The Murder Rule

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What to expect

No one is innocent in this story.

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.

‘Ingenious’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘Gripping and full of tension, with twist after unexpected twist. You won’t just read The Murder Rule, you’ll devour it.’
– Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pieces of Her

Critics Review

  • ‘Ingenious’ SUNDAY TIMES

    ‘Thoroughly engrossing’ MAIL ON SUNDAY

    ‘Meticulously planned and beautifully executed, this is glorious storytelling to rival John Grisham.’ DAILY
    MAIL

    ‘The Murder Rule holds one’s interest from its cheeky opening pages through its final scene.’ WALL STREET JOURNAL

    ‘Gripping and full of tension, with twist after unexpected twist. You’ll devour it’ KARIN SLAUGHTER

    ‘A drop-everything book, The Murder Rule has an amazing set-up. This is a fast-paced, clever and totally thrilling story that you will want to read in one sitting.’ JANE CASEY

    ‘Anyone who enjoys true crime podcasts will not want to miss this book. It turns the concept of an Innocence Project on its head– a legal thriller unlike any I’ve ever read! I loved it.’ JACKIE KABLER

    “Loved it, really gripped” JANE FALLON

    “Pacy and intelligent” PATRICIA GIBNEY

    “Taut, gripping, beautifully written” SIMON LELIC

    “This is McTiernan at a whole new level” JO SPAIN

    “Thoroughly addictive” ANNA DOWNES

    “A fascinating story about innocence and justice” PETRONELLA MCGOVERN

    “Tense and fascinating, dripping with the sort of suspense and intrigue we’ve come to depend on from Dervla McTiernan” CHRISTIAN WHITE

    “Deceptive and devious, this twisted and turned in exactly the way I hoped it would, resulting in an ultimately satisfying conclusion” SAM HOLLAND

    The Murder Rule is utterly absorbing, entertaining and intriguing” LIZ NUGENT

    “Dervla McTiernan has become one of my favourite writers, and if you read The Murder Rule, she will quickly become one of yours. This book is diabolically clever, highly compelling, and deeply moving” DON WINSLOW

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