The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you to Penguin for sending me a finished copy of The Truth About Ruby Cooper ahead of publication day. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I fell into a reading slump at the end of last year and early this year, so I’m now catching up on books I didn’t get to before they were released.


Liz Nugent’s latest novel, The Truth About Ruby Cooper, is a masterclass in psychological suspense. From the very first sentence, the book grabs you and doesn’t let go, delivering a relentless series of revelations that keep readers on edge. Fans of Nugent will immediately recognize her signature style: dark, twisted characters, sharp tension, and storytelling that lingers.

Set between Boston and Dublin, the novel follows sisters Ruby and Erin Cooper, whose lives are seemingly idyllic within their close-knit, religious family. But an unthinkable event when Ruby is sixteen shatters their world, leaving ripples that affect not just them, but everyone around them, across decades. Nugent explores the long-term consequences of trauma, grief, and family dynamics with raw honesty, creating a story that is both emotionally gripping and unputdownable.

Ruby is a fascinatingly complex character. Her choices and personality are challenging, often leaving readers torn between empathy and disbelief. Erin, her sister, and the surrounding characters are equally compelling, providing a story that constantly shifts perspective and keeps you guessing. Nugent’s writing is precise, immersive, and often shocking, making the novel a standout in contemporary psychological thrillers.

What makes The Truth About Ruby Cooper so compelling is the way Nugent balances suspense with deep character exploration. The story is packed with jaw-dropping moments, yet it also thoughtfully examines how events shape people over time. The tension, drama, and dark family secrets are perfectly woven together, ensuring that readers remain hooked from beginning to end.

It’s intense, emotionally charged, and brilliantly written an absolute must-read for 2026. Liz Nugent proves once again why she is the queen of gripping, suspenseful storytelling. Honestly, what a book to pull me out of a reading slump.

L x

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