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Murder At Roaringwater
Murder at Roaringwater is the inside story of the final days of young Frenchwoman, Sophie Toscan du Plantier. This is a violent, unresolved murder, where the victim seemed to have a premonition of her own terrible end. For six years, Nick Foster has been piecing together the life and death of Sophie, who was brutally killed outside her cottage in rural West Cork in 1996. He also developed an ongoing friendship with the Englishman long-suspected of her murder, Ian Bailey, and his partner, Jules, the couple at the centre of the case. This story is as fascinating as it is tragic. It follows Nick in Paris and Ireland during his dedicated investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sophie's murder, his quest to reveal her killer and efforts to understand what the motive could have been for such a terrible crime. Ian Bailey was recently found guilty of Sophie's murder 'in absentia' in a French courtroom.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2021
33 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 12, 2022
Two stars feels a bit mean, but although the case that is the centre of this book is interesting it’s construction is not. There are moments when I found this story quite compelling but ultimately foster circles around himself and his perception of events too many times in this narrative. This repetitive structure managed to make this book at once a bit dull and confusing.
August 23, 2021
I wasn't too bothered about reading this book until a friend who knows I am interested in the case recommended it to me. I thought I had heard everything about the case (well, everything that was made available to the public, at least), but this book contains quite a bit of new information.
I loved the podcast, West Cork, and that is still my favourite piece of work on the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. I also liked how the Netflix series looked at who Sophie was as a person, a daughter, a mother and a creative. It is too common in true crime that the victim of the crime fades into the background, especially female victims. I didn't enjoy the Jim Sheridan documentary: I thought it was self-indulgent, so much so that it became a portrait of two narcissists. And, of course, I didn't agree with Sheridan's narrative or his findings on the case, or how he worked with Bailey throughout.
Foster had access to the Garda file on the case, attended the high court case when Bailey was suing the Gardaí and the court case in Paris, so you do feel very informed on the case when reading this book. In addition, his writing and how he presents all of the information is very clear, so it would be a good place to start if you aren't familiar with the case. It is also quite gripping, ramping up the tension as it moves towards the latter chapters. It paints a somewhat solid picture of Bailey and of Jules Thomas, his partner.
It is well-written and does offer some new perspectives, although some of them won't be as significant to others as they are to Foster. Is the final clincher definitive and will it convince people Bailey did it? More importantly, will it lead to any developments in the case? I'm not so sure.
Given the access Foster had to Bailey and how hard he worked to assure Bailey he was a 'supporter', I thought a more convincing truth would have been revealed, but perhaps that comes from a personal hope for answers.
I think the danger with a case like this is in the attention it has gained over the last (almost) 25 years, more specifically the last three years with the release of so much media on the story. People have become obsessed with the case and those with the means to do so want to dig deeper and solve it. It's difficult to decide if they are trying to assist with the case and honour the victim or to embark on a crusade for fame and self-satisfaction. Foster mentions himself that any 'break' he can make in the case is something to 'brag to friends about'. I think it's pivotal that we remember the most important thing here: justice for Sophie, and resolution and peace, finally, for those who loved her.
I loved the podcast, West Cork, and that is still my favourite piece of work on the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. I also liked how the Netflix series looked at who Sophie was as a person, a daughter, a mother and a creative. It is too common in true crime that the victim of the crime fades into the background, especially female victims. I didn't enjoy the Jim Sheridan documentary: I thought it was self-indulgent, so much so that it became a portrait of two narcissists. And, of course, I didn't agree with Sheridan's narrative or his findings on the case, or how he worked with Bailey throughout.
Foster had access to the Garda file on the case, attended the high court case when Bailey was suing the Gardaí and the court case in Paris, so you do feel very informed on the case when reading this book. In addition, his writing and how he presents all of the information is very clear, so it would be a good place to start if you aren't familiar with the case. It is also quite gripping, ramping up the tension as it moves towards the latter chapters. It paints a somewhat solid picture of Bailey and of Jules Thomas, his partner.
