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Breaking
It’s every mother’s worst fear
On a sun-hazed afternoon in the Florida Keys, a child goes missing from the beach. Dr Mirren Fitzpatrick appeals to the world to help find her eight-year-old daughter. The family are on holiday from Ireland, far from home and desperate to return there as they arrived – together.
Yet the police are immediately suspicious of Mirren. She was drinking at a bar – alone – shortly before reporting that her youngest child had disappeared. As rumours abound about Mirren’s past a trial-by-media ensues, and she is turned from a figure of pity to the villain of the piece.
And then a small body is found dumped in the ocean. Is Mirren a heartbroken mother, or the architect of her daughter’s fate?
On a sun-hazed afternoon in the Florida Keys, a child goes missing from the beach. Dr Mirren Fitzpatrick appeals to the world to help find her eight-year-old daughter. The family are on holiday from Ireland, far from home and desperate to return there as they arrived – together.
Yet the police are immediately suspicious of Mirren. She was drinking at a bar – alone – shortly before reporting that her youngest child had disappeared. As rumours abound about Mirren’s past a trial-by-media ensues, and she is turned from a figure of pity to the villain of the piece.
And then a small body is found dumped in the ocean. Is Mirren a heartbroken mother, or the architect of her daughter’s fate?
307 pages, ebook
First published October 6, 2022
140 people are currently reading
1762 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cassidy
15 books40 followersAmanda Cassidy is a freelance journalist, commissioning editor and former Sky News reporter represented by Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency in London.
Shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards, and more recently the Headline Media writing awards, her features have clocked up over seven million readers.
She’s a frequent contributor to national radio, print and television and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
Breaking is Amanda’s first novel.
Shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards, and more recently the Headline Media writing awards, her features have clocked up over seven million readers.
She’s a frequent contributor to national radio, print and television and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
Breaking is Amanda’s first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 24, 2022
The Fitzpatrick's are flying from their home in Ireland to the Florida Keys for a much needed vacation. Mirren hopes this is what her and her husband, Nick, need to rekindle their love for one another after months of drifting apart. Along with them is Mirren's biological daughter, Réa, and their adopted daughter, Alannah.
The peacefulness of this idyllic tropical resort is torn asunder by the loud, piercing scream of Mirren who only just realizes that Alannah is no where to be seen.
Having had a huge argument with Nick only moments before she heads to the beach with the girls in tow and demands that Réa keep an eye on Alannah while she sits and drowns her sorrows at a beach side bar only meters away but when she looks up and doesn't see her daughter she knows what every mother fears: My daughter is gone and never coming back.
Mirren is a tricky character to understand or to like. Having grown up with a cruel mother she vows to do better, to be better and she succeeds. She becomes a world renowned pediatric oncologist all while raising her daughter alone. She became pregnant with Réa while having an affair with a married man. He wants nothing to do with the baby or to leave his wife so he pays her off and it is with that money she puts herself through school. Life is good for the pair and their reliance on one another is evident. The two of them against the world.
Then Nick comes along and breaks into the tight bond the mother and daughter share. They marry and wish to have a child of their own but after several miscarriages they decide to adopt and they are blessed with baby Alannah.
There is one problem though, Mirren struggles to love her adoptive daughter and it is only with therapy that she has been able to admit this to herself.
Obviously the media go crazy. A wealthy Irish family's daughter goes missing while on vacation in the States it is going to make the news but the firestorm really turns into a frenzy when it's discovered that Mirren was drinking at a bar while her daughter vanished. Suddenly everyone has an opinion and that opinion is that Mirren is a terrible mother.
Detective Antonio Rolle is on the case after having fled the Miami police force. His superior wants to nail Mirren with the charges but Rolle doesn't think she'd hurt her child. He thinks something more nefarious occurred and he's determined to get to the bottom of it.
What happened? Who is to blame? Will Alannah ever be found? You'll have to read this to find out.
Wow, sometimes with risk comes reward and this book is a perfect example of that. This was a debut with only two reviews when I started this so I went in blind for a change and oh my goodness was this ever good. My heart broke for Mirren but at the same time I would cringe at the things she would do and say. I was so contradicted in my feelings for her. She could be cold and calculating but her pain and heartache were so palpable that I'd find myself in tears right along with her even though a moment ago I wanted to smack her. The way the media scrutinized and vilified her was maddening. She made a mistake, yes, but to be accused of her own daughters disappearance in the eyes of the world is the type of hell I never ever want to experience first hand.
