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When Things Fall Apart
Newly minted homicide detective Kit Hanover is paired with a crusty veteran who makes no bones about his feelings for Native Americans. Their prickly partnership becomes more antagonistic when her first murder case proves devastating and she is reassigned. Determined to work the case in her own time despite the emotional consequences she finds herself and her family the target of an unknown madman. She withstands the inexplicable attacks as she continues her investigation until she finds herself face to face with the murderer. Only one of them can survive.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2023
5 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Alan Brenham
39 books110 followersAlan Brenham is the pseudonym of Alan Behr, an American author and attorney.
He served as a law enforcement officer before earning a law degree from Baylor University and worked as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney for twenty-two years.
Alan began his writing craft by studying novels by Michael McGarrity, James Hayman, and Michael Connelly.
He has authored ten crime fiction novels. Alan and his wife, Lillian, currently live in the Central Texas area.
He served as a law enforcement officer before earning a law degree from Baylor University and worked as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney for twenty-two years.
Alan began his writing craft by studying novels by Michael McGarrity, James Hayman, and Michael Connelly.
He has authored ten crime fiction novels. Alan and his wife, Lillian, currently live in the Central Texas area.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 26, 2025
There are books that grab your attention from the first sentence and never let go. When Things Fall Apart is one of those.
First, the strong character of new homicide detective Kit Hanover made me care … and I was immediately invested in her story. Right away, I wanted to punch her new partner, who not only was racist toward Native Americans, but felt no shame in displaying his ignorance. I liked Kit even more when she didn’t let his behavior take her down.
Work relationship aside, in no time at all, a stranger, someone very sick and twisted, begins to wreak havoc, fear, and sorrow in Kit’s life. But who? What’s their motive?
This is a heart-pounding story with non-stop action. Every spare minute I had, I was compelled to turn more pages until I finished it. I just love when a novel takes me away like this!
Kudos to Alan Brenham for a great story. This is the third, but not the last, book of his that I’ve read. Five stars!
First, the strong character of new homicide detective Kit Hanover made me care … and I was immediately invested in her story. Right away, I wanted to punch her new partner, who not only was racist toward Native Americans, but felt no shame in displaying his ignorance. I liked Kit even more when she didn’t let his behavior take her down.
Work relationship aside, in no time at all, a stranger, someone very sick and twisted, begins to wreak havoc, fear, and sorrow in Kit’s life. But who? What’s their motive?
This is a heart-pounding story with non-stop action. Every spare minute I had, I was compelled to turn more pages until I finished it. I just love when a novel takes me away like this!
Kudos to Alan Brenham for a great story. This is the third, but not the last, book of his that I’ve read. Five stars!
October 28, 2025
Rising from the ruins
Sometimes, things break without warning. People we trusted fail us, plans collapse, and life turns into chaos. This book made me think about how we respond when everything seems lost. The main character faces fear, loneliness, and danger, but she also shows that even in the darkest moments, strength can be found. It reminded me that falling is not the same as giving up, it is an opportunity to start again with more clarity. In real life, we all have days when nothing seems to make sense, yet those experiences show who we truly are. When everything falls apart, something new can also emerge inside us, stronger and more genuine, helping us move forward with courage and hope.
Sometimes, things break without warning. People we trusted fail us, plans collapse, and life turns into chaos. This book made me think about how we respond when everything seems lost. The main character faces fear, loneliness, and danger, but she also shows that even in the darkest moments, strength can be found. It reminded me that falling is not the same as giving up, it is an opportunity to start again with more clarity. In real life, we all have days when nothing seems to make sense, yet those experiences show who we truly are. When everything falls apart, something new can also emerge inside us, stronger and more genuine, helping us move forward with courage and hope.
October 30, 2025
This first installment in The Kit Hanover series follows a homicide detective who must not only worry about catching a ruthless killer but also about rebuilding her relationship with her partnership, an unsociable veteran.
