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Adam and Grace #2
Broken Through
A true crime. An action-packed fictional twist.
Former journalist J.C. Paulson takes fact — an unsolved possible homicide — and turns it into an action-packed fictional exploration of criminal minds in her second novel, Broken Through.
A dead dog. A smashed car. A wild storm . . . and then, a violent death.
The quiet streets of a Prairie city have rarely seen such brutality. Tough crime reporter Grace Rampling is covering the case until it suddenly becomes very a close friend is on the front line of danger.
Grace's lover, Detective Sgt. Adam Davis, is forced to return home from a conference, confront his PTSD and find a murderer before he, or she, kills again. And as Adam knows, a psychopath never commits just one crime.
Best Mystery at the Indie Originals Literature Competition, June 2019.
Former journalist J.C. Paulson takes fact — an unsolved possible homicide — and turns it into an action-packed fictional exploration of criminal minds in her second novel, Broken Through.
A dead dog. A smashed car. A wild storm . . . and then, a violent death.
The quiet streets of a Prairie city have rarely seen such brutality. Tough crime reporter Grace Rampling is covering the case until it suddenly becomes very a close friend is on the front line of danger.
Grace's lover, Detective Sgt. Adam Davis, is forced to return home from a conference, confront his PTSD and find a murderer before he, or she, kills again. And as Adam knows, a psychopath never commits just one crime.
Best Mystery at the Indie Originals Literature Competition, June 2019.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2018
33 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Paulson
10 books196 followersJ.C. Paulson thinks a mystery can, and perhaps should, also be a love story.
Switching from fact (journalism) into fiction (novels, mostly) later in life, it seemed a natural thing to combine the two. Evil versus good. Hate versus love. Think Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, and a host of cozy mystery couples — not that her novels are very cozy.
Changing the world would be nice, too. Fiction allows us to swallow the bitter pills of social injustice and still (hopefully) be entranced, entertained and entangled in their solutions.
A rabid reader of mystery novels, J.C. Paulson has long admired the works of Dorothy Sayers, P.D. James, Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves.
She lives in a rambling bungalow on a quiet street in Saskatoon, Canada with her husband, Ken, a goldsmith. She therefore wears a tiny golden replica of her first murder weapon around her neck.
Switching from fact (journalism) into fiction (novels, mostly) later in life, it seemed a natural thing to combine the two. Evil versus good. Hate versus love. Think Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, and a host of cozy mystery couples — not that her novels are very cozy.
Changing the world would be nice, too. Fiction allows us to swallow the bitter pills of social injustice and still (hopefully) be entranced, entertained and entangled in their solutions.
A rabid reader of mystery novels, J.C. Paulson has long admired the works of Dorothy Sayers, P.D. James, Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves.
She lives in a rambling bungalow on a quiet street in Saskatoon, Canada with her husband, Ken, a goldsmith. She therefore wears a tiny golden replica of her first murder weapon around her neck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 28, 2022
Broken Through is an amazing continuation of Adam and Grace’s story!
As always, Paulson does an incredible job of weaving together a romantic story line with a murder mystery. Once again adding in a sensitive issue of the habit of the police to ignore the plight of Indigenous woman, I was on the edge of my seat as Adam and his team tried to track down a serial killer.
I loved watching Adam and Grace become closer as they learn how to navigate their emotions and at times conflicting jobs. Their passion is highlighted brilliantly on the page, making them two characters I could read about for ages.
Kudos Paulson for this amazing second book in the series. I look forward to continuing it soon.
As always, Paulson does an incredible job of weaving together a romantic story line with a murder mystery. Once again adding in a sensitive issue of the habit of the police to ignore the plight of Indigenous woman, I was on the edge of my seat as Adam and his team tried to track down a serial killer.
I loved watching Adam and Grace become closer as they learn how to navigate their emotions and at times conflicting jobs. Their passion is highlighted brilliantly on the page, making them two characters I could read about for ages.
Kudos Paulson for this amazing second book in the series. I look forward to continuing it soon.
Read
February 9, 2022A dedicated reporter, an equally dedicated cop, both with memories and experiences that haunt them. In a small Saskatchewan city, it was inevitable their paths would cross – and in this sequel to Adam’s Witness, the relationship between reporter Grace Rampling and Sergeant Adam Davis is becoming more serious. When the neighbour of a friend of Grace is found dead under horrific circumstances, the investigation leads to a larger web of missing women, challenging the growing attachment of Adam and Grace, and pointing to a possible serial killer.
Missing and murdered women – whether indigenous, sex workers, or women fleeing abuse – is a tragic and often ignored reality in Canada (as in other countries). Author J.C. Paulson places this front-and-centre in Broken Through, building a believable and fast-paced story around a fictional case that reflects real life. The love story between Grace and Adam adds both relief and sizzle to the darker side of the book, but it too has its ups and downs; love is not enough to necessarily conquer all demons. Healing is a theme throughout the story: the healing of individuals, of relationships between people and peoples, of institutions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Through, and its twists, turns, and red herrings taking the reader on quite a ride before focusing in on the culprit. Its deeper social themes take it above and beyond many murder mysteries and police procedurals, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Missing and murdered women – whether indigenous, sex workers, or women fleeing abuse – is a tragic and often ignored reality in Canada (as in other countries). Author J.C. Paulson places this front-and-centre in Broken Through, building a believable and fast-paced story around a fictional case that reflects real life. The love story between Grace and Adam adds both relief and sizzle to the darker side of the book, but it too has its ups and downs; love is not enough to necessarily conquer all demons. Healing is a theme throughout the story: the healing of individuals, of relationships between people and peoples, of institutions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Through, and its twists, turns, and red herrings taking the reader on quite a ride before focusing in on the culprit. Its deeper social themes take it above and beyond many murder mysteries and police procedurals, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 9, 2023
JC has an incredible knack for combining murder, mystery and the erotic to create a novel screaming for attention.
Paulson's characters are relatable on an emotional level as you follow them through a rollercoaster of police adventure and personal hurdles.
The crimes themselves could have been pulled out of any Canadian newspaper's headlines. But Paulson has added the very human and personal side of the story. She is asking you to become invested in the lives of those affected. It is easy to think of yourself as the neighbour who was a witness to a murder, a woman who found a body or the policeman who suffers from PTSD, waking screaming in the night.
Paulson also explores the relationship between Grace Rampling and Adam Davis. Both have suffered unspeakable traumas and heartbreak. Yet they forge a relationship constantly on the brink of commitment while being tested by their insecurities and the past.
I highly recommend this novel.
Paulson's characters are relatable on an emotional level as you follow them through a rollercoaster of police adventure and personal hurdles.
The crimes themselves could have been pulled out of any Canadian newspaper's headlines. But Paulson has added the very human and personal side of the story. She is asking you to become invested in the lives of those affected. It is easy to think of yourself as the neighbour who was a witness to a murder, a woman who found a body or the policeman who suffers from PTSD, waking screaming in the night.
Paulson also explores the relationship between Grace Rampling and Adam Davis. Both have suffered unspeakable traumas and heartbreak. Yet they forge a relationship constantly on the brink of commitment while being tested by their insecurities and the past.
I highly recommend this novel.
May 5, 2022
Paulson does not shy away from the difficult stuff in life. She knows how to keep the reader engaged. Every time I had to step away from this book I couldn't wait to get back to it. These are real flawed humans who make mistakes and errors of judgement. They have baggage, it's messy but it wouldn't be realistic otherwise. I found myself guessing who was responsible but the clever writing led me to the wrong conclusion more than once. JC has you rooting for all the characters not just the main ones. The settings feel so real too. I have other option but to give another 6 stars and start reading book 3.
April 18, 2021
A wonderful sequel to Adam's Witness. The characters get better and better. I love Grace and Adam. This book also deals with an important social issue—the way women, especially Indigenous women, are treated. Paulson did it with empathy and without sounding at all preachy. It doesn't overwhelm the story, but adds a marvellous layer, like spices add to a dish.
May 21, 2019
Another 5 star thriller!
Author J.C.Paulson has written the perfect follow up to Adam’s Witness. Adam and Grace are still finding their place with each other as they fight against time to find a possible serial killer and prevent Grace’s best friend from becoming the next victim. I can’t wait to continue the adventure in book three!
Author J.C.Paulson has written the perfect follow up to Adam’s Witness. Adam and Grace are still finding their place with each other as they fight against time to find a possible serial killer and prevent Grace’s best friend from becoming the next victim. I can’t wait to continue the adventure in book three!
February 7, 2023
Broken Through is the third of J. C. Paulson’s Adam and Grace series that I’ve read. The author has a way of twining a love story with a mystery, but the mystery itself is written well enough that those of us who don’t enjoy the love story angle (I am one) still are able to enjoy the rest of the story.
This story tackles one of my favorite topics: serial killers. The book starts off with Adam, a detective, at a conference out of country. He and Grace, a newspaper reporter, started a romance in the first book (Adam’s Witness) and find themselves pining away (a bit too much for my liking) while all these killings and other mysteries take place. But the overgrown teen love doesn’t interfere with the storytelling, centered at first on Grace and her best friend, who may have seen the serial killer in action and so is in danger of being killed. Adam is part of the case via telephone calls with his fellow detectives, until he’s finally able to return and help in person (and finally get into bed with Grace). Each clue, starting with a dead dog, takes the reader to a different possible suspect, right to the end where a reader might go, “Who? What? Why?” but ends up saying, “Of course, now it all makes sense.”
The author also includes a bit of social justice/awareness in that many of the victims are Indigenous women who were reported missing, but police never spent much time with their cases when the families first contacted them. This becomes a topic within the police department, and their grappling with the problem reads real—no sermons, no buzz words, just plain “How can we do this better?” type of questions to find a solution.
I recommend this book, especially for those who like both love stories and mysteries.
This story tackles one of my favorite topics: serial killers. The book starts off with Adam, a detective, at a conference out of country. He and Grace, a newspaper reporter, started a romance in the first book (Adam’s Witness) and find themselves pining away (a bit too much for my liking) while all these killings and other mysteries take place. But the overgrown teen love doesn’t interfere with the storytelling, centered at first on Grace and her best friend, who may have seen the serial killer in action and so is in danger of being killed. Adam is part of the case via telephone calls with his fellow detectives, until he’s finally able to return and help in person (and finally get into bed with Grace). Each clue, starting with a dead dog, takes the reader to a different possible suspect, right to the end where a reader might go, “Who? What? Why?” but ends up saying, “Of course, now it all makes sense.”
The author also includes a bit of social justice/awareness in that many of the victims are Indigenous women who were reported missing, but police never spent much time with their cases when the families first contacted them. This becomes a topic within the police department, and their grappling with the problem reads real—no sermons, no buzz words, just plain “How can we do this better?” type of questions to find a solution.
I recommend this book, especially for those who like both love stories and mysteries.
February 5, 2020
A blossoming romance and the hunt for a brutal serial killer keeps the pages turning in this 2nd book of Author Paulson’s Adam and Grace mysteries. Detective Adam attends a conference in LA, longing for his new lady love. He wants to set up a romantic weekend for them, but will work stymie the flames of romance? Grace’s friend Suzanne reports the killing of a neighbors pet, which leads to a sinister murder and a string of unanswered questions regarding other missing women in the area. As the investigation unfolds, several suspects are identified as their secret lives of deception are exposed.
As the killer grows more brazen, Suzanne is sent away to be with her parents to get her out of harms way, but is he already on her trail? Adam returns home to lead the investigation, thwarting the hopes of a romantic getaway. As his love for Grace grows, so does his hesitation due to traumatic issues experienced in his past–will they be able to overcome the hurdles so that their love has a chance?
The suspense grows as the hunt for the killer draws to a close–will they be able to stop him before more women are murdered? A surprise twist at the end leaves you gasping for Adam and Grace’s future. I thoroughly enjoy this thriller series–a great read, highly recommended!
As the killer grows more brazen, Suzanne is sent away to be with her parents to get her out of harms way, but is he already on her trail? Adam returns home to lead the investigation, thwarting the hopes of a romantic getaway. As his love for Grace grows, so does his hesitation due to traumatic issues experienced in his past–will they be able to overcome the hurdles so that their love has a chance?
The suspense grows as the hunt for the killer draws to a close–will they be able to stop him before more women are murdered? A surprise twist at the end leaves you gasping for Adam and Grace’s future. I thoroughly enjoy this thriller series–a great read, highly recommended!
Want to read
December 17, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (12/17/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Grace Rampling, sweating miserably in the newsroom during an oppressive heatwave, desperately misses her new lover. Three weeks after she first held Sergeant Adam Davis in her arms, he’s in California at a conference . . . and it’s the worst possible timing.
An SUV crushes a Smart Car. Grace’s friend Suzanne discovers a dog shot dead in an alley. Then, as a cataclysmic thunderstorm rocks the dark night, someone commits a terrible crime.
With no Adam in her bed, and faced with a power outage, Grace helps Suzanne brave wild weather to reach the police. Neither suspected the crime would prove more hideous than they could have imagined. Or that it was just the beginning.
Adam can think only of making love to Grace, but he returns to find his city gripped by a taut and watchful fear. As the police force’s most intuitive crime solver, he must grapple with his PTSD — and delay a full relationship with Grace — to find a murderer.
Blurb:
Grace Rampling, sweating miserably in the newsroom during an oppressive heatwave, desperately misses her new lover. Three weeks after she first held Sergeant Adam Davis in her arms, he’s in California at a conference . . . and it’s the worst possible timing.
An SUV crushes a Smart Car. Grace’s friend Suzanne discovers a dog shot dead in an alley. Then, as a cataclysmic thunderstorm rocks the dark night, someone commits a terrible crime.
With no Adam in her bed, and faced with a power outage, Grace helps Suzanne brave wild weather to reach the police. Neither suspected the crime would prove more hideous than they could have imagined. Or that it was just the beginning.
Adam can think only of making love to Grace, but he returns to find his city gripped by a taut and watchful fear. As the police force’s most intuitive crime solver, he must grapple with his PTSD — and delay a full relationship with Grace — to find a murderer.
February 13, 2021
Broken Through is the second book in the Adam and Grace series. I loved the first book so wondered if this one would live up to it. I was not disappointed! This is a wonderful continuation of the series, located in Canada, and J.C. Paulson so clearly sets the scene that one feels that they are there, following behind the characters. She moves the reader through an intriguing page-turner of a murder mystery, somewhat more shocking than her first book, with plenty of clues and red herrings. The details of the murder investigation do not detract from the wonderful love story between her two characters and their development, not only as lovers, but as human beings.
A wonderful book that you won’t want to miss reading!
A wonderful book that you won’t want to miss reading!
October 7, 2019
Based on a true story that is possibly a homicide, this story provides an engrossing fictional account of how it might have gone. Action-packed, nonstop from page one with a compelling story to keep you reading to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
This is the second book in the Adam and Grace series. I tore through the first book and this one is no different. Paulson did an awesome job creating a real page turner. The mystery aspect of this book is well written and the romance adds that something extra.
This is the second book in the Adam and Grace series. I tore through the first book and this one is no different. Paulson did an awesome job creating a real page turner. The mystery aspect of this book is well written and the romance adds that something extra.
April 28, 2024
Another outstanding read in a beautiful moving thrilling series!
December 30, 2020
Again, what an amazing writer! I would say a definite page turner. I reached the 30% point 2 days ago, couldn't put it down. Not until I finished last night. If it weren't for sleep...lol. I found the author on twitter, the books looked so interesting, I didn't hesitate to buy all 4. So far I've not been disappointed! Started book 3 last night.
July 8, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed Breaking Through by JC Paulson! Not only did I get to see more of Adam and Grace’s relationship, I got to witness the very real emotions and traumas that go alongside the job of being a cop and reporter in a small city.
Paulson created another gripping crime with twists that I was unable to predict (if you know me, you know I always try to guess the end of a novel and movie!). The growing anxieties and thrilling race to find out the murderer were driven with the heavy details of racial profiling, rape, and PTSD. These sensitive issues were handled with professionalism from the characters that didn’t create discomfort for the reader. These topics are uncomfortable but the author did a great job at keeping these emotions real.
I also really enjoyed the growth between Adam and Grace. Still in the honeymoon phase of new love, the storybook romance is put to a test with traumatic backstories. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how these two great characters come together.
Paulson created another gripping crime with twists that I was unable to predict (if you know me, you know I always try to guess the end of a novel and movie!). The growing anxieties and thrilling race to find out the murderer were driven with the heavy details of racial profiling, rape, and PTSD. These sensitive issues were handled with professionalism from the characters that didn’t create discomfort for the reader. These topics are uncomfortable but the author did a great job at keeping these emotions real.
I also really enjoyed the growth between Adam and Grace. Still in the honeymoon phase of new love, the storybook romance is put to a test with traumatic backstories. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how these two great characters come together.
March 19, 2020
I loved Broken Through by J. C. Paulson. This is the second book in the Adam and Grace series but it definitely could be read as a standalone.
I already grew to love both Grace and Adam's character in the previous book (Adam's Witness) so in this respect I kind of played it safe with this read. Both of them were their intelligent, ethical selves with ever growing love and passion for one another. The mistery plot was interesting, suspenseful and thrilling. The romance plot was really passionate and loving. The two plots complemented each other beautifully, which I loved.
J. C. Paulson's writing is spotless and exquisit. This book handles sensitive topics with intelligence and care.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I already grew to love both Grace and Adam's character in the previous book (Adam's Witness) so in this respect I kind of played it safe with this read. Both of them were their intelligent, ethical selves with ever growing love and passion for one another. The mistery plot was interesting, suspenseful and thrilling. The romance plot was really passionate and loving. The two plots complemented each other beautifully, which I loved.
J. C. Paulson's writing is spotless and exquisit. This book handles sensitive topics with intelligence and care.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager to read more about Adam and Grace.
The mystery around the murder parts of the storyline grabbed my attention right from the start.
Unfortunately, it was constantly overshadowed with romance between Adam and Grace. I really felt like there was too much focus on them, especially when they were seperated due to work in first half of the book. Some lines were even borderline cringy and eye rolling.
So in the end, even though I was hoping this would be a great addition to series I didn’t enjoyed it as much as I wanted. I’m also doubtful I will read the next book in this series.
The mystery around the murder parts of the storyline grabbed my attention right from the start.
Unfortunately, it was constantly overshadowed with romance between Adam and Grace. I really felt like there was too much focus on them, especially when they were seperated due to work in first half of the book. Some lines were even borderline cringy and eye rolling.
So in the end, even though I was hoping this would be a great addition to series I didn’t enjoyed it as much as I wanted. I’m also doubtful I will read the next book in this series.
July 8, 2020
A Hot and Steamy Mystery!
I enjoyed reading this story very much. The characters just keep drawing me in, pulling me closer--from Adam and Grace, to Suze and Bruno, and Jack the coroner. The mystery kept me guessing while at the same time, brought to front and center, some relevant social issues ie. missing persons, treatment of Indigenous people, violence against women and PTSD. I this story with enthusiasm and will continue on with the series the same way!
I enjoyed reading this story very much. The characters just keep drawing me in, pulling me closer--from Adam and Grace, to Suze and Bruno, and Jack the coroner. The mystery kept me guessing while at the same time, brought to front and center, some relevant social issues ie. missing persons, treatment of Indigenous people, violence against women and PTSD. I this story with enthusiasm and will continue on with the series the same way!
October 27, 2018
It’s a steamy day in the newsroom and Grace Rampling feels like she’s melting. Missing her new lover, Police Sergeant Adam Davis, thoughts of him are keeping her going as she investigates a car accident involving a Smart Car and an SUV. The driver lived, but the Smart Car didn’t. Then her phone rings…her friend Suzanne found her neighbor Sherry’s dog, shot dead.
The overwhelming heat of the next day is followed by a dangerously stormy night. Suzanne sees a shadow moving near her neighbor’s home, so enlists Grace’s help to contact the police. The police find a gruesome scene when they arrive. Sherry has been brutally, savagely murdered.
Adam, who had planned to sneak away with Grace after his conference in Los Angeles is called back to his city of Saskatoon, which is now gripped with fear. Sherry’s murder was not the first murder in town and everyone is afraid that it won’t be the last. As Adam works to uncover the murderer, he must also find a way to keep Grace and Suzanne safe, for they may have seen something that can identify him or her, and for the criminal the only good witness is a dead one.
Broken Through is a carefully crafted novel with fully developed characters who I became very invested in. As the second novel in a series, I never felt that i was missing out, having not read the first novel, it definitely was a stand alone. Grace and Adam were a dynamic couple, both with interests outside of each other who, although very attracted to each other, were strong characters when they were not together. Suzanne was also a delightful woman, whose strength was put to the test time and time again and each time she prevailed. J.C. Paulson is a gifted author who brings her characters to life.
The overwhelming heat of the next day is followed by a dangerously stormy night. Suzanne sees a shadow moving near her neighbor’s home, so enlists Grace’s help to contact the police. The police find a gruesome scene when they arrive. Sherry has been brutally, savagely murdered.
Adam, who had planned to sneak away with Grace after his conference in Los Angeles is called back to his city of Saskatoon, which is now gripped with fear. Sherry’s murder was not the first murder in town and everyone is afraid that it won’t be the last. As Adam works to uncover the murderer, he must also find a way to keep Grace and Suzanne safe, for they may have seen something that can identify him or her, and for the criminal the only good witness is a dead one.
Broken Through is a carefully crafted novel with fully developed characters who I became very invested in. As the second novel in a series, I never felt that i was missing out, having not read the first novel, it definitely was a stand alone. Grace and Adam were a dynamic couple, both with interests outside of each other who, although very attracted to each other, were strong characters when they were not together. Suzanne was also a delightful woman, whose strength was put to the test time and time again and each time she prevailed. J.C. Paulson is a gifted author who brings her characters to life.
November 27, 2024
Murder and mayhem dog young lovers!
The Adam and Grace Mysteries continue as does their torrid love affair with the second installment, ‘Broken Through.’ Based in part on actual events, the mystery draws intrepid detective Adam, his journalistic lover and their team into a confusing web of false leads, missing persons and savage murders. This is a love story exploring the challenges of a new relationship and hidden secrets, balanced with an exciting police investigation and the chase for a serial killer.
This book is a well-crafted mystery and romance combination, a little bit spicy at times. I enjoyed the author’s ability to craft a memorable phrase, such as describing dawn as “a scarf of light on the eastern horizon," and a character as “a tough old Scot, immovable as Hadrian’s Wall.” The story revolves around the heady first weeks of new love, and the author applies her talent in ways that portray the budding, tentative relationship with empathy. “Her words swirled in his brain as he stopped them with his mouth” is one fine example.
The resolution of the detective thriller plot brings a satisfying conclusion to the novel but the series and the exploration of Grace and Adam’s relationship continues. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to continuing the next installment.
The Adam and Grace Mysteries continue as does their torrid love affair with the second installment, ‘Broken Through.’ Based in part on actual events, the mystery draws intrepid detective Adam, his journalistic lover and their team into a confusing web of false leads, missing persons and savage murders. This is a love story exploring the challenges of a new relationship and hidden secrets, balanced with an exciting police investigation and the chase for a serial killer.
This book is a well-crafted mystery and romance combination, a little bit spicy at times. I enjoyed the author’s ability to craft a memorable phrase, such as describing dawn as “a scarf of light on the eastern horizon," and a character as “a tough old Scot, immovable as Hadrian’s Wall.” The story revolves around the heady first weeks of new love, and the author applies her talent in ways that portray the budding, tentative relationship with empathy. “Her words swirled in his brain as he stopped them with his mouth” is one fine example.
The resolution of the detective thriller plot brings a satisfying conclusion to the novel but the series and the exploration of Grace and Adam’s relationship continues. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to continuing the next installment.
July 19, 2019
It's taken me a while to find the time to read, but when I really got into this book, I couldn't put it down!
It's an intriguing, Canadian-based murder mystery with plenty of red herrings and clues, to keep you wanting for the next reveal. It's layered neatly into the hot love story of Adam and Grace which helps keeps the pace and the characters real.
What I loved: The involved and clever plot that stormed to a fantastic ending, the character building, the Canadian-centric storyline, including the highlighting of the plight of indigenous women in the country.
What I didn't love: repetition, especially in conversation when the characters repeat each others' names too often, too many recaps of how the story is progressing, a few banalities that took me out of the story a bit.
That being said, this didn't detract from the overall fine work and imagination of the book.
As the second in a series, it dropped just enough of the first story to make me curious without revealing plot (I haven't read the first book), yet is capable and self-contained and thoroughly enjoyable on its own.
I would highly recommend this story (and I recommend starting at the beginning with Bk 1) to anyone who loves murder mysteries, romance and intrigue.
It's an intriguing, Canadian-based murder mystery with plenty of red herrings and clues, to keep you wanting for the next reveal. It's layered neatly into the hot love story of Adam and Grace which helps keeps the pace and the characters real.
What I loved: The involved and clever plot that stormed to a fantastic ending, the character building, the Canadian-centric storyline, including the highlighting of the plight of indigenous women in the country.
What I didn't love: repetition, especially in conversation when the characters repeat each others' names too often, too many recaps of how the story is progressing, a few banalities that took me out of the story a bit.
That being said, this didn't detract from the overall fine work and imagination of the book.
As the second in a series, it dropped just enough of the first story to make me curious without revealing plot (I haven't read the first book), yet is capable and self-contained and thoroughly enjoyable on its own.
I would highly recommend this story (and I recommend starting at the beginning with Bk 1) to anyone who loves murder mysteries, romance and intrigue.
December 6, 2018
J.C. Paulson’s Broken Through is the second book in her Adam and Grace series. Paulson’s journalism credentials shine throughout this book: she is a meticulous writer whose skills and experience define the meaning of “police procedural” – albeit with a romantic thread that both moves the clock and contributes to better understanding the psychological challenges faced by conscientious law enforcement professionals. Broken Through is a page-turner about missing and murdered women: it distracted me from family, food and CNN news all afternoon and evening then kept me awake until far too close to dawn! I look forward to catching up with Adam’s Witness and will be following Paulson’s work into the future.
Almost forgot! The opening chapter deserves a heads-up, especially for male readers: Don’t worry about the sexually-charged introspection at the beginning: keep reading and you’ll get it!
(PGK)
Almost forgot! The opening chapter deserves a heads-up, especially for male readers: Don’t worry about the sexually-charged introspection at the beginning: keep reading and you’ll get it!
(PGK)
April 13, 2020
This book had a very different feel to me than the first in the series. I thought that book was more mystery than romance, yet this story is much more romantic suspense than it is pure mystery. I also retract what I said in my review of the previous book when I said “no ‘too stupid to live’ actions for our Grace”. Because even though she’d been pulled from covering the story for being too close to it, she still manages to land herself in the thick of things to the point of nearly being killed - again. I like that we’re seeing growth from both characters, though they spend a lot of time behaving like overly dramatic tween-agers in heat. I enjoyed the mystery. I was successfully distracted and never managed to pick up on the key clues that to pointed to the identity of the culprit. I’m also very interested in seeing where the brewing tension in the department is going to lead us in future books.
January 28, 2019
Reporter Grace Rampling and her new boyfriend, detective Adam Davis, are navigating the early stages of their new romance, and their first time apart as Adam heads off to a conference, when a new crime emerges. Grace’s friend asks her for help when she suspects something sinister has happened to her next door neighbour. What the police discover there opens up a terrible possibility – and they begin to link together a string of deaths and missing persons.
Set in the hot, Canadian summer, this book is lush with description - even though I’m freezing right now, I could feel the heat and humidity through the pages! I accidentally got the second book in the series before the first, but even so I found that I could follow the story pretty well. It certainly has a page-turner quality and it kept me guessing.
Set in the hot, Canadian summer, this book is lush with description - even though I’m freezing right now, I could feel the heat and humidity through the pages! I accidentally got the second book in the series before the first, but even so I found that I could follow the story pretty well. It certainly has a page-turner quality and it kept me guessing.
July 8, 2020
Author Joanne Paulson has created a compelling series centering on hunky and dedicated Detective Sergeant Adam Davis and fearless and passionate reporter Grace Rampling. They inhabit the world of the prairie city, Saskatoon, Canada. This is a place I’ve never visited but am getting to know thanks to the author’s vivid writing. Broken Through is the second in her Adam and Grace mystery series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There’s murder, and romance, dark events—past and present—and twisty plot lines, all delivered in Joanne Paulson’s smooth and sure hand. Her story has more depth than many in the mystery genre as she explores Adam’s demons, Graces’s wounds and some serious cultural issues relevant to some Canadian sectors. I highly recommend this book and have already started reading the third in the series.
November 7, 2018
Note this is book 2 in the series- somehow I managed to miss this so at the beginning of the story I was a little lost and felt like I had missed out on some character development. That said, I did catch up and will need to go back to the last book as my favorite part in a romance is when the couples meet and the attraction builds.
Seemingly mundane crimes start to link up as journalist Grace finds herself reporting on them. Her boyfriend, Adam returns from his conference in California and is flung into the middle of solving the crime when all he wants to do is reconnect with Grace. The romance and tension ratchet up as one takes precedence over the other.
Seemingly mundane crimes start to link up as journalist Grace finds herself reporting on them. Her boyfriend, Adam returns from his conference in California and is flung into the middle of solving the crime when all he wants to do is reconnect with Grace. The romance and tension ratchet up as one takes precedence over the other.
November 14, 2019
I read this some time ago but managed to forget to leave the review. It’s book 2 in a series and I have read them in order, I feel you shall understand the characters a lot more if you do read these in order. I really like how the author writes and kept me in suspense with the mystery throughout. It’s also a great relationship between Grace and Adam. A really great read. I enjoyed so much that I also purchased the book for Kindle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2022
Intense from beginning to end, BROKEN THROUGH ups the stakes in every way possible, with steamier romance, grizzlier deaths, and so many heart-pounding moments, I was blindsided by half of them. Adam and Grace are true to form--sexy, smart, and selfless, seeking to protect others both near and dear and those most vulnerable, with no one to advocate on their behalf. And the scene at the end! (No spoilers!) There were breadcrumbs along the way but it still shocked me! I can't wait to sink my teeth into the third in this series! Paulson is a must-read.
July 28, 2019
Wow! I really loved this mystery. Ms. Paulson weaves fact and fiction beautifully. I love learning about a different country and it’s culture. Plus her story is very compelling. I literally can’t put it down. I hope there are many more books in this series. I want to know how their lives unfold.
As I mentioned this book has a compelling true crime feel. Serial killer on the loose. Past difficulties to overcome. And a love story to make it the complete package.
As I mentioned this book has a compelling true crime feel. Serial killer on the loose. Past difficulties to overcome. And a love story to make it the complete package.
November 16, 2019
Hot hot hot. A steamy love story interwoven with the hunt for a vicious killer
Adam and Grace find out just how explosive their love is and that absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder. Grace’s friend uncovers the murder of her neighbor and that brings her friend to the attention of a killer. Adam is determined to apprehend the murderer before Grace or her friend are harmed. Well-written, fast-paced mystery with the bonus of a love story between characters you end up caring about.
Adam and Grace find out just how explosive their love is and that absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder. Grace’s friend uncovers the murder of her neighbor and that brings her friend to the attention of a killer. Adam is determined to apprehend the murderer before Grace or her friend are harmed. Well-written, fast-paced mystery with the bonus of a love story between characters you end up caring about.
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