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Fractured
On a dark, rainy night, Misty Ooten and her husband, Caleb are traveling home on a back country road, when a man, dressed all in black, suddenly appears out of nowhere. Misty swerves to avoid impact, but her efforts are futile as she slams headlong into him. Misty loses control of the car and crashes over the side of the hill, killing Caleb.
When the accident is investigated, the police are unable to locate the man’s body, and there is no evidence to suggest anyone else was on the road that night.
Amid her grief of losing her husband, Misty has recurring dreams of that horrific night. She continues to see the man she hit in her nightmares.
But now, six months later, she sees him everywhere, not just in her dreams. She’s seen him in the supermarket, in cars passing by in traffic, and in crowds on the street. His face haunts her day and night. And, to make matters worse, only Misty can see him.
But things ramp up a notch when the man begins to speak to her. First, in her dreams, but soon progressing to her waking hours, as well. He whispers to her, reminding her of what she saw, demanding that she tell.
With her mind teetering on the edge of sanity, Misty must figure out who the man is, and what he wants.
But as her dreams divulge more of the mystery, buried truths and secrets will be revealed.
And soon, Misty discovers that sometimes the truth can come back to haunt you.
When the accident is investigated, the police are unable to locate the man’s body, and there is no evidence to suggest anyone else was on the road that night.
Amid her grief of losing her husband, Misty has recurring dreams of that horrific night. She continues to see the man she hit in her nightmares.
But now, six months later, she sees him everywhere, not just in her dreams. She’s seen him in the supermarket, in cars passing by in traffic, and in crowds on the street. His face haunts her day and night. And, to make matters worse, only Misty can see him.
But things ramp up a notch when the man begins to speak to her. First, in her dreams, but soon progressing to her waking hours, as well. He whispers to her, reminding her of what she saw, demanding that she tell.
With her mind teetering on the edge of sanity, Misty must figure out who the man is, and what he wants.
But as her dreams divulge more of the mystery, buried truths and secrets will be revealed.
And soon, Misty discovers that sometimes the truth can come back to haunt you.
364 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2026
About the author
Carol Hall
13 books99 followersCarol Hall is an American author who was born and raised in Chester, West Virginia, but currently resides in southern West Virginia with her husband.
Her writing career began with her first book, Disappeared, in November 2019. Since then she has written several more books including The Journey North, The Inheritance, Full Moon Rising, The Witch of Broenwyck, Saving Grace and A King's Ransom, A King's Victory, The Legend of Rogue's Hollow Swamp, Monster, Maddy, Fractured, and Homespun Horror: A collection of short, spooky stories.
Carol's love of writing has spread across several different genres including, action/adventure, mystery, horror, and drama.
When she's not writing, Carol enjoys hiking, reading and hanging out with her friends and family.
Her writing career began with her first book, Disappeared, in November 2019. Since then she has written several more books including The Journey North, The Inheritance, Full Moon Rising, The Witch of Broenwyck, Saving Grace and A King's Ransom, A King's Victory, The Legend of Rogue's Hollow Swamp, Monster, Maddy, Fractured, and Homespun Horror: A collection of short, spooky stories.
Carol's love of writing has spread across several different genres including, action/adventure, mystery, horror, and drama.
When she's not writing, Carol enjoys hiking, reading and hanging out with her friends and family.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 22, 2026
Unexpected Ending
This Carol Hall book kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I expected a twist but was totally surprised by the ending. It was a 5 star read for me.
This Carol Hall book kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I expected a twist but was totally surprised by the ending. It was a 5 star read for me.
January 24, 2026
Another outstanding book by Carol Hall! This story had me on the edge of my seat, and there was a very unexpected twist at the end! I highly recommend this author, and this gripping psychological thriller to everyone!
February 11, 2026
Fractured
By: Carol Hall
Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: January 9, 2026
ASIN: B0GFWYY62S
Page Count: 364
Triggers: Grief, psychological distress, death of spouse, trauma, paranoia
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A grief-soaked psychological mystery where reality keeps slipping sideways and the person haunting the main character might be a ghost, guilt, or something far worse.
Here’s What Slapped:
I love Ms. Hall’s books, and Fractured absolutely delivered that signature “one more chapter” energy. The story pulls you in immediately with the accident scene and refuses to let go. From that point forward, the tension builds steadily as Misty struggles with loss, guilt, and the increasingly terrifying presence of the man she believes she hit that night.
Misty is a strong emotional anchor for the story. Her grief feels real, messy, and overwhelming without ever becoming melodramatic. Watching her question her own sanity while trying to piece together what really happened keeps the suspense tight and personal. The nightmares bleeding into waking life create a constant sense of unease that works beautifully.
Carol Hall is especially good at pacing mystery reveals, and that skill is on full display here. Just when you think you understand what is happening, the story shifts slightly and makes you question everything again. The tension is psychological rather than explosive, but it keeps the pages turning just as fast.
The atmosphere is another highlight. Rainy roads, quiet towns, crowded places where Misty feels alone, all of it contributes to the sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface. The man in black appearing again and again creates a simple but effective recurring threat.
And the twist. Of course there is a twist. If you have read Carol Hall before, you know it is coming. You still will not see it.
What Could’ve Been Better:
Honestly, nothing major. The story does exactly what a psychological suspense novel should do and sticks the landing.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Psychological suspense
Mysteries with unreliable perception
Emotional thrillers
Twist endings
Page-turner suspense
Sum-Up:
A tense psychological mystery about grief, guilt, and truth that refuses to stay buried. Carol Hall proves again why her stories are so easy to devour in one sitting.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By: Carol Hall
Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: January 9, 2026
ASIN: B0GFWYY62S
Page Count: 364
Triggers: Grief, psychological distress, death of spouse, trauma, paranoia
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A grief-soaked psychological mystery where reality keeps slipping sideways and the person haunting the main character might be a ghost, guilt, or something far worse.
Here’s What Slapped:
I love Ms. Hall’s books, and Fractured absolutely delivered that signature “one more chapter” energy. The story pulls you in immediately with the accident scene and refuses to let go. From that point forward, the tension builds steadily as Misty struggles with loss, guilt, and the increasingly terrifying presence of the man she believes she hit that night.
Misty is a strong emotional anchor for the story. Her grief feels real, messy, and overwhelming without ever becoming melodramatic. Watching her question her own sanity while trying to piece together what really happened keeps the suspense tight and personal. The nightmares bleeding into waking life create a constant sense of unease that works beautifully.
Carol Hall is especially good at pacing mystery reveals, and that skill is on full display here. Just when you think you understand what is happening, the story shifts slightly and makes you question everything again. The tension is psychological rather than explosive, but it keeps the pages turning just as fast.
The atmosphere is another highlight. Rainy roads, quiet towns, crowded places where Misty feels alone, all of it contributes to the sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface. The man in black appearing again and again creates a simple but effective recurring threat.
And the twist. Of course there is a twist. If you have read Carol Hall before, you know it is coming. You still will not see it.
What Could’ve Been Better:
Honestly, nothing major. The story does exactly what a psychological suspense novel should do and sticks the landing.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Psychological suspense
Mysteries with unreliable perception
Emotional thrillers
Twist endings
Page-turner suspense
Sum-Up:
A tense psychological mystery about grief, guilt, and truth that refuses to stay buried. Carol Hall proves again why her stories are so easy to devour in one sitting.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
October 6, 2026
I read Fractured by Carol Hall as part of a SOTTB club. The premise hooked me from the start: A couple driving a dark and winding road in a storm are shocked when a man dressed all in black suddenly appears in front of their car. She swerves to miss him but feels the impact as the car strikes the man. Their own car careens off the road, instantly killing her husband.
The police find no body, leaving the FMC confused. As the story progresses, she sees the man again and again as she tries to go on with her life. Is she insane? Or are the appearances of this man a message her brain won't accept?
I enjoyed the psychological elements involving trauma and memory. However, at times, the dialogue and phrasing felt a little too forced for my taste, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.
The ending unfolded well and brought the unanswered questions full circle. For those who enjoy psychological suspense involving buried memories and unreliable perceptions, you may enjoy this one.
I gave it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
The police find no body, leaving the FMC confused. As the story progresses, she sees the man again and again as she tries to go on with her life. Is she insane? Or are the appearances of this man a message her brain won't accept?
I enjoyed the psychological elements involving trauma and memory. However, at times, the dialogue and phrasing felt a little too forced for my taste, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.
The ending unfolded well and brought the unanswered questions full circle. For those who enjoy psychological suspense involving buried memories and unreliable perceptions, you may enjoy this one.
I gave it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
June 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a ride!
Carol Hall did it again with another gripping thriller. *Fractured* had me hooked from the very first chapter and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and prove me wrong.
This is the second book I've read by Carol Hall, and once again she delivered a fast-paced, suspenseful story that was hard to put down. The tension kept building, the mystery kept me guessing, and I found myself needing to know what would happen next.
If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you turning pages late into the night, *Fractured* is definitely worth adding to your TBR. I'm already looking forward to reading more from Carol Hall in the future!
What a ride!
Carol Hall did it again with another gripping thriller. *Fractured* had me hooked from the very first chapter and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and prove me wrong.
This is the second book I've read by Carol Hall, and once again she delivered a fast-paced, suspenseful story that was hard to put down. The tension kept building, the mystery kept me guessing, and I found myself needing to know what would happen next.
If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you turning pages late into the night, *Fractured* is definitely worth adding to your TBR. I'm already looking forward to reading more from Carol Hall in the future!
February 3, 2026
Carol Hall has done it again! After reading all 12 of her books I shouldn't be so shocked by the twist in the ending. She is an amazing story teller! One of my absolute favorite authors. This book will cause your heart to race as you try to sort through all the fractures... And you may think you have it all figured out but I promise you don't. I ate this book up in less than a day. I couldn't put it down. I was reading it on my lunch breaks and any chance I got. I wish there was an option to give it more than 5 stars. Well worth the read. If you like mystery with a touch of thrill give it a shot! You won't be disappointed! ❤️❤️❤️
April 15, 2026
This story has so many twists and turns that I just couldn’t put it down. I read in two evenings because well sleep. Misty loses someone close to here right where another accident happened in her early years of life.
How Misty faces this really makes you think how you yourself would handle something like this and to have the parents she has makes everything harder.
I gave this book a 5/5 stars and will recommend to other readers.
How Misty faces this really makes you think how you yourself would handle something like this and to have the parents she has makes everything harder.
I gave this book a 5/5 stars and will recommend to other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2026
Closed door very twisty psychological thriller finds FMC Misty being haunted by visions of a man in black beseeching her "to tell" after a tragic car accident kills her husband. Surprise ending, secrets revealed and overall creepy vibes make this a great read! RECOMMEND!
June 17, 2026
Very good book! I was not expecting the ending! Carol Hall is very talented and will have you hooked from the first few pages for sure! Definitely recommend 1000/10
August 20, 2026
This book was so good. Lots of twists and turns and a really surprize ending
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews