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Mystery Lake #6
Broken
A violent attack, a missing body, and a woman willing to risk everything for her future.
Thirty years after his car rolled down an embankment and into a river, Olivia Rodriguez decides it’s finally time to learn more about her father, a man her mother never spoke of. Her plan? Dig into what little about his life she can find. But when someone attacks her car, then her home, she and the stoic—and far too good-looking—police chief, Ryan Warwick, start to wonder if she has inadvertently opened Pandora’s box.
A stalwart fortress. That’s how Ryan’s family thinks of him. And lately, he’s been feeling like one—only not in the good way. While his brothers and cousins move on with their lives, he’s rooted to one spot as time—and life—passes by. That is until one unexpected encounter with Olivia tilts his world on its axis and he realizes one he wants her. As his friend, as his lover, as his partner.
Are the threats to Olivia coming from the past? Or is it something more recent? As Olivia and Ryan begin unraveling the mystery, they find themselves walking a fine line between friends and lovers. And when Olivia becomes the target, Ryan must let the fortress that he has become crumble to dust if there’s to be a chance of them standing when the day is done.
Thirty years after his car rolled down an embankment and into a river, Olivia Rodriguez decides it’s finally time to learn more about her father, a man her mother never spoke of. Her plan? Dig into what little about his life she can find. But when someone attacks her car, then her home, she and the stoic—and far too good-looking—police chief, Ryan Warwick, start to wonder if she has inadvertently opened Pandora’s box.
A stalwart fortress. That’s how Ryan’s family thinks of him. And lately, he’s been feeling like one—only not in the good way. While his brothers and cousins move on with their lives, he’s rooted to one spot as time—and life—passes by. That is until one unexpected encounter with Olivia tilts his world on its axis and he realizes one he wants her. As his friend, as his lover, as his partner.
Are the threats to Olivia coming from the past? Or is it something more recent? As Olivia and Ryan begin unraveling the mystery, they find themselves walking a fine line between friends and lovers. And when Olivia becomes the target, Ryan must let the fortress that he has become crumble to dust if there’s to be a chance of them standing when the day is done.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2023
89 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Tamsen Schultz
42 books349 followersTamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 12, 2023
Mystery Lake and the Warwick family have wonderful stories. So many twists and turns in this engaging mystery, and when your sure you figured it out, it goes in another direction. The slow burn between Ryan and Olivia is entertaining, and when they finally admit it’s love, it definitely heats up.
Great series.
Great series.
October 14, 2025
I know I say this with each book, but this series is criminally underrated. The perfect balance between romance and suspense, and I adore every single main and side character in this little town.
If you love the microtrope of "the MMC goes to therapy because he recognizes he needs to be a better man for her", then this is for you. The swoon was swooning. This isn't "you make me want to be a better man" but rather "I will work every day to be a better man to deserve you". There's a difference, and the latter is far superior.
If you love the microtrope of "the MMC goes to therapy because he recognizes he needs to be a better man for her", then this is for you. The swoon was swooning. This isn't "you make me want to be a better man" but rather "I will work every day to be a better man to deserve you". There's a difference, and the latter is far superior.
August 10, 2023
Ryan and Olivia
I loved the twists and turns in this book. There were some that were predictable and some that weren’t. I liked that there were several things going on. The romance took more of a front seat in this one, even if it was a slow burn. I thought the romance and the suspense were woven together perfectly.
Ryan and Olivia had known each other for most of their lives. But after a run in at the local bar, their feelings quickly changed. Ryan had spent his adulthood closing off every emotion, never letting anyone in. But when he realized that might cost him a life with Olivia, he took steps to help him find a path to being a man who could give and receive love.
Ryan begins his journey helping Olivia try to find any family she may have on her dad’s side, but what they uncover is something neither expected. With the help of Ryan’s family and the HICC team, they race to put all the pieces together.
