it up in two days.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star rating
December 13, 2025
Wow thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book and to Liz Nugent. A story of family rivalries between two sisters, one of which makes a shocking accusation that affects the rest of the family for years to come. Story was so fast paced with twists and turns and one sister in particular an absolute mess. Kept me entertained throughout and if you are looking for a good thriller you cannot get any better than this.
December 13, 2025
Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book was phenomenal I absolutely loved it . It follows a family in Boston who after an “incident” leaves the family torn apart and the mum and youngest daughter fleeing to Ireland.
The ups and downs that all members of the family go through during the following years are heartbreaking and I found my disgust for Ruby Cooper growing throughout the book. Loved it
This book was phenomenal I absolutely loved it . It follows a family in Boston who after an “incident” leaves the family torn apart and the mum and youngest daughter fleeing to Ireland.
The ups and downs that all members of the family go through during the following years are heartbreaking and I found my disgust for Ruby Cooper growing throughout the book. Loved it
December 19, 2025
“If my sister hadn’t been beautiful, none of it would have happened.”
That opening line does a lot of heavy lifting — cool, unsettling, and quietly loaded with threat. You know immediately that this story is going to go somewhere dark.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper begins in a close-knit church community in Boston, where sisters Ruby and Erin are growing up in what appears to be a safe, ordered world. When sixteen-year-old Ruby makes an accusation against her sister’s boyfriend, that world collapses. What follows is a long, devastating aftermath that tears their family apart and sends shockwaves far beyond the original incident. Ruby and her mother leave for Ireland, while Erin remains in Boston, trying to piece together a life from the wreckage.
The novel unfolds across decades and continents, moving between America and Ireland, and is told through multiple perspectives, with Ruby and Erin firmly at its emotional centre. Liz Nugent handles this with real restraint, allowing the damage to reveal itself slowly. Themes of guilt, loyalty, silence, and self-preservation run through the book, and nothing is presented in neat, comfortable boxes.
This is a deeply gripping read from the outset. Dark, twisted, raw, and at times brutal, but never sensationalist. Nugent excels at creating characters who feel disturbingly real — flawed, defensive, and morally complicated. You may not like them, but you’ll understand them, which somehow makes it all more unsettling.
The pacing is spot on, with revelations carefully drip-fed to keep you constantly off-balance. The twists are sharp and well-earned, and the ending is particularly strong — controlled, unsettling, and quietly devastating in the best possible way.
Liz Nugent is a long-time favourite of mine, and this feels noticeably different from her earlier novels while still delivering the dark intensity she does so well. If she writes it, I’ll read it — and once again, she absolutely delivers.
Out in March 2026. This is, without doubt, going to be one of next year’s standout psychological reads.
That opening line does a lot of heavy lifting — cool, unsettling, and quietly loaded with threat. You know immediately that this story is going to go somewhere dark.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper begins in a close-knit church community in Boston, where sisters Ruby and Erin are growing up in what appears to be a safe, ordered world. When sixteen-year-old Ruby makes an accusation against her sister’s boyfriend, that world collapses. What follows is a long, devastating aftermath that tears their family apart and sends shockwaves far beyond the original incident. Ruby and her mother leave for Ireland, while Erin remains in Boston, trying to piece together a life from the wreckage.
The novel unfolds across decades and continents, moving between America and Ireland, and is told through multiple perspectives, with Ruby and Erin firmly at its emotional centre. Liz Nugent handles this with real restraint, allowing the damage to reveal itself slowly. Themes of guilt, loyalty, silence, and self-preservation run through the book, and nothing is presented in neat, comfortable boxes.
This is a deeply gripping read from the outset. Dark, twisted, raw, and at times brutal, but never sensationalist. Nugent excels at creating characters who feel disturbingly real — flawed, defensive, and morally complicated. You may not like them, but you’ll understand them, which somehow makes it all more unsettling.
The pacing is spot on, with revelations carefully drip-fed to keep you constantly off-balance. The twists are sharp and well-earned, and the ending is particularly strong — controlled, unsettling, and quietly devastating in the best possible way.
Liz Nugent is a long-time favourite of mine, and this feels noticeably different from her earlier novels while still delivering the dark intensity she does so well. If she writes it, I’ll read it — and once again, she absolutely delivers.
Out in March 2026. This is, without doubt, going to be one of next year’s standout psychological reads.
November 26, 2025
As usual with Liz Nugent’s writing, I could not put this book down when I started reading it. I remember reacting the same way with her last book Strange Sally Diamond. I love that about Liz, and I love how her books just hook me. I love even more how she’s Irish!
This book was no different, and it was an emotional rollercoaster for me to read. It was apparent that Liz did her research on addiction and trauma, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a thriller and who knows any of Liz Nugent’s work. I always talk about her to friends of mine who enjoy reading and they love her work too!
This book was no different, and it was an emotional rollercoaster for me to read. It was apparent that Liz did her research on addiction and trauma, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a thriller and who knows any of Liz Nugent’s work. I always talk about her to friends of mine who enjoy reading and they love her work too!
December 7, 2025
Wrong marketing - this book is not a thriller or a mystery. Yes, the cover is similar to Strange Sally Diamond, but it is nothing like it. In that regard I was disappointed, because I have expected a suspenseful story with weird characters. If I had known, what this book is about, I wouldn’t pick it up.
Saying that, if we erase the expectations and read the book as it is, I think it will have the appealing of a wide audience. This is a family story with secrets that bring devastated consequences to everyone that is involved. Please look up trigger warnings for this book (alcoholism, sexual assault, violence etc.).
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the early digital copy in return for an honest review.
Saying that, if we erase the expectations and read the book as it is, I think it will have the appealing of a wide audience. This is a family story with secrets that bring devastated consequences to everyone that is involved. Please look up trigger warnings for this book (alcoholism, sexual assault, violence etc.).
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the early digital copy in return for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
I have no hesitation in giving this fabulous book 5 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and its relatable characters.
Deceit, family and relationships are at the heart of this story with sad and devastating consequences.
I particularly liked how each chapter was told by different characters and found that this enhanced their personality in the storyline.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital advanced copy of this great read by the talented Liz Nugent.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and its relatable characters.
Deceit, family and relationships are at the heart of this story with sad and devastating consequences.
I particularly liked how each chapter was told by different characters and found that this enhanced their personality in the storyline.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital advanced copy of this great read by the talented Liz Nugent.
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