Among the Ruins: The gripping sequel to the thrillingly atmospheric crime debut WHERE THEY LIE
Apr 2026 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
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400
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About this ebook
‘Coughlan is one of those crime writers whose books transcend the genre, vividly recreating the atmosphere of a period of social turmoil.’ THE TIMES
The new atmospheric mystery from the author of the acclaimed Where They Lie, and a beautifully written tale about one woman’s need to find the truth, whatever the cost.
Dublin, summer 1970. Nicoletta Sarto is juggling work as the women’s editor at the Irish Sentinel with twin baby girls at home. When she’s approached by a barrister, Louise Leonard, whose aunt has just died, she’s drawn into a story that could have dangerous consequences. Was Helen Leonard murdered, as her niece thinks? And who was the mysterious nurse who has now vanished, but to whom Helen left everything?
As Nicoletta investigates, she has to fight not only her own family’s disapproval of her being a working mother, but also society’s.
And as she slowly unpicks the mystery of Helen Leonard’s death, she’s unaware that danger lurks around every corner…
PRAISE FOR WHERE THEY LIE, SHORTLISTED FOR THE AN POST IRISH CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR:
'A thrillingly dark and atmospheric tale, richly evocative of its time' JOHN BANVILLE
'Gripping and brilliantly atmospheric, and Nicoletta Sarto, the novel's protagonist – the way she talks, the way she thinks – is a great invention' RODDY DOYLE
'Atmospheric and absorbing, an ambitious young journalist finds herself at the heart of a corkscrew tale she never knew existed. A dark and turbulent journey to unexpected truths' VAL McDERMID
The new atmospheric mystery from the author of the acclaimed Where They Lie, and a beautifully written tale about one woman’s need to find the truth, whatever the cost.
Dublin, summer 1970. Nicoletta Sarto is juggling work as the women’s editor at the Irish Sentinel with twin baby girls at home. When she’s approached by a barrister, Louise Leonard, whose aunt has just died, she’s drawn into a story that could have dangerous consequences. Was Helen Leonard murdered, as her niece thinks? And who was the mysterious nurse who has now vanished, but to whom Helen left everything?
As Nicoletta investigates, she has to fight not only her own family’s disapproval of her being a working mother, but also society’s.
And as she slowly unpicks the mystery of Helen Leonard’s death, she’s unaware that danger lurks around every corner…
PRAISE FOR WHERE THEY LIE, SHORTLISTED FOR THE AN POST IRISH CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR:
'A thrillingly dark and atmospheric tale, richly evocative of its time' JOHN BANVILLE
'Gripping and brilliantly atmospheric, and Nicoletta Sarto, the novel's protagonist – the way she talks, the way she thinks – is a great invention' RODDY DOYLE
'Atmospheric and absorbing, an ambitious young journalist finds herself at the heart of a corkscrew tale she never knew existed. A dark and turbulent journey to unexpected truths' VAL McDERMID
‘Coughlan is one of those crime writers whose books transcend the genre, vividly recreating the atmosphere of a period of social turmoil.’ THE TIMES
The new atmospheric mystery from the author of the acclaimed Where They Lie, and a beautifully written tale about one woman’s need to find the trut...
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About the author
Claire Coughlan worked as a journalist in Ireland for many years. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from UCD and lives in Co Kildare with her husband and daughter. Her first novel, Where They Lie, was published in 2024 and shortlisted for the An Post Irish Crime Novel of the Year award.
Claire Coughlan worked as a journalist in Ireland for many years. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from UCD and lives in Co Kildare with her husband and daughter. Her first novel, Where They Lie, was published in 2024 and shortlisted for the An Post Irish Crime Novel of the Year award.
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