This was a great addition to the series. I always love the hero who’s closed off their emotions until the right person comes along. I love that Ryan took steps to help himself become healthier and I loved the bond that existed between not only him and his brothers, but him and his entire family. There are still so many side characters that deserve their HEA and I can’t wait to see who’s next.
I loved the twists and turns in this book. There were some that were predictable and some that weren’t. I liked that there were several things going on. The romance took more of a front seat in this one, even if it was a slow burn. I thought the romance and the suspense were woven together perfectly.
Ryan and Olivia had known each other for most of their lives. But after a run in at the local bar, their feelings quickly changed. Ryan had spent his adulthood closing off every emotion, never letting anyone in. But when he realized that might cost him a life with Olivia, he took steps to help him find a path to being a man who could give and receive love.
Ryan begins his journey helping Olivia try to find any family she may have on her dad’s side, but what they uncover is something neither expected. With the help of Ryan’s family and the HICC team, they race to put all the pieces together.
This was a great addition to the series. I always love the hero who’s closed off their emotions until the right person comes along. I love that Ryan took steps to help himself become healthier and I loved the bond that existed between not only him and his brothers, but him and his entire family. There are still so many side characters that deserve their HEA and I can’t wait to see who’s next.
August 7, 2023
I can't really believe that we're up to book six in this series already. Having said that, returning to Mystery Lake and the Warwick family does feel a little like visiting old friends each time I read a new book.
Broken tells the story of taciturn Ryan, the Mystery Lake chief of police, who is usually more than happy to keep his emotions locked down and let others do the talking while he listens. He has been friends with Olivia for as long as either of them can remember, but that's the only way they've seen each other; as friends. When Olivia starts to try and try to track down the family of her long-dead father, suddenly she and Ryan start to look at each other differently.
I love the balance of romance and suspense that these books have. Like Tamsen Schultz's other books, it's hard to say if these are romances or thrillers. I think that the Mystery Lake books in particular edge slightly more into the romance side of things, but they are none the worse for that. I for one am a big fan and I really enjoyed this latest instalment, polishing it off in just a day.
I can't wait to hear more from the Warwick family and revisit Mystery Lake.
Broken tells the story of taciturn Ryan, the Mystery Lake chief of police, who is usually more than happy to keep his emotions locked down and let others do the talking while he listens. He has been friends with Olivia for as long as either of them can remember, but that's the only way they've seen each other; as friends. When Olivia starts to try and try to track down the family of her long-dead father, suddenly she and Ryan start to look at each other differently.
I love the balance of romance and suspense that these books have. Like Tamsen Schultz's other books, it's hard to say if these are romances or thrillers. I think that the Mystery Lake books in particular edge slightly more into the romance side of things, but they are none the worse for that. I for one am a big fan and I really enjoyed this latest instalment, polishing it off in just a day.
I can't wait to hear more from the Warwick family and revisit Mystery Lake.
July 26, 2023
The easiest of 5 stars for this story. This was a beautifully written story and Tamsen Schultz writing is impeccable. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. What can I say about the 6th book in the Mystery Lake series? Ryan the Chief of Police has demons that has been part of him from his childhood blaming himself for the death of his parents and other things that happened throughout his life Ryan seemed to own them by blaming himself to the degree he didn’t get involved in relationships or have a someone special in his life. Olivia Rodriqez was a high school teacher and has known Ryan her whole life practically. She is part of the family so to speak so when both started feeling more for each other than just friendship it took this story on a merry go round of suspense, angst and finding out her father was still alive after 30 years when she had been told he had died in an accident. Not to give any spoilers away just to say this is an amazing story and one definitely worth reading.
July 24, 2023
Ryan is the chief of police. He is known to be aloof and like an island, regardless of what his friends and family do to reach him. Olivia is a long time friend since childhood who has requested Ryan provide her with the file regarding her father's disappearance. When threats start targeting Olivia, can she and Ryan figure out what's going on before it's too late? Will Ryan realize that love can be his if he is willing to reach for it? Read and find out!
This is an absolutely fantastic book in a wonderful series. The characters come to life and you feel like you are a friend of the family. Fantastic read!
This is an absolutely fantastic book in a wonderful series. The characters come to life and you feel like you are a friend of the family. Fantastic read!
August 9, 2023
In Broken, Book 6 of the Mystery Lake Series, Olivia and Ryan tackle a cold case which is a disturbing part of Olivia's history. They need to solve the case and other issues to possibly create a future together. Mystery Lake residents along with the Warwick clan support, tease, and come together to deal with missing bodies, attacks, mysterious letters, crimes, and emotions. They remind us that family is defined by more than more than blood. Schultz’s characters shine with humor, empathy, and traits that make you want to call Mystery Lake home.
As is often the case with Schultz's books I shouldn't have started reading if I wanted to get anything else done!
As is often the case with Schultz's books I shouldn't have started reading if I wanted to get anything else done!
August 3, 2023
Tamsen Schultz is one of the best at romantic suspense and if you haven't read her work yet, you definitely should!
This is the 6th book in the Mystery Lake series and it was just as good as the others in the series. The characters are wonderful and people you'd like to make friends with. The mystery and suspense is so well done that you're left wondering until the conclusion.
If you like fast-paced, well-plotted mysteries with enough romance to keep things extra interesting, check out this author today.
This is the 6th book in the Mystery Lake series and it was just as good as the others in the series. The characters are wonderful and people you'd like to make friends with. The mystery and suspense is so well done that you're left wondering until the conclusion.
If you like fast-paced, well-plotted mysteries with enough romance to keep things extra interesting, check out this author today.
July 27, 2023
Wow! What a book. I must admit that I wasn’t sure about Ryan in the beginning as he seemed so cold and aloof. We find out later on his reasons. It showed a vulnerability that most men wouldn’t admit. This is more of a slow burn type of romance, but understandable given the story line. It was also great to get an update on the rest of the Warwick clan in the epilogue. A great read that I would so recommend! I received an ARC copy.
August 3, 2023
When Olivia starts a search for her father who has been missing for 30 years, she never thinks that she is opening a can of worms that will lead to accidents. Ryan Warwick has always been a friend but not a talkative person.
When Olivia starts having problems he becomes more than just the chief of police. Will he be able to help Olivia solve a 30 year old mystery without becoming a victim?
Book 6 in the Mystery Lake series. This is a must read! Fast-paced, gripping story!
When Olivia starts having problems he becomes more than just the chief of police. Will he be able to help Olivia solve a 30 year old mystery without becoming a victim?
Book 6 in the Mystery Lake series. This is a must read! Fast-paced, gripping story!
August 6, 2023
This is romantic suspense at its best! I was excited for Ryan to get his book and it exceeded expectation. The chemistry between him and Olivia is off the charts. There are a couple of mysteries in this one that are full of suspense and twists. Things get intense and kept me glued to the pages. As always with this family there is the perfect dose of humor to balance things out. I can't get enough of this series!
August 22, 2023
Terrific !
Excellent series! Each book has been great and the Warwick family closeness connects each entry with the previous ones.. Each book has a story line with a mystery involved and is complete in itself. Because of time line continuity , read in the order written. I have loved each story of a Warwick brother or cousin finding his HEA with an unexpected, delightful, interesting woman! Enjoy!
Excellent series! Each book has been great and the Warwick family closeness connects each entry with the previous ones.. Each book has a story line with a mystery involved and is complete in itself. Because of time line continuity , read in the order written. I have loved each story of a Warwick brother or cousin finding his HEA with an unexpected, delightful, interesting woman! Enjoy!
November 12, 2023
This was another of the very fine romantic suspense books in Tamsen Schultz's Mystery Lake series.
I definitely recommend them all for any reader of adult mysteries, especially for those who like to follow characters that grow and relate to each other over the timeframe of the series. Many grandchildren of a former President make for great characters, and the partners they find are often challenges (of the good sort).
