Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

Where They Lie moves back and forth in time from Dublin in the 1940s to the 1960s. Just before Christmas in 1968, readers are introduced to Nicoletta Sarto, a junior reporter for the Irish Sentinel. Her editor mentions the only major Christmas story ever was 'Gloria Fitzpatrick. Sentenced to hang in '56.'

Gloria was a midwife, convicted for the death of a woman during an induced miscarriage. She was also a suspect in the disappearance of actress Julia Bridges in 1943, but nothing was proven. Now, a call comes in from the Garda station, that Julia Bridges' body has been found. Nicoletta jumps into the story and becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth.

She's shocked to find links to her own family history.

I like the protagonist although at the end her flaws are pretty glaringly obvious. This was a decent mystery and I loved the setting and the time period. I also like investigating old timey murders and tragedies so I was like "sign me up for this one".
This was a good debut!

Very good mystery. Wasn’t wowed but it was good..

Liked the setting for a historical fiction. Felt timely for a March read.

I liked that this mystery had our main character as a newspaper reporter. I think that Nicoletta was able to get more personal details from everyone she talked to than your typical amateur sleuth.

Nicolletta was definitely at a job in a man's world, but taking on a story about Julia Bridges death took her back to learning about Gloria who had been suspected. Gloria has already been locked up due to her dealings with abortions. This book handled the present and future colliding very nicely. Nicolletta found herself to be a key piece to unraveling the truth. I enjoyed hearing about her connection and discovering her past along with her.

The part I didn't like about this book was the ending. I felt like the story was flowing nicely and then, bam, an abrupt stop. I'm hoping this was planned due to a future book, but I left it wanting more detail. This changed my overall opinion of the whole book.

Thank you to Harper Perennial and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

Always one to love discovering a debut novel, this one certainly delivered!

"Where They Lie" tells the story of Dublin journalist Nicoletta Sarto. In 1968 she is working for the Irish Sentinel. She is ambitious and tenacious in equal measure, and she longs to be the paper's women's editor.

The narrative takes place during the last two weeks of December. On Christmas Eve a skeleton is discovered in a Dublin back garden and Nicoletta has her first ever lead story. The bones are thought to be those of a young actress, Julia Bridges, who vanished in 1943. It was believed that she was murdered by Gloria Fitzpatrick, a notorious midwife who was the first woman in the history of the state to get the death penalty. This was later commuted to life in prison on the grounds of insanity.

Flashbacks to 1943 and the last days of Julia's life along with some insight into the life of Gloria Fitzpatrick gradually answer the questions that explain how Julia's skeleton came to be in the back garden of one of the city's wealthy jewellers.

Nicoletta comes to realize that she is much closer to this story than she could ever have imagined...

The title "Where They Lie" was perfectly chosen. The word 'lie' having two meanings, it could apply either way here.

The writing was impressive. "Nicoletta looks at her mother as though for the first time. Disappointment has eaten into her youth and discolored her like a jaundice."

With themes of unwed pregnancy, corruption, class inequality, and illegal adoptions, this novel is sure to be enjoyed by many. I would definitely read another book by this talented author.

"Some stories demand to be told. They keep coming back, echoing down through the decades, until they find a teller"

I love a good historical fiction and this one didn't disappoint especially being a thriller set back in 1943/1968.

It's beautifully atmospheric, and written very well and was very easy to understand and stick with.

This is a very promising debut novel, and the perfect read for the winter.

“Some stories demand to be told. They keep coming back, echoing down through the decades until they find a teller.”

I found Claire Coughlan's debut novel, Where They Lie, to be a beautifully written, atmospheric, literary thriller set in Ireland in 1968. Those who know the history of Ireland know that religion and the Catholic church often feature at the center of political and social issues within the country. Coughlan’s book brings a story about a fledgling journalist into the heart of those issues, offering commentary on the gender imbalance and the prejudice that women face when they act in ways the church and society may disagree with.

