The Case of the Broken Doll

Inspector David Graham #4

by Alison Golden, Grace Dagnall

★★★★★ "You had me at 'no profanity, graphic descriptions of sex or violence.'" A missing girl. A broken doll. A scandal some would rather forget… When 15-year-old Beth Ridley vanished on her way to school, it was a baffling mystery that shocked the small island community of Gorey. The girl was never found, and the sole clue - a leg torn from a doll she was carrying - led investigators nowhere. The case soon went cold… Now, on the tenth anniversary of her disappearance, Detective Inspector Graham is taking another look at the case. As a cop in the big city, Graham has seen more than his fill of darkness and death. Something about the case doesn’t feel right, and the inspector can’t seem to let it go. What he uncovers will rock the town of Gorey to the core, and stir up memories long since forgotten. There are painful truths to face. And some people would prefer that their secrets stay buried… The Case of the Broken Doll is a gripping fourth mystery in this best-selling traditional British detective mystery series with a modern twist. With fiendishly clever twists and characters you'll grow to love, it’s easy to see why Golden’s books have been described as “captivating” and “unputdownable.” may cause sleepless nights… because you won’t be able to stop reading. "A fabulous addition to the series." Praise for the Inspector David Graham mystery
"A crackerjack read."
"DI Graham is wonderful and his old school way of doing things, charming."
"Great descriptions, good dialog, and a pace that was masterful." Books in the Inspector David Graham mystery
The Case of the Screaming Beauty
The Case of the Hidden Flame
The Case of the Fallen Hero
The Case of the Broken Doll
The Case of the Missing Letter
The Case of the Pretty Lady
The Case of the Forsaken Child
The Case of Sampson's Leap
The Case of the Uncommon Witness Grab a cup of tea and dive into this quintessentially British mystery series today.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Crime, Amazon, Contemporary

318 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2016

About the author

Alison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.

Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.

Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.

To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Detective Inspector Graham keeps me on the edge of my seat as he tackles an ongoing issue that has roots a decade back. It is one unexpected thing after another and I was driven to finish reading this before putting it down. It was truly a page turner. Alison Golden has added such depth to the characters and added in so much meat that David Graham is becoming one of my most favorite detectives. All these stars are well deserved.
I can't wait for more!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inspector David Graham books NEVER disappoint! This novel was a little edgier than previous ones, so I'd hesitate to call it a "cozy" in any way. An engrossing read.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ten year old missing person case that turns into a more complex mystery kept me turning the pages. I really like these characters and the mysteries are always more twisted than I expect at the beginning.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book! I’m really enjoying this author’s work.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite good and hard to put down. This was an intriguing mystery!

[Milton D Landgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery novel

Love easy to read novels that are within the realm of reality.
Good clean novel that touches on what's happening in the world without getting exposed to filth.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been 10 years since Beth Ridley disappeared on her way to school. The only clue left behind was a leg broken off of a doll.

Inspector Graham wants to take another look to see if anything new can be found. During the investigation, Inspector Graham and his officers uncover some secrets that people wish had not been found. Constable Roach had gone to school with Beth and feels that he can contribute significantly to the investigation.

Having recently completed a computer course, Sergeant Harding is able to look into old records and uncover some very interesting secrets.

What happened to Beth? Is she still alive? Who was responsible for her disappearance? Will Inspector Graham be able to solve the mystery after 10 long years?

A well-written story with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises to keep you guessing right up to the end.

I received an ARC copy from the author and elected to provide this opinion of a wonderful story.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun cozy mystery. Inspector David Graham is a very interesting cop in this small town. He learns about a child that disappeared 10 years before and starts to investigate again. This was well done. I received an ebook copy from the author for a fair and honest review that I gave willingly.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, as I have the while series so far. The series still reminds me of the tv show death in paradise, just with an English twist, especially with so much set around the docks. Either that or I am picturing the series being made into a tv show. This case touches a lot more serious issue such as child abuse and human trafficking but it is tastefully done and also has lighter moments proved by the eager constables. It's fun seeing the delightful characters grow. The mystery takes some unexpected twists and I was surprised with the out come. I am still loving the summary at the end of the book, explaining what happened next to the characters, something that is often missed out by authors. With so many books set in America , it is nice to sit back and enjoy an English style mystery, especially in a place that I don't live to far from. I hope it doesn't take too long for the rest of the series to come to audible because I for one will be joining them on there next case.
With things finely quieting down after two murder investigations on the small island of Jersey, Detective Inspector Graham attention is caught be all the dolls suddenly appearing in the shop windows. It's the ten year anniversary of Beth's disappearance. She never made it school and the only clue is a dolls leg left at the place she was last seen. The thin case file has Graham and his team opening up the cold case and promising to do better. His young constable was friends with Beth and Graham is hoping the his insights might finally bring closer to the case and they can find out what happened to Beth.
I liked the narrator. He was once again called on to provide some accents for the characters, making it a pleasure to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Broken Doll - a review by Rosemary Kenny

When DI David Graham looks through unsolved old 'cold case' investigations and finds one that resonates with him personally, he decides to re-open it and flies to Jersey to liaise with the Corey police, in Alison Golden's excellent fourth book, in the Inspector David Graham series.

A decade earlier, 15 year-old Beth Ridley vanished on her way to school, leaving a detached doll's leg as the only marker of the last place she could be found. Using modern computer techniques and testing in tandem with old-fashioned door to door enquiries, raises old spectres and uncomfortable truths come to light as the search intensifies and new evidence is found.

Is it possible the now 25 year old, (if she's still alive) Beth disappeared of her own volition? If so, how could she be so cold as to ignore the pleas of her frantic family and grieving friends? Or is the worst case scenario what really happened so long ago?
You'll have to read The Case of the Broken Doll to find out. Buy your copy today and tell all your friends how much you enjoyed it - then buy all the other books too and give yourself a treat!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could, I'd give this novel 6 stars or more!

Graham avoids cold cases, but as the entire community seems to be renewing their grief on this tenth anniversary of the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Beth Ridley, he decides maybe a review will enhance the strangely thin case file.

Soon, every officer is busy. Barnwell is occupied with a series of marina thefts he hopes might be a lead in the case. Roach immediately notices the girl's journal and decides it might help in finding out what happened to his childhood friend. Harding is recruited to apply her newly acquired computer skills to the case. And Graham is forced to face the demos of his past while guiding his team and keeping them focused on the goal of police work.

The plotting and story of this novel is outstanding. Without stating it, the reader learns of Graham's special abilities, like his photographic memory, which explains how he chooses to handle his memories. Each character is highlighted in a special and distinctive way. The writing is a feat as Golden skillfully offers each character's perspective on the action. Overall the story is highly emotional and captivating. A great read I highly recommend.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

The Case of the Broken Doll was the BEST D.I. Graham mystery so far! And I have enjoyed all 4 of the books.

This case is a bit different than a murder occurring and Graham and his investigative team arriving to a fresh scene with fresh eyes. Graham is compelled to look into a ten year old case where a young girl disappeared, never to be seen again. The team meticulously sets out on an investigation that spreads them thin.

I truly enjoy this cast of characters Alison Golden has created. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, and some jaw dropping moments. I read this book straight through because it was impossible to find a good stopping point. And just as I would think I had figured out the "whodunnit" a major development proved I was wrong.

This series has a very unique feel to it. The characters are not the normal cozy series cliches. The setting is refreshingly different. And I love the updates at the end. They answer those nagging questions always leftover after I finish a good mystery.

I look forward to the next installment.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best yet in this mystery series

This mystery series just gets better and better ...this one being my absolute favorite so far (I have read two of them just today and plan to start another). All of the main characters are so real to me at this point I feel as if I could join them at their favorite Thai restaurant (on the Isle of Jersey) and immediately become a part of their conversations. This story was a complex cold case that Detective Inspector Graham decided to review on the tenth anniversary of the disappearence of a fifteen year old girl on her way to school. As with others in this series you can follow along with the D.I.'s thinking about the investigation and how the other three police play their roles in the case. There was a surprise ending that I should have figured out much sooner, but all's well that ends well as they say with the bad guys getting their just deserts (I appreciate the authors epilogues in this series letting the reader know what's become of all the characters after the cases are solved).

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 4th entry into the Inspector David Graham series. A cold case that Inspector Graham can't resist to explore. He has such a sense of honor and justice. His character is developing and I really adore him. The others on the team are also developing. Sergeant Harding is enamored with the person who helps with technical e-geek type stuff. They a do a great job helping the case along. Officer Roach has a personal connection to the case. It was interesting to see the Inspector Graham let him be so involved. But, it paid huge dividends. Everyone on the team is developing under his tutelage. I was surprised by the resolution of this case but it was a pleasant surprise. There was a lot going on but it flowed well and advanced the story of Inspector Graham and his team.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Broken doll

This is latest Inspector David Graham cozy mysteries.
I started this series not knowing if I would like it,but it has grown on me.
The characters are very likeable and their interactions with each other are wonderful to see progress.

In this book,things are too quiet for DI Graham. As he is Christmas shopping he sees all of these dolls in shop windows,and becomes curious as why their in every store. He learns that 10 years ago,a young girl had disappeared on the way to school. No trace of Beth Ridley was ever found.
So with things quiet,Graham and his team start to reinvestigate Beth's disappearance.

Good writing and keeps you guessing til the end.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series gets better - and longer - as it progresses. I enjoy detection, especially police procedures, and these embed those elements in a community, creating, in my view, the most engaging reading experience. It pleases me that each officer gets their pages in the sun, that they cooperate, stick to the task, listen to their community and stick to the plausible. There is enough opening up of new areas of investigative technology with as much, but no more than, the amount of detail the reader needs. Managing this last mentioned is a skill not as common as one would hope in the genre. I was not tempted even once to skip over a description.
Yes, it’s cosy. Yes, it’s optimistic. Above all it is fine story telling.
Bring on the next one!

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I just finished this book and wow! A wonderful mystery set in a picturesque town full of engaging and interesting characters. Ten years ago, Beth Ridley disappeared from the streets of Gorey, Jersey. There was no trace of the girl, save for the leg of her doll left in the street. Now, Detective Inspector Graham is taking another look at the case. As DI Graham and his team look into this case, we share in the process of the investigation and the investigations of other crimes, as they become known. I especially love the characters in the DI Graham series. With each mystery, we watch them grow and develop under the mentorship of DI Graham. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give five stars to books I read. They have to be better than just "really liked". This story gets five stars from me. It was a challenging story with a smaller story running alongside. Turns out the smaller story had something to it after all. But the main story was a missing 15 year old girl who, ten years later, has never been found. Especially interesting was watching DI Graham do a thorough job of digging for clues that could have been missed ten years ago and guiding his staff in the techniques of good police work. I also liked the way the two stories were solved. This was book 4 of the series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed book 4 of the "Inspector David Graham Mysteries" series. 10 years ago, a fifteen-year-old girl went missing. Inspector David Graham decided to review the case and see if it can be solved. The story was fascinating. The intricate mystery was surprising and kept me guessing until the end. I liked that the characters continued to grow and became a more cohesive unit. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Matt Jamie's narration was brilliant, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector Graham doing early Christmas shopping notices replicas of a broken doll at different stores. Of a girl age 15 who disappeared on the way to school, had collected them. An old case, a fund is still going on to help look for her. In talking with the mother and seeing the girls room. A book with secrets on the cover, would that reveal anything. Book depicted the antics of various animals. Interesting of the animals came to described a person, and how the clues were revealed. An interesting case to follow. Liked the characters, good series.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI David Graham

It is amazing to watch the maturing of a group of policemen when an experienced, and knowledgeable inspector moves to their small Isle of Jersey town. His kind and no nonsense way of handling towns people and his squad leaves everyone wanting to be a better person, policeman, or criminal--so they wouldn't have been caught.
Wonderful twists and turns had me guessing wrong perpetrators all through the book, and being blindsided by several occurrences. Excellent book. I highly recommend it.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persistence, ingenuity, and excellent teamwork win the day

The characters in this story come alive as they work to respond to calls and show their mettle. D.I. Graham is truly an excellent police detective and leader. In fact all of his team have great skills and specialties.

The story is especially enjoyable with the mixture of routine police work mixed in with the major investigation. It makes the story seem more real. Emotions also seem very real and understandable. The interaction of the characters also gives the story realism. Five stars for sure!

[Mary Standard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case of the Broken Doll:

Another great mystery has been made available to curious readers far and near. Detective Inspector David Graham is on a case again, using all his wit and wisdom along with that of his colleagues to try to crack the case (or is it two?). The confusing twists only make the solution more exciting. I recommend this book to any and all cozy mystery readers. I can hardly wait for the next one in this series.

[Kristi Lecuyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book ! The characters are evolving into intelligent, hardworking people with common foibles that, together, accomplished great work. I like the idea that each character gets some limelight. The constables are becoming so much more than the buffoons they were initially. No more petty arguing like school children. Inspector David Graham is becoming the boss/mentor I would love to work with

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Doll Case

One can not but enjoy an Inspector David Graham mystery. Each caracter brings so much life to each unique mystery full of challenge, intreage, humor and a passion to find the truth and justice for both themselves and those living in the small sea side community of Gorie. Now it's your turn to aquier a copy and start enjoying" The Case of the Broken Doll "as much as I have. 🤔🙄😏 Kat

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The inspector decided seen seeing this American Girl Dolls in every stores with this particular day to find out the why of it all. turns out a teenage went missing on the way to school one morning . Some 15 years later they still haven't found her. Her mom sent up a fund to raise money to help find her. The only info they found was some one last seen walking to school s 8:15 and a leg from one of these American Girl dolls. Can they find her after all these years?

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this series features a police investigation, they're essentially cozies. The police are competent and caring without being too perfect.

In this case, it's the 10th anniversary of the disappearance of a local girl, 15 years old. The whole town has put dolls out as a remembrance. Inspector Graham, who was not there at the time, decides it warrants a review of the case His Constable Roach was a classmate of hers -- and perhaps closer than many.

And they turn up a few things .... mostly on the strength especially of computer resources and databases that were unavailable 10 years earlier. The case takes them out of Jersey, to the British mainland as well as to the continent.

Ultimately, I found it an enjoyable, relaxing read and will definitely be continuing the series.

[Beryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing and fascinating read! Inspector Graham stumbles across an old unsolved mystery while Christmas shopping and finds himself drawn into the story of the local girl who went missing one morning 10 years ago, between leaving home and getting to school. Some surprising twists find him taking the ferry back to the mainland and his colleagues are tied in more closely than he expected. I'm fast becoming addicted to this series, which is easily one of my favourites of all time!

[Jennifer Kepesh]

The small police force is starting to coalesce; each member is reaching past their comfort zone and becoming better at their jobs and more aware of who they are. Interesting backstories and personal stories are starting to emerge.

I didn't love the denouement of the main mystery, involving a local girl who disappeared 10 years previously; her story is harrowing, but in the epilogue, she's given a simple "happily ever after" that is really hard to believe.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this outing, Inspector Graham takes on a decade old mystery of a young girl's disappearance, that has been a troubling issue for the community. Bit by bit, the story is unravelled, uncovering a lot of old secrets in the community. Meanwhile, thievery at the waterfront ends up with an exciting sea rescue.
I have enjoyed this fourth book more than the previous three. The main characters of David Graham and his team are getting better fleshed out. And this time, they mystery was solved in a logical step-by-step fashion instead of Graham pulling the solution out of his hat at the last minute.