Liz Nugent's ability to create complex, intriguing, morally grey characters in unsurpassed. Such memorable characters as Sally, (Strange Sally Diamond), Delia (Skin Deep) or Lydia and Andrew (Lying In Wait) make a deep impression and are not easily forgotten. Similarly, Ruby Cooper's tale will stay with the reader for a long time after you finish reading, as you recall her actions and the lifelong repercussions.

In order to avoid spoilers, I'll keep my recap short and suffice to say that Ruby and Erin are teenage siblings, brought up in a religious family in Boston. Due to an event that occurs when Ruby is 16, the family are irrevocably torn apart, with Erin and their father remaining in the US, while Ruby and her mum move to Ireland. The novel covers the reactions and repercussions of the event over the coming decades.

Part thriller, part mystery and utterly compelling, The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a five star read (if I could rate it, 6 star our of 5, I would!!) and is a must read for March 2026.

Another great book by Liz Nugent .

OMG, you HAVE to read this wonderful book! Beautifully written, and a gripping tale of a girl/woman with a very serious delusional complex, as well as being completely self-obsessed. We've all known someone like this, but I'll guarantee not quite to this degree! Read this and you'll see what I mean. Can't say anything more about the story without doing a Hercule Poirot and revealing all. Just read this, I urge you. I started it early yesterday evening, and finished about 3 hours later (am a very very fast reader) because I simply could NOT put it down.

What a read! I couldn’t put it down - so many twists and shocking moments. I feel like I’ve just gotten off a rollercoaster. I would highly recommend this book.

Ruby Cooper grows up in Boston alongside her beautiful, seemingly perfect sister Erin. When Ruby is sixteen, a single incident shatters their family and sends their lives in very different directions. Ruby then moves to Dublin with her mother, determined not to think about what happened, while Erin remains in Boston and it’s her father trying to move forward. But the fallout from that moment ripples through both of their lives.

Ruby is an unlikeable character, she is defensive, bitter, and often completely lacking in self awareness, which makes her perspective interesting to follow. As the story moves across decades, the truth behind that teenage incident slowly comes into focus, revealing the damage Ruby leaves behind in her wake.

The book is about the gradual unravelling of Ruby as she justifies her actions and reshapes the past to suit herself. It feels more a character study than anything else. We know what’s occurred early on and know exactly where the story is going, the book takes us through the decades long journey of getting there through multiple POV’s of Ruby and her sister as well as a couple other characters along the way.

It’s less about solving a mystery and more about watching the consequences of one person’s choice. It is uncomfortable at times, but sort of compelling. It’s a decent read but it didn’t wow me.

Liz Nugent is a very good writer, and this novel is beautifully written. I was always keen to pick up my kindle and read, a sure sign that the story was engaging. Although it is fiction, in places it read like a memoir or autobiography. The central character, Ruby Cooper, is very hard to like, which, for some people, might be an off-putting characteristic. I must admit that the reason I gave the book four stars is more to do with the writing than the characters.

Great read so many twists and turns

Well done

If you like suspense this is for you I couldn’t put it down

This book took me two days to read i was so engrossed in it. It tackles a sensitive subject with care without being mawkish or exploitative. The change of character POV was deftly handled which added much to the depth of the story. An excellent read.

Bought as a gift so havent read but if anything like her other books, it be great.

This was a really great book about a truly awful person. I ouldnt put it down.

I couldn’t put it down. I love how Liz writes, compelling, brutal and fast moving. The different POV’s really brought me into the story. Make sure you have no other plans if you buy this book - you will need to read it to the end!