It is well-written and does offer some new perspectives, although some of them won't be as significant to others as they are to Foster. Is the final clincher definitive and will it convince people Bailey did it? More importantly, will it lead to any developments in the case? I'm not so sure.
Given the access Foster had to Bailey and how hard he worked to assure Bailey he was a 'supporter', I thought a more convincing truth would have been revealed, but perhaps that comes from a personal hope for answers.
I think the danger with a case like this is in the attention it has gained over the last (almost) 25 years, more specifically the last three years with the release of so much media on the story. People have become obsessed with the case and those with the means to do so want to dig deeper and solve it. It's difficult to decide if they are trying to assist with the case and honour the victim or to embark on a crusade for fame and self-satisfaction. Foster mentions himself that any 'break' he can make in the case is something to 'brag to friends about'. I think it's pivotal that we remember the most important thing here: justice for Sophie, and resolution and peace, finally, for those who loved her.
July 10, 2021
Well written and researched analysis of the notorious murder in West Cork of a French mother, Sophie Toscan du Planter. This true-crime story is back to the limelight thanks to a couple of documentaries released in short succession on Sky Crime (Murder at the Cottage) and Netflix ( A Murder in West Cork) [June 2021].
I was greatly disappointed by Jim Sheridan's Murder at the Cottage, where Ian Baily was inexplicably portrayed as the victim of two justice systems and given too much space to defend himself. And from the comfort of his home rather then in front of the French authorities.
On the other hand I enjoyed the more factual version on Netflix. By reading this book I wanted to delve into a printed version of this dreadful story, with all the facts, witness statements and timelines that this work provides.
What makes the book special is the intellectual honesty and integrity of the author. Starting from the hypothesis of innocence of the main and only suspect, Nick Foster gradually develops an intimate knowledge that Ian Bailey is indeed the murderer.
This knowledge is not only based on the large set of evidence and facts presented but also on the psychological understanding of the human beings involved in the story. Not a single piece of evidence, as taken on its own, is the smoking gun that would incriminate Ian Baily beyond any reasonable doubt; but the entire body of evidence makes it extremely unlikely that each one of these incriminating facts is a false positive.
Highly recommended
I was greatly disappointed by Jim Sheridan's Murder at the Cottage, where Ian Baily was inexplicably portrayed as the victim of two justice systems and given too much space to defend himself. And from the comfort of his home rather then in front of the French authorities.
On the other hand I enjoyed the more factual version on Netflix. By reading this book I wanted to delve into a printed version of this dreadful story, with all the facts, witness statements and timelines that this work provides.
What makes the book special is the intellectual honesty and integrity of the author. Starting from the hypothesis of innocence of the main and only suspect, Nick Foster gradually develops an intimate knowledge that Ian Bailey is indeed the murderer.
This knowledge is not only based on the large set of evidence and facts presented but also on the psychological understanding of the human beings involved in the story. Not a single piece of evidence, as taken on its own, is the smoking gun that would incriminate Ian Baily beyond any reasonable doubt; but the entire body of evidence makes it extremely unlikely that each one of these incriminating facts is a false positive.
Highly recommended
August 3, 2021
This is one of three books released on the Sophie Toscan du Plantier.
There is so much of this case that angry me, the fact Sophie was left over night in the open, no person should be treated like that in death or life the violent to Sophie is one that breaks my heart. The Garda’s were on the backfoot from the start and got side track by lies from leading witness whom has change her story so many times over the years its become impossible to know truth from lies.
Nick Foster took a hard look at the case and all the Garda reports and documents he got his hands on. The fact Nick became friends with Ian Bailey was interesting. When Nick found a loophole that could have cleared Bailey. Nick saw the true nature of Bailey and the fact he is so hungry for the notoriety that comes with been the only suspect in the murder that he does everything in his power to make the focus be on him and not Sophie which stop the Garda at the time looking elsewhere.
I always believed innocent until proven guilty, but the lines are grey in this case and its hard to know what’s true and what’s lies. The real victims in this are Sophie her family and her son, I wish they could find out the truth of what happen that night in December 1996.
