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Finn Fitzpatrick #1
Darkest Truth
_________________________
He'll do anything to protect his secrets.
She'll stop at nothing to expose the truth.
It only takes one person to break the silence.
When solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a man to investigate the death of his daughter, her first instinct is to refuse.
The father is grieving, and unable to accept that his daughter committed suicide. And yet something about the man’s story chimes with Finn.
Why did a bright, confident, beautiful young girl suddenly drop out of school? Could the answer lie in her relationship with Ireland's most famous film director?
The deeper Finn goes into the case, the more dark, twisted and dangerous the picture becomes.
Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose. And they're willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden.
_________________________
'A clever twist on the genre.' ARAMINTA HALL, author of Our Kind of Cruelty
'A gripping, twisting novel of mounting suspense. It couldn't be more relevant.' AMY LLOYD, author of The Innocent Wife
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
114 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 18, 2019
This is a brilliant crime thriller debut from Catherine Kirwan featuring Finola 'Finn' Fitzpatrick, a solicitor, set in the small town of Cork in Ireland. In a story that held me completely enthralled throughout, the contemporary issues surrounding #MeToo are addressed in a intelligent and pertinent manner. Finn is engaged by Sean and Ann Carney to look into the suicide of their daughter, Deirdre, suffering depression and self harming since a Cork Film Festival some years previously. It is not obvious what Finn can do, but she agrees to delve into the man deemed by the Carneys to have ruined their daughter's life. A shattering truth fires Finn's determination to seek the truth, and she is going to need all her inner resources to survive an opponent that she seriously underestimates, as she faces the possibility of losing everything she has, her home, her job, her friends, and so much more, including her life.
In Finn's efforts to prevent a present day crime, she finds herself trending on Twitter, as the Irish nation rallies around its golden boy, a Hollywood star, a campaign led by the potential victim. More horror is to dog Finn as she digs deep in her investigation, including murder. Doubts surface as Finn wonders on occasion if she has the right perpetrator in her sights, but the evidence slowly builds about a Hollywood industry where open secrets are acknowledged by insiders, but no-one is willing to speak openly. Finn doesn't care that she might lose everything, someone has to break the silence, as she finds herself disbelieved at every turn, even by the police, as she finds herself doing their job. Finn's target proves to be manipulative, charming, volatile, arrogant, elusive and a chameleon, hard to pin down, a psychopath whose bullying and misogyny is tolerated by the public and the industry.
Kirwan hits on one of the hottest issues in our contemporary world, and handles it sensitively as she weaves a hugely compelling novel around it. Finn is a fascinating protagonist, adopted and haunted by her birth mother. Her emerging relationship with ex-addict Davy Keenan, now a fitness and gym instructor is fraught with difficulties as she struggles to accept it as a part of her life. Living in a small town is a curse and blessing, and Finn has a great best friend in the police, Sadie O'Riordan, an essential ally and help to her. I have no doubt that this novel will be successful, it is well written, terrifically plotted, atmospheric, engrossing and with wonderful characters that I invested in. Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.
In Finn's efforts to prevent a present day crime, she finds herself trending on Twitter, as the Irish nation rallies around its golden boy, a Hollywood star, a campaign led by the potential victim. More horror is to dog Finn as she digs deep in her investigation, including murder. Doubts surface as Finn wonders on occasion if she has the right perpetrator in her sights, but the evidence slowly builds about a Hollywood industry where open secrets are acknowledged by insiders, but no-one is willing to speak openly. Finn doesn't care that she might lose everything, someone has to break the silence, as she finds herself disbelieved at every turn, even by the police, as she finds herself doing their job. Finn's target proves to be manipulative, charming, volatile, arrogant, elusive and a chameleon, hard to pin down, a psychopath whose bullying and misogyny is tolerated by the public and the industry.
Kirwan hits on one of the hottest issues in our contemporary world, and handles it sensitively as she weaves a hugely compelling novel around it. Finn is a fascinating protagonist, adopted and haunted by her birth mother. Her emerging relationship with ex-addict Davy Keenan, now a fitness and gym instructor is fraught with difficulties as she struggles to accept it as a part of her life. Living in a small town is a curse and blessing, and Finn has a great best friend in the police, Sadie O'Riordan, an essential ally and help to her. I have no doubt that this novel will be successful, it is well written, terrifically plotted, atmospheric, engrossing and with wonderful characters that I invested in. Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.
February 4, 2019
When the location of a story is familiar it always adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to the reading experience, as was the case for me reading this crime thriller set in Cork, described here as a city of 'shabby magnificence' which is a perfect portrayal.
As a solicitor turned detective, our feisty narrator finds herself getting more involved than is wise, whilst trying to build a seemingly unwinnable case, with very little evidence to go on. Her insider knowledge makes the piecing together of the patchwork of information a fascinating insight into how criminal investigations are carried out. The theme of sexual abuse by a ‘casting couch’ psychopathic groomer is all-too relevant and convincingly depicted, as are all the supporting characters, with pitch-perfect dialogue.
This is a very impressive debut from an author who is indeed a solicitor in real life.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Negalley
As a solicitor turned detective, our feisty narrator finds herself getting more involved than is wise, whilst trying to build a seemingly unwinnable case, with very little evidence to go on. Her insider knowledge makes the piecing together of the patchwork of information a fascinating insight into how criminal investigations are carried out. The theme of sexual abuse by a ‘casting couch’ psychopathic groomer is all-too relevant and convincingly depicted, as are all the supporting characters, with pitch-perfect dialogue.
This is a very impressive debut from an author who is indeed a solicitor in real life.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Negalley
October 10, 2019
Finola Fitzpatrick usually known as Finn is a solicitor. When Sean Carney comes to her asking her to investigate what happened to his daughter Deidre, Finn feels a strange compulsion to take it further even though there seems little to go on. After taking part in a film festival in Cork, Deidre changed from a happy confident 15 year old to becoming depressed, suffering mental issues over years and ultimately taking her own life. Deidre’s parents are convinced that a famous film director. Since he is returning to Cork along with the film festival, the Carneys are concerned that no other young girl is raped and suffers as their daughter did. But when she takes on the rich and famous, Finn finds herself the victim of vindictive and abusive social media. And could she be imaging it or is she being followed?
This was quite an interesting story. However the writing style did seem rather pedestrian at times in that it was very much this happened and then that happened. Plus I got tired of the coarse language, not just the f word either, littered throughout. Probably more noticeable for me too since a couple of the previous books I had read could tell a story without resorting to this sort of language. However the characters and the plot were interesting and the tension mounts as Finn finds herself under threat.
This is a debut novel so it will be interesting to see what the author writes next. Maybe a couple of the issues I noted will be fixed in the next book. Please remember, this is a personal opinion and I am sure there are going to be other people who will like it more than I did. Depends on your taste in books, I guess. For me, I quite liked it and it kept my attention but just didn’t quite come up to expectations.
This was quite an interesting story. However the writing style did seem rather pedestrian at times in that it was very much this happened and then that happened. Plus I got tired of the coarse language, not just the f word either, littered throughout. Probably more noticeable for me too since a couple of the previous books I had read could tell a story without resorting to this sort of language. However the characters and the plot were interesting and the tension mounts as Finn finds herself under threat.
This is a debut novel so it will be interesting to see what the author writes next. Maybe a couple of the issues I noted will be fixed in the next book. Please remember, this is a personal opinion and I am sure there are going to be other people who will like it more than I did. Depends on your taste in books, I guess. For me, I quite liked it and it kept my attention but just didn’t quite come up to expectations.
March 25, 2021
I wanted to like this so much more than I did as I really did like the writing style and the premise (and I loved the narrator).
But sadly I personally found it very frustrating due to the following pet peeves that I couldn't quite get over;
* The pacing was off - I found it too slow overall but then rushed in some places.
* Procedurally unbelieveable (how was a solicitor with allegations against them able to gain so much access to police interviews/findings/theories ??).
* Main character goes from zero to hero even though she broke ethical rules and procedures.
* Annoying investigatory techniques - continual mistakes because interviewing people IS NOT YOUR JOB! And it shows.
An good story with promise but not great for me and my foibles!
But sadly I personally found it very frustrating due to the following pet peeves that I couldn't quite get over;
* The pacing was off - I found it too slow overall but then rushed in some places.
* Procedurally unbelieveable (how was a solicitor with allegations against them able to gain so much access to police interviews/findings/theories ??).
* Main character goes from zero to hero even though she broke ethical rules and procedures.
* Annoying investigatory techniques - continual mistakes because interviewing people IS NOT YOUR JOB! And it shows.
An good story with promise but not great for me and my foibles!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
An irritating read. The premise was good but the execution very poor. A solicitor interfering in a garda investigation and being allowed to partake in the arrest interview? Also, the denouement with Daniel O'Brien was unbelievable. One minute he's denying Gill had any involvement and the next he's boastfully telling of Gill's actions with little transition from one attitude to the other.
The dialogue was annoyingly stage Irish. I'm Irish and know very few people who speak like that.
The over-describing of Cork city streets was also unnecessary, at one point she described crossing Patrick Street going into Marlboro Street and swinging right into Princes Street to get to the English Market, why? You can get directly from Patrick Street to Princes Street. The continuous descriptions of every journey she made through the city made for a tedious read. It felt like padding for the book.
Another issue was her product promotions. She didn't need to tell us that the yogurt was Glenisk or the tea was Barry's, not to mention all the various shops and restaurants mentioned. I just got the impression this Waterford lady wanted us to see that she knew Cork like a native.
The dialogue was annoyingly stage Irish. I'm Irish and know very few people who speak like that.
The over-describing of Cork city streets was also unnecessary, at one point she described crossing Patrick Street going into Marlboro Street and swinging right into Princes Street to get to the English Market, why? You can get directly from Patrick Street to Princes Street. The continuous descriptions of every journey she made through the city made for a tedious read. It felt like padding for the book.
Another issue was her product promotions. She didn't need to tell us that the yogurt was Glenisk or the tea was Barry's, not to mention all the various shops and restaurants mentioned. I just got the impression this Waterford lady wanted us to see that she knew Cork like a native.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for a review copy of Darkest Truth, the first novel to feature Cork lawyer Finn Fitzpatrick.
Finn is approached by Sean Carney asking for help. Ten months previously his daughter Deirdre committed suicide after fifteen years of mental health issues, caused he believes by a rape when she was fifteen years old. She never named the rapist but Sean has his suspicions and with the man due in Cork he wants Finn to prevent more attacks.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkest Truth which is a well written novel with a very topical subject. Unfortunately due to other commitments I have been only able to dip in and out of the novel rather than reading it in a couple of sittings as I normally do. It has given my reading experience an episodic feel and put me in an unusual position. I think that this has influenced my reactions as I didn’t take to Finn, who is quite self centred in that it all revolves around her, and the first person narrative reinforces this. Admittedly she grew on me as the novel progressed but first impressions weren’t good. She is a strange mixture of hardheadedness and emotion which takes a bit of getting used to. There is also some mystery in her past which is intriguing and will be addressed in future novels, I assume.
On the other hand I very much liked the plot. I think much of the detail of Finn’s investigation is very realistic, the difficulty of pursuing historical rape allegations, the painstaking piecing together of snippets of information and the attitude of the perpetrator. He maybe takes it a bit far but it’s fiction and it adds a certain frisson and sense of urgency to proceedings. The historical nature of the crime means that necessarily the novel is slow to start as Finn is starting with less than nothing, not even a victim but the way she builds her case is intriguing and compulsive.
Darkest Truth is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Finn is approached by Sean Carney asking for help. Ten months previously his daughter Deirdre committed suicide after fifteen years of mental health issues, caused he believes by a rape when she was fifteen years old. She never named the rapist but Sean has his suspicions and with the man due in Cork he wants Finn to prevent more attacks.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkest Truth which is a well written novel with a very topical subject. Unfortunately due to other commitments I have been only able to dip in and out of the novel rather than reading it in a couple of sittings as I normally do. It has given my reading experience an episodic feel and put me in an unusual position. I think that this has influenced my reactions as I didn’t take to Finn, who is quite self centred in that it all revolves around her, and the first person narrative reinforces this. Admittedly she grew on me as the novel progressed but first impressions weren’t good. She is a strange mixture of hardheadedness and emotion which takes a bit of getting used to. There is also some mystery in her past which is intriguing and will be addressed in future novels, I assume.
On the other hand I very much liked the plot. I think much of the detail of Finn’s investigation is very realistic, the difficulty of pursuing historical rape allegations, the painstaking piecing together of snippets of information and the attitude of the perpetrator. He maybe takes it a bit far but it’s fiction and it adds a certain frisson and sense of urgency to proceedings. The historical nature of the crime means that necessarily the novel is slow to start as Finn is starting with less than nothing, not even a victim but the way she builds her case is intriguing and compulsive.
Darkest Truth is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 29, 2024
SO GOOD!!! A complex story with lots of cover ups. There are two other books featuring solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick and I’m definitely going to read them. Five stars at least.
March 5, 2019
He will do anything to protect his secrets.
She will stop at nothing to expose the truth.
Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose.
And they’re willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden…….
Finola ‘Finn’ Fitzpatrick is a Cork solicitor, working and living in the city. She takes on the less salubrious cases that the other partners do not wish to dirty their hands with. But Finn enjoys these alternative cases and the freedom they allow her on a daily basis. ‘I was adaptable and discreet, useful for doing the messy but necessary work the other solicitors didn’t want to do.’ One extremely wet evening, as Finn locks up the office, she is approached by a man, one Sean Carney, in an obvious distraught state, looking for help. His daughter, Deirdre, committed suicide some time back and he has never truly accepted it as the world would like him to.
Deirdre had been a ‘normal’ teenager, but at fifteen years old there was a very dramatic change in her personality. Deirdre was a film enthusiast and following a time volunteering with the Cork Film Festival, a life-changing event resulted in a noticeable decline in Deirdre’s mental health. Sean and his wife Ann need closure and Finn, for reasons that eventually become apparent, is their last hope in bringing justice and in finally exposing the man they now hold responsible for Deirdre’s death. He is a renowned movie director, a beloved of the Hollywood scene, a seemingly untouchable ‘teflon’ character who has escaped scrutiny……until now. Finn makes a decision to assist the Carneys as there is something about Deirdre’s death that pulls her in….but Finn is unaware of the pandora’s box she is opening.
Darkest Truth, for me, is a novel of two parts. The initial stages of the book create the scene and introduce us to the players involved, with one very striking player, Cork City. I am a Cork native, born and bred, and I always approach books featuring Cork with a little trepidation, as my senses are heightened to spotting any mistakes etc. Catherine Kirwan felt very strongly that the city of Cork was very important to her storyline and she most definitely brings the city alive throughout the narrative.
