Breaking Amends: No forgiving. No forgetting.

by Lisa Sell

Faced with a friend’s murder, the Darke Deeds podcasters investigate. However, Angie and Violet Darke aren’t prepared for the horrors they discover.

The Breaking Amends Killer targets people he believes make fake amends. Then he breaks them. Body parts are sent to those they wanted to reconcile with.

The Making Amends Clinic claims to help patients reunite with those they’ve wronged. It’s also the killer’s hunting ground. Patients are his prey.

The case takes a dangerous turn. A killer wants the Darke family right where he needs them.

No forgiving. No forgetting.

A gripping plot and chilling revelations combine in this second book from the Darke Deeds series.


* 'A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining novel with a great cast of characters (Valerie Keogh, bestselling psychological thrillers and crime series author)

* ‘A really absorbing, compelling page turner of a book' (DE White, bestselling author of crime fiction and psychological thrillers)

* 'Lisa Sell masterfully blends past and present with truth and lies, keeping you hooked with clever twists and complex characters'

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

About the author

Lisa Sell is an author of mystery, thriller, and crime novels. Her novels can be dark, nostalgic, serious, and humorous.

A sense of place in her writing is important to Lisa. Her books are often set in Oxfordshire and Dorset.

When she's not writing, Lisa is usually cat wrangling, adding cheese to most dishes, or tackling her to-be-read pile of books.

Find out more about Lisa and her books in the following places:

Facebook: lisasellwriter

Instagram: lisasellwriter

Reviews

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reeling from the events in their previous case, the Darke Sisters in Law Angie and Violet continue with their Darke Deeds podcast.
This novel is darker than the previous, the killer has a grudge against a woman running a making amends clinic, they target clients who feel the need to apologise for past misdemeanors.
There are plenty of red herrings and twists about who the killer could be, although I did have my suspicions.
I love the characters in this series Although there are serious events in the novel there are still some lighthearted moments and anecdotes

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely fell in love with Angie and Violet Darke and the rest of the Animals first time round.
Angie and Violet are sisters in law and true crime podcasters, with a distrust of the police and the speed in which they do things.
They are both great characters, and the rest of the Animals, an old gang.
I loved the main idea behind this which is the Making Amends Clinic, set up by someone who thought it would be a good idea for people to get help with those they felt they had wronged and try and make up for it somehow. Someone else disagrees and people who are patients at the clinic start turning up dead.
There are many red herrings and I had no clue who the killer was until they were revealed.
A side storyline dealing with an ongoing issue was played out alongside and also got a conclusion.
I love the way Lisa writes and im totally invested and I also devour these books. The deaths are maybe more gruesome but I dont think there's anything that veers too far from the cozy end of the scale.
Another brilliant read and I cant wait for more.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Amends is the second book in the Darke Deeds series. If you haven't read the first book, it is so much a must-read!

I was so happy to be back with Angie and Violet, sisters in law and true crime podcasters. They make me feel like I am back with friends. Lisa Sell always creates the best characters. I have read all of her books and loved everyone.

This series started so strong, and this instalment just cements that strength. Lisa Sell is gifted in how she can craft a truly intriguing and entertaining mystery thriller. I was so glad to be able to read Breaking Amends. I had been waiting for this since I finished the last page of the previous book.

I love how real the characters feel to me and the uniqueness of the storyline. This series is going to knock it out of the park for sure!! A highly recommended read!

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment from the Darke ladies. A great storyline that grabbed my attention at the blurb. Trouble seems to find Angie and Violet Darke through their crime podcast. I had an inkling as to who the killer was that turned out to be correct but the storyline does throw a couple of other serious contenders in there to keep you pondering.

[Ariel Hocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book. I hadn’t read the 1st book but was able to easily jump into this book. I really enjoyed the podcast like conversations and the additional POV from the antagonist. I felt like I had it figured out midway through but there were twists and turns that made me question my own thinking. Overall a great book that I would recommend to others interested in mystery/true crime.

Disclaimer- I felt like it was hard to understand some words because of being from the US. I also had a hard time with spelling differences between the UK and the US.

[Jaime Tragesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Darke Deeds series. Despite javing not read the first, I was easily able to dive into this story and follow along with no issues.

The crew of the Darke Deeds podcast get pulled into trying to help find a killer who is targeting people trying to make amends for things from their past.

I thought I had it figured out, so I was shocked when the truth was revealed. The details, twists and emotions throughout were just the right mix.

[Cheyenne Joy Mijdam · Rating 3 out of 5]

review
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Breaking Amends by Lisa Sell

First things first: thank you, Lisa Sell, for trusting me with this copy. Genuinely. I don’t take that lightly. Being invited into someone’s work—especially work this emotionally messy and psychologically loaded—feels a bit like being handed the spare key to a house where everyone is fighting, lying, and hiding bodies in the emotional basement. An honor. Truly.

Diving into Breaking Amends felt like being shoved straight into a family reunion I didn’t ask for—one of those where everyone is either related by blood or trauma, and you’re not sure which is worse. Having read Darke Deeds (part one) definitely helped. Not required, but highly recommended unless you enjoy confusion as a lifestyle choice.

Now. The chaos.
Confusing at times? Yes. Overstimulating? Also yes. Weirdly comforting? Absolutely. Like familiar dysfunction wrapped in a mystery blanket. That said, I’ll be honest (because that’s what we’re doing here): the start was slow for me. And I am not built for slow starts. My attention span has the durability of a mentally challenged sloth on melatonin. That’s not Lisa’s fault—that’s a me problem.

The first few chapters required some pushing through. Mild internal sighing. Occasional dramatic eye contact with the book. But I trusted the process, because Darke Deeds taught me that Lisa Sell does not waste your time in the long run. And surprise: I was right.

Once it grabbed me, it did not let go. My inner, slightly unhinged investigator climbed onto her high horse immediately—and oh, the satisfaction when I was right. Delicious. Did you feel it too? That gut feeling? The quiet “oh… it’s that” moment settling into your bones?

What really got me, though, were the underlying themes. The emotional rot beneath the mystery. The desperation. The longing. That deep, aching need to be wanted—to be loved in a very specific way—and the damage people are willing to cause to fill that void. The lies we tell ourselves. The entitlement we build around our pain. The way we justify destruction because something inside us feels missing.

How far would you go to get what you think you deserve?
And how far would you go to make amends once you realize the cost?

If you’re into family-centered mysteries laced with psychological mind games and emotional wreckage, this is absolutely your book. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to start your own true-crime podcast. You know. Casually. Ignoring the fact that doing so would probably get you murdered.

I’m giving this three shiny, mysterious stars—not because it isn’t good, but because slow starts and I are mortal enemies. The ending, however, landed strong and made the journey worth it. Personally, my dark and twisted brain could’ve used a bit more time inside the head of the person who did it—but that’s just me being greedy for chaos.

I have no doubt this will be a perfect read for people with a more stable mind than mine.

Read it. Enjoy it.
And Merry Christmas—because nothing says festive like family trauma and psychological unraveling. 🎄🖤

review
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Breaking Amends door Lisa Sell

Allereerst: dank je wel, Lisa Sell, dat je mij deze copy hebt toevertrouwd. Oprecht. Dat neem ik niet licht op. Uitgenodigd worden in iemands werk—zeker werk dat zó emotioneel rommelig en psychologisch beladen is—voelt een beetje alsof je de reservesleutel krijgt van een huis waar iedereen ruzie maakt, liegt en emotionele lijken in de kelder verstopt. Een eer. Echt.

In Breaking Amends duiken voelde alsof ik zonder waarschuwing een familiebijeenkomst werd ingesleurd waar ik niet om had gevraagd—zo eentje waar iedereen of door bloed of door trauma verbonden is, en je niet zeker weet wat erger is. Darke Deeds (deel één) gelezen hebben was absoluut helpend. Niet verplicht, maar wel sterk aan te raden, tenzij verwarring je favoriete levensstijl is.

Dan de chaos.
Verwarrend af en toe? Ja. Overprikkelend? Ook ja. Vreemd genoeg troostend? Absoluut. Alsof vertrouwde disfunctionaliteit zich had vermomd als een mysterie. Eerlijk is eerlijk: voor mij begon het traag. En ik ben niet gebouwd voor trage starts. Mijn concentratievermogen heeft de houdbaarheid van een mentaal uitgedaagde luiaard op melatonine. Dat is geen kritiek op Lisa—dat is een ik-probleem.

De eerste hoofdstukken vergden doorzetten. Zacht intern zuchten. Af en toe dramatisch oogcontact met het boek. Maar ik vertrouwde erop, omdat Darke Deeds me al had geleerd dat Lisa Sell je tijd uiteindelijk niet verspilt. En jawel: ik had gelijk.

Zodra het me te pakken had, liet het me niet meer los. Mijn innerlijke, lichtelijk gestoorde speurder sprong meteen op haar hoge paard—en oh, wat een voldoening toen bleek dat ik gelijk had. Heerlijk. Had jij dat ook? Dat onderbuikgevoel? Dat stille moment waarop je denkt: oh… het is die?

Wat me écht raakte, waren de onderliggende thema’s. De emotionele rot onder het mysterie. De wanhoop. Het verlangen. Die diepe, schrijnende behoefte om gezien en gewild te worden—op een heel specifieke manier—en de schade die mensen bereid zijn aan te richten om dat gat te vullen. De leugens die we onszelf vertellen. Het recht dat we menen te hebben op basis van onze pijn. Hoe we destructie rechtvaardigen omdat er iets in ons ontbreekt.

Hoe ver zou jij gaan om te krijgen wat je denkt te verdienen?
En hoe ver zou je gaan om het goed te maken wanneer je de prijs eenmaal ziet?

Als je houdt van familiegerichte mysteries met een flinke dosis psychologische mindf*cks, dan is dit absoluut jouw boek. Het is zo’n verhaal waarbij je spontaan een true-crime podcast wilt beginnen. Gewoon. Terloops. Volledig negerend dat dit je waarschijnlijk je leven zou kosten.

Ik geef dit drie glanzende, mysterieuze sterren—niet omdat het niet goed is, maar omdat trage starts en ik gezworen vijanden zijn. Het einde kwam echter sterk binnen en maakte de hele rit de moeite waard. Persoonlijk had mijn donkere, verdraaide brein nog wel wat meer tijd in het hoofd van de dader willen doorbrengen—maar dat is gewoon mijn eigen honger naar chaos.

Ik twijfel er niet aan dat dit een perfecte read zal zijn voor mensen met een iets stabieler brein dan het mijne.

Lees het. Geniet ervan.
En fijne kerstdagen—want niets zegt feestdagen zoals familietrauma en psychologische ontwrichting. 🎄🖤

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. Sister's in Law and true crime podcaster's Violet and Angie Darke are two absolutely brilliant characters, and Lisa Sell has written two thoroughly entertaining mystery based thrillers that I find I just tear through. Things were pretty hairy for the pair the last time around, with some very devastating reveals that affected them personally, so you'd be forgiven for thinking that maybe, just maybe, the author might go easy on them this time about. But if your hobby is to investigate crimes where you think that the police just don't have it under control, where you, as blossoming amateur detectives, can do a better job ... well, danger is going to come with the territory, right?

That is certainly the case for Violet, with their latest 'case' having very close, and deadly, links to the family of her son's best friend. But who would want to target the clientele of a clinic that is set up to help those who want to make amends? Making up for past mistakes has to be a good thing, you'd think? Well, somebody - who coincidentally is one of the main narrators of this story - does not agree. And they are a very angry individual with murder most definitely on their mind. Just the way we like it.

Lisa Sell has created a really intriguing and twisty case here. In theory you are faced with a plethora of suspects, after all where there is a need for repentance there is also a person who has been wronged. But as readers we are privy to more information than Violet and Angie have at first, and the way in which the killer's twisted perspective is woven into the main story, and the various clues as to their potential identity, as well as the use of some very nifty misdirection, mean that there really are questions over the whodunnit right to the end, even if the whydunnit feels somewhat more obvious.

But, as much as I love the mystery element, and watching Angie and Violet striving to hunt down clues to beat the police to the killer - and that really does all work well and keeps me hooked to the story - it is the characters who are the real draw for me here. From the incomparable Angie and Violet, whose humour and very down to earth style makes them thoroughly engaging and wittily entertaining, to 'The Animals' the rag tag group of bikers who were friends with Angie's father, Wolfe, each of whom is named after a different animal to reflect their personality, they are a group you cannot help but feel a connection with. Such a variety of personalities, but all of them bringing a unique charm to the story - if you can really call what Cheetah brings to the party 'charm". And there is an emotional edge to this story to, linked to Angie, her brother Doug, and their father, Wolfe. All of it combines to make a story that warms the heart, whilst getting those old cogs whirring.

Due to the podcast interludes, and the intimacy that comes from conversations that could only be had between family members and really close friends, there is often a conversational tone to this book which actually helps it move along at a fair old clip. Add in the tension and jeopardy that escalates the nearer we move to the finale, and all of the poignancy of the final chapters, and this is another absolutely cracking story I ate up. If you have read and loved the first book, Darke Deeds, you'll love this too. If you are new to the series, start at the beginning and get to know Angie, Violet and the gang from the start. Fans of cosy adjacent crime that still casts a bit of a dark shadow will love it.

[Kelly Veit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Lisa for the distinct pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book, I really enjoyed it!! I hadn’t yet read the first installment, Darke Deeds, but after reading this one,
I immediately headed to Amazon to purchase it.

I was pulled into the story from the very first page. The Darke sisters are smart, funny and really kept me guessing. The character development throughout the series is fantastic!
I really cared about the Darke family and those involved with their story.

I did have my suspicions but was still hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for the exciting conclusion!! I really enjoyed the podcast style of these two books. I would love to read another book in this series. Please write one Lisa!!

Ms. Sell really knows how to write a dark (pun intended) story with lots of twists to keep the reader invested and continually turning the next page ramping up to the final reveal! I read it in one sitting and I highly recommend you put this one at the top of your TBR!

[Michelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down.

I was a bit confused at the beginning because there were pages that were labeled BAK. It didn't even dawn on me that it ment Breaking Amends Killer until it said something a bit further in the book.

I didn't read the first book and was still able to get to know all the characters. it did take a minute to keep the animals names straight and who they were.

I enjoyed this authors writing style. you could tell they were doing a podcast or chatting in a chat room because the individuals name appeared before their dialog.

it was a total twist finding out who the killer actually was. I kept going back and forth on who it was. I was completely shocked to find out who it really was.

I would most definitely recommend this book. and I will definitely be checking out her other books

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author as an ARC reader. This is the second book featuring Angie and Violet Darke, sisters-in-law who have a podcast called Darke Deeds which is dedicated to true crime.

When a friend's daughter is murdered, Angie and Violet start investigating without interfering with the police. The "Breaking Amends Killer" or BAK is targeting patients of the Making Amends Clinic. As Angie and Violet investigate, they find themselves delving into the mind of a true psychopath.

So far, this series is quite interesting. It's not necessary to read them in order, but it's recommended. The banter between Angie and Violet is funny and heartwarming. The "Animals", an old gang, come to their aid (in both books) and add some comic relief as well. Both books are fast reads.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is so underrated. This is the third book of hers that I have read and each has been a totally riveting experience. I loved the first Darke book and this is a terrific follow-up.

The ladies investigate when the daughter of their friend is murdered. It seems the killer is targeting people who are trying to make amends for events in their past and sends a horrible memento to their remaining loved ones. The killer who is known as BAK - Breaking Amends Killer - is also monitoring their movements as well as their podcast and has them in his sights. This was so good. There's plenty of red herrings here as you try to figure out who the actual killer is. Despite the dark nature of the story, there are still some light-hearted moments throughout to balance things out. It's a brilliant read and I can't wait to see what comes next for Angie and Violet.

[Karen Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Amends is dark, inventive, and utterly gripping from start to finish. Lisa Sell takes the concept of fake apologies and turns it into something chilling—a killer who “breaks” those who fail to make real amends. The Darke Deeds podcasters are engaging, flawed, and relatable, pulling you deep into a story of secrets, lies, and dangerous truths. The writing is razor-sharp, with a pace that rarely lets up, and the twists land with real impact. This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a thought-provoking look at justice, revenge, and the cost of deception. Perfect for readers who like their crime fiction clever, intense, and just a little unsettling. Can be read as a standalone as this novel gives enough background from the previous novel which was equally outstanding. Thanks to the author and TBC reviewer group for the opportunity to read and review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Lisa Sell book I have read and I really enjoyed it.

Sisters in law Angie and Violet Darke do a true crime podcast called Darke Deeds. They find out that their friend’s daughter has been murdered and she had been attending the Making Amends Clinic. Two other patients of the clinic are also murdered and gruesome packages are sent to family members of the people murdered.

The killer mocks Violet and Angie by posting on his website about the killings and he/ she seems to be pleased that Violet & Angie are investigating as well as featuring the murders on their podcasts.

I really liked the characters of Angie and Violet, their families and the Animals.

I couldn’t work out who the murderer was and I kept changing my mind. A great read that kept me guessing throughout:

[Kim Ulrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
ARC review: Publication date 8 July 2025

Breaking Amends is the second instalment in the Darke Deeds series by UK author Lisa Sell. We reconnect with Angie and Violet Darke, creators of the crime podcast, Darke Deeds, who are investigating the murder of a friend’s daughter. The author weaves a story with rich characters and twists and turns that highlight the darker side of human nature, our burning desire to right wrongs and seek forgiveness, and the ability of a psychopath to hide in plain sight while inspiring a community of followers to do their bidding.

Grab the popcorn and settle in for a rollercoaster ride that will have you on edge until you turn the last page.

[Sue Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series set in Bournemouth (my happy place) Angie runs her dad's Wolfie's pub, he is in a care home suffering with dementia. When he goes missing there are a lot of people looking for him he used to be the head of the animals a former band. At the same time Angie and
Violet are tracking a murderer via a podcast called the Darke Deeds they are amateur sleuths with the help of Edward (Eagle) a former police officer. There are bodies turning up everywhere but who is BAK the murderer? Is it someone close to them? A brilliant read from start to finish loved it highly recommend.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read a book that was about a podcast and honestly that was entertaining! I enjoyed reading the dialogue. I didn't read the first book, but you truly don't have to, but I will now! The amount of characters kind of made it hard for me to follow in the beginning, but gives more variety and options for who did it. I had my suspicions but I'm not one to make it a point to figure it out, I like to just enjoy the book. I liked the idea behind the book, just wished there were more twists throughout it. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books by this author!!

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this read is apart of a series I came into it reading it as a standalone and it held up just fine on its own (will be reading book 1). The characters and plot were nothing less of entertaining. The story was a bit dark but that's what made it all the more intriguing for me. This story isnt for the weak. There's plenty of twist and gasping moments. That ending....
Thanks Lisa Sell and Bookfunnel for the ARC. This review is that of my own view.

[ALISON MOORE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back into the second book of the Darke Deeds series as an ARC reader to see what the ladies get up to next.

A much more complex and deep storyline with intrigue right to the finish. I never guessed what the end result would be!

The only thing that really distracted me was the ‘chapters’ titled BAK. I had to flick back in case I’d missed something integral.

Looking forward to the next one!

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darke women are back , still doing their podcast and getting caught up in local murders !! The story has a little bit of everything in it from gruesome murders to family love The author taked the reader up so many possible paths of who the killer is and just when you believe you have finally nailed them, you discover it isn't them. Good solid page turner.

Thanks to the author for the ARC to review

[Tricia Dance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the faster pace of this next instalment of the Darke Deeds series. Angie and Violet try to investigate current, reoccurring, and gruesome crimes, far too close to home!

You will suspect everyone, and still not know who it is until it’s revealed at the end.

They cover a lot of sensitive subjects in this book and still manage to bring a bit of dark humour.

I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!

[Victoria Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Breaking Amends by Lisa Sell as an ARC. It’s the second book of a series, but can be read as a standalone. It’s a gripping thriller that kept me guessing, and the twist at the end was a total surprise, and had me gob smacked. It's set to publish July 8, 2025. You should definitely give it a try.

[Erin Stetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was the second book in this series and it blew me away. Lisa definitely knows how to write a dark and twisty story. I was shocked when I found out the killer. I was pulled in from the very first chapter and on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days. Lisa is a brilliant and talented author. This one does not disappoint.

[Aileen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkes are out to solve another crime that has landed on their doorstep. Their podcast is growing in popularity and I was led through a tale of humour and seriousness as I tried to figure out who is sending body parts to people who have links to a clinic. It is a great paced book that ramps up towards the end and left me in fear as to what would happen next. Really enjoyed this book.

[HJ Bramma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the series of the Darke deeds podcast I found this was one faster paced then the second, this time I did suss out who the murderer was very early on, but not the reasons why!
An enjoyable cosy thriller easy to read, great getting to know the characters even more.
Thank you to TBC for and advance copy

[Hollie Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read the first book in this series, but it was easy to jump straight into this one without having read the other. I was a big fan of the podcast syle conversation. Every time I thought i knew what was happening, another twist would come along that would make me question everything

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Angie and violet Drake they are sister in laws and do true life crime podcasts.
This is the second book with the sisters in laws.
Lisa knows how to write a dark and twisty story. I didn't pick the Killer.
Recommend book 1 and 2.

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fabulous Darke tale. I have to admit being in the dark(e) about who was guilty and who was just unfortunate.

It is more a good argument for a tale of nature rather than nurture.

Oh and I am in love with Eagle.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved this book . It’s the second in the series and it just gets better. I loved Violet and Angie in book 1 along with all the animals . They started out as podcasters and now seem to get involved in what is happening around them . Murder can they catch the killer? Well worth a read

[kelly freaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed the 2nd visit to the Darkes but murder seems attached to them! Throwing us off with 2 very clear suspects that I changed my mind between missing out on the actual clues!