There is so much of this case that angry me, the fact Sophie was left over night in the open, no person should be treated like that in death or life the violent to Sophie is one that breaks my heart. The Garda’s were on the backfoot from the start and got side track by lies from leading witness whom has change her story so many times over the years its become impossible to know truth from lies.
Nick Foster took a hard look at the case and all the Garda reports and documents he got his hands on. The fact Nick became friends with Ian Bailey was interesting. When Nick found a loophole that could have cleared Bailey. Nick saw the true nature of Bailey and the fact he is so hungry for the notoriety that comes with been the only suspect in the murder that he does everything in his power to make the focus be on him and not Sophie which stop the Garda at the time looking elsewhere.
I always believed innocent until proven guilty, but the lines are grey in this case and its hard to know what’s true and what’s lies. The real victims in this are Sophie her family and her son, I wish they could find out the truth of what happen that night in December 1996.
September 14, 2021
I have to confess, that when I bought this book I had no knowledge at all about the murder in 1996 of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Before I started reading I therefore read some background material on the web. It is indeed a fascinating, but very tragic, story, that Nick Foster conveys in the most thrilling manner. I am rarely so taken by a book, that I cannot stop reading, but this time was one of few occasions. I finished the book in two evenings.
One easily forgets the fact that this is a true story and reads it as an exciting murder story, but one must bear in mind that this actually did happen, and there is a murdered woman and a bereaved family behind it all, a family that never really got the reassurance of a confession from a murderer. However, the reader can feel fairly sure once the book is read, even though we will most likely never get a 100 % sure reassurance of who did it.
Nick Foster goes into every single detail of this very complex story and manages to convey all strange turn of events to the readers in a breathtakingly thrilling way. I understand that Nick Foster has done deep research into every single part of the events leading up to, and following, the murder. He became a personal friend with the alleged murderer, something that led him to the suppositions that are made at the end of the book.
It is difficult not to feel some anger towards the Irish police and judiciary system that fails again and again in so many ways, from the start dealing with the murdered Sophie, through the whole series of trials and investigations. The main suspect almost seems to enjoy the publicity that he gets and manages to manoeuvre the system into directions that suit him. However Nick Foster sees through this at the end.
I truly loved the book, even though the story is so sad, given that it is no real detective story, but a true retelling of events that actually took place 25 years ago.
I strongly recommend it, 5 stars of 5 possible.
One easily forgets the fact that this is a true story and reads it as an exciting murder story, but one must bear in mind that this actually did happen, and there is a murdered woman and a bereaved family behind it all, a family that never really got the reassurance of a confession from a murderer. However, the reader can feel fairly sure once the book is read, even though we will most likely never get a 100 % sure reassurance of who did it.
Nick Foster goes into every single detail of this very complex story and manages to convey all strange turn of events to the readers in a breathtakingly thrilling way. I understand that Nick Foster has done deep research into every single part of the events leading up to, and following, the murder. He became a personal friend with the alleged murderer, something that led him to the suppositions that are made at the end of the book.
It is difficult not to feel some anger towards the Irish police and judiciary system that fails again and again in so many ways, from the start dealing with the murdered Sophie, through the whole series of trials and investigations. The main suspect almost seems to enjoy the publicity that he gets and manages to manoeuvre the system into directions that suit him. However Nick Foster sees through this at the end.
I truly loved the book, even though the story is so sad, given that it is no real detective story, but a true retelling of events that actually took place 25 years ago.
I strongly recommend it, 5 stars of 5 possible.
July 31, 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Having watched both documentaries and listened to the West Cork podcast I became hooked on this case so decided to buy this book. I was on the fence about Bailey’s guilt, having a legal background and qualification I understood the DPP’s decision against prosecution, the lack of evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt”, I still believe there isn’t enough physically there. But the findings of Foster, the behaviours and the details slowly and maybe unintentionally revealed by Bailey to the author have cemented my views. This is a guilty man, with little proper evidence to convict. A riveting take on this brutal case, excellently written, shows compassion to the victim and her family and isn’t a biased stance like the documentaries were. The conclusion is brilliant, would recommend this to anyone who has interest in this case or is on the fence, or any true crime fan. Absolutely loved it
June 28, 2021
Absolutely riveting. One of the best true crime books I've ever read. I became obsessed with the case after the Sky Crime documentary and this book definitely fed that. It's fantastic.
