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Broken Ground

Karen Pirie, Book 5

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Broken Ground

By: Val McDermid
Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron
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About this listen

When a body is discovered in the remote depths of the Highlands, DCI Karen Pirie finds herself in the right place at the right time. Unearthed with someone's long-buried inheritance, the victim seems to belong to the distant past - until new evidence suggests otherwise, and Karen is called in to unravel a case where nothing is as it seems.

It's not long before an overheard conversation draws Karen into the heart of a different case, however - a shocking crime she thought she'd already prevented. As she inches closer to the twisted truths at the centre of these murders, it becomes clear that she's dealing with a version of justice terrifyingly different to her own....

©2018 Val McDermid (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd Mystery Crime Fiction Suspense
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I looked forward to this next book in the Karen Pirie series, having become fond of this quirky clever detective and her handful of distinctive colleagues and friends . The central murder mysteries in this series are always interesting and a little bit complex without being too disturbing or grotesque . Karens emotional Ilife and her strong female professional and personal relationships are a delight. These elements were all there in this story and I was relishing the way the plot was playing out , the pieces coming together , but then suddenly it ended without a complete resolution in what felt like a chapter too soon. The epilogue reassured us that Karen was right of course , but we were left not knowing if justice prevails. Maybe this plot line bleeds into the next book?

Enjoyable as ever, but the ending was abrupt

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As always, plenty to think about and interesting characters. I didn’t enjoy this series until I heard it read by Cathleen McCarron. It Takes some concentration but McCarron is one of my favourites and makes it easy and pleasurable no matter how many times I have to go back to check a detail. DI Pirie is tough and gutsy. The path to justice is complex and clever, very enjoyable.

Best narrator, hands down

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another good story by this author. loved the storyline. narration is also very good.kept me interested wanting to see were the story went. worked out plot about 3/4 way thought

excellent

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Loved it and the performance by the narrator is one of the best I have heard.

Great story extraordinary narration

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Great plot characters narration well done this is my 2 Nd Karen book I’m going backwards but without giving away anything her nemesis is just terrible hope they get their comeuppance soon

Thoroughly enjoyable

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Great interwoven stories. Really enjoy the Karen Pirie series. The reader does an excellent job.

Loved it!

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I have enjoyed all the Dective Karen Pirie series so far and this one didn't disappoint. Not a fast-paced thriller, but an intriguing story and some excellent characters whom we will meet with again. Karen Pirie is a very believable lead character, rising through the ranks of Police Scotland without unnecessary dramas or outlandishly theatrical adventures. It is enjoyable to watch her side-kick, The Mint, growing in confidence and ability. McDermid's command of the police procedural is consummate.

The narration is first rate - a pleasure to listen to (except maybe the Australian accent of one of the minor characters).

The best so far in the Dect. Karen Pirie series.

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Looks like Bal ran out of time, so finished with an epilogue that told the reader nothing. So many loose ends in the final part of the story.
What happened with the dog biscuit?
Did Shirley get convicted?
Did Karen go on with Hamish?
Perhaps some of these questions requiring a longer book, but hey, up to the final chapter, so detailed. Then, a cop out epilogue.

Disappointing finish

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Thoroughly enjoyed this very well put together tale. Highly recommended to cold case and forensic mystery fans

Great story... riveting listen!

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I had no problems engaging with the characters, and the plot is very well thought out. The performance was pretty good but attempts at certain accents were a little laughable!

Great listening to a well-crafted plot...

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