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Will Trent #4
Broken
Karin Slaughter on Broken
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For me, every novel begins with character rather than plot. I know something bad is going to happen, but the central question to every story I write is "how will my characters respond?" Over the years, I’ve certainly thrown some hard times at my Grant County characters. Jeffrey, Sara and Lena have changed a lot since Blindsighted, my first novel. They’ve seen hardship and adversity, grown together and grown apart. They have helped me explore the way crime can change not just people, but entire communities.
When I started writing about Will Trent in my Atlanta series, I wanted to take that exploration a step farther. As a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Will is generally called in when the local police either can’t handle or don’t want to deal with a case. Not only does he have to find the bad guy, he has to juggle the various egos already involved. This is certainly the situation in Broken, when Will is called into Grant County to investigate a possible suicide in police custody. He butts heads with Lena Adams and Frank Wallace, and uncovers a truth that most in the town do not want to see.
Bringing Will Trent into Sara Linton’s world was a fun challenge for me. With Undone, it was in many ways easy to put Sara in Atlanta. I live in the city, and the landscape is already painted for me. As a writer, I need only draw in the fine lines. Dropping Will into Grant County was a different challenge altogether. To work with an existing world that has developed over the course of eight books, to find new and interesting details for long-time readers, was a thrilling challenge to me. Finding a case that was as gripping as it was challenging was also an exciting rollercoaster ride. I hope my readers enjoy solving the crime--and watching the characters change along with it--as much as I did.
(Photo © Alison Rosa)Audio CD
First published June 22, 2010
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About the author
Karin Slaughter
124 books89.4k followersKarin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular storytellers. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty- five novels, including the Edgar nominated COP TOWN and standalone novels PRETTY GIRLS and FALSE WITNESS. An international bestseller, Slaughter is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. PIECES OF HER, based on her novel, debuted at #1 worldwide on Netflix as an original series in 2022. Her bestselling thriller series, Will Trent, is now a television and streaming sensation in its 4th season. THE GOOD DAUGHTER will soon be a limited series starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy, and further projects are currently in development for film/TV. Karin Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,740 reviews
July 22, 2020
“She was so damned tired of being tragic.”
A college student is murdered. A suspect is apprehended. A police officer is stabbed. The events surrounding the crime and the suspect do not add up. Something isn’t right in Grant County.
In Broken, the Will Trent series and Grant County Series collide.
Broken is a little different than the three previous installments in the Will Trent series. All events take place in Grant County, and the usual suspects do not make appearances. There are phone calls between Will and Faith, and a few mentions of both Angie (boo) and Betty (yay)! The violence was toned down (but there still is lots of violence). The pacing is a little bit slower, and the crime was not the main focus.
This book focuses on Sara and Lena letting go of the past and trying to move forward with their lives. I liked how both of their final scenes played out.
Broken was another solid addition to the series, and I enjoyed it, but I hope to see Faith and lots of Betty in book 5!
A college student is murdered. A suspect is apprehended. A police officer is stabbed. The events surrounding the crime and the suspect do not add up. Something isn’t right in Grant County.
In Broken, the Will Trent series and Grant County Series collide.
Broken is a little different than the three previous installments in the Will Trent series. All events take place in Grant County, and the usual suspects do not make appearances. There are phone calls between Will and Faith, and a few mentions of both Angie (boo) and Betty (yay)! The violence was toned down (but there still is lots of violence). The pacing is a little bit slower, and the crime was not the main focus.
This book focuses on Sara and Lena letting go of the past and trying to move forward with their lives. I liked how both of their final scenes played out.
Broken was another solid addition to the series, and I enjoyed it, but I hope to see Faith and lots of Betty in book 5!
February 1, 2020
4.25 Stars
When I started listening to “Broken” by Karin Slaughter, I thought it had been about Six months since I listened the 6th book in the Grant County Series. Turns out it had only been about Two and a Half months. When I began and all of my feelings rushed back, I realized that I wasn’t ready, yet I kept going.
Cue the anger, the tears and snot nosed face (sorry for the visual!). I was not and am not over what happened. (Sorry for not explaining but I can’t give spoilers). I’m honestly not sure that I ever will be. I have a lot of anger over it and all of it was and is directed at Sara Linton.. for not forgiving, for not loving enough and for not showing it enough. Oddly enough upon her return to Grant County in “Broken” her anger is directed at Detective Lena Adams and I felt that that was unfairly placed. No one is responsible for another person’s actions and Lena is not responsible for someone else’s actions and therefore is not responsible for what happened. (I know that I am speaking in roundabout terms here so forgive me..).
I, therefore, am angry at Sara for two things… not loving enough and for being angry at Lena for something that was not within her control. Cue the anger, the tears and snot nosed face.
If you have followed my love for the Grant County series, you may know how I feel about the series and about Sara Linton. I have always liked her but admittedly, I like her a little less right now.. Maybe someday that will change.
So much more happens in “Broken” than Sara Linton’s return to Grant County. A murder investigation by GBI Detective Will Trent and Grant County Detective Lena Adam. Delving into the man that Will Trent is - vulnerable, intriguing, honest, hard working, while Detective Adams grows as a person and a detective. Every other review you read will probably sum all of that up, however for me, this novel was about the feelings I had reading it and the characters who have been a part of my life for the better part of a year.