In 1943, an actress named Julia Bridges disappeared. She was last seen in Dublin entering the home of Gloria Fitzpatrick, who was tried for murder after assisting in an abortion that ended in the death of a woman named Elizabeth Rourke after complications with the procedure. Gloria will later take her own life when committed to an institute for the criminally insane. There was no evidence as to what role (if any) Gloria may have played in Julia’s disappearance, nor was it discovered what happened to Julia.

Until Christmas Eve, 1968 when Julia’s corpse is discovered in the garden of a house on the outskirts of Dublin. A young reporter named Nicoletta Sarto is working for the Irish Sentinel and has recently moved into a flat away from her mother when the discovery is made. Nicoletta happens to answer the call about the bones, sending her heart racing and drawing Nic into the mysterious case of Julia Bridges.

As Nic begins to investigate the cold case, she uncovers details that tell a very different story than the one that was published after Julia’s disappearance. Nic knows that this may be her chance to have a big story that will earn her credibility as a journalist. She pursues her investigation with tenacity, even if some of what she finds may hit uncomfortably close to home.

Coughlan draws from her own experience as a journalist to add authenticity and depth to Nic’s story and investigation. Nic is a woman working in an industry that is predominantly male, and she faces discrimination and misogyny as she works to be seen as equal at a time when women are seen as anything but.

Coughlan’s portrayal of Dublin in the late 1960s is like a glimpse into a different world. Today Dublin is seen as a cosmopolitan city, but the Dublin of the past felt more like a countryside village where rumors and gossip spread rapidly across the town. Nic herself can be a mysterious figure, and it was clear that there were a lot of pieces of her past that were yet to be revealed. Flashing back in time and forward again, Coughlan weaves the story together in a dazzling and satisfying conclusion to the story.

An engaging and atmospheric novel featuring standout female characters and intricately plotted mysteries.

Where They Lie by Claire Coughlan was a suspenseful and quick read.
This kept me guessing all the way through. There were so many twists that I never had it completely right. This book is an easy read with an interesting storyline.
This book kept me absolutely hooked until the very end with a wild ending.
A page turner of a suspense novel that will suck you in quickly so sit down read, and enjoy the ride.
This is a well-written story with an absolute phenomenal ending.

Thank You NetGalley and Harper Perennial for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

In Claire Coughlan historical fiction, “Where They Lie,” (a clever pun of a title) about unsolved cold-case murders and missing persons mysteries, newspaper reporter Nicoletta assigned to investigate quickly learns that people with secrets are good at keeping confidences, and they’re also less likely to snoop through other people’s ‘dirty laundry.’

Obstinate in her pursuit for closure and tenacious in her quest for justice for the missing and murdered victims, Nicoletta proves both her detective skills and journalistic abilities in a male-dominated mid-century Ireland.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Claire Coughlan, and HarperCollins Publishers for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

Sadly a DNF for me. It wasn’t necessarily “bad” I just didn’t vibe with the writing style or get intrigued enough to continue. It’s a very slow start that I had trouble wanting to actually pick up the book. It has an interesting plot but the romance/relationship with the MC and her boyfriend detracted from what made me want to pick it up in the first place. I hope the book finds its intended audience