June 21, 2021
Case proven.
This superbly researched account of that tragic event and the following investigations puts Bailey and Thomas's accounts of their 'lack of' involvement under a microscope and leaves the reader in no doubt whatsoever. A massive miscarriage of Justice.
This superbly researched account of that tragic event and the following investigations puts Bailey and Thomas's accounts of their 'lack of' involvement under a microscope and leaves the reader in no doubt whatsoever. A massive miscarriage of Justice.
August 17, 2021
It’s difficult to cite any other emotion than the deep sadness and sorrow this story stirs. If viewing the whole thing again from different angles gives the family their voice on how their lives have been affected, and to remind people who their loved one, Sophie was, then it might be worth it. To his credit, the author has been reminding people about the real suffering in this case since the release of his book.
However, if it’s analysis on 'did he or didn’t he?' via a search for inconsistencies in the evidence, it’s essential not to introduce new inconsistencies. Not that it would change the conclusion of Foster’s book, but some perspectives given significance here don’t seem plausible, and even in the book seem contradictory.
Sophie got her house in Drinane four years before to her awful murder. She would have rented cars many times prior to 1996. She’d have been as familiar with phrases used to buy petrol as she was with those to order tea and scones in Billy’s Sullivan’s bar. To me, it’s not likely Sophie was someone who conversed in English on things ‘profound or philosophical’, and at the same time was someone who couldn’t understand the common basic question a petrol pump attendant asks dozens of his customers every day.
Hurley’s garage is about 50 miles from Cork airport. Since the topic about the position of the passenger seat was discussed, and how the rental company would have left it in a neutral position, it would also be reasonable to think the rental company would have filled the tank. The journey to Hurley’s garage would have sipped barely a gallon of the 10-gallon tank. Had Sean Murray said the bill came to an even fiver the unknown stranger gave him, it would be more plausible based on 90’s prices, but a tenner seems odd. Sophie also knew her stay was short which also makes it unlikely that Sophie stopped in Skibereen to buy petrol.
Sean Murray saw someone who was not local, and perhaps it was even on December 20th, but it was not Sophie.
And about that passenger car seat. There’s a lot inferred about it being pushed back as if to accommodate someone tall. Even to corroborate the Sean Murray evidence. Sophie was alone. It was a small two-door fiesta, and she had a lot of luggage. It’s conceivable she put what she could in the boot without bothering to try to recline the back seat, and put the remainder on the passenger seat after sliding it back.
However, if it’s analysis on 'did he or didn’t he?' via a search for inconsistencies in the evidence, it’s essential not to introduce new inconsistencies. Not that it would change the conclusion of Foster’s book, but some perspectives given significance here don’t seem plausible, and even in the book seem contradictory.
Sophie got her house in Drinane four years before to her awful murder. She would have rented cars many times prior to 1996. She’d have been as familiar with phrases used to buy petrol as she was with those to order tea and scones in Billy’s Sullivan’s bar. To me, it’s not likely Sophie was someone who conversed in English on things ‘profound or philosophical’, and at the same time was someone who couldn’t understand the common basic question a petrol pump attendant asks dozens of his customers every day.
Hurley’s garage is about 50 miles from Cork airport. Since the topic about the position of the passenger seat was discussed, and how the rental company would have left it in a neutral position, it would also be reasonable to think the rental company would have filled the tank. The journey to Hurley’s garage would have sipped barely a gallon of the 10-gallon tank. Had Sean Murray said the bill came to an even fiver the unknown stranger gave him, it would be more plausible based on 90’s prices, but a tenner seems odd. Sophie also knew her stay was short which also makes it unlikely that Sophie stopped in Skibereen to buy petrol.
Sean Murray saw someone who was not local, and perhaps it was even on December 20th, but it was not Sophie.
And about that passenger car seat. There’s a lot inferred about it being pushed back as if to accommodate someone tall. Even to corroborate the Sean Murray evidence. Sophie was alone. It was a small two-door fiesta, and she had a lot of luggage. It’s conceivable she put what she could in the boot without bothering to try to recline the back seat, and put the remainder on the passenger seat after sliding it back.
August 17, 2024
In my opinion the author was clearly captivated by Baileys charms, I couldn’t finish it and would not recommend
April 2, 2023
It takes an outsider (in this case, an Englishman living in Brussels) to miss something that is immediately apparent to anyone familiar with Ireland. Foster's whole case against Bailey hinges on his belief that the Irish speak willingly and truthfully to the police. He points out that the local police are part of their local communities, and that this makes them approachable and highly trusted, as opposed to the French police who are not known in the communities they serve.
If he knew anything about the Irish psyche, he would know that the Irish, even now, have a dread of being an "informer". The Irish police know it. The late playwright John B Keane wrote most eloquently about it. It goes back to the Penal days.
The Mizen Peninsula (as Foster acknowledges) is a place apart from trad Ireland; it's full of arty, liberal types. They do not think like the Irish. Ian Bailey, however, fits that trope of the Englishman who has "gone native" and is more Irish than even the Irish. He is an outsider twice-over in the Mizen community.
Another blind spot, for which Foster cannot be forgiven as a journalist, but which he has in common with most of the EU-centric media community, is the inability to recognise "group-think" when it takes hold of a bunch of liberals - anywhere in the world.
We have seen this in action in the witch-hunting of Trump and Putin. Like them, Bailey is the perfect scapegoat for people who would look down their noses at a macho, gung-ho reporter who was willing to sell a "scoop" to the papers, a loner, a bloke who wore his intelligence and natural aptitude for poetry like an insult to their snobbery. He did not fit the Irish Times idea of a Mizen Peninsula blow-in.
Foster may be correct in his assumption that Bailey lied when he said he never met Sophie, but what does that prove - except that he did not want his partner to know about a fling with a lady who certainly would be capable of breaking their relationship? Bailey depended on his partner for a home.
Re the witnesses: I have no doubt they had the best of intentions as they strove to recall who, what, when, where and how. But even the most honest of us is susceptible to bias. And, as Foster admits, they were very trusting of the police who interviewed them, over and over - about a man they intensely disliked.
I intend to read another book on the same subject by Ralph Riegel, who I know is a real journalist (disclaimer: he was in my class in journalism school) and will probably give into the temptation to read all the other books on this murder too.
If he knew anything about the Irish psyche, he would know that the Irish, even now, have a dread of being an "informer". The Irish police know it. The late playwright John B Keane wrote most eloquently about it. It goes back to the Penal days.
The Mizen Peninsula (as Foster acknowledges) is a place apart from trad Ireland; it's full of arty, liberal types. They do not think like the Irish. Ian Bailey, however, fits that trope of the Englishman who has "gone native" and is more Irish than even the Irish. He is an outsider twice-over in the Mizen community.
Another blind spot, for which Foster cannot be forgiven as a journalist, but which he has in common with most of the EU-centric media community, is the inability to recognise "group-think" when it takes hold of a bunch of liberals - anywhere in the world.
We have seen this in action in the witch-hunting of Trump and Putin. Like them, Bailey is the perfect scapegoat for people who would look down their noses at a macho, gung-ho reporter who was willing to sell a "scoop" to the papers, a loner, a bloke who wore his intelligence and natural aptitude for poetry like an insult to their snobbery. He did not fit the Irish Times idea of a Mizen Peninsula blow-in.
Foster may be correct in his assumption that Bailey lied when he said he never met Sophie, but what does that prove - except that he did not want his partner to know about a fling with a lady who certainly would be capable of breaking their relationship? Bailey depended on his partner for a home.
