A suspenseful mystery with romance. Definitely check Trigger warnings. It kept me captivated but I didn't find myself connecting with the characters at all.

2.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

The Broken Places is a romantic thriller based around an FBI agent who must track down the source of an unknown drug - a hallucinogenic drug forcing the homeless to act our dangerous trauma role play - leading to murder.
Lennon (FBI agent) and her new partner Ambrose work closely together to solve these cases - romance and love blossoming between the two.
But is all that it seems romance and case wise?

When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the storyline - but I did! It kept me enthralled, wanting to know what the heck was happening and how it would all turn out in the end.
This book touches on homelessness, trauma, prostitution and drugs, and while it is a novel of fiction it does open your eyes and gets you thinking about what really does go on in our world, and all the people out there who need help.

A great first read for me by Mia.

“The Broken Places” is a Romance Thriller set on the streets of San Francisco, following investigator Lennon and FBI agent Ambrose as they delve into a mysterious new street drug causing horrific deaths among the homeless and prostitutes in one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods.

I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot because it’s best experienced without spoilers! Initially, I was unsure if it was leaning more towards romance or thriller, but the twist around the midpoint really elevated the story for me! The plot has a futuristic/dystopian vibe with its crime storyline, which I found quite effective.

The book tackles themes like generational trauma, alternative therapies, addiction, and other dark subjects that are important to address. The storyline is challenging and kept me completely absorbed, trying to connect all the pieces. There are some surprises I didn’t expect. This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of genres that keeps you guessing until the end.

Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

I started this book going in blind. Mia Sheridan is one of my go-to authors.
She can write anything, proving her talent goes beyond romance. She is that good. I was so excited when I saw this book on NetGalley and was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC copy.

The Broken Places is a Romance Thriller novel with a complex story that addresses some important subjects.
It takes place on the streets of San Francisco.
Inspector Lennon is trying to solve a murder mystery involving a homemade type of drug that targets homeless individuals and prostitutes in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in town.
FBI Agent Ambrose is partnered with Inspector Lennon to help solve these cases.
Together they must track down the source of this drug and the connections between the murders.

The storyline is challenging and kept me completely absorbed trying to connect all the pieces. There are some surprises I didn’t expect. This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of genres that keeps you guessing until the end.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone who loves a mystery with a splash of romance.

Thank you to the publisher Montlake, the lovely author Mia Sheridan, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.

I enjoyed this book very much! The characters were well developed and the storyline kept me engaged the whole way through. I’d definitely recommend this book to others.

Lenon is on a case with an FBI agent Ambrose. It's seems to have a serial killer in SFB who kills drug addict.
I really wanted to love this book, I love Mia Sheridan, and all of her book, but I didn't like the subject neither than how was written the investigation.

An interesting romantic suspense novel centered around Lennon and Ambrose, two law enforcement officers investigating a new street drug that causes bizarre behavior in those who take it. As the investigation continues, secrets and mutual attraction keep getting in the way. Can the case be solved while keeping their hearts protected?

Mia Sheridan is the author of some of my favourite romance novels, and when I heard she had pivoted to writing suspense thrillers, as well, I was over the moon. Unfortunately, I was never able to fully invest myself in the story or characters. The distant, third-person narration inhibited me from growing to care about our main characters, Lennon and Ambrose, and the writing style itself was bland and lacked personality. I found myself consistently skimming complete blocks of text and having to go back to read sections over again.

The actual mystery itself wasn't too appealing to me, personally, and things only started coming together at the 90% mark in the story. The plot just developed too slowly for my liking and the ultimate payoff was underwhelming. This, when combined with the bland writing and characters, was the perfect storm for my disenjoyment of The Broken Places. I'm really disappointed about my response to the novel, too, because I wanted so badly to enjoy a book from a favourite author of mine.

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for providing me with a copy of The Broken Places by Mia Sheridan in exchange for an honest review, All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by any third parties.

Very rarely do you find an author who writes so well across genres, but Mia Sheridan continues to surprise me with the depth and flexibility in which she writes. I’ve been a fan of hers since Archer’s Voice, and I was reluctant to read her in a new genre, but I am so glad I did, starting with All the Little Raindrops (which I loved). The Broken Places is another twisted, mind bending story that will suck the reader into a dark investigation. The story is fast-paced and initially may be confusing, but I ask that you hold on for a few chapters, and the story and characters will start to meld and make sense. There are surprises along the way to keep your attention and a feeling of “what’s next” throughout the story. Can’t recommend this book enough!

The book was okay, but not really my type of book. Reading it was okay, but I did not really enjoy it. I didn’t like the plot and the characters

I really enjoy Mia Sheridan’s romantic suspense books, but I struggled to fully connect with this one. I loved the plot line and I think it could have been an amazing story, but it fell flat for me. It almost felt rushed in parts that needed more and even with such a tough subject I struggled to connect with the characters. I just feel like it was missing something. The ending also felt very rushed. It wasn’t a bad read, but I feel like it could have been better. Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.

