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Warwick Cooper Thrillers #1
Broken: Book One Of The Warwick Cooper Thrillers
Carl Ashbeck is a psychopath. The signs were ignored in childhood, and his behaviour allowed to escalate. Leaving himself no alternative but to run away from home, he joins the US army and is deployed to Vietnam, where he meets a man who feeds his imagination beyond his wildest dreams. During the last hours, there’s reason to seek revenge on the men who served with him and once on home soil, his personal vendetta commences. Fleeing to London, blood is soon shed on her soil too. Years later, a team of three female detectives catch up with Ashbeck and he’s sent to prison for horrific crimes. With time on his hands, he plots his revenge.We re-join him the day he escapes from prison, determined to see each of these women broken. Katie-Ann Warwick has, however, teamed up with Sam Cooper and he won’t see any harm come to her. Together they vanish from society in an unconventional way and venture undercover to fight the conspiracies and corruption that Ashbeck has created within London’s metropolitan police force. They need to trace a kidnapped woman, Kate’s friend and former colleague, they believe to be at Ashbeck’s mercy. Faced with many truths that will test their faith in humanity, this dynamic duo will take you on a nail-biting journey of consequence, revenge, injustice and intrigue that will have you re-evaluating who you can trust.
- GenresThriller
270 pages, ebook
Published November 14, 2017
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Donna Siggers
16 books18 followersThank you for your interest in my writing.
Within my novels I encompass my knowledge of criminology and psychology. My characters are often corrupt with the intention of dragging others along with them. The story lines convey real life situations with dramatic consequences and race against the clock demands on life. Pushing boundaries of what might make you uncomfortable to read, rest assured it made me uncomfortable to write; but I never go beyond reality. My writing is dark, brutal, and often crawl, but there is a softer side, too.
As an advocate for mental health and, having survived trauma, I’ve written intensively about my own recovery on subjects close to my heart. Trauma is, after all, the reason I began writing.
I showcase my journalism on my Soul2Ink blog attached to my website.
Within my novels I encompass my knowledge of criminology and psychology. My characters are often corrupt with the intention of dragging others along with them. The story lines convey real life situations with dramatic consequences and race against the clock demands on life. Pushing boundaries of what might make you uncomfortable to read, rest assured it made me uncomfortable to write; but I never go beyond reality. My writing is dark, brutal, and often crawl, but there is a softer side, too.
As an advocate for mental health and, having survived trauma, I’ve written intensively about my own recovery on subjects close to my heart. Trauma is, after all, the reason I began writing.
I showcase my journalism on my Soul2Ink blog attached to my website.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 15, 2019
I like the way how authors mix the emotional and professional side of this story. Two cops are lovers, but they must collaborate together and put their emotions in the background. I felt tense with every chapter because I never knew who will be the victim in the next chapter. Who is involved with twisted killer Carl Ashbeck and to whom they can trust? The story is interesting because of involving tarot and black magic like a symbolic way to punish victims. It could be a crime serial for those with strong nerves.
July 28, 2018
A common dictionary definition of “trust” is being able to predict what other people will do, and having confidence in the eventual outcome. What a wonderful concept! However, trust is a tricky business which takes a long time to build, and an instant to lose. So what happens when you are not really sure of who to trust? You find yourself being unable to trust your friends, family, colleagues, institutions…anyone. What would you do? Now let’s add the chilling and riveting elements of a top-notch thriller into this scenario. What you are left with is all the ingredients for one awesome story! If this all intrigues you, then Broken, by author Donna Siggers is a novel which will ensnare you with its complex web of intrigue and action.
The story is Part One in a series of thrillers which follow the escapades of Katie-Ann Warwick and Sam Cooper. Sparks are about to fly in more ways than one! Due to a series of unforeseen events, they are teamed up together to find a kidnapped woman and solve a series of apparently related crimes. To make this even more interesting, they believe this has all the earmarks of a demented escaped prisoner by the name of Carl Ashbeck. He has a serious grudge against Katie-Ann and will stop at nothing to inflict his own particular brand of justice. What follows is a race against time as Katie-Ann and Sam battle Ashbeck’s criminal network and the corruption in the police department which seems to go all the way to the top. Will they find Ashbeck before it is too late? Or will he continue upon his path of evil destruction and ultimately claim Katie-Ann as another hapless victim?
The plot of this story is extremely fast moving, intricate and nail-biting! The theme of “trust nobody” is conspicuous and permeates throughout the entire novel. This motif serves to make the story even more captivating and engrossing as it keeps the reader guessing during the course of events. The reader will be truly engaged as they attempt to predict what will happen next. However, there are so many twists and turns in this thriller that any educated guess in regards to plot development will likely fall flat on its face. Indeed, that is one of the contributing factors which make this story so captivating in the first place! Also, all of the main elements needed in thrillers, such as suspense, excitement and anticipation, are used exceedingly well in Broken. There can be little doubt that this is one of those books which you simply do not want to put down!
While the plot is thoroughly developed and engrossing, so are the various characters in the story. Their development throughout the book is smooth and steady. We have the cunningly demented Ashbeck, to the strong and somewhat stubborn Sam. While the pure evilness of Ashbeck depicts him as a loathsome individual, it also makes him somewhat mesmerizing. A perfect villain. Sam on the other hand is very likeable and steady throughout the tale. Nevertheless, our understanding and familiarity with him grows with each passing page. All that being said, we are able to identify and learn the most about Katie-Ann as the story is told mainly through her eyes and perspective. She grows a great deal and transforms from an apprehensive and fearful character to a strong and steady woman. The birth of a capable leader occurs before our very eyes. Naturally there are a host of other characters within the novel, and the author provides more than sufficient information and details so that we are able to identify with them. A true lesson in character development.
Due to some very violent scenes and sexual incidents, this book is recommended for an adult audience. There are a few very graphic scenes so be forewarned. It is not for the squeamish! Nevertheless, it is a wonderful thriller and is given the highest recommendation by this reviewer.
5 out of 5 Riveting Stars for this one!
The story is Part One in a series of thrillers which follow the escapades of Katie-Ann Warwick and Sam Cooper. Sparks are about to fly in more ways than one! Due to a series of unforeseen events, they are teamed up together to find a kidnapped woman and solve a series of apparently related crimes. To make this even more interesting, they believe this has all the earmarks of a demented escaped prisoner by the name of Carl Ashbeck. He has a serious grudge against Katie-Ann and will stop at nothing to inflict his own particular brand of justice. What follows is a race against time as Katie-Ann and Sam battle Ashbeck’s criminal network and the corruption in the police department which seems to go all the way to the top. Will they find Ashbeck before it is too late? Or will he continue upon his path of evil destruction and ultimately claim Katie-Ann as another hapless victim?
The plot of this story is extremely fast moving, intricate and nail-biting! The theme of “trust nobody” is conspicuous and permeates throughout the entire novel. This motif serves to make the story even more captivating and engrossing as it keeps the reader guessing during the course of events. The reader will be truly engaged as they attempt to predict what will happen next. However, there are so many twists and turns in this thriller that any educated guess in regards to plot development will likely fall flat on its face. Indeed, that is one of the contributing factors which make this story so captivating in the first place! Also, all of the main elements needed in thrillers, such as suspense, excitement and anticipation, are used exceedingly well in Broken. There can be little doubt that this is one of those books which you simply do not want to put down!
While the plot is thoroughly developed and engrossing, so are the various characters in the story. Their development throughout the book is smooth and steady. We have the cunningly demented Ashbeck, to the strong and somewhat stubborn Sam. While the pure evilness of Ashbeck depicts him as a loathsome individual, it also makes him somewhat mesmerizing. A perfect villain. Sam on the other hand is very likeable and steady throughout the tale. Nevertheless, our understanding and familiarity with him grows with each passing page. All that being said, we are able to identify and learn the most about Katie-Ann as the story is told mainly through her eyes and perspective. She grows a great deal and transforms from an apprehensive and fearful character to a strong and steady woman. The birth of a capable leader occurs before our very eyes. Naturally there are a host of other characters within the novel, and the author provides more than sufficient information and details so that we are able to identify with them. A true lesson in character development.
Due to some very violent scenes and sexual incidents, this book is recommended for an adult audience. There are a few very graphic scenes so be forewarned. It is not for the squeamish! Nevertheless, it is a wonderful thriller and is given the highest recommendation by this reviewer.
5 out of 5 Riveting Stars for this one!
February 3, 2019
Broken is the first in a series of thrillers featuring Katie-Ann Warwick and Sam Cooper. We join this dynamic duo as their relationship heats up and they have reason to work together once again. Drawing on Sam’s undercover experience to trace a kidnapped woman, Kate’s friend and old colleague, they have every reason to suspect she’s at the mercy of a prisoner who has just escaped – Carl Ashbeck.
Ashbeck has Kate on his agenda and very much in his sights.
Will Sam and Kate get the break they need or will the corruption within London’s Metropolitan police hold them back? And, will Sam’s past cast a shadow on the investigation?
.
Hmmm?
.
"Broken" by Donna Siggers.
This story is fast moving and so intricate! Main theme is, that you can not trust nobody. While reading I could not guess the course of events, I just wait for what, will happen next. Many twists and turns in this psychological thriller, which made me nervous. Suspens, excitement, anticipation, used very well. I'm sure, that you will not want to put this book down! 5/5⭐
Ashbeck has Kate on his agenda and very much in his sights.
Will Sam and Kate get the break they need or will the corruption within London’s Metropolitan police hold them back? And, will Sam’s past cast a shadow on the investigation?
.
Hmmm?
.
"Broken" by Donna Siggers.
This story is fast moving and so intricate! Main theme is, that you can not trust nobody. While reading I could not guess the course of events, I just wait for what, will happen next. Many twists and turns in this psychological thriller, which made me nervous. Suspens, excitement, anticipation, used very well. I'm sure, that you will not want to put this book down! 5/5⭐
September 17, 2018
Riveting! Make sure you’ve got plenty of time to read!
I can’t tell you the last time I’ve read a book in one day.
While there were a few things in this book that distracted me (switching character’s POV), it took no more than seconds to realize the difference.
Oh my goodness! I’m hooked on this series.
This could easily be a movie or series.
I can’t tell you the last time I’ve read a book in one day.
While there were a few things in this book that distracted me (switching character’s POV), it took no more than seconds to realize the difference.
Oh my goodness! I’m hooked on this series.
This could easily be a movie or series.
May 25, 2020
What a page turner! I really did not want to put this book down. It was well told and absolutely gripping. At the beginning we learn about Carl Ashbeck, his history with Katie-Ann Warwick and her colleagues Mel and Jen, and how he intends to take his revenge on them all.
The story then centres on Katie-Ann and is told mostly from her perspective. It is part of a trilogy, although parts 2 & 3 are not yet published. The ending left me frustrated that I didn't find out the significance of the attack on the family at the beginning of the story, or learn who Jade really was, and I would happily pick up Part 2 today if it was available, to get those questions answered.
A 5 star read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
The story then centres on Katie-Ann and is told mostly from her perspective. It is part of a trilogy, although parts 2 & 3 are not yet published. The ending left me frustrated that I didn't find out the significance of the attack on the family at the beginning of the story, or learn who Jade really was, and I would happily pick up Part 2 today if it was available, to get those questions answered.
A 5 star read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
July 20, 2020
In the beginning of this thriller set in England, author Donna Siggers, draws for the readers the interesting characters, Katie-Anne Warwick and Sam Coopers’s. Siggers gives us their background as ex-partners in the police department. The inciting incident of Katie missing her train home is a coincidence that leads her straight into the arms of Sam Cooper, now divorced from his wife. However despite this, I wouldn’t consider this a romantic mystery.
From here on in there are scenes of death and destruction at the hands of the demented Carl Ashbeck. The novel plot takes many twists and turns, but one of the distracting features to the story is, in my humble opinion, that there are way too many characters, and introductions to new characters late in the book.
Lovers of this genre will undoubtedly find much to be admired in this first book of the series, and will certainly want to continue reading this author. Congrats on a fine mystery!
From here on in there are scenes of death and destruction at the hands of the demented Carl Ashbeck. The novel plot takes many twists and turns, but one of the distracting features to the story is, in my humble opinion, that there are way too many characters, and introductions to new characters late in the book.
Lovers of this genre will undoubtedly find much to be admired in this first book of the series, and will certainly want to continue reading this author. Congrats on a fine mystery!
December 17, 2018
Very dark crime thriller
This is a well written gritty crime story set in Britain. Strong lead female character, good plot and a terrifying psychopath. Some disturbing violent scenes. Worth a read if you enjoy British crime thrillers, will not disappoint.
This is a well written gritty crime story set in Britain. Strong lead female character, good plot and a terrifying psychopath. Some disturbing violent scenes. Worth a read if you enjoy British crime thrillers, will not disappoint.
February 4, 2018
If you like your criminals bad, you’re in the right place! Three friends’ lives change instantly because of one very disturbed man & as you will everything to be OK, you’re never quite sure it will. Then, just as you’re nearing the end, an unexpected change of direction hits hard. Looking forward to the sequel
May 21, 2018
Compelling from start to finish.
Wow! This book has all the hallmarks of a Netflix series in the making. Brilliantly written and engaging the reader from the beginning to end. If you’re a fan of detective crime novels, be sure to make this your next read.
Wow! This book has all the hallmarks of a Netflix series in the making. Brilliantly written and engaging the reader from the beginning to end. If you’re a fan of detective crime novels, be sure to make this your next read.
June 18, 2018
This is a well executed crime thriller - and is thrilling in all the right places. The characters are well developed and believable and you get to know them well, which in the case of the villain is pretty scary!
December 11, 2019
Hello my Fellow Book Dragons. Our Gem this time is quite a nasty thing indeed and I say that in all sincerity. It is blacker than the darkest onyx, there are lines of green and red alternating through it like a beacon warning of danger, death and poison. Nature’s way of screaming Do Not Touch. You will notice I hold it up before you with this set of silver tongs. Let us put it back in this little Lead box and I will describe this tale to you and then it’s maker.
This is “Broken”. This is one of the creepiest stories about a serial killer I have ever read. If Thomas Harris has an English baby sister, it’s Gem Maker Donna Siggers. This is the story of former Police Officer Katie-Ann Warwick. She and her former partners were split up after the capture and conviction of serial rapist/torturer Carl Ashbeck. His victims were scarred for life. One committed suicide. The police women who captured him were scarred, too. Katie-Ann was nearly killed in his apprehension when he knifed her in the back. She resigned, moved to a little fishing village. Her sister officers went to other, smaller, quieter districts. What no one knew, no one, was that Carl Ashbeck was dead, the real Carl, the one who had his birth certificate stolen. The one murdered years before by Alec Johnson.
Alec who tool over Carl’s life. Alec who has built a fortune and network of human trafficking. Alec whose clients, great and small, whose names reach into the upper echelons of society, including the police department, love his business and protect him. They would like nothing better than to help him clear the road of Katie and her friends even now, when none of them are a real threat, because just the fact they are alive, makes them so.
Katie has just hooked up with an old friend, Sam Cooper. They have just realized that ‘friend’ only describes part of how they feel about each other and the ex-partners are getting to know each other better than ever before. Katie and Sam are about to have their bliss shattered. We are about to be taken on one of the best Serial Killer Rides I have ever had the pleasure of being on. This year has been a great year for psychological thrillers. This year I have read several that have knocked my scales off. I just added one more to the list. Thank you, Ms. Siggers!
Get this book, now, today, find a time machine and order it last night. It is available on Amazon . It is the first in a series of three – The Warwick Cooper Thrillers Book 1. You will want to read all three, so ask Santa to bring you this one and then grab the other two!
I did want to tell you a bit about our Gem Maker. She was working hard on this book, when she was assaulted and suffered a brain injury. She lost her memory and at one point could only write for 10 minutes at a time. Ten minutes is barely getting warmed up for most writers. She pushed on and persevered. She completed this 80,000 word work and thank God for it. It is a masterpiece! She is an amazing writer, woman and inspiration.
Watch for Tea Time Tuesday later this evening, when I will be reviewing “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” by Mustang Patty. Drakon T. Longwitten
This is “Broken”. This is one of the creepiest stories about a serial killer I have ever read. If Thomas Harris has an English baby sister, it’s Gem Maker Donna Siggers. This is the story of former Police Officer Katie-Ann Warwick. She and her former partners were split up after the capture and conviction of serial rapist/torturer Carl Ashbeck. His victims were scarred for life. One committed suicide. The police women who captured him were scarred, too. Katie-Ann was nearly killed in his apprehension when he knifed her in the back. She resigned, moved to a little fishing village. Her sister officers went to other, smaller, quieter districts. What no one knew, no one, was that Carl Ashbeck was dead, the real Carl, the one who had his birth certificate stolen. The one murdered years before by Alec Johnson.
Alec who tool over Carl’s life. Alec who has built a fortune and network of human trafficking. Alec whose clients, great and small, whose names reach into the upper echelons of society, including the police department, love his business and protect him. They would like nothing better than to help him clear the road of Katie and her friends even now, when none of them are a real threat, because just the fact they are alive, makes them so.
Katie has just hooked up with an old friend, Sam Cooper. They have just realized that ‘friend’ only describes part of how they feel about each other and the ex-partners are getting to know each other better than ever before. Katie and Sam are about to have their bliss shattered. We are about to be taken on one of the best Serial Killer Rides I have ever had the pleasure of being on. This year has been a great year for psychological thrillers. This year I have read several that have knocked my scales off. I just added one more to the list. Thank you, Ms. Siggers!
Get this book, now, today, find a time machine and order it last night. It is available on Amazon . It is the first in a series of three – The Warwick Cooper Thrillers Book 1. You will want to read all three, so ask Santa to bring you this one and then grab the other two!
I did want to tell you a bit about our Gem Maker. She was working hard on this book, when she was assaulted and suffered a brain injury. She lost her memory and at one point could only write for 10 minutes at a time. Ten minutes is barely getting warmed up for most writers. She pushed on and persevered. She completed this 80,000 word work and thank God for it. It is a masterpiece! She is an amazing writer, woman and inspiration.
Watch for Tea Time Tuesday later this evening, when I will be reviewing “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” by Mustang Patty. Drakon T. Longwitten
December 19, 2019
What is it about?.
It is a thriller featuring Katie-Ann Warwick and Sam Cooper. Katie-Ann walked away from police work a couple years ago after being stabbed in the underground with her then partner Sam Cooper. After meeting with three of her old colleagues, attempts on the lives of Katie-Ann and one of her friends happen as a result of one of their perps escaping from prison. A third was kidnapped. It was luck that Katie-Ann missed her train that night. Not only did she leave with her life, but she reconnected with an old flame, Same Cooper. She and Sam go undercover to find out the extent of the network of the escaped prisoner.
What I loved.
I loved how it jumps right into the action. I love how it builds tension and reveals each piece bit by bit. I felt like I was Katie-Ann trying to figure out what was going on before time ran out. Who should she trust? The author did a great job outlining the villain's motivations and just how bad this guy was and to what lengths he is willing to get his revenge. The characters are well-drawn. I was very invested in the women. The injuries and how they were handled was exceptionally well done. There wasn't a magical, "Oh she's ok!" moment. I knew it was serious and it would take a long time for these women to recover from their ordeal. It was very well done and relatable.
What I thought could be better
The ending. It was not as satisfying as the beginning. The late introduction of a character kind of threw me out of the story. She relayed a tremendous amount of information in a very short time. I know it was supposed to move the pace up to the end, but it ended up feeling like an info dump. If her identity had been kept a mystery into the second book, I think it would have worked better. And the final chapters... Something major happens, but it felt very rushed. Something of that magnitude needed to marinate in those emotions just a little longer.
I rated it a 4 star only because of the ending. Otherwise, it is a really fun read and getting into the author's world is very easy and satisfying. I will definitely pick up the sequel and I encourage you to read this book.
It is a thriller featuring Katie-Ann Warwick and Sam Cooper. Katie-Ann walked away from police work a couple years ago after being stabbed in the underground with her then partner Sam Cooper. After meeting with three of her old colleagues, attempts on the lives of Katie-Ann and one of her friends happen as a result of one of their perps escaping from prison. A third was kidnapped. It was luck that Katie-Ann missed her train that night. Not only did she leave with her life, but she reconnected with an old flame, Same Cooper. She and Sam go undercover to find out the extent of the network of the escaped prisoner.
What I loved.
I loved how it jumps right into the action. I love how it builds tension and reveals each piece bit by bit. I felt like I was Katie-Ann trying to figure out what was going on before time ran out. Who should she trust? The author did a great job outlining the villain's motivations and just how bad this guy was and to what lengths he is willing to get his revenge. The characters are well-drawn. I was very invested in the women. The injuries and how they were handled was exceptionally well done. There wasn't a magical, "Oh she's ok!" moment. I knew it was serious and it would take a long time for these women to recover from their ordeal. It was very well done and relatable.
What I thought could be better
The ending. It was not as satisfying as the beginning. The late introduction of a character kind of threw me out of the story. She relayed a tremendous amount of information in a very short time. I know it was supposed to move the pace up to the end, but it ended up feeling like an info dump. If her identity had been kept a mystery into the second book, I think it would have worked better. And the final chapters... Something major happens, but it felt very rushed. Something of that magnitude needed to marinate in those emotions just a little longer.
I rated it a 4 star only because of the ending. Otherwise, it is a really fun read and getting into the author's world is very easy and satisfying. I will definitely pick up the sequel and I encourage you to read this book.
August 28, 2020
Superb
A few typos and I thought the description of the birth early on was overlong but a fabulous and totally believable storyline. A great shock at the end. I can't wait to read the next.
A few typos and I thought the description of the birth early on was overlong but a fabulous and totally believable storyline. A great shock at the end. I can't wait to read the next.
October 1, 2020
Wow
Riveting read from start to finish. You can feel the characters emotions and live every moment with them. Cant wait to find out what happens in the next book. Talk about wanting more .......Donna Siggers has me submerged into the life of Warwick
Riveting read from start to finish. You can feel the characters emotions and live every moment with them. Cant wait to find out what happens in the next book. Talk about wanting more .......Donna Siggers has me submerged into the life of Warwick
December 18, 2019
a truly inspirational read. couldnt put it down. looking forward to more from this author
April 11, 2020
I actually love this book and love how Donna has written it. It’s very well written and loved the first chapter that draw me in. The train station scene was amazing and very nerve racking. Definitely read the book guys.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews