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Cormac Reilly #4
The Unquiet Grave
For years the boglands of Northern Europe have given up bodies of the long-deceased. Bodies that are thousands of years old, uncannily preserved. Bodies with strange injuries that suggest ritual torture and human sacrifice.
When a corpse is found in a bog in Galway, Cormac Reilly assumes the find is historical. But closer examination reveals a more recent story. The dead man is Thaddeus Grey, a local secondary school principal who disappeared two years prior.
There's nothing in Grey's past that would explain why he was murdered, or why his body was mutilated in a ritual manner. At first, progress on the case is frustratingly slow and Cormac struggles to keep his mind on the job. His ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, is in trouble, and she's reached out to him for help - Emma's new husband has gone missing in Paris, and the French police are refusing to open an investigation into his disappearance.
Cormac is sure that he has found Grey's killer, and is within hours of an arrest, when another mutilated body is discovered on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body is found. Press attention is intense. Is there a serial killer at work in Ireland? Has Cormac been on the wrong trail? And if so, can he find the murderer before they strike again?
When a corpse is found in a bog in Galway, Cormac Reilly assumes the find is historical. But closer examination reveals a more recent story. The dead man is Thaddeus Grey, a local secondary school principal who disappeared two years prior.
There's nothing in Grey's past that would explain why he was murdered, or why his body was mutilated in a ritual manner. At first, progress on the case is frustratingly slow and Cormac struggles to keep his mind on the job. His ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, is in trouble, and she's reached out to him for help - Emma's new husband has gone missing in Paris, and the French police are refusing to open an investigation into his disappearance.
Cormac is sure that he has found Grey's killer, and is within hours of an arrest, when another mutilated body is discovered on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body is found. Press attention is intense. Is there a serial killer at work in Ireland? Has Cormac been on the wrong trail? And if so, can he find the murderer before they strike again?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
575 people are currently reading
2678 people want to read
About the author
Dervla McTiernan
13 books5,055 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 410 reviews
March 30, 2025
Dervla McTiernan knows her Ireland and she also knows how to put together an excellent police procedural. The book begins with a grave in a peat bog, the first of many murders in a twisty turny story. Cormac is busy with this case when Emma pops up in his life again, needing his help. There are other story lines too, some of them apparently quite separate but the author ties them all up very neatly at the end.
This turns into one of those books you just do not want to put down. I hope the author is planning more Cormac Reilly for us to enjoy. She certainly leaves the end of this one open for a possible change of scene for him so fingers crossed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This turns into one of those books you just do not want to put down. I hope the author is planning more Cormac Reilly for us to enjoy. She certainly leaves the end of this one open for a possible change of scene for him so fingers crossed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 29, 2025
EXCERPT: Leonie turned and walked away. Still the rain fell. Behind her she could hear her father explaining (for what was easily the third time) everything he'd learned about turf cutting over the past twenty-four hours. Leonie wanted to tell him that anyone could google, that reading a Wikipedia entry didn't make him an expert. Instead she kept walking away, even though there was nowhere she could go. Her father had they key to the house, and they were miles from anywhere, with no buses.
She walked deeper into the bog, until her father's voice was muffled and distant. The ground around her changed. There were trenches now, filled with water, either side of where she was walking. The land was thick with reeds, springy and squelchy underfoot. There was a smell too. Earthy. Damp. It wasn't unpleasant.
As Leonie walked, a large bird with a white band around its neck burst, with a squawk of protest, from the reeds a couple of metres in front of her. Leonie took a startled step sideways, and sank up to her knee in cold, dirty water.
Sheiβe.
Water seeped into her left boot and the ground sucked at her leg. She tried and failed to pull her boot out of the mud. It was completely stuck.
Verdammte sheiβe.
Leonie pulled her leg from the boot, then sat on a solidish patch of ground and wrenched her boot from the mud as the backside of her jeans rapidly soaked though. She emptied the water from the boot, and as she tugged it back on, something caught her eye. Just up ahead there was a trench filled with murky water, and something was floating in it. Something odd. Leonie squinted, leaning forward to try to make out the mystery object. She stood up, rubbing her now dirty hands on her jeans, and took a careful half-step forward, then stopped. Her stomach clenched. She tried to tell herself that what she was looking at was an animal, but the lie bounced off, useless against hard reality. What she was seeing was a human back, a curved spine, and a tangles mess that was human hair.
ABOUT 'THE UNQUIET GRAVE': Every grave has a story ...
For years the boglands of Northern Europe have given up bodies of the long-deceased. Bodies that are thousands of years old, uncannily preserved. Bodies with strange injuries that suggest ritual torture and human sacrifice.
When a corpse is found in a bog in Galway, Cormac Reilly assumes the find is historical. But closer examination reveals a more recent story. The dead man is Thaddeus Grey, a local secondary school principal who disappeared two years prior.
There's nothing in Grey's past that would explain why he was murdered, or why his body was mutilated in a ritual manner. At first, progress on the case is frustratingly slow and Cormac struggles to keep his mind on the job. His ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, is in trouble, and she's reached out to him for help - Emma's new husband has gone missing in Paris, and the French police are refusing to open an investigation into his disappearance.
Cormac is sure that he has found Grey's killer, and is within hours of an arrest, when another mutilated body is discovered on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body is found. Press attention is intense. Is there a serial killer at work in Ireland? Has Cormac been on the wrong trail? And if so, can he find the murderer before they strike again?
MY THOUGHTS: Dervla McTiernan has hit another one out of the park! She has skillfully woven several storylines together into a stunning and thought-provoking climax.
I love the way McTiernan always manages to keep me on the back foot. I have given up trying to solve Cormac's cases and just go along for the extremely challenging and equally enjoyable ride.
The plot in The Unquiet Grave is nothing short of brilliant - complex and brilliant. You'll need to keep your wits about you. There are twists, red herrings, dead ends and some superb detecting. Cormac is torn between two cases, one of which is not official but is close to his heart, and Peter takes matters into his own hands when he believes justice is not being done. I have to admit, I was rather shocked by this. Happy, gratified, but definitely shocked.
Both Cormac and Peter are destined for new paths in their careers, but I can't help wondering just what McTiernan has up her sleeve. In other words, bring on Cormac Reilly #5. And sooner rather than later please.
I was able to combine reading with listening to The Quiet Grave, written by Dervla McTiernan and superbly narrated by Aoife McMahon, who is one of my favorite narrators.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheUnquietGrave #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing both an e-ARC and an audio ARC of The Unquiet Grave by Dervla McTiernan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She walked deeper into the bog, until her father's voice was muffled and distant. The ground around her changed. There were trenches now, filled with water, either side of where she was walking. The land was thick with reeds, springy and squelchy underfoot. There was a smell too. Earthy. Damp. It wasn't unpleasant.
As Leonie walked, a large bird with a white band around its neck burst, with a squawk of protest, from the reeds a couple of metres in front of her. Leonie took a startled step sideways, and sank up to her knee in cold, dirty water.
Sheiβe.
Water seeped into her left boot and the ground sucked at her leg. She tried and failed to pull her boot out of the mud. It was completely stuck.
Verdammte sheiβe.
Leonie pulled her leg from the boot, then sat on a solidish patch of ground and wrenched her boot from the mud as the backside of her jeans rapidly soaked though. She emptied the water from the boot, and as she tugged it back on, something caught her eye. Just up ahead there was a trench filled with murky water, and something was floating in it. Something odd. Leonie squinted, leaning forward to try to make out the mystery object. She stood up, rubbing her now dirty hands on her jeans, and took a careful half-step forward, then stopped. Her stomach clenched. She tried to tell herself that what she was looking at was an animal, but the lie bounced off, useless against hard reality. What she was seeing was a human back, a curved spine, and a tangles mess that was human hair.
ABOUT 'THE UNQUIET GRAVE': Every grave has a story ...
For years the boglands of Northern Europe have given up bodies of the long-deceased. Bodies that are thousands of years old, uncannily preserved. Bodies with strange injuries that suggest ritual torture and human sacrifice.
When a corpse is found in a bog in Galway, Cormac Reilly assumes the find is historical. But closer examination reveals a more recent story. The dead man is Thaddeus Grey, a local secondary school principal who disappeared two years prior.
There's nothing in Grey's past that would explain why he was murdered, or why his body was mutilated in a ritual manner. At first, progress on the case is frustratingly slow and Cormac struggles to keep his mind on the job. His ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, is in trouble, and she's reached out to him for help - Emma's new husband has gone missing in Paris, and the French police are refusing to open an investigation into his disappearance.
Cormac is sure that he has found Grey's killer, and is within hours of an arrest, when another mutilated body is discovered on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body is found. Press attention is intense. Is there a serial killer at work in Ireland? Has Cormac been on the wrong trail? And if so, can he find the murderer before they strike again?
MY THOUGHTS: Dervla McTiernan has hit another one out of the park! She has skillfully woven several storylines together into a stunning and thought-provoking climax.
I love the way McTiernan always manages to keep me on the back foot. I have given up trying to solve Cormac's cases and just go along for the extremely challenging and equally enjoyable ride.
The plot in The Unquiet Grave is nothing short of brilliant - complex and brilliant. You'll need to keep your wits about you. There are twists, red herrings, dead ends and some superb detecting. Cormac is torn between two cases, one of which is not official but is close to his heart, and Peter takes matters into his own hands when he believes justice is not being done. I have to admit, I was rather shocked by this. Happy, gratified, but definitely shocked.
Both Cormac and Peter are destined for new paths in their careers, but I can't help wondering just what McTiernan has up her sleeve. In other words, bring on Cormac Reilly #5. And sooner rather than later please.
I was able to combine reading with listening to The Quiet Grave, written by Dervla McTiernan and superbly narrated by Aoife McMahon, who is one of my favorite narrators.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheUnquietGrave #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing both an e-ARC and an audio ARC of The Unquiet Grave by Dervla McTiernan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
April 12, 2025
Cormac Reilly is back and this reader is so happy!! After some standalone books, Dervla has come back to our favourite Irish detective and he has one doozy of a case on his hands. I always love how many strands there are happening in this authors books, always multiple storylines that keep readers interested and guessing . Nothing is ever obvious in these cases and there is so much mystery.
Cormac is living alone in Galway, just plodding along. He has been approached about a new job in a new division but he isn’t sure if he wants it. He is called a location where a body has been found in a bog. Is it recent or historical? Who is this man and how did he end up here? At the same time, Cormacs ex girlfriend contacts him out of the blue asking him for help. More bodies are found, are they the same killer or copycat?
I don’t know when Cormac gets any sleep! He is always so busy working ion so many things at once. Emma coming back into his life brings up a lot of emotions and memories for him and he starts to realise that he is stuck in a rut. I always love reading these books and I never pick the killer.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of this book, I devoured it! Publishes on April 30th.
Cormac is living alone in Galway, just plodding along. He has been approached about a new job in a new division but he isn’t sure if he wants it. He is called a location where a body has been found in a bog. Is it recent or historical? Who is this man and how did he end up here? At the same time, Cormacs ex girlfriend contacts him out of the blue asking him for help. More bodies are found, are they the same killer or copycat?
I don’t know when Cormac gets any sleep! He is always so busy working ion so many things at once. Emma coming back into his life brings up a lot of emotions and memories for him and he starts to realise that he is stuck in a rut. I always love reading these books and I never pick the killer.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of this book, I devoured it! Publishes on April 30th.
June 8, 2025
It’s so good to have Cormac back! Intricately woven threads from vastly different perspectives gradually came together to weave a plot that was mind blowing. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next.
May 20, 2025
4-5 stars
A German tourist discovers a body in a peat bog, is it archaeological or more recent? Upon its removal, it becomes clear this is a recent burial and the body is potentially that of missing school principal, Thaddeus Grey. The big question is, why was the man buried in a manner to suggest something of more ancient origin? Cormac Reilly and Garda Peter Fisher investigate but the case is a frustrating one. In addition, Cormacs ex Emma Sweeney turns to him for help when her former military husband Finn O’Ceallaigh goes missing in Paris. As if that’s not enough to occupy their attention, two more bodies are discovered with similarities to Thaddeus Grey. Is there a serial killer in Ireland??
I thoroughly enjoy the inclusion of the fascinating bog bodies of Ireland and Northern Europe and it’s worth checking out Tollund Man and Grauballe Man of Denmark. The author uses this really well in the latest instalment of this excellent series. There are several plot strands which could’ve been a right old mess in less experienced and skilled writing hands than Dervla McTiernan and the storyline flows effortlessly, keeping my attention throughout. It’s not a straightforward plot by any means, but that’s why I enjoy these so much because they’re ‘meaty’ and immersive. As you would expect, there are plenty of twists and turns in the story telling and lots of tension, sometimes between the central characters.
I really like the two central characters of Cormac and Peter. They’re both really good Garda officers being dedicated and hard-working, although often surrounded by those less competent or downright abrasive glory seekers. Yes, you Samuel Beltin, bet you’re a joy to work for! Here, both Cormac and Peter are conflicted in different ways and I enjoy seeing how that plays out and look forward to seeing what happens next.
Overall, this is another winner for me as it’s one of those one more chapter reads. I can’t wait for number five.
A German tourist discovers a body in a peat bog, is it archaeological or more recent? Upon its removal, it becomes clear this is a recent burial and the body is potentially that of missing school principal, Thaddeus Grey. The big question is, why was the man buried in a manner to suggest something of more ancient origin? Cormac Reilly and Garda Peter Fisher investigate but the case is a frustrating one. In addition, Cormacs ex Emma Sweeney turns to him for help when her former military husband Finn O’Ceallaigh goes missing in Paris. As if that’s not enough to occupy their attention, two more bodies are discovered with similarities to Thaddeus Grey. Is there a serial killer in Ireland??
I thoroughly enjoy the inclusion of the fascinating bog bodies of Ireland and Northern Europe and it’s worth checking out Tollund Man and Grauballe Man of Denmark. The author uses this really well in the latest instalment of this excellent series. There are several plot strands which could’ve been a right old mess in less experienced and skilled writing hands than Dervla McTiernan and the storyline flows effortlessly, keeping my attention throughout. It’s not a straightforward plot by any means, but that’s why I enjoy these so much because they’re ‘meaty’ and immersive. As you would expect, there are plenty of twists and turns in the story telling and lots of tension, sometimes between the central characters.
I really like the two central characters of Cormac and Peter. They’re both really good Garda officers being dedicated and hard-working, although often surrounded by those less competent or downright abrasive glory seekers. Yes, you Samuel Beltin, bet you’re a joy to work for! Here, both Cormac and Peter are conflicted in different ways and I enjoy seeing how that plays out and look forward to seeing what happens next.
Overall, this is another winner for me as it’s one of those one more chapter reads. I can’t wait for number five.
May 7, 2025
I think I'm out of step with most reviewers on this one but I found it really underwhelming. The investigation into the initial murder seemed really lacking with most of the second half of the book focusing on two other storylines, neither of which I cared about. The Cormac in this story also seemed a lot more whiny than in the last three books.
Most people seem to love this book so take my view with that in mind! And of course I will still read the next Cormac Reilly story.
Most people seem to love this book so take my view with that in mind! And of course I will still read the next Cormac Reilly story.
May 12, 2025
3 stars
Hmm...not bad but not great.
A few too many stories and backstories and characters. A side personal drama that has a very anticlimactic ending.
It felt that too much time was spend on endless side stories and there was no real thrill or suspense.
Hmm...not bad but not great.
A few too many stories and backstories and characters. A side personal drama that has a very anticlimactic ending.
It felt that too much time was spend on endless side stories and there was no real thrill or suspense.
July 18, 2025
4.5★
Welcome back DS Cormac Reilly! Once I picked this book up I really couldn't stop turning the pages. This is Dervla McTiernan at the top of her game, in her best literary offering.
More than I think we've really seen before in this series, there are multiple threads to this instalment. Reilly and his offsider, Garda Peter Fisher, are investigating a most unusual murder. Could it be the work of a serial killer? There's also a nasty domestic violence case that's been simmering for a while and is about to boil over. Then on top of everything else, someone from Reilly's past comes to him as a last resort for help with a troubling missing person's case. It's pretty hectic, but easy to follow as it clips along at a good pace.
What Reilly and Fisher don't realise initially is that they are also both hiding personal news from each other that could affect their ongoing work relationship. This builds tension between the pair, but ever the professionals, they keep their minds firmly focused on the job.
Where this ends, there is enough ambiguity and a wide enough crack in the door to hope the series will continue, but if it doesn't then I guess it's all tied up pretty nicely.
Highly recommended (but read the series in order).
Welcome back DS Cormac Reilly! Once I picked this book up I really couldn't stop turning the pages. This is Dervla McTiernan at the top of her game, in her best literary offering.
More than I think we've really seen before in this series, there are multiple threads to this instalment. Reilly and his offsider, Garda Peter Fisher, are investigating a most unusual murder. Could it be the work of a serial killer? There's also a nasty domestic violence case that's been simmering for a while and is about to boil over. Then on top of everything else, someone from Reilly's past comes to him as a last resort for help with a troubling missing person's case. It's pretty hectic, but easy to follow as it clips along at a good pace.
What Reilly and Fisher don't realise initially is that they are also both hiding personal news from each other that could affect their ongoing work relationship. This builds tension between the pair, but ever the professionals, they keep their minds firmly focused on the job.
Where this ends, there is enough ambiguity and a wide enough crack in the door to hope the series will continue, but if it doesn't then I guess it's all tied up pretty nicely.
Highly recommended (but read the series in order).
May 30, 2025
Like many of Dervla McTiernan's readers, I was delighted to hear that she was returning to her much-loved Irish-set Cormac Reilly series, after her recent foray into standalone crime fiction set in the USA (The Murder Rule and What Happened to Nina?).
The Unquiet Grave draws together four separate plotlines into an enthralling whole. A German teenager discovers a body part-submerged in a Galway bog, while holidaying in the area with her parents. Garda Peter Fisher is trying to manage a domestic violence situation threatening a family friend, while facing an internal struggle with how to break to his superior officer, D.S. Cormac Reilly, that he's planning to emigrate to Australia. Meanwhile, Reilly is called by his pregnant former partner Emma, whose retired military husband Finn has disappeared while on a business trip to Paris. Finally, crooked cybersecurity expert Carl Rigney is planning to infiltrate the software underpinning the Irish Lottery in order to realise the lavish lifestyle to which he feels entitled.
I felt engaged with each of these storylines and the cast of continuing and new characters created by author Dervla McTiernan. The Unquiet Grave has series hero Cormac Reilly reflecting on his past, in particular how his relationship with Emma went wrong, and contemplating his future with the Gardaí, as he continues to face prejudice from fellow officers over his unmasking of corruption within the force, and is offered a plum position within Internal Affairs. Meanwhile, D.C. Peter Fisher is also at a turning point in his professional and personal life. He must face some big questions about the meaning of justice and his role in dispensing it before the end of the novel. I found the parts of the story following the odious Carl as he devises his plans and chooses a willing accomplice provided some intriguing light relief from the concerns of the central series characters and their investigation.
The Unquiet Grave was a thoroughly enjoyable read, which I accessed via the Bolinda Audio edition, narrated by the excellent Aoife McMahon. My thanks to the author, Dervla McTiernan, publisher Bolinda Audio and NetGalley (UK) for the opportunity to read and review this engaging title.
The Unquiet Grave draws together four separate plotlines into an enthralling whole. A German teenager discovers a body part-submerged in a Galway bog, while holidaying in the area with her parents. Garda Peter Fisher is trying to manage a domestic violence situation threatening a family friend, while facing an internal struggle with how to break to his superior officer, D.S. Cormac Reilly, that he's planning to emigrate to Australia. Meanwhile, Reilly is called by his pregnant former partner Emma, whose retired military husband Finn has disappeared while on a business trip to Paris. Finally, crooked cybersecurity expert Carl Rigney is planning to infiltrate the software underpinning the Irish Lottery in order to realise the lavish lifestyle to which he feels entitled.
I felt engaged with each of these storylines and the cast of continuing and new characters created by author Dervla McTiernan. The Unquiet Grave has series hero Cormac Reilly reflecting on his past, in particular how his relationship with Emma went wrong, and contemplating his future with the Gardaí, as he continues to face prejudice from fellow officers over his unmasking of corruption within the force, and is offered a plum position within Internal Affairs. Meanwhile, D.C. Peter Fisher is also at a turning point in his professional and personal life. He must face some big questions about the meaning of justice and his role in dispensing it before the end of the novel. I found the parts of the story following the odious Carl as he devises his plans and chooses a willing accomplice provided some intriguing light relief from the concerns of the central series characters and their investigation.
The Unquiet Grave was a thoroughly enjoyable read, which I accessed via the Bolinda Audio edition, narrated by the excellent Aoife McMahon. My thanks to the author, Dervla McTiernan, publisher Bolinda Audio and NetGalley (UK) for the opportunity to read and review this engaging title.
April 18, 2025
The Unquiet Grave is the fourth novel in the Cormac Reilly series by Irish-born Australian author, Dervla McTiernan. The audio version, brilliantly narrated by Aiofe McMahon, is an utter joy to listen to. DS Cormac Reilly and Garda Peter Fisher are called away from reading the riot act to a harassing ex-husband when a body is discovered in a bog near Monivea.
While the body displays some unusual mutilations, police pathologist Dr Yvonne Connelly quickly disabuses them of the notion that it is an ancient bog body: this is a recent murder victim. Follow up with the current owner of the bog field and the attached cottage reveal that the tenant of that cottage went missing two years earlier. Might this be local secondary school headmaster, Thaddeus Grey?
As Cormac and Peter try to learn what they can about him, many they speak to depict him as a strict authoritarian who wasn’t well-liked, but the one parent who confronted him has an ironclad alibi. Two years on, the students he picked on most are at college or on an Asian gap year, and not responding to calls and messages: are they being evasive, or just typically self-absorbed teens?
Distracting Cormac from the case is the Commissioner of the Garda Siochana’s urging that he apply for promotion to Inspector: Kevin Matheson needs him to head up the Complaints section of Gardai’s Internal Affairs, investigating other garda when warranted. It would mean less time in the field, more time behind a desk, and would make him even less popular. But the role needs someone who believes in it, and Cormac is probably that man.
Also distracting him is the visit from his ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, now married and pregnant. Emma begs for his help in finding her husband, Finn O’Ceallaigh, a fifteen-year Irish Army veteran who failed to return home from Paris on the previous Friday evening. The Gardai have no jurisdiction in Paris, while the French police have a policy of not actively searching for missing adults, leaving Emma feeling helpless. Of course, Cormac will do what he can, call in favours from influential friends.
When two more bodies turn up in bogs in quick succession, the case is handed to a young Dublin DI more determined to track down a serial killer than listen to input from his team, even though there are some significant differences between how the bodies have been damaged. And after a slow start, Cormac finally has strong suspicions about who murdered Grey, if only the DI would let him go back to Galway for a face-to-face interview…
With this fourth instalment, McTiernan yet again gives the reader a terrific dose of fast-paced crime fiction: an excellent plot, twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, an exciting climax or two (Peter gets to be a hero), and a very satisfying resolution. Luckily this is fiction, so the reader can darkly delight in the way a certain nasty character is meted out just deserts. With each instalment, McTiernan develops her regular characters a little further and adds new ones. It will be interesting to see what’s in store for Cormac. Irish crime fiction at its best.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia Bolinda
While the body displays some unusual mutilations, police pathologist Dr Yvonne Connelly quickly disabuses them of the notion that it is an ancient bog body: this is a recent murder victim. Follow up with the current owner of the bog field and the attached cottage reveal that the tenant of that cottage went missing two years earlier. Might this be local secondary school headmaster, Thaddeus Grey?
As Cormac and Peter try to learn what they can about him, many they speak to depict him as a strict authoritarian who wasn’t well-liked, but the one parent who confronted him has an ironclad alibi. Two years on, the students he picked on most are at college or on an Asian gap year, and not responding to calls and messages: are they being evasive, or just typically self-absorbed teens?
Distracting Cormac from the case is the Commissioner of the Garda Siochana’s urging that he apply for promotion to Inspector: Kevin Matheson needs him to head up the Complaints section of Gardai’s Internal Affairs, investigating other garda when warranted. It would mean less time in the field, more time behind a desk, and would make him even less popular. But the role needs someone who believes in it, and Cormac is probably that man.
Also distracting him is the visit from his ex-girlfriend, Emma Sweeney, now married and pregnant. Emma begs for his help in finding her husband, Finn O’Ceallaigh, a fifteen-year Irish Army veteran who failed to return home from Paris on the previous Friday evening. The Gardai have no jurisdiction in Paris, while the French police have a policy of not actively searching for missing adults, leaving Emma feeling helpless. Of course, Cormac will do what he can, call in favours from influential friends.
When two more bodies turn up in bogs in quick succession, the case is handed to a young Dublin DI more determined to track down a serial killer than listen to input from his team, even though there are some significant differences between how the bodies have been damaged. And after a slow start, Cormac finally has strong suspicions about who murdered Grey, if only the DI would let him go back to Galway for a face-to-face interview…
With this fourth instalment, McTiernan yet again gives the reader a terrific dose of fast-paced crime fiction: an excellent plot, twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, an exciting climax or two (Peter gets to be a hero), and a very satisfying resolution. Luckily this is fiction, so the reader can darkly delight in the way a certain nasty character is meted out just deserts. With each instalment, McTiernan develops her regular characters a little further and adds new ones. It will be interesting to see what’s in store for Cormac. Irish crime fiction at its best.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia Bolinda
May 11, 2025
5 Stars
Love Dervla and this series. This detective series for me is up there with Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay.
In this fourth book a body is found in the water by a young girl.
Meanwhile a womans husband goes missing while in France. She asks Cormac for help. They'd previously had a relationship.
A few plots going on in this book make it a suspenseful read.
I'd recommend this author and this series. Loved it!
Love Dervla and this series. This detective series for me is up there with Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay.
In this fourth book a body is found in the water by a young girl.
Meanwhile a womans husband goes missing while in France. She asks Cormac for help. They'd previously had a relationship.
A few plots going on in this book make it a suspenseful read.
I'd recommend this author and this series. Loved it!
April 29, 2025
This is one of my favourite crime series, featuring Detective Cormac Reilly.
This time, Corman and his team are called to investigate a body found in the badlands of Galway. It has strange injuries and while it is initially assumed this may be a historical find, that is quickly dismissed as a recent homicide. As Cormac and the team investigate the victim, more bodies pile up and the team question if they may be dealing with a serial killer. Meanwhile, Cormac's ex-girlfriend appears in the picture, asking for help. He can't refuse and is drawn into a mystery of a missing person, complicating his current investigation.
This series just gets better and better! Cormac is such an interesting character and while the author did leave clues around each of the deaths and I may have guessed a part of the reveal, I could not put this down. It was fast paced with plenty of mystery and action. Another one I highly recommend.
While this is book #4 in the series, perhaps it could be read as a stand alone. It had been 5 years since I read and reviewed book #3 when it was published, so obviously I don't recall all of the details and I was fine to continue. 4.5*
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and BookBuzz Australia for this gifted review copy.
This time, Corman and his team are called to investigate a body found in the badlands of Galway. It has strange injuries and while it is initially assumed this may be a historical find, that is quickly dismissed as a recent homicide. As Cormac and the team investigate the victim, more bodies pile up and the team question if they may be dealing with a serial killer. Meanwhile, Cormac's ex-girlfriend appears in the picture, asking for help. He can't refuse and is drawn into a mystery of a missing person, complicating his current investigation.
This series just gets better and better! Cormac is such an interesting character and while the author did leave clues around each of the deaths and I may have guessed a part of the reveal, I could not put this down. It was fast paced with plenty of mystery and action. Another one I highly recommend.
While this is book #4 in the series, perhaps it could be read as a stand alone. It had been 5 years since I read and reviewed book #3 when it was published, so obviously I don't recall all of the details and I was fine to continue. 4.5*
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and BookBuzz Australia for this gifted review copy.
May 4, 2025
After a five year break between books, this one just didn’t do it for me. The intertwined mysteries weren’t that compelling, and the storylines with Emma and Peter didn’t land with me.
BUT still interested to see what Cormac does next.
BUT still interested to see what Cormac does next.
June 12, 2025
This one didn't really do it for me I'm afraid. It was fine hence the three stars but it wasn't as compelling as the previous books in this series.
May 5, 2025
Another fantastic police procedural featuring my favourite Irish Detective, Cormac Reilly. This is another fast-paced crime fiction from Dervla McTiernan, that is intricately plotted and offers plenty of twists to keep my attention. It will be interesting to read what is next in store for Cormac Reilly.
I was fortunate to listen to the audiobook, and the narration by Aoife McMahon works perfectly for the storyline and characters.
With thanks to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the listening review copy, in exchange for an honest review.
I am keen to read more from Irish-born, Australian author Dervla McTiernan, hopefully in the not-too-distant future!
I was fortunate to listen to the audiobook, and the narration by Aoife McMahon works perfectly for the storyline and characters.
With thanks to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the listening review copy, in exchange for an honest review.
I am keen to read more from Irish-born, Australian author Dervla McTiernan, hopefully in the not-too-distant future!
May 14, 2025
I absolutely raced through the first two books and the third was okay but this one didn’t land at all. The pacing was sluggish, the twists felt flat, and by the time it wrapped up, I realised I didn’t really care about any of it. Emma and her husband felt like random side plots with no real purpose. The relationship between Peter and Cormac came across as amateurish and the dialogue throughout was awkward and stilted. Cormac’s repeated doomscrolling references were clunky, and the way women were described - often through the lens of their attractiveness - felt uncomfortable and outdated.
There was far too much emphasis on bizarrely detailed descriptions of houses and minor characters we’ll never see again, and not enough air time for the moments that could’ve delivered actual satisfaction - David’s confession, the husband’s rescue, the job negotiation. Instead, we end with a vague new job we’re not given a reason to care about, no partner (personal or professional), and no real sense of payoff for Cormac. A real disappointment given how strong the series started.
There was far too much emphasis on bizarrely detailed descriptions of houses and minor characters we’ll never see again, and not enough air time for the moments that could’ve delivered actual satisfaction - David’s confession, the husband’s rescue, the job negotiation. Instead, we end with a vague new job we’re not given a reason to care about, no partner (personal or professional), and no real sense of payoff for Cormac. A real disappointment given how strong the series started.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
If you enjoy Tana French, I highly recommend giving this series a go.
One of the things I love most about Dervla McTiernan’s writing is how she lets us into Cormac’s head—how he notices everything when he interviews someone. Whether it’s body language, the state of a room, or a throwaway comment, he’s always watching, listening, thinking. I really enjoy the focus on his internal thought process too—it makes the whole investigation feel more real and grounded. Like the earlier books, this one is full of intriguing characters and compelling cases, and I found it almost impossible to switch off the audiobook when I reached my destination. Aoife McMahon is one of my favourite narrators and brings real magic to the story with her performance.
The Story: A teenager finds a body in a bog, and as more victims appear, Cormac is drawn into a chilling case while also helping his ex find her missing husband. The story expertly weaves together multiple threads—missing persons, fraud, and personal dilemmas—set against a brooding Irish backdrop. It’s gripping, layered, and full of clever twists.
One of the things I love most about Dervla McTiernan’s writing is how she lets us into Cormac’s head—how he notices everything when he interviews someone. Whether it’s body language, the state of a room, or a throwaway comment, he’s always watching, listening, thinking. I really enjoy the focus on his internal thought process too—it makes the whole investigation feel more real and grounded. Like the earlier books, this one is full of intriguing characters and compelling cases, and I found it almost impossible to switch off the audiobook when I reached my destination. Aoife McMahon is one of my favourite narrators and brings real magic to the story with her performance.
The Story: A teenager finds a body in a bog, and as more victims appear, Cormac is drawn into a chilling case while also helping his ex find her missing husband. The story expertly weaves together multiple threads—missing persons, fraud, and personal dilemmas—set against a brooding Irish backdrop. It’s gripping, layered, and full of clever twists.
April 30, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
So, I was positive I had read all of the titles in this series. Including the novella’s/prequels. (I think they may be undergoing a change of publishers atm) Which of course I had, they just predated me being on goodreads so now that I’ve rectified that, on with the review.
Dervla McTiernan is at her finest with the Cormac Reilly series, and the much anticipated fourth book in the series did not disappoint. If you follow my reviews you’ll know I’m prone to falling in love with fictional men, Cormac is definitely hovering somewhere at the top of the list, and on finishing this title I’ve got a definite soft spot for Pete. I’ll leave you to discover why.
This time around Cormac is dealing with what initially seems like a very cold case, a historical murder preserved by the peat bogs of Athen Rye, that is until they notice the Dunnes Stores underpants the victim is wearing - got to have some humour with your gore. The historic detail provided in the unravelling of the story is excellent, and I think McTiernan excels in this area, it’s not just a regular police procedural.
Emma’s back too, pregnant, but only for Cormac’s help in finding her missing husband.
There are a few stories running alongside the main theme each of them well played out, there are obviously trigger warnings in this type of novel, particularly for me there’s one of stalking/domestic violence, incase that’s a particular trigger for you.
Aoife McMahon is one of my favourite audio narrators and as usual she’s given a brilliant performance.
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in return for an honest review 🎧
So, I was positive I had read all of the titles in this series. Including the novella’s/prequels. (I think they may be undergoing a change of publishers atm) Which of course I had, they just predated me being on goodreads so now that I’ve rectified that, on with the review.
Dervla McTiernan is at her finest with the Cormac Reilly series, and the much anticipated fourth book in the series did not disappoint. If you follow my reviews you’ll know I’m prone to falling in love with fictional men, Cormac is definitely hovering somewhere at the top of the list, and on finishing this title I’ve got a definite soft spot for Pete. I’ll leave you to discover why.
This time around Cormac is dealing with what initially seems like a very cold case, a historical murder preserved by the peat bogs of Athen Rye, that is until they notice the Dunnes Stores underpants the victim is wearing - got to have some humour with your gore. The historic detail provided in the unravelling of the story is excellent, and I think McTiernan excels in this area, it’s not just a regular police procedural.
Emma’s back too, pregnant, but only for Cormac’s help in finding her missing husband.
There are a few stories running alongside the main theme each of them well played out, there are obviously trigger warnings in this type of novel, particularly for me there’s one of stalking/domestic violence, incase that’s a particular trigger for you.
Aoife McMahon is one of my favourite audio narrators and as usual she’s given a brilliant performance.
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in return for an honest review 🎧
August 12, 2025
After an excellent debut,a mediocre follow up, and a very good third book,this one´s a mess.I´m done with this author.
Side stories that add nothing, plot holes,flimsy plot.
If she´d stuck to the main crime,it would have gone better. As it is, there are several silly tangents and the solve is quick,unexplained,no build up,no real investigation,and preposterous. Introducing Emma and the missing husband adds nothing.
Side stories that add nothing, plot holes,flimsy plot.
If she´d stuck to the main crime,it would have gone better. As it is, there are several silly tangents and the solve is quick,unexplained,no build up,no real investigation,and preposterous. Introducing Emma and the missing husband adds nothing.
May 10, 2025
I have followed the intriguing thrillers featuring detective Cormac Reilly through McTiernan’s previous novels but was disappointed in this fifth one. The skilful characterisation was present, the writing sharp and fluid, but the narrative branched out in too many directions for me to stay on track. There arose a number of murders to investigate, which took the attention from the one that began the novel and which could have satisfied me enough to be its focus. As it was, I found myself confused by the number of side stories and characters and often had to turn back the pages to remind myself of where the focus had shifted and to whom.
May 9, 2025
Two stars because I was happy to have Cormack back. It was heading for a solid three stars until the end. I am sick of these books that twist is mental illness. People with mental illness are more likely to be the victim of crime than the perpetrator.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this and it was good to meet the characters again. I am glad she has come back to this series. I occasionally lost my way with it - possibly because there were gaps between listening - so i wasn’t quite as invested as I might have been. But it was still gripping and I did stay up late last night listening to the end which worked well. 4.5 stars rounded down.
May 24, 2025
4.5 stars
One of my favorite writers, and I love this series!
Half point deducted for some confusion on my part with how the murders were finally explained. I had questions!
One of my favorite writers, and I love this series!
Half point deducted for some confusion on my part with how the murders were finally explained. I had questions!
May 18, 2025
The Unquiet Grave is the long-awaited fourth instalment in Dervla McTiernan’s DS Cormac Reilly series and it was most definitely worth the wait.
When a family discover a body in a Galway bog, it shares similarities with the long deceased bodies that have been uncovered in other parts of Northern Europe. However, upon closer examination it turns out that this one is more recent. The dead man is a local school principal who hasn’t been seen for the past two years. At first, Cormac cannot find any reason to explain why he was murdered, or the strange ritualistic injuries. However, just as he thinks he has found the killer, suddenly there is another mutilated body on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body turns up. Is there a serial killer in Ireland and can Cormac uncover the truth before another person is killed?
Dervla has smashed it out of the park with this fast paced and gripping novel. In fact, I think it’s her best yet. The atmospheric setting and the references to historical bog bodies made for a chilling premise. The further development of Cormac’s story as well as that of his offsider Detective Peter Fisher was intriguing and I loved the procedural elements of the book.
There are some truly awful characters in this novel and Dervla has captured them so perfectly. The sections from their point of view were creepy and disturbing, but I was unable to turn away.
I really enjoyed reading this one with indoor Emilie who both assured me that The Unquiet Grave can absolutely be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading them all, as it’s a wonderful series.
When a family discover a body in a Galway bog, it shares similarities with the long deceased bodies that have been uncovered in other parts of Northern Europe. However, upon closer examination it turns out that this one is more recent. The dead man is a local school principal who hasn’t been seen for the past two years. At first, Cormac cannot find any reason to explain why he was murdered, or the strange ritualistic injuries. However, just as he thinks he has found the killer, suddenly there is another mutilated body on the other side of the country. Two days later, a third body turns up. Is there a serial killer in Ireland and can Cormac uncover the truth before another person is killed?
Dervla has smashed it out of the park with this fast paced and gripping novel. In fact, I think it’s her best yet. The atmospheric setting and the references to historical bog bodies made for a chilling premise. The further development of Cormac’s story as well as that of his offsider Detective Peter Fisher was intriguing and I loved the procedural elements of the book.
There are some truly awful characters in this novel and Dervla has captured them so perfectly. The sections from their point of view were creepy and disturbing, but I was unable to turn away.
I really enjoyed reading this one with indoor Emilie who both assured me that The Unquiet Grave can absolutely be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading them all, as it’s a wonderful series.
July 4, 2025
Cormac is back and he’s in fine form. An excellent addition to the series from one of my favourite crime writers.
June 18, 2025
Started strong but lost momentum. Ultimately was not very interested in characters or plot. The sub-plot of the missing husband of ex-girlfriend felt totally pointless.
May 31, 2025
The Unquiet Grave by Dervla McTiernan sees the return of detective
Cormac Reilly
along with his partner Peter Fisher, who I recall featured prominently in the last book in the series
The Good Turn
. Here McTiernan again throws in several plots for the price of one, mostly unconnected but all as intriguing as the main investigation involving a body in a bog. And no, NOT a typo with me erroneously typing BOG instead of BAG, and... also not something I have the chance to say often! (Also googles 'bog' to check exactly what it means.)
As usual we spend some time with Cormac and Peter on the case, the former being forced to realise here he's treading water and not really getting on with his life. As the book opens he gets a job offer to head up the police complaints team (akin to Internal Affairs). He's reluctant as it'd further alienate him from his counterparts, but he realises he needs the change. Even more so when he learns Peter intends to move to Australia. Also confronting here, his ex Emma reappears, resplendent with a baby bump and a missing husband. Unable to turn Emma down he agrees to help and reach out to connections at Interpol to track her husband's whereabouts.
I liked where she takes the plot threads and am intrigued as to what comes next (for McTiernan whose 2024 standalone What Happened to Nina? I ADORED!) but also for Cormac, in his new role and perhaps even for Peter who's heading off (like McTiernan herself) to West Australia!
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
As usual we spend some time with Cormac and Peter on the case, the former being forced to realise here he's treading water and not really getting on with his life. As the book opens he gets a job offer to head up the police complaints team (akin to Internal Affairs). He's reluctant as it'd further alienate him from his counterparts, but he realises he needs the change. Even more so when he learns Peter intends to move to Australia. Also confronting here, his ex Emma reappears, resplendent with a baby bump and a missing husband. Unable to turn Emma down he agrees to help and reach out to connections at Interpol to track her husband's whereabouts.
I liked where she takes the plot threads and am intrigued as to what comes next (for McTiernan whose 2024 standalone What Happened to Nina? I ADORED!) but also for Cormac, in his new role and perhaps even for Peter who's heading off (like McTiernan herself) to West Australia!
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
May 1, 2025
Book 4 in the Cormac Reilly series and it’s excellent! A body found in a bog;a guy who works for the national lottery planning to hack the system to win; the husband of Emma, Cormac’s ex has gone missing. These apparently unrelated threads are brought together in a skilful way making another great read.
May 25, 2025
I love Dervla McTiernan books and loved this book. The ending wasn't my favourite.... trying to wrap things up in a nice bow- not really realistic. Despite the questionable ending. I did love this and smashed it out in a day. Bring on more Dervla McTiernan books. I can't get enough. Im hoping for an Australian base book next book.
May 1, 2025
After the body of secondary school principal Thaddeus Grey, is found in a bog in Galway, Cormac Reilly is assigned to solve the case.
Thaddeus had been missing for two years, and while his disappearance didn’t seem sinister at the time, his body was preserved in the bog showing he was murdered
While he is working on this case, his ex Emma reaches out for Cormac’s help as her new husband is missing. Worried it has a connection her husband’s Army service, Emma believes Cormac would be able to find answers for her quicker than she could on her own
But as more bodies are found, he must now work out are these new murders the work of a copycat or is it a serial killer?
My first Cormac Reilly book and I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction! I loved the police procedural aspect of this murder mystery. The dual stories kept the story moving at a solid pace. The Irish setting and layered characters keep me hooked throughout, I read this one in under 24 hours!
While it is book number #4 in the series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone
Thank you so much HarperCollins for my gifted ARC to review
Thaddeus had been missing for two years, and while his disappearance didn’t seem sinister at the time, his body was preserved in the bog showing he was murdered
While he is working on this case, his ex Emma reaches out for Cormac’s help as her new husband is missing. Worried it has a connection her husband’s Army service, Emma believes Cormac would be able to find answers for her quicker than she could on her own
But as more bodies are found, he must now work out are these new murders the work of a copycat or is it a serial killer?
My first Cormac Reilly book and I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction! I loved the police procedural aspect of this murder mystery. The dual stories kept the story moving at a solid pace. The Irish setting and layered characters keep me hooked throughout, I read this one in under 24 hours!
While it is book number #4 in the series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone
Thank you so much HarperCollins for my gifted ARC to review
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