Alan Behr does a great job of creating a world in which I, as a reader, can believe in and a plot that keeps me absolutely interested. The main character was written to perfection and it’s easy to empathize with her. The chapters were brilliantly developed; there were a lot of twists that kept the story fresh and moving from beginning to end. I love how it’s filled with suspense, action, mystery and intrigue.
This is a must-read without any doubt!
Alan Behr does a great job of creating a world in which I, as a reader, can believe in and a plot that keeps me absolutely interested. The main character was written to perfection and it’s easy to empathize with her. The chapters were brilliantly developed; there were a lot of twists that kept the story fresh and moving from beginning to end. I love how it’s filled with suspense, action, mystery and intrigue.
This is a must-read without any doubt!
October 28, 2025
A very fun read
When Things Fall Apart, by Brenham, is a detective novel that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. As you read, you become involved in the story's development and can't help but develop feelings at some point.
From beginning to end, you see the evolution of Kit Hannover, the main character, from an inexperienced, novice detective to the heroine of the story who solves the case. She also has to confront various things, people, and situations to achieve her goal.
It's a fun story, full of action and mystery that keeps the reader focused on the story's development. This novel is definitely a great choice for a pleasant read.
When Things Fall Apart, by Brenham, is a detective novel that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. As you read, you become involved in the story's development and can't help but develop feelings at some point.
From beginning to end, you see the evolution of Kit Hannover, the main character, from an inexperienced, novice detective to the heroine of the story who solves the case. She also has to confront various things, people, and situations to achieve her goal.
It's a fun story, full of action and mystery that keeps the reader focused on the story's development. This novel is definitely a great choice for a pleasant read.
November 30, 2023
In “When Things Fall Apart (The Kit Hanover series, Book 1)” by Alan Brenham, an inexperienced detective finds herself at the center of deep treachery and misery that almost wipes her entire family away.
Kit Hanover, a newbie detective with the Fort Worth Police, has been paired with Detective Wade Shepard to investigate a homicide case at Marine Creek Lake. It was her first time seeing a dead body with a grossly mutilated face, severe head trauma, and multiple puncture wounds to the chest and abdomen. This being her first homicide investigation, she wants to be thorough, but her efforts keep getting obstructed by Shepard, a ruthless detective known to harass new officers.
Kit barely digs into the mountain of evidence in front of her before she is reassigned to a different team of undercover officers who are trying to cripple a well-established prostitution network in the city. She is required to pose as a decoy who will lure men to herself and then utter a code that will have them arrested immediately after offering her hard cash. Her new unit believes that this is a brilliant strategy that will scare the ‘customers’ away and subsequently clean the streets for good.
Kit’s new assignment seems less laborious than her last assignment. This is, however, until she is kidnapped one day by armed men. She narrowly escapes their deadly grip, but before she can heal from the trauma, she receives the tragic news of her father’s murder. Further details reveal that he was found lifeless at Marine Creek Lake, meaning that the battered corpse she had seen at the same site days ago may have been her father’s.
Alan Brenham has crafted a spectacular tale that wields breathtaking twists and an engaging plot. He introduces a protagonist whose calm nature, brilliance, determination, and willingness to take on tricky duties easily make her a fan favorite. Her development from a newbie detective is slow, but the incorporation of the antagonist’s personal and family life obscures that and keeps the tale captivating.
The author offers multiple teases of close-call meetings between the protagonist and antagonist that will send jets of adrenaline through the reader’s veins. His writing style is excellent, and his prose is remarkable. “When Things Fall Apart” rises above other mystery stories owing to its most iconic element: a twisty ending and red herrings. Its scenes are extremely intense and will leave many readers stunned. If you love mystery novels that will turn you into a sleuth, you won’t want to miss this one!
Kit Hanover, a newbie detective with the Fort Worth Police, has been paired with Detective Wade Shepard to investigate a homicide case at Marine Creek Lake. It was her first time seeing a dead body with a grossly mutilated face, severe head trauma, and multiple puncture wounds to the chest and abdomen. This being her first homicide investigation, she wants to be thorough, but her efforts keep getting obstructed by Shepard, a ruthless detective known to harass new officers.
Kit barely digs into the mountain of evidence in front of her before she is reassigned to a different team of undercover officers who are trying to cripple a well-established prostitution network in the city. She is required to pose as a decoy who will lure men to herself and then utter a code that will have them arrested immediately after offering her hard cash. Her new unit believes that this is a brilliant strategy that will scare the ‘customers’ away and subsequently clean the streets for good.
Kit’s new assignment seems less laborious than her last assignment. This is, however, until she is kidnapped one day by armed men. She narrowly escapes their deadly grip, but before she can heal from the trauma, she receives the tragic news of her father’s murder. Further details reveal that he was found lifeless at Marine Creek Lake, meaning that the battered corpse she had seen at the same site days ago may have been her father’s.
Alan Brenham has crafted a spectacular tale that wields breathtaking twists and an engaging plot. He introduces a protagonist whose calm nature, brilliance, determination, and willingness to take on tricky duties easily make her a fan favorite. Her development from a newbie detective is slow, but the incorporation of the antagonist’s personal and family life obscures that and keeps the tale captivating.
The author offers multiple teases of close-call meetings between the protagonist and antagonist that will send jets of adrenaline through the reader’s veins. His writing style is excellent, and his prose is remarkable. “When Things Fall Apart” rises above other mystery stories owing to its most iconic element: a twisty ending and red herrings. Its scenes are extremely intense and will leave many readers stunned. If you love mystery novels that will turn you into a sleuth, you won’t want to miss this one!
November 17, 2023
“When Things Fall Apart” is the first installment of The Kit Hanover series. Let me say that I enjoyed it so much and I will detail some of the reasons why I absolutely recommend it.
First of all, the writing style is impeccable, organized and fully detailed. The author skillfully weaves a story of suspense, intrigue and mystery. The narrative is totally fluid from beginning to end, with real descriptions that help readers to bring the scenes to life. The balance between action and thought-provoking moments is also right.
Moreover, as regards the characters, they are extremely well-developed with unique and strong personalities. The end of the story left me speechless. I want to know more about the protagonist and I’m anxious to read the following book.
First of all, the writing style is impeccable, organized and fully detailed. The author skillfully weaves a story of suspense, intrigue and mystery. The narrative is totally fluid from beginning to end, with real descriptions that help readers to bring the scenes to life. The balance between action and thought-provoking moments is also right.
Moreover, as regards the characters, they are extremely well-developed with unique and strong personalities. The end of the story left me speechless. I want to know more about the protagonist and I’m anxious to read the following book.
April 12, 2024
In When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham, readers are introduced to Kit Hanover, a Native American police officer navigating the complex intersection of her heritage and her career. As she steps into her role in Fort Worth's homicide division, Kit faces the challenges of her demanding job and the prejudices and skepticism from her colleagues.
The character of Kit Hanover is delicately balanced between her professional competence and the cultural dichotomy she embodies. Brenham explores the delicate position Native Americans can find themselves in when assuming roles of authority in a society where they have historically been marginalized. This tension is further emphasized through the relationship between Kit and her partner, Wade Shepard, whose hostility adds a layer of internal conflict to the narrative. While Brenham's novel may tread familiar ground in some aspects, it offers a rich exploration of its themes and characters. Detective Hanover, as a focal point, provides a fascinating character study. Brenham's skill in dialogue and plotting is evident, with the story gaining momentum and suspense in its later stages. The narrative of When Things Fall Apart occasionally ventures into predictable tropes, but these moments contribute to the broader tapestry of the novel. They underscore its exploration of cultural tensions and the complexities of identity, enhancing the story's overall depth and resonance.
When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is a captivating and thoughtful exploration of cultural identity and professional integrity. Through Kit Hanover's experiences, the novel delves into the heart of societal and personal conflicts with sensitivity and nuance. Brenham's adept storytelling, rich character development, and suspenseful plot make this novel an engaging and enlightening read.
The character of Kit Hanover is delicately balanced between her professional competence and the cultural dichotomy she embodies. Brenham explores the delicate position Native Americans can find themselves in when assuming roles of authority in a society where they have historically been marginalized. This tension is further emphasized through the relationship between Kit and her partner, Wade Shepard, whose hostility adds a layer of internal conflict to the narrative. While Brenham's novel may tread familiar ground in some aspects, it offers a rich exploration of its themes and characters. Detective Hanover, as a focal point, provides a fascinating character study. Brenham's skill in dialogue and plotting is evident, with the story gaining momentum and suspense in its later stages. The narrative of When Things Fall Apart occasionally ventures into predictable tropes, but these moments contribute to the broader tapestry of the novel. They underscore its exploration of cultural tensions and the complexities of identity, enhancing the story's overall depth and resonance.
When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is a captivating and thoughtful exploration of cultural identity and professional integrity. Through Kit Hanover's experiences, the novel delves into the heart of societal and personal conflicts with sensitivity and nuance. Brenham's adept storytelling, rich character development, and suspenseful plot make this novel an engaging and enlightening read.
March 7, 2024
Native American Kit Hanover is looking forward to finally landing in homicide, after dreaming of solving homicides throughout the academy. However, being partnered Detective Wade Shepard is less than ideal. The constant Pocahontas slurs and references to her Indian bloodlines are making it difficult to remain professional as Shepard rudely takes the investigative lead. At every turn Detective Shepard seeks to throw up roadblocks. From getting Kit transferred to undercover decoy work on the Vice Human Trafficking team, to cutting her out of the homicide case that takes a personal turn, every bit of this book has readers seething over Shepard’s action.
Author Alan Brenham crafts a great villain as readers quickly take a liking to Kit Hanover and the barriers she faces in law enforcement, while maintaining a level of mystery and intrigue regarding some of Kit’s strong dislikes and aversions, all of which will hopefully continue to come out as the series progresses. Brenham, not one to shy away from using unique main characters, once again brings us a strong, representative female to the main page. Adopted from the Comanche Nation reservation at a young age, Kit Hanover brings a fresh perspective, while injecting some diversity into the law enforcement community.
“When Things Fall Apart” is a strong kick off for Brenham’s new Kit Hanover Series. Onboarding readers to the Fort Worth Police Department, various players within, and the crimes the various departments investigate. Providing a powerful introduction to Kit’s family dynamics and personalities, this book will have readers rooting for Kit to succeed.
Author Alan Brenham crafts a great villain as readers quickly take a liking to Kit Hanover and the barriers she faces in law enforcement, while maintaining a level of mystery and intrigue regarding some of Kit’s strong dislikes and aversions, all of which will hopefully continue to come out as the series progresses. Brenham, not one to shy away from using unique main characters, once again brings us a strong, representative female to the main page. Adopted from the Comanche Nation reservation at a young age, Kit Hanover brings a fresh perspective, while injecting some diversity into the law enforcement community.
“When Things Fall Apart” is a strong kick off for Brenham’s new Kit Hanover Series. Onboarding readers to the Fort Worth Police Department, various players within, and the crimes the various departments investigate. Providing a powerful introduction to Kit’s family dynamics and personalities, this book will have readers rooting for Kit to succeed.
November 14, 2023
Kit Hanover has recently graduated and is now in her first job in the Homicide Division. However, she is partnered with an ascerbic, racist, mysogynistic man. Their first case is a messy killing - the man was severely beaten, shot and then tipped into water.
A second strand concerns 'Ken' who is desperately jealous, determined his wife will not be seduced away from him but convinced she is having an affair.
From this, Kit's family are drawn into a maelstrom of hatred, as 'Ken' focuses on them as seducers and responsible for his failing marriage.
Its well written, although I guessed the perpetrator quite early on. The author plays the strings well, leading the reader to suspect this person and that as we try to work out who 'Ken' is. A few scenes didn't work; there's no way several characters would not have realised who the villain was, but I won't give things away.
A fun read. Thank you to NetGalley and Books Go Social for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A second strand concerns 'Ken' who is desperately jealous, determined his wife will not be seduced away from him but convinced she is having an affair.
From this, Kit's family are drawn into a maelstrom of hatred, as 'Ken' focuses on them as seducers and responsible for his failing marriage.
Its well written, although I guessed the perpetrator quite early on. The author plays the strings well, leading the reader to suspect this person and that as we try to work out who 'Ken' is. A few scenes didn't work; there's no way several characters would not have realised who the villain was, but I won't give things away.
A fun read. Thank you to NetGalley and Books Go Social for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2023
When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is a captivating novel that deals with highly important and interesting matters. The first book in The Kit Hanover series is an intriguing book with a blend of crime drama, thriller, and police genres. As regards the plot, it tells the story of Kit Hanover, a determined homicide detective, and the challenges in her career. The narrative intensifies as she is assigned her first murder case and runs into unexpected twists. Thanks to the writing style of the author, I was able to put myself into the main character's shoes. Especially when she has to face prejudices from her veteran partner. I found the dialogues and descriptions in the novel to be of a great importance for getting to connect with Kit. All along the story, I read about well-researched procedural details, which in my opinion, give an excellent frame to the personal story. 100% recommendable.
November 13, 2025
This story pulled me in from the very first page. Detective Kit Hanover is a strong and determined heroine facing not just the pressure of her first murder case but also the prejudice and tension within her own department. The dynamic between her and her gruff, old-school partner adds layers of realism and friction that make every scene feel authentic.
The author balances mystery, danger, and emotion perfectly. The suspense builds steadily as Kit’s personal and professional worlds collide, leading to chilling, unexpected twists. I especially loved how the story explored perseverance in the face of fear and injustice—it gave real depth beyond the usual detective thriller.
By the time Kit comes face to face with the killer, my heart was racing. The ending was both shocking and satisfying, tying everything together in a way that stayed with me after I turned the last page.
If you love crime thrillers with heart, grit, and a courageous lead, this one’s a must-read!
The author balances mystery, danger, and emotion perfectly. The suspense builds steadily as Kit’s personal and professional worlds collide, leading to chilling, unexpected twists. I especially loved how the story explored perseverance in the face of fear and injustice—it gave real depth beyond the usual detective thriller.
By the time Kit comes face to face with the killer, my heart was racing. The ending was both shocking and satisfying, tying everything together in a way that stayed with me after I turned the last page.
If you love crime thrillers with heart, grit, and a courageous lead, this one’s a must-read!
November 14, 2023
Violent and gritty
Detective Kit is assigned her first homicide case with a murdered body washing up at Marine Creek. The only problem is that her assigned partner, Wade, is openly hostile and makes no secret of his disdain of her Native American heritage. The hostile work environment eventually leads to her reassignment. Kit is determined to solve the case anyway. This puts her in the crosshairs of the killer, and she will have to outsmart and out gun him to survive. This book did not shy away from the violent nature of the killer and the vitriol that hatred shows some of our community face on a day-to-day day. This can be hard to read for some, but I think it's important to remember that Wade's treatment of Kit isn't viewed as wrong by many in this country.
Detective Kit is assigned her first homicide case with a murdered body washing up at Marine Creek. The only problem is that her assigned partner, Wade, is openly hostile and makes no secret of his disdain of her Native American heritage. The hostile work environment eventually leads to her reassignment. Kit is determined to solve the case anyway. This puts her in the crosshairs of the killer, and she will have to outsmart and out gun him to survive. This book did not shy away from the violent nature of the killer and the vitriol that hatred shows some of our community face on a day-to-day day. This can be hard to read for some, but I think it's important to remember that Wade's treatment of Kit isn't viewed as wrong by many in this country.
November 20, 2023
When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is an exceptional crime fiction novel that I loved. The standout feature is the compelling characterization of Kit Hanover, making her a relatable and dynamic detective. The book's meticulous attention to detail and balanced pacing contribute to an immersive reading experience. Brenham's depiction of crime scenes is vivid, adding authenticity to the plot. Beyond being a gripping thriller, the novel delves into the complexities of justice and human psychology, elevating it beyond the standard crime fiction fare. The book promises more intriguing mysteries to come in The Kit Hanover series. For fans of crime fiction, this debut in The Kit Hanover series is a must-read. Highly recommended!
October 24, 2025
This is the book that kicks off the Kit Hanover series. Kit is a new homicide detective who gets paired up with an older individual, a veteran who doesn’t like her or her ideas. They butt heads, but then, when Kit’s first murder case hits a little too close to home, their relationship gets even worse. From there, it becomes a cautionary tale of what happens when a cop’s emotions enter into their work.
Kit throws herself even further into the case, which leads her and her family right into the firing line of a madman. Now, a war of attrition has begun that seemingly won’t end until either Kit or the psychopath threatening her is in the ground. This is a thrilling, gritty police procedural that picks up the pace like a runaway train until its exciting, dramatic conclusion.
Kit throws herself even further into the case, which leads her and her family right into the firing line of a madman. Now, a war of attrition has begun that seemingly won’t end until either Kit or the psychopath threatening her is in the ground. This is a thrilling, gritty police procedural that picks up the pace like a runaway train until its exciting, dramatic conclusion.
January 11, 2025
“When Things Fall Apart” (Book 1 of the Kit Hanover Series) introduces Kit Hanover, a young detective newly assigned to the homicide unit.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The story is told mostly through Kit’s POV with snippets also from the POV of the attacker. Kit’s main POV is a good one and she makes a great protagonist. She’s smart, driven, with clear goals, and she loves her family. The events in the story continually force her to make challenging choices about her career and the safety of her and her loved ones. Find the full blog post review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The story is told mostly through Kit’s POV with snippets also from the POV of the attacker. Kit’s main POV is a good one and she makes a great protagonist. She’s smart, driven, with clear goals, and she loves her family. The events in the story continually force her to make challenging choices about her career and the safety of her and her loved ones. Find the full blog post review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
April 11, 2024
This book kept me coming back wanting to know more. There was a twist at the end I didn't see coming and was shocked!! Definitely a page turner!!!
Read
May 9, 2024Pretty good procedural/mystery. A bit choppy in places but a very interesting lead character.
September 24, 2025
Things fall apart, What a great read!
March 27, 2025
I enjoyed this story with all the characters that were within. The main character was Kit Hanover.
Kit Hanover is a homicide detective. She is starting a new job. She is paired up with one of their veteran on the force. He is not so nice to her at first. When a case comes in, they go to investigate it. It's not what she expected it to be. She is quite surprised by this case they are working.
This was fun to read. It had action, adventure, suspense, and drama throughout. There are quite a bit of surprises within. It had a bit of sadness within. There are a few but not many giggles or laughs within. It was fun trying to guess the murder within this story. The author did surprise me with the ending of this story.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Kit Hanover is a homicide detective. She is starting a new job. She is paired up with one of their veteran on the force. He is not so nice to her at first. When a case comes in, they go to investigate it. It's not what she expected it to be. She is quite surprised by this case they are working.
This was fun to read. It had action, adventure, suspense, and drama throughout. There are quite a bit of surprises within. It had a bit of sadness within. There are a few but not many giggles or laughs within. It was fun trying to guess the murder within this story. The author did surprise me with the ending of this story.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews