The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan

Questions in the reader's mind start in the first chapter – why is Hannah creeping out of home in the early hours of the morning?

Hannah is a university student studying law. The story starts with her sneaking out of the house she shares with her alcoholic mother for unclear reasons. She transfers to another university and, by deceitful means, manages to get herself onto the Innocence Program run by Professor Rob Parekh and supported by a team of students. The program is dedicated to revisiting cases involving convicted prisoners.

 

Hannah particularly wants to be on the team of a specific case, that of Michael Danridge. Michael has been in prison for 11 years for the rape and murder of a young mother. He swears he is innocent and was only found guilty on flimsy evidence. Hannah uses devious ways to secure her place. 

Unlike the rest of the team, she intends to work to keep Michael in gaol. Her reason gradually comes to light through her mother’s diaries from 1994, in alternating chapters of the book.

 

Time is short for both the team to prove his innocence and for Hannah to succeed in her goal.

 

But doubt starts to enter Hannah’s thinking. It began when she went to the prison with Sean to interview Michael. Her investigations bring to light a crooked cop and cover ups. She begins to realise everything is not as it seems or as it has been portrayed but who is lying and who is telling the truth?

 

The characters are well developed. Hannah is not particularly likeable but interesting. She is smart, and conniving and will do whatever she needs to achieve her aim. The other two students are great characters although we see more of Sean who is very likeable.

 

I have purposely not said too much about the story, so I don’t spoil the mystery and suspense.

 

The story is slow at the beginning but still interesting. Stick with it. The gradual build-up with its many twists and turns makes for a gripping story filled with tension, corruption, and secrets.

 

As the mystery unravels, we read of intrigue, violence, and deception all making for a suspenseful and exciting read.

 

Warning: story contains sexual assault and violence but does not dominate the story.

 

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Australia, and the author McTiernan for an ARC in return for an honest review. Due publication date May 2022

My rating 4*

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Where the Irises Bloom by Will Lowrey

I have read and loved several books by Will Lowrey so Where the Irises Bloom was a must read for me.

As with his other books, it is beautifully written with clear and often emotive descriptions putting you right there with little Fern.

 

Fern is an orphaned kitten living in a rough part of a busy city. Struggling to survive she makes friends with a homeless veteran, John, when others ignore her. The other main character is Matthew who helps homeless people and shows compassion for both John and Fern.

 

Fern has some frightening encounters with hoodlums, trains, a feral cat, and busy streets but John shows her compassion and caring.

 

Will Lowrey’s descriptions put the reader at ground level with little Fern. We feel, see, smell, and hear everything she does. It was so real I wanted to reach out, pick her up and take her home.

 

The story's heart-warming ending is emotional, both sad and happy.

 

This book is a must read for animal lovers.

 

My rating 5*

 

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