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Some of This Is True
'Gripping, smart, suspenseful' EDEL COFFEY
'I could not put the book down' AMY JORDAN
In a village of secrets, is anyone truly innocent?
'A page-turner' IRISH INDEPENDENT
On a frosty morning, a young tourist is found dead at the bottom of the Wishing Steps at Blarney Castle. A tragic fall, the locals say. But when Dani DeMarco arrives from America to identify her daughter Jessie's body, she's convinced the truth is more sinister.
Jessie had travelled to the village to find the father she never knew, a man who's now a pillar of the local community. But the story of his past, which Dani quickly exposes, soon ignites a storm of outrage, denial and fear.
The local community begins to take sides, but who to believe - the man they have known all their lives, or a devastated mother with nothing to lose? As loyalties shift and tensions rise, one question haunts them did Jessie slip ... or was she silenced?
'A thrilling mystery' GILL PERDUE
'I could not put the book down' AMY JORDAN
In a village of secrets, is anyone truly innocent?
'A page-turner' IRISH INDEPENDENT
On a frosty morning, a young tourist is found dead at the bottom of the Wishing Steps at Blarney Castle. A tragic fall, the locals say. But when Dani DeMarco arrives from America to identify her daughter Jessie's body, she's convinced the truth is more sinister.
Jessie had travelled to the village to find the father she never knew, a man who's now a pillar of the local community. But the story of his past, which Dani quickly exposes, soon ignites a storm of outrage, denial and fear.
The local community begins to take sides, but who to believe - the man they have known all their lives, or a devastated mother with nothing to lose? As loyalties shift and tensions rise, one question haunts them did Jessie slip ... or was she silenced?
'A thrilling mystery' GILL PERDUE
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
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June 5, 2025#Gifted
Some of This is True is the third novel from Irish author Michelle McDonagh; known for her rural crime dramas. If you enjoyed her other books, I think you’ll love this one. It may well be my favourite of hers so far; I flew through it over the space of two evenings and would have finished it sooner if I had more hours in the day 😅
On a cold Winter morning, the body of a young woman is found at the bottom of the Wishing Steps at Blarney Castle, seemingly the result of slippy steps and worn down Converse runners.
Jessie DeMarco was a tourist from Boston, in Cork searching for her biological father. Upon hearing the news of Jessie’s death, her estranged mother Dani flies over from America to identify the body but immediately after arriving, she bumps into the man she believes is Jessie’s real dad, and begins to suspect her daughter may have been murdered. Dani starts a social media campaign against this man; a local pillar of the community, leading to fractures in the town, and potentially more devastation all round.
I absolutely could not have guessed the twist at the end of this; very nicely done!
I love that the story unfolds via multiple perspectives; I think it adds a real depth to the book and it certainly kept me gripped right up to the last page.
This is another great summer page-turner; recommend!
With many thanks @hachetteireland for my early copy. Some of This is True is available to buy now. All opinions are my own, as always.
Some of This is True is the third novel from Irish author Michelle McDonagh; known for her rural crime dramas. If you enjoyed her other books, I think you’ll love this one. It may well be my favourite of hers so far; I flew through it over the space of two evenings and would have finished it sooner if I had more hours in the day 😅
On a cold Winter morning, the body of a young woman is found at the bottom of the Wishing Steps at Blarney Castle, seemingly the result of slippy steps and worn down Converse runners.
Jessie DeMarco was a tourist from Boston, in Cork searching for her biological father. Upon hearing the news of Jessie’s death, her estranged mother Dani flies over from America to identify the body but immediately after arriving, she bumps into the man she believes is Jessie’s real dad, and begins to suspect her daughter may have been murdered. Dani starts a social media campaign against this man; a local pillar of the community, leading to fractures in the town, and potentially more devastation all round.
I absolutely could not have guessed the twist at the end of this; very nicely done!
I love that the story unfolds via multiple perspectives; I think it adds a real depth to the book and it certainly kept me gripped right up to the last page.
This is another great summer page-turner; recommend!
With many thanks @hachetteireland for my early copy. Some of This is True is available to buy now. All opinions are my own, as always.
August 19, 2025
3.5⭐️ This was a good time, especially because it took place in Cork, Ireland and I was just there! It reads like an Irish Lisa Jewell book. It even has a similar title. The ending wasn’t my favorite but I was definitely entertained.
May 24, 2025
Some of This Is True starts with a bang—literally—at the Wishing Steps in Blarney Castle, and from there, you’re drawn into a story full of quiet tension, half-truths, and questions no one seems eager to answer.
On the surface, it’s straightforward: a young American, Jessie, is found dead, and the Guards call it a tragic accident. But her mamma Dani, arriving from Boston, is convinced it was murder, and she’s not afraid to say so, even if it means accusing someone the village holds in high regard.
What follows isn’t your usual twist-a-minute thriller. It’s more of a slow burn—character-driven and emotionally layered. I really appreciated the grounded suspense and the way the story unfolded with steady, simmering tension.
McDonagh nails the setting, small-town Ireland with all its charm, unspoken rules, and the claustrophobia that comes when peace is disturbed. Having visited Blarney, I could picture every step and stone, which gave the story extra weight.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including some flashbacks, which I always appreciate, especially in stories like this, where truth and memory are up for debate. It shows how complex stories can become when filtered through personal experience and how, in a small village, the truth is often shaped more by loyalty and perception than by fact. The different voices are well handled, and even though not everything lined up perfectly, that only added to the tension. You’re constantly second-guessing who to believe, if anyone at all.
Dani was the emotional core for me. Sure, she’s grieving, but she’s also angry, sharp, and driven. She’s not always easy to like, but I admired her persistence. She refuses to be dismissed or silenced, even as the community closes ranks around her. Her pain feels real on the page, and her determination to uncover the truth—even if it hurts—carries the whole narrative forward.
The death is the spark, but the real story is in the fallout—the ripple effects, the tested loyalties, and the silence that speaks volumes. McDonagh captures how quickly a community can close ranks and how some truths are buried for a reason.
Overall, Some of This Is True is a cleverly written, emotionally resonant novel that delivers more than just a mystery. It’s about grief, belonging, reputation, and the cost of digging up things meant to stay buried. There were a few turns I saw coming, but the emotional depth and well-drawn characters more than made up for that. It’s more suspense than thriller, more emotional than procedural, and it's all the better for it.
Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review, as always.
On the surface, it’s straightforward: a young American, Jessie, is found dead, and the Guards call it a tragic accident. But her mamma Dani, arriving from Boston, is convinced it was murder, and she’s not afraid to say so, even if it means accusing someone the village holds in high regard.
What follows isn’t your usual twist-a-minute thriller. It’s more of a slow burn—character-driven and emotionally layered. I really appreciated the grounded suspense and the way the story unfolded with steady, simmering tension.
McDonagh nails the setting, small-town Ireland with all its charm, unspoken rules, and the claustrophobia that comes when peace is disturbed. Having visited Blarney, I could picture every step and stone, which gave the story extra weight.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including some flashbacks, which I always appreciate, especially in stories like this, where truth and memory are up for debate. It shows how complex stories can become when filtered through personal experience and how, in a small village, the truth is often shaped more by loyalty and perception than by fact. The different voices are well handled, and even though not everything lined up perfectly, that only added to the tension. You’re constantly second-guessing who to believe, if anyone at all.
Dani was the emotional core for me. Sure, she’s grieving, but she’s also angry, sharp, and driven. She’s not always easy to like, but I admired her persistence. She refuses to be dismissed or silenced, even as the community closes ranks around her. Her pain feels real on the page, and her determination to uncover the truth—even if it hurts—carries the whole narrative forward.
The death is the spark, but the real story is in the fallout—the ripple effects, the tested loyalties, and the silence that speaks volumes. McDonagh captures how quickly a community can close ranks and how some truths are buried for a reason.
Overall, Some of This Is True is a cleverly written, emotionally resonant novel that delivers more than just a mystery. It’s about grief, belonging, reputation, and the cost of digging up things meant to stay buried. There were a few turns I saw coming, but the emotional depth and well-drawn characters more than made up for that. It’s more suspense than thriller, more emotional than procedural, and it's all the better for it.
Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review, as always.
September 27, 2025
Some Of This Is True / Michelle McDonagh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ It was a bit late for that. You'd hear Betty Byrne a mile away, even if there was an All-Ireland hurling final with Cork playing Kilkenny turned up to full volume on the TV in the hotel bar… ~
Another year, and a return to Michelle McDonagh is here. She just nails rural Ireland so well in this. This is small town Ireland where unwritten rules are always in play and the claustrophobic nature of when these rules are broken.
Told through multiple perspectives, none of these are particularly likeable. You admire their tenacity and their drive to protect. To get their peace. To know. This is especially true for Dani in the fact that she’s so unlikeable but she has lost her daughter. Tadhg was really unpredictable. The women do their best.
I nailed a few twists along the way, and I enjoyed the story. It’s super readable. The epilogue though I was a bit torn about but yeah I suppose like.
The main POV characters do their bit. But this is a story of grooming and the aftermath 20 years later. IT IS WILD THOUGH. Shenanigans throughout.
This has enough for 4 ⭐️, it’s not my favourite by McDonagh, but it ranks there. Looking forward to her next one.
And one last turn, Betty Byrne is the absolute best.
Picked up from the TBR Pile: Graiguenamanagh
Bought from: Hubb 16, New Ross - 01/09/25
Read: 24/09/25 - 26/09/25
Release Date: 05/06/25
ISBN: 9781399737876
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ It was a bit late for that. You'd hear Betty Byrne a mile away, even if there was an All-Ireland hurling final with Cork playing Kilkenny turned up to full volume on the TV in the hotel bar… ~
Another year, and a return to Michelle McDonagh is here. She just nails rural Ireland so well in this. This is small town Ireland where unwritten rules are always in play and the claustrophobic nature of when these rules are broken.
Told through multiple perspectives, none of these are particularly likeable. You admire their tenacity and their drive to protect. To get their peace. To know. This is especially true for Dani in the fact that she’s so unlikeable but she has lost her daughter. Tadhg was really unpredictable. The women do their best.
I nailed a few twists along the way, and I enjoyed the story. It’s super readable. The epilogue though I was a bit torn about but yeah I suppose like.
The main POV characters do their bit. But this is a story of grooming and the aftermath 20 years later. IT IS WILD THOUGH. Shenanigans throughout.
This has enough for 4 ⭐️, it’s not my favourite by McDonagh, but it ranks there. Looking forward to her next one.
And one last turn, Betty Byrne is the absolute best.
Picked up from the TBR Pile: Graiguenamanagh
Bought from: Hubb 16, New Ross - 01/09/25
Read: 24/09/25 - 26/09/25
Release Date: 05/06/25
ISBN: 9781399737876
July 25, 2025
4.5 stars
I read this slowly, drawn in by the simmering tension and half-secrets lurking in every family unit. The Blarney setting added so much atmosphere, grounding the story in a place that felt both familiar and unsettling. And that final reveal genuinely shook me.
Before I finished this one I had already purchased my next Michelle McDonagh read and I think that says it all.
Quietly powerful, layered, and haunting.
I read this slowly, drawn in by the simmering tension and half-secrets lurking in every family unit. The Blarney setting added so much atmosphere, grounding the story in a place that felt both familiar and unsettling. And that final reveal genuinely shook me.
Before I finished this one I had already purchased my next Michelle McDonagh read and I think that says it all.
Quietly powerful, layered, and haunting.
October 28, 2025
This was a slow-burner for me at the start. Set in Ireland, an American visitor, searching for her Irish father, has a fall in Blarney Castle and dies.
But was she pushed?
Her mother arrives and suggests that her daughter's death was not an accident. Gradually, all the secrets start to come out, not just about the mother and daughter, but in the tight-knit community of Blarney.
The pace for me picked up about a third through, and then I really got into the book. There are a few twists which will keep you guessing and take you by surprise.
If you like slow burn crime stories set in rural areas, you'll enjoy this.
But was she pushed?
Her mother arrives and suggests that her daughter's death was not an accident. Gradually, all the secrets start to come out, not just about the mother and daughter, but in the tight-knit community of Blarney.
The pace for me picked up about a third through, and then I really got into the book. There are a few twists which will keep you guessing and take you by surprise.
If you like slow burn crime stories set in rural areas, you'll enjoy this.
May 28, 2025
My Rating ~ 3.5*
Some of This is True by Michelle McDonagh publishes June 5th with Hachette Ireland and is described as 'a gripping, twist-filled story of secrets, deception and suspicion.'
Set in the village of Blarney in Co. Cork Some of This is True is a story about broken families, duplicity, guilt, and a dead body. When young Jessie DeMarco arrived to Ireland from Boston, she came with a dream. Having had a grievance with her mother Dani about her paternity, she went in search of her father without informing any members of her family. When Jessie's body is discovered one cold winter's morning at the base of the famous Wishing Steps in the grounds of Blarney Castle the village is shocked. Peeping out windows and gossiping with neighbours and friends is only to be expected but, when strange accusations follow, rumours circulate that something more sinister may have been at play.
Dani is notified of Jessie's death when the local police call to her home in Dorchester. This traumatic news sends Dani into a spiral. Dani is devastated and unable to accept the fact that her baby is dead. The journey across the Atlantic is fraught with anguish and deep sorrow and the identification of Jessie's body in a Cork morgue is almost too much for Dani to process.
By request she stays in the B&B that Jessie was staying in, sleeping in her bed and smelling the last few remnants of her scent in the guest room. Noelle, the landlady, is uncomfortable with Dani staying with her, and with the idea of having to comfort her. While Noelle is a solid member of the community she has enough of her own issues to contend with and is overwhelmed by this larger than life loud American.
Maria, Noelle's friend and neighbour, and local school teacher is, like all of Blarney, upset that something like this has happened in their warm community. She is a mother of two teenagers, married to the local school principal, Tadhg, a man with a fine upstanding reputation and a long-time GAA supporter. As Dani begins to get more restless, convinced that there is more to her daughter's death than a tragic accident, Maria is initially enthralled, encouraging updates from her best friend, but this curiosity soon turns to concern when something totally unexpected transpires.
As secrets are slowly revealed, the seemingly welcoming veneer of this small village starts to slip. Dani is relentless to the point of being quite aggressive in her search for the truth. With her own mental health crashing down around her, she persists on getting justice for Jessie. Her approach is quite unorthodox, soon placing her on the wrong side of quite a few people as she casts aspersions and throws out some very distressing comments.
Some of This is True is a domestic village mystery with many unappealing and toxic personalities and a tragedy at its core. It is the story of a community protecting its own and the constant challenges faced by an outsider trying to break through its ranks. Dani DeMarco has suffered all her life. Her misfortunes continue to shadow her as she negotiates her way through local bureaucracy and whispers, determined to find out what happened to Jessie. But will Dani ever find peace?
Some of This is True is very much a novel about its characters and their actions. There is something quite familiar with all the different personalities that will appeal to many readers, with recognisable traits and features that make them easy to visualise. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the Blarney setting in this tale that Gill Perdue describes as 'compelling intergenerational domestic noir' and Catherine Kirwan as 'a perceptive dissection of small town Ireland in 2025'.
Some of This is True by Michelle McDonagh publishes June 5th with Hachette Ireland and is described as 'a gripping, twist-filled story of secrets, deception and suspicion.'
Set in the village of Blarney in Co. Cork Some of This is True is a story about broken families, duplicity, guilt, and a dead body. When young Jessie DeMarco arrived to Ireland from Boston, she came with a dream. Having had a grievance with her mother Dani about her paternity, she went in search of her father without informing any members of her family. When Jessie's body is discovered one cold winter's morning at the base of the famous Wishing Steps in the grounds of Blarney Castle the village is shocked. Peeping out windows and gossiping with neighbours and friends is only to be expected but, when strange accusations follow, rumours circulate that something more sinister may have been at play.
Dani is notified of Jessie's death when the local police call to her home in Dorchester. This traumatic news sends Dani into a spiral. Dani is devastated and unable to accept the fact that her baby is dead. The journey across the Atlantic is fraught with anguish and deep sorrow and the identification of Jessie's body in a Cork morgue is almost too much for Dani to process.
By request she stays in the B&B that Jessie was staying in, sleeping in her bed and smelling the last few remnants of her scent in the guest room. Noelle, the landlady, is uncomfortable with Dani staying with her, and with the idea of having to comfort her. While Noelle is a solid member of the community she has enough of her own issues to contend with and is overwhelmed by this larger than life loud American.
Maria, Noelle's friend and neighbour, and local school teacher is, like all of Blarney, upset that something like this has happened in their warm community. She is a mother of two teenagers, married to the local school principal, Tadhg, a man with a fine upstanding reputation and a long-time GAA supporter. As Dani begins to get more restless, convinced that there is more to her daughter's death than a tragic accident, Maria is initially enthralled, encouraging updates from her best friend, but this curiosity soon turns to concern when something totally unexpected transpires.
As secrets are slowly revealed, the seemingly welcoming veneer of this small village starts to slip. Dani is relentless to the point of being quite aggressive in her search for the truth. With her own mental health crashing down around her, she persists on getting justice for Jessie. Her approach is quite unorthodox, soon placing her on the wrong side of quite a few people as she casts aspersions and throws out some very distressing comments.
Some of This is True is a domestic village mystery with many unappealing and toxic personalities and a tragedy at its core. It is the story of a community protecting its own and the constant challenges faced by an outsider trying to break through its ranks. Dani DeMarco has suffered all her life. Her misfortunes continue to shadow her as she negotiates her way through local bureaucracy and whispers, determined to find out what happened to Jessie. But will Dani ever find peace?
Some of This is True is very much a novel about its characters and their actions. There is something quite familiar with all the different personalities that will appeal to many readers, with recognisable traits and features that make them easy to visualise. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the Blarney setting in this tale that Gill Perdue describes as 'compelling intergenerational domestic noir' and Catherine Kirwan as 'a perceptive dissection of small town Ireland in 2025'.
May 22, 2025
📚 ARC Review. Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books!
🗓️ Release Date: June 5, 2025
📖 Genre: Mystery / Domestic Noir / Irish Fiction
Summary:
In the quiet village of Blarney, County Cork, a young American tourist, Jessie DeMarco, is found dead at the foot of the Wishing Steps. Her grieving mother, Dani, arrives determined to uncover the truth—and claims that Jessie’s father is a respected local man who may be hiding more than anyone realizes. As suspicions grow and secrets begin to unravel, the community is forced to choose sides in a story where not everything is as it seems.
⸻
Review:
Michelle McDonagh crafts a compelling, slow-burning mystery steeped in atmosphere and tension. I really enjoyed the narrative structure and the way the story was written—it felt immersive and kept me engaged from the first page. I truly enjoy having different voices and not just one point of view, specially in a book like this.
Having visited Blarney myself, it was easy to picture the setting and immerse myself in it —the steps, the village, the quiet intensity of a place with stories buried beneath its surface. That familiarity added an extra layer of realism and emotion to the reading experience.
Dani’s character especially stood out—her pain, persistence, and unraveling sense of trust were portrayed so powerfully. The story raises questions about truth, perception, and who gets to control the narrative in small, tight-knit communities.
For moments, the death seemed not relevant anymore, or even the who, while the WHY became the center of attention.
While I didn’t find every twist shocking, the pacing and character development more than made up for it. McDonagh’s writing has a strong, clear voice that lingers after the final page.
⸻
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended for: Fans of domestic thrillers, Irish settings, and authors like Liz Nugent or Andrea Mara.
🗓️ Release Date: June 5, 2025
📖 Genre: Mystery / Domestic Noir / Irish Fiction
Summary:
In the quiet village of Blarney, County Cork, a young American tourist, Jessie DeMarco, is found dead at the foot of the Wishing Steps. Her grieving mother, Dani, arrives determined to uncover the truth—and claims that Jessie’s father is a respected local man who may be hiding more than anyone realizes. As suspicions grow and secrets begin to unravel, the community is forced to choose sides in a story where not everything is as it seems.
⸻
Review:
Michelle McDonagh crafts a compelling, slow-burning mystery steeped in atmosphere and tension. I really enjoyed the narrative structure and the way the story was written—it felt immersive and kept me engaged from the first page. I truly enjoy having different voices and not just one point of view, specially in a book like this.
Having visited Blarney myself, it was easy to picture the setting and immerse myself in it —the steps, the village, the quiet intensity of a place with stories buried beneath its surface. That familiarity added an extra layer of realism and emotion to the reading experience.
Dani’s character especially stood out—her pain, persistence, and unraveling sense of trust were portrayed so powerfully. The story raises questions about truth, perception, and who gets to control the narrative in small, tight-knit communities.
For moments, the death seemed not relevant anymore, or even the who, while the WHY became the center of attention.
While I didn’t find every twist shocking, the pacing and character development more than made up for it. McDonagh’s writing has a strong, clear voice that lingers after the final page.
⸻
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended for: Fans of domestic thrillers, Irish settings, and authors like Liz Nugent or Andrea Mara.
June 5, 2025
This book does a great job of creating the tension of what might happen in a smaller town, if a girl looking for her father ends up mysteriously dead and how it all blows up when the mother comes and then accuses a man of murdering the girl because he is the father or so she claims. Dani is a mother who lost her child. A tragedy and I feel for how she wants justice for Jessie though it makes for twisty emotions because as the reader I was not sure how much of her story was true, especially when you add in Tadhg's side of the story (also suspicious) and how the town reacts to this. There is so much tension and even if this is a slow burn with Dani trying to get her story told and believed. You get people who want to help but also others that just want to create as much chaos as possible. And there are many suspicious actions being done by others being affected by it, and the little glimpses in the past rack up the tension that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what actually happened, both present day and way back 22 years ago with the first meetings of Dani and Tadhg and what were the lies or truths that got stretched.
This book does a good job with the story and also shows how past actions affect way more than just the original people which can break relationships, and ruin lives though it is possible to heal, if you have the right people willing to give you a safe space. I liked it! There is a bit of happiness after Jessie's death and you do find out what happened (though I did not expect that!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me a chance to travel to Blarney and experience this story!
This book does a good job with the story and also shows how past actions affect way more than just the original people which can break relationships, and ruin lives though it is possible to heal, if you have the right people willing to give you a safe space. I liked it! There is a bit of happiness after Jessie's death and you do find out what happened (though I did not expect that!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me a chance to travel to Blarney and experience this story!
May 30, 2025
This is the third book I have read by Michelle McDonough and she is one the most gifted writers I have come across from Ireland - which is saying a lot, given the rich Irish literary traditions she and her contemporaries are taking forward.
When a young American girl arrives in a small Irish village in search of her unknown biological father - Michael Murphy is hardly an uncommon name, mind you, so who knows if she will ever find the right one! - everyone is charmed by Jessie's determination to find her father, and her pride in her heritage.
So, when she is subsequently found dead in what appears to be an accidental fall at the nearby castle heritage site, all the locals mourn the loss.
Or do they? Because when the girl's mother Dani arrives from America and (to her own shock) identifies Jessie's father as a respectable local married man, she becomes convinced that the death of her daughter was no accident. And all hell breaks loose...
This is a beautiful book, cleverly plotted and intricately written. I cannot recommend it too highly.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
When a young American girl arrives in a small Irish village in search of her unknown biological father - Michael Murphy is hardly an uncommon name, mind you, so who knows if she will ever find the right one! - everyone is charmed by Jessie's determination to find her father, and her pride in her heritage.
So, when she is subsequently found dead in what appears to be an accidental fall at the nearby castle heritage site, all the locals mourn the loss.
Or do they? Because when the girl's mother Dani arrives from America and (to her own shock) identifies Jessie's father as a respectable local married man, she becomes convinced that the death of her daughter was no accident. And all hell breaks loose...
This is a beautiful book, cleverly plotted and intricately written. I cannot recommend it too highly.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 7, 2025
Michelle McDonagh is a very talented writer.
Once I got used to the idea that there would be lots of platforms like TicTok, Snapchat, Facebook etc, I was able to follow it all.
I loved a lot of the characters, I felt very sorry for Jessie, poor girl.
I also felt sorry for her Mum, Dani - she had a rotten life.
Some of the characters were very enjoyable, like Maria and Tadgh, and Tadgh's Mum Essie. I actually disliked Noelle (I thought she was very self-centered).
There was a few very funny characters like Betty (Maria's friend) she made me laugh a lot.
"She could no more read the room than she could the Latin translation of Ulysses" - this was a very funny observation.
I'd highly recommend this book.
I loved it as much as her other two books
- "There's Something I Have To Tell You"
- "Somebody Knows"
Completely different books but all of them are very well written.
Michelle McDonagh is a really talented writer
Once I got used to the idea that there would be lots of platforms like TicTok, Snapchat, Facebook etc, I was able to follow it all.
I loved a lot of the characters, I felt very sorry for Jessie, poor girl.
I also felt sorry for her Mum, Dani - she had a rotten life.
Some of the characters were very enjoyable, like Maria and Tadgh, and Tadgh's Mum Essie. I actually disliked Noelle (I thought she was very self-centered).
There was a few very funny characters like Betty (Maria's friend) she made me laugh a lot.
"She could no more read the room than she could the Latin translation of Ulysses" - this was a very funny observation.
I'd highly recommend this book.
I loved it as much as her other two books
- "There's Something I Have To Tell You"
- "Somebody Knows"
Completely different books but all of them are very well written.
Michelle McDonagh is a really talented writer
July 24, 2025
On an icy morning in January, a body is discovered at the bottom of the Wishing Steps at Blarney Castle, seemingly the tragic death by falling of a young tourist.
Jessie DeMarco had travelled to the Cork village in search of the father she'd never known. When her bereft mother Dani arrives from America to identify her daughter's body, she brings with her a story of Jessie's father's past - now a pillar of the community - that will soon lead to shocking accusations and fervent denials.
Convinced that her daughter's death was not accidental, Dani sets about uncovering evidence, as the local community begins to take sides. But who to believe - the local man they have known all their lives, or a devastated mother with nothing to lose?
I listened to the audio of this book and thought it was really well done
Jessie DeMarco had travelled to the Cork village in search of the father she'd never known. When her bereft mother Dani arrives from America to identify her daughter's body, she brings with her a story of Jessie's father's past - now a pillar of the community - that will soon lead to shocking accusations and fervent denials.
Convinced that her daughter's death was not accidental, Dani sets about uncovering evidence, as the local community begins to take sides. But who to believe - the local man they have known all their lives, or a devastated mother with nothing to lose?
I listened to the audio of this book and thought it was really well done
June 10, 2025
Michelle McDonagh's third book 'Some Of This Is True' is a gripping character-driven mystery set in the town of Blarney, Co Cork.
A young American girl who was in Ireland looking for her father is found dead at the bottom of the Wishing Steps in Blarney Castle on a cold January day. The police declares it an accident but her mother is not convinced and travels to Ireland from the States to find the truth. As a consequence the close-knit community is being disturbed with false allegations and long kept secrets are being revealed.
I very much enjoyed this cleverly plotted mystery. It kept me engaged throughout with beautiful writing and unexpected twists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Ireland for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.
A young American girl who was in Ireland looking for her father is found dead at the bottom of the Wishing Steps in Blarney Castle on a cold January day. The police declares it an accident but her mother is not convinced and travels to Ireland from the States to find the truth. As a consequence the close-knit community is being disturbed with false allegations and long kept secrets are being revealed.
I very much enjoyed this cleverly plotted mystery. It kept me engaged throughout with beautiful writing and unexpected twists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Ireland for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.
June 23, 2025
What a great thriller told well and with empathy by the author. Set in beautiful Blarney in County Cork, Ireland, it’s full of well drawn characters— ones you’d find in any town in Ireland.
And though it’s a sad, tragic story about a young g American woman’s death on the grounds of Blarney Castle, there’s humour in it delivered in real Cork country accents.
The writer shows a good knowledge of people’s weaknesses and strengths That coupled with her understanding of human nature gives this novel a depth that rises it above other books in the thriller genre. Loved reading it. A pity the reading of it ended too soon.
Like Richard Osman’s murder stories set in an old folks home, maybe McDonagh might pen a few more books set in this Irish town!
And though it’s a sad, tragic story about a young g American woman’s death on the grounds of Blarney Castle, there’s humour in it delivered in real Cork country accents.
The writer shows a good knowledge of people’s weaknesses and strengths That coupled with her understanding of human nature gives this novel a depth that rises it above other books in the thriller genre. Loved reading it. A pity the reading of it ended too soon.
Like Richard Osman’s murder stories set in an old folks home, maybe McDonagh might pen a few more books set in this Irish town!
June 27, 2025
This is a such an accomplished book. Contemporary and relevant, Michelle McDonagh paints an unnerving picture of modern life with the gossip, rumour and whispering campaigns that cause domestic chaos and societal disorder. McDonagh writes dysfunctional, three dimensional characters so well that we're not sure who we're rooting for, while throwing in a whodunnit that keeps us guessing until the end. Strong recommend.
July 14, 2025
For me Michelle McDonagh can do no wrong. I loved this thriller about a young American girl called Jessie who comes to Ireland to find her father. Jessie is found at the bottom of the steps to the Blarney Stone. Was it a tragic accident or was Jessie pushed, her mother Dani is determined to find out.
There's lots of twists and turns in this thriller, it really keeps you guessing and I was really happy with the ending. Definitely recommend this thriller.
There's lots of twists and turns in this thriller, it really keeps you guessing and I was really happy with the ending. Definitely recommend this thriller.
October 25, 2025
Hmm. (Contemplative finger on lips). I wonder if the character of Tadhg Murphy, genius sportsman of his generation, handsome, idolised since his teens, entitled. I wonder if he was inspired by any other gifted, prominent ex-sportsman who tumbled from his perch. (Shakes head in bewilderment).
Michelle has got all of modern Ireland there. She has empathy for the families of the entitled, and, in particular, empathy for the damaged Dani.
Good one.
Michelle has got all of modern Ireland there. She has empathy for the families of the entitled, and, in particular, empathy for the damaged Dani.
Good one.
January 20, 2026
This was a fun read, a real “who done it” and I needed that. I’m newish to Ireland and really loved the Irish-isms, GAA culture references and Cork insights. Plenty of interesting characters, not a huge amount of depth to any of them but they all play an interesting role. A mother’s love and what you would do for your child plays a big role in this book, particularly towards the end. I was left pondering how different and complicated our journeys as mothers can be, and wanting to avoid GAA 🫢
February 4, 2026
What a story!
I listened to the audiobook on Spotify. Huge props to the narrator who captured every characters voice to perfection.
This is a gripping story delving into secrets over two decades old. As an Irish person living away from home, the description of small town Blarney came to life so vividly. The story has multiple plots and turns which kept me super intrigued. The story coming from multiple perspectives gave it so much depth.
Loved the final revelation at the end, very unexpected.
I listened to the audiobook on Spotify. Huge props to the narrator who captured every characters voice to perfection.
This is a gripping story delving into secrets over two decades old. As an Irish person living away from home, the description of small town Blarney came to life so vividly. The story has multiple plots and turns which kept me super intrigued. The story coming from multiple perspectives gave it so much depth.
Loved the final revelation at the end, very unexpected.
May 13, 2025
I was properly pulled into this one, the main bit for me being, who was lying. The dead body at start of book almost didn't matter.
It shows every side of being a human, the worry, the doubt, the cruelty....
I myself didn't know who to believe, because as the title imies, it might not all be a lie.
Cracking read.
It shows every side of being a human, the worry, the doubt, the cruelty....
I myself didn't know who to believe, because as the title imies, it might not all be a lie.
Cracking read.
June 20, 2025
I bought this (signed) book at a little bookshop in Dublin. I was looking for something new to read on the plane following an amazing first trip to Ireland. I started it as the plane took off and finished it a few hours later! I have only read one other book in one sitting before! It kept my attention and I couldn’t put it down!
November 1, 2025
I devoured the author's first book "There's something I have to tell you" and was a little less impressed by the second one. This one, however, I enjoyed the least.
It started off strong, but then felt flat throughout, right until the epilogue, and the final twist that I didn't see coming. 2.5⭐️
It started off strong, but then felt flat throughout, right until the epilogue, and the final twist that I didn't see coming. 2.5⭐️
October 13, 2025
I picked this up in Ireland, not really knowing anything about it. Great but simple thriller set in Blarney. It took at least 50 pages to get into it bit once I did, I finished it pretty fast. Great story!
February 1, 2026
Village Secrets
Lies, secrets, so many of them. Author did a great job of pulling me into Ireland, made me feel surrounded by the place she painted. I could almost hear the gossip, the whispers around the village. Vivid and twisty tale!
Lies, secrets, so many of them. Author did a great job of pulling me into Ireland, made me feel surrounded by the place she painted. I could almost hear the gossip, the whispers around the village. Vivid and twisty tale!
February 10, 2026
Was not expecting the twist at all, was such a good book and keeps you guessing the whole time.i loved that it was set in Ireland and alot of common "slang" was used really made the characters feel more realistic
February 24, 2026
I have read and enjoyed other books by Michelle . This one didn’t make for an enjoyable read . The story portrayed the reality of what could happen I. An Irish situation when scandal is uncovered . I found it predictable and at times even boring . However the twist at the end was well done ,
July 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this
July 6, 2025
Loved it from start to finish.
July 19, 2025
Loved her writing
August 16, 2025
3.5 stars … a few plot twists , a quick & easy read
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