Among the Ruins: A Novel

The acclaimed author of Where They Lie delivers a beautifully written, atmospheric mystery about one woman’s relentless drive to uncover the truth, whatever the cost.

It is the summer of 1970, and Nicoletta Sarto carefully juggles the challenges of being the women’s editor at Dublin’s Irish Sentinel with the demands of motherhood, raising twin baby girls at home. But that uneasy balance is upended when she’s approached by a barrister named Louise Leonard, whose aunt has just died. Intrigued, Nicoletta finds herself drawn into a story that could have unexpected—and very perilous—consequences for her career, her family, and her life.

Was Helen Leonard murdered, as her niece believes? Why did Helen leave everything to her nurse, a mysterious woman who has now vanished? As the persistent Nicoletta dives deeper into the investigation, she finds herself fighting the traditional attitudes of Irish society and own her family, both which disapprove of her choice to be a working mother, pursuing a career that takes her away from her daughters.

Focused on unwinding the mystery of Helen Leonard’s death, Nicoletta is unaware that danger lurks around every corner . . .

“Effectively conveys the challenges working women faced in the 1960s. Readers interested in exploring the historical quest for women’s rights and independence will enjoy.” - Library Journal on Where They Lie

“One of the more memorable leads in recent crime fiction.” - The Wall Street Journal on Where They Lie

“Debut author Coughlan effortlessly plants clues that pay off in gasp-worthy twists. . . . Recommended for readers of dark, historical crime fiction.” - Booklist on Where They Lie

"It’s a superb novel, evoking a bygone era when women could not afford to put a foot wrong." - Sunday Times (London) on Where They Lie