Broken Mirrors

by Marie McWilliams

When Marie moves from Belfast to London, she envisions a fresh start and an escape from a broken home. Once there, she meets Malcolm Carter, a charming, handsome man who sweeps her off her feet and gives her a life she could only have imagined. But Malcolm isn’t all he seems; he’s a criminal, a mobster and a murderer. Detective Fraser Duncan knows what he is, and he's determined to take him down, but things get more complex when a rival and brutal gang leader appears on the scene, setting his sights on Malcolm’s empire. When Marie chooses to stay with Malcolm, regardless of what he is and what he has done, she starts down a path from which she can never return, and now she has been taken, Detective Duncan and Malcolm must set their differences aside and join forces in a race against time to save the woman they love.

Genres: Thriller

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2018

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I was sent this book for an honest review, and give it 3.5/5 stars 🖤

A unique look at the humanity within organized crime, BROKEN MIRRORS tells the story of Marie - a woman who balances everything on love, including her own moral compass and her life - the likes of which plays out in a sequence of bloody events carefully curated by the author. The utilized jumps in time really aid in illustrating where these characters came from, and Marie did wonderfully with showing us how we are all shades of gray.

This book is a good fit for anyone who loves a fast-paced, gangster style of romance and women who can fend for themselves.

CW: it does contain mentions and acts of sexual violence

[Brenda Waworga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Marie for sending me this book in trade for honest review

This is such a dark book told with past and present point of views and trigger warning for some rape and violent scenes, it was fast pace and the writing style also beautiful, if you love thriller mixed with romance this book is for you

We follow Marie story when she decided to start over at London and leave her dark past behind then she met this really charming guy Malcolm at this club, Malcolm probably look like every woman dream but he got a really dark secret
I love Malcolm he is such an interesting grey area character

The plot was pretty simple but the writing style truly what make this book unputdownable

[witchy_book_babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot that I really appreciated and enjoyed with this story. However, I personally think that the blurb and cover photo were slightly misleading. I think that both of those were not the strongest focal points to capture this story. That would be my first critique. The second and final critique, would be the few grammatical errors I came across.

With that being said though, Marie McWilliams is turning out to be a favorite author of mine as of late. Her area of expertise, in my personal opinion, is this achingly beautiful gothic-melodious tone that is expertly weaved through Marie's stories. And as the second book that I have read by her, it was no difficult task to devour this book.

In this particular story, it is told in dual timelines. With "Present Day" and "Past Years" Chapters. I appreciated the back and forth; getting to know both Marie (FMC) and her husband, Malcolm. I do wish there was a bit more focus on Malcolm (as in getting to be in his head more than Fraser's)...instead the second MC was really the Detective, Fraser Duncan.

I thought that this was going to be a bit more psychological...but, it felt much more symbolic. I feel like the message was really something along the lines of:

-realizing that you are so much more than what you perceive yourself to be, whether that be good, bad, positive, or negative.

-the complicated depths of love, how we come upon it, how we remain loyal to it, and what we sacrifice in order to hold on to it.

-the images of ourselves in the eyes of others is not an image we have to in any way uphold. We are who we are and the only approval we need, is that of our self.

At least, that's what I took away from this story. I loved Malcom and Marie and I hope to see more stories such as this, albeit with some fine tuning from Marie McWilliams!

P.S.

Shoutout to Mickey!!!! I loved that sweet soul🥺

[Melissa Vinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie can’t wait to leave behind her childhood home, filled with memories of the violence and abuse that she was subjected to while growing up. When the opportunity presents itself, she escapes from Belfast to London to live with her cousin, Sara. Once there, she meets Malcolm Carter, a handsome businessman who sweeps her off her feet. They fall in love, get married, and Marie is living her dream life, unaware of what her husband really does for a living.

Detective Fraser Duncan knows what Malcolm Carter is and he has made it his life’s goal to take down the mob boss. But he doesn’t expect to fall in love with the mob boss’s wife in the process. Things get even more complicated when a brutal gang leader appears on the scene and sets his sights on Malcom’s empire. Things get messy with more murders, Marie is abducted, and the mob boss and the police detective must set aside their differences and work together to save the woman they both love from a hideous fate.

This contemporary crime novel is a thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly turning the pages to see what would happen next. I love how the chapters alternated between the present and the past, filling us in on the progression of Malcolm and Marie’s love affair and their life together, as well as giving us bits and pieces of their respective pasts. Be aware that this book hints at violence in its many different forms, not overly graphic in description, but enough so that it made me slightly uncomfortable at times. I almost didn’t even make it past the first couple of chapters due to the sheer number of f-bombs that were dropped, but that’s just a personal thing. Too much swearing is a turnoff for me. It may not bother you at all. But I imagine that the language is very appropriate for the setting. Overall, I think Marie McWilliams is an excellent author and though this book is waaaay outside of my comfort zone, it is well written and at 264 pages, is a quick read. If contemporary crime novels are your thing, then you’ll want to pick this one up asap.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The truth was, she knew why she was upset. She was upset because she could no longer pretend“

Marie McMaster, child of the “struggles” of Belfast, meets Malcom Carter, entrepreneur, bon vivant and wealthy man about town. Behind each, is a history of expectations, love and abuse. Two crippled halfs searching for a chance to be made whole. And then, Frazier Duncan is assigned to search out the pieces that when brought together could become devestation on a wholly different plain.

This is the story of two people and the loyalty that is the hallmark of a marriage. Alternating between the beginning of Marie and Malcom Carter’s love affair; it’s struggles, hardships, joys, sorrows and realities; to the present as seen through Marie McMaster Carter,Detective Fraser Duncan as well as Malcom Carter’s memories and observations, we see the lives of three discordant souls as they deal with the past, the present and the future.

This is a contemporary thriller laced with violence, and normally I do not do violence. However, in the same genre as American Gangster, The Wife, The Sinner and other bestselling books, this is a stunning example of how reality can be incorporated into a really great book. The metaphor of a broken mirror is a great description of what goes on distorted by the cracks in these relationships. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. 5/5

[Mixie Plum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie McWilliams entranced me in her world of crime! Kindle said I would finish reading it in four hours (don't tell me what to do) but as all voracious readers can attest; it took me about 2 1/2 . I was captivated the entire time. She elicited so many emotions from my brain. Marie's use of past/present narrative made the story fresh and I was excited to jump back and forth to get as much information as possible.
Her characters were charming and well developed; I fell in love with the love story of the two mains - Marie & Malcolm. To the very end of the novel, you are absolutely rooting for them. The supporting characters are completely lovable in all their own ways.

All in all, read this, you will adore it as I did

[ginathebibliohoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW FOR BROKEN MIRRORS

BY MARIE MCWILLIAMS
265 pages
trigger warning: rape and violence



“…she still felt alone, and that feeling had only heightened since her arrival in London. Marie had always felt like she was on the outside of everything, looking in; an observer, choosing to watch rather than participate.”


Meet Marie, a woman who escapes abuse and poverty at home in Belfast and moves to London with the hope of a fresh start. She meets a handsome stranger, Malcolm, who instantly draws her in with his charm (not to mention he’s a total fox and maaaay have a bit of money). I was skeptical at this because I mean, come on! What’s the catch?! I was waiting for it…and AHA! As she gets closer to him she realizes over time that things aren’t what they seem. She is challenged with a truth about Malcolm that will shake her and where she stands with what is right and wrong and also her safety. Throw in a detective that is determined to save Marie, despite if that means separating her from her husband, it got a little hairy!

WHAT I LIKED:
I enjoyed getting to know the character Marie in this, watching her grow through out, while the story jumped each chapter to the past to present.
I could relate a lot to her and her journey of absolute uncertainty. I loved the picture of the broken mirrors compared to our personal life. We all have cracks. We all have flaws. No matter how hard you try and fight it. They are there. It’s a beautiful thing to have someone see you transparently and still stick around.

-the use of the word “Neanderthal”. I don’t see that much here in the US and it made me smile.

QUOTES:

“Books offered a new life, new worlds, an adventure. Pure, one hundred percent escapism, if only for a little while”

“She had reached the bottom of the rabbit hole, but there was no Wonderland. There was only blood and mud.”

WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
the first 80 pages were a bit slow with back story and all the gushiness. I felt like Marie was a strong lead female character – I appreciated that – but the ooey gooey of how much she loved Malcom and how much he loved her – I wanted to vomit (I’m jaded). I’ve never been a fan of romance stories and although this has a touch of it, Marie pulled me back in with the action and suspense. The last 100 pages I couldn’t read fast enough!

I’m looking forward to reading more from Marie and see what’s next for her!

[Rumsha A • Storiesandplottwists · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts with a bang when the main character, Marie, the author's namesake is getting interviewed by Detective Duncan, about her devilish hunk of a husband, Malcolm Carter, in the police station. The plot revolves around the life of Marie McMaster, who flew from her birth town Belfast to find solace in London, but falls victim to the undeniable charm of a notorious gangster and eventually finds her soulmate in him. Malcolm Carter will go to any length to protect his wife, even join forces with his rival, Detective Duncan in order to save the love of his life. Marie has been taken captive by the antagonist, Jonathan Savage, who's set his sights on the throne of Malcolm Carter and the two men must put their hatred aside to save Marie before she's just another lifeless body found in a heaping dump.

The author never failed to capture the attention of her readers, so fast paced is the novel that you'll be worried for the pages catching fire. It alternates between the past and the chaotic present, urging the reader to read on, and find out if the damsel-not-in-distress gets to live or not.

The love between Marie and Malcolm isn't short of a charismatic, dreamy fairy tale, and anyone who's ever truly experienced the magical enchantment of love can relate to it. I can, yes.

"How do you know?"
Sara stopped and turned to face her. "How do I know what?"
"How do you know you love him?"
That big wide smile stretched across the length of Sara's face once more. "When you know, you know."

The book's title conveys the idea that no matter how good you think you are, if circumstances arise, you will do anything and everything for the one you love so dearly. Shattered mirrors can show you the true reflection of who you are, although the physical image might be distorted and hideous.

If you're looking for a romantic crime thriller, grab Marie McWilliams 'Broken Mirrors' next ! The e-book costs less than a Starbucks, and that's pretty encouraging !

[Joshua Hair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Mirrors is a crime thriller/drama written by the wonderful BookTuber Marie McWilliams. It details the life of our protagonist, Marie, and her life married to a crime lord. There's romance, murder, drama, violence, and sweet scenes of tender care juxtaposed with men having their teeth kicked in for ratting to the police. Ms. McWilliams juggles it all wonderfully. I cared for her characters, which is a feat in and of itself. They felt fleshed out and real, probably partly because Ms. McWilliams clearly poured a lot of herself into the Marie in the book. The story moved along at a nice pace, never bogging the reader down or losing sight of the important stuff.

This brings me to the only real negative: there is a major formatting issue with the ebook. On Kindle, some pages show only a paragraph or so before you have to go to the next page. It is a big formatting problem, but honestly it doesn't affect the reading very much. The important part here is that, unlike many other books I've read recently, there are a minimum amount of grammatical errors to contend with.

Overall, Broken Mirrors was an excellent crime thriller. I'll admit that I picked it up initially to support Ms. McWilliams. I'm not typically a reader of crime fiction, but I was very surprised to find myself fully invested in the story. If not for the formatting problem and an issue with missing/wrongly placed commas (as well as a few overly cheesy moments of dialogue) it would have been a five star read for me. That said, it's a fast-paced, action-packed, romantically-charged read that I highly suggest.

[Zubs Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I couldn’t wait to finish it so I could post this review. Marie McWilliams deserves all the praise and good reviews she gets because honestly it is fantastic first debut. 
If I hadn’t of known that this was her first book I would have assumed the latter. She writes so confidently and beautifully that I was equally shocked and proud at her efforts. She had me at the first chapter.

Based on the ordeal of young woman named Marie married to a renowned gangster I thought maybe this book would be like any other book of this genre – predictable. But it was not and so much more. She shattered the image of a damsel in distress making the main character a powerful, brave and strong woman. We assume that she would leave with the ‘good guy’ but the author twists the story towards the end and you would never have guessed the outcome.

Alternating between past and present the writing flows with great fluidity and will have you engrossed throughout. The characters are relatable and in my mind I could picture every scene that she writes about.  The book reminds me of a James Patterson thriller and to be compared to this level is outstanding.

First time writers deserve praises and positive reviews that will compel them to continue writing more fantastic books. I sincerely hope she gets all the praise she deserves because I honestly cannot wait to read what she publishes next.  If you have not yet read ‘broken mirrors’ then you are seriously missing out on a great. Marie, you have yourself a fan. A huge well done.

[Carly [A Beauty & Her Books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternating between the past and present, readers are thrust into London trying to solve the crime before the police catch wind of the operation. When Marie McMaster finds herself falling for Malcom Carter, she believes it is too good to be true, but she decides to go with him anyways. This is the tale of how two people’s loyalty to one another, through struggles, hardships and joy, tend to break all laws to get to each other. When Detective Fraser Duncan starts to get too close to the Carter, challenge ensues, and one’s life is on the line, in which the men must work together to save the one they love. There is only one problem, Marie is married, but will her ways shift after the trauma she has experienced, or will she be the same person she was in the years prior? This unlikely duo of one who follows the law, and one who breaks it are left to save the damsel in distress.

The writing is attention-grabbing, making you want to continue to find out what happened in the past to change the outcome of the present. How have Marie’s past decisions changed the outcome in which she decides to live her life? All of this and more is answered in McWilliams intriguing writing. Intertwining a contemporary-thriller, while being laced with a hint of violence, this book will have you hooked until the last page. Although the mirror may be broken, the crack can only travel so deep into a person before they break…

[Prashansa Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is fast paced and thrilling. It revolves around three main characters Marie, Malcolm and Detective Duncan. Each one of the three has a dark and interesting past. The characters are strong. I was able to imagine all the characters running around their lives in my mind clearly while reading the book. My favourite character was Detective Duncan. I found his personality cool and sincere at the same time. The story is written in third person which I find boring sometimes but it didn't bother me here. The chapters are written in two time lines, first, when the main characters Marie and Malcolm met and second when they deal with this rival gang leader; a serious threat. So, both the timelines are alternatively put in different chapters which keeps the reader hooked. I liked the fact that the book is not a hardcore crime fiction and crimes are not there on every page you turn. The story has got perfect shots of friendship, loyalty and love in it. While reading the synopsis I thought that the book might contain a serious love triangle between Marie, Malcolm and Detective Duncan but it is not the case. It is true that both Malcolm and Duncan love Marie but a typical love triangle is not endorsed in the book. The descriptions of places in the book are of another level. I had the feeling of this posh and classy setting the entire time I was reading the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to someone who likes fast paced thriller books.

[Michael Benavidez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll come out and say it. This is a solide debut novel.

