Wonderful book with interesting characters. The journey that Liam hast to make as many twists and turns in it. He finds out a lot of family secrets and hast to work through these issues. I highly recommend this book.

This is the 4th installment in the Liam Taggart & Catherine Lockhart series, but can be read as a standalone.

Liam Taggart is to reconnect with his Irish roots after the saddest circumstances - when his estranged uncle is murdered. Liam, burdened by never solving the issues between them, returns to Northern Ireland, only to realize he has been appointed as a trustee to the trust established by his uncle. This immediately starts the family feud - but obviously, there is even the harsher feud to be solved.

This is a nice and informative read - yet, it works much better as a family drama than as a mystery, because the sleuthing itself is seriously slow and prolonged. Luckily, the Northern Ireland soil can offer many nutritious food for thought in this plotting - mainly because of its bloody past, which is not made peace with, still. As somebody with only the basic knowledge about "The Troubles", the difficult fights betweeb Protestants and Catholics and their para/military groups - I have gained some very interesting information (of course, I am not sure what the Irish reviewer with firsthand knowledge would say, but I feel that I am enriched). All the family feuds and feelings are very relatable and the topic of the family (blood ties or not) is described beautifully.
As for the mystery - as I have said before, unfortunately it is very slow and I do find the police, as described here, being very uncapable and ineffective. All the politics opinion aside, when the murderer runs free, police should run after him, too! I mean that this might paint the main character in the more positive light as the one who is in the centre of the activity, but it also lessens all the catchability factor of the read.

But there is something nice and warm present between the pages, which adds to the goodwill coming out of this novel. After all, the reconciliation is more important than the effectivity in the long run!

I was so excited to receive and read this book as a long time fan of Ronald Balson that I ended up reading the book in a day. The Trust centers on a murder/mystery plot in Northern Ireland and Liam and Catherine are back; the main characters from his previous 3 novels, whose relationship always played as a sub-plot in his previous books. Seeing how their relationship developed and evolved since Balson’s first novel, Once We Were Brothers, was nice – but it has always been Balson’s main story plot that has kept me reading.


This book had a different focus than his previous books (which were all Holocaust centred) but Balson’s amazing story telling skills continued to shine as the mystery revolving the death of Liam’s uncle kept me going. It was great to read a book that focused on Liam/Catherine versus seeing them as secondary characters who help the main characters. I feel that with every book, Balson becomes a better and more creative author and his writing becomes more unique.

However, since I read Balson’s first book, Once We Were Brothers, there is always that feeling that something is missing. That thing missing will also be the voice of Ben Soloman; the main character in Once We Were Brothers. This character will forever be Balson’s best creation in my opinoin – but this book was very enjoyable anyways!

Very good family drama. If you liked books like Commonwealth and The Nest, this is a very good companion to that family based saga type story of many family members, secrets, lies, cover ups and generational mistakes.

First and foremost, I would like to thank St Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC copy of The Trust in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first introduction to Ronald Balson’s work and I think I can quite happily call myself a fan. I thoroughly enjoyed The Trust; it was fast-paced, innovative and it really delved into the strong Irish culture as well as its turbulent past. It kept me glued to the story from beginning to end, the critics aren’t wrong when they say that this is a page turner.

The Trust is set in Northern Ireland and one of my favourite things about this novel is how Irish culture and the strong Irish family traditions are beautifully interwoven into the story. The strong bond between the Taggart family contributes to the emotional turmoil within this book; starting with Liam’s “betrayal”, we as the reader are subjected to crushing guilt, devastating grief and overwhelming fear as we progress through and, in the end, we almost feel as if we are part of the Taggart’s ourselves. Their strength and their loyalty towards each other admirable, not only do they forgive with an open heart but they are even willing to take matters into their own hands to protect their own. Balson delves into Northern Ireland’s troubled past by making the Taggart’s key players in the Troubles, a severe conflict between the Unionists and the Republicans that lasted for over 30 years. This violent side to the Taggart’s, this includes the men and the women, destroys the comfortable, warm, fuzzy image of a lovely Irish family, they are fighters and are willing to resort to violence to protect their family and their beliefs. They represent the typical Northern Irish family because there are hundreds of families in Northern Ireland today who have been affected by the horrors of the Troubles in one way or another.

I thought that Liam Taggart was a well-rounded character; not only is he a top PI in America with a loving family, he is also a lost soul with conflicted emotions and a haunting past. I loved Liam’s vulnerability, I liked his strength and also his ability to hold his hands up and admit that he needed help. I enjoyed his relationship with Catherine and how they both consider each other to be on a level playing field, both emotionally and intellectually and they really respected each others thoughts, feelings and opinions.

The plot was very well thought out and the interjection of family problems with the trust itself was very well played, it really built the tension. The book genuinely kept me gripped to the end, at 95% into the book I was still on the edge of my seat, and I felt that there were so many characters that made a lasting impression one me. However, as a character, I felt that Annie wasn’t really needed in the story at all due to the fact that main plot line with the murderer, the sub plot with the family feuds and the trust were strong enough and so an additional lost love plot thread was not needed at all. I felt that Annie only added confusion to the story, her close relationship with Fergus didn’t lead to anything, she wasn’t the keeper of any vital information and so she never added anything to the investigation. As a previous love of Liam’s, I felt that she posed no threat to Liam’s marriage to Catherine, as I said before, Liam and Catherine have a wonderful, open trusting marriage and so Annie’s presence seemed superfluous. Even at the very end, when Annie is part of a major reveal (no spoilers here), the reveal itself wasn’t needed in the story and could have been left alone and therefore removing Annie’s purpose from the story completely.

As I said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I would quite happily read it again but I did feel that the murderer’s identity was too obvious, in fact I had guessed it completely by half way through the book. Now, I am an avid Agatha Christie fan so, when it comes to mystery novels, I will always find myself trying to guess the murderer and, in The Trust, I did find that the clues were too prominent and it lead me to guess the identity very early on in the book. This is a minor point, a personal preference if you will, and it did not take away from the enjoyment that the story gave.

It is safe to say that Balson is a brilliant writer, the thought and the care that he puts into his stories and characters are evident

I listened to an audio version of this book and liked it. I felt like I was watching a movie and did have my mistrusts towards some of the characters that sounded fishy to me. It was a really good book!

Book 4 of the Taggert/Lockhart series takes you to Ireland as Liam Taggert, a private investigator is summoned home after his uncle dies in Northern Ireland. He has not been home in decades following an argument with his family. He learns that his uncle was murdered and that he foretold he would be k8lled. His uncle directed that his estate be placed in a trust until his murderer is found. As trustee, it is up to Liam to find out the truth. Was the murder related to the IRA, which the Taggerts were part of or was it a family member. As Liam is pulled deeper into the search, his wife Catherine also becomes involved.

This is a series that keeps getting better and friends a way to give its characters intriguing new mysteries to solve.

Liam Taggart left his family in Ireland on bad terms sixteen years ago. His job with the CIA meant he was having to basically spy on his family to get information to prevent innocent deaths. Then he gets the call that his Uncle Fergus has died and he needs to come back to Ireland for the funeral. When he gets there, he discovers his Uncle was murdered. Not only that, he was afraid he would be murdered and has left his entire estate to a trust that he wants Liam to manage until his killer is found. Liam has to deal with finding the killer before he kills other family members as well has Liam's wife and infant son in Chicago.

I didn't really read the synopsis before I dived into this book and was pleasantly surprised. The plot sucks you in right away. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I did figure out the whodunnit pretty early in the book, but the story developed so well, it didn't matter to me one bit. Balson did a great job with the character development of everyone in this book. Family crisis tends to bring out the best and worst in people, and Balson did a good job with this aspect. If you like a mystery/suspense book, this is a good one to pick up. I know this is just one of a series of books, but you didn't have to read any of the others before this one. It was basically a stand-alone. I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book draws the reader in immediately and doesn't let go. The action, twists, and turns make this mystery mesmerizing. Liam Taggart reluctantly returns to Ireland for Uncle Fergus' funeral to learn he's been named the Trustee and the funds cannot be distributed until Fergus' killer is discovered. Since Liam left Ireland and his family in less than friendly terms this appointment doesn't sit well with anyone. He enlists his private investigation partner and wife, Catherine, at home in the US in the hunt for the murderer. Fergus isn't the only family member who has a murderer and the angst grows. Who knows what will happen next? I may have to read the other novels in this series!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post anything but my honest review which I have done.

It has been 16 years since these last words spoken..."I don't think you and I have anything more to say to each other, Liam. You best be off now.

