It was the first one I had read. As I read the first chapter of Broken Places, I thought, man, there are a lot of characters to remember. It took me a couple of chapters to sort them out. Once who’s who began to stick in my head, I got caught up in the plot, the connections between the characters and the complexities of their relationships.
The main characters are connected in the present and the past. The protagonist, Rachel Goddard, has secrets that even her love, Deputy Sheriff Tom Bridger, doesn’t know. The secrets and lies of various characters cause problems, mistrust and pain. Parshall pulls all the threads together in the end, but that doesn’t mean every character goes away happy.
Although Rachel Goddard’s profession of veterinarian didn’t play a huge role in the book, it was interesting to have a protagonist with that job. It not only gave Rachel a softer side, but reason to be places she shouldn’t have been.
There are several possible suspects and Parshall keeps you guessing throughout the book. Parshall also sets up Rachel Goddard as a complex character with secrets she’d rather keep hidden. Unfortunately, Lindsay, former girlfriend of Rachel’s love interest, and big-time nosey snoop keeps getting in the way. The question becomes how many more will die before Rachel can solve the mystery.
I’m giving it a Hel-Yeah. (New rating system I’m trying out.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FTC Disclaimer: This signed book was sent to me by the author, but that’s not why I’m recommending it, nor did it influence my review. Nor was I influenced by the starred reviews and Sandra Parshall’s Agatha Award. Lots of people have awards. I, myself, received the Best Mom award from my son. My daughter is still undecided. I’m thinking I’ll get it from her -- I am her only mom, after all. She’s holding out, though. I’m a bit worried since she now lives in another state. I suspect she’s trying out other finalists for the Best Mom award. That’s okay. There’s still her birthday, Christmas, money and bribery. Whadda ya think? Five bucks? Ten? 
A veterinarian as protagonist fits well with my expectations. All the veterinarians I know (approximately two, I think) are nice people. One of them (a former neighbor) once gave me some pig-pills when I was stung by a wasp. It worked quite well, actually.
ReplyDeleteI like your new rating system, looking forward to see the full range of it >:)
Cold As Heaven
I like the new rating system!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great Sunday Read.
ReplyDeleteTerrific disclaimer, as always -- but the rating system is certainly a go!
Too many laughs so early in the AM.
Once again your disclaimer has left me laughing out loud. I also like your new rating system. This sounds like an interesting read, but one where I might want to start with book one in order to get to know the characters better.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intriguing book. I'll have to add this to my growing wish list. Like your rating system, it fits the current book I'm reading. LOL
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
My glasses are now wet from the laugh-tears sweeping my eyelashes as I read your disclaimer.
ReplyDeleteYour new rating system gets a high five from me!
Cold As Heaven, I have no idea what pig pills are, but they don't sound like something I'd want to take for a wasp sting. You might want to go to a human doctor next time.
ReplyDeleteI will probably have to post and get everyone's help on the new rating system. So far, I've only come up with:
Hel-No (but I don't usually review books I really don't like)
What the Hel? - for books I don't understand
Hel-Yeah - for ones I like
I'm still trying to think of other hels.
Not sure what I would score the book, but your disclaimer is a perfect ten!
ReplyDeleteI would suggest "Hotter than Hel" ... if anything like that exists >;)))
ReplyDeleteCold As Heaven
Ooh, good one, Cold As Heaven. I could reserve that for Romance books I like. I've added it to the list.
ReplyDeleteHel lo! You are too funny.
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of book.
ReplyDeleteLove the Hel-Yeah rating system. I presume that means there might be a Hel-No or a Hel-Meh?
~jon
Sounds like an interesting book. I like the new rating system :)
ReplyDeleteWhat would Hel-Meh be? Does that mean the book was so-so?
ReplyDeleteLove your new rating system!! Sandra's book sounds fascinating. Must say, with that kind of rating....
ReplyDeleteOnce I get the rating system down, I'll announce it. I appreciate all the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking it will require at least twenty bucks and a gift certificate of some sort Helen, lol!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book. I like complex characters. I'll have to check it out. (was that a groan I heard from my check book?)lol!
Bribery always works!
ReplyDeleteLove the rating system, Helen! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Diane. Money talks. (Or daughter walks. Just kidding.)
ReplyDeleteGreat review AND disclaimer. Hel-Yeah!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book and I think your daughter will come through in the end. My kids tell me all the time I'm their favorite mom.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Helen. Good luck with the best mom award. I tried to bribe my kids, but they all decided they liked the dog better than me.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time with books that introduce a lot of characters right out of the gate. It is hard to keep track of them
Maryann, I totally identify with that. Of course, I like the dog better than me, too.
ReplyDelete