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D.I. Hannah Robbins #2
Made to Be Broken
A rising death toll. A city in panic.
A young mother is found dead in her home with no obvious cause of death. As DI Hannah Robbins and her team investigate, it soon becomes clear that the woman is the first in a long line of murders by poison.
With the body count climbing, and the city of Nottingham in social meltdown, the team finds themselves in a deadly race against a serial killer determined to prove a point.
And Hannah finds herself targeting an individual with whom she has more in common than she could possibly know.
A young mother is found dead in her home with no obvious cause of death. As DI Hannah Robbins and her team investigate, it soon becomes clear that the woman is the first in a long line of murders by poison.
With the body count climbing, and the city of Nottingham in social meltdown, the team finds themselves in a deadly race against a serial killer determined to prove a point.
And Hannah finds herself targeting an individual with whom she has more in common than she could possibly know.
364 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2016
227 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Bradley
19 books263 followersRebecca Bradley is a retired police detective who lives in the UK with her family and her two cockapoo's Alfie and Lola. They keep her company while she writes. Rebecca needs to drink copious amounts of tea to function throughout the day and if she could, she would survive on a diet of tea and cake while committing murder on a regular basis, in her writing of course.
To download a FREE novella of THREE WEEKS DEAD visit her website at rebeccabradleycrime.com
You can always chat with her on Twitter where she can be found spending far too much of her time at @RebeccaJBradley
To download a FREE novella of THREE WEEKS DEAD visit her website at rebeccabradleycrime.com
You can always chat with her on Twitter where she can be found spending far too much of her time at @RebeccaJBradley
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 22, 2018
Enjoyable second book,like this crime book its short chapters easy to read.love the characters.
June 27, 2016
DI Hannah Robbins and her team are called to investigate a series of murders by
poison. There is no rhyme nor reason to these killings ... nothing connects the
victims. It doesn't seem to matter ... women, men, children... are all showing
signs of Digoxin in their systems.
Digoxin causes symptoms of a heart attack ... so how many cases have gone
undetected....and how many more to come?
And while the body count is growing and the city is closer to a panic, Hannah is
in court. One of her team members was killed in the line of duty, under the
direct supervision of Hannah, herself. She's starting to doubt that she can
continue to lead.
And when the result of the inquest comes back ... she faces another big blow.
Reading this one makes me wish I had read the first in the series, SHALLOW
WATERS, although MADE TO BE BROKEN does fine as a stand-alone. What I'm
missing is a lot of background .. those little nuances that help set up the
characters.
The story line is solid. I really enjoy the relationships between Hannah and
her team. Even though they all seem to have one issue or another, they always
have each others' backs.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest,
unbiased review.
poison. There is no rhyme nor reason to these killings ... nothing connects the
victims. It doesn't seem to matter ... women, men, children... are all showing
signs of Digoxin in their systems.
Digoxin causes symptoms of a heart attack ... so how many cases have gone
undetected....and how many more to come?
And while the body count is growing and the city is closer to a panic, Hannah is
in court. One of her team members was killed in the line of duty, under the
direct supervision of Hannah, herself. She's starting to doubt that she can
continue to lead.
And when the result of the inquest comes back ... she faces another big blow.
Reading this one makes me wish I had read the first in the series, SHALLOW
WATERS, although MADE TO BE BROKEN does fine as a stand-alone. What I'm
missing is a lot of background .. those little nuances that help set up the
characters.
The story line is solid. I really enjoy the relationships between Hannah and
her team. Even though they all seem to have one issue or another, they always
have each others' backs.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest,
unbiased review.
August 13, 2018
Made To Be Broken is the second book in the Detective Inspector Hannah Robbins series. I highly recommend reading them in order to get full enjoyment from this novel as I feel readers will benefit from having read the previous book prior to this one.
What a case for Hannah and her team to find themselves working on. The pressure is very much on and at one point, I was thinking this may be one criminal who could potentially get away with murder!
The story flicks between the killer and Hannah and her team as they work their socks off to try and find some clues into solving the case. It definitely humanized the killer. I had a lot of empathy for him but no way could I condone what they were doing.
Made To Be Broken had me literally gripped from page one. Hats off to the author for coming up with an ingenious plot line as I really thought it was very clever and it really does make this book stand out. A very cleverly plotted crime novel that will have you racing through the pages. Can't wait to read more in the series.
What a case for Hannah and her team to find themselves working on. The pressure is very much on and at one point, I was thinking this may be one criminal who could potentially get away with murder!
The story flicks between the killer and Hannah and her team as they work their socks off to try and find some clues into solving the case. It definitely humanized the killer. I had a lot of empathy for him but no way could I condone what they were doing.
Made To Be Broken had me literally gripped from page one. Hats off to the author for coming up with an ingenious plot line as I really thought it was very clever and it really does make this book stand out. A very cleverly plotted crime novel that will have you racing through the pages. Can't wait to read more in the series.
October 12, 2016
Review first published on my blog at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Made To Be Broken is the second book in the Detective Hannah Robbins crime series, you could read it as a standalone at a push, but although it’s a new story it also deals with the aftermath of Shallow Waters ( add link). Having read Shallow Waters which i thought was fantastic, I wasn’t sure if Rebecca Bradley would be able maintain the high standard of her previous book (sorry Rebecca for having my doubts, if you happen to be reading this). I’m glad to say after reading Made To Be Broken the author is now on my list of “MUST READ AUTHORS”.
From the off Made To Be Broken is a gripping read, when Detective Hannah Robbins investigate a a young woman’s death it soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer on the loose. As panic sweeps the city, Hannah and her team find themselves under immense pressure from the public, the media and the powers that be. As events surrounding the deaths spiral out of control, the teams frustrations and determination to catch the killer are obvious and add tension to a taut plot
Detective Hannah Robbins and her team have evolved into multi dimensional characters making them very credible, as they struggle to come to come to terms with their last case the team appear fragile, Hannah is drinking more and popping pain killers and the rest of her team are making mistakes and dealing with their own problems, which make the team as a whole very authentic.
Almost from the start we know who the killer is which is always a big risk in a crime thriller, as I always find trying to guess the killer adds to the suspense, but Rebecca Bradley pulls it off by giving us chapters dedicated to the serial killer and their motivations for the crimes, which were chilling to say the least. I found the plot to be highly original in content, The police procedure is very well written and the author obviously draws on her own experience as a former police detective. Fast paced with a frightening and a very believable plot I found myself struggling to put this book down. What I particularly like about this series is how different each of the two books has been, so I will certainly be looking forward to the next book in the series, to see what Rebecca Bradley comes up with next.
Made To Be Broken is the second book in the Detective Hannah Robbins crime series, you could read it as a standalone at a push, but although it’s a new story it also deals with the aftermath of Shallow Waters ( add link). Having read Shallow Waters which i thought was fantastic, I wasn’t sure if Rebecca Bradley would be able maintain the high standard of her previous book (sorry Rebecca for having my doubts, if you happen to be reading this). I’m glad to say after reading Made To Be Broken the author is now on my list of “MUST READ AUTHORS”.
From the off Made To Be Broken is a gripping read, when Detective Hannah Robbins investigate a a young woman’s death it soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer on the loose. As panic sweeps the city, Hannah and her team find themselves under immense pressure from the public, the media and the powers that be. As events surrounding the deaths spiral out of control, the teams frustrations and determination to catch the killer are obvious and add tension to a taut plot
Detective Hannah Robbins and her team have evolved into multi dimensional characters making them very credible, as they struggle to come to come to terms with their last case the team appear fragile, Hannah is drinking more and popping pain killers and the rest of her team are making mistakes and dealing with their own problems, which make the team as a whole very authentic.
Almost from the start we know who the killer is which is always a big risk in a crime thriller, as I always find trying to guess the killer adds to the suspense, but Rebecca Bradley pulls it off by giving us chapters dedicated to the serial killer and their motivations for the crimes, which were chilling to say the least. I found the plot to be highly original in content, The police procedure is very well written and the author obviously draws on her own experience as a former police detective. Fast paced with a frightening and a very believable plot I found myself struggling to put this book down. What I particularly like about this series is how different each of the two books has been, so I will certainly be looking forward to the next book in the series, to see what Rebecca Bradley comes up with next.
June 6, 2016
I have read many many police procedural books in my time, and it is a genre I greatly enjoy. Rarely though do I find one that has such a compelling story and that grips the reader right to the very end.
Made to be Broken starts out with a somewhat confusing range of apparently disconnected scenes - and then suddenly it becomes horrifyingly clear what is going on. This isn't a story of a scheming and devious serial killer - without telling you what it is all about it couldn't actually be much more different from that model! In fact it is because this story is so different that the reader is left at a loss how the police are ever going to get a grip on these deaths and gain some traction on solving them.
Added to that the team led by DI Hannah Robbins is struggling. In the previous book they lost one of their own, and each member of the team is dealing with the fallout from that in their own way - and dealing with their own demons too..
And then the investigation starts to hit even more problems. Circumstances escalate in ways that couldn't be predicted, but they are absolutely believable, and horrifyingly compelling. As if the investigating team weren't under enough pressure they are now struggling with an impossible series of cases, pressures from above, from the public, from the press and from within. And still without much in the way of a lead.
It's a gripping read - beautifully and believably written, and it held me to the very end - I really genuinely couldn't put it down. I just can't wait for the next one in the DI Hannah Robbins series.
Made to be Broken starts out with a somewhat confusing range of apparently disconnected scenes - and then suddenly it becomes horrifyingly clear what is going on. This isn't a story of a scheming and devious serial killer - without telling you what it is all about it couldn't actually be much more different from that model! In fact it is because this story is so different that the reader is left at a loss how the police are ever going to get a grip on these deaths and gain some traction on solving them.
Added to that the team led by DI Hannah Robbins is struggling. In the previous book they lost one of their own, and each member of the team is dealing with the fallout from that in their own way - and dealing with their own demons too..
And then the investigation starts to hit even more problems. Circumstances escalate in ways that couldn't be predicted, but they are absolutely believable, and horrifyingly compelling. As if the investigating team weren't under enough pressure they are now struggling with an impossible series of cases, pressures from above, from the public, from the press and from within. And still without much in the way of a lead.
It's a gripping read - beautifully and believably written, and it held me to the very end - I really genuinely couldn't put it down. I just can't wait for the next one in the DI Hannah Robbins series.
March 7, 2019
Book two in the series. A good solid read. Fuller review to follow. Rating is 3.5 stars.
November 28, 2016
Having read and enjoyed Shallow Waters I was looking forward to reading Made To Be Broken, the second novel to feature Nottingham based DI Hannah Robbins.
Hannah and her team are still recovering, both physically and mentally from the events of Shallow Waters six months ago. As a result of this they have been on the Serious Crimes version of light duties, open and shut cases where good paperwork rather than investigation will get a conviction. They have no reason to think they will be involved in anything more serious when they are called out to another suspicious death. Lianne Beers has been found dead in a puddle of vomit with only a few bruises and some upturned furniture to suggest foul play so they're not sure what to make of it. The reader, however, knows not only that she has been poisoned but also the perpetrator and it seems that Nottingham has its very own food contaminator. As the bodies pile up and unrest grows Hannah and her team are hard pushed to find the perpetrator.
I found Made To Be Broken is a bit of a disappointing read, probably due to the format. It is mostly a first person narrative from Hannah's point of view so not only do you get the police investigation you get a whole load of unnecessary detail on her failed love life but very little on what she does in her downtime except drink wine and swallow painkillers. This is interspersed with third person descriptions of the victims' last minutes and endless chapters on Isaac the poisoner's motives. The constantly shifting narrative makes it difficult to identify with the characters who are fairly one dimensional anyway and get absorbed.
As Ms Bradley is a former detective I have to assume that her take on how investigations work is based on reality but it all seems a bit woolly and amateurish to me. Hannah gets very little support from senior staff, in fact the bullying and hectoring which seems to be their modus operandi looks distinctly old fashioned. The investigation does not have any clear direction until a sudden brainwave from Hannah wraps it up in an hour.
I think the descriptions of the police reaction to public unrest over the poisonings is the most compelling part of the novel as it seems so real and immediate, although the unrest itself seems implausible.
Made To Be Broken is an ok read but not much more.
Hannah and her team are still recovering, both physically and mentally from the events of Shallow Waters six months ago. As a result of this they have been on the Serious Crimes version of light duties, open and shut cases where good paperwork rather than investigation will get a conviction. They have no reason to think they will be involved in anything more serious when they are called out to another suspicious death. Lianne Beers has been found dead in a puddle of vomit with only a few bruises and some upturned furniture to suggest foul play so they're not sure what to make of it. The reader, however, knows not only that she has been poisoned but also the perpetrator and it seems that Nottingham has its very own food contaminator. As the bodies pile up and unrest grows Hannah and her team are hard pushed to find the perpetrator.
I found Made To Be Broken is a bit of a disappointing read, probably due to the format. It is mostly a first person narrative from Hannah's point of view so not only do you get the police investigation you get a whole load of unnecessary detail on her failed love life but very little on what she does in her downtime except drink wine and swallow painkillers. This is interspersed with third person descriptions of the victims' last minutes and endless chapters on Isaac the poisoner's motives. The constantly shifting narrative makes it difficult to identify with the characters who are fairly one dimensional anyway and get absorbed.
As Ms Bradley is a former detective I have to assume that her take on how investigations work is based on reality but it all seems a bit woolly and amateurish to me. Hannah gets very little support from senior staff, in fact the bullying and hectoring which seems to be their modus operandi looks distinctly old fashioned. The investigation does not have any clear direction until a sudden brainwave from Hannah wraps it up in an hour.
I think the descriptions of the police reaction to public unrest over the poisonings is the most compelling part of the novel as it seems so real and immediate, although the unrest itself seems implausible.
Made To Be Broken is an ok read but not much more.
July 10, 2016
Booktrail the locations here Made to be Broken
Rebecca Bradley has done it again. Character s from the first book come back with a vengeance and I’m even more in awe/scared/nervous around DI Hannah Robbins than I was the first time. You’d want her on your side in a fight of any kind that’s for sure.
I am really starting to want more of these books and to meet Hannah again (once I get my strength back) as she is one of a kind. Rebecca herself was in the police and the level of insight in what goes on and more importantly what doesn’t go on, really cuts to the chase. I was right there in the room with the characters, felt their tension and frustration. The use of flashbacks in particularly was a nice plot device that created the story to propel forward with Hannah at the wheel.
The story of the poisoning was unique as I’d not read about this since the last Victorian novel I’d read. But Rebecca has really given this a new twist and it’s not the story you think it will be as you start. The next thing you know, you’re actually starting to doubt your own everyday…. now that’s a good novel.
Rebecca Bradley has done it again. Character s from the first book come back with a vengeance and I’m even more in awe/scared/nervous around DI Hannah Robbins than I was the first time. You’d want her on your side in a fight of any kind that’s for sure.
I am really starting to want more of these books and to meet Hannah again (once I get my strength back) as she is one of a kind. Rebecca herself was in the police and the level of insight in what goes on and more importantly what doesn’t go on, really cuts to the chase. I was right there in the room with the characters, felt their tension and frustration. The use of flashbacks in particularly was a nice plot device that created the story to propel forward with Hannah at the wheel.
The story of the poisoning was unique as I’d not read about this since the last Victorian novel I’d read. But Rebecca has really given this a new twist and it’s not the story you think it will be as you start. The next thing you know, you’re actually starting to doubt your own everyday…. now that’s a good novel.
June 6, 2016
Having read Rebecca Bradley's debut novel Shallow Waters, a book I thoroughly enjoyed, I was looking forward to reading the next one in the series. I even entered a competition to have my name mentioned in the book, which to my surprise I won!
Rebecca kindly sent me an advanced review copy which I have just finished reading.
I must admit that having read Shallow Waters I did wonder if this book would be as good or if the first would be a "one hit wonder" I needn't have worried as Made to be Broken follows on seamlessly and deals not only with the aftermath of Shallow Waters but brings a whole new story line which is gripping from beginning to end. The police procedure is very well written and obviously draws on her own experience as a former police detective.
I do not want to give any of the story line away but I would recommend that if you haven't already read Shallow Waters then you read that first as I am sure you will then enjoy Made to be Broken. I hope very much that there will eventually be a third book in this series.
Rebecca kindly sent me an advanced review copy which I have just finished reading.
I must admit that having read Shallow Waters I did wonder if this book would be as good or if the first would be a "one hit wonder" I needn't have worried as Made to be Broken follows on seamlessly and deals not only with the aftermath of Shallow Waters but brings a whole new story line which is gripping from beginning to end. The police procedure is very well written and obviously draws on her own experience as a former police detective.
I do not want to give any of the story line away but I would recommend that if you haven't already read Shallow Waters then you read that first as I am sure you will then enjoy Made to be Broken. I hope very much that there will eventually be a third book in this series.
February 28, 2017
I didn't this was as strong as the first book Shallow Waters. It started off quite slowly. A bunch of random people die in inexplicable circumstances. They have no connection to each other. It transpires they have been poisoned but the delivery method is a complete mystery.
Its pretty obvious who is doing this quite early in the story. The rationale was twisted (not particularly logical) and overly repeated throughout the book By the fourth telling I'm yelling "I know!" It got a bit better in the second half. We learn a bit more about Hannah but not as much as I would like. I still don't feel quite connected to these characters. I hope the next book is more like the first. Overall - reasonably good but not particularly thrilling or compelling.
Its pretty obvious who is doing this quite early in the story. The rationale was twisted (not particularly logical) and overly repeated throughout the book By the fourth telling I'm yelling "I know!" It got a bit better in the second half. We learn a bit more about Hannah but not as much as I would like. I still don't feel quite connected to these characters. I hope the next book is more like the first. Overall - reasonably good but not particularly thrilling or compelling.
June 20, 2016
I would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
I read and loved Ms Bradley's first book "Shallow Waters" so I jumped at the chance of reading an ARC of this.
It was great to meet DI Hannah Robbins and her team again. I think I enjoyed this book more as I already knew some of the characters.
Ms Bradley has produced a riveting crime thriller. It's a compelling read - once you start it's almost impossible to put down.
I will admit to being confused as I read the first few chapters but then suddenly, it all came together and made perfect sense.
If you love a good crime thriller then this is certainly one for you.
I look forward to reading many more books featuring Hannah and her team.
I read and loved Ms Bradley's first book "Shallow Waters" so I jumped at the chance of reading an ARC of this.
It was great to meet DI Hannah Robbins and her team again. I think I enjoyed this book more as I already knew some of the characters.
Ms Bradley has produced a riveting crime thriller. It's a compelling read - once you start it's almost impossible to put down.
I will admit to being confused as I read the first few chapters but then suddenly, it all came together and made perfect sense.
If you love a good crime thriller then this is certainly one for you.
I look forward to reading many more books featuring Hannah and her team.
April 26, 2022
Rebecca Bradley has done it again this book was absolutely fantastic.
D I Hannah Robbins and her team are put under extreme pressure in this fast paced gripping storyline.
The story cleverly flicks between Hannah and her team trying to track down a killer and the actual killer during various time lines leading up to the first kill.
A number of people end up dead in various locations and situations after they have been fatally poisoned. Are these people known to the killer are these random killings is the killer trying to send out a message this is indeed a very tough case for Hannah and her team are they up for this case or is it too tough even for them after having suffered the death of one of their own in Sally?
Once it is discovered the poison is in food products all hell breaks loose as people begin to panic shopkeepers are threatened and indeed more unnecessary deaths occur as anarchy and chaos breaks out including actual police station being targeted.
Can Hannah and her team get to the killer in time before more and more people die?
It does not help Hannah the fact that her boyfriend Ethan a reporter for a local newspaper is leading the story and fractions develop between the two
A totally gripping read rollercoaster of emotions and fast paced I highly recommend this but I would also suggest reading book one prior to starting this book.
A totally fantastic audiobook brilliantly narrated!
D I Hannah Robbins and her team are put under extreme pressure in this fast paced gripping storyline.
The story cleverly flicks between Hannah and her team trying to track down a killer and the actual killer during various time lines leading up to the first kill.
A number of people end up dead in various locations and situations after they have been fatally poisoned. Are these people known to the killer are these random killings is the killer trying to send out a message this is indeed a very tough case for Hannah and her team are they up for this case or is it too tough even for them after having suffered the death of one of their own in Sally?
Once it is discovered the poison is in food products all hell breaks loose as people begin to panic shopkeepers are threatened and indeed more unnecessary deaths occur as anarchy and chaos breaks out including actual police station being targeted.
Can Hannah and her team get to the killer in time before more and more people die?
It does not help Hannah the fact that her boyfriend Ethan a reporter for a local newspaper is leading the story and fractions develop between the two
A totally gripping read rollercoaster of emotions and fast paced I highly recommend this but I would also suggest reading book one prior to starting this book.
A totally fantastic audiobook brilliantly narrated!
March 4, 2017
Ohhhh, this was a nice surprise! My first book by Rebecca Bradley,and it was really good.
June 12, 2016
I was thrilled when Rebecca Bradley sent me a very early copy of Made to Be Broken, her follow up to Shallow Waters. I know that many authors have doubts over their second novel but in my opinion she has nothing to worry about. You could probably read the two books out of sequence but they are closely linked so I would advise reading them in order.
Hannah and her team are struggling to cope after events at the end of the first book and Hannah is still recovering from injuries received. But as well as coping with what happened they are also under pressure to quickly solve a series of sudden deaths that are occurring throughout Nottingham. The reader knows who the murderer is from the beginning but not the reasons.
When I was reading I was wondering how much of Rebecca is present in Hannah, if I hadn’t have known that she used to be in the police I would have suspected it due to the level of behind the scenes knowledge. She doesn’t just tell you what the police do to get a result but also how and why. Media also shows its ugly side, every time I read a novel where they feature I’m reminded of why I never read a newspaper.
With regard to the actual killings I found them very believable and found myself being very cautious carrying out what was a usually an everyday event. The reasons why were slightly different but worked and showed how a life changing event affects people in different ways.
One of the strongest points of the novel was how close the team were. They all were deeply affected by earlier events, some had secrets and issues but they all were very close and refused to give into pressure to give up on a friend who was struggling.
A follow up that doesn’t disappoint.
Hannah and her team are struggling to cope after events at the end of the first book and Hannah is still recovering from injuries received. But as well as coping with what happened they are also under pressure to quickly solve a series of sudden deaths that are occurring throughout Nottingham. The reader knows who the murderer is from the beginning but not the reasons.
When I was reading I was wondering how much of Rebecca is present in Hannah, if I hadn’t have known that she used to be in the police I would have suspected it due to the level of behind the scenes knowledge. She doesn’t just tell you what the police do to get a result but also how and why. Media also shows its ugly side, every time I read a novel where they feature I’m reminded of why I never read a newspaper.
With regard to the actual killings I found them very believable and found myself being very cautious carrying out what was a usually an everyday event. The reasons why were slightly different but worked and showed how a life changing event affects people in different ways.
One of the strongest points of the novel was how close the team were. They all were deeply affected by earlier events, some had secrets and issues but they all were very close and refused to give into pressure to give up on a friend who was struggling.
A follow up that doesn’t disappoint.
June 26, 2016
Book 2 in the DI Hannah Robbins series, a gripping follow-up to Shallow Waters.
"A young mother is found dead in her home with no obvious cause of death. As DI Hannah Robbins and her team investigate, it soon becomes clear that the woman is the first in a long line of murders by poison.
With the body count climbing, and the city of Nottingham in social meltdown, the team finds themselves in a deadly race against a serial killer determined to prove a point."
Many of the compelling characters from the first book in the series return and we learn more about their lives against the backdrop of a tough investigation. I enjoyed the way the author moves the plot along at a fast pace while still developing believable characters. I found the main character, Hannah, less likeable this time but also more realistic. I think she has huge potential for future books.
The plot was cleverly constructed and I thought the use of flashback chapters was done well. The reader is in the know while the investigators are in the dark - a format that can sometimes disappoint but worked well here.
The author's writing style contributes to a satisfying read. Her experience of police work is obvious and gives a feel of authenticity to all aspects of the investigation. It makes a nice change not to be shouting "That wouldn't happen!" while reading a police procedural.
I enjoyed the read and would recommend this book to all crime fiction fans. However if you haven't read Shallow Waters first you'll be missing out on a lot of back story.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy e-book to review
"A young mother is found dead in her home with no obvious cause of death. As DI Hannah Robbins and her team investigate, it soon becomes clear that the woman is the first in a long line of murders by poison.
With the body count climbing, and the city of Nottingham in social meltdown, the team finds themselves in a deadly race against a serial killer determined to prove a point."
Many of the compelling characters from the first book in the series return and we learn more about their lives against the backdrop of a tough investigation. I enjoyed the way the author moves the plot along at a fast pace while still developing believable characters. I found the main character, Hannah, less likeable this time but also more realistic. I think she has huge potential for future books.
The plot was cleverly constructed and I thought the use of flashback chapters was done well. The reader is in the know while the investigators are in the dark - a format that can sometimes disappoint but worked well here.
The author's writing style contributes to a satisfying read. Her experience of police work is obvious and gives a feel of authenticity to all aspects of the investigation. It makes a nice change not to be shouting "That wouldn't happen!" while reading a police procedural.
I enjoyed the read and would recommend this book to all crime fiction fans. However if you haven't read Shallow Waters first you'll be missing out on a lot of back story.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy e-book to review
June 23, 2016
Made to be broken review
Di Hannah Robbins and her team return in this book. They are still coming to terms, mentally and physically with the incidences that happened six months earlier. They are called to a death which becomes apparent is more complex than it initially appears. When more deaths occur Hannah and her team struggle to find any connection at all between the victims which leaves them struggling to identify a motive or even predict where the killer will strike next.
Relationships between the team of detectives was a major part of Shallow Waters and this continues to be the case in Made To Be Broken. Whilst we don't see any of the other detectives outside the office we do get a real insight into what makes them tick.
From very early in this story we know who the murderer is and it is slowly revealed to us what the motive is. There is a real depth to this particular character as we see their upset at certain situations which occur.
This is a well thought out and created sequel which increases the quality of the series. It is told from different viewpoints to enhance the narrative. Clues are slowly revealed before the climax of the book is arrived at.
My only criticism would be that I think the ending was slightly rushed and I would have liked it to have slowed down but all in all it was very promising and I am looking forward to book 3 in the series.
Di Hannah Robbins and her team return in this book. They are still coming to terms, mentally and physically with the incidences that happened six months earlier. They are called to a death which becomes apparent is more complex than it initially appears. When more deaths occur Hannah and her team struggle to find any connection at all between the victims which leaves them struggling to identify a motive or even predict where the killer will strike next.
Relationships between the team of detectives was a major part of Shallow Waters and this continues to be the case in Made To Be Broken. Whilst we don't see any of the other detectives outside the office we do get a real insight into what makes them tick.
From very early in this story we know who the murderer is and it is slowly revealed to us what the motive is. There is a real depth to this particular character as we see their upset at certain situations which occur.
This is a well thought out and created sequel which increases the quality of the series. It is told from different viewpoints to enhance the narrative. Clues are slowly revealed before the climax of the book is arrived at.
My only criticism would be that I think the ending was slightly rushed and I would have liked it to have slowed down but all in all it was very promising and I am looking forward to book 3 in the series.
June 11, 2016
What can I say - WOW
Having read, and loved, her first book Shallow Waters I was eagerly awaiting her second whilst hoping that it wouldn't be a let down.
Having been selected to "proof read" an early copy I jumped at the chance.
I have to admit to being slightly mystified at the start as to how it all joined together but after the first 2-3 chapters it started to make sense and then I couldn't put it down. I didn't want it to end it was so good.
Being from Nottinghamshire it is also brilliant as there are so many things and areas that are familiar and everything gels so well that you can almost believe it could happen in the places mentioned LOL
I would thoroughly recommend this as a great book, a fab read and a geographical eye opener
Having read, and loved, her first book Shallow Waters I was eagerly awaiting her second whilst hoping that it wouldn't be a let down.
Having been selected to "proof read" an early copy I jumped at the chance.
I have to admit to being slightly mystified at the start as to how it all joined together but after the first 2-3 chapters it started to make sense and then I couldn't put it down. I didn't want it to end it was so good.
Being from Nottinghamshire it is also brilliant as there are so many things and areas that are familiar and everything gels so well that you can almost believe it could happen in the places mentioned LOL
I would thoroughly recommend this as a great book, a fab read and a geographical eye opener
December 30, 2021
A great thriller about a serial killer who is poisoning people in Nottingham. There seems to be no connection between the victims, making the case an extremely difficult one for DI Hannah Robbins and her team.
Following a tragedy in the team, in book 1 of this series Shallow Waters, some of the team are rocked by this and struggling to move forward as that case is currently under review. They struggle on together despite their own issues and work hard to find the person responsible for the poisonings.
A great read, I am really looking forward to reading more in this series. I would recommend reading Shallow Waters first as it helps in understanding the background more.
Following a tragedy in the team, in book 1 of this series Shallow Waters, some of the team are rocked by this and struggling to move forward as that case is currently under review. They struggle on together despite their own issues and work hard to find the person responsible for the poisonings.
A great read, I am really looking forward to reading more in this series. I would recommend reading Shallow Waters first as it helps in understanding the background more.
June 27, 2016
This novel is the follow-up to “Shallow Waters” by the same author, which I loved. Therefore, I was really looking forward to reading this second novel to discover what the main character, Hannah, would be dealing with next. “Made to be Broken” did not disappoint.
Hannah Robbins is a Detective Inspector working for Nottinghamshire Police. In this novel she is searching for the man or woman who is poisoning people who seem to have no obvious connection to each other or a suspect. Her team are still reeling from the death of a colleague on duty, and it is clear that Hannah’s bosses are not convinced they can handle such a difficult case. In addition, the public start to take the law into their own hands as it becomes clear a serial killer is at work.
Using a more unusual plot device in crime novels, we know ‘who-did-it’ quite early on. However, there is still a real sense of suspense as the police try to discover who they are and why they are murdering random people in the county. The story flows well and it is fast-paced, although it clearly reflects in its pace how difficult it is for the police to solve crimes where there are no discernible links.
It is very clear throughout that Rebecca Bradley is drawing on own experiences as a former police officer. In particular, she highlights the issues facing police officers working today in light of recent public spending cuts. Therefore, the police element of the book is very realistic. Furthermore, the author seems to get into the mind of the killer extremely well and although he is clearly very disturbed, we do sympathise with him also.
My one reservation is that I would say that it is important to read “Shallow Waters” before reading this novel. My partner read “Made to be Broken” without reading “Shallow Waters” first, and found that it was hard to understand what had happened previously. Since earlier events were important to the plot, the back story might have been covered more and done so earlier in the novel.
However, if you are a fan of Sharon Bolton, Angela Marsons, Lisa Hartley, Val MacDermid and other crime fiction writers, I would recommend Rebecca Bradley’s work.
Hannah Robbins is a Detective Inspector working for Nottinghamshire Police. In this novel she is searching for the man or woman who is poisoning people who seem to have no obvious connection to each other or a suspect. Her team are still reeling from the death of a colleague on duty, and it is clear that Hannah’s bosses are not convinced they can handle such a difficult case. In addition, the public start to take the law into their own hands as it becomes clear a serial killer is at work.
Using a more unusual plot device in crime novels, we know ‘who-did-it’ quite early on. However, there is still a real sense of suspense as the police try to discover who they are and why they are murdering random people in the county. The story flows well and it is fast-paced, although it clearly reflects in its pace how difficult it is for the police to solve crimes where there are no discernible links.
It is very clear throughout that Rebecca Bradley is drawing on own experiences as a former police officer. In particular, she highlights the issues facing police officers working today in light of recent public spending cuts. Therefore, the police element of the book is very realistic. Furthermore, the author seems to get into the mind of the killer extremely well and although he is clearly very disturbed, we do sympathise with him also.
My one reservation is that I would say that it is important to read “Shallow Waters” before reading this novel. My partner read “Made to be Broken” without reading “Shallow Waters” first, and found that it was hard to understand what had happened previously. Since earlier events were important to the plot, the back story might have been covered more and done so earlier in the novel.
However, if you are a fan of Sharon Bolton, Angela Marsons, Lisa Hartley, Val MacDermid and other crime fiction writers, I would recommend Rebecca Bradley’s work.
October 12, 2019
This second installment of Rebecca Bradly's DI Hannah Robbins series was a more than OK read, but it was not as exciting as the first.
Perhaps this is because the "terrorism by poisoning" thing is something I've encountered in other series (Jack Daniels and Women’s Murder Club).
The killer and motive were ho-hum, and the take-down was boring and anticlimactic.
The other problem I had was that Sally's death and inquest seemed to create tension for the sake of tension. I could see if her murder had been part of an overarching sub-mystery, but I now understand it to be the catalyst for what might be some office drama for Hannah and her team.
To digress for a bit, I'm hoping that the new addition to the team won't become Hannah's love interest; that way lay unoriginal, sexist, Beautiful Bastard-like chum.
To continue, we do learn a bit more about Hannah, mainly that she struggles with alcohol and pain killers. We get hints of this in book one, but we get much more in this installment. I appreciated these glimpses into her pain and personal failings because they serve to humanize her.
Perfect, tea totaling, morally superior step ford-bots put me off; Mary Sue's are bad.
I am also curious about Hannah's family dynamics. How did her mother die? What did her sister Zoey do to land her in prison, and what kind of drama went down surrounding Hannah's job?
I suppose I'll get to book three at some point, but it's not at the top of the TBR.
All in all, Made to be Broken was good, but not fantastic.
AllAll in all, Made to be Broken was good, but not fantastic.
Perhaps this is because the "terrorism by poisoning" thing is something I've encountered in other series (Jack Daniels and Women’s Murder Club).
The killer and motive were ho-hum, and the take-down was boring and anticlimactic.
The other problem I had was that Sally's death and inquest seemed to create tension for the sake of tension. I could see if her murder had been part of an overarching sub-mystery, but I now understand it to be the catalyst for what might be some office drama for Hannah and her team.
To digress for a bit, I'm hoping that the new addition to the team won't become Hannah's love interest; that way lay unoriginal, sexist, Beautiful Bastard-like chum.
To continue, we do learn a bit more about Hannah, mainly that she struggles with alcohol and pain killers. We get hints of this in book one, but we get much more in this installment. I appreciated these glimpses into her pain and personal failings because they serve to humanize her.
Perfect, tea totaling, morally superior step ford-bots put me off; Mary Sue's are bad.
I am also curious about Hannah's family dynamics. How did her mother die? What did her sister Zoey do to land her in prison, and what kind of drama went down surrounding Hannah's job?
I suppose I'll get to book three at some point, but it's not at the top of the TBR.
All in all, Made to be Broken was good, but not fantastic.
AllAll in all, Made to be Broken was good, but not fantastic.
June 27, 2016
I was lucky enough to get a copy of made to be broken in advance, which was great, as I'd really enjoyed the first book in the series and was eager for more. Although it's not essential to read Shallow Waters first, I would recommend it, as this book does touch on some of the events of the previous book and might spoil it a bit if you decide to go back.
In made to be broken, we join Hannah Robbins dealing with the events of the previous book. Although she has been dealing with the smaller cases, she suddenly finds herself in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer who seems to be striking at random. Poison has been put into unrelated items, in different locations and victims, who seem to have no connection, are dying quickly. Not only has Hannah got to find out who is doing this and why, but she also has to deal with the growing panic from the local population.
I loved this book, it was a fast moving and exciting read. We knew who was doing it and why, but following Hannah as she attempted to get to the bottom of it, was great. Highly recommended.