‘Crossing Patrick Street, I cut down Marlboro Street as far as Liam Russell’s bookshop and circled back on to Princes Street. I thought about the mix of optimism and bravery and foolishness that had led people to settle and build in this damp place. I thought about how, every so often, the water rose fast from the marsh underneath the streets and, just as fast, drained away leaving ruin in its wake….. I swung past the grand cast-iron gates, and into the English Market, busy already, though it was not yet ten, with the usual weekend foodie crowd stocking up on provisions for their Saturday night dinner parties. Taking a left at the fountain, I passed the wooden steps to the Farmgate restaurant on the balcony, went through the arch, and got an Americano with milk from Mary Rose.’
This description is so authentic, every street, each location brought me right into the story as I walked the city with Finn. For those not familiar with Cork, can I just say that Catherine Kirwan has put incredible detail into the book, bringing the setting to life.
The second part of the book is where Finn begins to make some very frightening discoveries and realises the extent of this web of lies she has become trapped in. There is a cloak of secrecy protecting a person, protecting an industry. Her livelihood, her reputation, even her life are all on the line, as Finn refuses to climb down, refuses to stop her search for the truth. There is a definite pick-up in the pace of the story as the pieces of the jigsaw come together and the mystery behind Deirdre’s suicide is slowly unveiled.
Darkest Truth is a very topical book focusing in on the current Me Too movement, mental health, grooming and abuse. Catherine Kirwan handles all these areas with great sensitivity, while also bringing us a novel that will have you eager to turn the pages, as you race to the finish.
Darkest Truth is a very entertaining, confident and impressive debut with a very convincing main protagonist. This is Finn Fitzpatrick’s first appearance and I have no doubt that we will be seeing plenty more of her in the future. It’s really wonderful to see Cork play such an important role in Catherine Kirwan’s writing, capturing the city in a very unique fashion.
She will stop at nothing to expose the truth.
Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose.
And they’re willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden…….
Finola ‘Finn’ Fitzpatrick is a Cork solicitor, working and living in the city. She takes on the less salubrious cases that the other partners do not wish to dirty their hands with. But Finn enjoys these alternative cases and the freedom they allow her on a daily basis. ‘I was adaptable and discreet, useful for doing the messy but necessary work the other solicitors didn’t want to do.’ One extremely wet evening, as Finn locks up the office, she is approached by a man, one Sean Carney, in an obvious distraught state, looking for help. His daughter, Deirdre, committed suicide some time back and he has never truly accepted it as the world would like him to.
Deirdre had been a ‘normal’ teenager, but at fifteen years old there was a very dramatic change in her personality. Deirdre was a film enthusiast and following a time volunteering with the Cork Film Festival, a life-changing event resulted in a noticeable decline in Deirdre’s mental health. Sean and his wife Ann need closure and Finn, for reasons that eventually become apparent, is their last hope in bringing justice and in finally exposing the man they now hold responsible for Deirdre’s death. He is a renowned movie director, a beloved of the Hollywood scene, a seemingly untouchable ‘teflon’ character who has escaped scrutiny……until now. Finn makes a decision to assist the Carneys as there is something about Deirdre’s death that pulls her in….but Finn is unaware of the pandora’s box she is opening.
Darkest Truth, for me, is a novel of two parts. The initial stages of the book create the scene and introduce us to the players involved, with one very striking player, Cork City. I am a Cork native, born and bred, and I always approach books featuring Cork with a little trepidation, as my senses are heightened to spotting any mistakes etc. Catherine Kirwan felt very strongly that the city of Cork was very important to her storyline and she most definitely brings the city alive throughout the narrative.
‘Crossing Patrick Street, I cut down Marlboro Street as far as Liam Russell’s bookshop and circled back on to Princes Street. I thought about the mix of optimism and bravery and foolishness that had led people to settle and build in this damp place. I thought about how, every so often, the water rose fast from the marsh underneath the streets and, just as fast, drained away leaving ruin in its wake….. I swung past the grand cast-iron gates, and into the English Market, busy already, though it was not yet ten, with the usual weekend foodie crowd stocking up on provisions for their Saturday night dinner parties. Taking a left at the fountain, I passed the wooden steps to the Farmgate restaurant on the balcony, went through the arch, and got an Americano with milk from Mary Rose.’
This description is so authentic, every street, each location brought me right into the story as I walked the city with Finn. For those not familiar with Cork, can I just say that Catherine Kirwan has put incredible detail into the book, bringing the setting to life.
The second part of the book is where Finn begins to make some very frightening discoveries and realises the extent of this web of lies she has become trapped in. There is a cloak of secrecy protecting a person, protecting an industry. Her livelihood, her reputation, even her life are all on the line, as Finn refuses to climb down, refuses to stop her search for the truth. There is a definite pick-up in the pace of the story as the pieces of the jigsaw come together and the mystery behind Deirdre’s suicide is slowly unveiled.
Darkest Truth is a very topical book focusing in on the current Me Too movement, mental health, grooming and abuse. Catherine Kirwan handles all these areas with great sensitivity, while also bringing us a novel that will have you eager to turn the pages, as you race to the finish.
Darkest Truth is a very entertaining, confident and impressive debut with a very convincing main protagonist. This is Finn Fitzpatrick’s first appearance and I have no doubt that we will be seeing plenty more of her in the future. It’s really wonderful to see Cork play such an important role in Catherine Kirwan’s writing, capturing the city in a very unique fashion.
March 5, 2020
WOW. That is all I can say. This book is so clever and the mystery is gripping. It took twists and turns that I never expected to happen. From nobody believing Finn to it all unravelling....honestly I want to read more.
The ending was amazing, I was hooked. I didn’t expect it at all, elements of it I did but what actually happened was honestly shocking. If you have not read this book you really need to, it will keep you wanting more and on the edge of your seat.
It might take you longer to read because it is complicated but in a good way. Take a while to read each chapter and take in all of the information because it will help to make everything make sense. It takes time but my god was it worth it.
I am now hooked on this genre, I will be looking more into Kirwan because I love her style MUST READ!
The ending was amazing, I was hooked. I didn’t expect it at all, elements of it I did but what actually happened was honestly shocking. If you have not read this book you really need to, it will keep you wanting more and on the edge of your seat.
It might take you longer to read because it is complicated but in a good way. Take a while to read each chapter and take in all of the information because it will help to make everything make sense. It takes time but my god was it worth it.
I am now hooked on this genre, I will be looking more into Kirwan because I love her style MUST READ!
August 23, 2019
Brilliantly written book, based in my home city of Cork made it more appealing.
In my head I walked the routes in Cork that Finn walked. And the places she visited.
I even know the part of the river that’s mentioned in the first chapter.
Finns family story pulls on the heart strings, and has a similar story to a friend of mine.
Once Finn takes on the case she works so hard to collect the evidence and put the pieces of the jigsaw together.
I loved the ending, definitely leaves it open to a second Finn Fitzpatrick book or better still a series.
In my head I walked the routes in Cork that Finn walked. And the places she visited.
I even know the part of the river that’s mentioned in the first chapter.
Finns family story pulls on the heart strings, and has a similar story to a friend of mine.
Once Finn takes on the case she works so hard to collect the evidence and put the pieces of the jigsaw together.
I loved the ending, definitely leaves it open to a second Finn Fitzpatrick book or better still a series.
August 28, 2019
You have become enraptured with the straight razor,
console it, make love to it, yes, they will know, self-death is a sensuous truth.
Suicide is a stunted power play, a transitional state,
highly reversible, self-death is a physically impossible act,
suicide is the abstraction of spherical objects, tied to the moon, notorious gambler of lives.
#poem
Chris Roberts, God of Mortal Transgressions
console it, make love to it, yes, they will know, self-death is a sensuous truth.
Suicide is a stunted power play, a transitional state,
highly reversible, self-death is a physically impossible act,
suicide is the abstraction of spherical objects, tied to the moon, notorious gambler of lives.
#poem
Chris Roberts, God of Mortal Transgressions
June 25, 2025
I picked up this series after author Jane Casey recommended it. I love the main character! This book focuses on the death of someone she’s connected with closely but grows into a lot more. The resolution of the case came a little quickly at the end but I really enjoyed getting to start a new to me series.
September 23, 2019
This my first book by Catherine Kirwin and I enjoyed it. I recommend this book.
September 15, 2019
Not much good to say about this book except it was easy enough to finish. Convoluted and very unbelieveable plot laid out almost in bullet points (first I did this, next I did this) and told by a dull (at times outright unlikeable, with the way she treats Davy) narrator about dull characters who all speak in an approximation of an Irish stereotype. Endless namedropping of streets (with a directional error in the first two pages) and Irish products, it reads like someone who knows all they know about Cork from reading a travel guide, not living here. I love reading books by Anna McPartlin, Catherine Ryan Howard, Belinda McKeon etc because they capture that sense of Irishness in likeable characters without all the stereotypes and namedropping - the exact opposite of this book. Was so excited to read this, having made Cork my home some 13 years ago, but it falls flat on almost every level possible.
May 5, 2022
Darkest truth by Catherine Kirwan.
Finn Fitzpatrick Series Book 1.
It only takes one person to break the silence.When solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a man to investigate the death of his daughter, her first instinct is to refuse.The father is grieving, and unable to accept that his daughter committed suicide. And yet something about the man’s story chimes with Finn.Why did a bright, confident, beautiful young girl suddenly drop out of school? Could the answer lie in her relationship with Ireland's most famous film director?The deeper Finn goes into the case, the more dark, twisted and dangerous the picture becomes.Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose. And they're willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden.
A gripping read with some great characters. Lots of action with twists and turns. Great story and plot. 4*.
Finn Fitzpatrick Series Book 1.
It only takes one person to break the silence.When solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a man to investigate the death of his daughter, her first instinct is to refuse.The father is grieving, and unable to accept that his daughter committed suicide. And yet something about the man’s story chimes with Finn.Why did a bright, confident, beautiful young girl suddenly drop out of school? Could the answer lie in her relationship with Ireland's most famous film director?The deeper Finn goes into the case, the more dark, twisted and dangerous the picture becomes.Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose. And they're willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden.
A gripping read with some great characters. Lots of action with twists and turns. Great story and plot. 4*.
March 28, 2022
I'd round this off at 3.5.
