The Murder Rule is a masterclass in manipulation from an author who knows just how to pull the strings without revealing her (amply skilled) hand. In Hannah, she has crafted a nuanced, and ultimately sympathetic, character who does wrong in the pursuit of (perceived) right—but who also rights wrongs when opportunities allow. This dynamism coupled with abundant plot twists, ethical ambiguities, and legal loopholes all conspire to make a cunning and compulsively readable story in which justice is in the eye of the beholder. But of one thing you can be certain: Dervla McTiernan is a name to know, and to remember.
... slow-burning, suspenseful ... McTiernan takes inspiration from the real-life story of a law student who worked at the Innocence Project. The novel's version of events is filled with twists and turns aplenty and will keep readers engrossed all the way to the explosive finale.
Even though it might seem like the 'revenge' part of this novel already has been revealed, trust in Dervla McTiernan to have a few more big surprises up her sleeve that will spin the story in unpredictable directions. The Murder Rule is a clever thrill ride and a nice mix of psychological and legal thriller that will appeal to fans of both genres and ultimately satisfy them. I look forward to reading more of this talented author’s work and hope that the FX series does the source material justice.
The Murder Rule is a page-burner. It’s like Maurice Ravel’s Boléro – growing louder and closer and fiercer and more obsessive ... McTiernan and I both disagree with killing off the prodigies, and The Murder Rule is one darling sentence after another. Don’t miss this one.
My highest praise for this book would be that it is filled to the brim with complicated characters. I agree with the tagline that 'no one is innocent in this story.' I loved watching the characters evolve and change their viewpoints as they discovered more information and found out the truth about each other. The plot was intriguing and I enjoyed seeing how the Innocence Project works. There’s a prevailing theme here that the justice system is great, but it’s just as flawed and complicated as the people who are a part of it. You should check it out.
McTiernan...is best known for her police procedurals featuring Irish detective Cormac Reilly. Her new stand-alone is something different ... For fans of the compulsive psychological suspense of Ruth Ware.
Entertaining if flawed ... McTiernan keeps the suspense high as she gradually reveals how Spencer’s death relates to Hannah’s work on the Dandridge case. Unfortunately, the rush to the finish is riddled with unaddressed issues, like why no one challenges Hannah after she admits in court that she broke into a sheriff’s garage to obtain evidence. McTiernan has done better.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay[/caption]