In made to be broken, we join Hannah Robbins dealing with the events of the previous book. Although she has been dealing with the smaller cases, she suddenly finds herself in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer who seems to be striking at random. Poison has been put into unrelated items, in different locations and victims, who seem to have no connection, are dying quickly. Not only has Hannah got to find out who is doing this and why, but she also has to deal with the growing panic from the local population.
I loved this book, it was a fast moving and exciting read. We knew who was doing it and why, but following Hannah as she attempted to get to the bottom of it, was great. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2016
Bravo
After recently reading the first book in this series, I pre ordered this book and picked it up the day it landed in my kindle.
Detective Hannah Robbins is a strong but not infallible female detective , which makes her relatable and likeable. This book follows on well from book 1 and continues to develop Hannah and other main characters.
There will be no spoilers from me!! The story flows at an easy pace and then wham!
! Hannah and her team are still recovering from and dealing with the fall out from the tragic events in book 1 and there are consequences as cracks begin to show. The team are up against the clock and under pressure to solve their current case and prevent further deaths. The crime and the perpetrator being both unpredictable and baffling then, explodes dramatically....
Enough said lol. Great book a must read and even though I love a cliffhanger, can't wait for book 3 x
After recently reading the first book in this series, I pre ordered this book and picked it up the day it landed in my kindle.
Detective Hannah Robbins is a strong but not infallible female detective , which makes her relatable and likeable. This book follows on well from book 1 and continues to develop Hannah and other main characters.
There will be no spoilers from me!! The story flows at an easy pace and then wham!
! Hannah and her team are still recovering from and dealing with the fall out from the tragic events in book 1 and there are consequences as cracks begin to show. The team are up against the clock and under pressure to solve their current case and prevent further deaths. The crime and the perpetrator being both unpredictable and baffling then, explodes dramatically....
Enough said lol. Great book a must read and even though I love a cliffhanger, can't wait for book 3 x
August 24, 2016
Pretty dire
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series. This does not meet with earlier promise. The main character is very lacking in redeeming qualities. Because she is so unlikable ,and the storyline is about her, it makes the book hard to connect to. She has no worthwhile relationships , her father and sister are a repetitive mystery, treated by her with contempt. Her journalist boyfriend only makes appearances to show her antagonism and sexual need . It seems this book has had too many distractions in it . None of them saved it .Save your money.
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series. This does not meet with earlier promise. The main character is very lacking in redeeming qualities. Because she is so unlikable ,and the storyline is about her, it makes the book hard to connect to. She has no worthwhile relationships , her father and sister are a repetitive mystery, treated by her with contempt. Her journalist boyfriend only makes appearances to show her antagonism and sexual need . It seems this book has had too many distractions in it . None of them saved it .Save your money.
July 14, 2016
This is a fantastic second book in this crime series set in Nottingham. The DI, Hannah, is an excellent creation, and the stories of those who make up her team are all interesting. The crime at the heart of this novel is fascinating, a change from the usual murders in crime fiction, and the picture of contemporary society which Rebecca Bradley paints is frightening. I hope there will be many more episodes in this great series.
April 13, 2017
Great story, deftly told, and a brilliant follow-up to Shallow Waters, Bradley's first book. Events from the first book are still having an impact on the characters, but that doesn't deter from the crime in hand - a chilling tale of supposedly random poisonings that are happening around Nottingham.
For a long time, I had no idea how the story would be resolved - it seemed like the police couldn't catch a break! It definitely kept me needing to read more.
For a long time, I had no idea how the story would be resolved - it seemed like the police couldn't catch a break! It definitely kept me needing to read more.
March 24, 2018
Disconcerting to Feel Empathy for a Murderer
Very good story, but at first a little difficult to read. Often we read from DI Hannah Robbins point of view, then the murderer’s story, followed by what happens to the victim - all within 3 chapters! However, once I found the book’s rhythm, it was helpful having all of events being related somewhat concurrently.
I recommend this series wholeheartedly!
Very good story, but at first a little difficult to read. Often we read from DI Hannah Robbins point of view, then the murderer’s story, followed by what happens to the victim - all within 3 chapters! However, once I found the book’s rhythm, it was helpful having all of events being related somewhat concurrently.
I recommend this series wholeheartedly!
June 29, 2016
The usual clear-sightedness and attention to detail we've come to expect from the author, plus a lot of compassion for a very unusual serial killer. A team struggling with their own emotional fall-out yet able to work together professionally. Unafraid to tackle difficult subjects and sending a chill out to readers about to engage in everyday activities...
July 2, 2016
Wow is all I can say. Brilliant book by a brilliant writer.
So many twists and turns that I didn't want to put it down. Love the fact also that I am able to put a vision to so many places. Pulls together some of the ends from the previous book so well.
Roll on her next one
So many twists and turns that I didn't want to put it down. Love the fact also that I am able to put a vision to so many places. Pulls together some of the ends from the previous book so well.
Roll on her next one
October 21, 2016
MASSIVE improvement on her first book. Where as book 1 in the series felt like a autobiography at times, this was written a lot better and a great storyline that kept you gripped. I also liked the fact that the author uses short chapters!!
July 10, 2016
Brilliant
Very well written. Interesting story, interesting police procedure. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a serial killer with a difference
Very well written. Interesting story, interesting police procedure. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a serial killer with a difference
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