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DI Cormac Reilly #.5
The Sisters
Two sisters climbing the ranks of Dublin’s criminal justice system. A murder case that could change their lives forever. The Sisters is a gripping new thriller from one of the most exciting voices in crime fiction.
In this prequel to the international bestseller The Ruin, set 10 years prior, bright-eyed Carrie Ryan is at the very start of her career. When she has a hunch about an ongoing murder investigation, she knows it could be her only chance to prove herself and truly break into the “boy’s club” of Dublin’s police force.
Carrie uncovers this make-or-break moment in a case file her sister Aifric, a newly qualified barrister, leaves on their kitchen counter: Robert Collins has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend after a fight in a local pub, and all signs point towards a guilty verdict. But both sisters quickly begin to find evidence that complicates the story. All the while, Carrie is very aware that she’s crossed the line – if the detective sergeant running the investigation finds out she’s been messing around with his case, her career will be over before it has begun.
In this prequel to the international bestseller The Ruin, set 10 years prior, bright-eyed Carrie Ryan is at the very start of her career. When she has a hunch about an ongoing murder investigation, she knows it could be her only chance to prove herself and truly break into the “boy’s club” of Dublin’s police force.
Carrie uncovers this make-or-break moment in a case file her sister Aifric, a newly qualified barrister, leaves on their kitchen counter: Robert Collins has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend after a fight in a local pub, and all signs point towards a guilty verdict. But both sisters quickly begin to find evidence that complicates the story. All the while, Carrie is very aware that she’s crossed the line – if the detective sergeant running the investigation finds out she’s been messing around with his case, her career will be over before it has begun.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2019
316 people are currently reading
3646 people want to read
About the author
Dervla McTiernan
15 books5,215 followersNumber one internationally bestselling author Dervla McTiernan is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of six novels, including the much-loved Cormac Reilly series and two number 1 bestselling standalone thrillers, The Murder Rule and What Happened to Nina?, both New York Times Best Thrillers of the Year and both currently in development for screen adaptation. Dervla is also the author of four novellas, and her audio novella, The Sisters, was a four-week number one bestseller in the United States. Before turning her hand to writing, Dervla spent twelve years working as a lawyer in her home country of Ireland. Following the global financial crisis, she relocated to Western Australia where she now lives with her husband, two children and too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,151 reviews
August 1, 2022
The Sisters (Cormac Reilly #0.5)
by Dervla McTiernan, Aoife McMahon (Narrator)
In this prequel short story to the series we get to meet 22 year old Carrie Ryan in her early career, when she is still living with her newly qualified barrister sister, 24 year old Aifric. Both of them get jarring introductions to the way things are done in the real world of law enforcement and criminal justice. The playing field isn't fair for either of them and they each have to decide what they will accept and what they will fight against. I like Carrie in the novels and it's nice to learn some of her family background but also some of the things that made her wary and suspicious when it comes to her job and her co-workers. It's easy to see that she has to be tough, she has to stand her ground, and she has to have a backbone or she will be used and thrown away by those above her. It's the same for her sister, the using goes all the way to the top, if she will allow it. Once again, Aoife McMahon does a great job with the narration.
Published September 5th 2019
by Dervla McTiernan, Aoife McMahon (Narrator)
In this prequel short story to the series we get to meet 22 year old Carrie Ryan in her early career, when she is still living with her newly qualified barrister sister, 24 year old Aifric. Both of them get jarring introductions to the way things are done in the real world of law enforcement and criminal justice. The playing field isn't fair for either of them and they each have to decide what they will accept and what they will fight against. I like Carrie in the novels and it's nice to learn some of her family background but also some of the things that made her wary and suspicious when it comes to her job and her co-workers. It's easy to see that she has to be tough, she has to stand her ground, and she has to have a backbone or she will be used and thrown away by those above her. It's the same for her sister, the using goes all the way to the top, if she will allow it. Once again, Aoife McMahon does a great job with the narration.
Published September 5th 2019
September 24, 2019
This was the first time I’ve actually enjoyed an Audible freebie. (Available for another few days). But I’ve enjoyed the other two books I’ve listened to by McTiernan so I wanted to give it a try and I’m glad I did.
It’s the story of two sisters in 1986 Dublin, both facing discrimination in their jobs. They band together to prove a man’s innocence when he’s charged with murder. The sisters are young and don’t always know what to do. But Carrie, the Guarda, definitely learns as she goes along.
I’m not sure why this was considered a prequel to the Cormac Reilly series. I must have missed something that ties them together.
The narrator, Aoife McMahon, does a great job.
It’s the story of two sisters in 1986 Dublin, both facing discrimination in their jobs. They band together to prove a man’s innocence when he’s charged with murder. The sisters are young and don’t always know what to do. But Carrie, the Guarda, definitely learns as she goes along.
I’m not sure why this was considered a prequel to the Cormac Reilly series. I must have missed something that ties them together.
The narrator, Aoife McMahon, does a great job.
September 13, 2019
In tthis prequel to, The Ruin, two sisters are at the start of their careers. One as a barrister, one as a guards. They unofficially team up to prove that the man in jail may not be guilty.
As an audible Freebie this was quite a surprise. Except for the Stevie Nicks freebie which I enjoyed, , I'm usually not too taken with these freebies. I loved The Ruin though so this was a safer bet. The narrator also did a credible job.
As an audible Freebie this was quite a surprise. Except for the Stevie Nicks freebie which I enjoyed, , I'm usually not too taken with these freebies. I loved The Ruin though so this was a safer bet. The narrator also did a credible job.
November 16, 2019
'The Sisters' is a prequel to the main Cormac Reilly series, set ten years earlier, in which we find out about Carrie's early days in the police force. The audio is short but informative and tells a good story.
Both Carrie and her sister have issues being women in male dominated work places, both with competing for promotions and with sexual harassment. McTiernan deals with both issues competently, if speedily, but then this is a novella and there is no time for digging deeply. Carrie shows herself to be smart and determined and it is quite clear by the end of the story that she is going places.
This is an entertaining read, a good story well told, with a neat and fitting ending. Recommended as a very pleasant way to pass a couple of hours
Both Carrie and her sister have issues being women in male dominated work places, both with competing for promotions and with sexual harassment. McTiernan deals with both issues competently, if speedily, but then this is a novella and there is no time for digging deeply. Carrie shows herself to be smart and determined and it is quite clear by the end of the story that she is going places.
This is an entertaining read, a good story well told, with a neat and fitting ending. Recommended as a very pleasant way to pass a couple of hours
February 7, 2024
the setup…
Aifric Ryan is a new barrister, fighting to get a foothold in a system that’s hard for a young woman to penetrate. She gets an opening when the chief barrister is a no show and she takes on one of his cases that requires a court appearance that day. Robert Collins is charged with murder and it looks like his solicitor has dropped the ball, too. When she later discusses the case with her sister and roommate Carrie who is a police officer with Dublin’s Garda, Carrie sees something in the file that looks “off.”
the heart of the story…
Both Aifric and Carrie are working in roles where the “old boy” system is in play but each handles it differently. Carrie tries to be one of the guys, believing that’s the path towards becoming a detective where Aifric manages from the sidelines, avoiding political minefields and leveraging opportunities. All of this was illustrated in how they both handled the investigation and the case. I found it fascinating, reminding me of a time when I’d also faced the same.
the narration…
I absolutely loved the narrator who effectively voiced the essence of both women, as well as the other characters. It was lovely having an Irish performer do the storytelling, making me feel part of the setting.
the bottom line…
This prequel takes place ten years prior to the first book in the series so I’m unsure of the future relationship with Cormac Reilly. No matter because I throughly enjoyed the story, even more on audio. Not sure if I’ll ever see Aifric or Carrie again but I’d love to see how they both fared later on in their careers. I feel confident both will do well given how they performed in this story despite the odds an barriers.
