What Happened to Nina? Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins, 2024
What Happened to Nina? is a highly engaging thriller novel by Irish-Australian author Dervla McTiernan. While on the surface it may appear as a simple murder mystery, the novel is, at its core, a story about familial love and trust, and how this can be shaken when faced with adversity.
The plot follows the investigation into the disappearance of Nina Fraser after she goes away with her boyfriend Simon and never returns home. What makes the novel so interesting is its non-linear format by switching between the perspectives of Nina’s family, Simon’s parents, and the detective on the case. Through this manipulation of perspective, readers are engulfed in the story, attempting to figure out the central mystery alongside these five characters, creating a page-turning read that will have anyone on the edge of their seat for the whole book.
The characters of Nina and Simon are told almost entirely through the characters they interact with, crafting a web of suspense that leaves the reader constantly wondering who is trustworthy and who is to blame for the disappearance.
McTiernan’s focus on media attention and tabloids in the fallout of Nina’s case is a profound commentary on the spreading of misinformation that plagues our digital climate. As the case gains momentum from the public, readers feel powerless in combatting how this attention impacts the Fraser family’s lives, mirroring the uncontrollable nature of social media and its effect on humanity.
McTiernan writes her characters and setting with such authenticity that it is easy to visualise every scene and conversation, making this an accessible and compelling read for all.
