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The Breakdown
A breakdown—A secret—A trip that will change everything.Two years after suffering from a stress-induced breakdown, defence lawyer Beth Gunning is struggling to cope with life. When her husband, Rory, suggests they join Beth’s sister and partner on a wild camping trip in a remote part of Montana, she decides that the freedom and tranquillity of a place far away from London might be what she needs. A chance to repair, relax, and get her head together.
Rory’s brother, Elliott, invites himself and his two teenage kids along for the trip. So it’s set to be a wild adventure of a lifetime. Provided that Rory and Elliot can set aside their sibling rivalries, that is.
Apart from some quarrelling and physical struggles, the trip seems to be going well. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is a stunning place, and everybody is embracing the fabulous experience.
But after a GPS malfunction and one wrong turn that leads them off course, cracks quickly form within the group. As some clash and others struggle with their dire predicament, the situation goes from bad to worse.
But Beth’s dark past is about to come back to haunt her and rock the very foundations of her world. Because it appears that someone in their hiking group has an ulterior motive for joining this trip.
Something extremely sinister that could ruin everything.
And out here in the vast, untamed wilderness, Beth knows she can no longer run from her bleak past and must finally face her dire demons…
But at what cost?
Rory’s brother, Elliott, invites himself and his two teenage kids along for the trip. So it’s set to be a wild adventure of a lifetime. Provided that Rory and Elliot can set aside their sibling rivalries, that is.
Apart from some quarrelling and physical struggles, the trip seems to be going well. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is a stunning place, and everybody is embracing the fabulous experience.
But after a GPS malfunction and one wrong turn that leads them off course, cracks quickly form within the group. As some clash and others struggle with their dire predicament, the situation goes from bad to worse.
But Beth’s dark past is about to come back to haunt her and rock the very foundations of her world. Because it appears that someone in their hiking group has an ulterior motive for joining this trip.
Something extremely sinister that could ruin everything.
And out here in the vast, untamed wilderness, Beth knows she can no longer run from her bleak past and must finally face her dire demons…
But at what cost?
- GenresThrillerPsychological
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2024
36 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Kirby
15 books49 followersI was born in 1979 and live in Kent with my wife and children. I ran a private investigation agency for over fifteen years, dealing in cases that involved breach of contract claims, commercial debt recovery, and process serving. My agency also specialised in people tracing, so much of my work revolved around tracking down debtors, dealing in adoption matters and locating missing persons. At times, I worked on some pretty bizarre cases and dealt with plenty of interesting and sometimes colourful individuals.
I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...
I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 28, 2024
4.5 🌟 rounded up to 5🌟
Thank you to my partners, Zooloo’s Book Tours and Flock Publishing, and the author. I appreciate the gifted ebook, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 - The utter sense of isolation mixed with the feeling of solitude in the mountains of Montana. I feel like a remote hiking trip like this can truly start out with a feeling of peace and quickly turn into an anxiety-riddled nightmare.
2. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 - I’m not sure any family outing similar to this wouldn’t have several arguments and lots of uneasy situations. Extended family that already has some strife did not bode well for this excursion.
3. 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝 - All of a sudden, things go awry and no one can be trusted. The way this was written will leave the reader questioning what is known about every single player.
4. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 - It seemed to be all over when the truth comes out and they are eventually rescued. The things we learn from Beth’s visit to another family member is both sad and then frightening. It did close up a little of the hints that were given throughout, however!
5. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭 - I’m telling ya, the hits just kept on coming. Don’t let your guard down too easy because you’re going to end up with a bit of whiplash!
Thank you to my partners, Zooloo’s Book Tours and Flock Publishing, and the author. I appreciate the gifted ebook, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 - The utter sense of isolation mixed with the feeling of solitude in the mountains of Montana. I feel like a remote hiking trip like this can truly start out with a feeling of peace and quickly turn into an anxiety-riddled nightmare.
2. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 - I’m not sure any family outing similar to this wouldn’t have several arguments and lots of uneasy situations. Extended family that already has some strife did not bode well for this excursion.
3. 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝 - All of a sudden, things go awry and no one can be trusted. The way this was written will leave the reader questioning what is known about every single player.
4. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 - It seemed to be all over when the truth comes out and they are eventually rescued. The things we learn from Beth’s visit to another family member is both sad and then frightening. It did close up a little of the hints that were given throughout, however!
5. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭 - I’m telling ya, the hits just kept on coming. Don’t let your guard down too easy because you’re going to end up with a bit of whiplash!
January 5, 2025
All I can say... that ending! Read it for that if nothing else. Cold and chilling, definitely not a happy festive read. I blinking loved it, I always love Rob's writing. He holds nothing back, a tale of chills and what the heck and will we ever know the truth! Despite being a told a truth, I have no idea if it's the real truth.
I loved the feeling of going hiking but not of being lost in the mountains and woods, that is not fun. Then with a heart in my throat moment with the rushing water, I was gutted for one character.
The interspersed audio transcripts...jeez Louise could Rob throw anything more at us? The answer is YES!
Just what a book! I loved it, wrongly so! But it was clever and so well written. I believed the wrong people and was wary of the wrong ones too! Fantastic!
November 24, 2025
All I can really say is that this book captured my attention with the many unexpected twists and turns to the very last page. Truly one to delve into for a thriller.
November 27, 2024
This is not my first book by Robert W. Kirby and it CERTAINLY will NOT be my last! This book took me by surprise! Once the action started, it did not stop. The set up took a little bit of time, but otherwise, this book was seriously unputdownable.
Kirby takes you on a wild ride throughout this entire book. I went exactly where he wanted me to go, suspecting the people he wanted me to suspect. Then I got really confused as to who it could be, what could have happened to the kids, and what to believe!! Talk about thrown for a loop!
I really enjoyed the chapters that were the “audio” chapters – the interview with Beth’s blast from the past. Those chapters sort of led me astray too, but in SUCH a clever way. It’s hard to know which character to trust, which character not to trust, and I was here for ALL of it.
This is the best way to put Kirby’s writing in this book – he skillfully, artfully, and cleverly wrote this book, and it’s amazing.
Oh yeah and that ending… it blew my mind! I can’t say any more than that because I don’t want to give anything away, but if you’re read this, DM me because I’d love to discuss it!
This is available now, so hurry up and read it.
Kirby takes you on a wild ride throughout this entire book. I went exactly where he wanted me to go, suspecting the people he wanted me to suspect. Then I got really confused as to who it could be, what could have happened to the kids, and what to believe!! Talk about thrown for a loop!
I really enjoyed the chapters that were the “audio” chapters – the interview with Beth’s blast from the past. Those chapters sort of led me astray too, but in SUCH a clever way. It’s hard to know which character to trust, which character not to trust, and I was here for ALL of it.
This is the best way to put Kirby’s writing in this book – he skillfully, artfully, and cleverly wrote this book, and it’s amazing.
Oh yeah and that ending… it blew my mind! I can’t say any more than that because I don’t want to give anything away, but if you’re read this, DM me because I’d love to discuss it!
This is available now, so hurry up and read it.
November 29, 2024
It's no surprise to find me reading another book by this author.
After being introduced to them almost 2 years ago now, I've read almost every single book and loved them all.
This book was no exception!
I am absolutely not the camping sort - and reading this book has done absolutely nothing to persuade me otherwise!
This felt creepy right from the first page and I was on edge the whole way through.
I was just waiting for something to happen - the noises, the dark, the little protection from everything out there in the wilderness - nope....definitely not for me!
Not only was the camping a red flag - but going away with family - especially when there is past conflict there.
I just knew things would blow up and I felt really uncomfortable through certain scenes just waiting and anticipating how things would play out.
As ever, I found that I warmed to and connected with some of the characters more than others.
I mean, we all have 'those' family members, don't we!?
And when the GPS fails, leaving them lost and Beth's son goes missing - I just couldn't put this down!
I just knew when I picked this up, that I was not going to be moving for a good few hours and settled in for the ride.
The author has such a way of grabbing your attention right from the start and keeping you gripped for the entire read.
Everything about this was just perfect and I can't wait to dive into my next read soon.....
After being introduced to them almost 2 years ago now, I've read almost every single book and loved them all.
This book was no exception!
I am absolutely not the camping sort - and reading this book has done absolutely nothing to persuade me otherwise!
This felt creepy right from the first page and I was on edge the whole way through.
I was just waiting for something to happen - the noises, the dark, the little protection from everything out there in the wilderness - nope....definitely not for me!
Not only was the camping a red flag - but going away with family - especially when there is past conflict there.
I just knew things would blow up and I felt really uncomfortable through certain scenes just waiting and anticipating how things would play out.
As ever, I found that I warmed to and connected with some of the characters more than others.
I mean, we all have 'those' family members, don't we!?
And when the GPS fails, leaving them lost and Beth's son goes missing - I just couldn't put this down!
I just knew when I picked this up, that I was not going to be moving for a good few hours and settled in for the ride.
The author has such a way of grabbing your attention right from the start and keeping you gripped for the entire read.
Everything about this was just perfect and I can't wait to dive into my next read soon.....
November 24, 2024
The breakdown by Robert W Kirby.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover of this book. I wasn't sure how I felt about Beth's character. I liked the writing style. Twisty and gripping. I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I didn't see that coming. Wasn't sure about the ending.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover of this book. I wasn't sure how I felt about Beth's character. I liked the writing style. Twisty and gripping. I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I didn't see that coming. Wasn't sure about the ending.
November 23, 2024
Having read other books by this author I couldn’t wait to start this one and I wasn’t let down. I am not a seasoned camper by any means but this book made me think again about ever going again! The family dynamics were interesting to read and I found myself desperate to read on to find out what happened next. Another excellently written book by a fantastic author!
November 22, 2024
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m only going to kill one of them.” (p.127)
Lost in the wilderness–an entirely hopeless setting for this suspenseful thriller
What was supposed to be a refreshing backpacking trip in the wilderness of Montana turns into a nightmare. Under the threat of wild animals and rumors of a serial killer who preys on campers, little does Beth know that the real threat is in her own hiking group. When the GPS fails, the group realizes they are lost, and then her son and two other teenagers go missing. The brewing tensions boil over, and Beth’s secrets will take center stage in this suspenseful psychological thriller.
The sprawling Montana wilderness is the perfect backdrop for Robert W. Kirby’s The Breakdown. The absolute hopelessness of being lost and having no means of contacting outside help, compounded with teenagers who vanish and the fracturing peace among the hikers, makes for a desperately page-turning thriller. Beth’s anxiety attacks and the insertion of clips from a haunting interview with a depraved criminal add an additional layer of unsettling suspense, verging on horror. I read this novel in a single sitting. It is fast-paced, cleverly plotted, and nail-bitingly tense.
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m only going to kill one of them.” (p.127)
Lost in the wilderness–an entirely hopeless setting for this suspenseful thriller
What was supposed to be a refreshing backpacking trip in the wilderness of Montana turns into a nightmare. Under the threat of wild animals and rumors of a serial killer who preys on campers, little does Beth know that the real threat is in her own hiking group. When the GPS fails, the group realizes they are lost, and then her son and two other teenagers go missing. The brewing tensions boil over, and Beth’s secrets will take center stage in this suspenseful psychological thriller.
The sprawling Montana wilderness is the perfect backdrop for Robert W. Kirby’s The Breakdown. The absolute hopelessness of being lost and having no means of contacting outside help, compounded with teenagers who vanish and the fracturing peace among the hikers, makes for a desperately page-turning thriller. Beth’s anxiety attacks and the insertion of clips from a haunting interview with a depraved criminal add an additional layer of unsettling suspense, verging on horror. I read this novel in a single sitting. It is fast-paced, cleverly plotted, and nail-bitingly tense.
November 27, 2024
The Breakdown follows Beth, a defence lawyer who’s trying to put her life back together after a breakdown, as she heads off on a camping trip in the middle of the Montana wilderness with her husband, sister, and a few more family members. What starts as a healing getaway turns into a nightmare when tensions flare and something way more sinister starts creeping into their trip.
One thing I really liked was the way the story keeps you guessing. You’re left wondering if the danger is something supernatural or if it’s just the group turning on each other. It’s a great plot device that keeps you hooked. The tension is there from the start, and the setting is spot on – the Montana wilderness feels vast and eerie, the perfect backdrop for everything to unravel.
That said, I do think the mystery might’ve been a bit overdone. Almost everything is cloaked in secrecy, with people constantly whispering and hinting at things without much explanation. It makes the book feel a bit slow in places because you're waiting for those secrets to be revealed. But the twist at the end? Absolutely worth it. It left me thinking about how much our upbringing shapes us.
Overall, it’s a gripping read with plenty of suspense and a twist that’ll definitely surprise you. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a bit of family drama thrown in, give it a go!
Thanks Hidden Gems for the free copy. All opinions are my own.
One thing I really liked was the way the story keeps you guessing. You’re left wondering if the danger is something supernatural or if it’s just the group turning on each other. It’s a great plot device that keeps you hooked. The tension is there from the start, and the setting is spot on – the Montana wilderness feels vast and eerie, the perfect backdrop for everything to unravel.
That said, I do think the mystery might’ve been a bit overdone. Almost everything is cloaked in secrecy, with people constantly whispering and hinting at things without much explanation. It makes the book feel a bit slow in places because you're waiting for those secrets to be revealed. But the twist at the end? Absolutely worth it. It left me thinking about how much our upbringing shapes us.
Overall, it’s a gripping read with plenty of suspense and a twist that’ll definitely surprise you. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a bit of family drama thrown in, give it a go!
Thanks Hidden Gems for the free copy. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
Page turner
This was my second book of Roberts and it was brilliant. Another gripping tale. This follows Beth and her husband and son plan and go on a hiking family holiday with Beth's sister and her hubby's brother and his family and all is not well . Everything goes wrong. Beth hopes this holiday will help her escape her problems but this doesn't happen and a sinister story unfolds. This story had me hooked from the first chapter. It has so many great plot twits right up until the very last page. A cleverly written psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout this book . 5 star read!
This was my second book of Roberts and it was brilliant. Another gripping tale. This follows Beth and her husband and son plan and go on a hiking family holiday with Beth's sister and her hubby's brother and his family and all is not well . Everything goes wrong. Beth hopes this holiday will help her escape her problems but this doesn't happen and a sinister story unfolds. This story had me hooked from the first chapter. It has so many great plot twits right up until the very last page. A cleverly written psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout this book . 5 star read!
April 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Hiking and camping in the woods, loss of direction, dark family secrets..suspense! The storyline had some great webs. This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last.
January 16, 2025
Thank you to Robert Kirby and Library Thing for the free ebook I was given in exchange for an honest review of his book, The Breakdown. As this was my first book by this author, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first part of the book was a little slow for me and for some reason, it took a bit of time to get all the characters straight. When the action began happening, I was hooked and wanted to keep going. I also wanted to know more information quicker, as the author did a great job only giving the reader small pieces at a time. It seemed as if he wanted the reader to work at finding out how these bits connected with each other - it would not be easily fed to us! I really enjoyed the twists and surprises and couldn’t figure out who did it. The twists kept coming and the ending was definitely surprising and shocking. I really enjoy this genre so I will check out more books by this author!
November 26, 2024
Here is my review for The Breakdown by Robert W Kirby
This was a really intriguing read and I got truly invested in reading it to find out the ending. Beth Gunning is barely managing her life after suffering a breakdown two years ago. Her husband Rory has suggested a family camping trip to a remote part of Montana with her sister and partner who live in America, Beth decides that possibly some time away from London and time in the fresh air might be the change she needs so she agrees to it. Rory lets it slip to his brother, Elliott, about the trip so he invites himself along with his two children. It will be ok if Rory and Elliott can bury the hatchet for the trip and get along civilly. Quinn has sorted all the hiking stuff for them and given them information on shoes to buy. Everyone tried to increase their walking and exercising before the trip so they were fitter for the trail. At the start they were all excited and hyper to get going. The first thing that went wrong was Quinn had left the back up watch at home, charging. Once they had started walking, Rory was suffering with his feet on the first day. He had walked his shoes in but they weren’t suitable for the walking they were doing but he would suffer in silence rather than have Quinn or Elliott say something to him about them. Beth started zoning out on the walk, trying to fend off a breakdown of any sort. She didn’t feel right and she didn’t want to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her break. The next thing to go wrong was a GPS malfunction and they had to resort to using the paper map but they went off course and ended up staying a night where bears frequented. This was like a short circuit and the cracks started to show in the group. This book was brilliantly written and I was hooked from the start. You could feel the tension and suspense building, it was great. The storyline was superb. The characters were relatable and were like any family members. Quinn and Elliott got on well together whilst trying not to gang up on Rory. Rory and Elliott had their moments. Abigail and Beth were happy to be back together and keeping an eye on their respective partners. Some research must have been done by the author as there is a great deal of detail in the story about hiking in the Montana wilderness and that area in general plus about breakdowns. I have read this author before and enjoy his stories as I think they are great and well written.
Blurb :
A breakdown—A secret—A trip that will change everything.
Two years after suffering from a stress-induced breakdown, defence lawyer Beth Gunning is struggling to cope with life. When her husband, Rory, suggests they join Beth’s sister and partner on a wild camping trip in a remote part of Montana, she decides that the freedom and tranquillity of a place far away from London might be what she needs. A chance to repair, relax, and get her head together.
Rory’s brother, Elliott, invites himself and his two teenage kids along for the trip. So it’s set to be a wild adventure of a lifetime. Provided that Rory and Elliot can set aside their sibling rivalries, that is.
Apart from some quarrelling and physical struggles, the trip seems to be going well. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is a stunning place, and everybody is embracing the fabulous experience.
But after a GPS malfunction and one wrong turn that leads them off course, cracks quickly form within the group. As some clash and others struggle with their dire predicament, the situation goes from bad to worse.
But Beth’s dark past is about to come back to haunt her and rock the very foundations of her world. Because it appears that someone in their hiking group has an ulterior motive for joining this trip.
Something extremely sinister that could ruin everything.
And out here in the vast, untamed wilderness, Beth knows she can no longer run from her bleak past and must finally face her dire demons…
But at what cost?
This was a really intriguing read and I got truly invested in reading it to find out the ending. Beth Gunning is barely managing her life after suffering a breakdown two years ago. Her husband Rory has suggested a family camping trip to a remote part of Montana with her sister and partner who live in America, Beth decides that possibly some time away from London and time in the fresh air might be the change she needs so she agrees to it. Rory lets it slip to his brother, Elliott, about the trip so he invites himself along with his two children. It will be ok if Rory and Elliott can bury the hatchet for the trip and get along civilly. Quinn has sorted all the hiking stuff for them and given them information on shoes to buy. Everyone tried to increase their walking and exercising before the trip so they were fitter for the trail. At the start they were all excited and hyper to get going. The first thing that went wrong was Quinn had left the back up watch at home, charging. Once they had started walking, Rory was suffering with his feet on the first day. He had walked his shoes in but they weren’t suitable for the walking they were doing but he would suffer in silence rather than have Quinn or Elliott say something to him about them. Beth started zoning out on the walk, trying to fend off a breakdown of any sort. She didn’t feel right and she didn’t want to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her break. The next thing to go wrong was a GPS malfunction and they had to resort to using the paper map but they went off course and ended up staying a night where bears frequented. This was like a short circuit and the cracks started to show in the group. This book was brilliantly written and I was hooked from the start. You could feel the tension and suspense building, it was great. The storyline was superb. The characters were relatable and were like any family members. Quinn and Elliott got on well together whilst trying not to gang up on Rory. Rory and Elliott had their moments. Abigail and Beth were happy to be back together and keeping an eye on their respective partners. Some research must have been done by the author as there is a great deal of detail in the story about hiking in the Montana wilderness and that area in general plus about breakdowns. I have read this author before and enjoy his stories as I think they are great and well written.
Blurb :
A breakdown—A secret—A trip that will change everything.
Two years after suffering from a stress-induced breakdown, defence lawyer Beth Gunning is struggling to cope with life. When her husband, Rory, suggests they join Beth’s sister and partner on a wild camping trip in a remote part of Montana, she decides that the freedom and tranquillity of a place far away from London might be what she needs. A chance to repair, relax, and get her head together.
Rory’s brother, Elliott, invites himself and his two teenage kids along for the trip. So it’s set to be a wild adventure of a lifetime. Provided that Rory and Elliot can set aside their sibling rivalries, that is.
Apart from some quarrelling and physical struggles, the trip seems to be going well. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is a stunning place, and everybody is embracing the fabulous experience.
But after a GPS malfunction and one wrong turn that leads them off course, cracks quickly form within the group. As some clash and others struggle with their dire predicament, the situation goes from bad to worse.
But Beth’s dark past is about to come back to haunt her and rock the very foundations of her world. Because it appears that someone in their hiking group has an ulterior motive for joining this trip.
Something extremely sinister that could ruin everything.
And out here in the vast, untamed wilderness, Beth knows she can no longer run from her bleak past and must finally face her dire demons…
But at what cost?
November 30, 2024
Title: The Breakdown
Author: Robert W. Kirby
Publisher: Flock Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Breakdown" by Robert W. Kirby
My Perception:
"The Breakdown" is a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages to discover what happens next to the characters on their hiking trip to Montana. The novel's title aptly reflects the story, as a secret is revealed that may change lawyer Beth Gunning's life forever. What begins as an enjoyable trip quickly turns into a nightmare for this group of hikers.
Prepare for numerous twists and turns, including murder, a faulty GPS system, sibling rivalries, and hikers getting lost. This captivating story will make you think twice about going hiking!
Thank you to the author for quite an exciting read.
Author: Robert W. Kirby
Publisher: Flock Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Breakdown" by Robert W. Kirby
My Perception:
"The Breakdown" is a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages to discover what happens next to the characters on their hiking trip to Montana. The novel's title aptly reflects the story, as a secret is revealed that may change lawyer Beth Gunning's life forever. What begins as an enjoyable trip quickly turns into a nightmare for this group of hikers.
Prepare for numerous twists and turns, including murder, a faulty GPS system, sibling rivalries, and hikers getting lost. This captivating story will make you think twice about going hiking!
Thank you to the author for quite an exciting read.
January 15, 2025
There is a lot more than meets the eye in this story. Too many secrets are being kept. This is the kind of story that has the hairs on the back of your neck standing at attention. It’s scary.
A trip to the Montana wilderness is supposed to provide a chance for Beth Gunning, her husband Rory and their son to escape and set the reset button on their life. But from the very beginning, things start to unravel. Rory’s brother invites himself along on the adventure, bringing along his two kids. And Beth’s B-I-L who is leading the trek doesn’t have functioning navigational equipment. Once the trek begins, it quickly becomes apparent the there are some people on the trip that have an agenda that is dangerous. But just who is causing the problems?
Insidious and down right creepy, this story is a page-turner.
A trip to the Montana wilderness is supposed to provide a chance for Beth Gunning, her husband Rory and their son to escape and set the reset button on their life. But from the very beginning, things start to unravel. Rory’s brother invites himself along on the adventure, bringing along his two kids. And Beth’s B-I-L who is leading the trek doesn’t have functioning navigational equipment. Once the trek begins, it quickly becomes apparent the there are some people on the trip that have an agenda that is dangerous. But just who is causing the problems?
Insidious and down right creepy, this story is a page-turner.
October 22, 2024
This is the first book I've read by Robert W. Kirby. I want to start by saying that this is not my normal genre. I'm a hopeless romantic reader, so the overall storyline and characters were depressing to me. It started a bit slow, mostly because the characters were confusing for this American girl. I figured the family that live in America would use American English? Again, I had trouble keeping the details of the characters straight at first, so I just decided to let it go and read. Definitely not much positive in the storyline or for the characters. Around sixty percent of the book is when I really wanted to know how it would turn out. The ending. The ending is why I gave it four stars. My mind is still thinking about the possibilities. Well done.
November 14, 2024
A family on a hiking trip in the wilderness. What could possibly go wrong? Well let's just say quite a lot and some of it is darker than you could ever imagine. I had the creepy vibes from the beginning and I kept waiting for the boogeyman to jump out of the closet and scare me half to death. A couple of times it did just that and I don't think it helped that it was night time when I was reading. My spider senses were on high alert. I did like some of the characters and the others were jerks but I enjoyed reading about all the comforts of camping like having a fire and sleeping under the stars. The story is part physcological thriller part family drama but it is well written and I found it to be entertaining.
November 14, 2024
A camping trip should have been a break from her normal life 9f turmoil and her breakdown. It is not going to be what she expects it to be as rows and getting lost will add more stress to it all. One member has a secret agenda for being on the trek, her life is going to change again. See just how it all works out
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was soon caught up in her journey to get better
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was soon caught up in her journey to get better
November 23, 2024
A new author to me who kept me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next and who can be trusted.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this story making it compelling reading, in the end I felt really sorry for Beth and everything she went through and still had to deal with.
I'll gladly read more from this author.
I received a free ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this story making it compelling reading, in the end I felt really sorry for Beth and everything she went through and still had to deal with.
I'll gladly read more from this author.
I received a free ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 27, 2024
We were wilderness hikers in our younger years, and this is scary stuff! Lost in the wilderness with some very unstable, not in very good shape people. With bears, wolves and a serial killer legend. Oh, and a faulty GPS system. Sibling rivalries. Haunted pasts. Of course, everything goes wrong.
This is my first read by Robert W. Kirby; I'm looking forward to more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
This is my first read by Robert W. Kirby; I'm looking forward to more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
January 19, 2025
This is the first book by Robert Kirby that I’ve read and now I’m looking forward to reading more! This book is written well with characters you get involved with. Great description of the environment that makes you want to go there. The story is a can’t put down, just one more chapter, I know who did it or maybe not. I also didn’t like the ending but not because it wasn’t written well. But because human nature goes against it.
January 26, 2025
I don’t understand all the good reviews, because I did not enjoy this book. There were so many times that I wanted to DNF it but I pushed through in hopes it would get better, and although it did in some ways, the flaws were too often and too critical. There were too many unrealistic plot points and the twists were ridiculous. The only reason for 2 stars instead of 1 is that the final few chapters were more interesting, even if those too were ridiculous.
November 25, 2024
This is my first book that I have read by this author, but I look forward to reading others. This book drew me in and kept my attention. I love camping, and I mean, who doesn't have "those" family members.
Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
January 3, 2025
Robert Kirby hooks check all of the boxes for a quick read for me. This books has creepy and vulnerable vibes straight out of the gate. This author has the ability to grab you, immerse the read a d keep you in a choke hold because you can’t stop reading until the end
November 23, 2024
Twist and turns throughout. Several surprises. It didn’t end the way I thought it would. The beginning was a little slow, but the action and suspense picked up and kept me reading.
January 2, 2025
Started year with really good story. How twisted can kids be? Read this book and you will see...
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November 29, 2025DNF…sorry but the characters annoyed me.
February 13, 2025
Couldn't put it down! The twists, the turns, the gripping storyline that takes you down a rabbit hole, you can't wait to find what's at the bottom of! It's a dark thriller with one heck of an ending! Definitely going to pick up more books by this author!
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