The BrokenThe Apostles #1
By: Shelly Coriell
Published: April 29, 2014
Publisher: Forever Romance
Source: Publisher
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GR's Summary:
He took her life, but left her alive. Three years ago, reporter Kate Johnson was the first victim—and only survivor—of the Broadcast Butcher. Scarred both physically and psychologically by the brutal serial killer, Kate lives life on the run, knowing that one day, he will find her and finish what he started. In the pursuit of justice, you sometimes have to step outside the law. Agent Hayden Reed spends his life chasing monsters. The only way to stay sane is to detach, but the second the Broadcast Butcher case crosses his desk, Hayden knows this is the case that might just cost him his soul. To catch this vicious murderer before he strikes again, Hayden must find Kate and earn her trust. For it's her darkest secrets that hold the key to stopping this madman once and for all...
My Take on this Journey:
The Broken, by Shelley Coriell, is the phenomenal first book in The Apostles Series. Katrina Erickson, (Kate), use to be a reporter and journalist. She was the first of 7 serial killings, and left for dead. She was the only survivor, and feeling like no one can protect her, has been on the run for the last 3 years. She has changed her name to Kate, moved with as little as possible, left her life completely behind, to survive the day that the murderer comes back to finish the job he started so long ago.
Kate moves to a small town and becomes a caretaker for a wounded old Vet who is blind, named Smokey Joe. Smokey Joe is a wonderful character full of vim and vigor. He has a bad case of PTSD, and nightly needs Kate to calm him down from his nightmares that haunt him from his past. Kate and Smokey have an unusual relationship. Kate is very caring with Smokey and he looks for her tender care.
Kate is a survivor, who died the night that she was brutally stabbed over and over again by this mass serial killer. She tries to keep herself preoccupied by what she is doing in order to not dwell on what has happened to her. Unfortunately, the wounds are real and are reminders of what happened to her. Now all she wants is to have her anonymity. Staying with smokey for 6 months gets her caught by FBI Special Agent Hayden Reed, who has been looking for the lone survivor for 3 years, hoping that she will be able to fill in the missing puzzle pieces that will link it all together so he can find the Broadcast Butcher.
Closure is all he needs and he is determined to keep Kate at his side to find the killer before he finds Kate. Agent Hayden and Kate slowly but surely become engaged in a relationship. Hayden is a man set in his ways, stuck in his work, and driven to the core. He doesn't want to change. His life is hunting monsters for a living. I felt he needed more growth. He didn't learn from his former mistakes in everyday life.
I loved this novel. The novel was wonderfully written, well rounded, well developed characters, story line, and was full of substance. There were an abundance of twists and turns, and obstacles, that keep the reader on the edge of their seats. This novel is a fascinating and unpredictable page turner. The reader feels that they are there, in the midst of a community frightened and scared for their lives. Ms. Coriell has created an undeniable monster that has created havoc, and the reader has a front row seat for the ride!
I give, The Broken, by Shelley Coriell, 4 1/2 Suspenseful, Intriguing, Danger Filled, Psychologically Thrilling Stars!!!
Kate moves to a small town and becomes a caretaker for a wounded old Vet who is blind, named Smokey Joe. Smokey Joe is a wonderful character full of vim and vigor. He has a bad case of PTSD, and nightly needs Kate to calm him down from his nightmares that haunt him from his past. Kate and Smokey have an unusual relationship. Kate is very caring with Smokey and he looks for her tender care.
Kate is a survivor, who died the night that she was brutally stabbed over and over again by this mass serial killer. She tries to keep herself preoccupied by what she is doing in order to not dwell on what has happened to her. Unfortunately, the wounds are real and are reminders of what happened to her. Now all she wants is to have her anonymity. Staying with smokey for 6 months gets her caught by FBI Special Agent Hayden Reed, who has been looking for the lone survivor for 3 years, hoping that she will be able to fill in the missing puzzle pieces that will link it all together so he can find the Broadcast Butcher.
Closure is all he needs and he is determined to keep Kate at his side to find the killer before he finds Kate. Agent Hayden and Kate slowly but surely become engaged in a relationship. Hayden is a man set in his ways, stuck in his work, and driven to the core. He doesn't want to change. His life is hunting monsters for a living. I felt he needed more growth. He didn't learn from his former mistakes in everyday life.
I loved this novel. The novel was wonderfully written, well rounded, well developed characters, story line, and was full of substance. There were an abundance of twists and turns, and obstacles, that keep the reader on the edge of their seats. This novel is a fascinating and unpredictable page turner. The reader feels that they are there, in the midst of a community frightened and scared for their lives. Ms. Coriell has created an undeniable monster that has created havoc, and the reader has a front row seat for the ride!
I give, The Broken, by Shelley Coriell, 4 1/2 Suspenseful, Intriguing, Danger Filled, Psychologically Thrilling Stars!!!
About Shelly Coriell:
A former newspaper reporter, magazine editor, and restaurant reviewer. These days Shelley writes smart, funny novels for teens and big, edgy romantic suspense. A six-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, she lives and loves in Arizona with her family and the world's neediest rescue Weimaraner. When she's not behind the keyboard, you'll find her baking high-calorie, high-fat desserts and haunting local farmers markets for the perfect plum.
Ohhh sounds dark. I love me a serial killer. Not like THAT, though. :)
ReplyDeleteI love a good suspensful romance book and this one has given me chill bumps! Your review sealed the deal for me!
ReplyDeleteBarrie
Did you mean that you felt the Agent didn't grow from his past experiences or in the book having not enough info or growth? I definitely added it to my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy suspenseful romance. I read one recently that I really enjoyed. Need to try some more.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very different from my normal thriller, but it does sound really good. I like the relationship you hinted at between Smokey Joe and Kate. It sounds different, and sweet. I may have to check this out a little more. Thanks for your review!
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