Having listened to this novel, I felt more emotions than I expected going into it. I shed more tears than I did having listened to or read any novel since I read the “Natchez Burning” Trilogy by Greg Iles. For those of you who’ve read the entire Grant County Series, I can only wonder how you felt reading this novel.. if it got to you too, or if you had no real feelings. I realize that I’m not really saying what bothered me about Sara.. not giving or loving enough, etc., and Lena .. but since I didn’t give away any plot points in the 6th Grant County novel, I can’t do that here either. That said, I’d love your thoughts. I have lived, eaten and breathed these characters for months and in case it's not clear.. my heart is still “Broken” and I wonder if yours is too.
Published on Goodreads on 2.1.20.
When I started listening to “Broken” by Karin Slaughter, I thought it had been about Six months since I listened the 6th book in the Grant County Series. Turns out it had only been about Two and a Half months. When I began and all of my feelings rushed back, I realized that I wasn’t ready, yet I kept going.
Cue the anger, the tears and snot nosed face (sorry for the visual!). I was not and am not over what happened. (Sorry for not explaining but I can’t give spoilers). I’m honestly not sure that I ever will be. I have a lot of anger over it and all of it was and is directed at Sara Linton.. for not forgiving, for not loving enough and for not showing it enough. Oddly enough upon her return to Grant County in “Broken” her anger is directed at Detective Lena Adams and I felt that that was unfairly placed. No one is responsible for another person’s actions and Lena is not responsible for someone else’s actions and therefore is not responsible for what happened. (I know that I am speaking in roundabout terms here so forgive me..).
I, therefore, am angry at Sara for two things… not loving enough and for being angry at Lena for something that was not within her control. Cue the anger, the tears and snot nosed face.
If you have followed my love for the Grant County series, you may know how I feel about the series and about Sara Linton. I have always liked her but admittedly, I like her a little less right now.. Maybe someday that will change.
So much more happens in “Broken” than Sara Linton’s return to Grant County. A murder investigation by GBI Detective Will Trent and Grant County Detective Lena Adam. Delving into the man that Will Trent is - vulnerable, intriguing, honest, hard working, while Detective Adams grows as a person and a detective. Every other review you read will probably sum all of that up, however for me, this novel was about the feelings I had reading it and the characters who have been a part of my life for the better part of a year.
Having listened to this novel, I felt more emotions than I expected going into it. I shed more tears than I did having listened to or read any novel since I read the “Natchez Burning” Trilogy by Greg Iles. For those of you who’ve read the entire Grant County Series, I can only wonder how you felt reading this novel.. if it got to you too, or if you had no real feelings. I realize that I’m not really saying what bothered me about Sara.. not giving or loving enough, etc., and Lena .. but since I didn’t give away any plot points in the 6th Grant County novel, I can’t do that here either. That said, I’d love your thoughts. I have lived, eaten and breathed these characters for months and in case it's not clear.. my heart is still “Broken” and I wonder if yours is too.
Published on Goodreads on 2.1.20.
November 9, 2015
Sara Linton returns home to Grant County for the holidays, the first time since her personal tragedy. It's the first time she's faced all the reminders of her past life and it's a challenge. Unfortunately, she's almost immediately drawn into an apparent murder investigation that threatens to reunite her with Lena Adams, the woman she holds responsible for her pain. Because of the case circumstances, Will Trent is summoned to Heartsdale and together he and Sara team up to determine exactly what's going on in the police department now that Jeffrey's gone.
This is an aptly titled story as so many of the people in Hearstdale have been negatively impacted without Jeffrey's presence to either redirect or challenge for better behavior. Lena continues to be an enigma and we find her in a shocking relationship. Frank Wallace is the interim chief and he's suffered the most. Even the victims are a bit broken before their demise. The case actually takes a back seat to all these dynamics, rightly so. The narration continues to be outstanding.
I liked how Will and Sara were able to deepen their friendship through the investigation. Both were vulnerable at times, forced to confront old wounds and getting stronger because of it and solidifying trust in one another. While it was distressing to see Jeffrey's pride and joy be so diminished, it closed the chapter on Grant County. It also has a classic Slaughter ending where, in one sentence, everything we thought we understood about one of the characters is upended. I'm hopelessly hooked.
This is an aptly titled story as so many of the people in Hearstdale have been negatively impacted without Jeffrey's presence to either redirect or challenge for better behavior. Lena continues to be an enigma and we find her in a shocking relationship. Frank Wallace is the interim chief and he's suffered the most. Even the victims are a bit broken before their demise. The case actually takes a back seat to all these dynamics, rightly so. The narration continues to be outstanding.
I liked how Will and Sara were able to deepen their friendship through the investigation. Both were vulnerable at times, forced to confront old wounds and getting stronger because of it and solidifying trust in one another. While it was distressing to see Jeffrey's pride and joy be so diminished, it closed the chapter on Grant County. It also has a classic Slaughter ending where, in one sentence, everything we thought we understood about one of the characters is upended. I'm hopelessly hooked.
August 14, 2016
Although Karin Slaughter is one of my favourite authors, this is not one of her best books.
The body of a young woman is pulled from a frigid lake, and the man who is charged with killing her commits suicide while in police custody. Dr Sara Linton, who is home for the holiday, calls in Will Trent to investigate the death in custody.
This book has a great plot, but Slaughter has, unusually, failed to make the most of it. Broken lacks the suspense and thrills we have all come to love and associate with Slaughter's writing. The story quickly gets bogged down by a series of long standing grudges and petty rivalries. Instead of the taut suspenseful writing we have come to expect, this book dragged in many places and was only redeemed by one OMG moment and the ending, both because of the quality of writing there and the fact that I was actually glad to get there.
The body of a young woman is pulled from a frigid lake, and the man who is charged with killing her commits suicide while in police custody. Dr Sara Linton, who is home for the holiday, calls in Will Trent to investigate the death in custody.
This book has a great plot, but Slaughter has, unusually, failed to make the most of it. Broken lacks the suspense and thrills we have all come to love and associate with Slaughter's writing. The story quickly gets bogged down by a series of long standing grudges and petty rivalries. Instead of the taut suspenseful writing we have come to expect, this book dragged in many places and was only redeemed by one OMG moment and the ending, both because of the quality of writing there and the fact that I was actually glad to get there.
May 15, 2019
Broken brings together Sara, Will and Lena on a case together for the first time. It is hardly surprising that these three make an uncomfortable trio. Sara hates Lena because she inadvertently caused Jeffrey's death. She thinks Lena is responsible for the death of a suspect in custody and she calls in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to find out. Of course, Will Trent is that agent.
Another great mystery and another complex story of the detectives, the GBI, the forensic teams, and all the other folks who spend their lives giving a voice to the victims. The murdered can no longer speak for themselves, so the investigators have to put together the story that can lead to their killer and solve the problem once and for all, so the killer can never take another innocent life.
Another great mystery and another complex story of the detectives, the GBI, the forensic teams, and all the other folks who spend their lives giving a voice to the victims. The murdered can no longer speak for themselves, so the investigators have to put together the story that can lead to their killer and solve the problem once and for all, so the killer can never take another innocent life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2015
Perfect progression for this series. LOVED IT! I'll be back with a full review soon!
Just scrolling through my reviews and realized I never came back to this. Oh well. You know I loved it so that's all that matters right?
March 20, 2026
4.5 stars
This is now a Karin Slaughter stan account.
This is now a Karin Slaughter stan account.
November 10, 2024
I did not read the authors first series, and this is a revisit of those characters. I really enjoy the way the author writes, and it holds my attention. I started listening to the audiobook and switched to the written book at 20% and was happier reading the written word for this one. 4* for writing. When reading this genre I like guessing "who done it". This was a visit back home and it seemed the murder mystery gave few clues and a lot of personalities. Didn't love it. 2.5* So, with my arbitrary rating system it falls between a 3 and 4*
October 28, 2023
Sara Linton had returned home to Grant County for the Thanksgiving holiday with her family, the first time she'd returned in four years, since her life as she'd known it, fell apart. It wasn't long before she was unwittingly involved in the murder of a young woman, the arrest of a young man who had been a patient of hers when he was a child, and the seeming corruption of a police force which had previously been a tight ship, run by Sara's husband.
When Special Agent Will Trent was brought to Heartsdale to lead the investigation, he knew immediately he was fighting an uphill battle. The local cops were against him, the interim chief, Frank Wallace, wouldn't speak to him, Detective Lena Adams - Sara's nemesis - only snarled at him. Will knew it would be difficult, but hadn't expected how much. When a second person was murdered, Will brought in a team of experts from GBI. Would they discover the killer before someone else died?
Broken is the 4th in the Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter and was once again a fast paced, electric thriller which kept me enthralled from the beginning. I really like Will's character, and am looking forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
When Special Agent Will Trent was brought to Heartsdale to lead the investigation, he knew immediately he was fighting an uphill battle. The local cops were against him, the interim chief, Frank Wallace, wouldn't speak to him, Detective Lena Adams - Sara's nemesis - only snarled at him. Will knew it would be difficult, but hadn't expected how much. When a second person was murdered, Will brought in a team of experts from GBI. Would they discover the killer before someone else died?
Broken is the 4th in the Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter and was once again a fast paced, electric thriller which kept me enthralled from the beginning. I really like Will's character, and am looking forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
February 3, 2021
Oh, I am so happy that I have the next Will Trent book sitting on my shelf.
December 30, 2022
Karin Slaughter does it again! Several murders of college-age students in a small town with a corrupt police force keeps the action riveting.
Special Agent Will Trent arrives to help and quickly determines several members of the police department are lying. The story arc, character development, and scenery descriptions are captivating.
Highly recommend!
Special Agent Will Trent arrives to help and quickly determines several members of the police department are lying. The story arc, character development, and scenery descriptions are captivating.
Highly recommend!
May 22, 2023
I am catching up with Will and Sara prior to the release of Karin's new book in the series - After That Night - due out in August (maybe earlier in some parts of the world). I follow a FB page about the series and loads of people dislike Sara - I have no idea why. I will get to the TV show someday, I am sure ...
***********************************************
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Another great read in this series. 4.5 "I love Will" stars.
While reading this one I realise that Will has sandy hair. Tant pis! My review, my imagination.
Sara is back in Grant county for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is her first time returning since the horrific events some years earlier.
Happy Birthday, Bruce, by the way - I'm sure you are reading my reviews!! LOL.
Sara and Will are forced to spend time together. There is definitely some spark there ... but he is married ... to Angie - that bitch is still in the picture. We need to get rid of her.
Loved the interaction with her family. Sara was just about ready to throttle her mother at one stage.
***********************************************
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Another great read in this series. 4.5 "I love Will" stars.
Will is called into Grant County to investigate a possible suicide in police custody. He butts heads with Lena Adams and Frank Wallace, and uncovers a truth that most in the town do not want to see.
While reading this one I realise that Will has sandy hair. Tant pis! My review, my imagination.
Sara Linton no longer thought of Grant County as her home.
Sara is back in Grant county for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is her first time returning since the horrific events some years earlier.
Her father put on some Bruce Springsteen, the needle skipping on the vinyl record as he found the right place ...
Happy Birthday, Bruce, by the way - I'm sure you are reading my reviews!! LOL.
Sara and Will are forced to spend time together. There is definitely some spark there ... but he is married ... to Angie - that bitch is still in the picture. We need to get rid of her.
Even if Will was available - even if by some miracle he was interested - Sara would never date another cop again ...
Loved the interaction with her family. Sara was just about ready to throttle her mother at one stage.
Tessa affected their mother's soft accent.
"Tell me Mr Trent, do you prefer boxers or briefs?
Sara laughed and Tess continued.
"Was your first sexual experience from a missionary position or more of a canine nature?"
Sara laughed so hard that her stomach ached. She wiped her eyes, thinking this was the first time she was actually happy to be home ...
Sara looked up at him. Will stared back, unblinkingly. There was no judgment in his gaze, no pity. Sara couldn't remember the last time someone had looked at her and really seen her..
He'd never noticed how green her eyes were, almost emerald...
November 14, 2024
Sensory overload! No break between books! (Just the way I like it by the way). Sara and Will chemistry! I missed Faith!
Ok, will stop using exclamation marks now. I rated this a healthy 4 stars. I love all of these books but with this one I markedly noticed the storyline to not be as enjoyable. The absence of Faith was noticeable, and the storyline not as punchy.
That said, these books are still perfect, they are very readable; I can certainly bunny hop from one to the other. @libbyapp and my public library makes this very doable. Narrator Natalie Ross is fab, I love the southern twang, the distinction between all characters seamless. She’s a great fit for this series.
Very curious to see the trajectory of Frank, and grateful he was only stepping in as ‘acting’ Chief of Police, Jeffery would have been mortified. The rate at which he and Lina tumbled further down into murky waters was troublesome.
I loved observing Sara in this instalment, her commitment to Jeffery and the eventual outcome of this (saying goodbye) rounded off beautifully. Each interaction with Will respectful and kind, in turn Will noticing these kindnesses was lovely. I felt it was about time he was on the receiving end of positive interactions. Will being welcomed into the Linton household warmed my heart, the little glimpse into a loving family was priceless, Cathy Linton having Will for dinner, and the assumptions from many of the community that he and Sara were together. Clearly I can’t wait to continue the series.
The wind draped her hair across his face. She put her mouth to his ear and told him, "Go home to your wife."
I listened to this via the Libby platform (LOADS of tech issues here, but they’ve reached out to me on social media so maybe I’ll get some help) and my public library. I do have number 5 already on loan, but I have other holds so I won't do it straight away. Self control a little bit.
This series is one I hugely recommend – but of course with the caveat that the Grant County series is read first.
Ok, will stop using exclamation marks now. I rated this a healthy 4 stars. I love all of these books but with this one I markedly noticed the storyline to not be as enjoyable. The absence of Faith was noticeable, and the storyline not as punchy.
That said, these books are still perfect, they are very readable; I can certainly bunny hop from one to the other. @libbyapp and my public library makes this very doable. Narrator Natalie Ross is fab, I love the southern twang, the distinction between all characters seamless. She’s a great fit for this series.
Very curious to see the trajectory of Frank, and grateful he was only stepping in as ‘acting’ Chief of Police, Jeffery would have been mortified. The rate at which he and Lina tumbled further down into murky waters was troublesome.
I loved observing Sara in this instalment, her commitment to Jeffery and the eventual outcome of this (saying goodbye) rounded off beautifully. Each interaction with Will respectful and kind, in turn Will noticing these kindnesses was lovely. I felt it was about time he was on the receiving end of positive interactions. Will being welcomed into the Linton household warmed my heart, the little glimpse into a loving family was priceless, Cathy Linton having Will for dinner, and the assumptions from many of the community that he and Sara were together. Clearly I can’t wait to continue the series.
The wind draped her hair across his face. She put her mouth to his ear and told him, "Go home to your wife."
I listened to this via the Libby platform (LOADS of tech issues here, but they’ve reached out to me on social media so maybe I’ll get some help) and my public library. I do have number 5 already on loan, but I have other holds so I won't do it straight away. Self control a little bit.
This series is one I hugely recommend – but of course with the caveat that the Grant County series is read first.
August 23, 2020
Now living in Atlanta, Dr Sara Linton is visiting Heartsdale in Grant County, Georgia for the Thanksgiving holiday when she becomes unwillingly mixed up in the autopsy and investigation of a young murder suspect in police custody. Sara left Heartsdale when her husband, Jeffrey Tolliver, the Chief of Police was murdered and doesn't want anything to do with the new chief or Jeffrey's ex-partner, Lena Adams, who she blames for Jeffrey's death. She is relieved when Agent Will Trent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is sent in to investigate the events leading up to the man's death.
This wasn't my favourite in the Will Trent series so far. It seemed to lack the suspense and build up of the earlier books and for me, got bogged down in past history and grudges. It probably would have helped if I had read the author's Grant County series and knew the details around Jeffrey Tolliver's death and the Heartsdale police, but it felt as if all the focus was on that to the detriment of a better build up to the reason behind the current deaths.
It was interesting to see Will out of his comfort zone with his GBI partner Faith on maternity leave and not available to help him out in covering his dyslexia. There were nice vibes between Will and Sara, but whether he can loosen his ex wife Angie's dependency on him will have to be seen. It will be good to to see Will and Sara back on their own turf in Atlanta in the next book in this series. 3.5★
This wasn't my favourite in the Will Trent series so far. It seemed to lack the suspense and build up of the earlier books and for me, got bogged down in past history and grudges. It probably would have helped if I had read the author's Grant County series and knew the details around Jeffrey Tolliver's death and the Heartsdale police, but it felt as if all the focus was on that to the detriment of a better build up to the reason behind the current deaths.
It was interesting to see Will out of his comfort zone with his GBI partner Faith on maternity leave and not available to help him out in covering his dyslexia. There were nice vibes between Will and Sara, but whether he can loosen his ex wife Angie's dependency on him will have to be seen. It will be good to to see Will and Sara back on their own turf in Atlanta in the next book in this series. 3.5★
August 22, 2010
This book was fun to read, but not for the reasons the author probably intended. My favorite parts of the book were the incredibly awkward interactions between Sara and Will, both of them are so socially retarded, both thinking neither is good for the other, not realizing they are perfect for each other if only Sara could get over her dead husband and Will could get rid of Angie who is the biggest user I have ever seen.
I also loved Sara's family and the town's reaction to Will. They all seem to think/know that they should be together. Sara's mom was the best with all of her subtle digs and information gathering sessions.
I don't know what to think about Lena in this book. My feelings have gone from absolutely hating her at first, to feeling sorry for her, to kind of understanding where she is coming from, which is where I seem to be right now. I really don't know what to think about her new boyfriend, it reeks of all kinds of dysfunction, but that is Lena to a T.
I can't wait to see where things go from here for all of the characters.
I also loved Sara's family and the town's reaction to Will. They all seem to think/know that they should be together. Sara's mom was the best with all of her subtle digs and information gathering sessions.
I don't know what to think about Lena in this book. My feelings have gone from absolutely hating her at first, to feeling sorry for her, to kind of understanding where she is coming from, which is where I seem to be right now. I really don't know what to think about her new boyfriend, it reeks of all kinds of dysfunction, but that is Lena to a T.
I can't wait to see where things go from here for all of the characters.
July 22, 2021
4.5
This was my least favorite book in the series, but it was still a 4.5 so that is saying all that needs to be said lol.
This was my least favorite book in the series, but it was still a 4.5 so that is saying all that needs to be said lol.
September 4, 2023
I think I may be slightly addicted to this series, mmmkkyyy.
Am I in it for the romance as much as the intriguing cases? Possibly. I love Will, how incredibly flawed and interesting he is as a character, and I love how he, and really all of the main characters, are like onions, slowly having their layers pulled back book by book, and case by case.
I loved getting to learn more about Sara and her background as she travels home for the holidays and ends up working a case, with the help of Will, that hits very close to home.
This one is a bit more of a character focused slow burn, but I enjoyed it just as much as any of the other more action packed installments.
Am I in it for the romance as much as the intriguing cases? Possibly. I love Will, how incredibly flawed and interesting he is as a character, and I love how he, and really all of the main characters, are like onions, slowly having their layers pulled back book by book, and case by case.
I loved getting to learn more about Sara and her background as she travels home for the holidays and ends up working a case, with the help of Will, that hits very close to home.
This one is a bit more of a character focused slow burn, but I enjoyed it just as much as any of the other more action packed installments.
July 4, 2017
Love this series!! Love Will Trent!! Love Karin Slaughter!!
December 4, 2019
3.5 stars
For some reason this book started off a lot slower than what I have come to expect from this author and with this installment she also kept the gory parts quite tame.
BUT as the story progressed I got sucked in more and at the end I realized that I will have to read the next installment sooner rather than later.
The lives of the characters were almost more of a focus point than the murder investigation but I didn’t mind one bit as the story gave a lot of insight into the dynamics between Will and Sarah as well as (some of ) the reasons for the tension between Lena and Sarah.
All in all a satisfying addition to the Will Trent series.
For some reason this book started off a lot slower than what I have come to expect from this author and with this installment she also kept the gory parts quite tame.
BUT as the story progressed I got sucked in more and at the end I realized that I will have to read the next installment sooner rather than later.
The lives of the characters were almost more of a focus point than the murder investigation but I didn’t mind one bit as the story gave a lot of insight into the dynamics between Will and Sarah as well as (some of ) the reasons for the tension between Lena and Sarah.
All in all a satisfying addition to the Will Trent series.
September 1, 2016
Broken by Karin Slaughter is a 2010 Delacorte Press publication.
This fourth installment in the Will Trent series once again ties in with Grant County as Sara Linton returns home for the holidays. When a young college girl is found dead, originally the consensus is suicide, but upon further investigation it is discovered she was murdered.
Then a mentally challenged man is arrested for the crime, and promptly commits suicide in his jail cell. Sara knows instinctively that the cops messed up and this is her golden opportunity to take Lena down. So, she calls the GBI, who sends Will Trent in to investigate.
I vaguely remember reading this book a long time ago. I think I may have gotten it mixed up with Slaughter’s Grant County series when I picked it up and I remember feeling a little confused and let down by it.
Now that I have all my ducks in a row and have read the first three books in the series, things make a lot more sense to me.
This book is a just wee bit different from previous chapters in the series, but is a stellar addition all the same.
The attention called to big pharm and drug studies is a thought provoking topic, but what stood out to me was the progress Sara made on a personal front. Once more Will is put into an awkward and frustrating situation, and I hated to see him sucked back into this own private hell. I missed Faith’s presence a lot, but hopefully the next book in the series will have us back in Atlanta and to business as usual.
Overall, this is another solid crime drama, highlighting the greed and underbelly of human nature, deftly constructed, and presented with a precision only Karin Slaughter can deliver.
So far, so good with this series! I’m so glad I decided to read these in order and am looking forward to the next installment!
This fourth installment in the Will Trent series once again ties in with Grant County as Sara Linton returns home for the holidays. When a young college girl is found dead, originally the consensus is suicide, but upon further investigation it is discovered she was murdered.
Then a mentally challenged man is arrested for the crime, and promptly commits suicide in his jail cell. Sara knows instinctively that the cops messed up and this is her golden opportunity to take Lena down. So, she calls the GBI, who sends Will Trent in to investigate.
I vaguely remember reading this book a long time ago. I think I may have gotten it mixed up with Slaughter’s Grant County series when I picked it up and I remember feeling a little confused and let down by it.
Now that I have all my ducks in a row and have read the first three books in the series, things make a lot more sense to me.
This book is a just wee bit different from previous chapters in the series, but is a stellar addition all the same.
The attention called to big pharm and drug studies is a thought provoking topic, but what stood out to me was the progress Sara made on a personal front. Once more Will is put into an awkward and frustrating situation, and I hated to see him sucked back into this own private hell. I missed Faith’s presence a lot, but hopefully the next book in the series will have us back in Atlanta and to business as usual.
Overall, this is another solid crime drama, highlighting the greed and underbelly of human nature, deftly constructed, and presented with a precision only Karin Slaughter can deliver.
So far, so good with this series! I’m so glad I decided to read these in order and am looking forward to the next installment!
July 8, 2019
This particular book of Slaughter's is the fourth of the Will Trent mysteries.
Allison is living in Grant County, Georgia going to college. She's having a rough go of things, her boyfriend's being a shit head, her car is on the fritz, she barely can afford to live in her own place, and she's fighting to keep her grades up. Her body is found in a nearby lake, all signs pointing to suicide, apart from the stab wound in the back of her neck. Something's not right.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, the crooked cops and those who played by the book. There are issues of mental illness, alcoholism, dyslexia, grief, loss, blame and shame. This was not as grissley as many of Slaughter's past books, and it read more like a police procedural. What kept me engaged was how relatable the characters and their respective problems were. Very well done indeed.
Allison is living in Grant County, Georgia going to college. She's having a rough go of things, her boyfriend's being a shit head, her car is on the fritz, she barely can afford to live in her own place, and she's fighting to keep her grades up. Her body is found in a nearby lake, all signs pointing to suicide, apart from the stab wound in the back of her neck. Something's not right.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, the crooked cops and those who played by the book. There are issues of mental illness, alcoholism, dyslexia, grief, loss, blame and shame. This was not as grissley as many of Slaughter's past books, and it read more like a police procedural. What kept me engaged was how relatable the characters and their respective problems were. Very well done indeed.
November 24, 2015
4 STARS
And the Will Trent story goes on.
This one taking us back to Grant County, where Dr. Sara Linton was born and raised, and worked with her late husband, Jeffrey Tolliver, who was the chief of police at the time.
Sara is only there for a visit with her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. But somehow her old life manages to draw her back into the thick of things.
But Sara is not so easily persuaded to support her old friends at the police station. And It isn't long before she drags Will Trent into it all with her.
More brutal murders, lying and deception, all running rampant in the so called small town. And who is at the center of the melee?
None other than Lena Adams, the same dirty cop who Sara held responsible for her husband's untimely death.
This one seemed to fly by for me. Although I have to admit, I'm not as into Grant County as I am the Atlanta scene. Faith Mitchell was more in the background this time around. (off having her baby) And Angie... MIA, but always somehow lurking in the shadows.
I want more action between Sara and Will. Seriously, the slow build is driving me nuts! I'm liking the chemistry though. I see good things, if only for the small detail of "fucking Angie" and the "ghost of Tolliver". Come on guys... get on with it!
I'm on a roll... on to book 5.
And the Will Trent story goes on.
There has to be something awfully bad or awfully good to compel a person to turn their lives around.
This one taking us back to Grant County, where Dr. Sara Linton was born and raised, and worked with her late husband, Jeffrey Tolliver, who was the chief of police at the time.
Sara is only there for a visit with her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. But somehow her old life manages to draw her back into the thick of things.
But Sara is not so easily persuaded to support her old friends at the police station. And It isn't long before she drags Will Trent into it all with her.
More brutal murders, lying and deception, all running rampant in the so called small town. And who is at the center of the melee?
None other than Lena Adams, the same dirty cop who Sara held responsible for her husband's untimely death.
This one seemed to fly by for me. Although I have to admit, I'm not as into Grant County as I am the Atlanta scene. Faith Mitchell was more in the background this time around. (off having her baby) And Angie... MIA, but always somehow lurking in the shadows.
I want more action between Sara and Will. Seriously, the slow build is driving me nuts! I'm liking the chemistry though. I see good things, if only for the small detail of "fucking Angie" and the "ghost of Tolliver". Come on guys... get on with it!
Somewhere on earth, there was always a book with an answer in it, and the best way to find that answer was to read every book you could get your hands on.
I'm on a roll... on to book 5.
May 23, 2018
This series is only getting better!
Sara is back in Grant County. She's visiting her family through the holidays. She has not been back in almost four years.
Shortly after her arrival, the body of a young woman is found in the ice. The man suspected of her death, asks for Sara's help. At first, Sara wants nothing to do with it but she believes something is going on with the police department, especially with Detective Lena Adams. She calls the GBI in.
Will who's on vacation is called by his boss, Amanda Wagner. She wants him to go to Grant County and find out the truth about the murder and to look into what the police department is hiding.
Will knows this is personal for Sara. Yet, his gut instinct is telling him that there's something wrong with the police department. It's not the same as when Chief Tolliver was handling it. Frank is the interim chief and he and his detectives are not welcoming or helpful.
Broken was bittersweet. We see Grant County through Sara and Lena's eyes. Losing Jeffrey has brought nothing good to the town. Both women can't wait to leave it.
Lena has stayed behind because the town represents Jeffrey. Lena is in a relationship. A healthy one which is a shock. I guess she finally learned her lesson. Lena is more mature and less inclined to blame others for her mistakes. She still makes them but at least she's able to point the finger at herself. I was surprised to see her being helpful to Will. I mean she still kept things from him but she was not as bad as 4 years ago.
“He was playing chess and she was sucking at checkers.”
Will is amazing in this one too. He's able to follow the crumbs to find the truth. Once he realizes something is off, Will is too stubborn to let it go.
It was so tough to see Sara back in her hometown. Her devastation and pain were there for anyone to see. Some of the scenes brought tears to my eyes. I continue to root for Sara and Will. I think they can make a great couple.
I found it refreshing to see Sara's sister Tessa in a happy marriage and starting a family. Tessa had it rough too and she has earned some happiness. I love Sara and Tessa's relationship. They are truly siblings.
“Tessa reached out and took her hand. “Can I tell you something?”
“As long as it’s not advice on chasing after a married man.”
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
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February 17, 2021
"Opnieuw een goed deel met Will Trent & Sara Linton in de hoofdrol. Hopelijk komt er in het vijfde deel een intiemere toenadering tussen die twee!"
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April 6, 2017
Another 5* rating this book got me hooked from the start,Lena Adams is back.a great crime case body in the water and the murderer wasn't revealed till the end.fantastic read highly recommend.
June 1, 2023
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
July 30, 2019
It’s hard to start with the number of characters to sort thru but then the flow is great.
It’s Thanksgiving in Grant County, Georgia -> Special Agent Will Trent of Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is assigned to 2 cases.
Allison Spooner’s murder & Tommy Braham’s suicide.
Det. Lena Adams helps Will investigate the cases.
(1) Allison Spooner(21) - A Grant Tech college student & waitress, killed at Lover’s Point. Stabbed, tied to cider blocks, thrown into Lover’s Point Lake with a suicide note. If a 911 call wasn’t made, they would not have known her body was in the lake? Was it a murder or “fake” suicide?
(2) Tommy Braham(19) - When they traced to where Allison lived, it lead to Gordon Braham’s garage (Tommy’s dad). Tommy was there & ran. When he turned around, he stabbed Det. Brad Stephens. When arrested, the knife was the size that could have killed Allison? He becomes the murder suspect?
Tommy was mentally handicapped. He confessed killing his “girlfriend”, Allison. He cried to Dr. Sara Linton, one of His first doctors, back in town. But committed suicide in his cell slashing his wrist with a pen before she got there. Most people in town said Tommy would never commit suicide.
Dr. Sara Linton, former Grady Hospital ME, was back to visit family for Thanksgiving. Sara blames Det. Lena Adams for leaving a pen with Tommy for his suicide.
Sara & Lena could not face each other, Sara hated & blamed Lena for her husband, Jeffery, the police chief’s death from the past.
Sara & Will have worked together in a many assignments, he can’t escape her family’s hospitality.
Lena & Will agree Tommy was in the “right place at the wrong time” when Det. Stephens was stabbed at Allison’s home/garage.
Darla Jackson, is the Grant County nurse assigned & helps the investigations.
Darla is daughter of town’s ”Interim” Police Chief Frank Wallace assigned, knowing their progress!!
Jason Howell, Allison’s real college grad boyfriend, is found dead in his dorm room.
Allison & Jason stab wounds nearly identical - “small, sharp blade & twisted to ensure maximum damage” made from behind.
It’s Thanksgiving in Grant County, Georgia -> Special Agent Will Trent of Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is assigned to 2 cases.
Allison Spooner’s murder & Tommy Braham’s suicide.
Det. Lena Adams helps Will investigate the cases.
(1) Allison Spooner(21) - A Grant Tech college student & waitress, killed at Lover’s Point. Stabbed, tied to cider blocks, thrown into Lover’s Point Lake with a suicide note. If a 911 call wasn’t made, they would not have known her body was in the lake? Was it a murder or “fake” suicide?
(2) Tommy Braham(19) - When they traced to where Allison lived, it lead to Gordon Braham’s garage (Tommy’s dad). Tommy was there & ran. When he turned around, he stabbed Det. Brad Stephens. When arrested, the knife was the size that could have killed Allison? He becomes the murder suspect?
Tommy was mentally handicapped. He confessed killing his “girlfriend”, Allison. He cried to Dr. Sara Linton, one of His first doctors, back in town. But committed suicide in his cell slashing his wrist with a pen before she got there. Most people in town said Tommy would never commit suicide.
Dr. Sara Linton, former Grady Hospital ME, was back to visit family for Thanksgiving. Sara blames Det. Lena Adams for leaving a pen with Tommy for his suicide.
Sara & Lena could not face each other, Sara hated & blamed Lena for her husband, Jeffery, the police chief’s death from the past.
Sara & Will have worked together in a many assignments, he can’t escape her family’s hospitality.
Lena & Will agree Tommy was in the “right place at the wrong time” when Det. Stephens was stabbed at Allison’s home/garage.
Darla Jackson, is the Grant County nurse assigned & helps the investigations.
Darla is daughter of town’s ”Interim” Police Chief Frank Wallace assigned, knowing their progress!!
Jason Howell, Allison’s real college grad boyfriend, is found dead in his dorm room.
Allison & Jason stab wounds nearly identical - “small, sharp blade & twisted to ensure maximum damage” made from behind.
January 8, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Karin Slaughter hasn’t let me down yet! Another excellent, edge of your seat book!
January 18, 2021
Audio 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
February 8, 2020
It is pretty obvious by now that I have become quite obsessed with Karin Slaughter. I am currently reading her Will Trent Series. Broken is book 4 in the series. This book begins with a character that has already been introduced, Dr. Sara Linton. She is coming home for the first time in years and is haunted by her husband’s murder. Grant County is small and the police protect themselves. When a young woman’s body is pulled from the lake, an arrest is made, but the suspect kills himself in his cell. Dr. Sara Linton knows the detectives are protecting each other and that the real killer is still out there. So she calls Will Trent to help investigate.
One thing I love about Karin Slaughter is that she is not afraid to take her books to the next level. Her characters, plot, and twists are complex. Every detail is important and has meaning. This book is even more interesting because it starts to dive into Sara Linton’s past-which is apparently the focus of the Grant series. (I already added it to my TBR.) There is more to Sara than meets the eye. She has a dark past, that continues to haunt her future. I love how both Will and Sara have to peel back all the layers of this community to discover the secrets. Every character seems connected, but the conclusion is not predictable.
Will Trent as always, is fabulous. This book really shines a light on his chemistry with Sara, even though he is still married to Angie. UGH! Angie has been gone for months, she only comes around when she needs Will. Needless to say, I am not a fan of her… *ahem* ANYWAY. Will still struggles to keep his struggles with dyslexia under wraps. But without his partner, his struggles start to reveal themselves to Sara.
The only letdown in this book for me is the lack of Amanda Wagner. She is my favorite in this series and I really missed her in this book, good thing she is in the next book. I did miss Faith too, but she will be back in the next book as well. So as always, Karin Slaughter knocked it out of the park for me. 5 out of 5 stars!
One thing I love about Karin Slaughter is that she is not afraid to take her books to the next level. Her characters, plot, and twists are complex. Every detail is important and has meaning. This book is even more interesting because it starts to dive into Sara Linton’s past-which is apparently the focus of the Grant series. (I already added it to my TBR.) There is more to Sara than meets the eye. She has a dark past, that continues to haunt her future. I love how both Will and Sara have to peel back all the layers of this community to discover the secrets. Every character seems connected, but the conclusion is not predictable.
Will Trent as always, is fabulous. This book really shines a light on his chemistry with Sara, even though he is still married to Angie. UGH! Angie has been gone for months, she only comes around when she needs Will. Needless to say, I am not a fan of her… *ahem* ANYWAY. Will still struggles to keep his struggles with dyslexia under wraps. But without his partner, his struggles start to reveal themselves to Sara.
The only letdown in this book for me is the lack of Amanda Wagner. She is my favorite in this series and I really missed her in this book, good thing she is in the next book. I did miss Faith too, but she will be back in the next book as well. So as always, Karin Slaughter knocked it out of the park for me. 5 out of 5 stars!
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