Broken: A Novel

Karin Slaughter

Jun 2010 · Will Trent Book 4 · Sold by Dell

About this ebook

“Karin Slaughter is simply one of the best thriller writers working today.”—GILLIAN FLYNN

“This chilling mystery is just begging to be read in one sitting.”—Cosmopolitan
 
WATCH WILL TRENT ON ABC • This edition features an introduction on the origins of the New York Times bestselling Will Trent novels

Karin Slaughter’s internationally bestselling novels are as notable for their vivid portraits of lives shadowed by loss and heartbreak as they are for their dramatic criminal investigations. Broken features the return of her most compelling characters and introduces memorable new ones in a tale of corruption, murder, and confrontation that will leave more than one life . . . 
 
When Special Agent Will Trent arrives in Grant County, he finds a police department determined to protect its own and far too many unanswered questions about a prisoner’s death. He doesn’t understand why Officer Lena Adams is hiding secrets from him. He doesn’t understand her role in the death of Grant County’s popular police chief. He doesn’t understand why that man’s widow, Dr. Sara Linton, needs him now more than ever to help her crack this case.

While the police force investigates the murder of a young woman pulled from a frigid lake, Trent investigates the police force, putting pressure on Adams just when she’s already about to crack. Caught between two complicated and determined women, trying to understand Linton’s passionate distrust of Adams, the facts surrounding Chief Tolliver’s death, and the complexities of this insular town, Trent will unleash a case filled with explosive secrets—and encounter a thin blue line that could be murderous if crossed.

Spellbinding and keenly paced, Broken is Karin Slaughter at her best. Here is an unforgettable story of raw emotions, dangerous assumptions, the deadly and layered game of betrayal, and a man’s determination to expose the most painful of human truths—no matter how deeply they’re hidden . . . or how devastating.

Ratings and reviews

Officer Lena Adams is called to the scene of a suicide note left by a lover's lane by Lake Grant. When the divers revover the body, the victim is identified as Allison Spooner, a college student who worked at a nearby restaurant. Lena sees a knife wound at the back of Allison's neck and knows this is murder. Lena accompanies acting chief, Frank Wallace to Allison's apartment. Along the route, Lena sees Frank drinking from his flask. When they arrive at the apartment, they are met by young detective Brad Stevens. Brad looks in the window of the apartment and sees Tommy Brakam, who they think is Allison's boyfriend. Tommy is holding a knife and when they attempt to question him, Tommy stabs Brad. Brad is taken to the hospital and back at the jail, Tommy feels such guilt that he commits suicide. Dr. Sara Linton arrives at the jail and sees Tommy's body. Sara is the former coroner and had been married to the prior chief. Sara learns that Lena was the interrogating officer and she still blames Lena for partially being responisble for her, (Sara's) husband, Jeff's death. Sara calls in Special Officer Will Trent, to investigate possible police neglect. The story follows the investigation of Allison's death and Tommy's suicide, we see characters with alcoholic tendencies, accustation, dyslexia, guilt and excess accusation. All of these traits add to make the characters more interesting and the story unique. Well done. This is one that the reader's will definately enjoy.

Karin Slaughter exhibits great storytelling in this fast paced mystery. The main characters are interesting and flawed with depth, individual personalities and are easy to identify with. Some of the secondary characters are more one dimensional but work well within the structure of the plot, adding interest and helping to keep things moving. Ms. Slaughter also excels at creating believable dynamics and dialog between her characters and describing life in a small town. The opening pages capture your attention and except for a few spots, the tension, momentum and intrigue continuously build. In summary, not to be missed by fans of this series or anyone who enjoys mysteries.

Excellent as usual! So many facets are revealed of characters we think we know. Keep the creative thoughts going! I can’t wait to read the next book!

About the author

Karin Slaughter is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of numerous thrillers, including Cop Town, Unseen, Criminal, Fallen, Broken, Undone, Fractured, Beyond Reach, Triptych, Faithless, and the e-original short stories “Snatched” and “Busted.” She is a native of Georgia.