Marie's writing is swift, clean, and sweet. There's something very easy about stepping into the main character's shoes. She allows for a nice window into the world that she opens us up to, and then bash us up when it all goes to shit.
I truly did enjoy this book. I enjoyed getting bits and pieces of the characters in alternating chapters, and in truth I just really enjoyed the characters in general. The plot however...not so much. Not to say I didn't like it, I was intrigued, and continued to be all through the end.
It's a battle of the crime syndicates, with one honorable and the other absolutely a piece of shit, with Marie in the middle. I did like that she wasn't just some damsel caught unawares. Naw, she knew what her hubby was into, and I liked that. She was a good character. And that's my thing.
I was just so much more for the characters that I sort of just let the book take me on the rollercoaster I was on just so I could follow Marie through to the end.
I really did enjoy this, and see a very big amount of ability here that can be grown and polished. I look forward to whatever else she may put out!

[Caitlin Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gruesome tale has me completely captivated from the very beginning. I rarely read books written from an antihero’s perspective, so this was a refreshing change of pace for me. As a long time fan of mysteries and police procedural books, I didn’t know whether this would live up to my expectations. I’m pleased to report that it far exceeded them! The characters were rich and complex, the language vivid and colorful, the story intriguing. I liked the way the story was partially told from a series of flashbacks. It added an element of interest to the story. Marie was a strong female character. It was interesting that my initial perspective of her was much the same as Detective Duncan’s but by the end of the story I felt like I knew her as a complex character, neither good nor evil but just unashamedly human.

This was was an excellent debut mystery novel. I highly recommend this. Trigger warning: The only thing to watch out for is grisly violence and explicit sexual abuse, some mild cursing.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I am not a big thriller/romance reader so this story was quite new to me, but ever since I read it I've been reading more of these two genres, especially thriller.

I really liked how the chapters are mixed between present and future; at first I thought it was going to be a bit tiring but it was actually one of the reasons why I could not stop reading. I had a terrible migraine during my second day with the book so I had to take a break, but what was the first thing that I did as soon as I felt my pain go away? I finished the book! Very easy to read, very fast paced and very enjoyable.

It's definitely a nice story to read when you're on a slump.

And that ending, I really liked that ending. Throughout the story I was wondering what were Marie's "true colors", being in between these two worlds, and I loved how she truly defines who she is by the end. I think that's what I liked the most, that she acted for herself, and she did what was important to her.

[Musfira Siddiqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent an ebook by the author in exchange of an honest review. This book is a crime novel but it has a tinge of humor, love, mystery and thrill. Once you start reading this book, it is so hard to stop at halfway. Though you will find many grammatical mistakes while reading, it seems that this book needs a proof reading. Otherwise, the overall plot, the twists in the story, and explanation of every characters emotion, the scene descriptions are very well written. I would recommend you all to read it if you love crime and thrilling novels.
And, thank you so much for reading. Have a good day/night!

[Rebekka (bookjungledweller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go get your hands on Broken Mirrors! You'll read a really enthralling debut!

Broken Mirrors is about pasts everyone would flee from, lies people tell others, lies they tell themselves and choices as well as sacrifices people make for love.
There's not your big character development but the book's fast-paced and the characters so relatable I was amazed. You will fly through the 265 pages of this romantic crime thriller.

Thank you so much @mariemcwilliamsauthor for the opportunity to read your debut novel for free on Kindle! I enjoyed it so much! ✨

[Mcf1nder_sk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book and author I discovered, thanks to, IG. What starred as a possible romance novel becomes much more of a thriller when Marie, a woman who fell in love and married a gangster, becomes a target of her husband's rival. Marie McWilliams crafted a tautly written story, with a cast of characters and a plot that will keep the reader intrigued. The plot may not be wholly original, but the author did a good job making this tale her own

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful debut of crime and passion

This book had me hooked from the first page. The story follows Marie from Belfast who moves to London to escape her past. Her fresh start is soon filled with the charismatic Malcom and his world of crime. The story flows so smoothly from past to present and each character and scene is so imaginable. A fast paced and gripping read. A truly wonderful debut novel. I can’t wait to read more from Marie McWilliams.

[Evelyn Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing is I don't put 5 stars and goodreads doesn't have 4.something because this way I would rate it with 4.9 ♥️ well , long story short it is fabulous, keeps you in tension and does not disappoint! I enjoyed the back and forth and despite in the beginning I was afraid I wouldn't like it this way , finally I enjoyed it soooo much, because the way of writing was clean and distinct which captivated me for sure! I found myself wanting to read more and I would love a sequel definitely!

[Andrew Hemphill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read one of Marie’s short stories before which I really enjoyed, so couldn’t wait to read this. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. The story move between the present and the past building the characters till you feel you are part of their lives. The story then gets very dark and gritty. A wonderful piece of writing and I can’t wait for her next wonderful piece of work.

[Krystal Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Brilliant

I really enjoyed this book! It captured my interest from the start! I felt so many emotions when reading it. An excellent debut novel and I hope Marie releases more books! I would definitely recommend this book.

[Miss J Agnew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Page turning crime. Good momento throughout. Interesting storyline, likable main characters, even the criminal. Nicely tied up ending. Would certainly read more from this author.

[Jamie Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic an gripping

Likeable characters, excellently written and just an all round fantastic book. Really enjoyed it. I would recommend to anyone looking a book that you won't out down and have it finished in a day!

[dawn kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down

This is not your normal detective novel its a great read and a total page turner, totally unexpected read for me. Would highly recommend.

[ThatReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5

A promising debut for Marie McWilliams, this thriller is fast paced and edge of your seat. It dives into the underground of crime in London's streets with a degree of accuracy and brutality that is sadly resonant with the truth, an accurate portrait of the gang wars raging all around. I rather liked the way the author took us on this journey of discovery by entertwining the past with the present, allowing us to know about Marie in a way that endears her to the reader. I felt much like Duncan where it came to her, building up an image of the young lady in my head that was as close to his as could get. Only to be slapped across the face with the harsh reality of truth - there is dark and light inside us all and we are all capable of the most despicable acts, given the right circumstances. It was so refreshing to come across a female character that was not the damsel in distress, innocent and pure and naïve most thrillers offer. I found myself nodding in agreement to certain of Marie's actions, whispering a hushed 'you go, girl,' that felt vindicative and rightfully vengeful.
All in all, an entertaining read that will also make you think a little about the truth of what and who we are, deep inside.

[Kit MacLean · Rating 1 out of 5]

I left this book a 1 star review on Amazon.co.uk and it was subsequently deleted (without me being informed). According to the automated note, it was removed as Amazon does not allow reviews which could be perceived to be biased. I'm planning on writing to Amazon to discuss this with them. Instead of writing my whole review again, I shall just summarize and say that in my opinion, this book needs serious proof reading as it is filled with grammatical errors and basic typos. Characters lack individual voices and while the author does give the three main characters sympathy-inducing back stories, I find overall character development very clumsy. I also think this novel has major structural issues and one significant plot hole which needs to be addressed.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one seemed like such a good book, the plot seems pretty steady but i didn't enjoy the time jumps going back and forth, nor did I enjoy the switching between points of veiew without names... It made it difficult to follow. But then again I've never really been a fan of time jumps so maybe this is just me.

I think it would have been better had it been written in order... I think I would have liked the main character more. I don't doubt she has good reasons for her actions but they don't really come across especially with the time hops... And starting in the middle and going back over. It just made it confusing.

I disliked the fact that Mickey is described as (to say bluntly) dumb, maybe he's just shy? He's a lot more perceptive than the MC gives him credit for.

[klara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was actually pretty good and catchy - a book you wanna read in one sitting. And i guess it kinda got me out of my reading slump, so yay.

I mean it has just about 250 pages, but I would have loved to get to know more about Malcom, because yes. Sometimes there were short changes of the POV which were pretty confusing and unexpected.

But all in all, if you need a book, where actually something happens, i would definitely recommend this book

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing book. The characters were relateable and the story line was fast paced and followable. I can't wait to see what Marie McWilliams writes next!
I definitely reccomend this book to anyone who loves crime thrillers!