Review: The Broken by Shelley Coriell

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 . . .

Review
When I first glanced at the book summary, I was a little nervous. As much as I love a good suspense plot, serial killers sort of push the envelope for me. With those timid concerns of whether I would have to sleep with the lights on, there was something about this book that was screaming at me to read, I'm so glad I did because it was nothing I thought it would be. 

The Broken, the first book of the Apostle series, written by Shelly Coriell was something that could've been ripped from a case straight out of Criminal Minds. Brilliant and cleverly written, Coriell keeps you on the edge of your seat with her keep you guessing whodunit because every time you think you have it solved, you're completely wrong. She wasn't over the top with details; you got just enough to make you want to keep turning the pages. Each element as the book went along made the plot fit together like a puzzle that came together in the end. 

You can really tell she thought out these characters. Individually, they all had their own personalities that invited you into their heads but together, they really worked well together. The best part of the book for me was the Kate and Hayden. The chemistry that develops between the two of them was a great subplot to the book which added a bonus romance into the mix. I really hope that we can get a chance to see what happens as the series continues.

For me, since I was concerned going into this about the violent aspects of the book, I'm glad it wasn't overtly described. Mild and tamed considering what I have come across in similar novels, I was put to ease because she has a way with writing the action as it fit well with the content of the book. Overall, I think this is one of those suspense stories that you will not want to stop reading. I'm not saying that because of the pace of the book but because the quality of the story engages you psychologically as well as being entertained. Between the twists and turns and a plot that keeps you guessing, you will definitely be hooked! If you love a good suspense, I'd definitely recommend.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: 4/29/2014
Pages: 416