I definitely recommend them all for any reader of adult mysteries, especially for those who like to follow characters that grow and relate to each other over the timeframe of the series. Many grandchildren of a former President make for great characters, and the partners they find are often challenges (of the good sort).
August 2, 2023
Broken, Tamsen Schultz’s new book in her Mystery Lake series, has a very emotionally satisfying story line and ending. Ryan and Olivia, having been friends for years, discover each other in a new way which is beautifully vulnerable and touching. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thank you for my advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you for my advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 3, 2023
Great addition to a terrific series. A powerful extended family has provided many interesting romantic suspense tales. Some intriguing twists in this one. Fun to catch up with the various couples. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary. When I see the name Tamsen Schultz on the cover I know I will be held captive to the pages.
August 10, 2023
A very entertaining suspense, romance
I really love this series with the depth in the characters and their connections with each other. This book shows some personal struggles and how those are healed. There is great suspense with a couple of twists and a romance with a happy ending! Very enjoyable book.
I really love this series with the depth in the characters and their connections with each other. This book shows some personal struggles and how those are healed. There is great suspense with a couple of twists and a romance with a happy ending! Very enjoyable book.
August 23, 2023
Fantastic story and series
I have loved all of the stories in this series, and they just keep getting better and better. Really looking forward to reading more about this unusual family, as well as all of the interesting additions!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I have loved all of the stories in this series, and they just keep getting better and better. Really looking forward to reading more about this unusual family, as well as all of the interesting additions!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
November 24, 2024
When you think marriage isn't in the cards, look what happens!
Great read better mystery.. Characters drew you into this story better than ever. Olivia took awhile to get her mental side to agree with her sexual desires. Once out things travel fast. Tracking down her father took some work after 30 years of wonder. On to my next Warrick dose.
Great read better mystery.. Characters drew you into this story better than ever. Olivia took awhile to get her mental side to agree with her sexual desires. Once out things travel fast. Tracking down her father took some work after 30 years of wonder. On to my next Warrick dose.
August 20, 2023
wow
They just keep getting better and better. Another Warwick has fallen. More babies to come. Family whether by blood or love taking care of their own. Can not wait for the next book. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
They just keep getting better and better. Another Warwick has fallen. More babies to come. Family whether by blood or love taking care of their own. Can not wait for the next book. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
August 2, 2023
I could not put this book down. The characters were easy to relate to and follow. Be sure to put this one on your TBR list
August 2, 2023
I loved this book. The reader is kept on tenterhooks until all the threads are brought together and complete the storyline in a brilliant finish.
August 3, 2023
This an excellent book. Really love it. Great characters, well written, page turner, twists & turns. Great job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.
August 10, 2023
Excellent Book
I’ve enjoyed the Mystery Lake series and Broken didn’t disappoint. I enjoy all the different relationships of the families. There were no dull moments in the book.
I’ve enjoyed the Mystery Lake series and Broken didn’t disappoint. I enjoy all the different relationships of the families. There were no dull moments in the book.
August 10, 2023
Love this
This is such a great series. The mystery keeps you reading and the love story is great. This author definitely knows how to tell a good story.
This is such a great series. The mystery keeps you reading and the love story is great. This author definitely knows how to tell a good story.
September 2, 2023
Kindle
August 6, 2023
What an amazing story, each page is filled with action, surprises and danger. Wanting to learn about your father’s past is important unless it sets off danger. How will this turn out. Absolutely a must read.
August 19, 2023
This entire series has been great reading. If there are more of “Mystery Lake” coming it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Thank you
August 3, 2023
Broken is the 6th book in the Mystery Lake series and Tamsen does is again: giving us a unique, often surprising romantic suspense that packs quite an emotional punch as well. Ryan and Olivia are wonderful characters and make for a great couple and I thoroughly enjoyed the way their relationship unfolded. Loved to catch up with all the other couples, too, and can't wait to see whose turn it is next!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews