Fragmented: Three generations, one family secret.

by Kelly Wilson

For lovers of historical thrillers that inspire a sense of dread and terror, a chilling tale that blends past and present to leave you breathless.

Lies, deceit and a dangerous legacy.
At fifteen, Grace's world shatters.
The family she trusts and the life she's built vanishes within a single, devastating revelation. Exiled and alone, she is sent to Zarnish Estate, an isolated farm in the Northern Territory, forced to live with a grandmother she's never truly known.

There, the strange dreams begin.
Vivid. Tormenting. Too real to ignore.

But these persistent hauntings lead Grace towards the truth. Through orchestrated lies, missing histories and a legacy spanning generations and stretching across continents, from suburban Sydney to war-torn Afghanistan, Grace realises her reality might only be a notch in a bigger conspiracy.

Why have her family's origins been kept from her?
What is Zarnish Estate trying to unravel?
And what if Grace is part of a secret someone killed to protect?

"It left me with goosebumps." Instagram reviewer

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Kelly Wilson is a Victorian-based thriller author and educator who writes captivating and emotionally-driven stories around mystery, resilience and empowerment. Her writing aims to encourage readers to embrace their own voices as catalysts for change and promote safe spaces to ignite difficult conversations around universal understanding from a personal to a global scale. Drawing on 30 years in the education sector, and working alongside marginalised communities, Kelly brings not only a sensitive cultural insight but an informed lens to her writing that allows readers a glimpse into systematic injustices and the importance of perseverance and courage. Her new adult novels, Fragmented, The Shadows in My Mind and Where the Driftwood Meets the Sand are gripping explorations of personal awakening against adversity. Each narrative underscores layers of trauma and the repercussions of the buried being unearthed, while promoting the importance of reclamation in the face of betrayal, loss and systematic silence. When she's not writing or advocating for mental health and wellbeing through her business, Wings for Grace, you'll find her surrounded by her fur children, including Lady Lulu and trained therapy dog, Zahli, and holding space for readers, communities and the stories that connect us all.

Reviews

[Sarah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow 15 year old Grace as she's shipped off to live with her Gran at Zarnish Estate in the Northern Territory.

While she's there she experiences strange dreams and gradually finds out more and more about her mother, Gran and herself.

Wilson has created such a cool character in Gracie. She's rebellious, clever, strong willed and determined. Equally, the character of Gran is as bold. Moving between the two, readers are drawn into their stories both past and present.It honestly feels like you are right there with Grace as she puts the puzzle pieces of her life together one by one.

With some strong themes and flashback scenes set in Afghanistan which include repression and treatment of woman, Wilson has carefully constructed this story allowing it be accessible to younger readers.

Well done Kelly on this one! You certainly are one talented writer! Can't wait to read more of your books!

Thank -you Shawline Publishing for sending me this copy to read and review.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate the story this book set out to tell, and the mystery aspect was well executed. That said, the writing itself was not the best, and I often found myself distracted by the clash between poetic descriptions and the teenager pov. The character dynamics also seemed overly dramatic, and the conflict resolutions felt rushed.
But all in all, it was not a bad read, and the message of the story was very empowering.

[Mike Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great first novel. If you like stories packed with drama and suspense, you will want to read this engaging story about a family of immigrants with a secret that is both inspirational and bloodcurdling.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and captivating book about family, secrets, love and Afghanistan. I couldn't put it down. Such a fantastic read.

[Ava Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising debut. Looking forward to reading more by Kelly Wilson!