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Breaking Apart
Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty team up again to investigate the violent death of a young veteran at a Colorado VA Behavioral Health clinic. Was it suicide or murder?
The violent death of Josh Baker, a young veteran and patient at the Front Range VA Behavioral Health Clinic, thrusts Marnie Liccione, M.D. and Louise Finnerty, M.D. into a fast-paced murder mystery set within America's largest health care system. Is Josh another victim of the suicide epidemic or something more sinister?
Questions from Josh's widow, who feels that her world is breaking apart after his death, convince Marnie and Louise there's more to the story. In their search for answers, they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme masterminded by those who may be also involved in the illegal sale of krokodil, a deadly and disfiguring opiate.
As they move closer to the truth of the circumstances surrounding Josh's death, sinister forces will threaten their lives. Will they find the answers they need to give his widow solace?
The violent death of Josh Baker, a young veteran and patient at the Front Range VA Behavioral Health Clinic, thrusts Marnie Liccione, M.D. and Louise Finnerty, M.D. into a fast-paced murder mystery set within America's largest health care system. Is Josh another victim of the suicide epidemic or something more sinister?
Questions from Josh's widow, who feels that her world is breaking apart after his death, convince Marnie and Louise there's more to the story. In their search for answers, they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme masterminded by those who may be also involved in the illegal sale of krokodil, a deadly and disfiguring opiate.
As they move closer to the truth of the circumstances surrounding Josh's death, sinister forces will threaten their lives. Will they find the answers they need to give his widow solace?
332 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2023
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 23, 2024
Marnie works at a clinic for veterans with PTSD. She is running a trial to help with PTSD. Her first day she discovers a suicide victim or was it suicide.... The book follows Marnie and her friends and coworkers who all have experience with veterans who have become drug users and/or have PTSD. Police believe the suicide case is as it appears and close the case. The victims wife questions this and backs up her thoughts to the point Marnie starts questioning the suicide as well.
It's a well written mystery that keeps you guessing. The characters have all experienced tramas and work with trama victims so seeing how each deals with their trama is interesting. It goes back and forth between the characters so the reader can see what is happening when the main character Marnie isn't around and so they can get the perspective of someone else about situations.
It's a well written mystery that keeps you guessing. The characters have all experienced tramas and work with trama victims so seeing how each deals with their trama is interesting. It goes back and forth between the characters so the reader can see what is happening when the main character Marnie isn't around and so they can get the perspective of someone else about situations.
April 15, 2024
4.5 stars
Breaking Apart is the second engaging book of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series which I discovered when I was halfway through so I will have to go back and read the first book in the series. What a formidable writing team this duo is.
This expertly crafted medical thriller had me on the edge of my seat as I navigated the emotions, the ups and downs the frustrations, the struggles, the pain, the lives of military men and women centred around a VA medical centre. Having PTSD myself it was easy to relate to. The characters are complex, real and raw and well written. The plot is a complex weave of threads making the mystery as interesting as it is intriguing with some action thrown in as well as we race against time to solve a murder. Or is it? I was unable to put it down and it stayed with me long after I had finished it.
I absolutely look forward to reading more from this talented duo.
Breaking Apart is the second engaging book of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series which I discovered when I was halfway through so I will have to go back and read the first book in the series. What a formidable writing team this duo is.
This expertly crafted medical thriller had me on the edge of my seat as I navigated the emotions, the ups and downs the frustrations, the struggles, the pain, the lives of military men and women centred around a VA medical centre. Having PTSD myself it was easy to relate to. The characters are complex, real and raw and well written. The plot is a complex weave of threads making the mystery as interesting as it is intriguing with some action thrown in as well as we race against time to solve a murder. Or is it? I was unable to put it down and it stayed with me long after I had finished it.
I absolutely look forward to reading more from this talented duo.
May 13, 2024
I love a good medical thriller and this one did not disappoint!
Marnie finds one of her clients, a veteran, while on her shift. It's not immediately clear if this is the result of a suicide or something more sinister. Marnie and her co-workers are conducting trials on PTSD with the veterans and now have growing concerns for the rest of the clients.
This is very well done and is the second book in the series. I strongly recommend reading them both but make sure you set aside ample time because you won't want to put this down!
Marnie finds one of her clients, a veteran, while on her shift. It's not immediately clear if this is the result of a suicide or something more sinister. Marnie and her co-workers are conducting trials on PTSD with the veterans and now have growing concerns for the rest of the clients.
This is very well done and is the second book in the series. I strongly recommend reading them both but make sure you set aside ample time because you won't want to put this down!
February 4, 2025
Breaking Apart by Mary Rae and Wanda Venters MD is a gripping medical thriller that deftly combines mystery, suspense, and a deep dive into the complexities of the U.S. health care system. Once again, Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty team up, this time to investigate the tragic death of Josh Baker, a young veteran at a VA Behavioral Health Clinic. Was it suicide, or does something more sinister lie beneath the surface?
The novel wastes no time pulling the reader into its fast-paced, high-stakes plot. Josh’s widow, devastated and determined, refuses to accept the official explanation for her husband’s death. Her desperation draws Marnie and Louise into an investigation that leads them from the halls of a troubled VA clinic to the dangerous underworld of prescription drug trafficking and the illegal sale of krokodil, a devastatingly destructive opiate.
Rae and Venters bring their medical expertise to the forefront, providing an authentic lens through which to explore the systemic issues within veteran care and behavioral health clinics. The nuanced portrayal of PTSD, the suicide epidemic among veterans, and the darker realities of drug diversion schemes makes this story both timely and thought-provoking.
The authors have crafted two strong, capable protagonists in Marnie and Louise, whose intelligence and determination drive the narrative. Their friendship is a cornerstone of the story, adding warmth and humanity to the otherwise chilling mystery. The supporting characters, particularly Josh’s grieving widow, are written with emotional depth, grounding the story in raw, relatable stakes.
The pacing is relentless, with the narrative moving quickly from one revelation to the next. The suspense builds steadily as Marnie and Louise get closer to uncovering the truth, even as they face mounting threats to their own safety. The plot is peppered with twists that keep the reader guessing, culminating in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.
Beyond its compelling mystery, Breaking Apart shines in its exploration of the systemic failings of the health care system, particularly as it pertains to veterans. The book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, shining a light on the challenges veterans face in accessing quality mental health care and the dangers posed by the opioid epidemic. These themes lend the story a sense of urgency and weight, elevating it beyond a standard thriller.
If there’s a critique, it’s that certain elements of the conspiracy could have been developed further to fully capitalize on their dramatic potential. However, the strength of the characters and the emotional resonance of the story more than make up for these minor shortcomings.
Breaking Apart is a smart, suspenseful, and deeply human story that combines the best elements of a medical thriller with a powerful social commentary. Fans of crime fiction, medical dramas, and stories with strong female protagonists will find much to love in this book. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of justice, empathy, and resilience in the face of systemic failure.
The novel wastes no time pulling the reader into its fast-paced, high-stakes plot. Josh’s widow, devastated and determined, refuses to accept the official explanation for her husband’s death. Her desperation draws Marnie and Louise into an investigation that leads them from the halls of a troubled VA clinic to the dangerous underworld of prescription drug trafficking and the illegal sale of krokodil, a devastatingly destructive opiate.
Rae and Venters bring their medical expertise to the forefront, providing an authentic lens through which to explore the systemic issues within veteran care and behavioral health clinics. The nuanced portrayal of PTSD, the suicide epidemic among veterans, and the darker realities of drug diversion schemes makes this story both timely and thought-provoking.
The authors have crafted two strong, capable protagonists in Marnie and Louise, whose intelligence and determination drive the narrative. Their friendship is a cornerstone of the story, adding warmth and humanity to the otherwise chilling mystery. The supporting characters, particularly Josh’s grieving widow, are written with emotional depth, grounding the story in raw, relatable stakes.
The pacing is relentless, with the narrative moving quickly from one revelation to the next. The suspense builds steadily as Marnie and Louise get closer to uncovering the truth, even as they face mounting threats to their own safety. The plot is peppered with twists that keep the reader guessing, culminating in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.
Beyond its compelling mystery, Breaking Apart shines in its exploration of the systemic failings of the health care system, particularly as it pertains to veterans. The book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, shining a light on the challenges veterans face in accessing quality mental health care and the dangers posed by the opioid epidemic. These themes lend the story a sense of urgency and weight, elevating it beyond a standard thriller.
If there’s a critique, it’s that certain elements of the conspiracy could have been developed further to fully capitalize on their dramatic potential. However, the strength of the characters and the emotional resonance of the story more than make up for these minor shortcomings.
Breaking Apart is a smart, suspenseful, and deeply human story that combines the best elements of a medical thriller with a powerful social commentary. Fans of crime fiction, medical dramas, and stories with strong female protagonists will find much to love in this book. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of justice, empathy, and resilience in the face of systemic failure.
May 14, 2024
After the chaos that ensued in the first book of the series, Louise and Marnie both decided they needed a career change. They both decided to care for veterans. On Marnies first day at her new job, she parks beside a truck and has blood all over it. Jumping into doctor mode, she breaks the window to find a young man, named Josh, dead. The clues all point to Josh taking his own life.
Louise is coming to Denver for a course during the summer and will be staying with Marnie. All Louise wants is to do her course and decompress after the horrible events that happened last year. Marnie has another plan. After talking to the widow of Josh, Marnie thinks that there might be more to the story.
With not much to go on, Marnie still thinks that maybe Josh’s death was potentially murder. Marnie and Louise will once again have to band together with their knowledge and figure out the cause of death of this young veteran while juggling everyday life.
This book, in my opinion, was much better than the first one in the series. It was more fast paced and you got to know more about Louise and Marnie. There were less background characters making this book a lot easier to follow and stay engaged.
This book hit close to home. My husband is a young veteran and although he never served in war, he saw and heard a lot he shouldn’t have. When he was discharged, he was really depressed and had PTSD. He started drinking heavily, spending all his money. He admitted that he was planning on ending it once the money was gone. At the time we were close friends and not dating yet but it was still very painful to watch him go down that destructive path. Luckily he got some help and is doing a lot better today.
Louise is coming to Denver for a course during the summer and will be staying with Marnie. All Louise wants is to do her course and decompress after the horrible events that happened last year. Marnie has another plan. After talking to the widow of Josh, Marnie thinks that there might be more to the story.
With not much to go on, Marnie still thinks that maybe Josh’s death was potentially murder. Marnie and Louise will once again have to band together with their knowledge and figure out the cause of death of this young veteran while juggling everyday life.
This book, in my opinion, was much better than the first one in the series. It was more fast paced and you got to know more about Louise and Marnie. There were less background characters making this book a lot easier to follow and stay engaged.
This book hit close to home. My husband is a young veteran and although he never served in war, he saw and heard a lot he shouldn’t have. When he was discharged, he was really depressed and had PTSD. He started drinking heavily, spending all his money. He admitted that he was planning on ending it once the money was gone. At the time we were close friends and not dating yet but it was still very painful to watch him go down that destructive path. Luckily he got some help and is doing a lot better today.
April 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the plot surrounding real relatable people and situations, such as our struggling vets, the medical personnel who are focused on helping them through their many struggles after serving our country, the stigma behind admitting you need mental health assist, the struggle medical professionals often face when trying to reduce the amount of suicides of our beloved vets and the impact this has on everyone, including the professionals themselves.
From the very beginning, I found myself intrigued and invested in this story. The characters are relatable and created beautifully. The real life struggles within the book like PTSD and drug addiction also made this more believable. The mysterious plot had me questioning everyone involved and the twist at the end left me shocked.
Overall I found this book quite. Impelling and although some might find some of these topics disturbing, the real life aspect could also create an eye opening experience for others.
Although this is a work of fiction, you can clearly see that both authors did their homework and/or used real life medical experience and expertise when creating this mystery. I highly recommend reading this book.
From the very beginning, I found myself intrigued and invested in this story. The characters are relatable and created beautifully. The real life struggles within the book like PTSD and drug addiction also made this more believable. The mysterious plot had me questioning everyone involved and the twist at the end left me shocked.
Overall I found this book quite. Impelling and although some might find some of these topics disturbing, the real life aspect could also create an eye opening experience for others.
Although this is a work of fiction, you can clearly see that both authors did their homework and/or used real life medical experience and expertise when creating this mystery. I highly recommend reading this book.
May 13, 2024
This is the second book in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series. While the books can be read as a stand alone I do recommend reading them in order to get a better grip of the characters and their pasts.
This is a medical murder mystery with twists and turns that keep you guessing with every turn of the page. I never knew what was coming and I was surprised as the story unravelled.
The author does a great job of handling subjects such as PTSD and addiction in the story in a way that is informative and respectful. Allowing the reader an insight into what that is really like for the people suffering.
When a young veteran is found dead in his car in the garage of the VA Behavioral Health clinic the question becoming was it murder or suicide?
When Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty join forces again to get to the truth they start to uncover things which could have dangerous consequences for them both. With a dangerous drug doing the rounds and drug ring operating could this be the cause of the deaths/suicides of so many veterans? And can they get to the bottom of this before another life is lost?
With danger, threats, and race against time this is a fast paced story that I couldn't stop reading
This is a medical murder mystery with twists and turns that keep you guessing with every turn of the page. I never knew what was coming and I was surprised as the story unravelled.
The author does a great job of handling subjects such as PTSD and addiction in the story in a way that is informative and respectful. Allowing the reader an insight into what that is really like for the people suffering.
When a young veteran is found dead in his car in the garage of the VA Behavioral Health clinic the question becoming was it murder or suicide?
When Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty join forces again to get to the truth they start to uncover things which could have dangerous consequences for them both. With a dangerous drug doing the rounds and drug ring operating could this be the cause of the deaths/suicides of so many veterans? And can they get to the bottom of this before another life is lost?
With danger, threats, and race against time this is a fast paced story that I couldn't stop reading
April 22, 2024
I absolutely could not put this book down once I started it! It is an extremely well written medical crime drama that hooks you immediately and keeps you reading until the very last page. I did not originally realize it was the second book in the series, so I will be going back and reading book 1 to get more background on the characters and see more details from the first mystery. I thought that they did an excellent job in exploring the mental health system in conjunction with our Veterans and the complex issues they are facing daily. They created memorable characters that are relatable, these are people you feel like you could meet in your daily life. They definitely delve into the medical side of things, but not detailed that if you were not a medical staff you couldn’t follow or understand. The authors did a great job of creating a story that is complex and dealing with so many pieces, death, mental illness, drug abuse, Veterans, and cover ups along the way. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Finnerty and Liccione methodically make their way through the case.
May 2, 2024
Breaking Apart is the second book in the A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series. It reads fine as a standalone, but does contain spoilers for the events of the previous book. I don’t often read medical thrillers but was interested in trying something new and there was enough in common between this and standard murder mysteries that it felt familiar!
The story is really intriguing. It’s clear early on that there’s a lot going on, with some big secrets and mysteries to untangle. There’s a large cast of characters, and the narrative switches frequently between the points of view of many of them. To begin with I found this somewhat confusing but as I got used to the style and recognised different characters it was easier to follow.
I found the medical side of the book very interesting. The story explores issues such as PTSD and addiction with sensitivity and understanding. There is a particular attention to health issues faced by veterans, as well as the challenges faced by medical professionals in various fields.
This book gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to fans of medical thrillers, as well as mystery fans looking for something a bit different.
The story is really intriguing. It’s clear early on that there’s a lot going on, with some big secrets and mysteries to untangle. There’s a large cast of characters, and the narrative switches frequently between the points of view of many of them. To begin with I found this somewhat confusing but as I got used to the style and recognised different characters it was easier to follow.
I found the medical side of the book very interesting. The story explores issues such as PTSD and addiction with sensitivity and understanding. There is a particular attention to health issues faced by veterans, as well as the challenges faced by medical professionals in various fields.
This book gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to fans of medical thrillers, as well as mystery fans looking for something a bit different.
May 9, 2024
::trigger warnings for suicide, PTSD, addiction::
Breaking Apart was a pretty complex crime mystery book, which is apparently book 2 in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series. I did not know that until after completing, and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I did struggle with all the characters, and keeping them straight, so perhaps that would have been minimized by reading the first book. I thought it was cool that it was written by two doctors. Reading a little about them, it seems they incorporated a bit of fact into their story (Wanda Venters worked in pediatrics and has 2 labradoodles). I like crime, mystery, and psychology, so this was a must read for me. The topic of the book is very eye opening- PTSD, Veterans suicides, addiction, black market drugs, and get rich schemes. The book did a good job of balancing the mystery surrounding Josh's death, with characters development and their personal lives. The book had me intrigued, and I found myself on google several times, trying to validate if what I was reading was real or based on the author's imagination. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was gonna happen next.
Breaking Apart was a pretty complex crime mystery book, which is apparently book 2 in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series. I did not know that until after completing, and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I did struggle with all the characters, and keeping them straight, so perhaps that would have been minimized by reading the first book. I thought it was cool that it was written by two doctors. Reading a little about them, it seems they incorporated a bit of fact into their story (Wanda Venters worked in pediatrics and has 2 labradoodles). I like crime, mystery, and psychology, so this was a must read for me. The topic of the book is very eye opening- PTSD, Veterans suicides, addiction, black market drugs, and get rich schemes. The book did a good job of balancing the mystery surrounding Josh's death, with characters development and their personal lives. The book had me intrigued, and I found myself on google several times, trying to validate if what I was reading was real or based on the author's imagination. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was gonna happen next.
May 13, 2024
A gripping medical murder mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Physicians Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty have teamed up again, this time to investigate whether the violent death of a patient whilst at a Colorado VA Behavioral Health clinic was suicide or murder. The pair must discover if young veteran Josh Baker is another victim of the suicide epidemic or if he was murdered. As Marnie and Louise investigate in order to give Josh’s widow some answers, they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme with a link to those involved in the illegal sale of the deadly opiate krokodil. Getting closer to the truth surrounding Josh’s death puts both their lives in danger. This is a fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns which kept me guessing as to the outcome. Marnie and Louise are once again a great team, and both the characters and the setting of a VA Behavioral Health Clinic came to life through the descriptive narrative. I thought the issues raised in this story regarding PTSD were dealt with honestly and sensitively. I look forward to the physicians next investigation!
May 12, 2024
"Breaking Apart" by Wanda Venters and Mary Rae delivers a gripping tale of intrigue and suspense as Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty delve into the mysterious death of a young veteran at a Colorado VA Behavioral Health clinic. The authors expertly craft a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning whether the death was a suicide or murder. Through the eyes of Josh Baker's widow, the emotional turmoil and quest for justice are palpable, propelling Marnie and Louise deeper into a web of deception and danger. As they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme intertwined with the illegal sale of a deadly opiate, the stakes skyrocket, putting their own lives in jeopardy. "Breaking Apart" is a riveting mystery that not only keeps readers guessing until the very end but also explores profound themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for truth and justice. This book sheds light on a real life issue that stains many Americans, and I personally found that a strong part of this read.
February 7, 2025
Breaking Apart is the second book in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series, and is another medical thriller. While this can easily be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book, Break Bone Fever, before this. It will help give you insight into the main character's past history together, and set you up for an idea of what is to come in this installment. I actually liked this one even more than the first book, and read it in two sittings. Once again, Doctors Finnerty and Liccione are teaming up to solve a who-dunnit style mystery when they are assigned the case of a young veteran. Immediately, the duo suspect there is more to his death and dig in to find the answers. This story is entwined with military and VA complexities, and hits on very real dilemmas our veterans face daily. This was a great book and I enjoyed delving into the lives of the vets and the traumas they face, both during and after their service. I will definitely be reading more from these authors.
February 7, 2025
While medical themed books aren’t my first choice I took a chance on the first book and what a brilliant read it was so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book and guess what !? It was even better than the first and while it was the same author it was different , some authors have a style so you know what to expect and that why they’re favourites but this is not the case , expect something different , expect to become a fan 😉
Before I give more of my thoughts I just want to say thank you to the author for broaching a sensitive subject and for the way it was handled so many of us think we know but we don’t really and the realities of PTSD really is frightening not only for the sufferer but those around them , thank you for being honest and real 🤗
When veteran Josh Baket dies our girls , marine and Louise are on the case to find out why and who and from experience these girls are dynamite and what they discover is shocking and heartbreaking and their lives are also in danger , what people will do to hide the truth is nerve wracking !
Before I give more of my thoughts I just want to say thank you to the author for broaching a sensitive subject and for the way it was handled so many of us think we know but we don’t really and the realities of PTSD really is frightening not only for the sufferer but those around them , thank you for being honest and real 🤗
When veteran Josh Baket dies our girls , marine and Louise are on the case to find out why and who and from experience these girls are dynamite and what they discover is shocking and heartbreaking and their lives are also in danger , what people will do to hide the truth is nerve wracking !
February 8, 2025
Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD is a great crime series
Marnie Liccione, M.D. and Louise Finnerty, M.D. are drawn into a fast-paced murder mystery set within the largest healthcare system in America following the horrific death of Josh Baker, a young veteran and patient at the Front Range VA Behavioral Health Clinic. Does Josh have a more sinister motive or is he just another victim of the suicide epidemic?
Marnie and Louise are persuaded that there is more to the story by inquiries from Josh's widow, who feels as though her world is collapsing following his passing. As they look for answers, they find a prescription drug diversion scheme run by people who might also be selling the dangerous and disfiguring opioid krokodil illegally.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings mystery into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I can't wait to continue the series
Marnie Liccione, M.D. and Louise Finnerty, M.D. are drawn into a fast-paced murder mystery set within the largest healthcare system in America following the horrific death of Josh Baker, a young veteran and patient at the Front Range VA Behavioral Health Clinic. Does Josh have a more sinister motive or is he just another victim of the suicide epidemic?
Marnie and Louise are persuaded that there is more to the story by inquiries from Josh's widow, who feels as though her world is collapsing following his passing. As they look for answers, they find a prescription drug diversion scheme run by people who might also be selling the dangerous and disfiguring opioid krokodil illegally.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings mystery into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I can't wait to continue the series
April 16, 2024
Breaking Apart is the second book by Rae and Venters in the Finnerty and Liccione series, which I read pretty quickly following Break Bone, the first. The benefit in doing so was having the characters fresh in my mind, however, truth be told, this could very easily be read independently without having to have read in order. There is mention of the first book and the character trauma/PTSD that overlaps because of the incidents in Break Bone, however ultimately Breaking Apart does not rely on those developments to carry the story forward.
Breaking Apart touches on many themes of medical mismanagement, Veterans and medications, and is well written to the point of plausibility. It was easy to connect to the different characters and their personal struggles throughout the story, and while I found myself considering whodunit, there were still a few surprises along the way. An entertaining read for sure!
April 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
Breaking Apart is the second instalment in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series by Wanda J. Venters & Mary Rae. It is another engaging medical mystery, woven with crime and investigation, whodunnit tension, PTSD, danger, agendas, sinister forces, complexity, twists, intensity, suspense, secrets, lies, multi-layered plot, emotion, a deadly drug, a prescription drug diversion scheme/drug ring, threats, time factor, and a tense search for answers.
The violent death of a young veteran has Dr. Marne Liccione & Dr. Louise Finnerty on a dangerous quest for answers. There seems to quite a bit more to the case than first meets the eye, and they will be shocked to discover where their investigation leads. With sinister forces at work, will these two be up to the challenge? What happens make for a gripping read.
Looking forward to seeing what Book #3 has in store for Finnerty and Liccione (and us, the readers).
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Wanda J. Venters & Mary Rae!
Breaking Apart is the second instalment in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series by Wanda J. Venters & Mary Rae. It is another engaging medical mystery, woven with crime and investigation, whodunnit tension, PTSD, danger, agendas, sinister forces, complexity, twists, intensity, suspense, secrets, lies, multi-layered plot, emotion, a deadly drug, a prescription drug diversion scheme/drug ring, threats, time factor, and a tense search for answers.
The violent death of a young veteran has Dr. Marne Liccione & Dr. Louise Finnerty on a dangerous quest for answers. There seems to quite a bit more to the case than first meets the eye, and they will be shocked to discover where their investigation leads. With sinister forces at work, will these two be up to the challenge? What happens make for a gripping read.
Looking forward to seeing what Book #3 has in store for Finnerty and Liccione (and us, the readers).
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Wanda J. Venters & Mary Rae!
April 23, 2024
Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD. This is such a good 2nd book in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading them in order to get a better understanding of the characters. This is a very good book on a very serious subject, our veterans and the lack of health/mental care they receive. After one of the vets completes suicide, his wife just refuses to believe he would do that. After digging into the matter two doctors look into the very violent death of this solider and what they discover is heartbreaking. There is prescription scam that is so ugly involving a very bad drug that finds very important people trying to keep this under wraps. The Dr's themselves may be in danger. Such a tragic and sad story about the very people who risk their lives for our country. They certainly deserve better. Will the soldiers family find peace with the news the Doctors uncover?
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May 14, 2024I can’t say enough about this book. I read it as a standalone but will be going back and reading the first one while I eagerly await the next to come out.
Marnie & Louise make an amazing team. Their friendship and support of one another both personally and professionally shows what true friendship is. The conversations they have between the two of them are real and caring while also sometimes being the tough conversations that close friends have.
The mystery of the investigation with its twists and turns kept me interested the whole way through.
The background regarding the VA and bringing real life concerns and challenges that surround the VA as well as veterans and suicide rates is a very real problem across the US that needs to be brought to light and talked about more often. We can not make change unless we are educated and looking for ways to truly help.
I truly enjoyed and definitely recommend this book.
Marnie & Louise make an amazing team. Their friendship and support of one another both personally and professionally shows what true friendship is. The conversations they have between the two of them are real and caring while also sometimes being the tough conversations that close friends have.
The mystery of the investigation with its twists and turns kept me interested the whole way through.
The background regarding the VA and bringing real life concerns and challenges that surround the VA as well as veterans and suicide rates is a very real problem across the US that needs to be brought to light and talked about more often. We can not make change unless we are educated and looking for ways to truly help.
I truly enjoyed and definitely recommend this book.
February 4, 2025
Exciting, Adventurous, and Mysterious
The dedication of Drs. Venters and Rae to the research that had to have gone into this book is remarkable. As a veteran, this plot hit a little too close to home for me. I got lost in the story and couldn’t read it fast enough. There are still a few places that had me a bit confused as I read, but less than their first book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed being able to continue to connect with most of the characters from the first book. Watching everyone grow and learn has been an amazing journey. The scenery of Aurora, Colorado was laid out perfectly and I cannot wait to see the wonderful Mountain View’s with my own eyes. Louise and Marnie are back at it in this mystery of a possible veteran suicide and everything that may mean for the new team that Marnie has joined. I cannot wait for the next book to see what hijinks these ladies run into next!
The dedication of Drs. Venters and Rae to the research that had to have gone into this book is remarkable. As a veteran, this plot hit a little too close to home for me. I got lost in the story and couldn’t read it fast enough. There are still a few places that had me a bit confused as I read, but less than their first book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed being able to continue to connect with most of the characters from the first book. Watching everyone grow and learn has been an amazing journey. The scenery of Aurora, Colorado was laid out perfectly and I cannot wait to see the wonderful Mountain View’s with my own eyes. Louise and Marnie are back at it in this mystery of a possible veteran suicide and everything that may mean for the new team that Marnie has joined. I cannot wait for the next book to see what hijinks these ladies run into next!
April 16, 2024
The first book in this series was incredible, but this second installment left me absolutely reeling! It was an emotional rollercoaster and threw in unexpected twists and turns. This one is also fast paced which left me forgetting about sleep completely because I needed to know what happened next. It does not start off slow by any means, and by the first few pages you will be absolutely enthralled. I truly appreciate that it highlights PTSD as I don’t feel like it is talked about enough, and these authors captured the heartbreaking points that some experience. There are some steamy romance scenes woven in as well, and the entire story flows flawlessly. Both of these authors are definitely on the top of my list of books to pick up, so I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!
April 16, 2024
I highly enjoyed Breaking Apart and cannot say enough good things about it! I accidentally read this book before the first book in the series, Break Bone Fever, but I was able to follow the story with no problem. The pacing and suspense were perfect. The characters are all fleshed out with backstories and felt real. I like that day-to-day occurrences were added to the narratives such as baseball games, hiking, running, and the 4th of July. The multiple points of view kept me guessing until the end what really happened with Josh’s death. It also touched on multiple difficult topics such as PTSD, suicide, and drug addiction. At the end of the book, I felt sad and hopeful yet that is life. I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series since there is a nice little cliff hanger at the end.
May 5, 2024
4 1/2 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Breaking Apart if Book 2 in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery....and this was so well written and the emotions of this story....wow. This story is centered around PTSD, mystery, suspense, lies, struggles and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. This book will stay with me for quite awhile...feeling quite real with the mental health crisis that many face on a daily bases...even with our Veterans.
Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty are back with another medical mystery, this time the investigation stems the death of a Veteran. The question is...was this suicide or murder? Marnie and Louise are now trying to piece together the truth of this matter.....
Overall..this was a fantastic and emotional read. I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning and looking forward to more.
Breaking Apart if Book 2 in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery....and this was so well written and the emotions of this story....wow. This story is centered around PTSD, mystery, suspense, lies, struggles and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. This book will stay with me for quite awhile...feeling quite real with the mental health crisis that many face on a daily bases...even with our Veterans.
Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty are back with another medical mystery, this time the investigation stems the death of a Veteran. The question is...was this suicide or murder? Marnie and Louise are now trying to piece together the truth of this matter.....
Overall..this was a fantastic and emotional read. I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning and looking forward to more.
May 7, 2024
Another awesome book by this author. Once I started reading it I just could not put it down. I enjoyed it so much that I can't wait to see if they release another book in this series.
Marnie starts a new job at the VA Center and on her first day there she finds a deceased man in a pick up truck in the parking garage. It looks like he has committed suicide. When his wife finds out she just can't believe it. She says that things were going good between them. Josh was looking forward to his new job at the hospital.
The Police have ruled it as a suicide and closed the case, Amanda insists that she needs answers and asks Marnie to help her find them. So Marnie and Louise set off to see if they can find anything to confirm or deny Amanda's suspicions.
I really enjoyed this book and think you will too. Check it out and give it a try. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Marnie starts a new job at the VA Center and on her first day there she finds a deceased man in a pick up truck in the parking garage. It looks like he has committed suicide. When his wife finds out she just can't believe it. She says that things were going good between them. Josh was looking forward to his new job at the hospital.
The Police have ruled it as a suicide and closed the case, Amanda insists that she needs answers and asks Marnie to help her find them. So Marnie and Louise set off to see if they can find anything to confirm or deny Amanda's suspicions.
I really enjoyed this book and think you will too. Check it out and give it a try. I don't think you will be disappointed.
May 11, 2024
In this story the widow of veteran Josh Baker is seeking answers to her husband's untimely passing. She is unsure if it was self inflicted or was it homicide? Drs Liccione and Finnerty are prepared to investogate and help Mrs. Baker get spme answers so that she can properly grieve. Will they be able to help her get the closer she so desperatley needs or will the bad guys stop them from finding the truth? Peppered throughout the story are things that are happening to our vets in the real world such as PTSD and addiction. Writing about things that are happening outside of this fictional world makes the book so much more relatable. It helps us to better understand what these men and women deal with daily. I'm glad I took a chance on this medical mystery as it is something outside of what I would normally read.
May 11, 2024
4 Stars
Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD
Breaking Apart is the second book in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series . This is a Medical Mystery/ Crime that is hard to put down once you get into it. I’m going to be honest I had a hard time getting into it at first there is a whole lot going on. But once I did I had a hard time putting it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. This is packed with action , drama , mystery, suspense and so much more. It also touches on serious topics of PTSD and addiction. This story took me on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride but man it was worth it in the end. I don’t want to give anything away.i highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD
Breaking Apart is the second book in the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series . This is a Medical Mystery/ Crime that is hard to put down once you get into it. I’m going to be honest I had a hard time getting into it at first there is a whole lot going on. But once I did I had a hard time putting it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. This is packed with action , drama , mystery, suspense and so much more. It also touches on serious topics of PTSD and addiction. This story took me on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride but man it was worth it in the end. I don’t want to give anything away.i highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
May 16, 2024
I have read a couple of books from these authors and they have me hooked. This is the second book to the Finnerty and Liccione mystery series. You can read this as a stand-alone but there was another case that got these two together first. This book has you at the edge of your seat until the very end. I can’t wait to see what is next for these two brilliant authors.
Marnie and Louise find themselves teaming up again. They are assigned a very violent death. When they start the case they feel like something is not right. Marnie and Louise go straight to the wife of Josh Baker. She tells them Josh was in a Health Clinic trying to better himself. Marnie and Louise start to get some questions answered and they are not liking where this case is going. Is this case going to get solved or will it become way to dangerous?
Marnie and Louise find themselves teaming up again. They are assigned a very violent death. When they start the case they feel like something is not right. Marnie and Louise go straight to the wife of Josh Baker. She tells them Josh was in a Health Clinic trying to better himself. Marnie and Louise start to get some questions answered and they are not liking where this case is going. Is this case going to get solved or will it become way to dangerous?
May 1, 2024
Trigger warning for Suicide, drug use, PTSD & heavy veteran talk. When Marine finds herself in the middle of a investigation again she uses her own experience to help someone else cope. Louise and Marnie are back together again. This time working in a VA (Veteran Affairs clinic) learning some new processes and creating new programs. However day one in the clinic and Marine finds herself in the middle of a suicide from a past patient of the clinic. However things are not adding up. Will she uncover more and help the widow come to terms with losing her spouse? Will they uncover more within the clinic. This was a hard to put down mystery just like book 1 was. You will want to read book 1 first as a fill in for information on the background to some characters.
May 7, 2024
Breaking Apart is book 2 of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD following the first book Breakbone Fever. Both books are excellent, and I highly recommend reading the first book as well! In this book, the issues of mental health and wellness are tackled in this book regarding our veterans and the VA system. This is a medical mystery/thriller. Doctors Marnie Liccione and Louise Finnerty are working together to determine whether the death of Josh, a veteran patient of the Front Range VA Behavioral Health Clinic, is a suicide or murder. This mystery drags them deep into areas they couldn't have fathomed, and there are people who don't want them snooping around. Highly recommend both books!
May 10, 2024
Seeing this I had to give it a try, like who better to write a medical murder mystery than two MDs 😀 you just know the lingo was going to be a plus. This is my first time reading work from these authors and I'm glad I did. Although I have a hard time stopping myself from going to the end to peek at who did ( i may or may not have done it lol) I enjoyed the nail biting ride it was getting there. I will 100 percent be going back to reading the previous book.( even though you don't have to to understand). The author did a fantastic job at keeping you intrigued while reading. Switching from multiple POVs, which furthers the tangled web of mystery and secrets like i said it will keep you on your toes. I Highly recommend you give this book a try, if you haven't already.
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