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  • Broken Ground

  • Karen Pirie, Book 5
  • By: Val McDermid
  • Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron
  • Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (162 ratings)

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Broken Ground cover art

Broken Ground

By: Val McDermid
Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron
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Publisher's Summary

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

What listeners say about Broken Ground

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story... riveting listen!

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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).

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Disappointing finish

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable as ever, but the ending was abrupt

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?

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Best narrator, hands down

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story extraordinary narration

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

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great listening to a well-crafted plot...

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!

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3 people found this helpful

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.