Book Review: Broadchurch by Erin Kelly and Chris Chibnall

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, free of charge, from St Martin's Press, via NetGalley for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it



And now we're off to England!


In a change of pace- the book has followed the successful BBC series!




broadchurch cover


Synopsis:

In the sleepy British seaside town of Broadchurch, Detective Ellie Miller has just returned from vacation, only to learn that she’s been passed over for a promotion at work in favor of outsider Alec Hardy. He, escaping the spectacular failure of his last case, is having trouble finding his way into this tight-knit community wary of new faces. But professional rivalry aside, both detectives are about to receive some terrible news: 11-year-old Danny Latimer has been found murdered on the beach.

For Ellie it's a personal blow; Danny was her older son’s best friend. She can’t believe anyone in Broadchurch would ever have harmed him. But Alec considers everyone, even Danny’s parents, suspect in his death. It’s a living nightmare for everyone involved…even before the press arrive and start stirring up the secrets every town member keeps hidden behind closed doors.


Review:
I had caught half of a show of the series, so I knew about it, but was not knowledgeable about the characters. I was intrigued by the book coming after the series. I can't post as to how well it handles the characters really, but from what little bit I've seen, it is a pretty accurate retelling! The mystery is very solid and ever-changing- it will keep the reader on their toes, trying to figure out along with the detectives WHO is the true suspect as they try to unravel secrets long hidden in the quiet town. Half of the interest in the story is how Ellie is involved in the investigation on the outer rim, and then closer in.American readers will scream 'foul', as real life barges in and says "that would never be allowed in the US, she would have been benched from the investigation". But this IS fiction, and the differences in police work from across the pond are very apparent in this story- helpful or hindering? That is up to the reader to decide. The story echoes Ellie and Alec, and their lives, and when in the end everything comes to a very dramatic conclusion, the reader will sigh with pleasure, with a well done mystery and read!  I highly recommend the book, and am looking forward to more books in the series, and to watching the BBC shows! 



About the Authors:

ERIN KELLY is the author of three critically acclaimed psychological thrillers, and also works as a freelance journalist, writing for newspapers including The Sunday TimesThe Sunday Telegraph and the Daily Mail as well as magazines including RedPsychologiesMarie Claire and Elle. She lives in London with her family.


CHRIS CHIBNALL is the creator, writer and executive producer of the award winning BBC America drama Broadchurch. He has also written for TV shows including Life on MarsLaw & OrderDoctor Who and its spin-off, Torchwood. He lives in Dorset with his family.



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