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DS Liam Kilshaw #3
Broken Circle
Listening Length: 8 hours
An ancient legend reborn. A killer recreating dark rituals. And a detective racing to break the circle before it’s complete.
When the body of a teenage girl is found posed in the Merry Maidens stone circle, her face coated in clay and ochre, DS Liam Kilshaw is drawn into a case where near-forgotten fictions bleed into brutal fact.
With echoes of an old folktale of dancers turned to stone, the scene is more about staging than superstition. And when two skeletons are unearthed beneath a nearby stone, Kilshaw realises the past is far from dead and buried.
As he hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims surface, each placed with ritual precision in remote ancient sites. With the noose tightening, Kilshaw must decipher centuries-old secrets to break the circle. Because in this deadly game of ancient rites and cold-blooded murder, the killer is saving the most important sacrifice for last.
A haunting crime thriller where medieval legends collide with modern murder.
An ancient legend reborn. A killer recreating dark rituals. And a detective racing to break the circle before it’s complete.
When the body of a teenage girl is found posed in the Merry Maidens stone circle, her face coated in clay and ochre, DS Liam Kilshaw is drawn into a case where near-forgotten fictions bleed into brutal fact.
With echoes of an old folktale of dancers turned to stone, the scene is more about staging than superstition. And when two skeletons are unearthed beneath a nearby stone, Kilshaw realises the past is far from dead and buried.
As he hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims surface, each placed with ritual precision in remote ancient sites. With the noose tightening, Kilshaw must decipher centuries-old secrets to break the circle. Because in this deadly game of ancient rites and cold-blooded murder, the killer is saving the most important sacrifice for last.
A haunting crime thriller where medieval legends collide with modern murder.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 28, 2026
231 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
Matt Brolly
40 books624 followersMatt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 11, 2026
Matt Brolly has done it again, and written an absolute banger, with the third book in the DS Liam Kilshaw series. This is the fourth book which I’ve read from the author, and I must admit, he’s definitely up there, with my favourite authors. I’m obsessed with folklore, and the rituals, and myths of the old ways, and Matt fulfills that need, and never lets me down.
The body of a teenage girl has been found in the Merry Maidens stone circle, posed in prayer, her face coated in clay and ochre. Folklore details the Merry Maidens as a group of 8 dancers, who were turned to stone, for dancing on the Sabbath. More victims surface, in the same ritual positions, over several other ancient sites, and with a young farmhand linked to the first victim, Liam, and his boss DI Maya Trent, and the team, race against time, to uncover the person responsible, and break the circle before the last sacrifice.
Whenever I picked this up to read, I just couldn’t put it down. I was obsessed with every single page. I had my suspicions about absolutely everyone being the suspect, and it wasn’t until the end that “ONE” of those was correct 🫢 I’m already looking forward to reading the next book, and hopefully won’t have long to wait. Highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Matt Brolly, Thomas & Mercer,and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 28 April 2026
The body of a teenage girl has been found in the Merry Maidens stone circle, posed in prayer, her face coated in clay and ochre. Folklore details the Merry Maidens as a group of 8 dancers, who were turned to stone, for dancing on the Sabbath. More victims surface, in the same ritual positions, over several other ancient sites, and with a young farmhand linked to the first victim, Liam, and his boss DI Maya Trent, and the team, race against time, to uncover the person responsible, and break the circle before the last sacrifice.
Whenever I picked this up to read, I just couldn’t put it down. I was obsessed with every single page. I had my suspicions about absolutely everyone being the suspect, and it wasn’t until the end that “ONE” of those was correct 🫢 I’m already looking forward to reading the next book, and hopefully won’t have long to wait. Highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Matt Brolly, Thomas & Mercer,and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 28 April 2026
April 28, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this. There are elements of folklore and legend concerning standing stones which is particularly of interest to me but also a twisty tale of murder which kept me guessing almost to the end.
As is often the case it was a story of addressing and revenging actions from the past but this story is so much more than that and covered some complex family dynamics.
The characters are interesting and engaging and the backdrop atmospheric and absorbing.
I whizzed through this book as wanted the secrets to unfurl and I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the outcome. Definitely recommend.
As is often the case it was a story of addressing and revenging actions from the past but this story is so much more than that and covered some complex family dynamics.
The characters are interesting and engaging and the backdrop atmospheric and absorbing.
I whizzed through this book as wanted the secrets to unfurl and I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the outcome. Definitely recommend.
May 1, 2026
I was captivated by the legends and myths behind the story of Broken Circle. I never knew there were so many stone circles in one single area in the UK and found really interesting how the author mixed the legend with the crimes that take place in Broken Circle. It's a story about the after life, family, lies and betrayal and a deranged mind who wants to recreate what was fiction into reality. DS Kilshaw will question his capabilities, his personal love life, his relationship with his son and with his ex-girlfriends and wife whilst searching for the killer and trying to understand his motives for the crimes. One thing he is becomes sure as the story develops their main suspect might not be the killer he could also be a victim. Great police procedural and entertainment!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Broken Circle
by Matt Brolly features Detective Sergeant Liam Kilshaw. Set in Bodmin and the surrounding villages and sites in Cornwall, England, this police procedural and crime novel is a great addition to the series.
The body of a teenage girl is found posed in a stone circle, her face, hands, and feet coated in clay and ochre. Folktales and legends of dancers turned to stone play into this story that seems more about the staging than the superstition. When two skeletons are found beneath a nearby stone, the police wonder if they’re related and a separate case entirely. As Kilshaw hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims surface. Who is behind the murders and why are they intent on killing so many?
Liam is a former marine and Special Boat Service member who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after his breathing apparatus failed and he nearly drowned on a mission. However, he is doing better than he was. He also has combat medical training. He had always loved the water and is volunteering with the local lifeboat team as a type of immersion therapy to help himself (along with his breathing techniques). He tends to keep people at arm’s length, but is working on that. He cares about others and enjoys a decent relationship with his ex-wife and son. He’s also relentless in his pursuit of those who prey on those who are vulnerable and immerses himself in the cases. However, this causes him a work-personal life balance issue. I wanted a little more personal growth in his character in this book than I saw.
Once again, the author starts the story with a chilling prologue that immediately grabs a reader’s attention. Told from the alternating perspectives of Kilshaw and the antagonist, it will keep readers fully engaged. The antagonist’s thoughts and actions are hauntingly memorable. There are several twists and turns giving readers the opportunity to test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind the crimes.
Throughout most of the story, there is a sense of urgency as the investigators try to make sense of what has happened and what may happen. While the story ensnared me from the beginning and the ending was suspenseful, it is focused is on the investigation and solid police work. It tends to be slower paced due to the lack of action scenes, but is extremely suspenseful. The author also does a great job of creating atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like you’re with Kilshaw looking for answers. Secrets, folklore, legends, murder, and relationships co-exist in this disturbing storyline.
Overall, this was a gripping, chilling and disturbing thriller that has a strong sense of place and a solid cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy police procedurals, this author, and British crime dramas will likely enjoy this series.
Amazon Publishing UK – Thomas and Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 28, 2026.
-------------------------
My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
The body of a teenage girl is found posed in a stone circle, her face, hands, and feet coated in clay and ochre. Folktales and legends of dancers turned to stone play into this story that seems more about the staging than the superstition. When two skeletons are found beneath a nearby stone, the police wonder if they’re related and a separate case entirely. As Kilshaw hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims surface. Who is behind the murders and why are they intent on killing so many?
Liam is a former marine and Special Boat Service member who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after his breathing apparatus failed and he nearly drowned on a mission. However, he is doing better than he was. He also has combat medical training. He had always loved the water and is volunteering with the local lifeboat team as a type of immersion therapy to help himself (along with his breathing techniques). He tends to keep people at arm’s length, but is working on that. He cares about others and enjoys a decent relationship with his ex-wife and son. He’s also relentless in his pursuit of those who prey on those who are vulnerable and immerses himself in the cases. However, this causes him a work-personal life balance issue. I wanted a little more personal growth in his character in this book than I saw.
Once again, the author starts the story with a chilling prologue that immediately grabs a reader’s attention. Told from the alternating perspectives of Kilshaw and the antagonist, it will keep readers fully engaged. The antagonist’s thoughts and actions are hauntingly memorable. There are several twists and turns giving readers the opportunity to test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind the crimes.
Throughout most of the story, there is a sense of urgency as the investigators try to make sense of what has happened and what may happen. While the story ensnared me from the beginning and the ending was suspenseful, it is focused is on the investigation and solid police work. It tends to be slower paced due to the lack of action scenes, but is extremely suspenseful. The author also does a great job of creating atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like you’re with Kilshaw looking for answers. Secrets, folklore, legends, murder, and relationships co-exist in this disturbing storyline.
Overall, this was a gripping, chilling and disturbing thriller that has a strong sense of place and a solid cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy police procedurals, this author, and British crime dramas will likely enjoy this series.
Amazon Publishing UK – Thomas and Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 28, 2026.
-------------------------
My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Liam Kilshaw is the main character in the DS Liam Kilshaw series by Matt Brolly. Liam is a former Marine with PTSD after being caught underwater and almost drowning. He still loves the sea and is a member of a lifeboat rescue team. He has a son but never married the mother as he was stationed away.
In Broken Circle, a serial killer seems obsessed with stone circles. There are many of these historical sites in England. It starts with a woman's body posed at one of these sites with a kind of clay mask. The coroner says she was also paralyzed. So she would have felt herself suffocating from the mask.
The woman had been out with a guy, Tony, on the night she disappeared and Tony is missing also. Deaths keep happening and often they are girls Tony dated. Tonys stays missing. There's a professor who wrote a book about the sites who Liam asks a lot of questions. Then they find a map of Tony's showing different sites marked. Eventually they put police at many of the sites.
Meanwhile, Liam has thoughts about his relationship with his son. Then there is DI Grace Hartley being around as this case gets larger. Liam alternately avoids her and enjoys spending time with her. His partner, Maya breaks up with her girlfriend. He still thinks about Millie, the teacher who has been dating someone else.
They do catch the killer, after too many deaths. The motivation is a bit unclear but the killer is clearly batshit crazy. The premise is one from mythology around the circles, but fictional mythology. I enjoyed the investigation, the solid ending and the sideline of the personal relationships.
Narration:
Roukin has narrated all the books and I have enjoyed them. The emotional tones and accents felt appropriate. The speech was clear and solid. The primary point of view is Liam and that voice is settled in for me. But there is also the killer who has a different sound. I listened easily at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Liam Kilshaw is the main character in the DS Liam Kilshaw series by Matt Brolly. Liam is a former Marine with PTSD after being caught underwater and almost drowning. He still loves the sea and is a member of a lifeboat rescue team. He has a son but never married the mother as he was stationed away.
In Broken Circle, a serial killer seems obsessed with stone circles. There are many of these historical sites in England. It starts with a woman's body posed at one of these sites with a kind of clay mask. The coroner says she was also paralyzed. So she would have felt herself suffocating from the mask.
The woman had been out with a guy, Tony, on the night she disappeared and Tony is missing also. Deaths keep happening and often they are girls Tony dated. Tonys stays missing. There's a professor who wrote a book about the sites who Liam asks a lot of questions. Then they find a map of Tony's showing different sites marked. Eventually they put police at many of the sites.
Meanwhile, Liam has thoughts about his relationship with his son. Then there is DI Grace Hartley being around as this case gets larger. Liam alternately avoids her and enjoys spending time with her. His partner, Maya breaks up with her girlfriend. He still thinks about Millie, the teacher who has been dating someone else.
They do catch the killer, after too many deaths. The motivation is a bit unclear but the killer is clearly batshit crazy. The premise is one from mythology around the circles, but fictional mythology. I enjoyed the investigation, the solid ending and the sideline of the personal relationships.
Narration:
Roukin has narrated all the books and I have enjoyed them. The emotional tones and accents felt appropriate. The speech was clear and solid. The primary point of view is Liam and that voice is settled in for me. But there is also the killer who has a different sound. I listened easily at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is a highly recommended investigative crime thriller where modern murder meets ancient historical sites and folklore. This is the third novel in the DS Liam Kilshaw series.
In the Merry Maidens stone circle in Cornwall the body of a teenage girl is found posed in a kneeling position, with her face, hands and feet covered in clay and yellow ochre. The location could suggest a ritual or some specific purpose for the staging of the body in that location. Then two skeletons are found buries beneath a stone in the circle that looked disturbed. The last known person who was with the girl, a young man is now missing. Ties to the legends surrounding the stone circle need to be explored, along with other remote historical sites with stone monoliths/circles in the area, especially when another victim is discovered.
The opening will immediately grab your attention in this well-written, even-paced procedural. You really do feel the tension and stakes rising in each chapter as more information is uncovered and the body count rises. The narrative is told through the alternating point-of-views of Kilshaw and the unknown killer. DS Liam Kilshaw continues to have a good working relationship with his colleague and boss, Maya as they logically follow clues, background, history and other information, making this a solid police procedural.
Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, at this point, after reading all three books in the series, I think there is much to be said for reading them in order. This serves to provide the background and context for some of the relationships and characters mentioned in the novel. The series at this point is: The Lines, The Replacement, and Broken Circle. They all have a strong sense of place and are solid procedurals.
Kilshaw, a former Marine, is a intuitive investigator who also suffers from PTSD and has alopecia. He is continuing to work on his interpersonal relationships, a skill with which he struggles. He is portrayed as a realistic, complicated individual with strengths and weaknesses, who also has a strong work ethic and the intelligence to follow the clues uncovered as he races against time before more bodies are found.
Broken Circle is a great choice for anyone who enjoy British procedurals. Matt Brolly is always a dependable author who writes compelling stories. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
In the Merry Maidens stone circle in Cornwall the body of a teenage girl is found posed in a kneeling position, with her face, hands and feet covered in clay and yellow ochre. The location could suggest a ritual or some specific purpose for the staging of the body in that location. Then two skeletons are found buries beneath a stone in the circle that looked disturbed. The last known person who was with the girl, a young man is now missing. Ties to the legends surrounding the stone circle need to be explored, along with other remote historical sites with stone monoliths/circles in the area, especially when another victim is discovered.
The opening will immediately grab your attention in this well-written, even-paced procedural. You really do feel the tension and stakes rising in each chapter as more information is uncovered and the body count rises. The narrative is told through the alternating point-of-views of Kilshaw and the unknown killer. DS Liam Kilshaw continues to have a good working relationship with his colleague and boss, Maya as they logically follow clues, background, history and other information, making this a solid police procedural.
Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, at this point, after reading all three books in the series, I think there is much to be said for reading them in order. This serves to provide the background and context for some of the relationships and characters mentioned in the novel. The series at this point is: The Lines, The Replacement, and Broken Circle. They all have a strong sense of place and are solid procedurals.
Kilshaw, a former Marine, is a intuitive investigator who also suffers from PTSD and has alopecia. He is continuing to work on his interpersonal relationships, a skill with which he struggles. He is portrayed as a realistic, complicated individual with strengths and weaknesses, who also has a strong work ethic and the intelligence to follow the clues uncovered as he races against time before more bodies are found.
Broken Circle is a great choice for anyone who enjoy British procedurals. Matt Brolly is always a dependable author who writes compelling stories. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quick Summary: A stone circle-themed serial MDK mystery
My Review: Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is book #3 in the DS Liam Kilshaw series. It is scheduled for release on 4/28/26.
About the Book: "An ancient legend reborn. A killer recreating dark rituals. And a detective racing to break the circle before it’s complete."
In My Own Words: Young girls are going missing and bodies are being found in the strangest places and in the strangest positions. Clues paint a picture, but that picture is incomplete...or is it? It's a race against time to figure out who the killer is and what his or her motive might be.
About the Audiobook: Broken Circle was narrated by Samuel Roukin. He cast a spell over me, to the point that I could not step away from listening. I was glued to my device, waiting with bated breath to hear the next words that would unravel the mystery. The movement, tones, and expressiveness of each character were done so well that the listening experience came across as effortless.
My Final Say: This book is described as a "...haunting crime thriller where medieval legends collide with modern murder." It is that, indeed. It is the past meeting the present in the shadows of the unknown, and I loved it. I found this novel to be totally original, totally unpredictable, and totally captivating.
This was my first DS Liam Kilshaw story, but it definitely will not be my last.
Other: Readers who enjoy a-killer-among-us scenarios, BBS-esque mystery series, and imperfect leads who are trying to figure out life will really like this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience. I cannot wait to read more from this writer.
My Review: Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is book #3 in the DS Liam Kilshaw series. It is scheduled for release on 4/28/26.
About the Book: "An ancient legend reborn. A killer recreating dark rituals. And a detective racing to break the circle before it’s complete."
In My Own Words: Young girls are going missing and bodies are being found in the strangest places and in the strangest positions. Clues paint a picture, but that picture is incomplete...or is it? It's a race against time to figure out who the killer is and what his or her motive might be.
About the Audiobook: Broken Circle was narrated by Samuel Roukin. He cast a spell over me, to the point that I could not step away from listening. I was glued to my device, waiting with bated breath to hear the next words that would unravel the mystery. The movement, tones, and expressiveness of each character were done so well that the listening experience came across as effortless.
My Final Say: This book is described as a "...haunting crime thriller where medieval legends collide with modern murder." It is that, indeed. It is the past meeting the present in the shadows of the unknown, and I loved it. I found this novel to be totally original, totally unpredictable, and totally captivating.
This was my first DS Liam Kilshaw story, but it definitely will not be my last.
Other: Readers who enjoy a-killer-among-us scenarios, BBS-esque mystery series, and imperfect leads who are trying to figure out life will really like this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience. I cannot wait to read more from this writer.
April 25, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Liam Kilshaw is the main character in the DS Liam Kilshaw series by Matt Brolly. Liam is a former Marine with PTSD after being caught underwater and almost drowning. He still loves the sea and is a member of a lifeboat rescue team. He has a son but never married the mother as he was stationed away.
In Broken Circle, a serial killer seems obsessed with stone circles. There are many of these historical sites in England. It starts with a woman's body posed at one of these sites with a kind of clay mask. The coroner says she was also paralyzed. So she would have felt herself suffocating from the mask.
The woman had been out with a guy, Tony, on the night she disappeared and Tony is missing also. Deaths keep happening and often they are girls Tony dated. Tonys stays missing. There's a professor who wrote a book about the sites who Liam asks a lot of questions. Then they find a map of Tony's showing different sites marked. Eventually they put police at many of the sites.
Meanwhile, Liam has thoughts about his relationship with his son. Then there is DI Grace Hartley being around as this case gets larger. Liam alternately avoids her and enjoys spending time with her. His partner, Maya breaks up with her girlfriend. He still thinks about Millie, the teacher who has been dating someone else.
They do catch the killer, after too many deaths. The motivation is a bit unclear but the killer is clearly batshit crazy. The premise is one from mythology around the circles, but fictional mythology. I enjoyed the investigation, the solid ending and the sideline of the personal relationships.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Liam Kilshaw is the main character in the DS Liam Kilshaw series by Matt Brolly. Liam is a former Marine with PTSD after being caught underwater and almost drowning. He still loves the sea and is a member of a lifeboat rescue team. He has a son but never married the mother as he was stationed away.
In Broken Circle, a serial killer seems obsessed with stone circles. There are many of these historical sites in England. It starts with a woman's body posed at one of these sites with a kind of clay mask. The coroner says she was also paralyzed. So she would have felt herself suffocating from the mask.
The woman had been out with a guy, Tony, on the night she disappeared and Tony is missing also. Deaths keep happening and often they are girls Tony dated. Tonys stays missing. There's a professor who wrote a book about the sites who Liam asks a lot of questions. Then they find a map of Tony's showing different sites marked. Eventually they put police at many of the sites.
Meanwhile, Liam has thoughts about his relationship with his son. Then there is DI Grace Hartley being around as this case gets larger. Liam alternately avoids her and enjoys spending time with her. His partner, Maya breaks up with her girlfriend. He still thinks about Millie, the teacher who has been dating someone else.
They do catch the killer, after too many deaths. The motivation is a bit unclear but the killer is clearly batshit crazy. The premise is one from mythology around the circles, but fictional mythology. I enjoyed the investigation, the solid ending and the sideline of the personal relationships.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Apparently this is the first I've read from this author! I am surprised!
In any case, Detective Liam Kilshaw is trying to solve this case before it gets totally out of hand... although, we may be a bit late for that...
When the body of a young woman is found dead, its more than horrific to find that she had been POSED in a kneeling/praying position in the Merry Maidens Stone Circle. This is a myth from centuries earlier where women were turned to stone for dancing on the holy sabbath day.
Even worse is the fact that they were paralyzed with a drug and then covered in a way that they were unable to breathe, but were awake and aware for the entire process... of dying...
This is cruel and unusual punishment for anyone... but the more I read, the more horrified I became. The subjects were pretty much ALL young women...girls. 18-20 years old. Just getting to the prime of their lives! And, the boy who is suspected seems to be a real player when it comes to women and relationships... but, NONE of his friends see him as being someone who could do this!
And so, it begins... and carries on! You are brought on this journey where you think you might have figured it out, only to find that nope... it wasn't that person... or the next.
And the ending?? MOUTH STILL HANGING OPEN!!! =0 =0 =0
#BrokenCircle by @MattBrolly and narrated nicely by @SamuelRoukin.
4 crazy, psychotic, ritualistic, old-time-myths stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it tomorrow!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
In any case, Detective Liam Kilshaw is trying to solve this case before it gets totally out of hand... although, we may be a bit late for that...
When the body of a young woman is found dead, its more than horrific to find that she had been POSED in a kneeling/praying position in the Merry Maidens Stone Circle. This is a myth from centuries earlier where women were turned to stone for dancing on the holy sabbath day.
Even worse is the fact that they were paralyzed with a drug and then covered in a way that they were unable to breathe, but were awake and aware for the entire process... of dying...
This is cruel and unusual punishment for anyone... but the more I read, the more horrified I became. The subjects were pretty much ALL young women...girls. 18-20 years old. Just getting to the prime of their lives! And, the boy who is suspected seems to be a real player when it comes to women and relationships... but, NONE of his friends see him as being someone who could do this!
And so, it begins... and carries on! You are brought on this journey where you think you might have figured it out, only to find that nope... it wasn't that person... or the next.
And the ending?? MOUTH STILL HANGING OPEN!!! =0 =0 =0
#BrokenCircle by @MattBrolly and narrated nicely by @SamuelRoukin.
4 crazy, psychotic, ritualistic, old-time-myths stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it tomorrow!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this book as a NetGalley ARC and this review is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.
3.5 stars for me.
Broken Circle starts with a premise that feels like it should be gripping. A body staged in a stone circle, ritualistic undertones, and a case that hints at something darker beneath the surface. On paper, it has all the ingredients for a tense and atmospheric thriller.
And to be fair, the opening does a lot right. The setting carries a quiet unease, and the idea of linking modern crimes to ancient sites adds an edge that pulls you in. There is a strong sense of place early on, and those initial chapters create just enough intrigue to make you want to see where it is going.
The issue is that once the investigation settles in, the story starts to feel more familiar than expected. It leans heavily into a standard procedural rhythm, and the more unusual elements never quite develop into something truly distinctive. The pacing is steady, but it rarely builds real tension, and there are stretches where it feels like the story is moving forward without adding much weight.
The characters are fine, but that is about it. Liam Kilshaw works as a central figure, though he does not stand out in any meaningful way. The supporting cast blends into the background, which makes it harder to feel invested in the outcome. For a story built around such a striking premise, the emotional impact ends up feeling a bit muted.
That said, it is still an easy read. The writing is straightforward, the plot is clear, and everything comes together in a way that makes sense. The ending does its job, even if it does not leave much of a lasting impression.
Overall, this is one of those books that you move through quickly without ever feeling fully hooked. It is engaging enough in the moment, but it never quite delivers on the promise of its concept.
3.5 stars for me.
Broken Circle starts with a premise that feels like it should be gripping. A body staged in a stone circle, ritualistic undertones, and a case that hints at something darker beneath the surface. On paper, it has all the ingredients for a tense and atmospheric thriller.
And to be fair, the opening does a lot right. The setting carries a quiet unease, and the idea of linking modern crimes to ancient sites adds an edge that pulls you in. There is a strong sense of place early on, and those initial chapters create just enough intrigue to make you want to see where it is going.
The issue is that once the investigation settles in, the story starts to feel more familiar than expected. It leans heavily into a standard procedural rhythm, and the more unusual elements never quite develop into something truly distinctive. The pacing is steady, but it rarely builds real tension, and there are stretches where it feels like the story is moving forward without adding much weight.
The characters are fine, but that is about it. Liam Kilshaw works as a central figure, though he does not stand out in any meaningful way. The supporting cast blends into the background, which makes it harder to feel invested in the outcome. For a story built around such a striking premise, the emotional impact ends up feeling a bit muted.
That said, it is still an easy read. The writing is straightforward, the plot is clear, and everything comes together in a way that makes sense. The ending does its job, even if it does not leave much of a lasting impression.
Overall, this is one of those books that you move through quickly without ever feeling fully hooked. It is engaging enough in the moment, but it never quite delivers on the promise of its concept.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4* Another good outing for Liam and Maya. It just seems a tad tiresome and unbelievable that the almost personality-less Liam is so sought after by so many females...
So, the last part of my title - Liam's given a number by a female tech he casually knows, in an awkward scene for them both; it jarred. He's sleeping with Grace, an ex, because it's something to do. He'd have us think he's still got a thing for Millie, his son's former teacher who he just happens to bump into and can't get out of his mind despite knowing she had a new boyfriend in book 2, and was traumatised at what happened to her because of her connection to Liam. Kinda doesn't really ring true, as the guy lacks personality, social skills and is a workaholic. But, at the end, there might be hope for him in book 4. That aside, the book was decent, although he has almost no tine to be a part-time dad to George who's growing up fast and seems mature beyond his years, and is a pretty decent eavesdropper.
The tale itself is decent, if sick and sad. I didn't quite get the trigger for the killer's motivation, unless it was an upcoming 'loss' they felt they'd be facing. The Cornish lore/folklore and the solstice tied in well with events, and there was a plausible connection between all. The number of innocent uni-age girls and guys that died was sad; I don't think that there was enough on the killer to stop them any worker, sadly. There were a couple of really good red herrings, so I was clueless about the killer's identity until the time that Liam clocked. The ending was satisfying. To be in the position the killer was, through their own making, unable to literally do anything but listen and understand, was brilliant.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.
So, the last part of my title - Liam's given a number by a female tech he casually knows, in an awkward scene for them both; it jarred. He's sleeping with Grace, an ex, because it's something to do. He'd have us think he's still got a thing for Millie, his son's former teacher who he just happens to bump into and can't get out of his mind despite knowing she had a new boyfriend in book 2, and was traumatised at what happened to her because of her connection to Liam. Kinda doesn't really ring true, as the guy lacks personality, social skills and is a workaholic. But, at the end, there might be hope for him in book 4. That aside, the book was decent, although he has almost no tine to be a part-time dad to George who's growing up fast and seems mature beyond his years, and is a pretty decent eavesdropper.
The tale itself is decent, if sick and sad. I didn't quite get the trigger for the killer's motivation, unless it was an upcoming 'loss' they felt they'd be facing. The Cornish lore/folklore and the solstice tied in well with events, and there was a plausible connection between all. The number of innocent uni-age girls and guys that died was sad; I don't think that there was enough on the killer to stop them any worker, sadly. There were a couple of really good red herrings, so I was clueless about the killer's identity until the time that Liam clocked. The ending was satisfying. To be in the position the killer was, through their own making, unable to literally do anything but listen and understand, was brilliant.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Broken Circle was so good. The way the people died sounded so horrible and painful. The story weaves together ancient legend and modern crime that is both haunting and intensely engaging. The book opens with the chilling discovery of a teenage girl’s body posing in the Merry Maidens stone circle, her face eerily coated in clay and ochre. This morbid scene pulls Detective Sergeant Liam Kilshaw into a complicated investigation where the lines between folklore and reality blur. The author entwines the eerie echoes of old folktales with the stark brutality of contemporary murder, creating an atmospheric backdrop. As DS Kilshaw dives deeper into the mystery, the pace quickens, and the tension escalates. Each twist and turn in the plot reveals the layers of history that Kilshaw and the team must unravel, making for a thoroughly immersive reading experience. The story infuses rich descriptions of ancient sites with the rituals central to the plot. The ritualistic elements are intricately tied to the murders, making the stakes higher as Kilshaw and the team race against time to prevent further loss. The suspense builds masterfully as more victims surface, each encountered with a chilling ritualistic precision. The pacing kept me engaged, eagerly turning pages to decipher the centuries-old secrets alongside the investigators. The culmination of events leads to an explosive climax that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Broken Circle delivered not only a thrilling detective story but also a story of the darker aspects of human nature. This novel is a good read for fans of thrillers and crime fiction. For me, this was a wild ride that I would recommend.
#BrokenCircle #NetGalley @AmazonPub
Broken Circle delivered not only a thrilling detective story but also a story of the darker aspects of human nature. This novel is a good read for fans of thrillers and crime fiction. For me, this was a wild ride that I would recommend.
#BrokenCircle #NetGalley @AmazonPub
February 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Broken Circle by Matt Brolly
This was a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that kept me fully engaged. DI Liam Kilshaw remains a compelling lead being thoughtful, determined and grounded, and his investigation drives this one forward with confidence and nuance. The story begins with another chilling discovery off the Cornish coast and, as with Brolly’s earlier work, the tension is sustained through a blend of procedural detail and psychological unease.
One of the things that sets this apart is how Cornish mythology is woven into the narrative. The setting feels alive and textured, with local lore adding an extra layer of intrigue to the case. The references to regional myths and legends give the plot a slightly uncanny edge and enrich the atmosphere without ever feeling gimmicky.
The pacing is confident and the character work strong. Liam’s interactions with his team and the community feel authentic, and the emotional weight of the case, how it reverberates through those affected grounds the story in something that feels very human. There were moments where the procedural thread slowed, but overall the balance between character, setting and suspense worked very well.
A satisfying and well-crafted mystery that blends Cornish folklore with contemporary crime drama. A very solid four-star read that will appeal to fans of atmospheric, character-driven thrillers.
This was a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that kept me fully engaged. DI Liam Kilshaw remains a compelling lead being thoughtful, determined and grounded, and his investigation drives this one forward with confidence and nuance. The story begins with another chilling discovery off the Cornish coast and, as with Brolly’s earlier work, the tension is sustained through a blend of procedural detail and psychological unease.
One of the things that sets this apart is how Cornish mythology is woven into the narrative. The setting feels alive and textured, with local lore adding an extra layer of intrigue to the case. The references to regional myths and legends give the plot a slightly uncanny edge and enrich the atmosphere without ever feeling gimmicky.
The pacing is confident and the character work strong. Liam’s interactions with his team and the community feel authentic, and the emotional weight of the case, how it reverberates through those affected grounds the story in something that feels very human. There were moments where the procedural thread slowed, but overall the balance between character, setting and suspense worked very well.
A satisfying and well-crafted mystery that blends Cornish folklore with contemporary crime drama. A very solid four-star read that will appeal to fans of atmospheric, character-driven thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Broken Circle is set against the atmospheric landscape of Cornwall, where ancient legends and a modern-day killer recreating dark rituals collide. When the body of a teenage girl is found posed in the Merry Maidens stone circle, with her face coated in clay and sprinkled with ochre, it mirrors old folktales of dancers turned to stone for their sins. DS Liam Kilshaw, a detective and former marine struggling with PTSD, suspects this is a case of ritual staging rather than mere superstition. As more victims are found at remote sacred sites, Kilshaw must decipher centuries-old secrets to stop a killer who is preparing for a final, most important sacrifice.
I really like Kilshaw. In each book he is a hero, warts and all, with a complicated love life. I was positive I knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. I love it when that surprises me. Mr. Brolly creates characters I find myself fully invested in. The murders were a bit dark and graphic, but I seriously didn't want to put the book down. I found the pace to be fast, and the blending of Cornish folklore with contemporary crime was an intriguing combination.
Mr. Brolly, if you are reading this, I want MORE of this wonderful series, please!
Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Broken Circle has an expected publication date of April 28, 2026.
#MattBrolly #Mystery #Thriller #Cornwall
I really like Kilshaw. In each book he is a hero, warts and all, with a complicated love life. I was positive I knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. I love it when that surprises me. Mr. Brolly creates characters I find myself fully invested in. The murders were a bit dark and graphic, but I seriously didn't want to put the book down. I found the pace to be fast, and the blending of Cornish folklore with contemporary crime was an intriguing combination.
Mr. Brolly, if you are reading this, I want MORE of this wonderful series, please!
Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Broken Circle has an expected publication date of April 28, 2026.
#MattBrolly #Mystery #Thriller #Cornwall
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Broken Circle is Matt Brolly’s latest DS Liam Kilshaw thriller, and it was crazy good! Samuel Roukin does an amazing job at bringing this police procedural to life in the audiobook format.
In this third episode of the DS Liam Kilshaw series, we find another very strange and disturbing murder has happened in Cornwall, and in DS Kilshaw’s patch. This book is so intense and had me on the edge of my seat, thinking that the wrong person of interest had committed the murder for over three-quarters of the book.
I loved how, once again, Brolly brought so many nuanced bits of geography, topography, history, and lore specific to Cornwall were all interwoven to guide us all through the book; simultaneously progressing the plot and educating the reader on the area. I feel ready for a trip to Cornwall to compare reality with this engrossing fiction.
At one point in the novel, I wondered if it was art imitating life or vice versa. And at separate points in the novel, because of more cultural and historical context that came to light, my suspect list kept growing and growing.
And yet, like all of the great mystery series and police procedural, Brolly took the time to weave in more of DS Kilshaw’s life and experiences on and off of the job.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for this fantastic audio ARC!!
In this third episode of the DS Liam Kilshaw series, we find another very strange and disturbing murder has happened in Cornwall, and in DS Kilshaw’s patch. This book is so intense and had me on the edge of my seat, thinking that the wrong person of interest had committed the murder for over three-quarters of the book.
I loved how, once again, Brolly brought so many nuanced bits of geography, topography, history, and lore specific to Cornwall were all interwoven to guide us all through the book; simultaneously progressing the plot and educating the reader on the area. I feel ready for a trip to Cornwall to compare reality with this engrossing fiction.
At one point in the novel, I wondered if it was art imitating life or vice versa. And at separate points in the novel, because of more cultural and historical context that came to light, my suspect list kept growing and growing.
And yet, like all of the great mystery series and police procedural, Brolly took the time to weave in more of DS Kilshaw’s life and experiences on and off of the job.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for this fantastic audio ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third installment of Matt Brolly’s latest series featuring DS Liam Kilshaw, set along the Cornish Coast. I’ve read all three of them, and while I believe this could be a standalone novel, reading the previous ones provides more context for the characters.
DS Kilshaw is a divorced former Marine grappling with PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service. The discovery of a teenage girl’s body, posed in a stone circle with her face covered in clay, sets the stage for a chilling investigation. Legend has it that the circle appeared when young females were turned to stone for dancing on the sabbath. As more dead youths are found in locations tied to local myths, Kilshaw collaborates with his boss, Maya, to unmask this cold-blooded killer.
Brolly once again weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Although there is a suspect in focus, there are enough red herrings to make the reader question who the perpetrator might be. The book is a fast paced, atmospheric mystery, thriller, police procedural.
Liam is an intriguing character, and I particularly enjoy the working dynamic between him and Maya. Additionally, I found the exploration of the local legends fascinating.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.
DS Kilshaw is a divorced former Marine grappling with PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service. The discovery of a teenage girl’s body, posed in a stone circle with her face covered in clay, sets the stage for a chilling investigation. Legend has it that the circle appeared when young females were turned to stone for dancing on the sabbath. As more dead youths are found in locations tied to local myths, Kilshaw collaborates with his boss, Maya, to unmask this cold-blooded killer.
Brolly once again weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Although there is a suspect in focus, there are enough red herrings to make the reader question who the perpetrator might be. The book is a fast paced, atmospheric mystery, thriller, police procedural.
Liam is an intriguing character, and I particularly enjoy the working dynamic between him and Maya. Additionally, I found the exploration of the local legends fascinating.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Despite being a fan of the Louise Blackwell series, the Liam Kilshaw stories were new to me. I’m happy to have discovered these novels, because I enjoyed Broken Circle so much that I already downloaded the first two volumes. You don’t need to know much about Kilshaw, though. I understood the relationships and team dynamics well, and there was no repetition. Readers are just told what they need to know and no more. The rest is in the new story. Despite not knowing their background, Liam’s team is described well enough that it was immediately clear who was who. The excellent audiobook narration by Samuel Roukin also helped, since he came up with very different voices for each of the cast members, as well as the cast of suspects. The plot is addictive, the writing descriptive and the red herrings effective. I did figure out whodunit, but I was still breathlessly invested in the story. The murders are gruesome, and I liked the legends and rituals that inspire the baddie. There is one problem with this novel, and it’s that now I want to visit the stone circles in Cornwall, since they are so well described that they sound fantastic. In a creepy sort of way. Very enjoyable.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Brilliance Audio.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Brilliance Audio.
April 30, 2026
Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is the third book in the DS Liam Kilshaw series and what an excellent book this was, especially as it one combines myths about Cornish stone circles with a murder investigation which worked really well.
A body of a teenage girl is found posed in the famous Merry Maidens stone circle, her face coated in clay and ochre. DS Liam Kilshaw is drawn into a case where near-forgotten fictions bleed into brutal fact.
With echoes of an old folktale of dancers turned to stone, the scene is more about staging than superstition. Then, two skeletons are unearthed beneath a nearby stone, and Kilshaw realises the past is far from dead and buried.
But, as he hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims are beginning to surface, and each are placed with ritual precision in remote ancient sites.
So many dark secrets from the past are coming to the surface and some of these are centuries-old secrets. This has become a deadly game of ancient rites and of cold blooded murders and the killer is saving the best for last! Wow!!!!
I highly recommend this series, it has been a series that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat and turning the pages over on your kindle to find out what happens next. Superb read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
A body of a teenage girl is found posed in the famous Merry Maidens stone circle, her face coated in clay and ochre. DS Liam Kilshaw is drawn into a case where near-forgotten fictions bleed into brutal fact.
With echoes of an old folktale of dancers turned to stone, the scene is more about staging than superstition. Then, two skeletons are unearthed beneath a nearby stone, and Kilshaw realises the past is far from dead and buried.
But, as he hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims are beginning to surface, and each are placed with ritual precision in remote ancient sites.
So many dark secrets from the past are coming to the surface and some of these are centuries-old secrets. This has become a deadly game of ancient rites and of cold blooded murders and the killer is saving the best for last! Wow!!!!
I highly recommend this series, it has been a series that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat and turning the pages over on your kindle to find out what happens next. Superb read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
May 7, 2026
A gripping listen that kept me guessing right to the very last moment
This one had me completely hooked. From the very start, there is an undercurrent of tension that never lets up, building steadily into a story that keeps you questioning everything you think you know.
Returning to DS Liam Kilshaw’s world feels like stepping back into a team that just keeps getting stronger with each book. There is a real confidence in how the story unfolds, with layers of intrigue and suspicion woven through the investigation. Just when you think you might have worked it out, the story shifts and pulls you in another direction.
What really stood out for me with this audiobook was how immersive it felt. The pacing works brilliantly in this format, allowing the tension to build naturally while keeping you fully engaged throughout. It is the kind of story that makes “just one more chapter” very hard to resist.
The plot itself is clever and unpredictable, with twists that genuinely kept me guessing right up until the end. It is always satisfying when a crime novel can surprise you, and this one absolutely delivers.
Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is another fantastic instalment in the DS Liam Kilshaw series, gripping, well-paced and thoroughly absorbing.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook copy.
This one had me completely hooked. From the very start, there is an undercurrent of tension that never lets up, building steadily into a story that keeps you questioning everything you think you know.
Returning to DS Liam Kilshaw’s world feels like stepping back into a team that just keeps getting stronger with each book. There is a real confidence in how the story unfolds, with layers of intrigue and suspicion woven through the investigation. Just when you think you might have worked it out, the story shifts and pulls you in another direction.
What really stood out for me with this audiobook was how immersive it felt. The pacing works brilliantly in this format, allowing the tension to build naturally while keeping you fully engaged throughout. It is the kind of story that makes “just one more chapter” very hard to resist.
The plot itself is clever and unpredictable, with twists that genuinely kept me guessing right up until the end. It is always satisfying when a crime novel can surprise you, and this one absolutely delivers.
Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is another fantastic instalment in the DS Liam Kilshaw series, gripping, well-paced and thoroughly absorbing.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m giving this a solid 3 stars. It was such a suspenseful, action-packed story—honestly, it felt like I was watching a movie. The descriptions were so good that I was literally casting the actors in my head and visualizing exactly where the detective was, which made the story really come alive. I also loved that the killer’s motive was tied to mythology and legends; that always makes a mystery more interesting to me.
I was totally hooked until about the 70% mark, but then I started to lose interest. The ending just wasn't unique enough for a book. It felt like a typical movie ending, and I expected something more "extra" or clever from a novel. I actually ended up skimming the last bit because it felt so predictable.
As for the detective, he’s okay, but I didn’t deeply care about him. This is the third book in the series, so maybe if I’d read the first two I would have felt more of a connection, but it didn't really ruin the story for me. He’s smart, he does his best, and he gets the job done.
Bottom line: If you want a suspenseful killer mystery that plays out like a movie in your head, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was totally hooked until about the 70% mark, but then I started to lose interest. The ending just wasn't unique enough for a book. It felt like a typical movie ending, and I expected something more "extra" or clever from a novel. I actually ended up skimming the last bit because it felt so predictable.
As for the detective, he’s okay, but I didn’t deeply care about him. This is the third book in the series, so maybe if I’d read the first two I would have felt more of a connection, but it didn't really ruin the story for me. He’s smart, he does his best, and he gets the job done.
Bottom line: If you want a suspenseful killer mystery that plays out like a movie in your head, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Matt Brolly has truly struck gold with Broken Circle, a hauntingly atmospheric masterpiece that has just become my favourite instalment in the DS Kilshaw series so far.
From the moment a young woman is discovered in a horrifically, obviously staged murder at the Merry Maidens stone circle, I was completely hooked by the dark blend of modern investigation and ancient ritual.
The way the rugged Cornish landscape is exquisitely illustrated makes the setting feel alive, providing a chilling backdrop as the body count rises.
I found the deep dive into medieval myths and folklore absolutely fascinating; the descriptions of these ritualistic legends are second to none and bring a unique, eerie energy to the plot.
Beyond the mystery, I loved seeing Liam’s personal evolution. His dilemmas regarding his love life and his future path add a layer of raw emotion that makes him so relatable. With the team dynamic stronger than ever and an ending that ties everything together perfectly, this is a gritty, must-read triumph for any thriller fan.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
From the moment a young woman is discovered in a horrifically, obviously staged murder at the Merry Maidens stone circle, I was completely hooked by the dark blend of modern investigation and ancient ritual.
The way the rugged Cornish landscape is exquisitely illustrated makes the setting feel alive, providing a chilling backdrop as the body count rises.
I found the deep dive into medieval myths and folklore absolutely fascinating; the descriptions of these ritualistic legends are second to none and bring a unique, eerie energy to the plot.
Beyond the mystery, I loved seeing Liam’s personal evolution. His dilemmas regarding his love life and his future path add a layer of raw emotion that makes him so relatable. With the team dynamic stronger than ever and an ending that ties everything together perfectly, this is a gritty, must-read triumph for any thriller fan.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
April 28, 2026
The body of a teenage female is found posed before a historic stone circle. The girls face is coated in clay and ochre. The detective is faced with a killer whose crime reflects the mythology of the past. When more victims surface, DS Liam Kilshaw is drawn into a history of ancient sites and rituals.
This book is for: The Who Done It Lover
Spice: 1/5
Tropes: Police procedural, Cat and Mouse game, Sherlock Holmes Vibes
Narration: Samuel Roukin 5/5
The good: I have been searching for more who-done-it mystery books lately. I love the Sherlock Holmes vibe, but sometimes have a hard time finding something to fit that bill, without being too over the top. Some of the books I have tried are so overly convoluted that the author has taken the fun out of trying to solve the crime alongside the detective. Not Matt Brolly. This book had a good pace, with urgency and enough twists to make the story enjoyable.
What I would change: I wish the supporting characters were a bit more unique and intriguing.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and breezed right through the book. A good mystery is such a fun way to pass the time, and Matt Brolly did not disappoint on that account.
This book is for: The Who Done It Lover
Spice: 1/5
Tropes: Police procedural, Cat and Mouse game, Sherlock Holmes Vibes
Narration: Samuel Roukin 5/5
The good: I have been searching for more who-done-it mystery books lately. I love the Sherlock Holmes vibe, but sometimes have a hard time finding something to fit that bill, without being too over the top. Some of the books I have tried are so overly convoluted that the author has taken the fun out of trying to solve the crime alongside the detective. Not Matt Brolly. This book had a good pace, with urgency and enough twists to make the story enjoyable.
What I would change: I wish the supporting characters were a bit more unique and intriguing.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and breezed right through the book. A good mystery is such a fun way to pass the time, and Matt Brolly did not disappoint on that account.
April 30, 2026
The third book in this series centred around Liam Kilshaw who is based in Cornwall. As the book starts, a young woman is found dead in a stone circle, arranged as in prayer. A young farm worker who works nearby has not turned up for work, is he involved with the death? More sacrificed young people are discovered over the next days/weeks. The police are at a loss with little to go on but there seems to be a mystical element. Some chapters are written from the point of view of the perpetrator, though we do not find out who this is for a long time.
I enjoy this series, though it felt a little too dragged out in the middle of the book, with lots of chasing around without much to go on. The plot did engage me and descriptions of the places are done well. Liam's personal life is quite complicated but that added light relief to what is quite a hefty and cryptic crime story. I like Liam;'s refelctions on his own life, what could have been and that he tries to make the best of life dspite some of the difficulties he has dealt with. Quite a few red herrings in the plot which kept me interested and trying to work things out.
All in all a great read . Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
I enjoy this series, though it felt a little too dragged out in the middle of the book, with lots of chasing around without much to go on. The plot did engage me and descriptions of the places are done well. Liam's personal life is quite complicated but that added light relief to what is quite a hefty and cryptic crime story. I like Liam;'s refelctions on his own life, what could have been and that he tries to make the best of life dspite some of the difficulties he has dealt with. Quite a few red herrings in the plot which kept me interested and trying to work things out.
All in all a great read . Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Think of Stonehenge, this is about Stone Circles, but this is set in Bodmin, Cornwall, and there are a few different sites, and some idiot decides to make his own maidens, by using real people, using a drug to overpower them and then filling them up with clay, dusting them with ochre powder and placing them in a prayer position.
Maya, a DCI and Liam, a DS, have quite a task trying to piece their wits against the killer. There is a lot of folklore to read and catch up on to try to outwit the killer. One of these circles happens to be in Exeter. They send their DCI and a DC to work with Maya and Liam, and the DCI happens to be an old flame of Liam's, as at the time she worked at the Met and did not want to move, hence the split up, and now she is working in Exeter, but fortunately Maya is still the lead detective, much to Liam's relief.
A very good tale, lots going on, and I will have another go at this author, Matt Brolly, as he certainly can weave a tale.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC copy, and as always, this is my take on this novel.
Maya, a DCI and Liam, a DS, have quite a task trying to piece their wits against the killer. There is a lot of folklore to read and catch up on to try to outwit the killer. One of these circles happens to be in Exeter. They send their DCI and a DC to work with Maya and Liam, and the DCI happens to be an old flame of Liam's, as at the time she worked at the Met and did not want to move, hence the split up, and now she is working in Exeter, but fortunately Maya is still the lead detective, much to Liam's relief.
A very good tale, lots going on, and I will have another go at this author, Matt Brolly, as he certainly can weave a tale.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC copy, and as always, this is my take on this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Broken Circle is the third in the DS Liam Kilshaw series, and they really do need to be read in order. Liam has a somewhat traumatic past, which is an important thread that flows through each book. They are also all great reads so you would be missing out if you start here!
Once again, the book set against the beguiling landscape of Cornwall, where legends and folklore are both rife and intriguing, thus, providing the ideal backdrop for the fusion of ancient legends and rituals and a modern-day serial killer. The plot is very clever as are the twists and turns that slowly reveal how the killers mind is functioning. As the mystery deepens the pace escalates and the tension ramps up, seeing me eagerly turning the pages to understand the significance of the ancient fables.
All in all, this is a gritty, pacey, and atmospheric read with many twists and turns, which successfully leave you guessing to the very end. Highly recommended.
Once again, the book set against the beguiling landscape of Cornwall, where legends and folklore are both rife and intriguing, thus, providing the ideal backdrop for the fusion of ancient legends and rituals and a modern-day serial killer. The plot is very clever as are the twists and turns that slowly reveal how the killers mind is functioning. As the mystery deepens the pace escalates and the tension ramps up, seeing me eagerly turning the pages to understand the significance of the ancient fables.
All in all, this is a gritty, pacey, and atmospheric read with many twists and turns, which successfully leave you guessing to the very end. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DS Kilshaw works for the Cornish Police force and is called to the scene of the murder of a young woman in unusual circumstances. She is found in an ancient stone circle and the killer has done their best to turn her to stone. The man she was seen leaving a party with is missing, is the chief suspicious and also had something of an obsession with stone circles. He was also a prolific dater of young women often having sex with them at the stone circles before ending things and moving on.
When more bodies are found in similar circumstances Liam and his boss Maya and their team are joined by the Devon team which includes Liams ex. While they search for the serial killer they see whether they can rekindle what they had but Liam also has regrets about the ending of a more recent relationship.
Overall an enjoyable book with a great choice of narrator. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC.
When more bodies are found in similar circumstances Liam and his boss Maya and their team are joined by the Devon team which includes Liams ex. While they search for the serial killer they see whether they can rekindle what they had but Liam also has regrets about the ending of a more recent relationship.
Overall an enjoyable book with a great choice of narrator. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Liam is called early one morning to come out to the Dancing Maidens stone circle. A girl's body was found, and the evidence suggests that the killer used her for some kind of ritual. Time is running out as more missing girls turn up dead at stone circles. How can the police find the murderer and stop him?
I love stone circles, so this book enchanted me. Although I figured out who the murderer was before it was revealed, I enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot to think about in regard to stone circles and has me pulling out some of my books about ancient Britain to re-read them.
This is a great "escape" book. It's a welcome distraction from the news, and it was able to occupy my busy brain.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
I love stone circles, so this book enchanted me. Although I figured out who the murderer was before it was revealed, I enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot to think about in regard to stone circles and has me pulling out some of my books about ancient Britain to re-read them.
This is a great "escape" book. It's a welcome distraction from the news, and it was able to occupy my busy brain.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
This book didn't grip me like the other reviewers said. I found the start very engaging, but the middle dragged a bit, and I found the chapters from the antagonist's POV much more interesting than the chapters from Liam's POV. I didn't feel the sense of urgency, the race against the clock. The last 75% of this book was very satisfying however, so even if I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped, I really enjoyed the ending. Perhaps I would've enjoyed this book more if I had read the previous two books in this series and felt more personally connected to Liam's chapters simply by knowing the character longer. You might enjoy this book more than I did.
This book didn't grip me like the other reviewers said. I found the start very engaging, but the middle dragged a bit, and I found the chapters from the antagonist's POV much more interesting than the chapters from Liam's POV. I didn't feel the sense of urgency, the race against the clock. The last 75% of this book was very satisfying however, so even if I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped, I really enjoyed the ending. Perhaps I would've enjoyed this book more if I had read the previous two books in this series and felt more personally connected to Liam's chapters simply by knowing the character longer. You might enjoy this book more than I did.
April 28, 2026
Cornish legends drive the plot of Broken Circle, the third in the excellent DS Liam Kilshaw series. The first victim, a teenage girl, is found murdered in a horrible, torturous way in a stone circle. That circle represents women who were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. The area has other ancient monoliths with similar meanings and soon the bodies of other young women are found dead there. Liam and his supervisor DI Maya Trent have to quickly familiarize themselves with local folklore so they can find the killer.
With Broken Circle, Matt Brolly has delivered a dark, disturbing police procedural. The atmospheric locations, familiar characters and engrossing plot make this a 5 star read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Matt Brolly for this ARC.
With Broken Circle, Matt Brolly has delivered a dark, disturbing police procedural. The atmospheric locations, familiar characters and engrossing plot make this a 5 star read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Matt Brolly for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm not sure what it says about me that I enjoy Matt Brolly's dark, creepy British police procedurals so much. In this latest DS Liam Kilshaw installment, our former marine continues to struggle with PTSD from a near drowning while on maneuvers. Yet again, he is on a case that revives that sensation of suffocating. However, he does not let this interfere with his pursuit of an enigmatic killer posing young women as if in prayer at the foot of megalithic stones. There are several potential suspects, and some interesting history behind the ancient ceremonial sites. Of course, there is a surprising twist at the end. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
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