Broken Castle

by Jack J. Wyatt

A lost wartime message. A billionaire haunted by legacy. A rookie PI with everything to prove.

Struggling investigator Jadene Bowman is handed the case of a lifetime—a cryptic World War II telegram sent from Kraków in 1945 that could upend a tech dynasty and reveal what history tried to erase. The job sounds decode the message, find the truth—and keep it quiet.

But Jadene uncovers something far in the war’s final days, a military transport vanished in the fog of chaos. As she follows a trail long erased by silence, ruthless forces close in, willing to kill for what was lost—as time runs out to save Sinclair Whitmore’s crumbling empire.

Burdened by grief and dismissed by the very field she’s fighting to break into, Jadene must outwit her pursuers before she becomes the next casualty in a war that never really ended.

Blending historical intrigue with modern suspense, Broken Castle is perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Robert Harris, and early Dan Brown. Jack J. Wyatt delivers a taut, character-driven thriller where buried truths don’t stay buried—and not everyone survives their return.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Ebooks

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

An exceptional storyteller, Jack draws book lovers into his characters’ lives with solid plots, thrilling twists, and colorful prose. He possesses a unique voice few authors ever achieve and blends it with sharp detail and uncompromising action.

Reviews

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that's what I call a story. Mr. Wyatt fills his novel with historical details and weaves them into a compelling modern story. At no point does the reader feel like they are reading a recitation of boring information. Both the current and historical characters are realistic and full of life. Bad guys are trying desperately to hinder Jadene and her team from obtaining the information they are looking for, and suddenly it becomes dangerous. It is so easy to become wrapped up in this story, and I found myself turning pages as quickly as possible, determined not to put the book down until I had turned the last page.

I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical mysteries and fans of PI investigations. It covers both worlds wonderfully. I hope Mr. Wyatt will make Jadene's story into a series. It is that good. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Amy J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Broken Castle. Wyatt builds a world that feels both gritty and fragile, like the ruins he describes, and his characters carry a raw honesty that pulled me in. The story balances action with quiet moments of reflection, and I loved how the themes of resilience and loss ran through every chapter. At times the pacing slowed, but overall it was an immersive, emotional read that stayed with me after I finished.

[Andrea Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a surprise for me. The writing is well thought out and I love the characters. The heroine is a strong woman character. The thoughtful use of WWII history was a delight. This was not my typical read but, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. Wow - this is one of those rare 5* plus books. The book starts with two different and apparently unconnected stories. A struggling young PI invited to the estate of a multi billionaire and shown a torn, cryptic telegram from 1945. A retired cop kidnapped from an airport and locked in a tiny cage in a broken down cabin with no idea why. It takes several chapters of alternating between one story and the other before the connection between the characters becomes clear. However, I found each chapter of both stories intriguing . The author expertly keeps the reader guessing, even after the characters in each story connect to each other - right to the denouement at the end. A thoroughly absorbing investigation into the events of WW2 (but not a war story) through danger, surprising discoveries to a satisfying ending. An absorbing read

[Shree G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cryptic WW2 wartime telegram sets the ball rolling for an intercontinental history adventure that is a must-read for WW2 buffs. Even though you might be a self-proclaimed expert on WW2 history, you will still go back taking away some new learning.

Since I read Robert Ludlum's The Apocalypse Watch decades ago, no WW2 conspiracy thriller has been as heart-pounding as Broken Castle.

I like books with amateur sleuths or ones that are just starting. By doing this, the author does not dominate over the reader by dictating and showing off the wit and brain matter of the all-knowing, wise, and intuitive protagonist. In Broken Castle, Jadene Bowman and young Lilly are two amateur sleuths investigating the mystery along with the reader, which I found exciting and not at all preachy.

In a side story, retired police officer Ellis Martin faces a ruthless female assassin who would do anything—even kill—to get the information she wants. When the two worlds collide, the story steps on the pedal and becomes a breathtaking rollercoaster ride that spirals, twists, and turns before the page-turner reaches its thrilling end.

There has been a deluge of historical fiction recently, so reading this WW2 story set in the present day was refreshing. Modern-day gadgetry and tech are used very effectively to solve an old wartime mystery. I loved the way the author used very practical, layman techniques to make progress with the story. The word I'm looking for here is 'plausible'.

There is also that awe and wonder factor, which every new clue, plot development, and sleuthing brings. It puts the reader in the co-pilot's seat rather than relegating them to a member of the audience. And why did I use the 'pilot' analogy? I did, because this book is about a mysterious WW2 bomber plane from 80 years ago!

I thank BookSirens for allowing me to read an advanced reader's copy (ARC) before publishing this book. Congratulations on having such talented writers as Jack J. Wyatt on your author list.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a great book! It was exciting had a fair amount of historical fact in it and was non-stop action. I thought I'd read just about every topic having to do with WWII over the years, but this story gave me a different perspective on several things. I love anything to do with history and when it's paired with a thrilling mystery that needs to be solved, it's for me the perfect book. The characters were well written and easy to get to know. When Jadene opens her PI business, she never dreamed she'd be risking her life in so many ways on her first big case, but when the billionaire has serious questions about a telegram given to him by his grandfather with no explanation, she's the only one he trusts to get the answers. It's fast paced, filled with action and even the hint of a romance happening. I hope to read more from Jack Wyatt. Maybe another Jadene Bowman PI story? I highly recommend "Broken Castle" it's quite the ride. Happy Reading!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read a ton of fiction, and I’m not tied to any particular genre—but something about Jack Wyatt’s storytelling keeps pulling me back. *Broken Castle* is the fourth book of his I’ve read, and once again I found myself completely absorbed. His novels offer more than just escape—they draw you into layered worlds full of atmosphere and authenticity.

This one blends historical depth with modern suspense. Set against the backdrop of WWII, it explores themes of legacy, secrecy, and the long shadows of war. The historical elements feel grounded in truth, yet the story unfolds with the urgency and intrigue of a contemporary thriller. It’s the kind of book that makes you wonder what’s real—and that curiosity only adds to the experience.

Jack’s ability to develop characters and describe environments is exceptional. Whether it’s a war-torn landscape or a quiet moment in dialogue, he has a way of placing you right in the room. It’s immersive storytelling at its best.

If you’re looking for a page-turner with emotional weight, historical intrigue, and cinematic detail, *Broken Castle* is a fantastic entry point. Highly recommended—and if you’re new to Jack Wyatt, prepare to get hooked.

[DAB-E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard to put down historical thriller. The books provides enough real details regarding WWII that you almost believe it is a true story.

I highly recommend this book to those with an interest in mysteries and historical fiction, as well as those who like strong female characters.

The characters come to life as you follow the mystery. Even the minor characters, like Stan, are ones that you enjoy and feel real.

Thanks goodreads for this book

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, WW2 Mystery Crime Historical book. Highly recommend this book and author. Won ebook from Goodreads and Author, Jack J. Wyatt, thank you! Looking forward to reading more books from this author.

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this e-book from Goodreads. It is an intriguing mix of history and mystery with a little romance thrown in.

[GatersGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyed I do hope there's more novels to come. Brilliantly structured well paced and fantastic gripping story.

Without spoilers WELL DONE

Clever intriguing and a page turner. I enjoyed all the research and background along with you're own twist.

At first I thought I'm going to struggle but then they are introduced and it's game on.

Fair play well done.

I'm trying my utmost not to say anything to tie to plot or characters. But bravo.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Blink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. the story kicks off with a cryptic WWII telegram and somehow pulls you through decades of buried secrets, high-stakes chase, and sharp character work without ever losing steam. Jadene Bowman is such a compelling lead, tough but vulnerable, trying to keep her PI business going as she's getting pulled into something way bigger than she’s ready for. The historical thread tied to a reclusive billionaire’s past gave the story real depth, and the pacing was just right. tight. It’s part mystery, part thriller, and all-around engaging. If you like smart plotting with strong female leads and a touch of buried history, this one’s worth your time.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced detective story that focused very well on the work of uncovering information. I really wanted to get to the finish to see how it ended.
The main character is struggling private investigator that is on the verge of having to close her business. An offer to work a case that could keep her business open several more months may be an unrealistic case based on a very tight time line to produce results. But an unexpected lead starts her on the path to a potential resolution. What her investigation uncovers along the way is that she is not the only private investigator hired for this case, and they have a head start on her.
Besides her client, there is another party trying to solve the same mystery. The tension is built by both the time line, and the separate reasons the parties trying to solve the mystery have. The leg work put in to decipher clues was entertaining. The action accented the conflicting purposes of two parties. I found the resolution to be satisfying. This was a fun read.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane Verco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book. While initially a little skeptical as the book started with two seemingly non-related storylines, the characters and plots were strong and kept me intrigued as to where it was going - and suddenly it all fell together and took off, with me in tow! I couldn't put it down.

Clearly well researched with historical detail to meld with a fictitious tale, the author has produced a wonderful book, very different to many other WWII novels I have previously enjoyed, and one I am delighted to recommend and give a very worthy 5 stars!

My thanks to BookSirens for an advanced copy which I have reviewed voluntarily.