The unmissable new standalone from the #1 bestseller of The Good Turn.
First Rule: Make them like you.
Second Rule: Make them need you.
Third Rule: Make them pay.
They think I’m a young, idealistic law student, that I’m passionate about reforming a corrupt and brutal system.
They think I’m working hard to impress them.
They think I’m here to save an innocent man on death row.
They’re wrong. I’m going to bury him.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I couldn’t put this book down. The way it switched from Hannah to her mother’s diary kept me reading to find out what happened. A must read for anyone that loves twists. Andrea, VIC, 5 Stars
The Murder Rule, a stand-alone novel from Dervla McTiernan, draws you in until you’re desperate to know what Hannah is going to do next. Not to mention why she’s doing it. Set in Virginia, law student Hannah Rokeby is determined to get onto the Innocence Project, but is she working for or against the rest of the team? She’ll go to any lengths to get what she thinks she wants. The novel explores the meaning of truth, how others can shape our perspective and that sometimes the truth is hidden by carefully crafted facades. The mystery at the heart of the story is not what I expected at the beginning and the twists and turns of the novel are compelling, especially as each new reveal tests Hannah’s resolve to achieve her goal. Hannah is a well-rounded character who is willing to grow as she gradually opens herself up to new ideas and friendships, before making the decision that truth is what matters most to her. A highly recommended read that will delay your bedtime. Don’t say you haven’t been warned! Cherie, VIC, 5 Stars
Hannah Rokeby should be heading off to law school. Instead, she’s pretending to be a third-year law student in Virginia determined to ensure murderer, Michael Dandridge stays in prison. Hannah manipulates her way into the Innocence Project, a project helping prisoners appeal their convictions. Prisoners like Dandridge. But Hannah isn’t prepared to risk Dandridge being set free. He needs to pay for the destruction of her mother’s life and the death of the father she never knew. Hannah is a very complex character and at times unlikeable, particularly when her ends-justifies-the-means actions leave a trail of victims in her wake. I initially found it a challenge to understand why Hannah would risk everything to sabotage Dandridge’s case and avenge her mother. But Dervla McTiernan cleverly provides the answer by interspersing sections of Hannah’s mother’s diary with developments in the plot. In addition to helping us understand Hannah’s motivation, this structure builds tension and apprehension as it becomes obvious that Hannah, the manipulator, is now the manipulated. The Murder Rule is one of those books you race to finish because it’s so exciting but at the same time want it to last forever because it’s so unique and enjoyable. Annette, QLD, 5 Stars
This was a terrific read, with an ending that I wasn’t expecting. I had some theories that sort of played out, but ultimately the way the puzzle was put together really threw me… and isn’t that what a great read should do? The author had me invested in the characters and I was carried along with her protagonist, Hannah, throughout the book. Towards the end, I did think there was a ‘legally blonde’ moment, but I didn’t find it too distracting from the plot. In all a great read, and I’ll be looking for more of this authors work, because this introduction to McTiernan’s writing, has me eager for more. Thank you to @BetterReading and @HarperCollins for an advanced, uncorrected proof in exchange for an unbiased review. Tracy, VIC, 5 Stars
Firstly, I would like to say thank you to Better Reading for giving me the opportunity to review The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan. Wow, what a novel! As the front cover states – No one is innocent in this story. A very true statement. I was sucked into story from the get go and read through it within a couple of days; I could not put this down. At the end of every chapter, I would say to myself – just one more chapter – I was well and truly captivated. Hannah is a law student and a young woman with a plan. No one will get in the way of this plan; not her mother, not her classmates, no one. But things may not be as they seem. As Hannah finds out when she starts helping with the Innocence Project through the University. This review is not a place for spoilers; my only suggestion is to go and buy The Murder Rule as soon as possible and find out for yourselves. You won’t be disappointed! 5 stars! Amanda, VIC, 5 Stars
I enjoyed every minute of this crime thriller, couldn’t put it down. The main character, Hannah, is a supposed Law Student with an agenda and a mission to come to terms, if I may call it that, with her Mother, Laura’s past and indeed answers to her own past life as well, which answers have been discovered by her in and old diary….or have they ? From there the story line has so many twists and turns right to the very end. The story from beginning to end had me guessing, gripped and a real page turner, I needed to know what Hannah would uncover as her plight continued ! Although it may be described as a “Legal Eagle” type of book it is very much more than that…thank you Better Reading and Harper Collins Publishers for the opportunity of reviewing this extremely enjoyable book. I am looking forward to my next Dervla McTiernan book. Dorothy, NSW, 5 Stars
Fantastic book! Had me hooked all the way through but especially the last few chapters, could not put it down. Well written and easy to understand what is going on. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. Everything is not what it seems and in the end the outcome is surprising and shocking. Great storytelling and highly recommended. Linda, VIC, 5 Stars
‘The Murder Rule’ is an intriguing book that I found hard to put down. Hannah is a law student. Since she discovered her Mothers diary, Hannah has lived for revenge. The diary is a terrible tale of deceipt, her fathers possible murder and torment by Michael Dandridge. Hannah knows what she must do to avenge her mother. She infiltrates a legal group, ‘The Innocence Project’ that aims to free Dandridge from jail. Hannah tries to derail their attempts but finds out more than she wanted. Who is really innocent? Twists and turns will keep changing your mind. An intense and enjoyable read. Who can you trust? Helen, QLD, 5 Stars
It’s not often I read a thriller or a mystery which is truly unpredictable and original! Dervla McTiernan’s ‘The Murder Rule’ though is one of those times! I kept guessing and guessing and kept getting surprised by the twists and turns and truly original storyline. Told across two timelines, one in the present and one through diary entries in the past, the story unravels and the reader is left wondering who are the good guys and who are the bad. The action in the present, unfolds over only a few days and the book has few ‘down’ times with good pace and a tight structure. Most of the relatable and likeable, even the ones we’re not supposed to really like! Larger philosophical questions of evil and good, the death penalty and redemption are explored with the reader left to decide their own point of view. Further proves Dervla McTiernan’s power as a writer and I’m happy to say it was worth the wait! Kayte, NSW, 5 Stars
What a page turning and suspenseful book. I was drawn in right from the beginning when the main character Hannah enters The Innocence Project through false pretences. The story weaves between past and present as Hannah reads about her mother’s troubled life in her diaries from the past. Whilst trying to make sure a convicted rapist does not receive parole in the present. The story has many twists and turns along with many suspenseful moments before justice finally prevails towards the end of the book. I highly recommend The Murder Rule, I managed to devour it in 3 days. Gisella, NSW, 4 Stars
A good read with a few twists and turns. Worth reading 4/5 stars. Matthew, SA, 4 Stars
Dervla McTiernan’s 4th novel, The Murder Rule, is a crime thriller legal drama set in Maine and Virginia, United States. Laura’s past, events from 1994, is revealed through a series of diary entries. In 2019, her daughter, Hannah Rokeby, a young law student, moves to Virginia to put right events of the past as she understands it and make sure the perpetrator of the crime against her mother is punished. Hannah is a persuasive, wily person, earning a position on the Innocence Project, led by Professor Parekh, which aims to ensure the murder rule is justly applied in the case against Michael Dandridge. Hannah wants the truth, wants to damage the case from her position inside the project. Twist after twist, revelation after revelation, fast paced events set Hannah questioning the diary, her relationship with her mother, and her relationship with the legal team working on the project. Hannah is a well-crafted character, unwaveringly determined, independent, wary as to whom or what she can trust or believe and fast learning about herself and her understanding of her story. Can there be justice for the past and those who shaped it and Hannah? Judith, NSW, 4 Stars
Fast paced thriller centred around Hannah and her dubious reasons for joining the Innocence Project. Why is she working against them as they try to have an eleven year old murder conviction overturned? This story moved along at a cracking pace, with the investigation and subsequent court case both thrilling and full of twists and turns. The story has dual time lines for the first half that help to flesh out Hannah’s motivation for joining the Project. Another enjoyable book from a great story teller. Lisa, QLD, 4 Stars
Loved the new Dervla McTiernan novel The Murder Rule. There are so many twists and turns and it gripped me from the first page. The characters of Hannah and her mother Laura are complex and I felt as I was reading that the ending would be compelling and would tie up the loose threads that cropped up along the way and i wasn’t disappointed. Where her other three books are set in Ireland this one is in America. It showcases corruption, murder and everything else in between. if you love this author then add the Murder Rule to your TBR pile. You won’t be disappointed. Hoping there is another story involving Hannah’s character. Chris, SA, 4 Stars
I devoured this book. It was brilliantly written and kept me hooked as the mystery twisted and turned. I love Dervla McTiernan’s writing and this was another solid story. I enjoyed the dual perspectives and the way the timelines were interwoven. I would recommend this book if you are looking for an enjoyable and intriguing mystery. Sarah, VIC, 4 Stars
This book immediately caught my attention with its very original storyline/plot. The variety of character personalities was interesting and varied without being difficult to remember. As i progressed however i found my interest waned along with my enthusiasm to continue reading however my interest held long enough to complete the book. I like the writing style of this author and would certainly read more of her works. Suzie, QLD, 3 Stars
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