Aifric Ryan is a new barrister, fighting to get a foothold in a system that’s hard for a young woman to penetrate. She gets an opening when the chief barrister is a no show and she takes on one of his cases that requires a court appearance that day. Robert Collins is charged with murder and it looks like his solicitor has dropped the ball, too. When she later discusses the case with her sister and roommate Carrie who is a police officer with Dublin’s Garda, Carrie sees something in the file that looks “off.”
the heart of the story…
Both Aifric and Carrie are working in roles where the “old boy” system is in play but each handles it differently. Carrie tries to be one of the guys, believing that’s the path towards becoming a detective where Aifric manages from the sidelines, avoiding political minefields and leveraging opportunities. All of this was illustrated in how they both handled the investigation and the case. I found it fascinating, reminding me of a time when I’d also faced the same.
the narration…
I absolutely loved the narrator who effectively voiced the essence of both women, as well as the other characters. It was lovely having an Irish performer do the storytelling, making me feel part of the setting.
the bottom line…
This prequel takes place ten years prior to the first book in the series so I’m unsure of the future relationship with Cormac Reilly. No matter because I throughly enjoyed the story, even more on audio. Not sure if I’ll ever see Aifric or Carrie again but I’d love to see how they both fared later on in their careers. I feel confident both will do well given how they performed in this story despite the odds an barriers.
September 27, 2019
Audible original selection for September 2019. Narrated by Aoife McMohan 3 hours 8 minutes 48 seconds
Having no prior experience with the author beforehand, I cannot say whether or not it lives up to their previous books. However, I felt the case was interesting and the day to day struggles of being a woman in a male dominated workforce well written.
Goodreads review published 27/09/19
Having no prior experience with the author beforehand, I cannot say whether or not it lives up to their previous books. However, I felt the case was interesting and the day to day struggles of being a woman in a male dominated workforce well written.
Goodreads review published 27/09/19
April 19, 2021
This was a quick thriller involving two sisters. One sister is a barrister and the other is a police officer. The story centers aound a man accused of murdering his girlfriend. The battle between right and wrong are not only evident during the investigation, but also in the life of the characters. The thriller is very fast paced and entertaining. I did not enjoy it as much as The Roommate, also by Dervla McTiernan, but it held my interest with its pacing. The narration was excellent and added an extra element of enjoyment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 29, 2019
I listened to the Audible Original “The Sisters” narrated by Aoife McMahon and written by Dervla McTiernan. It’s a quick listen, only a little over three hours, and very satisfying.
It is a prequel to “The Ruin” which I never read but will place on my TBR list. Two sisters, who live together, are at the beginning of their careers in Dublin. One sister, Aifric is a new barrister who is assigned a murder case and has no support from her bosses. The other sister, Carrie is trying to make detective in a sexist environment. Both sisters are confronted with impossibilities in their careers. Aifric talks to her sister about her case, and Carrie becomes inquisitive at the questionable evidence.
It’s a character driven short story, with each sister taking a chapter. It’s amazing that one can be totally involved so quickly. The performance by McMahon is perfect. I highly recommend it!
It is a prequel to “The Ruin” which I never read but will place on my TBR list. Two sisters, who live together, are at the beginning of their careers in Dublin. One sister, Aifric is a new barrister who is assigned a murder case and has no support from her bosses. The other sister, Carrie is trying to make detective in a sexist environment. Both sisters are confronted with impossibilities in their careers. Aifric talks to her sister about her case, and Carrie becomes inquisitive at the questionable evidence.
It’s a character driven short story, with each sister taking a chapter. It’s amazing that one can be totally involved so quickly. The performance by McMahon is perfect. I highly recommend it!
March 30, 2022
Great police murder mystery with two excellent female main characters. Together the sisters are trying to get to the bottom of a murder and be taken seriously in testosterone filled work environments. Thoroughly recommend this whole series and I am so sad that I have now read all the books. Please be writing another book, Dervla!
January 27, 2022
Listened to this audiobook in 1 sitting. Was an intriguing listen. It was a bit slow in parts but as a whole it is a decent book. The ending makes it all worth while!
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March 13, 2020
4Stars - I really liked it!
An excellent short novel.
Listened to a second time in preparation for
"The Ruin (Cormac Reilly #1)"
An excellent short novel.
Listened to a second time in preparation for
"The Ruin (Cormac Reilly #1)"
December 12, 2019
The Sisters is a prequel to The Ruin, the 1st book in the Cormac Reilly series.
It is set 10 years earlier with Carrie's start in the police force and her sister Aifric's early days as an up and coming barrister.
Amidst the discrimination in their jobs, they unofficially work together to prove the innocence of a man in jail.
I'm looking forward to carrying on with this series.
It is set 10 years earlier with Carrie's start in the police force and her sister Aifric's early days as an up and coming barrister.
Amidst the discrimination in their jobs, they unofficially work together to prove the innocence of a man in jail.
I'm looking forward to carrying on with this series.
September 7, 2019
Quick and easy 3-hour read/listen. I got this for free with my Audible membership, so I decided to give it a try. I will probably read a full length novel by this author before forming an overall opinion on the writing style though. :)
December 19, 2020
It is always tricky to find an audiobook that my husband, adult son and I will all enjoy on a long drive. This one (a freebie downloaded last year from Audible) worked out just fine and kept all of us engaged.
December 31, 2022
Aifric Ryan is a newly qualified Barrister who has been given a murder case. Robert Collins has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend. Witnesses saw them arguing on a night out at a local bar. Robert says he left the bar and went home; but his roommate never saw him come home. When Aifric leaves the murder file on the kitchen table, her sister Carrie decides to have a look. Carrie is part of the Dublin Police Force who is looking for a promotion to Detective. She quickly starts questioning some of the facts in the file.
This novella takes place approximately ten years before the first book in the Cormac Reilly series. (Carrie is a detective who works with Cormac in Galway.) In this story, both Aifric and Carrie are working in male dominated jobs and have to prove themselves to the men. The "Good 'Ole Boys Club" is evident in both their professions.
The mystery kept my attention. It was only three hours and moved fast. The narration by Aoife McMahon was very good. My rating: 4 Stars.
This novella takes place approximately ten years before the first book in the Cormac Reilly series. (Carrie is a detective who works with Cormac in Galway.) In this story, both Aifric and Carrie are working in male dominated jobs and have to prove themselves to the men. The "Good 'Ole Boys Club" is evident in both their professions.
The mystery kept my attention. It was only three hours and moved fast. The narration by Aoife McMahon was very good. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 24, 2020
The Sisters is an audio novella by best-selling Irish-born Australian author, Dervla McTiernan. A prequel to the Cormac Reilly series, it is set about ten years before The Ruin and features Carrie Ryan as a young Garda constable, and her older sister Aifric, a newly-qualified junior barrister. When Aifric takes over a murder case from her boss, she quickly realises the young man’s case has been badly mishandled, both by her boss and the client’s solicitor.
Robert Collins claims not to have brutally murdered his girlfriend after a loud argument at the pub, and when Aifric looks at the evidence, she is sceptical about the case’s complete reliance on two witness statements. She makes a few inquiries of her own and her doubts multiply. And once she has read the case file, her sister Carrie can’t resist looking into a certain aspect of it, even it this crosses a line that may threaten her career.
Everyone the sisters deal with seems to have an agenda: one of the magistrates, the solicitor, the senior barrister, the detectives; law and order, and the client’s rights seem to be getting less priority than they should. Additionally, both women find themselves dealing with sexual discrimination and sexual harassment and come to understand there is only one way forward: doing the job so well that your work can’t be faulted. Brilliantly narrated by Aoife McMahon, this is an excellent little dose of crime fiction and a perfect teaser for the Cormac Reilly novels.
Robert Collins claims not to have brutally murdered his girlfriend after a loud argument at the pub, and when Aifric looks at the evidence, she is sceptical about the case’s complete reliance on two witness statements. She makes a few inquiries of her own and her doubts multiply. And once she has read the case file, her sister Carrie can’t resist looking into a certain aspect of it, even it this crosses a line that may threaten her career.
Everyone the sisters deal with seems to have an agenda: one of the magistrates, the solicitor, the senior barrister, the detectives; law and order, and the client’s rights seem to be getting less priority than they should. Additionally, both women find themselves dealing with sexual discrimination and sexual harassment and come to understand there is only one way forward: doing the job so well that your work can’t be faulted. Brilliantly narrated by Aoife McMahon, this is an excellent little dose of crime fiction and a perfect teaser for the Cormac Reilly novels.
October 7, 2019
3.5 stars
Audible was clever to dangle this prequel as part of the free September Originals. It give you just enough of a taste for the audio narrator and author to convince yourself to get the rest of the series. I will definitely be listening to Ruin before the year is out.
I REALLY enjoyed this story told from two perspectives.
Aifric is an up and coming barrister who needs to scrounge for good cases accidentally gets a murder case that just does not make sense.
Carrie, Aifric’s sister, is trying her best to make her own mark in law enforcement and finds an uphill battle against the boys-club mentality of her superiors.
When you are at the lowest rung of the totem pole, poking your nose into places you are not supposed to be can spell disaster for your career but both Aifric and Carrie just can’t let this case be.
This had all the elements for a fully-fledged novel so it was a pity it ended so soon.
Recommended for lovers of Irish audio narrators.
Audible was clever to dangle this prequel as part of the free September Originals. It give you just enough of a taste for the audio narrator and author to convince yourself to get the rest of the series. I will definitely be listening to Ruin before the year is out.
I REALLY enjoyed this story told from two perspectives.
Aifric is an up and coming barrister who needs to scrounge for good cases accidentally gets a murder case that just does not make sense.
Carrie, Aifric’s sister, is trying her best to make her own mark in law enforcement and finds an uphill battle against the boys-club mentality of her superiors.
When you are at the lowest rung of the totem pole, poking your nose into places you are not supposed to be can spell disaster for your career but both Aifric and Carrie just can’t let this case be.
This had all the elements for a fully-fledged novel so it was a pity it ended so soon.
Recommended for lovers of Irish audio narrators.
September 1, 2025
Story 4 stars. Narration 5 stars
This was a novella prequel to a series which I had no idea about before reading this one. Now I may be looking at others because even though it was short, it was good. I wouldn’t have minded it being longer.
It takes place in Dublin and features two sisters that live together. They are both young and barely starting out in their careers. One is a cop, the other, a lawyer. The lawyer gets involved in a murder case and after hearing about it her sister starts digging into it as well.
Narration was really well done by an Irish narrator which I really enjoyed. Recommended to mystery readers.
This was a novella prequel to a series which I had no idea about before reading this one. Now I may be looking at others because even though it was short, it was good. I wouldn’t have minded it being longer.
It takes place in Dublin and features two sisters that live together. They are both young and barely starting out in their careers. One is a cop, the other, a lawyer. The lawyer gets involved in a murder case and after hearing about it her sister starts digging into it as well.
Narration was really well done by an Irish narrator which I really enjoyed. Recommended to mystery readers.
September 24, 2019
*A free audible original for the month of September*
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. These free audible originals can be a hit or miss, but this was definitely a hit for me. I liked this prequel, especially the fact that the one of sisters is part of the Dublin police force and the other a barrister. Although short, just over 2 hours the plot was interesting and the characters well developed. I absolutely adores the narrator's accent and thought she did an amazing job. I have already ordered the first book in the series, The Ruin and highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys listening to an Irish accent as much as I do.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. These free audible originals can be a hit or miss, but this was definitely a hit for me. I liked this prequel, especially the fact that the one of sisters is part of the Dublin police force and the other a barrister. Although short, just over 2 hours the plot was interesting and the characters well developed. I absolutely adores the narrator's accent and thought she did an amazing job. I have already ordered the first book in the series, The Ruin and highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys listening to an Irish accent as much as I do.
October 15, 2023
An excellent little audiobook, a full storyline of a murder case the two sisters are involved in, packed into just 3 hours. It didn't feel rushed or incomplete, and no cliffhanger. I had never been interested in this series before as most series in general sort of turn me off, but maybe someday -- who knows??
April 13, 2022
I've been waiting to listen to this audiobook prequel to McTiernan's Cormac Reilly series for quite a while, and it didn't disappoint. Note that the Reilly character doesn't appear in this one, rather it is about Carrie Ryan at the beginning of her career.
Garda Carrie Ryan is riding high on her success with a domestic violence case and expecting good news about her requested transfer. Meanwhile, her sister Aifric, has also scored a career success. She is to act as Junior Counsel on a murder trial, alongside one of Dublin's most respected barristers. When Aifric leaves the woefully scant case brief on the kitchen table at their shared flat, she is fully expecting Carrie to take a peek. Of course she does! Both sisters are curious about the case and begin their own discreet enquiries. What they discover could have a lasting impact on both girls' careers.
Short but clever and twisty, this was a very satisfying read, and Aoife McMahon is always a pleasure to listen to.
Garda Carrie Ryan is riding high on her success with a domestic violence case and expecting good news about her requested transfer. Meanwhile, her sister Aifric, has also scored a career success. She is to act as Junior Counsel on a murder trial, alongside one of Dublin's most respected barristers. When Aifric leaves the woefully scant case brief on the kitchen table at their shared flat, she is fully expecting Carrie to take a peek. Of course she does! Both sisters are curious about the case and begin their own discreet enquiries. What they discover could have a lasting impact on both girls' careers.
Short but clever and twisty, this was a very satisfying read, and Aoife McMahon is always a pleasure to listen to.
September 8, 2019
This was my free Audible Original for the month, and I am certainly glad I did not pay for it!
There was a moderately interesting murder investigation with the nice setup of a young barrister defending the accused whose sister, a police officer takes an interest in the case and does some investigating of her own.
HOWEVER, the book's tone was SO HEAVY-HANDED that I would definitely not have finished it if it had not been short (just about right for two exercise sessions). The sexism is TOO pervasive to be believable, with all the men either discriminating against the women or making inappropriate advances, etc. And EVERYONE is unpleasant: drunks, revenge-seekers, etc.
Save yourself and listen to some music instead!
PS I did not realize until I put this on my Goodreads list that this author also wrote The Ruin, which I did not finish because of the same kind of unpleasant tone. I expect crime novels to have unpleasantness, but it need not be so pervasive.
There was a moderately interesting murder investigation with the nice setup of a young barrister defending the accused whose sister, a police officer takes an interest in the case and does some investigating of her own.
HOWEVER, the book's tone was SO HEAVY-HANDED that I would definitely not have finished it if it had not been short (just about right for two exercise sessions). The sexism is TOO pervasive to be believable, with all the men either discriminating against the women or making inappropriate advances, etc. And EVERYONE is unpleasant: drunks, revenge-seekers, etc.
Save yourself and listen to some music instead!
PS I did not realize until I put this on my Goodreads list that this author also wrote The Ruin, which I did not finish because of the same kind of unpleasant tone. I expect crime novels to have unpleasantness, but it need not be so pervasive.
September 23, 2019
Another Audible member's free offering for September 2019. I liked this 3-hour 8-min. novella very very much. My rating would be 4.5 rounded to 5-stars. Aoife McMahon was the narrator and she did an outstanding job. (I'm busy looking for other books she has narrated.)
The story is about the Ryan sisters; the elder Aifric is a newly qualified barrister and Carrie is just beginning her career in Dublin's police force. This story is a prequel to the best-selling Cormac Reilly series. The writing was the main attraction for me--so well written. The struggles of the sisters with being women in "good-ole boy's" occupations, how they handle themselves, and the insight McTiernan gave to their problems and solutions made the book interesting.
I'd classify this as a character study with the murder case just the foundation for the story. I'd recommend it.
The story is about the Ryan sisters; the elder Aifric is a newly qualified barrister and Carrie is just beginning her career in Dublin's police force. This story is a prequel to the best-selling Cormac Reilly series. The writing was the main attraction for me--so well written. The struggles of the sisters with being women in "good-ole boy's" occupations, how they handle themselves, and the insight McTiernan gave to their problems and solutions made the book interesting.
I'd classify this as a character study with the murder case just the foundation for the story. I'd recommend it.
September 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this novella.. and now I think I found a new murder mystery series to dive into!
The Sisters was a short and sweet audiobook. About 3 hours.. but entertaining from start to finish. I liked getting to know the characters - maybe it's because I haven't heard of this series before so it's probably a blessing in disguise starting with the novella on a random day. Definitely intrigued enough to dive into book one now.
The only thing I would change.. is by making this a longer novella. It was way too short but then again I do love to hate or hate to love novella's. They silently kill me because now I need the next book! Please please be on my audible app as well!
The Sisters was a short and sweet audiobook. About 3 hours.. but entertaining from start to finish. I liked getting to know the characters - maybe it's because I haven't heard of this series before so it's probably a blessing in disguise starting with the novella on a random day. Definitely intrigued enough to dive into book one now.
The only thing I would change.. is by making this a longer novella. It was way too short but then again I do love to hate or hate to love novella's. They silently kill me because now I need the next book! Please please be on my audible app as well!
November 14, 2019
This novella set in the Cormac Reilly series (loosely) is pretty good. Has all you could want from a fast pace crime story with mystery, suspense, and a whodunit element which stays strong throughout. I really enjoyed the emphasis on the sisters in Carrie as a young police officer and her sister Aifric, a lawyer just finding her feet. Personally, I'd rather see more stories focusing on these two rather than Cormac, such was the dynamic and potential to hold down a book in their own right.
Special mention to Aoife McMahon who is a fantastic narrator.
This was free for Audible members - a great incentive to the monthly subscription.
Special mention to Aoife McMahon who is a fantastic narrator.
This was free for Audible members - a great incentive to the monthly subscription.
December 25, 2022
A 3.5 to 4 star novella.
TWO SISTERS, until now an “audible only” offering, is now available in ebook format. I borrowed it from my public library yesterday.
Listed as a Cormac Reilly prequel, the only connection with that excellent three-book series is Carrie Ryan, a Garda officer who played a strong supporting role in the series but was not the primary character in the storyline. This novella focuses on Carrie and her sister, Aifric, a newly-qualified junior barrister. Both women encounter sexual discrimination and sexual harassment in Ireland—a country still ruled by gender stereotyping in 1986 when the events take place.
Aifric is assigned the case of defending a young man accused of murdering his girlfriend, a case where she has doubts about the thoroughness of the Garda investigation. Her sister can’t resist looking into it, even though she could further annoy those above her in the Garda hierarchy.
The writing is good, if not outstanding. And this is a perfect introduction to McTierman at the beginning of her writing career. A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
TWO SISTERS, until now an “audible only” offering, is now available in ebook format. I borrowed it from my public library yesterday.
Listed as a Cormac Reilly prequel, the only connection with that excellent three-book series is Carrie Ryan, a Garda officer who played a strong supporting role in the series but was not the primary character in the storyline. This novella focuses on Carrie and her sister, Aifric, a newly-qualified junior barrister. Both women encounter sexual discrimination and sexual harassment in Ireland—a country still ruled by gender stereotyping in 1986 when the events take place.
Aifric is assigned the case of defending a young man accused of murdering his girlfriend, a case where she has doubts about the thoroughness of the Garda investigation. Her sister can’t resist looking into it, even though she could further annoy those above her in the Garda hierarchy.
The writing is good, if not outstanding. And this is a perfect introduction to McTierman at the beginning of her writing career. A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
June 22, 2020
3.5 stars. Really well done. Satisfying start to a new crime series that starts with "The Ruin." Free short novella from audible books.
April 16, 2023
By far one of the best novellas I've listened to. The character development was perfectly saturated and the story was engaging.
It was a bit hard to get into initially only because I was unfamiliar with the accent but it quickly worked itself out.
Speaking of narration, Aoife McMahon was new to me but she did a fabulous job. There were certain characters that made it seem full cast but it was all her!
I'm feeling quite lucky to find out this is 1 of 2 prequels to a series AND the other prequel & first 2 in the trilogy are included in audible membership!!
Not sure if I'll get to hang with this cast of characters again (particularly Carrie) but it's an exciting prospect. 😊
It was a bit hard to get into initially only because I was unfamiliar with the accent but it quickly worked itself out.
Speaking of narration, Aoife McMahon was new to me but she did a fabulous job. There were certain characters that made it seem full cast but it was all her!
I'm feeling quite lucky to find out this is 1 of 2 prequels to a series AND the other prequel & first 2 in the trilogy are included in audible membership!!
Not sure if I'll get to hang with this cast of characters again (particularly Carrie) but it's an exciting prospect. 😊
September 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this crime drama set in Ireland. Two sisters, one a barrister and one a policewoman, are involved in a murder mystery. A man was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, but he pleads he is innocence. The two sisters work to solve the mystery and find the real killer. I really liked the interaction of the cop with the other cops and how she had to work even harder to prove herself given her gender.
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