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Badge of Honor #13
Broken Trust
The dramatic New York Times bestselling adventure in W.E.B. Griffin's Badge of Honor series about the Philadelphia police force.
Having investigated his share of gruesome murders, Philadelphia Homicide Sergeant Matt Payne is beginning to think nothing can shock him - until the case of a young socialite's death lands on his desk. The Camilla Rose Morgan he'd known as a teenager was beautiful and brilliant - how was it possible she'd jumped to her death from her own balcony? Her brother tells Payne she'd tragically been battling a lifetime of mental demons, and there is plenty of evidence of it, but still...something just doesn't sit right. The more Payne digs, the more complications he discovers. Reputations are on the line here, and lives - and if Payne doesn't tread carefully, one of them may be his own.
©2016 William E. Butterworth IV. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
Having investigated his share of gruesome murders, Philadelphia Homicide Sergeant Matt Payne is beginning to think nothing can shock him - until the case of a young socialite's death lands on his desk. The Camilla Rose Morgan he'd known as a teenager was beautiful and brilliant - how was it possible she'd jumped to her death from her own balcony? Her brother tells Payne she'd tragically been battling a lifetime of mental demons, and there is plenty of evidence of it, but still...something just doesn't sit right. The more Payne digs, the more complications he discovers. Reputations are on the line here, and lives - and if Payne doesn't tread carefully, one of them may be his own.
©2016 William E. Butterworth IV. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
343 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
351 books1,290 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
February 6, 2017
Killadelphia, Gawd awful! 0 of 10 stars
October 8, 2016
Homicide Sergeant Matt Payne is in a bind. After he is shot, his girlfriend loses their baby and decides to go to San Antonio in Texas at the Army burn Center without him. The mayor wants Payne out of the police department in a re-election bid. A murder takes place in front of Payne and then a female friend who raises money for charity apparently commits suicide. Payne has to find answers in a mass of corruption and illegal deals. Griffin has done his usually masterful job of story telling.
August 17, 2017
This series just isn't as good anymore, perhaps because it has gone on for too long or that it now has a co-author. It wasn't bad, but I'd love more than an adequate read. The first few in this badge of honor series were excellent!
November 17, 2016
Read most of it then skipped to the end out of slight curiosity. Won't read any other books in this series. Didn't like it at all - felt like it was written by a high school kid.
March 27, 2017
Having investigated his share of gruesome murders Philadelphia Homicide Sergeant
Matt Payne thinks that nothing can shock him until the case of a young socialite lands
on his desk. The Camilla Rose Morgan that he'd known as a teenager was brilliant and
beautiful. How was it possible that she'd jump to her death from her own balcony? Her
brother tells Payne that she'd been battling a life time of demons and there is a ton of
evidence to prove it but something just isn't right. The more Payne digs the more he
discovers. Reputations are on the line here and lives. If Payne doesn't tread carefully one
of the lives may be his own. This is book 13 in the Badge of Honor series and the story
isn't bad but they get a little carried away with all the talk about stocks and bonds.
I gave it a 3.5.
Matt Payne thinks that nothing can shock him until the case of a young socialite lands
on his desk. The Camilla Rose Morgan that he'd known as a teenager was brilliant and
beautiful. How was it possible that she'd jump to her death from her own balcony? Her
brother tells Payne that she'd been battling a life time of demons and there is a ton of
evidence to prove it but something just isn't right. The more Payne digs the more he
discovers. Reputations are on the line here and lives. If Payne doesn't tread carefully one
of the lives may be his own. This is book 13 in the Badge of Honor series and the story
isn't bad but they get a little carried away with all the talk about stocks and bonds.
I gave it a 3.5.
January 26, 2019
Matt Payne is a Philadelphia policeman. Lots of political deceit and corruption while Matt always stays honest. Slow read at times.
April 2, 2020
Great series following fictional Matt Payne through the twisted criminal and political underworld of Philadelphia.
December 21, 2016
Broken Trust by W.E.B. Griffin
I particularly Griffin's books about Philadelphia cops as I live nearby. This is another book set in the years when the term Killadelphia was applied to the city due to the number of murders in the city. Matt Payne or Wyatt Earp is the main protagonist again.
I liked this book better than Deadly Assets which was the last Philly cop story I read from Griffin. A disjointed aspect in that book decreased my affection for the story. Broken Trust flowed better and it was much easier to follow.