I think it would be less, if it weren't for the fact that I loved the Irish setting. Having familiar places and sayings really added to the story for me, and I doubt I would have been as interested without it. (That said, she did zip between Cork and Dublin awfully quick.....)
The story is a little slow to build, sometimes felt a bit dubious (are you a detective or a solicitor girl) and then reaches an OK conclusion.
The plot in general is decent though, with the #metoo atmosphere, and characters have enough depth to feel real.
I think it would be less, if it weren't for the fact that I loved the Irish setting. Having familiar places and sayings really added to the story for me, and I doubt I would have been as interested without it. (That said, she did zip between Cork and Dublin awfully quick.....)
The story is a little slow to build, sometimes felt a bit dubious (are you a detective or a solicitor girl) and then reaches an OK conclusion.
The plot in general is decent though, with the #metoo atmosphere, and characters have enough depth to feel real.
August 8, 2022
Grounded in the intimate geography of Cork City and a stark piece of storytelling in the post-metoo era, Catherine Kirwan's first Finn Fitzpatrick novel is a knockout! There are some truly great crime writers active in Ireland today, and to that pantheon Kirwan brings a new perspective to the genre, writing her lead as a solicitor investigating for the sake of a legal case rather than a hard boiled detective with a noirish vendetta.
What's more, readers are told who the perpetrator is almost from the opening chapter. The mystery here is not to figure out whodunnit, or even howdunnit, but how does Finn prove he did it? And will her life, her job, her reputation, and relationships remain intact at the end?
Twisty, dark, and so deliciously rewarding for anyone with a particular knowledge of Cork's wet, winding streets, Darkest Truth is definitely one I'm happy to've added to my kindle library!
What's more, readers are told who the perpetrator is almost from the opening chapter. The mystery here is not to figure out whodunnit, or even howdunnit, but how does Finn prove he did it? And will her life, her job, her reputation, and relationships remain intact at the end?
Twisty, dark, and so deliciously rewarding for anyone with a particular knowledge of Cork's wet, winding streets, Darkest Truth is definitely one I'm happy to've added to my kindle library!
July 5, 2023
A good book. I definitely enjoyed reading it but I am looking forward to seeing how the writing improves in the following books. Very easy to read but found myself skimming some sections, particularly when there were an overwhelming amount of references to places in Cork.
January 15, 2019
Gets off to a slow start but at about the 47% mark (reading kindle edition) takes off into an electrifying battle between good and evil. Review to follow.
March 21, 2023
Thrilling
November 25, 2024
Lots of things to like about this book. Unfortunately the back “blurb” gave quite a bit away but once I got over that it was enjoyable enough. Set in Cork so the familiar location also added to the enjoyment
BC9
BC9
December 20, 2020
Just read the free excerpt, have just bought the book. Looked for more by the author but oh no there is just this first book!
I finally know what slush readers mean when they say they only need the first few paragraphs to know an author can really write.
Write another Finn Fitzpatrick book, Catherine. And another one after that. One day you will be the world-renowned author of the Finn Fitzpatrick series. If you choose to do so. :)
I finally know what slush readers mean when they say they only need the first few paragraphs to know an author can really write.
Write another Finn Fitzpatrick book, Catherine. And another one after that. One day you will be the world-renowned author of the Finn Fitzpatrick series. If you choose to do so. :)
July 20, 2019
I really loved this - it's a crime thriller with a thought-provoking plot and a thoughtful, really well-developed heroine I'm looking forward to meeting in the next instalment of what promises to be a great crime novel series.
Cork city is used brilliantly as a backdrop in what is a very accomplished first novel.
Cork city is used brilliantly as a backdrop in what is a very accomplished first novel.
July 25, 2019
I loved this book! It was gripping from the start, totally believable plot, and great realistic characterisation. It's a timely story that will resonate with most women and I thoroughly enjoyed the original idea of having a crime investigated by a solicitor. I can't wait to read more.
January 27, 2024
Synopsis:
When Cork solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a random stranger who pleads her to take on his case, she plans to let him down gently. He says his daughter Deirdre killed herself because Ireland's most famous movie director did something to her as a young teenager that she never recovered from. Knowing that her law firm would have her throw out the flimsy case, or lack thereof, Finn starts the investigation by herself when it starts getting personal...
I've never read a book that was predominantly set in Cork, so I've had this realistic movie running in my head. I think I've even learned a thing or two about the city's history and where to get the best sandwiches (I'll have to check that out for myself). I also groaned when I heard that the protagonist lives on Barrack Street. Am I supposed to believe someone on a solicitor's salary would live there? Like, come on, girlie.
What I loved most, of course, was the typical humour that Corkonians are so famous for. I do wonder what anyone outside of Ireland would make of the jokes (does anyone outside of Cork really know what a langer is)?
Apart from that, the premise of the book was interesting enough. I found myself wondering if it was based on a real story, but alas the author makes it clear in her acknowledgments that the story is purely fictional. The plot was somewhat of a wild goose chase and I wasn't too overly confident that there would be a satisfactory outcome, but the author made it work somehow.
I don't think the conclusion the author arrived at was all too realistic, and the pace felt a bit rushed towards the ending. I am not a solicitor, but cases do come under the statute of limitations after a certain period of time and even if the case in question were current, celebraties usually have whole teams of solicitors (and a media/PR team), but I understand the book is meant to entertain.
I really think Finn (and Davy) have the potential to become recurring characters and an entire series could be based off them. Cork could have their very own James Patterson in Catherine Kirwan, and perhaps they could actually get a proper movie director to turn one of her books into a movie worth showing at the Cork Film Festival. Now that is something I'd like to see.
I am aware my review might be based on a personal (positive) bias, but why not give this book a try? Especially do read it if you're from Cork.
When Cork solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a random stranger who pleads her to take on his case, she plans to let him down gently. He says his daughter Deirdre killed herself because Ireland's most famous movie director did something to her as a young teenager that she never recovered from. Knowing that her law firm would have her throw out the flimsy case, or lack thereof, Finn starts the investigation by herself when it starts getting personal...
I've never read a book that was predominantly set in Cork, so I've had this realistic movie running in my head. I think I've even learned a thing or two about the city's history and where to get the best sandwiches (I'll have to check that out for myself). I also groaned when I heard that the protagonist lives on Barrack Street. Am I supposed to believe someone on a solicitor's salary would live there? Like, come on, girlie.
What I loved most, of course, was the typical humour that Corkonians are so famous for. I do wonder what anyone outside of Ireland would make of the jokes (does anyone outside of Cork really know what a langer is)?
Apart from that, the premise of the book was interesting enough. I found myself wondering if it was based on a real story, but alas the author makes it clear in her acknowledgments that the story is purely fictional. The plot was somewhat of a wild goose chase and I wasn't too overly confident that there would be a satisfactory outcome, but the author made it work somehow.
I don't think the conclusion the author arrived at was all too realistic, and the pace felt a bit rushed towards the ending. I am not a solicitor, but cases do come under the statute of limitations after a certain period of time and even if the case in question were current, celebraties usually have whole teams of solicitors (and a media/PR team), but I understand the book is meant to entertain.
I really think Finn (and Davy) have the potential to become recurring characters and an entire series could be based off them. Cork could have their very own James Patterson in Catherine Kirwan, and perhaps they could actually get a proper movie director to turn one of her books into a movie worth showing at the Cork Film Festival. Now that is something I'd like to see.
I am aware my review might be based on a personal (positive) bias, but why not give this book a try? Especially do read it if you're from Cork.
April 2, 2019
The Darkest Truth.... The debut novel of writer Catherine Kirwan, focuses on solicitor, Finn, investigating the suicide of Deidre. Deidre's parents believe that a famous filmmaker is responsible for Deidre's death.
Initially there's very very little to go on for Finn to take on this case and investigate. Realistically, I'm not sure anybody would have done anything or acted on the desperate tears of a father looking for answers. On that note, this book was a slow burn.... It took very long to piece lots and lots of little bits to finally make up a story and a plot.
Once it hit that sweet spot though, where things are coming together....it starts moving at a really fast pace. There's a bit of 'goonish' behaviour that seems a bit dramatic to me, but all in all this was a solid story. A very relevant story with the current #MeToo movement, particularly reading this following last week's Grey's Anatomy episode.
The Irish way of speaking was a bit strange for me to get into....but I eventually figured it out. I also love that Finn has such a solid team of allies around her.... I feel so scared for a character that is alone up against any danger, especially a woman.
Great debut novel, can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
Initially there's very very little to go on for Finn to take on this case and investigate. Realistically, I'm not sure anybody would have done anything or acted on the desperate tears of a father looking for answers. On that note, this book was a slow burn.... It took very long to piece lots and lots of little bits to finally make up a story and a plot.
Once it hit that sweet spot though, where things are coming together....it starts moving at a really fast pace. There's a bit of 'goonish' behaviour that seems a bit dramatic to me, but all in all this was a solid story. A very relevant story with the current #MeToo movement, particularly reading this following last week's Grey's Anatomy episode.
The Irish way of speaking was a bit strange for me to get into....but I eventually figured it out. I also love that Finn has such a solid team of allies around her.... I feel so scared for a character that is alone up against any danger, especially a woman.
Great debut novel, can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
June 19, 2020
“He will do anything to protect his secrets. She will stop at nothing to expose the truth”
Finn is approached by Sean to look into his daughters murder, there isn’t much that Finn can do but there’s something about this case, she needs to take it.
Finn is a broken woman, abandoned and unloved by her alcoholic mother she has trouble trusting people and building relationships. Davy her “friends with benifits” wants more but knows not to push her or she’ll shut down. Finn is incredibly intelligent and takes her job seriously, justice is the only outcome.
Quiet early Sean and Anne tell Finn that their daughter Deirdre is her sister, adopted start after birth from her mother prior to her suicide. This makes this case personal, Finn doesn’t flag this and plays the fine line between finding the truth and ruining her case.
Jeremy Gill is a famous film director who hates woman and has a desire for young girls. He raped and abused Deirdre and in the end cost her her life. Finn investigate every possible lead unraveling more that she bargained for. He’s a dangerous man and will go to all lengths prove his innocence!
I loved the twists and turns in this book. I’ve missed a good murder mystery.
@becsbookshelf_
Finn is approached by Sean to look into his daughters murder, there isn’t much that Finn can do but there’s something about this case, she needs to take it.
Finn is a broken woman, abandoned and unloved by her alcoholic mother she has trouble trusting people and building relationships. Davy her “friends with benifits” wants more but knows not to push her or she’ll shut down. Finn is incredibly intelligent and takes her job seriously, justice is the only outcome.
Quiet early Sean and Anne tell Finn that their daughter Deirdre is her sister, adopted start after birth from her mother prior to her suicide. This makes this case personal, Finn doesn’t flag this and plays the fine line between finding the truth and ruining her case.
Jeremy Gill is a famous film director who hates woman and has a desire for young girls. He raped and abused Deirdre and in the end cost her her life. Finn investigate every possible lead unraveling more that she bargained for. He’s a dangerous man and will go to all lengths prove his innocence!
I loved the twists and turns in this book. I’ve missed a good murder mystery.
@becsbookshelf_
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2019
Gosh, what a brilliant debut novel.
The main protagonist Finola Fitzpatrick, a solicitor, is approached by a couple asking her to investigate the suicide of their daughter Deirdre. The story takes place in a town in Cork in Ireland. After participating in a film festival in Cork arranged through her school, Deirdre went from being a happy, confident, clever 15 year old to becoming depressed, withdrawn and in need of mental health care for many years following the festival. Something catastrophic happened to Deirdre during the festival and after many years of therapy and counselling, she could no longer cope and killed herself.
The film festival is about to feature again in Cork and Deirdre's parents are convinced that the devastating incident which affected Deirdre was caused by Ireland's most famous film director who she met at the festival and he is due to return to Cork in a few days.
This was a fast moving thriller with twists and turns. The characters were well described and the plot flowed nicely. I loved the descriptions of Cork and the streets and shops and sights.
I look forward to the next novel by this author and would recommend this book.
The main protagonist Finola Fitzpatrick, a solicitor, is approached by a couple asking her to investigate the suicide of their daughter Deirdre. The story takes place in a town in Cork in Ireland. After participating in a film festival in Cork arranged through her school, Deirdre went from being a happy, confident, clever 15 year old to becoming depressed, withdrawn and in need of mental health care for many years following the festival. Something catastrophic happened to Deirdre during the festival and after many years of therapy and counselling, she could no longer cope and killed herself.
The film festival is about to feature again in Cork and Deirdre's parents are convinced that the devastating incident which affected Deirdre was caused by Ireland's most famous film director who she met at the festival and he is due to return to Cork in a few days.
This was a fast moving thriller with twists and turns. The characters were well described and the plot flowed nicely. I loved the descriptions of Cork and the streets and shops and sights.
I look forward to the next novel by this author and would recommend this book.
January 5, 2020
Frá því að ég var skiptinemi við UCC þá hef ég fylgt bókasöfnum í Cork á Facebook. Á síðasta ári var kynning á þessari bók og ég ákvað að það væri nú gaman að lesa bók sem gerist í borginni. Ég varð ekki fyrir vonbrigðum því bókin leggur mikla áherslu á Cork og lýsingar á staðháttum. Einhverjar sterkustu minningar mínar eru frá því að ganga meðfram ánni Lee. Háskólinn minn kemur við sögu, dómshúsið sem ég gekk framhjá á hverjum degi og svo margt fleira.
Ég les almennt ekki margar glæpabækur - ekki mitt svið - en þessi náði mér alveg. Ef ekki væri fyrir eina klisju í úrlausninni þá hefði ég jafnvel splæst fimm stjörnum á hana (ég útdeili stjörnum hér ekki eins og gagnrýnandi heldur eins og netnotandi). Það væri áhugavert að vita hvað fólki sem ekki kannast við borgina finnst um bókina.
Ég les almennt ekki margar glæpabækur - ekki mitt svið - en þessi náði mér alveg. Ef ekki væri fyrir eina klisju í úrlausninni þá hefði ég jafnvel splæst fimm stjörnum á hana (ég útdeili stjörnum hér ekki eins og gagnrýnandi heldur eins og netnotandi). Það væri áhugavert að vita hvað fólki sem ekki kannast við borgina finnst um bókina.
April 2, 2025
Featuring my darling Cork city I was a receptive audience for this mystery which did not disappoint. A troubled young woman walking into the River Lee one night is the catalyst. The reason would have gone under with her only for the tenacity of our MC, a junior solicitor who responds to the dead girl's parents' plea. With the flimsiest of leads Fitzpatrick builds a file with each tiny clue advancing her case an inch or two. The pace builds with a seemingly related murder and she finally nails her man. Our MC Fitzpatrick is a bit of a lone wolf, enlisting a local police friend to help with the procedurals. She is a well-written character who won't let go despite local derision and opposition. The city of Cork is well depicted and a perfect backdrop. Not yet up there with the stellar writers of crime but I've already downloaded #2 in the series. Well done Ms Kirwan.
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