I loved this historical mystery set in 1960’s Dublin. The story follows Nicoletta Sarto, a journalist for The Sentinel who is reporting on the discovery of the body of actress Julia Bridges who went missing 25 years earlier. As Nicoletta investigates, she finds that the murder links back to a clinic providing illegal abortions, and to Gloria Fitzpatrick who was a midwife accused of murder. This was a slow-burn but it kept my interest the whole way through. I was invested in Nicoletta and her personal connection to the investigation and thought she was a really unique character.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 20, 2024
Nicoletta Sarto is a journalist in Dublin in 1968. Desperate to get ahead in a man’s world, she has her eyes set on advancing her career, becoming the lead journalist for the female-focused section of the newspaper “The Irish Sentinel”. When the dead body of actress Julia Bridges, who was supposedly killed by the notorious Gloria Fitzpatrick over twenty-five years ago, is found buried in a local garden, Nicoletta believes she has finally found the story that will earn her the journalist position she so desires. But there is more to it than meets the eye, and Nicoletta is not only uncovering long-buried secrets about Julia and Gloria, but soon, Nicoletta’s own past is thrust into the spotlight.
Claire Coughlin’s debut novel, “Where They Lie” is historical fiction at its finest. With heavy issues such as religion, sexism, feminism and abortion, “Lie” is unsettling and engaging.
Nicoletta narrates the novel in her modern day (the 1960s), although there are a few snippets from Gloria (in the form of a letter) that help to deliver the novel’s ending. Nicoletta is admirable, trying to make a name for herself in a career that earns her nothing but derision- including from her own parents. Desperate to show the world just how powerful words can be, Nicoletta sticks to her guns and I couldn’t help but cheer for the flawed, less-than-perfect protagonist.
There are many interconnecting plot lines in this novel, which can be a bit hard to keep track of (parents, biological and not, single women and their ‘unaccepted’ offspring, married men and their elicit affairs, all connected to each other in important ways). Somehow, Coughlin manages to tie all the parties together and the relationships do seem to work, once you sort through them.
I initially felt like there was large pieces of Nicoletta’s past that were missing from the plot, as she hinted at them throughout without providing full details upfront, and I kept waiting to hear more. Just when I thought I was going to have to accept defeat, Coughlin lands a plot point with a powerful bang and more and more of Nicoletta’s story comes together.
“Where They Lie” is atmospheric and timely and it hits all the right boxes. I look forward to more from Coughlin, and I can’t wait to see what develops.

Where did Julia Bridges go?

How did she just disappear?

Did Gloria Fitzpatrick a midwife who was accused of murdering a woman during an abortion have anything to do with her disappearance twenty-five years ago?

Then Julia’s body is found and identified by her wedding ring.

Nicoletta Sarto a young journalist that has a secret of her own hears about the body and makes it her mission to find the answers.

She investigates with a vengeance because she wants to get the head journalist job.

She undercovers many overlooked clues and information and information about her past she wasn’t aware of.

I enjoyed Nicoletta and was hoping for the best for her in her investigation and personal life.

The book just got better and better as you turned the pages.

WHERE THEY LIE will keep your interest because of the great storyline, the descriptive writing, trying to figure out the mystery, and trying to figure out what the title means.

Does the title mean the lies people tell or where bodies lie?

A truly enjoyable book and a wonderful debut that will be for those who like to solve cold-case mysteries and a likeable main character. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This one was a DNF for me, but I am so thankful to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for granting me advanced digital access to this one before it hits shelves on February 20, 2024.

i really enjoyed this at first, but it slowed down for me about half way through. there were a few twists, but i saw them coming from the beginning, so i felt like there was no payoff for me. it's a fine story and i don't have anything overly negative to say, but i just didn't really care what happened! i liked that it was a historical fiction mystery, but i wish it wasn't as predictable.

cw: miscarriage

thanks to netgalley and harper perennial for my ARC of where they lie by claire coughlan. all opinions are my own.

This book had so much promise at the beginning- a young, aspiring journalist working in a male-dominated newsroom in Ireland in the 1960s? I'm here for it! The protagonist was flawed, but that's to be expected with a young character, so I forgave her shortcomings and settled in, anticipating a coming-of-age story arc as she solved the mystery.

I enjoyed the atmospheric descriptions of the newsroom and cozy pubs. I enjoyed the pacing of the main plot points. I appreciated the complex relationship that protagonist had with her parents. I appreciated the plot twists. But none of these things redeems the protagonist when, after fighting the patriarchy through the entire book, she decides to marry her sleazy boyfriend, who only committed to her when his wife found out about their affair. I'm very confused about the author's choice for this character as it did not fit the character development through the book. Perhaps the author wants the reader to hate the protagonist? I'm confused.

This is a compelling narrative that spans decades, intricately weaving together the disappearance of actress Julia Bridges in 1943 and the discovery of her bones in 1968. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Dublin, offering us a glimpse into the dark secrets and hidden crimes that linger beneath the surface.

The novel opens in 1943 when Julia Bridges vanishes without a trace after entering the house of Gloria Fitzpatrick. The ensuing trial implicates Gloria in the murder of a woman whose abortion she facilitated, but Julia's body is never found. Gloria is sentenced to life in an institution for the criminally insane, where the truth about Julia's disappearance seems destined to remain buried.

Fast forward to 1968, where junior reporter Nicoletta Sarto stumbles upon the bones of Julia Bridges in the garden of a Dublin house. Intrigued by the unsolved mystery and its connection to Gloria Fitzpatrick, Nicoletta embarks on a journalistic investigation that unravels the dark underbelly of the illegal abortion industry. As she delves deeper, Nicoletta finds herself entangled in a web of long-buried secrets that extend beyond the mystery she set out to solve.

The author skillfully blends historical elements with a gripping mystery, creating a sense of time and place that immerses readers in post-war Dublin. The narrative unfolds with meticulous pacing, keeping us on the edge of our seats as Nicoletta's investigation peels back layers of deception, revealing the interconnected lives of the characters.

Nicoletta emerges as a dynamic and determined protagonist, her journey through the underworld of illegal abortions mirroring the broader societal challenges of the time. The novel explores themes of justice, resilience, and the impact of clandestine activities on the lives of those involved.

This is a masterfully told mystery that captivates with its intricate plot and richly drawn characters. The echoes of the past reverberate through the narrative, demanding to be heard, and the author adeptly unravels the threads of the story until the truth is laid bare. This novel is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries, offering a captivating journey into a bygone era fraught with secrets and shadows.

I just reviewed Where They Lie by Claire Coughlan. #WhereTheyLie #NetGalley

My inner gremlin poked her head out this week and I got a bit jealous ! Whoa! I would love to say this is unlike me but who am I kidding. I can be a jealous brat 🤗

So, I read the description for Where They Lie and my palms instantly got sweaty, “this book is totally my speed”, I thought. Mark my words, this book is going to break the internet.

I hit the request button and sat back to wait…

Cue the magic little ding dong to my inbox!!! My big ole eyes got wide as I stared at my approval ! Yay ! I’m still a cool kid !

This book right here is way more than just a thriller. It deals with some hard topics, historical fiction, mystery, and suspense. I was in over my head and I didn’t know if I would ever be able to check back in to reality.

This is a book with characters you love and some you love to hate! Filled with twists and turns at every corner the amount of suspense kept me on edge the entire time ! I flippin’ loved this book!

Five Stars ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Teaser :

An immersive, literary thriller set in 1960s Dublin about an ambitious young female journalist whose investigation of a long missing actress will take her through misty streets and the tangled underworld—and force her to confront the long buried secrets of her own past.

Some stories demand to be told. They keep coming back, echoing down through the decades, until they find a teller . . .

Dublin, 1943. Actress Julia Bridges disappears. She was last seen entering the house of Gloria Fitzpatrick, who is later put on trial for the murder of a woman whose abortion she facilitated. But it’s never proved that Gloria had a hand in Julia’s death—and Julia’s body has never been found. Gloria, however, is sentenced to life in an institution for the criminally insane, where she’s found dead a few years later from an apparent suicide, and the truth of what happened to Julia Bridges dies with her.

Until . . .

Dublin, 1968. Nicoletta Sarto is an ambitious junior reporter for the Irish Sentinel when the bones of Julia Bridges are discovered in the garden of a house on the outskirts of the city. Drawn into investigating the 25-year-old mystery of Julia’s disappearance and her link to the notorious Gloria Fitzpatrick, Nicoletta becomes immersed in the tangled underworld of the illegal abortion industry, stirring up long-buried secrets from her own past.

A beautifully atmospheric, timely thriller, Where They Lie uses a murder mystery as a lens to focus on the long struggle of women fighting to achieve autonomy and succeed in a man’s world.