Re the witnesses: I have no doubt they had the best of intentions as they strove to recall who, what, when, where and how. But even the most honest of us is susceptible to bias. And, as Foster admits, they were very trusting of the police who interviewed them, over and over - about a man they intensely disliked.
I intend to read another book on the same subject by Ralph Riegel, who I know is a real journalist (disclaimer: he was in my class in journalism school) and will probably give into the temptation to read all the other books on this murder too.
June 14, 2022
I'd heard of this well known murder case a few years ago and have always been interested in learning more about it. I'd seen the Netflix doc and loved that it focused more on Sophie as a human (as well as covering the important parts of the case ofc) so when I found out this book was coming out I jumped at the opportunity to read it. This book definitely gives more insight into the case and I found that it was quite an easy read. I definitely learned more about the nitty gritty parts of the investigation and it gave me more to think about regarding Ian Bailey and his innocence/involvement.
I think the author did a great job at explaining and giving more information on everything that happened & it was really interesting to find out that Foster somewhat became friends/friendly with Ian Bailey.
I think the lines are still blurred (imo) about whether Ian committed this brutal crime. And it's hard not to get frustrated with the Irish police. The real victim in all of this was Sophie & she deserves justice.
Very well researched and offers a lot of information. If you're true crime fan, you'll like this book!
(Thanks to the publishers for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I think the author did a great job at explaining and giving more information on everything that happened & it was really interesting to find out that Foster somewhat became friends/friendly with Ian Bailey.
I think the lines are still blurred (imo) about whether Ian committed this brutal crime. And it's hard not to get frustrated with the Irish police. The real victim in all of this was Sophie & she deserves justice.
Very well researched and offers a lot of information. If you're true crime fan, you'll like this book!
(Thanks to the publishers for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.)
October 19, 2024
Like many others during the Covid Pandemic I watched the Netflix documentary and then the Sky one as well. You definitely would be right in thinking what more is there to delve into this story. Haven’t we seen all the angles, the mishaps and inconsistencies! But when I saw that this audiobook was included on Audible Plus this month I thought I’d approach it again with fresh eyes/ears since Ian Bailey’s death.
Nick Foster is a self titled amateur investigator. He approached this book/investigation by befriending Bailey. He admits himself that he was lucky Bailey loved the limelight and gloried in public attention, never saying no to an interview. Foster holds it together, he doesn’t come on too strong with his opinions or what he thinks happened. It even sounds like he believes that Bailey acted suspiciously on purpose, that he was guilty for wanting celebrity so much he was willing to be the murderer and he had this insatiable urge to be centre of the story. As this case wasn’t the Sophie Toscun du Plantier case it became the Ian Bailey case!
It definitely included a few more additions and angles! Easy listening and it’s free on audible plus until 25th!
Nick Foster is a self titled amateur investigator. He approached this book/investigation by befriending Bailey. He admits himself that he was lucky Bailey loved the limelight and gloried in public attention, never saying no to an interview. Foster holds it together, he doesn’t come on too strong with his opinions or what he thinks happened. It even sounds like he believes that Bailey acted suspiciously on purpose, that he was guilty for wanting celebrity so much he was willing to be the murderer and he had this insatiable urge to be centre of the story. As this case wasn’t the Sophie Toscun du Plantier case it became the Ian Bailey case!
It definitely included a few more additions and angles! Easy listening and it’s free on audible plus until 25th!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
I watched the documentary on this and when I picked the book up I didn’t really pay much attention to what it was about. When reading it I started to notice familiar details and started to google, I soon realised that this was because I’d watched the story on Netflix!
Regardless, I carried on and I was still hooked, this book delved deep into the people around Sophie and who she met with, who she had relationships with etc. It puts things into perspective and provides one with insights that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
While reading it, you’re more than likely going to be conducting an investigation of your own as well as carefully considering what’s been said and what evidence has been collected.
If you’re a true crime fan and enjoy a little story telling twist then this book I can recommend. I’d definitely pick it up again.
Regardless, I carried on and I was still hooked, this book delved deep into the people around Sophie and who she met with, who she had relationships with etc. It puts things into perspective and provides one with insights that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
While reading it, you’re more than likely going to be conducting an investigation of your own as well as carefully considering what’s been said and what evidence has been collected.
If you’re a true crime fan and enjoy a little story telling twist then this book I can recommend. I’d definitely pick it up again.
July 1, 2021
An interesting read looking at the murder of French documentary producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier who was found dead outside her holiday home in Cork in Ireland in 1997. To date only one suspect has ever emerged, her neighbour Ian Bailey. Since her death Bailey has co-operated with a number of books and tv shows into her death and each one has concluded that he is the killer. The DPP in Ireland says they cannot charge him as the evidence against him is purely circumstantial. Never-the-less in 2019 a French court found him guilty of murder. Here Frost examines the case and Bailey's part in it. Fascinating read.
May 16, 2022
Wow what a crazy book this was (in the best way). I love me some true crime and I've never heard of this case before. Such a sad case poor Sophie.
Sophie was French and she was spending time at her holiday home in Ireland. She was violently murdered in 1996 and we still don't know who did it to this day.
This book was well written and had alot of great information in it. The book takes a good look at the case, the days running up to the incident and the days after. The poor woman still has no justice.
Sophie was French and she was spending time at her holiday home in Ireland. She was violently murdered in 1996 and we still don't know who did it to this day.
This book was well written and had alot of great information in it. The book takes a good look at the case, the days running up to the incident and the days after. The poor woman still has no justice.
October 26, 2022
The definitive account of a brutal crime and global obsession. Not only a meticulous piece of investigative journalism but also a gripping detective thriller that brings to mind the fictional works of Christie and L. Sayers. But this story is very much real and Nick Foster carries it off with aplomb whilst paying tribute to a life taken too soon and maintaining the pulse on an ageing case so that justice may finally be done. MARW is not a book you idly read, it is one you obsessively inhale and haunts you for months after.
February 15, 2022
Just when you think you’ve read it all, seen it all and heard it all about this case, along comes Nick Foster with new nuggets of information and a fresh perspective on the case. While we know the murder remains unsolved, this book manages to keep the reader hooked in anticipation of an outcome. Having lived in Toormore it also brilliantly describes life in that part of the world, west of West Cork.
July 17, 2022
I finished this book recently. I found that the writing moved along at a fast pace and it was rather informative. I knew about the case already, but this book revealed quite a bit of new information. I am enjoying the read, so far. Well written and totally recommended.
🤔 We will see what happens now that the case is being reinvestigated. Hopefully justice is served soon. 🙏
🤔 We will see what happens now that the case is being reinvestigated. Hopefully justice is served soon. 🙏
May 23, 2025
A few extra details not really mentioned in previous books linking suspect and victim that I was previously unaware of. Also a few more admissions and unusual media soundbites made by someone who seemed to love putting himself in the frame for notoriety. Nice reading more details of witness statements in italics.
May 7, 2022
Very enjoyable read. Quite easy to digest. Having followed the case in the last 2 years and watched the netflix documentary, the book did have a number of additional anecdotes and some unusual conspiracies/coincidences thrown in.
August 29, 2025
Having followed the podcast Murder in West Cork and the tv documentary that accompanied it I found this an interesting read. It does cover the story well and introduces some new people who were in Skull at the time.
June 17, 2021
Unreal! Enthralling!
July 4, 2021
Well done
Have followed this case from the beginning with the same person as the assailant, it is such an injustice to a beautiful woman they are not man enough to own up
Have followed this case from the beginning with the same person as the assailant, it is such an injustice to a beautiful woman they are not man enough to own up
July 13, 2021
Fascinating. In-depth. Considerate of family and those involved. Great sense of place. Very well written. Not a fan of true crime but I was glad I read this. I often wondered about the case in Cork.
November 23, 2021
Same ol, same ol. Learned nothing new.
July 14, 2022
Completely changed my opinion of who done it.
July 18, 2022
Great read
December 29, 2022
“It was Bailey but I can’t prove it…”
Hmmm…
Hmmm…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
good story, meh storytelling
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews