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The Truth Will Out
'Maybe I've told that version of the story so often,
that I can't remember the truth of it anymore.'
Dara Gaffney is fresh out of drama school when she lands the leading role in the revival of Eabha de Lacey's hugely successful yet controversial play.
Based on the true story of the death of Cillian Butler, many claim that Eabha had an ulterior motive when she penned it. Cillian's death remains a mystery to this day, and Eabha and her brother, Austin, the only witnesses.
As the media storm builds and the opening night draws closer, the cast find it harder and harder to separate themselves from the characters.
As the truth of Cillian's fate becomes clear, Dara's loyalty to her role will be irrevocably questioned as the terrible history starts to repeat itself..
that I can't remember the truth of it anymore.'
Dara Gaffney is fresh out of drama school when she lands the leading role in the revival of Eabha de Lacey's hugely successful yet controversial play.
Based on the true story of the death of Cillian Butler, many claim that Eabha had an ulterior motive when she penned it. Cillian's death remains a mystery to this day, and Eabha and her brother, Austin, the only witnesses.
As the media storm builds and the opening night draws closer, the cast find it harder and harder to separate themselves from the characters.
As the truth of Cillian's fate becomes clear, Dara's loyalty to her role will be irrevocably questioned as the terrible history starts to repeat itself..
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2022
6 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 26, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I was slightly worried going into this one as I've been in a bit of a thriller reading slump and none have managed to grip me in around a month. But this one, this DEBUT, absolutely gripped me.
For anyone who doesn't know, I used to act, mostly theatre, so I suppose I was always going to love this book. I also adore the film Black Swan and I definitely got the vibe of that in chapter one, but even the prologue gripped me!
I really enjoy reading scripts and probably a third of this book was script; it worked so well. I felt like I knew these characters well.
One thing that was odd to me was the overuse of the phrase 'her bones drained of their marrow', which is something I've never heard before but was written in this book so many times that it became quite weird.
This book is hugely character-driven and not a lot actually happens until the end (a slow-burn, if you will) so if that's not your thing then this probably isn't for you. But the ending was phenomenal and I loved it.
If I did serious drama rather than comedy acting then I still wouldn't want to be in this show though as I'd be traumatised for life 😂
I was slightly worried going into this one as I've been in a bit of a thriller reading slump and none have managed to grip me in around a month. But this one, this DEBUT, absolutely gripped me.
For anyone who doesn't know, I used to act, mostly theatre, so I suppose I was always going to love this book. I also adore the film Black Swan and I definitely got the vibe of that in chapter one, but even the prologue gripped me!
I really enjoy reading scripts and probably a third of this book was script; it worked so well. I felt like I knew these characters well.
One thing that was odd to me was the overuse of the phrase 'her bones drained of their marrow', which is something I've never heard before but was written in this book so many times that it became quite weird.
This book is hugely character-driven and not a lot actually happens until the end (a slow-burn, if you will) so if that's not your thing then this probably isn't for you. But the ending was phenomenal and I loved it.
If I did serious drama rather than comedy acting then I still wouldn't want to be in this show though as I'd be traumatised for life 😂
March 23, 2022
’𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙪𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮.’
This is a really intriguing novel that simmers with tension, suspicion and a general feel of claustrophobia as the reader becomes entangled in the cast of characters looking to revive and rehearse this critically acclaimed play which is shrouded in controversy and unanswered questions.
The play is based on the death of Cillian, which Eabha decides to pen her version of the story to hide the truth behind his death, as some claim. Only Eabha and her brother Austin are witnesses to the tragic events that day. And now, a new cast of characters including Dara are to play Eabha and reenact those events..will it turn out to be fact or fiction?
There’s a continuing play on the theme of truth versus fiction, truth based on memories, the interaction of the past and present which can change the truth. Hennigan cleverly weaves in the narrative of the characters with the script of the play that it becomes quite blurry as to whether art is imitating life or the other way round..
With this hazy crossover in the narrative, the novel feels disorientating. My mind was mixing up the characters, reflecting how for example, Dara felt she was Eabha after spending so much time with her and immersing in her acting.
The ending is not unpredictable but inevitable which neatly sums up the cyclical nature of history repeating itself.
A fascinating dark read giving me feels of The Turnout by Megan Abbott.
This is a really intriguing novel that simmers with tension, suspicion and a general feel of claustrophobia as the reader becomes entangled in the cast of characters looking to revive and rehearse this critically acclaimed play which is shrouded in controversy and unanswered questions.
The play is based on the death of Cillian, which Eabha decides to pen her version of the story to hide the truth behind his death, as some claim. Only Eabha and her brother Austin are witnesses to the tragic events that day. And now, a new cast of characters including Dara are to play Eabha and reenact those events..will it turn out to be fact or fiction?
There’s a continuing play on the theme of truth versus fiction, truth based on memories, the interaction of the past and present which can change the truth. Hennigan cleverly weaves in the narrative of the characters with the script of the play that it becomes quite blurry as to whether art is imitating life or the other way round..
With this hazy crossover in the narrative, the novel feels disorientating. My mind was mixing up the characters, reflecting how for example, Dara felt she was Eabha after spending so much time with her and immersing in her acting.
The ending is not unpredictable but inevitable which neatly sums up the cyclical nature of history repeating itself.
A fascinating dark read giving me feels of The Turnout by Megan Abbott.
June 8, 2025
Huh… creative but dragged on. The ending was predictable even for me. And honestly, was really hoping that we’d find out what actually happened 15 years ago. I think that would have made this more satisfying for me. 2.5 rounded up because Ireland.
April 29, 2025
I enjoyed the first half of this which is why it’s so sad I didn’t like the ending! While the first half was a little slow and drawn out I still found it interesting wondering what the twist would be. Unfortunately we barely find out and it just got slower and more drawn out. In saying that I really liked the writing and the concept but the ending wasn’t enough for me.
March 22, 2022
3.5 stars
The smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd… theatre is a wondrous thing. For audience and cast it’s a chance to escape, to lose yourself in the moment or in a character.
Yet for actors there’s a fine line between you and your role. To really understand the character, you must embody it. At times the lines can become blurred - is it you feeling those emotions, or your character?
The Truth Will Out considers this fascinating concept. After tragedy strikes a school friend, Eabha chooses to channel her grief into writing a play about the night’s events.
Now, she is choosing to revive it with a new cast.
This starts off as a page turner. The first few chapters provide a real sense of foreboding and anticipation - I actually had goosebumps - as we are carried away in the excitement, but all too aware that this can only end in tragedy.
Henderson paints a vivid picture of a life on stage, capturing the imposter syndrome, fear and excitement actors and directors feel during the process. There are so many stages to putting on a play and we see these perfectly captured in Dara’s journey to become Eabha.
While the journey is well-written and observed, there is a lack of true connection between Dara and Eabha. I would have liked more drama once she ‘finds’ the character; despite living with Eabha, we don’t see Dara’s final result in so much detail which is a shame.
I was also expecting a lot more drama - the climax, although expected, could have been a bit more shocking. It feels glossed over somehow; it could have been better explored through Dara and Eabha’s reactions in particular.
Dara’s final decision is also odd. Perhaps if we’d seen more of her transition into Eabha for the role, it would have made more sense. As it is, it seems very out of character.
Overall it’s a good story, that does provide insight into how actors prepare for and embody characters. There is also a fair amount of drama and excitement, but this is not maintained until the end and the book doesn’t feel like a true thriller.
Book provided by Orion Books. Opinions my own.
The smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd… theatre is a wondrous thing. For audience and cast it’s a chance to escape, to lose yourself in the moment or in a character.
Yet for actors there’s a fine line between you and your role. To really understand the character, you must embody it. At times the lines can become blurred - is it you feeling those emotions, or your character?
The Truth Will Out considers this fascinating concept. After tragedy strikes a school friend, Eabha chooses to channel her grief into writing a play about the night’s events.
Now, she is choosing to revive it with a new cast.
This starts off as a page turner. The first few chapters provide a real sense of foreboding and anticipation - I actually had goosebumps - as we are carried away in the excitement, but all too aware that this can only end in tragedy.
Henderson paints a vivid picture of a life on stage, capturing the imposter syndrome, fear and excitement actors and directors feel during the process. There are so many stages to putting on a play and we see these perfectly captured in Dara’s journey to become Eabha.
While the journey is well-written and observed, there is a lack of true connection between Dara and Eabha. I would have liked more drama once she ‘finds’ the character; despite living with Eabha, we don’t see Dara’s final result in so much detail which is a shame.
I was also expecting a lot more drama - the climax, although expected, could have been a bit more shocking. It feels glossed over somehow; it could have been better explored through Dara and Eabha’s reactions in particular.
Dara’s final decision is also odd. Perhaps if we’d seen more of her transition into Eabha for the role, it would have made more sense. As it is, it seems very out of character.
Overall it’s a good story, that does provide insight into how actors prepare for and embody characters. There is also a fair amount of drama and excitement, but this is not maintained until the end and the book doesn’t feel like a true thriller.
Book provided by Orion Books. Opinions my own.
March 11, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
This literary thriller is Irish author Rosemary’s Hennigan’s debut novel and it’s a really accomplished, gripping read.
A tale of obsession, paranoia and delusion set in Dublin, The Truth Will Out opens with the story of siblings Eabha and Austin, and the mysterious and tragic death of their school friend Cillian fifteen years earlier at a remote boarding school on the west coast of Ireland.
In the aftermath of his death, Eabha achieved critical acclaim for the play she wrote about it. Fifteen years on, she’s embarking on a second run of the controversial play, casting newcomer Dara as herself, and Sam and Oisín as Austin and Cillian.
What follows is a compelling pageturner, unravelling the mystery of Cillian’s death, as the three cast members become embroiled in Eabha’s life. Hard to put down, I wanted to keep reading to see how the book would end. I wasn’t wholly satisfied by the ending but it certainly left me thinking afterwards.
The author captures Dublin and the theatre scene really well, and Dara is well-drawn as a young, inexperienced, impressionable actor. Social media, cancel culture and censorship are touched on, making the book feel very of the moment. An impressive debut novel from an author to watch.
**The Truth Will Out will be published next week on 17 March. Many thanks to the publisher @hachetteireland for the proof copy. As always, this is an honest review.**
This literary thriller is Irish author Rosemary’s Hennigan’s debut novel and it’s a really accomplished, gripping read.
A tale of obsession, paranoia and delusion set in Dublin, The Truth Will Out opens with the story of siblings Eabha and Austin, and the mysterious and tragic death of their school friend Cillian fifteen years earlier at a remote boarding school on the west coast of Ireland.
In the aftermath of his death, Eabha achieved critical acclaim for the play she wrote about it. Fifteen years on, she’s embarking on a second run of the controversial play, casting newcomer Dara as herself, and Sam and Oisín as Austin and Cillian.
What follows is a compelling pageturner, unravelling the mystery of Cillian’s death, as the three cast members become embroiled in Eabha’s life. Hard to put down, I wanted to keep reading to see how the book would end. I wasn’t wholly satisfied by the ending but it certainly left me thinking afterwards.
The author captures Dublin and the theatre scene really well, and Dara is well-drawn as a young, inexperienced, impressionable actor. Social media, cancel culture and censorship are touched on, making the book feel very of the moment. An impressive debut novel from an author to watch.
**The Truth Will Out will be published next week on 17 March. Many thanks to the publisher @hachetteireland for the proof copy. As always, this is an honest review.**
March 28, 2022
In every story there’s always another truth, the one that you are not part of it, the one with the other people that are part of the moment. This is the fateful story of the night where Cillian died, was it a murder or an accident? The two other teenagers involved always said it was an accident, true or false?
Having everyone against them, Eabha decides to take the story to the theatre and show publicly her vision. But is it the real one? Was it really an accident or someone pushed Cillian to his death? New cast but the same story… will this time show what happens on the fateful night or not?
This is a story about a story; an atmospheric view of the life of three teenagers, differences between them but friends for the circumstances. As the date of the show approaches, we will see the emotions get high and the doubts between the events start growing.
The story is told between two different timelines and different characters’ views; the past of how the friendship was between Eabha, Austin and Cillian; and the present how the three actors are trying to understand them. But as they get closer to the story, the actors feel more pressured and unstable, parties, drugs and emotions are at high stake. Also, we can forget the family of Cillian, who will pressure to stop the event and try to discover the truth.
This is a very interesting read; poignant and emotive, impossible to not stop reading! Are you ready to discover “The Truth Will Out”?
Having everyone against them, Eabha decides to take the story to the theatre and show publicly her vision. But is it the real one? Was it really an accident or someone pushed Cillian to his death? New cast but the same story… will this time show what happens on the fateful night or not?
This is a story about a story; an atmospheric view of the life of three teenagers, differences between them but friends for the circumstances. As the date of the show approaches, we will see the emotions get high and the doubts between the events start growing.
The story is told between two different timelines and different characters’ views; the past of how the friendship was between Eabha, Austin and Cillian; and the present how the three actors are trying to understand them. But as they get closer to the story, the actors feel more pressured and unstable, parties, drugs and emotions are at high stake. Also, we can forget the family of Cillian, who will pressure to stop the event and try to discover the truth.
This is a very interesting read; poignant and emotive, impossible to not stop reading! Are you ready to discover “The Truth Will Out”?
September 10, 2022
A haunting literary debut that explores the role of the theatre. Dara takes on a part in the play, The Truth Will Out, that tells a story from Eabha's childhood, and a tragic accident that occurred – one that still evokes much suspicion and curiosity within their community. The book explores the cast as they rehearse the play, and the past rears its head.
I have a particular love for Irish crime and this beautifully written thriller hit all the right notes for me. I loved the way Dara's character developed, sometimes passive but with growing confidence. The cast was perfectly rendered, and an ideal size for a tight, claustrophobic rendition. The prose was stunning and it was well paced, building up to an explosive and tragic finale.
Loved it.
I have a particular love for Irish crime and this beautifully written thriller hit all the right notes for me. I loved the way Dara's character developed, sometimes passive but with growing confidence. The cast was perfectly rendered, and an ideal size for a tight, claustrophobic rendition. The prose was stunning and it was well paced, building up to an explosive and tragic finale.
Loved it.
May 1, 2025
Disappointed with this one. I was intrigued in the first half regarding the themes of life imitating art, obsession and complexities of “truth”… however I lost interest in the second half with how it was drawn out and predictable.
did-not-finish
September 13, 2025Audiobook for work/the commute - promising premise but just lost interest.
March 15, 2022
Art reflecting truth reflecting art. Life reflecting fiction... What comes first? Does one spark the other or is it all just inevitable...?
We meet Dara, fresh out of drama school and looking for her first break. We catch up with her at an audition. For a roll she is desperate to get. That of Eabha de Lacey in her autobiographical play. Autobiographical and controversial as it depicts Eabha's schooldays with brother Austin and their friend Cillian. The latter falling to his death from the attic with the siblings the only witnesses. They claim they don't know what happened and the final scene of the play reinforces that, hence the controversy. She gets the part and is ecstatic. She is so excited to be working alongside Eabha and her fellow actors. And rehearsals start in earnest. But remember that old saying... be careful what you wish for...?
This is a very character driven story with some of the worst wounded characters I have read about in time. Every one has their demons and, when you put a handful of damaged people together, well, it's like lighting the blue touchpaper basically... Told in the present with dialogue from the play being used as a glimpse into the past, it's almost like watching a car crash as the narrative progresses. You know what's coming, you know it's going to be bad but you are so drawn, so intrigued, so immersed that you can't look away. Tension ramps up all the way through but really gets going towards the end, culminating in a very explosive and revealing conclusion that left me exhausted but satisfied.
As with all new authors to me, after I finish, I go check out their back catalogue. Colour me shocked to find out that this is her debut novel. Didn't see that in the writing or composition. Read to me like an established author. Leaving me slightly sad that I have nothing more to read from her at the moment but, at the same time, excited to see what she serves up next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We meet Dara, fresh out of drama school and looking for her first break. We catch up with her at an audition. For a roll she is desperate to get. That of Eabha de Lacey in her autobiographical play. Autobiographical and controversial as it depicts Eabha's schooldays with brother Austin and their friend Cillian. The latter falling to his death from the attic with the siblings the only witnesses. They claim they don't know what happened and the final scene of the play reinforces that, hence the controversy. She gets the part and is ecstatic. She is so excited to be working alongside Eabha and her fellow actors. And rehearsals start in earnest. But remember that old saying... be careful what you wish for...?
This is a very character driven story with some of the worst wounded characters I have read about in time. Every one has their demons and, when you put a handful of damaged people together, well, it's like lighting the blue touchpaper basically... Told in the present with dialogue from the play being used as a glimpse into the past, it's almost like watching a car crash as the narrative progresses. You know what's coming, you know it's going to be bad but you are so drawn, so intrigued, so immersed that you can't look away. Tension ramps up all the way through but really gets going towards the end, culminating in a very explosive and revealing conclusion that left me exhausted but satisfied.
As with all new authors to me, after I finish, I go check out their back catalogue. Colour me shocked to find out that this is her debut novel. Didn't see that in the writing or composition. Read to me like an established author. Leaving me slightly sad that I have nothing more to read from her at the moment but, at the same time, excited to see what she serves up next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
January 14, 2023
Well written but far, far too long and drawn out.
May 5, 2022
This really wasn't my cup of tea. The concept was interesting enough but it was very slow and while I don't always need to find characters likeable I found a lot of these ones unlikeable and boring. I feel like this could have been a really interesting book if it was about half the length to give it a sense of urgency.
I also often felt like I was being hit over the head with street names (I get it - we're in Dublin; I don't need street by street directions of where we're going).
I also often felt like I was being hit over the head with street names (I get it - we're in Dublin; I don't need street by street directions of where we're going).
March 31, 2022
Did not finish this... too much internalizing on abandonment issues... just NOT my thing. So sorry... I just cannot relate.
May 8, 2022
This book is my vibe so so much. So quotable some amazing lines. Very dark atmospheric and one I am going to annonate the crap out of. Gave me If we were villians vibes. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2023
This book was fine. There wasn’t anything particularly wrong with it but I also don’t think there is anything particularly memorable either.
January 28, 2024
An interesting premise but far too repetitive and long drawn out. Most characters were unlikeable too. I finished it but didn't enjoy sorry.
April 28, 2024
What a fascinating, twisted tale of life imitating art, art imitating life,
Young actor Dara Gaffney, auditions for a revival of the controversial play
“ The Truth Will Out “ by Eabha de Lacey.
Controversial because, it is Eabha’s retelling of the tragic events that happened during her and her brother, Austin’s time the Bodkin School.
Events that resulted in the death of Cillian, Eabha’s boyfriend at the time.
Fifteen years later, the play is to be staged for the second time despite the public out cry when it was first staged.
The cast this time will be -
Dara as Eabha
Sam as Austin
And.
Oisin as Cillian
Once the actors are gathered together to begin rehearsals, it is potently clear, that the cloud that has hung over the real Eabha and Austin throughout the years about what exactly DID happen on that fateful night, has not dissipated.
As the actors rehearse, toxic relationships are formed, questions are asked, tensions rise,.
Until.
Finally, after protests, a grieving father still mourning his son’s death, and an interfering press, the night of their opening arrives.
As the Dara, Sam, and Oisin, bask in the accolades of the audience, at the end, they reflect over what they have had to endure on a personal level to get to this point.
For one of them…it will be one too much.
I really enjoy this book.
Touches of Dark Academia, unresolved, dark, family issues
Plus! a peek into the world of the Theatre
Plus! one single minded, ambitious female lead.
Determined to make it to ( the play) finish line.
At the beginning of this story I was right there with Dara, a fish out if water, hoping she was going to be able to “pull it off “
But
By the end I real started to despise her selfishness.
Dara was so desperate to keep Eabha on side, and for this role to be a success, that she overlooked at LOT of red flags.
Nothing was going to come between going from Z list actor to …well A
The ending?
Well, I think Dara inhabited so much of Eabha’s personality, she lost a little of her God Damn mind.
Four stars
Young actor Dara Gaffney, auditions for a revival of the controversial play
“ The Truth Will Out “ by Eabha de Lacey.
Controversial because, it is Eabha’s retelling of the tragic events that happened during her and her brother, Austin’s time the Bodkin School.
Events that resulted in the death of Cillian, Eabha’s boyfriend at the time.
Fifteen years later, the play is to be staged for the second time despite the public out cry when it was first staged.
The cast this time will be -
Dara as Eabha
Sam as Austin
And.
Oisin as Cillian
Once the actors are gathered together to begin rehearsals, it is potently clear, that the cloud that has hung over the real Eabha and Austin throughout the years about what exactly DID happen on that fateful night, has not dissipated.
As the actors rehearse, toxic relationships are formed, questions are asked, tensions rise,.
Until.
Finally, after protests, a grieving father still mourning his son’s death, and an interfering press, the night of their opening arrives.
As the Dara, Sam, and Oisin, bask in the accolades of the audience, at the end, they reflect over what they have had to endure on a personal level to get to this point.
For one of them…it will be one too much.
I really enjoy this book.
Touches of Dark Academia, unresolved, dark, family issues
Plus! a peek into the world of the Theatre
Plus! one single minded, ambitious female lead.
Determined to make it to ( the play) finish line.
At the beginning of this story I was right there with Dara, a fish out if water, hoping she was going to be able to “pull it off “
But
By the end I real started to despise her selfishness.
Dara was so desperate to keep Eabha on side, and for this role to be a success, that she overlooked at LOT of red flags.
Nothing was going to come between going from Z list actor to …well A
The ending?
Well, I think Dara inhabited so much of Eabha’s personality, she lost a little of her God Damn mind.
Four stars
January 14, 2022
I absolutely loved the brilliant premise of this novel which drew me in and kept me gripped until the end. Teenager Cillian Butler dies in mysterious circumstances. Several years later, one of the witnesses and the girl he loved, Eabha de Lacey, writes a play about what happened that night. Fifteen years later, aspiring actress Dara Gaffney gets her big break when she takes on the lead role in a restaging of the play. As the actors rehearse their parts, the unresolved death of the young boy casts its long shadow.
The characters are superbly drawn. I loved how Dara, wanting to prove herself, is drawn into Eabha’s exciting but volatile world and how she and the other actors immerse themselves in their roles unaware of the dangers of inhabiting such a dysfunctional and damaged group of people. Eabha is such a compelling and beguiling character that at times I felt as manipulated as the other characters in the book!
Interweaving lines from the original play with the present day was beautifully judged. It brought Cililian to life and allowed me glimpses into the original story that kept me riveted until the end. Every chapter sizzles with tension and foreboding as the actors approach the opening night leading to a very satisfying climax.
The characters are superbly drawn. I loved how Dara, wanting to prove herself, is drawn into Eabha’s exciting but volatile world and how she and the other actors immerse themselves in their roles unaware of the dangers of inhabiting such a dysfunctional and damaged group of people. Eabha is such a compelling and beguiling character that at times I felt as manipulated as the other characters in the book!
Interweaving lines from the original play with the present day was beautifully judged. It brought Cililian to life and allowed me glimpses into the original story that kept me riveted until the end. Every chapter sizzles with tension and foreboding as the actors approach the opening night leading to a very satisfying climax.
March 9, 2022
A very interesting and quite compelling literary drama novel, hard to believe it’s a debut. Full of well defined characters, most of whom are not in my opinion particularly pleasant, but oh so enthralling. Eabha de Lacey is a manipulative woman with an aura that seems to attract people to her. Whereas Dara Gaffney is very unsure of herself initially but the more she is drawn in to Eabha’s world the more her personality is allowed to reveal itself.
Briefly, when 17 year old Cillian Butler dies in mysterious circumstances Eabha and her brother Austin were the only others present. Some years later Eabha writes a play about what happened that night. Highly successful she is unable to follow it up with anything as well received and 15 years later decides to revive the play. Dara, a young actress successfully auditions for the role of Eabha and is soon firmly ensconced amongst Eabha’s exciting but destructive life.
The story is cleverly interwoven with excerpts from the play with subtle hints at the true story behind Cillian’s death. As the time for the opening night gets closer so the tension ramps up. A good and satisfying read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when 17 year old Cillian Butler dies in mysterious circumstances Eabha and her brother Austin were the only others present. Some years later Eabha writes a play about what happened that night. Highly successful she is unable to follow it up with anything as well received and 15 years later decides to revive the play. Dara, a young actress successfully auditions for the role of Eabha and is soon firmly ensconced amongst Eabha’s exciting but destructive life.
The story is cleverly interwoven with excerpts from the play with subtle hints at the true story behind Cillian’s death. As the time for the opening night gets closer so the tension ramps up. A good and satisfying read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 5, 2022
"The Truth will Out" is a gripping psychological drama about memory and forgetting - and coming to terms with uncertainty and trauma. The book builds to a compelling crescendo as events from the past threaten to envelop and wreak havoc in the present.
Was Cillian Butler murdered fifteen years ago at an elite school on the rugged Irish coast? If so, by whom? What will happen when Eabha de Lacey, one of the brother and sister who were present when Cillian fell to his death, seeks to revive her scandal-ridden play about the events of that night? The tension as the clock ticks down towards the first night of the play is unbearable as, "Black Swan" like, the players - all brilliantly defined and compelling - become increasingly bound up in the characters they are portraying. A must-read for lovers of mystery and psychological thrillers.
Was Cillian Butler murdered fifteen years ago at an elite school on the rugged Irish coast? If so, by whom? What will happen when Eabha de Lacey, one of the brother and sister who were present when Cillian fell to his death, seeks to revive her scandal-ridden play about the events of that night? The tension as the clock ticks down towards the first night of the play is unbearable as, "Black Swan" like, the players - all brilliantly defined and compelling - become increasingly bound up in the characters they are portraying. A must-read for lovers of mystery and psychological thrillers.
May 7, 2022
A fascinating, claustrophobic mystery. Realistically evoking the Dublin theatre scene, the intense cast of characters are trapped in an ever-repeating cycle of destruction because of a long-buried secret. Eabha, is a playwright, whose most famous play recreates a tragic incident from her youth, when she and her brother Austin were present when school friend Cillian mysteriously fell to his death from an attic window. The play was performed many years before to great acclaim but with strange tensions amongst the cast and public protesting instigated by Cillian’s father who blames Eabha and Austin for his son’s death. The revival of the show, which is the central plot of the book, leads to a repeat of the cast tensions and protests. It seems that the dark mystery of what really happened will keep infecting everyone involved till ‘The Truth Will Out’.
February 27, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel, which I would describe as a dark literary suspense. The writing is exceptional and I think what stood out to me the most was the superb characterisation. Especially Eabha; she was such an intoxicating and dangerous woman I absolutely loved her!
The writing is wonderfully atmospheric and haunting with an original and hugely mysterious storyline and I loved the way the author played with paranoia and memories and the way our minds can play tricks on us.
This is a wonderful debut novel, if you liked The Secret History and The Temple House Vanishing, I think you’d enjoy this one!
The writing is wonderfully atmospheric and haunting with an original and hugely mysterious storyline and I loved the way the author played with paranoia and memories and the way our minds can play tricks on us.
This is a wonderful debut novel, if you liked The Secret History and The Temple House Vanishing, I think you’d enjoy this one!
April 20, 2022
I love books set in the acting world so I was super excited to read The Truth Will Out by Rosemary Hennigan. This debut novel did not disappoint at all. The story itself is fantastic and leaves a lot of room for intrigue, but the prose is just glorious. I truly got lost in Rosemary Hennigan’s beautiful writing.
The character of Dara is pulled between the light and the dark, no one knows what is true in this mysterious novel. The plot is clever and every page is as brilliant as the last. I raced through it. A must read.
The character of Dara is pulled between the light and the dark, no one knows what is true in this mysterious novel. The plot is clever and every page is as brilliant as the last. I raced through it. A must read.
April 9, 2023
The premiss is interesting, but everything goes on and on and on without giving any answers. Dara also worries way over the top about becoming a villain because she is playing a character for a play she. did. not. write. She is only an actor in the play. How would she ever have anything to do with the original incident? And the ending.... almost anything else would have been better. How this book has this many good reviews I can't understand. I had high hopes for this book only to be let down. Sorry, but this is a two star book for me.
March 25, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This was a slow burner for me. But once I got into it I was hooked.
I liked the plot of the book it was unlike any I’d read before.
I wasn’t all that keen on some of the characters but I did like Dara she was a great main character.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you wondering what will happen next.
This was an enjoyable debut and I would read more books by this author.
This was a slow burner for me. But once I got into it I was hooked.
I liked the plot of the book it was unlike any I’d read before.
I wasn’t all that keen on some of the characters but I did like Dara she was a great main character.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you wondering what will happen next.
This was an enjoyable debut and I would read more books by this author.
March 15, 2022
It was a bit slow at the beginning but once you are hooked you cannot stop reading as it's a fascinating, atmospheric, and enthralling story of ossessions.
I loved the style of writing and found the story gripping.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the style of writing and found the story gripping.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 21, 2025
The book opens with a chilling account of a death at a boarding school. It then moves forward 15 years to Dara, an inexperienced actress, being auditioned for a role in a controversial play, written by one of the witnesses. An interesting beginning but unfortunately slows down after that. Abandoned early.
January 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was gripping, intense, mysterious and unpredictable. I couldnt predict the ending and that is a ajor thing for me with books like this. I couldnt put it down and definitely will be reading more from this author.
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