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DI Cormac Reilly #.7
The Roommate
Twenty-two-year-old Niamh Turley thought she had problems dealing with the obnoxious principal of the school she’s teaching in as well as the anxious parents of her little charges. But when she wakes one morning to a missing roommate and a garda knocking on her door, her life spirals out of control fast …
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2020
123 people are currently reading
2896 people want to read
About the author
Dervla McTiernan
15 books5,214 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 - 30 of 758 reviews
August 1, 2022
The Roommate (Cormac Reilly #0.7)
by Dervla McTiernan, Aoife McMahon (Narrator)
This is the second prequel short story before the start of the three novels in the Cormac Reilly series. We get to see Cormac Reilly, still in his younger days as a garda. Twenty-two year old Niamh Turley is woken from an uneasy sleep to find that something has happened and that her roommate is missing. Things get worse from there and the psychological unease ramps up. Niamh already didn't have the best relationship with the principle of the school where she worked, she had a relationship with her roommate that was highlighted by how distant her roommate was towards her, and now she seems to have people watching her, maybe stalking her. There is a very real feeling of dread in this story and it's interesting to hear Niamh's thoughts young Cormac, her impression that he's really lousy at hiding what he's thinking as he questions her. I enjoyed this short story that gives us a little more insight into Cormac's early days as a garda.
Published October 2019
by Dervla McTiernan, Aoife McMahon (Narrator)
This is the second prequel short story before the start of the three novels in the Cormac Reilly series. We get to see Cormac Reilly, still in his younger days as a garda. Twenty-two year old Niamh Turley is woken from an uneasy sleep to find that something has happened and that her roommate is missing. Things get worse from there and the psychological unease ramps up. Niamh already didn't have the best relationship with the principle of the school where she worked, she had a relationship with her roommate that was highlighted by how distant her roommate was towards her, and now she seems to have people watching her, maybe stalking her. There is a very real feeling of dread in this story and it's interesting to hear Niamh's thoughts young Cormac, her impression that he's really lousy at hiding what he's thinking as he questions her. I enjoyed this short story that gives us a little more insight into Cormac's early days as a garda.
Published October 2019
March 6, 2021
If you like the Cormac Reilly series set in Ireland, this is a nice short mystery to go along with it...
A freebie from Audible.
4 out of 5 stars
A freebie from Audible.
4 out of 5 stars
March 15, 2020
4★
“It was Garda Reilly, back for a second chat. This time, the tension in his voice and the set of his shoulders was unmissable.
‘I’m sorry to disturb you again. Your neighbour mentioned that you had a roommate.’”
Niamh Turley woke early from noise outside her building and saw garda (police) activity going on. Garda Cormac Reilly had come to her door earlier to ask if she’d heard anything, and now he’s back, asking her questions. Why her?
As events unfold, she realises she’s never asked Maya, her roommate, very much, so she doesn’t have many answers. They’ve lived together for only a few months, and Maya has always been secretive and kept her bedroom door locked.
Later, Garda Reilly returns with Garda Mary Cooper.
“’Did you ask for any references for Maya or a bank statement or anything?’ Mary asked.
Niamh blinked. ‘No’, she said. ‘Do people do that in Dublin? I suppose the fact that Maya was introduced through a friend of a friend meant that I just took everything on trust.’”
This is an entertaining, scary little Irish story, that may make you reconsider ‘trust’. I loved the narrator’s voice. It did seem weird when she’d lower it for Cormac (since I sort of ‘have’ his voice in my head), but that’s to be expected with audio books. I’ve also been spoiled by a childhood of radio plays and serials.
It was certainly an enjoyable experience that I recommend. The story is free on the author’s website if you subscribe to her newsletter and then get the password.
https://dervlamctiernan.com/newsletter/
https://dervlamctiernan.com/the-roomm...
“It was Garda Reilly, back for a second chat. This time, the tension in his voice and the set of his shoulders was unmissable.
‘I’m sorry to disturb you again. Your neighbour mentioned that you had a roommate.’”
Niamh Turley woke early from noise outside her building and saw garda (police) activity going on. Garda Cormac Reilly had come to her door earlier to ask if she’d heard anything, and now he’s back, asking her questions. Why her?
As events unfold, she realises she’s never asked Maya, her roommate, very much, so she doesn’t have many answers. They’ve lived together for only a few months, and Maya has always been secretive and kept her bedroom door locked.
Later, Garda Reilly returns with Garda Mary Cooper.
“’Did you ask for any references for Maya or a bank statement or anything?’ Mary asked.
Niamh blinked. ‘No’, she said. ‘Do people do that in Dublin? I suppose the fact that Maya was introduced through a friend of a friend meant that I just took everything on trust.’”
This is an entertaining, scary little Irish story, that may make you reconsider ‘trust’. I loved the narrator’s voice. It did seem weird when she’d lower it for Cormac (since I sort of ‘have’ his voice in my head), but that’s to be expected with audio books. I’ve also been spoiled by a childhood of radio plays and serials.
It was certainly an enjoyable experience that I recommend. The story is free on the author’s website if you subscribe to her newsletter and then get the password.
https://dervlamctiernan.com/newsletter/
https://dervlamctiernan.com/the-roomm...
November 20, 2019
A really good novella and a prequel to the Cormac Reilly series. I believe this is only available as an audio from the author if you subscribe to her newsletter.
I recommend listening to this if you have already enjoyed The Ruin. It involves a young Cormac and a woman who shares her apartment a little too easily. It is a reminder to ask for references before letting a stranger move in with you!
It is short but it packs a punch and gets quite tense at times! I wanted to tell Niamh not to be an 'eejit' several times but she was anyway. The narrator is Irish which is nice because the accent is real, and she has a very pleasing voice.
Highly recommended if you are a fan of this great series.
I recommend listening to this if you have already enjoyed The Ruin. It involves a young Cormac and a woman who shares her apartment a little too easily. It is a reminder to ask for references before letting a stranger move in with you!
It is short but it packs a punch and gets quite tense at times! I wanted to tell Niamh not to be an 'eejit' several times but she was anyway. The narrator is Irish which is nice because the accent is real, and she has a very pleasing voice.
Highly recommended if you are a fan of this great series.
February 27, 2024
the setup…
Niamh Turley is awakened early one morning to find the Garda knocking on her door, asking if she’d heard anything that night. After telling him she hadn’t, he soon returns and asks to see her roommate Maya whose door is closed and locked. Yes, you guessed it. She wasn’t there and was the victim they’d discovered in the building foyer.
the heart of the story…
Niamh is a first grade teacher whose job is jeopardized when Cormac Reilly, the Garda investigating the murder, questions her boss and co-workers. She’s also now in need of another roommate to help finance the cost of her apartment and soon finds herself caught up in a series of unusual situations, throwing her deeper into turmoil and danger.
the narration…
The same narrator from the first novella continues here and delivers another great performance.
the bottom line…
While this is a short story, it develops nicely and thoroughly as the mystery of Maya’s murder is explored. Niamh didn’t exercise the best of judgment here…you know, the kind of decisions where you’re screaming “NO!” at her in the moment. We don’t get a lot of Cormac Reilly but it’s a decent introduction. This wasn’t a tough solve but I had a good time, especially as I’m now excited to continue the series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Niamh Turley is awakened early one morning to find the Garda knocking on her door, asking if she’d heard anything that night. After telling him she hadn’t, he soon returns and asks to see her roommate Maya whose door is closed and locked. Yes, you guessed it. She wasn’t there and was the victim they’d discovered in the building foyer.
the heart of the story…
Niamh is a first grade teacher whose job is jeopardized when Cormac Reilly, the Garda investigating the murder, questions her boss and co-workers. She’s also now in need of another roommate to help finance the cost of her apartment and soon finds herself caught up in a series of unusual situations, throwing her deeper into turmoil and danger.
the narration…
The same narrator from the first novella continues here and delivers another great performance.
the bottom line…
While this is a short story, it develops nicely and thoroughly as the mystery of Maya’s murder is explored. Niamh didn’t exercise the best of judgment here…you know, the kind of decisions where you’re screaming “NO!” at her in the moment. We don’t get a lot of Cormac Reilly but it’s a decent introduction. This wasn’t a tough solve but I had a good time, especially as I’m now excited to continue the series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
March 30, 2022
My husband just came running up the stairs ready to wrestle a bear because I had shouted/screamed "Oh my f"%king sh£t, Noooooo" so loudly I could be heard on the street. I have never had a jump scare like that in a book! I tore my earbud out and threw it on the ground and now it is making crackling noises. That. Was. Brilliant.
The story itself was a little predictable but crikey my heart has not stopped racing!
The story itself was a little predictable but crikey my heart has not stopped racing!
April 6, 2021
This story immediately drew me in! The novella is suspenseful and intriguing with many twists I did not see coming. I grew to really like Niamh and care about what happened to her. She is a teacher and is struggling to make ends meet. Her world is turned upside down when her current roommate dies under suspicious circumstances. Could Niamh actually be a suspect? Paranoia and doubt engulf her as bizarre events begin to dominate her otherwise mundane existence. Deception, betrayal and danger threaten to shake up Niamh’s life in ways she never expected. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 12, 2020
I'm not into audiobooks at all, but I quite enjoyed listening to this novella, which clocks in just under 2.5 hours in length.
Garda Cormac Reilly is still in the early stages of his career when this story takes place. A young woman has been found murdered in the lobby of a Black Rock apartment building early one morning just before Christmas, and primary school teacher Niamh Turley opens the door to Garda Reilly during the very initial investigation. She'd been fast asleep so there was little she could tell him. Unsettled but safe, she burrows in for a quiet day at home while the investigation unfolds. Later in the day, when she finds Garda Reilly at her door once again, she realises the crime is much closer to home than she'd thought - the young woman who lost her life was Niamh's roommate, Maya.
The two women had been friendly but not really close, so although Niamh is horrified by the crime and sad for Maya's family, she also has some pressing practical matters to consider - like how she's going to pay the rent on her own. A potential solution presents itself, and then Niamh's own life begins to spiral out of control.
While this story is part of the series due to the presence of Cormac Reilly, it really has no connection to either of the full-length novels published to date, so it probably doesn't matter in what order it is read. But do read it! McTiernan really knows how to build the tension, even in this shorter form. I could feel myself getting agitated as Niamh's poor choices led her into a difficult position.
This audio-novella is only available to newsletter subscribers at this stage, so do yourself a favour and sign up at https://dervlamctiernan.com/
Garda Cormac Reilly is still in the early stages of his career when this story takes place. A young woman has been found murdered in the lobby of a Black Rock apartment building early one morning just before Christmas, and primary school teacher Niamh Turley opens the door to Garda Reilly during the very initial investigation. She'd been fast asleep so there was little she could tell him. Unsettled but safe, she burrows in for a quiet day at home while the investigation unfolds. Later in the day, when she finds Garda Reilly at her door once again, she realises the crime is much closer to home than she'd thought - the young woman who lost her life was Niamh's roommate, Maya.
The two women had been friendly but not really close, so although Niamh is horrified by the crime and sad for Maya's family, she also has some pressing practical matters to consider - like how she's going to pay the rent on her own. A potential solution presents itself, and then Niamh's own life begins to spiral out of control.
While this story is part of the series due to the presence of Cormac Reilly, it really has no connection to either of the full-length novels published to date, so it probably doesn't matter in what order it is read. But do read it! McTiernan really knows how to build the tension, even in this shorter form. I could feel myself getting agitated as Niamh's poor choices led her into a difficult position.
This audio-novella is only available to newsletter subscribers at this stage, so do yourself a favour and sign up at https://dervlamctiernan.com/
March 18, 2021
It was decent. It was short. Not as developed as it could have been and maybe a little rushed towards the end. But is still gave me the creeps to think about. Especially when she was replaying that video in her bedroom. Geez! So not bad for a fast read or listen. I would definitely consider the next in the series.
July 17, 2020
Dervla McTiernan once commented in an interview that her books begin not with ideas for plots, but with ideas for characters, and that seems evident in this book as in the other prequels to the Cormac Reilly series. This novella is an extended exploration of how the principal character, a 20-something woman named Niamh Turley, copes with an attack on her life circumstances and her spirit stemming from her own questionable decisions.
Niamh is actually extremely ordinary, which is what makes her story good reading. She is hard-working and circumspect, the antithesis of Teresa Dunn in the 1975 novel Looking for Mr. Goodbar, a character who came to my mind as I was listening to this. She just makes an error in judgment that ends up snowballing.
Although Cormac Reilly is present in this book, it's more in the role of a backdrop. He doesn't solve the crime, and though he is present at the climax of the story, he himself says that he would have bet on Niamh to have been able to save herself.
Although we may not see Niamh again in McTiernan's writing, there is a distinct possibility that one of the other characters could show up again, giving Reilly a second opportunity to put away a bad guy.
I picked this up as a freebie from Audible. I believe it's also available at no cost from the author if you subscribe to her newsletter. It's worth taking the trouble to do that!
Niamh is actually extremely ordinary, which is what makes her story good reading. She is hard-working and circumspect, the antithesis of Teresa Dunn in the 1975 novel Looking for Mr. Goodbar, a character who came to my mind as I was listening to this. She just makes an error in judgment that ends up snowballing.
Although Cormac Reilly is present in this book, it's more in the role of a backdrop. He doesn't solve the crime, and though he is present at the climax of the story, he himself says that he would have bet on Niamh to have been able to save herself.
Although we may not see Niamh again in McTiernan's writing, there is a distinct possibility that one of the other characters could show up again, giving Reilly a second opportunity to put away a bad guy.
I picked this up as a freebie from Audible. I believe it's also available at no cost from the author if you subscribe to her newsletter. It's worth taking the trouble to do that!
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March 18, 2021
3.5>3.0 Stars - "I Liked It"
The Roommate (Cormac Reilly #0.7) by Dervla McTiernan
Audiobook (Novella) 02:27 Hours - Narrator: Aoife McMahon
A quite fascinating prequel to "The Ruin", introducing Garda Detective Cormac Reilly.
The final chapter (10) of this brief story, plus the Epilogue, appeared to be rushed, leaving me somewhat bemused. Re-hearing ch.10 and the Epilogue clarified the finale, but I was still left a little disappointed.
Almost needless to say, the narration by the peerless Aoife McMahon was excellent!
19/03/2021 - Revision:
An overnight re-think of my review has led me to round down my 3.5 Stars to 3.0 Stars.
The Roommate (Cormac Reilly #0.7) by Dervla McTiernan
Audiobook (Novella) 02:27 Hours - Narrator: Aoife McMahon
A quite fascinating prequel to "The Ruin", introducing Garda Detective Cormac Reilly.
The final chapter (10) of this brief story, plus the Epilogue, appeared to be rushed, leaving me somewhat bemused. Re-hearing ch.10 and the Epilogue clarified the finale, but I was still left a little disappointed.
Almost needless to say, the narration by the peerless Aoife McMahon was excellent!
19/03/2021 - Revision:
An overnight re-think of my review has led me to round down my 3.5 Stars to 3.0 Stars.
August 7, 2020
A short short featuring a character we know and love. Will make you think twice about having a roommate!
October 10, 2019
The Roommate is an audio novella by best-selling Irish-born Australian author, Dervla McTiernan. Twenty-two-year-old Dublin infants school teacher Niamh Turley wakes on a Saturday morning to loud knocking on her door. A garda is the last person she expects: Cormac Reilly breaks the news that a young woman has been murdered in the foyer of her apartment building. Only when he later returns to check on her roommate, Maja, does Niamh realise that this night be the victim.
Niamh is shaken by the process of identifying her roommate’s body, but unable to help the police with much about Maja: she’d only known her three months, and Maja kept very much to herself. The sudden, negative change in atmosphere at her school, Niamh feels able to ascribe to a visit from the garda, and her headmistress is less than sympathetic when Niamh wants to take the last day before Christmas break to attend Maja’s funeral in Cork. It’s when she returns that matters begin to deteriorate: subtle little things begin to go wrong and Niamh wonders if she’s getting paranoid.
This late-nineties Dublin crime tale is superbly narrated by Aoife McMahon, and a young Cormac Reilly makes a few appearances. McTiernan subtly builds the tension and keeps the reader guessing about the murderer with some ambiguity in the narrative. Even in this short form, McTiernan is able to present Niamh as a fully formed, believable character whose inner monologue is quite realistic. A small but excellent dose of crime fiction.
Niamh is shaken by the process of identifying her roommate’s body, but unable to help the police with much about Maja: she’d only known her three months, and Maja kept very much to herself. The sudden, negative change in atmosphere at her school, Niamh feels able to ascribe to a visit from the garda, and her headmistress is less than sympathetic when Niamh wants to take the last day before Christmas break to attend Maja’s funeral in Cork. It’s when she returns that matters begin to deteriorate: subtle little things begin to go wrong and Niamh wonders if she’s getting paranoid.
This late-nineties Dublin crime tale is superbly narrated by Aoife McMahon, and a young Cormac Reilly makes a few appearances. McTiernan subtly builds the tension and keeps the reader guessing about the murderer with some ambiguity in the narrative. Even in this short form, McTiernan is able to present Niamh as a fully formed, believable character whose inner monologue is quite realistic. A small but excellent dose of crime fiction.
April 18, 2023
pretty good story, easy to follow. Glad it wasn't possible to guess the end right away but it was still lacking a bit. This is a prequel to the trilogy where we first meet the series namesake and he isn't in it much at all so that was a bit of a let down.
April 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this short, and that *one* scene in particular - legitimately made me sit up and started the heart pounding.
It's not the worlds most groundbreaking story, but it's done well, and Aoife McMahon was an excellent narrator. The perfect treadmill accompaniment :)
It's not the worlds most groundbreaking story, but it's done well, and Aoife McMahon was an excellent narrator. The perfect treadmill accompaniment :)
July 4, 2023
Twenty-two-year-old Niamh Turley wakes up early one morning to a knock on her door. When she opens the door, she finds Detective Inspector Cormac Reilly. He is asking questions about her roommate, Maya. Niamh doesn't know her roommate well. She is very distant and locks her bedroom door each time she leaves the flat. Niamh thought Maya was still sleeping; but D.I. Reilly tells her that she was murdered.
Days go by and there has been no arrest. Niamh notices people are staring at her. Some are talking behind her back. After talking to the Garda, Niamh believes she is their number one suspect.
This novella is a short prequel to the Cormac Reilly series. As the detective on the case, Cormac is actually a minor character in this book. The story is told from Niamh's point-of-view. It was enjoyable, but I thought the identity of the killer was obvious. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Aoife McMahon. I love her voice. She is the perfect narrator for this series. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
Days go by and there has been no arrest. Niamh notices people are staring at her. Some are talking behind her back. After talking to the Garda, Niamh believes she is their number one suspect.
This novella is a short prequel to the Cormac Reilly series. As the detective on the case, Cormac is actually a minor character in this book. The story is told from Niamh's point-of-view. It was enjoyable, but I thought the identity of the killer was obvious. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Aoife McMahon. I love her voice. She is the perfect narrator for this series. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
November 12, 2023
This is a novella by Irish Australian author Dervla McTiernan, set in Dublin, a prequel to her Cormac Reilly series. Primary school teacher Niamh Turley wakes up one morning to Garda Cormac Reilly knocking on her door asking about a missing young woman. As it turns out Niamh’s flatmate Maya has been murdered, which other than the horror of this discovery creates a practical problem of how she will pay the rent alone. There are many twists and turns as solutions present themselves and you find yourself cringing at Niamh’s choices but cheering her on through some tense moments. This is a nice introduction to Cormac Reilly but having read the series prior is not critical at all.
August 7, 2020
This is the second book by Dervla McTernan that I’ve read. The first, The Sisters, also a Novella, are the first two book in the Cormac Reilly series. This book is filled with anachronism which made it almost impossible to like as I was constantly being distracted from the story.
Here are some of the anachronism i noticiero, the story takes place I. 1993 but aparéntela Pharell’s Happy was already a hit 25 years before it was released. Also, apparently photoshop was being used by the common folk even though I pretty sure it was almost exclusively used by designers. The main character has a mobile and texting is widely used even though I believe it was 1995 when SMS was released to the public. Oh, and the protagonist gets an electronic lock and is able to download the monitoring system to her laptop. Which has an HD camera. There’s more but I’m tired already.
I finished the story because it’s only a little over 2-hours long. The story itself wasn’t bad it was typical crazy roommate storyline but not bad.
Here are some of the anachronism i noticiero, the story takes place I. 1993 but aparéntela Pharell’s Happy was already a hit 25 years before it was released. Also, apparently photoshop was being used by the common folk even though I pretty sure it was almost exclusively used by designers. The main character has a mobile and texting is widely used even though I believe it was 1995 when SMS was released to the public. Oh, and the protagonist gets an electronic lock and is able to download the monitoring system to her laptop. Which has an HD camera. There’s more but I’m tired already.
I finished the story because it’s only a little over 2-hours long. The story itself wasn’t bad it was typical crazy roommate storyline but not bad.
July 30, 2024
This is a nice short mystery. I loved that it was set in Ireland. It was a tad predictable, but it was quick enough to not hinder my rating much.
August 23, 2020
I am really enjoying this series by Dervla McTiernan and can't wait to start going into the office in September so I can listen to more of these. I think the audible is a must as the narrator, Aoife McMahon, does a brilliant job and has the most beautiful Irish accent.
This short audible original was a bit slower than the rest, but as with the rest of the series I still could not predict the ending.
If you enjoy police procedurals, definitely give this series a try.
This short audible original was a bit slower than the rest, but as with the rest of the series I still could not predict the ending.
If you enjoy police procedurals, definitely give this series a try.
January 10, 2021
Dervla McTiernan can do no wrong!
I thoroughly enjoyed this audio novella which is a prequel to the series. I may be slightly biased as I know all the characters and I have read the other books in the Cormac Reilly series.
The writing is concise, witty and fast-paced. The plot develops completely and there was a great resolution. Really happy I stumbled across this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this audio novella which is a prequel to the series. I may be slightly biased as I know all the characters and I have read the other books in the Cormac Reilly series.
The writing is concise, witty and fast-paced. The plot develops completely and there was a great resolution. Really happy I stumbled across this one!
December 8, 2022
3.5 Stars
I just love this series and this novella was perfectly narrated on audio.
As far as crime novels go it didnt really have enough meat to it to make it a full 4 star read and if you are not familiar with the series you may not appreciate it as much but it was a lovely companion to the series and kept me entertained during my morning walks.
I just love this series and this novella was perfectly narrated on audio.
As far as crime novels go it didnt really have enough meat to it to make it a full 4 star read and if you are not familiar with the series you may not appreciate it as much but it was a lovely companion to the series and kept me entertained during my morning walks.
July 26, 2020
4+ stars
Happy to find this novella prequel to one of my new favorite series.
Just-right tension. A mystery I didn’t see through. Atmosphere that puts me right there. Now I’m impatient for the next entry in the series.
Happy to find this novella prequel to one of my new favorite series.
Just-right tension. A mystery I didn’t see through. Atmosphere that puts me right there. Now I’m impatient for the next entry in the series.
December 24, 2022
THE ROOMMATE, like “Two Sisters”, is another novella by Dervla McTiernan, now released in ebook format after a period of being available only on Audible. It is also listed as a Cormac Reilly prequel, and Cormac actually appears in this one as a young Garda detective.
The main protagonist, however, is Niamh Turley, whose roommate, Maiya, is brutally murdered in the foyer of the apartment building where they lived.
I didn’t find this one as compelling as “Two Sisters” because from the start I felt that the character of Niamh was poorly developed. She seemed to act in ways prescribed by the plot, a plot designed to rack up tension rather than evolve naturally from character development. She was shocked by the murder, yes, but how could she be so shocked as to act irrationally just a few days later? Especially when she admitted that she wasn’t really close to Maiya, didn’t socialize together or chat much with her.
And the fact that the roommates barely communicated was unrealistic as well. In my life, I have had three roommates, and even though we socialized separately outside our living quarters (in two of the cases, at least), simply living within the same space automatically meant we shared many personal details—and I have always been somewhat of an introverted, solitary individual. I wonder if the author ever experienced living with someone she didn’t know well prior to entering into the living arrangement. I have. The situation she described felt fake.
So, here we have a different Dervla McTiernan—one who writes a plot, then develops characters around it. THE ROOMMATE was not as satisfying as “Two Sisters”. But it was smoothly written. It took me less than two hours to read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books by Dervla McTiernan:
Two Sisters
The Ruin
The Scholar
The Good Turn
The Murder Rule
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The main protagonist, however, is Niamh Turley, whose roommate, Maiya, is brutally murdered in the foyer of the apartment building where they lived.
I didn’t find this one as compelling as “Two Sisters” because from the start I felt that the character of Niamh was poorly developed. She seemed to act in ways prescribed by the plot, a plot designed to rack up tension rather than evolve naturally from character development. She was shocked by the murder, yes, but how could she be so shocked as to act irrationally just a few days later? Especially when she admitted that she wasn’t really close to Maiya, didn’t socialize together or chat much with her.
And the fact that the roommates barely communicated was unrealistic as well. In my life, I have had three roommates, and even though we socialized separately outside our living quarters (in two of the cases, at least), simply living within the same space automatically meant we shared many personal details—and I have always been somewhat of an introverted, solitary individual. I wonder if the author ever experienced living with someone she didn’t know well prior to entering into the living arrangement. I have. The situation she described felt fake.
So, here we have a different Dervla McTiernan—one who writes a plot, then develops characters around it. THE ROOMMATE was not as satisfying as “Two Sisters”. But it was smoothly written. It took me less than two hours to read.
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My reviews for other books by Dervla McTiernan:
Two Sisters
The Ruin
The Scholar
The Good Turn
The Murder Rule
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July 21, 2020
The Roommate is a free audiobook novella on special offer from Audible this month, and is a prequel to the successful Cormac Reilly series. I haven’t previously read anything by this author but bought an ebook of Book One, The Ruin, last year and do plan to read it one day. This audiobook was only 2&1/2 hours long and we listened to the whole thing on one car journey.
Naimh Turley is a Dublin primary school teacher who lives quietly with her new and very privacy-conscious flatmate Maya. One morning she is woken to find a good looking Garda (police officer) at her door, telling her that Maya has been found dead. This sets off a chain of events that will threaten Naimh’s job, home and even her life!
I like Irish mysteries but this was a bit too simplistic and predictable. While ostensibly about Cormac, he is actually only a minor character here, so you don’t get much of a sense of his personality or anything about his background, and I obviously don’t know if Naimh features in the rest of the series. This hasn’t put me off reading a full book by the author.
I liked the narrator’s accent and it held up to 1.3x playing speed which allowed us to finish it before we got home. I’d happily listen to her again.
Naimh Turley is a Dublin primary school teacher who lives quietly with her new and very privacy-conscious flatmate Maya. One morning she is woken to find a good looking Garda (police officer) at her door, telling her that Maya has been found dead. This sets off a chain of events that will threaten Naimh’s job, home and even her life!
I like Irish mysteries but this was a bit too simplistic and predictable. While ostensibly about Cormac, he is actually only a minor character here, so you don’t get much of a sense of his personality or anything about his background, and I obviously don’t know if Naimh features in the rest of the series. This hasn’t put me off reading a full book by the author.
I liked the narrator’s accent and it held up to 1.3x playing speed which allowed us to finish it before we got home. I’d happily listen to her again.
July 11, 2020
Short Audible novella just ok, fairly predictable.
October 9, 2024
Another great prequel to The Ruin, featuring Detective Cormac Reilly.
January 31, 2024
4 Stars
This was a short 2 hrs novella. A prequel to the Cormac Reilly detective series.
A short story of roommates. One goes missing and is found murdered.
Niamh finds a new roommate shortly after and discovers her new roommate could be involved.
Short but good
This was a short 2 hrs novella. A prequel to the Cormac Reilly detective series.
A short story of roommates. One goes missing and is found murdered.
Niamh finds a new roommate shortly after and discovers her new roommate could be involved.
Short but good
July 5, 2024
Remember when you were a little kid you always thought someone might be hiding under the bed, but then once you grew up you knew that was all rubbish? Well, this might just give you those child thoughts again after one scene that literally sent chills up my spine and made me almost scream out loud.
So good.
So good.
June 17, 2022
This is a short, novella that introduces us to Cormac Reilly, when he is a garda in Dublin. Twenty-two year old Niamh Turley is a teacher in a private school, where she loves her job, but has to watch her step around her uptight and obnoxious principal. When she wakes with someone knocking on her day, she finds out that her roommate has been killed and left in the lobby of their building. Who killed her and is Niamh now in danger?
This is a story that makes you stop and think about who you trust. Shortly after Maya's death, other things begin to happen to Naimh that scare her, but not enough to spend the night somewhere else. I think I would have stayed with friends. I had chills at one point and found myself yelling at Naimh. Cormac is there to save the day. Although it is a short story, it was definitely entertaining. I have to say, I love listening to Aoife McMahon and now have the voice of Cormac in my head.
This is a story that makes you stop and think about who you trust. Shortly after Maya's death, other things begin to happen to Naimh that scare her, but not enough to spend the night somewhere else. I think I would have stayed with friends. I had chills at one point and found myself yelling at Naimh. Cormac is there to save the day. Although it is a short story, it was definitely entertaining. I have to say, I love listening to Aoife McMahon and now have the voice of Cormac in my head.
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