Liam is still haunted by those last words spoken to him by his uncle Fergus. Liam working undercover as a CIA agent uncovering information from his Irish family in the pursuit of lasting peace. The civil war of the troubles between the Catholics and the Protestants that has killed many for over 30 years. Liam came to Chicago and left all that he knew behind after his betrayal to the family who took him for an end to the Troubles. These tensions still run deep. It has been 16 years and Liam along with his wife and young baby make a life in Chicago. Liam is a private investigator and his wife a attorney. His life takes a turn with phone call. A plea to come home to Ireland for his uncle's funeral. With this plea comes all the memories and I have to say the sweet sound of the Irish brogue. Liam's Irish roots are still there and he is hungry for some type of reconciliation.

What he finds is that his uncle was murdered and has left him with the job of the Trust. His heirs cannot inherit his estate until the murderer is found. There are plenty of suspects and motives however, time becomes urgent as his heirs become victims. Who is behind the demise of Taggerty family and why.

There are many twists and turns as you go deep in the family history and how his uncle knew that his death may be coming. Liam must not trust anyone as he may become the next victim to uncover what his uncle had uncovered that cost him his life.

The family drama and Liam's cool head makes for a definite turn pager.

A Special Thank You to St. Marten's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

4..0 - (I wouldn't classify this as "faith or spirituality," just that it's about the conflict in Ireland, which dealt with religion) - I enjoy characters in Balson's books, and I particularly valued the historical aspect of this, which allowed me to learn more about the troubles in Ireland

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC for my Kindle.
A great historical fiction about the war between Northern and Southern Ireland. Be prepared to read about life and death, trust and deceit, and a little romance and happiness.
Another good book by Ronald Balson.

Another great book by Ronald Balson! I really enjoyed reading the Taggart's story and was hooked from start to finish. Liam Taggart takes us on a journey through Northern Ireland as he attempts to find the person responsible for killing his family, one by one. I found myself thinking ahead and guessing who it was, questioning the thinking of Liam and the police and riveted by the acts of the killer and family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and am so glad that it had an ending that wrapped things up well and left us with closure. I look forward to Mr. Balson's next book.

I have loved all the books I have read by Ronald H. Balson, but this one is my least favorite so far. I liked learning more about Liam Taggart and the conflict in Northern Ireland, but I think he made who the killer was a little too obvious in this novel. That said, there were some really interesting plot twists, and I enjoyed the book overall. Also, I really like how even though this is technically the fourth book in the Liam & Catherine series, all of the books can easily be read as standalone novels.

I found that this really isn't my style of book. I thought the story was good and characters were great. The writing was also good but I just couldn't get into it. This is a big case of it is me not you situation.

I have read all of Ronald Balson's books. All the book so far have been great reads and very different. The Trust did not disappoint me. Not only was The Trust a riveting murder mystery but also a novel detailing the history of Northern Ireland . I was hooked from page one all the way to the end. I truly did not want to put the book down and was actually sad when it ended. I highly recommend The Trust as a must read.

I received a copy of The Trust unsolicited. I believe that this may be a promising book, but I don't believe that I will attempt to read it. I am not sure how I ended up with this book on my shelf.

My Review: 4 stars

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The Trust is a mystery that pits the members of an Irish family against one another, as they eagerly await money after their patriarch’s death. The money, property, stocks and deeds are held in trust until certain conditions are met; thus the name of the novel. This book is a departure from Balson’s other books, mostly due to its setting in Ireland. Although Liam, the P.I. and Catherine, the attorney are in Balson’s prior novels, this book can certainly stand on its own.

I enjoyed learning about The Troubles and the civil war that went on for three decades. I didn’t recall much from my high school world history about this so it was a welcome refresher. Understanding that the differences between the nationalists and the loyalists was mostly based on religion and the separation from Britain made we realize that the world never learns from the past. As much as we wish it so, the same mistakes are repeated.

The mystery in this book was not hard to unravel yet it seemed to take Liam far too long to get it. Those who’ve read his prior novels know how smart Liam is. I suppose he and Catherine are so used to solving other families mysteries that it’s hard to do when it’s you own. The twists were good and keep the plot spinning. You can never go wrong with a suspenseful mystery filled with money gained, money lost, debt, guilt, betrayal, former loves, family loyalty and the lack thereof.

Fans of Balson’s will be pleased with his fourth novel. Looking forward to see what’s in store for this awesome duo in the next installment.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book from this author, but it won't be the last. I really enjoyed getting to know Liam Taggart. Former CIA, now private investigator, and a stand up guy. In this story he returns home after his Uncle is murdered. Family drama and murder is always a good combination for a story. Very enjoyable.

International bestselling author, Ronald H. Balson returns with his powerful Liam and Catherine series, following (2016) Carolina’s Twins (#3), (2015) Saving Sophie (#2), and Once We Were Brothers (#1) with THE TRUST — (#4) A riveting murder mystery mixed with history, and dark family secrets, set in Northern Ireland.

Liam Taggart a private investigator receives the news his uncle has died and gets called away to attend the funeral. His childhood home in Northern Ireland. He has not returned since a family disagreement years ago.

His life was comfortable now. A routine. His new baby, a happy marriage with Catherine, and a solid investigation practice. However, the one call from his cousin may change things entirely.

Uncle Fergus. He had feared this day would come and he knew he had to make amends before it did. Now it was too late. They had unfinished sentences. Words left unsaid. They had shared so much to end this way. Now he was gone.

Their last words, sixteen years earlier. They were never supposed to be the last words. His estranged Irish family. Janie wants him to come and he would rather not.

He had not left under the best of circumstances. He had a falling out with his uncle and returned to America. He was living a lie and got caught. He should not have accepted a posting in Northern Ireland that was bound to end in a betrayal. At the time he was young and he thought it was the right thing to do.

He was the uncover spy who was going to help bring an end to the war. What he did not realize was that he had chosen to alienate himself from the family he loved.

The job directed him to use his family to spy on the Catholic community. He had done some good. He returned to American in 1999. When his uncle learned he really was and what he had done behind their back. A fraud. He had betrayed his family.

He was with the CIA when he pretended to be working for a whiskey exporter. His family took him in and he conned them. It ended badly. He does not want to attend the funeral and face everyone. He had thought his decision courageous and for the right reasons.

He decides to return to made amends. He goes alone since Catherine has the baby to look after. A white envelope. His aunt Deirdre found in the mailbox the day Fergus was killed. A photograph.

“May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten.”

They go through his belongings and in his box was a sealed envelope with Liam’s name with a handwritten letter. It mentions in the letter if the cause of his death is suspicious or the result of a homicide, then the person responsible must be identified and brought to justice before his estate is distributed.

He will be in charged with handling his estate. Executor. His legacy will be in Liam’s hands. “You’re the only one I can trust. My warning to you: be careful and do not trust anyone?" With love, Uncle Fergus

His uncle was proud of him. How he wished they had been close so he could have reached out to him earlier. What was so dangerous that Fergus’s words, “threatens everything I value?”

Death threats? The inheritance will be postponed until the killer is prosecuted. After everything is paid, the remainder of Mr. Taggart’s estate is left to a testamentary trust. The trustee named is Liam Taggart.

The trust remains sealed to all but the trustee, pending the occurrence of a certain condition set forth in the instrument.

Some family members are not happy about this turn of events. Until the son’s killer is caught and prosecuted, no one gets anything. It sits in trust until decided how to be maintained and final distribution.

Did his Uncle know he was going to be murdered? Why didn’t he identify his murderer in the trust?

Motive? The Taggart connection to the IRA and Fergus must have made a lot of enemies back in the day. An old vendetta? Money was also a strong motivator.

Who coveted Fergus’s property so strongly that they would kill him for it. The beneficiaries? His two sons, Conor and Riley, seemed well off, but you never know. Robert and Eamon would never have killed their brother for money. Would they? Janie was also a beneficiary. It couldn't be Deirdre. What about Bridget?

Now, will other family members be in danger? Then the threats. “Payback time Taggarts.”

Old doors are opened and secrets are revealed.

From the stunning front cover, the first page, to the last. Riveting dark hidden family secrets. A blending of history, suspense, and gripping mystery murder thriller.

As always Balsom’s books are well-researched, with well-developed characters and infused with intriguing historical events. I enjoyed catching up with Liam and Catherine and learning more about The Troubles, an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century. The conflict was primarily political and nationalistic, fueled by historical events. Unionists and the British government referred to the long-running political violence as a law and order problem of ‘terrorism’.

For fans of intelligent, compelling and intriguing historical suspense thrillers.

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. I also purchased the audiobook narrated by Fred Berman for an engaging performance. JDCMustReadBooks