I typically love Mia Sheridan books. This one was really hard to get into. I couldn’t emotionally get involved and then there were random parts that were really confusing to me. Overall, it wrapped up and I figured out what was going on. Character development was also rough to me because they seemed very unbelievable. I did like the plot though.

An intense and electrifying romantic thriller. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the suspenseful plot twists kept me hooked. Absolutely exhilarating!

I kinda struggled to connect with this one, I felt like the characters lacked depth and were quite 2D. The story was intriguing but the ‘twists’ were predictable. 2.5 stars.

Omg, I'm a huge fan of this author and I absolutely loved this book! Thanks Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC

This book was not for me. It felt like one traumatic even after another and I just didn’t connect to any of them. It became a bit repetitive and really didn’t do much for me story wise.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Addictive Stars 👀

When I saw this on NetGalley It was an instant click request and I was so thrilled to be gifted this ARC. Having read Archers Voice 💙 I was excited to read more from this author.

The Broken Places is a crime detective novel that makes for a dark thought provoking read!!

“The world breaks everyone and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.”

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul “

Read this if you like :
* Crime / Detective novels
* Thought Provoking Reads
* Current Topics
* Little bit of spice 🌶️
* Likeable Characters

Without giving to much away The Broken Places literally submerges us into the streets of San Francisco alongside the transients and they’re not pretty …and someone is murdering them with a particular unique drug.

In comes detective Lennon and her new partner FBI agent Ambrose Mars . Quickly the two of them hit it off and we follow them into the dark world of street life and at times the realism with the filth and lack of humanity feels to familiar in todays society. Together they try to use their experience and smarts to track down a killer that takes them where no one feels safe 👀

What is interesting about this story is there is discussion of the use of Ketamine Hallucinogens to help treat addictions, mental health associated with trauma which is the second novel I’ve read that dives into this new form of treatment which does give some sort of hope in the real world .

I really wanted to love this novel as Archers Voice by this author I really enjoyed and I do understand they are completely different from each other, but I just felt The Broken Places lacked some compassion and at times a bit racist 🥴

However I am a bit of an outlier so don’t let my review stop you from reading this one as it is a bit informative at times and you may just love it !

***Trigger Warnings Addiction, Homelessness, Prostitution , Rape at times graphic descriptions****

Thank you NetGalley , Montlake and Mia Sheridan for this digital ARC 🙏

Respectfully Another Read by Angie

Lennon and Ambrose. Reluctant partners investigating a tragic and gruesome crime. But not everything is as it seems.

Maybe Ambrose is exactly what Lennon needs to throw her off balance, and be there the catch her when she needs someone most.

Mia’s prose is both haunting and beautiful, an amalgamation of the best and worst of humanity in an unforgettable narrative in The Broken Places. As Lennon and Ambrose investigate horrific murders, it’s not only mystery and suspense that shroud the narrative, but the brilliant spark of a new romance and attraction between two complex characters. The exploration of trauma and its effects are deep and insightful. I’ve never read a novel like this, one which explores the implications of trauma and society’s views of this in such an interesting way.

The Broken Places is a gripping thriller representing the sad reality of some of society’s most vulnerable, the harmful views society holds of them with a sad lack of empathy, and those who attempt to undercut those whose role it is to help those in need. But Mia represents the few who care, who acknowledge the systematic issue underpinning society and its beliefs and showing how powerful of an impact empathy and understanding can have.

Mia’s understanding of human nature and psychology clearly underpins The Broken Places, depicting, while harsh, realistic and authentic representations of those experiencing homelessness, those struggling with drug addiction, those in sex work and those living with complex trauma. Mia’s prose is both empathetic and reflective, gently making you question your own beliefs of those working in sex work, those who are homeless and some battling addiction, and how each person has their own unique and tragic story and history that are deserving of being heard and acknowledged. My heart wept for so many who have been abused and taken advantage of. But Mia writes what we wish all could truly have, justice for those who have been victimised and brutalised. And while not all can happy a happy ending, Mia shedding light on these atrocities and raising awareness of similar crimes that plague society is powerful in and of itself. A powerful representation.

To simultaneously depicts such brutal situations authentically and sensitively, it is Mia’s skilful prose that interweaves fiction and psychology, allowing us a glimpse into the mystery and suspense of Lennon and Ambrose’s investigation.

The Broken Places is a testament to the strength of the human condition and how there are so many ways that people manage and deal with trauma, and some who are able to overcome trauma, and what’s more beautiful than that. Trauma is complex, but not all are afforded the means by society to overcome that, and that understanding is fundamental.

Mia leaves us with a strong message. Compassion and understanding and grace are so important. And those with trauma, there is hope and love and trust in the world that you are so deserving of, and healing is possible. This is a reminder that regardless of circumstances, everyone is worthy.

The premise for this book sounded so interesting. The execution was not well done, there was such a lack for emotions even with the traumatic events occuring. I just did not connect with anything. I kept reading for the final reveal, but nothing exciting came of it. I was disappointed.

Mia's stories are a must read - great plots and pacing. I fly through them. However, this book didn't capture my attention as other romance ones did. It's still excellent. I just didn't love it as much as her other works. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.