Broken Trust

by W.L. Knightly

Elora knows what it means to have her whole world torn apart—and she also knows what it means to be blamed for it all. She never wants to feel that kind of hurt again. So, when a familiar face from that old life resurfaces, she’s hesitant to accept the olive branch. Marlowe used to be Elora’s closest friend before everything burned down. Now she’s a beautiful young woman dating the city’s most eligible bachelor. She has access and resources to a whole new luxurious life… and she wants to help Elora open some doors and repair their broken friendship.

Having nothing to lose, Elora takes a chance and plunges into a world of glamor and scandal.

However, not everything is as it seems.

When tragedy strikes Marlowe’s home, she’s nowhere to be found. Elora is desperate to find out what happened to her friend, but in this new world where she doesn’t measure up, answers are going to be hard to come by…

And the truth?

Well, it seems like that might just be impossible.

Genres: Mystery

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2025

About the author

WL Knightly is a thriller/murder mystery co-writing pen name for two USA Today Best Selling Authors. "W" when not writing can be found dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids. And "L" is a full-time writer that lives near Nashville, TN and spends her time cooking, hanging out with her hubs and 3 kiddos, or wrangling new ideas as they float by!
Their love of a good mystery novel caused them to combine forces and go after their dream of telling stories that sent a shiver down your spine. I'm thinking they figured it out!
These two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner.
The rest is history...They'd love for you to join the fun!
Website-http://thezodiackillerseries.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/wlknightlyau...
Insiders Group- https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j1rryhvu53

Reviews

[Vicki Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another rocking series start for WL Knightly! The story starts out quite sweet as three college roommates are trying to get their lives started. However, Skye has a problem with drugs, and Marlowe and Elora are stuck trying to get her clean AGAIN. Marlowe heads to work as a dancer, leaving Elora to entertain Skye and try to keep her safe - but that doesn't work out. Skye overdoses with Elora's pain medications and dies. Marlowe blames Elora for everything and walks out of her life forever. Elora's path forward is far from straight, as she tries to open her own business but fails. She's rather down on her luck working in a coffee shop, when Marlowe shows up in the shop. Claiming to want to make things right, Marlowe offers Elora a chance out of her hard luck. Little does Elora know that things are about to get much more interesting for her!!
I really enjoyed this first book. I am already quite invested in each of these characters and the thin threads holding their lives together. It seems everyone has a secret - and Elora is going to be thrown into a life she never planned for herself. Another job well done and I'm quite looking forward to more!!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the first book in the new The Identity series. In this book, Elora used to be roommates with Marlowe and Skye when they were in college, but Skye died from a drug overdose and Elora and Marlowe had a falling out. Years later, Elora is trying to rebuild her life after her business failed and she was now working in a coffee shop. Marlowe came in one day and asked Elora to catch up. Marlowe was working for a fashion designer and dating her son, she asked Elora to come visit and offered to help her get a job for the designer. Elora thought it could be a dream come through and went to stay with Marlowe. This book has me hooked. Elora is a little naive and trusting, even though things are not what they appear to be. To Elora, Marlowe has everything she could want, a great job, a great boyfriend and a huge mansion. But Marlowe has secrets. I don't trust Marlowe and wonder what she is planning, i think there is going to be more secrets revealed and there will be things Elora will not expect. I love the twists and turns in WL's book and can't wait for more.

[John Hansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

After their friend Skye dies from a pill overdose, Elora and Marlowe go their separate ways. A few years later, they meet again and reconnect in a coffee shop that Elora is working in. Marlowe has had some success and is now an assistant to a famous clothes designer. While catching up Marlowe convinces Elora to come and stay with her and promises her that she can get her a designer job. Tragedy strikes again and something has happened to Marlowe, and she is missing. Now Elora is own her own in the ruthless world of high fashion. She wants to learn the truth about Marlowe but does not know where to turn or who to trust.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something Smells Fishy in Luxury Town
Two friends drift apart after a friend's death and a bitter blame game. Years later, Marlowe, now living a life of luxury and dating a wealthy bachelor, unexpectedly reaches out to help Elora, who has fallen on hard times. Yet something about Marlowe’s perfect life feels off—you just can't put your finger on it. When Marlowe suddenly disappears, the mystery deepens. Where did she go, and how will Elora navigate this strange new world she’s been drawn into?
For answers, readers will have to wait for the next book. I recommend this story to those who enjoy mysteries filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Keep in mind that this is part of a series, so you’ll be left eagerly anticipating what happens next.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of a new series. Marlowe, Elora and Skye are friends from school. Skye ends up overdosing on Elora’s meds. The two remaining friends part ways. Marlowe seems to have done well for herself living the high life while Elora was not so lucky. After running into each other, Marlowe invites Elora to stay with her and help her out. Tragedy strikes and Elora is left to try to put the pieces together. Of course, she is out of place in Marlowe’s lifestyle and doesn’t know who to trust. This is a good starting point for a new series. We are introduced to the main characters and given some back story. I am looking forward to continuing the series. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elora, Skye and Marlowe are all college roommates. When Skye ODs, Skyes mother and Marlowe blames Elora. Marlowe walks out of her life.
Several years later Elora is working in a coffee shop after her business fails. She's trying yo get back on her feet.
And unexpected meeting with Marlowe at the coffee shop give these two a chance to reconnect.
Marlowe works for a designer and talks Elora into moving and working for the designer.
Elora wants to reconnect with her college bff, so she goes to Marlowe.
The world of high fashion is outside of Elora's comfort bubble. When Marlowe disappears Elora is alone again and questions need to be answered.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to get the sense that not everything is as it appears to be. But just exactly what it is that’s hiding beneath the glittering surface surrounding Marlowe and Elora remains a mystery. And when tragedy leaves Elora on her own in a world of big money and bigger problems, who can she trust to help her learn the truth? I’ve only discovered the barest hints of what I think might be going on, and now I need the next book, and the next, and the next. I NEED to know the rest of the story.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Donita Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

BROKEN TRUST The Identity Series Book 1 by WL Knightly
This new series by WL Knightly is off to a great start. I could not put it down and now I am hopeful that we don’t have too terribly long to wait on book 2. This story is filled with angst, mystery, and intrigue. Elora and Marlowe have a terrible falling out after their friend Skye dies. Years later, a random meeting between the two of them restarts the friendship again. Marlowe talks Elora into moving in her house. A tragedy ensues and Marlowe disappears. This is 5 stars.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust..can be a detriment or a blessing. Elora, Sky and Marlowe are all good friends and live together on campus. When Sky kills herself, life changes in ways nobody expects. Elora and Marlowe lose touch until a few years later. When they reconnect, will it be for good or bad?? Who can you trust and are you sure they’re good people? Well, I can tell you for the first book of a new series, it will leave you with a few questions on where the series goes from here. Looking forward to book 2 in the series to see if I’m right.

[Tina Blissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all starts with a bang in the beginning, with Elora's friend overdosing on her medication and then dying. All the blame seems to be put on Elora, which isn't right. Years then go by, and Elora is struggling in life when she has a chance meeting with her old friend, Marlowe. Things then seem to look better on the horizon, but then......everything goes haywire all over again. what happens next???

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was great despite a couple of grammatical errors. Great storyline and down to earth and believable. Couldn't put it down. But the ending... well honestly, there was no ending. It left you hanging. I suppose this was deliberately done so you will purchase the next book. And it worked, I did. But honestly, I hate reading a book and not having a ending, whether good or bad. Will see if the second book does another cliff hanger. If so I think I may find another author to follow.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elora and Marlowe part ways after their friend Skye overdosed on pills. Years later they reconnect at a coffee shop where Elora is working. Marlowe is assistant to a famous clothes designer, and she convinces Elora to come and stay with her and she would get her a designer job. Tragedy strikes and Marlowe goes missing.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elora and Marlowe did not part ways in college under good circumstances. Their roommate, Skye, OD’d on Elora’s pain medication under her watch. Marlowe swore never to forgive her… but years later, the reunited seemingly by chance.

Marlowe convinced Elora to come visit, offering her a chance at a dream job in fashion. Elora stayed in Marlowe’s luxurious home, attended industry parties, wore Marlowe’s clothes, was treated to lavish treatments at a spa. But when things seem too good to be true, they usually are. Tragedy strikes again…and Elora finds herself square in the middle of the mysterious disappearance of her friend. But what exactly happened…and why? I can’t wait to find out

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BROKEN TRUST' I was hooked on this story Marlowe & Elora the mystery will have you turning pages to the end. Tragedy & Trust issues for Elora leaving her not sure where to turn what to do to find out the truth of what happened.
This absolutely a must read so can't wait for next book to see where this all goes.

[diannscollins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a stand-alone Book

The book was very interesting, but there was no conclusion because you had to read the next book. Amazon should have a better designation for these type of books. Sure, it says it is a series. You can use the same main characters in a series of books, and there can be a conclusion at the end of a book.

[Robert McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, with good character introductions. You can almost feel the pain that they each hlgo through. A lot of emotions are expressed and experienced in this book. Loss, love, heartache, betrayal, uncertainty... you'll love this book

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elora’s past life hasn’t been easy, and when someone from her past shows up, she’s not sure what to do. Lots of secrets and mystery seem to surround this. Absolutely fantastic, a story not to be missed.

[Colin Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series from this author. This is an intriguing story with so many potential ways that the plot can develop I am looking forward to seeing how it develops. It is a little different from the normal types of books from this author but still recommended by me.

[Brenda T McKinney · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO ENDING

This is not a complete book, only a part of the story, which really ticked me off! Don’t waste your time!

[Katie Sellers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of this book, came across it to mark off a state in my challenge. It was cheesy and not my cup of tea.