Beginner’s Pluck: Claire Coughlan's debut is atmospheric, mesmerising, and compulsive

'Where They Lie' is set in 1968 when journalist Nicoletta Sarto is investigating a 25-year-old mystery concerning the convicted murderess, actress Gloria Fitzpatrick

Author Claire Coughlan fits writing around her daughter’s playschool. Picture: Nick Bradshaw

Claire always wanted to write fiction, and at 11 — inspired by her grandmother, who wrote short stories — she sent essays to Ireland’s Own.

“They sent me a hopeful rejection slip.”