Griffin most definitely is familiar with Philadelphia and regardless of their names, political figures in the book are easily identified. Sadly Griffin's cynicism does not seem at all far fetched. Looking at the number of Philadelphia notables who have recently been convicted and incarcerated, his book smacks more of non-fiction than fiction. This book is better than the last but still not up to the standards of his past books.
This book was an entertaining read with a sad but realistic commentary on politics.
Web Site: http://www.webgriffin.com/home.html
I particularly Griffin's books about Philadelphia cops as I live nearby. This is another book set in the years when the term Killadelphia was applied to the city due to the number of murders in the city. Matt Payne or Wyatt Earp is the main protagonist again.
I liked this book better than Deadly Assets which was the last Philly cop story I read from Griffin. A disjointed aspect in that book decreased my affection for the story. Broken Trust flowed better and it was much easier to follow.
Griffin most definitely is familiar with Philadelphia and regardless of their names, political figures in the book are easily identified. Sadly Griffin's cynicism does not seem at all far fetched. Looking at the number of Philadelphia notables who have recently been convicted and incarcerated, his book smacks more of non-fiction than fiction. This book is better than the last but still not up to the standards of his past books.
This book was an entertaining read with a sad but realistic commentary on politics.
Web Site: http://www.webgriffin.com/home.html
November 8, 2016
Philadelphia Homicide Sargeant Matt Payne arrives at an exclusive high rise complex on private business but he's just in time to get in the middle of a murder attempt. He soon meets up with a wealthy young philanthropist, Camilla Rose Morgan, who is somehow involved with one of the men who was almost killed. Camilla Rose has a history of alcohol abuse and rehab but her charities do wonderful work with children. She invites Matt up to her condo but he declines due to following up on leads. The next morning she is dead, allegedly due to suicide by jumping off the building. Matt is not so sure whether her half-brother might have a part in this or her supposed boyfriend might have his hand in some schemes that are illegal. Big money and power are involved but that has never stopped Matt before.
I recognize this author's name but I don't recall reading any of his books before this one. I like detective stories and this one moved pretty fast in most of the book.
I recognize this author's name but I don't recall reading any of his books before this one. I like detective stories and this one moved pretty fast in most of the book.
April 16, 2018
This was an interesting read which I would describe as very action based - almost like watching a full on action cop car chasing movie - with slight peppering of romance.
The ending really puzzled me and left me extremely unsatisfied. The whole book I was chasing for answers to the murders. However when I reached the end, I was all of a sudden brought to a peppered story of romance - although it wasn’t mentioned in the last 50 pages at all. I don’t know if it’s because this book may be part of a series, or if the author briefly concluded the crimes with a simple “some murders are simply unanswered” in the middle of a page within an ongoing chapter - but I was not happy with the ending and felt like there were many missing pages to explain my unanswered questions.
I’m not sure I would read another one by this author...
The ending really puzzled me and left me extremely unsatisfied. The whole book I was chasing for answers to the murders. However when I reached the end, I was all of a sudden brought to a peppered story of romance - although it wasn’t mentioned in the last 50 pages at all. I don’t know if it’s because this book may be part of a series, or if the author briefly concluded the crimes with a simple “some murders are simply unanswered” in the middle of a page within an ongoing chapter - but I was not happy with the ending and felt like there were many missing pages to explain my unanswered questions.
I’m not sure I would read another one by this author...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2017
A who done it that never made it clear who did it. Or even what it was. Perhaps it would have been more enjoyable if I had read it instead of listening to the audio, but I doubt it. Very preachy. Characters are not well defined. Never tied up loose ends. Actually 2 stars is being gracious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2017
I found this book boring, rushed to finish it only to be rewarded with loose ends. Too many uninteresting, undeveloped characters to keep track of. Another book for which I don't understand the high ratings.
March 17, 2018
I think I liked this one best of those in this series that I've listened to thus far. Partly this was because there was considerably less foul language. There wasn't a conclusive solution to one part of the story.
May 23, 2020
Writing was ok, but editing needs work! SEVERAL times author used one name when another was supposed to be used. That really throws off the readers experience. Also, never tied up the ending of the main mystery!! The writer just stopped writing with no end to the story...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2016
Griffin & Butterworth had been concentrating on Matt Payne in the past few stories. It was nice to have Matt's family (real & police) involved more in the story.
March 7, 2017
Good book
Matt Payne is a little too good to be true, the murders that start the book do not get resolved, however it is fun read, we can look forward to more derring do from Payne,
Matt Payne is a little too good to be true, the murders that start the book do not get resolved, however it is fun read, we can look forward to more derring do from Payne,
December 27, 2023
I tend to avoid writers who have written over 20-30 books since they all seem to follow the same pattern, but this read offered me a new perspective, at least for his first book for me. A cop adopted by wealth, with no dollars of his own, was shot while killing two bad guys in the City of Brotherly Love making angry the city fathers for messing with their non-violence program. With all this drama, his girlfriend just miscarried and departed the city for greener pastures.
As with most mysteries, the gatherings at the local watering hole visited by all "real cops" were a place where the conversation centered on cheating, stealing, fighting, drinking, and of course women.
Then the excitement begins when an attractive philanthropist "falls" from her high-rise luxury apartment. This cop who is referred to as "the Wyatt Earp of Main", angers the elected city leaders by his investigation which has numerous body bags of questionable citizens. In the journey, one learns how to do a Ponzi scheme, run a charity, survive a bleeding gunshot wound, and survive in the city. The story ends on the River Walk in San Antonio as he reunites with his former girlfriend.
As with most mysteries, the gatherings at the local watering hole visited by all "real cops" were a place where the conversation centered on cheating, stealing, fighting, drinking, and of course women.
Then the excitement begins when an attractive philanthropist "falls" from her high-rise luxury apartment. This cop who is referred to as "the Wyatt Earp of Main", angers the elected city leaders by his investigation which has numerous body bags of questionable citizens. In the journey, one learns how to do a Ponzi scheme, run a charity, survive a bleeding gunshot wound, and survive in the city. The story ends on the River Walk in San Antonio as he reunites with his former girlfriend.
June 23, 2025
Mostly good but less nuanced
I’m enjoying the opportunity to continue reading stories with the well developed characters that W.E.B. Griffin left us after he passed away in 2019. The characters themselves are still the people who we’ve known for years. However the various story arcs within this book aren’t as fully nuanced as they are in the earlier books.
The characters behave in ways that jibe with their previous iterations, but they don’t spend as much time arriving at their respective conclusions regarding cases. While I haven’t checked to be certain, this book & book 12 both feel shorter. Both have rather abrupt endings as well.
I still plan to read the new books in the assorted series as they are still good reads. Just not up to their previous standards.
I’m enjoying the opportunity to continue reading stories with the well developed characters that W.E.B. Griffin left us after he passed away in 2019. The characters themselves are still the people who we’ve known for years. However the various story arcs within this book aren’t as fully nuanced as they are in the earlier books.
The characters behave in ways that jibe with their previous iterations, but they don’t spend as much time arriving at their respective conclusions regarding cases. While I haven’t checked to be certain, this book & book 12 both feel shorter. Both have rather abrupt endings as well.
I still plan to read the new books in the assorted series as they are still good reads. Just not up to their previous standards.
October 5, 2017
This series just isn't as fun as it was, perhaps because it has gone on for too long. It wasn't bad, just an adequate read.This episode flowed better than it's predecessor and it was much easier to follow. At only 7+ hours, it did not labor through the infinitude police bureaucracy--very much. There were too many uninteresting, undeveloped characters to keep track of--which contributed to the melee. Another I keep saying I'm done with Griffin..maybe a hiatus?
February 3, 2019
This one was a solid, mostly enjoyable police drama with memorable and likeable protagonist.
The plot was well rendered and whilst there were no surprises, it was a satisfying read.
The ending was quite sweet (in a good way) and rounded out the story nicely. Having said that, the actual tale was fairly forgettable and even the 'action' parts were rather subdued.
Not the worst book that I've read this summer but not the best either.
The plot was well rendered and whilst there were no surprises, it was a satisfying read.
The ending was quite sweet (in a good way) and rounded out the story nicely. Having said that, the actual tale was fairly forgettable and even the 'action' parts were rather subdued.
Not the worst book that I've read this summer but not the best either.
June 2, 2017
As always, superb
I have ever book of every set of stories that you have written.
I wait impatiently for each new story.
My only problem is that once I start reading each new book it turns into a reading marathon, ending only when I finish the book :-).
As a Marine Officer I really enjoy your military stories, especially The Corps.
BRAVO ZULU!!!
I have ever book of every set of stories that you have written.
I wait impatiently for each new story.
My only problem is that once I start reading each new book it turns into a reading marathon, ending only when I finish the book :-).
As a Marine Officer I really enjoy your military stories, especially The Corps.
BRAVO ZULU!!!
August 1, 2017
Hopefully this is not the end of Wyatt Earl of the Mainline
This story has been a joy to read and as a Marine and LEO I want to thank the author for his many books that carry the authenticity of life as a military and law enforcement member. I hope to read many more of his stories.
This story has been a joy to read and as a Marine and LEO I want to thank the author for his many books that carry the authenticity of life as a military and law enforcement member. I hope to read many more of his stories.
May 31, 2018
Awesome book!!!!
I can't believe how great this latest book has been! I am eagerly awaiting the next one! If you haven't read this series then you need too, if you have you have to read this book. The continual charter development is awesome and the story plot leaves you bring for more.
I can't believe how great this latest book has been! I am eagerly awaiting the next one! If you haven't read this series then you need too, if you have you have to read this book. The continual charter development is awesome and the story plot leaves you bring for more.
June 20, 2018
WEB brings Honor back to The Badge & pulls the Cloak off those who Dishonour It
A mature Matt Payne delivers in a complex story filled with character details & interesting facts to fill them out. It should set up new opportunities for a follow on series that has even more range.
Given the news on FBI & DOJ & politics, this book is very realistic.
A mature Matt Payne delivers in a complex story filled with character details & interesting facts to fill them out. It should set up new opportunities for a follow on series that has even more range.
Given the news on FBI & DOJ & politics, this book is very realistic.
July 12, 2018
Broken Trust*******
I have finished the book now! Boy it was hard for me to get into. The first half of the book was very convoluted to me. I seriously could not follow or enjoy it. I made myself keep going and I thoroughly enjoyed the end. I still do not know what happened at the beginning but, Matt is a good guy and we should be looking for some men like him.
I have finished the book now! Boy it was hard for me to get into. The first half of the book was very convoluted to me. I seriously could not follow or enjoy it. I made myself keep going and I thoroughly enjoyed the end. I still do not know what happened at the beginning but, Matt is a good guy and we should be looking for some men like him.
June 24, 2021
What happened?
I have read everything that W.E.B. Griffin has written. Naturally, with such a prolific author, some books are a little better than others. Coming to the end of a chapter, I found that I had come to the end of the book! For the first time I was left in the middle of the story with a good (if incomplete) plot with no closure. Very disappointing.
I have read everything that W.E.B. Griffin has written. Naturally, with such a prolific author, some books are a little better than others. Coming to the end of a chapter, I found that I had come to the end of the book! For the first time I was left in the middle of the story with a good (if incomplete) plot with no closure. Very disappointing.
October 24, 2016
I've long followed all of W.E.B. Griffin's series of books. His books on the Philadelphia Police Department are my favorites. As with all of the books I enjoy the breakdown of material into short, daily, hunks. Very enjoyable book
May 28, 2018
Could not be better!
I have read just about all of W.E.B. Griffins books and this matches up with the rest. Matt has always been a interesting read and this one did not disappoint me. Read Griffins books and enjoy a treat!
I have read just about all of W.E.B. Griffins books and this matches up with the rest. Matt has always been a interesting read and this one did not disappoint me. Read Griffins books and enjoy a treat!
June 25, 2018
Nice to see another Badge book
It was good to see Matt Payne back in action. I'd like to see him out his gun away for a while. Maybe he will in the next book. Love the characters, even the bad ones. A nice look into the Philadelphia PD..
It was good to see Matt Payne back in action. I'd like to see him out his gun away for a while. Maybe he will in the next book. Love the characters, even the bad ones. A nice look into the Philadelphia PD..
June 25, 2018
Another Web book on the men in blue
This tome continued Web’s tradition of using repetition as filler. The writing seemed a little different causing me to wonder if Web is even involved in the writing
This tome continued Web’s tradition of using repetition as filler. The writing seemed a little different causing me to wonder if Web is even involved in the writing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews