I am sorry I didn't submit this review at the time. Having read all of McTiernan's previous books and found it disappointing. I think puting pressure on novelists to keep producing novels as fast as possible is a mistake and it looks like this is what has happened with this one.

Another fabulous novel by the author.

Hannah appears to be a young idealistic law student, volunteering to help with the Innocence Project, to help reform a brutal and corrupt system and fight for justice. But things aren't always as they seem and there was certainly more to this story. Much more.

This novel had twist upon twist and while the direction of the novel initially seemed clear, there were lots of surprises in store. I always enjoy this author's novels, but this one seemed to take a different tone and exceeded my expectations. 4.5*

I hope my husband didn’t tell me anything important while I was reading this book. I was so absorbed by the story. From the first chapter, the stage was set for a gripping crime thriller and I was hooked. The story moves at a cracking pace the whole way through and demands to be read in one sitting. The perfect choice for my two-day road trip from Adelaide to the Gold Coast! I had minimal interruptions thanks to poor phone reception, the occasional fuel stop and some (one-sided) conversation from my husband who did all the driving. Luckily for me, I don’t get sick reading in the car.

A man is on death row with one last shot at freedom. Hannah, a university law student, finds a way to insert herself into his legal team. Is he guilty of murder or was he framed? There’s not enough evidence to know for sure and time is running out. But what exactly is Hannah’s agenda and will she help him or sabotage his case?

There are other stories layered within this story involving deception, manipulation, addiction and corruption, all of which make for a delicious, twisty tale that culminates in a dramatic courtroom scene. I gobbled this up like no tomorrow. The deep POV, use of journal entries and clever plot made this an easy, fast and enjoyable read.

I enjoyed the book. It kept me entertained the whole time. With some interesting character building and mostly believable characters, I enjoyed the journey with this book

"The Murder Rule" is a quick, gripping thriller that had me glued to the pages. Sure, it's got its flaws, but there's no denying that McTiernan nailed some aspects. The way the story jumps between Hannah's present-day hustle and Laura's past in those diary entries adds to the suspense and keeps you guessing. While there were moments that stretched believability, the twists and turns in the plot and the complex characters kept me totally invested.

Law student Hannah Rokeby scams her way in to University of Virginia's Innocence Project - a prestigious real-world project, reviewing and appealing the cases of convicted murderers, in an attempt to release those wrongfully convicted. But Hannah hasn't joined to release somebody; rather she is there with one goal: to keep killer Michael Dandridge behind bars.

As Hannah further researches, she uncovers plots and schemes that turn her whole world around, leading her to question her motives and what she has always known to be true.

This was a captivating read, full of unexpected twists and turns. Told initially through Hannah's POV and Laura (her mom)'s diary entries, we learn of Hannah's motivations and the lengths she is willing to go to achieve her goal. Hannah is a layered, flawed character - bold and unscrupulous - operating at reckless abandon. Her supervisor, Parekh similarly has an "end justifies the means" attitude. The main antagonist (unnamed - spoilers!) was every bit as vile as can be imagined . Supporting characters - Sean, Camilla, Sam - were all well rounded characters.

I'm not usually a fan of courtroom dramas, but this was a page turner that one had me on the edge of my seat til the end.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

* Note: I also listened to the audiobook of this via Audible (paid). The narration and voice acting by the cast was well done, and added an extra edge to the gripping tale.

"The Murder Rule" by Dervla McTiernan is a captivating addition to the crime fiction genre. McTiernan's writing shines as she skillfully weaves a complex web of intrigue, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Set against a vividly depicted backdrop, the author's attention to detail brings the story's setting to life. The characters are well-crafted, each with their own motives and secrets, contributing to the story's rich tapestry. The pacing is generally strong, though there are moments when the narrative slows down. The resolution is satisfying, offering a blend of surprises and revelations. McTiernan's ability to intertwine multiple storylines adds depth and complexity to the plot.

Overall, "The Murder Rule" is a compelling read that will keep fans of crime fiction thoroughly engaged.

One sitting read and I loved it!

Thi is one suspenseful read, but you need to pay close attention to this on. There is a court case, Hannah finds a way to join the defense team. But the other team member don't know is hannah is sabotaging their efforts as she has a score to settle and get justice for her mother. Lots of secrets, deception and red herrings in this one - highly recommend.

First Rule: Make them like you.
Second Rule: Make them need you.
Third Rule: Make them pay.

Law student Hannah Rockby blackmails her way onto The Innocence Project. Not to help their cause but to make sure that they fail in their bid to help free Michael Dandridge from prison.

Hannah has read her mother's diaries and she knows what he has done to her mother in the past and she will lie and cheat her way through to ensure he isn’t released.

Unlike Dervla McTiernan’s previous work, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. I enjoyed the final reveals at the end but legal thrillers aren’t something that I enjoy overall. Definitely recommend it for those who enjoy the genre.

Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia and NetGalley for the eARC.

Really enjoyed this novel and it lead places that I just didn't expect. I have recommended it to all my friends and family because it really was a clever story. I didn't think it was the best she had written but it was still highly intriguing as Hannah Rokeby tried to navigate her way through an agenda that didn't quite stay on track. This character was one of those that you didn't quite like but you couldn't quite hate. She had so much going on in her head. Hannah has managed to work her way into a team within 'The Innocence Project' who are about to help Michael Dandridge try to escape death row. She may not however have the same goals as everyone else on the team. Told over two different time frames through Hannah's journey and her mother's diary from many years earlier it is really difficult to know how it will all end. Thank you to Netgalley a HarperCollins, Harper Fiction for the this arc in return for an honest review. I do think it is worth taking the time to explore this story..

After reading the Cormac series I was a little disappointed in this book. Hannah lies and schemes her way into a position assisting on the case of Michael Dandridge determined to ensure he remains in prison. As the case progresses she discovers things are not exactly as she has always understood and begins to question everything she has been told about Michael and what took place all those years ago resulting in his confinement.

Unlike other books by Dervla McTiernan this one did not draw me in straight away, however this changed as the story progressed. In parts the story was confusing, but all became clear at the end, which is what you want from a good mystery story.

I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more by this author.

This was a strange title that I DNF, it was incredibly slow and the plot was messy. Not the usual Dervla page turner I am used to.

Another great book by this author. Junior lawyer Hannah investigated a crime that she has an underlying interest in.

I’ve read and loved all of McTiernan’s other titles so much that this book would have been an instant purchase for me even if I hadn’t snagged this one from NetGalley (thanks to them and HarperCollins). I suppose then I will admit this book was so different to her others that I felt a little shell shocked by its style and I didn't quite warm to it.

The first thing that threw me was the place setting. It’s not her usual Irish one. Nor is it her adopted country of Australia. Instead, the action takes place in the US. I guess, considering the plot, it has to be a US based story but… still… it was a little jarring.

Hannah joins a law college’s ‘Innocence Project’ which looks to overturn convictions of prisoners on death row or serving long sentences. Hannah’s reasons for joining the project are not so innocent. She manipulates her way into the graces of the professors in charge and, for reasons we come to understand from her mother’s diary entries, sets out to undermine the defence of the project’s latest case.

McTiernan’s writing flows in a way that it was an easy read but this plot was unfortunately predictable and she included some overused tropes (such as the small town crooked cop; ugh - I hate that trope!). I’m afraid I guessed the twist; it wasn’t that tricky to foresee.

To be honest, I felt like the entire thing was written for a different demographic than the one I fall into. It just makes me wonder if McTiernan was really trying to crack the US market for readers maybe 18-30. Considering she has a large fanbase already buying her Irish based mysteries, I’m still a bit thrown by the entire book.

Maybe… 3, 3½ at the most

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Have seen mixed reviews for this book but I'm not sure why. As others have mentioned, hopefully there is a follow-up book. Highly recommend for fans of psychological law-based thrillers.

I really struggled with the first half of this one, to me it just took too long to get into the main story and the action and there was too much background information. After the halfway point, I really enjoyed it and feel like it ends with the possibility of a sequel.

This is my first Dervla McTiernam novel and I really enjoyed their writing stylr. This was a definite page turner and wonderfully twisty and engaging. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book caught my attention when I realised it featured The Innocence Project. I remember at University I always wanted to take part in the Innocence Project but never had the chance. This book follows Hannah Rokeby who decides to transfer to another area to get a spot on the Innocence Project because she is extremely interested in one of the cases they are working on. This book was a fun ride and just when you think you have it figured out, the twists continue. The chapters are from the POV of Hannah mostly but there are also past diary entry chapters from Laura. I have not read any other books by Dervla McTiernan but I have heard great things about her books and after reading this one I will definitely be reading more. If you love crime fiction, I think you will enjoy this book, it is an extremely addictive read.

Thanks to Net Galley and author Dervla McTiernan, I obtained an Advanced Reader Copy of The Murder Rule.

This is a fantastic book, with a long but steady build up to some magnificent moments of peril, suspense, and anxiety, as well as multiple unexpected story twists and turns.

Hannah is a fascinating key protagonist; she appears cryptic, but she's obviously motivated, and she knows how to manipulate and use her creative skills to attain her goals. The diary is interesting. Laura is in the background, yet she's pivotal to what happens.

This is an engrossing and suspenseful story of treachery and corruption. Dervla McTiernan's background as a lawyer is evident in the students' pursuit of fascinating legal nuances and investigative leads. Hannah's wish for Michael to never be freed is revealed through entries from Laura's journal interspersed throughout the story.

It's a fast-paced, gripping book that I couldn't put down. Hannah's strength and sense of family drew me to her. It's an exciting ride that I definitely suggest.