The writing is assured, the pacing spot on - neither fast nor slow, and the story itself was absolutely riveting but it was the final page that chilled me to my bones. Highly recommend! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my complimentary copy.
The peacefulness of this idyllic tropical resort is torn asunder by the loud, piercing scream of Mirren who only just realizes that Alannah is no where to be seen.
Having had a huge argument with Nick only moments before she heads to the beach with the girls in tow and demands that Réa keep an eye on Alannah while she sits and drowns her sorrows at a beach side bar only meters away but when she looks up and doesn't see her daughter she knows what every mother fears: My daughter is gone and never coming back.
Mirren is a tricky character to understand or to like. Having grown up with a cruel mother she vows to do better, to be better and she succeeds. She becomes a world renowned pediatric oncologist all while raising her daughter alone. She became pregnant with Réa while having an affair with a married man. He wants nothing to do with the baby or to leave his wife so he pays her off and it is with that money she puts herself through school. Life is good for the pair and their reliance on one another is evident. The two of them against the world.
Then Nick comes along and breaks into the tight bond the mother and daughter share. They marry and wish to have a child of their own but after several miscarriages they decide to adopt and they are blessed with baby Alannah.
There is one problem though, Mirren struggles to love her adoptive daughter and it is only with therapy that she has been able to admit this to herself.
Obviously the media go crazy. A wealthy Irish family's daughter goes missing while on vacation in the States it is going to make the news but the firestorm really turns into a frenzy when it's discovered that Mirren was drinking at a bar while her daughter vanished. Suddenly everyone has an opinion and that opinion is that Mirren is a terrible mother.
Detective Antonio Rolle is on the case after having fled the Miami police force. His superior wants to nail Mirren with the charges but Rolle doesn't think she'd hurt her child. He thinks something more nefarious occurred and he's determined to get to the bottom of it.
What happened? Who is to blame? Will Alannah ever be found? You'll have to read this to find out.
Wow, sometimes with risk comes reward and this book is a perfect example of that. This was a debut with only two reviews when I started this so I went in blind for a change and oh my goodness was this ever good. My heart broke for Mirren but at the same time I would cringe at the things she would do and say. I was so contradicted in my feelings for her. She could be cold and calculating but her pain and heartache were so palpable that I'd find myself in tears right along with her even though a moment ago I wanted to smack her. The way the media scrutinized and vilified her was maddening. She made a mistake, yes, but to be accused of her own daughters disappearance in the eyes of the world is the type of hell I never ever want to experience first hand.
The writing is assured, the pacing spot on - neither fast nor slow, and the story itself was absolutely riveting but it was the final page that chilled me to my bones. Highly recommend! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my complimentary copy.
July 9, 2025
This child abduction drama boasted a Madeleine McCann vibe.
Yet it was slow, tedious, and repetitious.
The ending was OTT and disappointing.
Even though this book did not meet my expectations, I enjoyed the way the book unfolded from the two POVs of the protagonist and the police.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Emma Lowe and Keith Wickham.
Both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration and helped me make it to the finish line.
October 15, 2022
This was a brilliant debut thriller novel, its the type of book that keeps you hooked and the things you thought you worked out... you definitely haven't done !
I think the thing that makes this book have greater depth for me is the characters , the fact that they are well described , relatable, as the book goes along you really get to know them and feel like you can guess how they will react to certain things. The storyline has a fast paced that does mean you'll be sucked into reading more in one sitting than you thought as it's hard to stop.
Perfect book for thriller fans!
I think the thing that makes this book have greater depth for me is the characters , the fact that they are well described , relatable, as the book goes along you really get to know them and feel like you can guess how they will react to certain things. The storyline has a fast paced that does mean you'll be sucked into reading more in one sitting than you thought as it's hard to stop.
Perfect book for thriller fans!
April 9, 2025
Breaking is the first book by Amanda Cassidy I've read and won't be the last!
This story was twisty and turney and chilling from the start, and I loved the dual POV between Mirren and the detective Rolle.
Mirren has taken her two children and husband on an exotic holiday in a last-ditch attempt to repair her marriage. An incident occurs, leaving Mirren relapsing in her sobriety, and during this slip, her youngest daughter Allanna goes missing right from under her nose. As the police try to investigate what happened and media attention begins derailing the investigation and distracting from finding the girl alive, we get glimpses into the past and Mirrens life, character, and a slow burn build up to the twists and turns the book takes.
My head reeled throughout this story, making me think of different scenarios and suspects with every chapter. This was a very clever debut, and that final twist was a curve ball I didn't see coming. I'll be jumping on Amanda's next reads!
This story was twisty and turney and chilling from the start, and I loved the dual POV between Mirren and the detective Rolle.
Mirren has taken her two children and husband on an exotic holiday in a last-ditch attempt to repair her marriage. An incident occurs, leaving Mirren relapsing in her sobriety, and during this slip, her youngest daughter Allanna goes missing right from under her nose. As the police try to investigate what happened and media attention begins derailing the investigation and distracting from finding the girl alive, we get glimpses into the past and Mirrens life, character, and a slow burn build up to the twists and turns the book takes.
My head reeled throughout this story, making me think of different scenarios and suspects with every chapter. This was a very clever debut, and that final twist was a curve ball I didn't see coming. I'll be jumping on Amanda's next reads!
October 3, 2022
A story of a very dysfunctional family. A child goes missing it started off well but I soon started to loose interest. I did not like any of the characters. I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
October 26, 2022
I loved this authors debut! It is the story of a missing child and the search to find her. Her mother is accused of being drunk at the time, which complicates the search. What I loved most about this book was the multiple stories within one. It wasn’t just the search for the missing girl, but the story behind her parents, the police looking for her, and her extended family. I loved the book cover. It could say beach read or thriller. This is a perfect book to read anytime!
April 5, 2024
This book kept me guessing from start to finish. I loved the character development and the way the chapters constantly had you unsure of who to trust.
I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of it and really liked how it kept throwing little hints in and doing U turns on what you think is about to happen!
I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of it and really liked how it kept throwing little hints in and doing U turns on what you think is about to happen!
April 5, 2023
3.5 stars for well written and emotional novel about parenthood and how you survive when the worst has happened. Dr. Mirren Fitzpatrick, her husband Nick and daughters Rea and Alanna are vacationing in Florida from their native Ireland. One day during their vacation, young Alanna disappears from the beach. It turned out Mirren was drinking at a nearby bar when her daughter disappeared and she is blamed by the police, the media and. her husband Nick for the disappearance. It didn't quite make sense to me because she had asked her 16 year old daughter to watch Alanna, and certainly 16 is old enough to babysit. The book goes between the story of Mirren which includes flashbacks into her life and Rolle, a detective who is working the case.
Mirren has a lot of guilt because Alanna is adopted and she has never loved her the way she loved her biological daughter. Husband Nick told her during the vacation that he was through with her which is what started her drinking that fateful day. Mirren's own mother was not loving and she found herself not trusting herself to love and she gave most of herself to her medical practice. Mirren does come across as a bit cold but she was treated poorly by both Nick and the police from the beginning. Much of the book is a police procedural dealing with a possible sex trafficking and drug ring operating on Kite Island. Rolle, who transferred from Miami has a difficult time getting along with his superior and dealing with his unhappy wife.
The pace was good and I was invested in finding out what happened to Alanna but I found the big twist toward the end to be unbelievable. There is also unneeded fat shaming in the book ( Rolle meets a woman who also lost her daughter and decides she looks like a "ham" because she is overweight). Characters are also described as bulky or big in a derisive way. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review..
Mirren has a lot of guilt because Alanna is adopted and she has never loved her the way she loved her biological daughter. Husband Nick told her during the vacation that he was through with her which is what started her drinking that fateful day. Mirren's own mother was not loving and she found herself not trusting herself to love and she gave most of herself to her medical practice. Mirren does come across as a bit cold but she was treated poorly by both Nick and the police from the beginning. Much of the book is a police procedural dealing with a possible sex trafficking and drug ring operating on Kite Island. Rolle, who transferred from Miami has a difficult time getting along with his superior and dealing with his unhappy wife.
The pace was good and I was invested in finding out what happened to Alanna but I found the big twist toward the end to be unbelievable. There is also unneeded fat shaming in the book ( Rolle meets a woman who also lost her daughter and decides she looks like a "ham" because she is overweight). Characters are also described as bulky or big in a derisive way. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review..
July 23, 2023
4.5 stars ! I can’t believe this was a debut ! So many threads to weave ! It was done with skill & craft . At first I was a tiny bit disappointed with the ending but on reflection I understand why the author left it ambiguous.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
April 2, 2023
3.5 - 4 stars
August 29, 2022
Due to be published in October, Breaking is a tense, well-written debut that combines psychological thriller with police procedural and explores the lengths women will go to in order to protect their family and their children.
Dr Mirren FitzPatrick is on holidays in Florida with her husband Nick and two daughters Réa and Alannah, when Alannah goes missing on the beach. Mirren is vilified on social media and marked as a suspect when it emerges that she was drinking at a bar when her young daughter disappeared. Husband Nick is harbouring secrets of his own too.
Meanwhile, police are hunting for suspects involved in a human trafficking/drug ring who they suspect may be involved in Alannah’s disappearance. As the net closes in, who is telling the truth about Alannah’s last movements?
This kept me guessing to the end and I very much enjoyed Mirren’s first person perspective, trying to decide whether or not she was a reliable narrator.
There was a little too much police procedural action for my personal taste but it did lead to heightened tension and a dramatic reveal. Police officer Rolle reminded me of Inspector Gamache, and the author’s elegant, poetic writing brought to mind Louise Penny. I could imagine a follow up with Rolle involved.
I wasn’t crazy about the introduction of a new character (nurse Kate) in the epilogue - perhaps Nick could have found the notebook Kate finds instead (I won’t say more for fear of spoilers). A promising debut from an author to watch. 3/5 ⭐️
Dr Mirren FitzPatrick is on holidays in Florida with her husband Nick and two daughters Réa and Alannah, when Alannah goes missing on the beach. Mirren is vilified on social media and marked as a suspect when it emerges that she was drinking at a bar when her young daughter disappeared. Husband Nick is harbouring secrets of his own too.
Meanwhile, police are hunting for suspects involved in a human trafficking/drug ring who they suspect may be involved in Alannah’s disappearance. As the net closes in, who is telling the truth about Alannah’s last movements?
This kept me guessing to the end and I very much enjoyed Mirren’s first person perspective, trying to decide whether or not she was a reliable narrator.
There was a little too much police procedural action for my personal taste but it did lead to heightened tension and a dramatic reveal. Police officer Rolle reminded me of Inspector Gamache, and the author’s elegant, poetic writing brought to mind Louise Penny. I could imagine a follow up with Rolle involved.
I wasn’t crazy about the introduction of a new character (nurse Kate) in the epilogue - perhaps Nick could have found the notebook Kate finds instead (I won’t say more for fear of spoilers). A promising debut from an author to watch. 3/5 ⭐️
March 31, 2023
I hate giving books such low ratings especially when I do believe that the book has potential and it will appeal to many others, even perhaps myself if I’d read it some other time maybe!
It was just slow and I didn’t like any of the characters, Mirren is portrayed as cold and unmoving and at the start your confronted with the knowledge that she doesn’t love Alannah as much as her Biological daughter Rea.
The two detectives where both so unlikeable too and there didn’t seem to be any depth to the crime parts, they were all so clinical.
Overall it just was too slow and a lack of good characters mean it wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC in return for an honest review.
It was just slow and I didn’t like any of the characters, Mirren is portrayed as cold and unmoving and at the start your confronted with the knowledge that she doesn’t love Alannah as much as her Biological daughter Rea.
The two detectives where both so unlikeable too and there didn’t seem to be any depth to the crime parts, they were all so clinical.
Overall it just was too slow and a lack of good characters mean it wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC in return for an honest review.
April 28, 2024
Breaking is an emotional rollercoaster of a book that explores both crime and how it's dealt with on a resort island off the coast of Miami and the turbulent relationship a mother has with her adopted daughter. The characters are strong and well-etched.
The stark contrast in how the police and the media dealt with Mariah and Alannah's disappearance was heartbreaking. While Gladys cried for help and was ignored, Mirren was painted guilty. The author's portrayal of the media circus that encompasses a high profile case is spot on.
The final twist was unexpected, but to me, it didn't sit very well. I understood the desperation of Alice, but won't the wife of a cop know about the repercussions of her actions much better than any other civilian. Also, the ending didn't feel like a closure, with what will happen to Alice and Antonio being hazy and Mirren being portrayed as going back to treating Alannah with an indifference. It kind of made the whole book and the struggle to get back her child pointless to me. But what stood out to me was Amanda's excellent writing. Her portrayal of the characters and narrative style are excellent.
The stark contrast in how the police and the media dealt with Mariah and Alannah's disappearance was heartbreaking. While Gladys cried for help and was ignored, Mirren was painted guilty. The author's portrayal of the media circus that encompasses a high profile case is spot on.
The final twist was unexpected, but to me, it didn't sit very well. I understood the desperation of Alice, but won't the wife of a cop know about the repercussions of her actions much better than any other civilian. Also, the ending didn't feel like a closure, with what will happen to Alice and Antonio being hazy and Mirren being portrayed as going back to treating Alannah with an indifference. It kind of made the whole book and the struggle to get back her child pointless to me. But what stood out to me was Amanda's excellent writing. Her portrayal of the characters and narrative style are excellent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
On holiday in Florida, Dr Mirren Fitzpatrick faces every parents worst nightmare when her 8 year old adopted daughter goes missing at the beach.
A tense and rivetting read falling somewhere between psychological thriller and crime fiction that had me hooked from the start. There's so much going on within this story with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
I loved Cassidys writing style, switching between characters and into different time frames so naturally. The characters were really well developed, particularly Mirren and Detective Rolle. I'm not normally a fan of an unreliable narrator but I really enjoyed Mirrens point of view which is a testament to Cassidys writing.
Irish female authors are absolutely dominating at the moment and this is another perfect example of why. A fantastic debut and I already can't wait to see what comes next from this author.
A tense and rivetting read falling somewhere between psychological thriller and crime fiction that had me hooked from the start. There's so much going on within this story with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
I loved Cassidys writing style, switching between characters and into different time frames so naturally. The characters were really well developed, particularly Mirren and Detective Rolle. I'm not normally a fan of an unreliable narrator but I really enjoyed Mirrens point of view which is a testament to Cassidys writing.
Irish female authors are absolutely dominating at the moment and this is another perfect example of why. A fantastic debut and I already can't wait to see what comes next from this author.
September 19, 2022
Best book I've read in ages. Couldn't stop turning the pages with each chapter ending with a hook that I needed to satisfy. Gorgeous writing that feels really unique – fresh and delicate narration and thought provoking dialogue.
Not necessarily 'likeable' characters but that's what makes it so nuanced. You change your loyalties with the characters multiple times. Keeping you on your toes. And keeping the book unpredictable.
And the ending really leaves a lasting impression! More people need to read this exciting debut, if only so I can analyse the last chapter with them!
Can't wait for more from this author.
Not necessarily 'likeable' characters but that's what makes it so nuanced. You change your loyalties with the characters multiple times. Keeping you on your toes. And keeping the book unpredictable.
And the ending really leaves a lasting impression! More people need to read this exciting debut, if only so I can analyse the last chapter with them!
Can't wait for more from this author.
July 23, 2023
Alannah Fitzepatrick had gone missing from her family holiday, on a beach surrounded by people and no one saw anything.. Or did they? The story follows her mother's (Mirren) horrendous ordeal as she struggles to come to terms with her missing daughter and the days that follows uncovering a spider web of events leading to the resounding end.
A mother's worst nightmare. Well nearly all mother's.
This gripping story twists and turns at an unbelievable rate and just when you think you have figured it all out, the ugly truth appears. Great story from a very talented author.
A mother's worst nightmare. Well nearly all mother's.
This gripping story twists and turns at an unbelievable rate and just when you think you have figured it all out, the ugly truth appears. Great story from a very talented author.
October 1, 2022
What an incredible debut!
This book kept me on my toes, I was never sure what was going to happen next.
A mystery surrounding the disappearance of a child on a crowded beach, mixed with dysfunctional families, and police corruption.
I liked the alternating POVs between Mirren (the mother of the missing child) and Rolle (a detective working the case) and how new pieces of the case were uncovered by them.
This book kept me on my toes, I was never sure what was going to happen next.
A mystery surrounding the disappearance of a child on a crowded beach, mixed with dysfunctional families, and police corruption.
I liked the alternating POVs between Mirren (the mother of the missing child) and Rolle (a detective working the case) and how new pieces of the case were uncovered by them.
December 28, 2022
A thriller surrounding the disappearance of a young Irish girl on a Florida beach when on holidays with her family. This story focuses on the perspective of the mother and one of the cops assigned to the case. A story that kept surprising you with layers of the back story and larger context slowly revealed. Dealt with some tough storylines such as human trafficking. Many thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the ARC.
August 31, 2022
Amanda Cassidy brings a novel of the most horrifying encounter anyone could imagine. An experience one more horrifying than dying yourself, at least in the eyes of a mother. That horror is turning around, and realizing your child is “GONE”.
This is that story.
Let us begin:
Nick and Mirren Kirkpatrick have decided to travel back to the United States, where they honeymooned in Florida to try to rekindle their marriage. Only this time they have decided to bring their two daughters, Rhea and Alannah along for the trip.
Being that they are from Ireland, they felt the girls would enjoy getting the chance to go to America, and going to the beach, in Florida.
But instead of them having a wonderful time as planned. Mirren and Nick get into an intense argument, with Mirren storming out with the girls in tow.
Mirren furious and needing time to think, tells Rhea to watch her little sister as she heads to the outside bar. She can still see the girls, so!
Mirren’s mind begins to reminisce about how she had gotten to where she was. How life was when it was just, she and Rhea. Rhea was a result of an affair with a married man, who had paid her off. She put herself through school and she had done darn good for herself.
Then along came Nick, nudging his way into her life and heart. Then they wanted children, but then the miscarriages came about, and so they decided to adopt. Finally, a baby came up for adoption and they were able to adopt Alannah. But it was not the same as her own child, she couldn’t love Alannah the same. She did not know why; she could not even say it aloud. Finally, she broke down and went to a therapist and only then, was she able to confront that demon and admit it to herself. She did not love Alannah like she did Rhea.
Finally snapping out of her trance, to her horror. Her child is missing. No one’s seen her, no one can help her. At first, she is a grieving mother, like most would be. Then when the media hits and reports come in that she was at the bar, not paying attention to her child. That is when things hit the fan, she is no longer seen as the grieving mother. But the wealthy mother on vacation, who got drunk and neglected her child.
The Police Chief wants an arrest at once and thinks she is guilty, making it a slam dunk case. However, Detective Rolle does not believe she did it, it is just too convenient. He thinks something else is going on. For example, what about the husband, He has his own secrets that he is trying to hide. He does not want this case closed so fast, and he is going to do everything to make sure that it is not.
Cassidy gives an intriguing plot that would grab any reader. However, there felt as if there was lot of unnecessary info dump between the Detectives. Which made it feel like it was more like a true crime, instead of fictitious novel.
I also did not care for Mirren; she came off as calculating instead of devastated. If I lost my child, I would be in Bellevue in a straight jacket. This woman had attitude, just arrogant at times, like a cold fish, just did not feel realistic to me.
Other than that, the author has a solid build in dialogue. The writing style flowed and was not choppy feeling.
Cassidy Is one to watch for certain, just by her plot detail.
This book overall, still gets 3.5 stars rounded up.
Great JOB!
Thank you, NetGalley/Amanda Cassidy/ Canelo.Canelo Crime for this eARC for my review. Opinions are of my own volition.
This is that story.
Let us begin:
Nick and Mirren Kirkpatrick have decided to travel back to the United States, where they honeymooned in Florida to try to rekindle their marriage. Only this time they have decided to bring their two daughters, Rhea and Alannah along for the trip.
Being that they are from Ireland, they felt the girls would enjoy getting the chance to go to America, and going to the beach, in Florida.
But instead of them having a wonderful time as planned. Mirren and Nick get into an intense argument, with Mirren storming out with the girls in tow.
Mirren furious and needing time to think, tells Rhea to watch her little sister as she heads to the outside bar. She can still see the girls, so!
Mirren’s mind begins to reminisce about how she had gotten to where she was. How life was when it was just, she and Rhea. Rhea was a result of an affair with a married man, who had paid her off. She put herself through school and she had done darn good for herself.
Then along came Nick, nudging his way into her life and heart. Then they wanted children, but then the miscarriages came about, and so they decided to adopt. Finally, a baby came up for adoption and they were able to adopt Alannah. But it was not the same as her own child, she couldn’t love Alannah the same. She did not know why; she could not even say it aloud. Finally, she broke down and went to a therapist and only then, was she able to confront that demon and admit it to herself. She did not love Alannah like she did Rhea.
Finally snapping out of her trance, to her horror. Her child is missing. No one’s seen her, no one can help her. At first, she is a grieving mother, like most would be. Then when the media hits and reports come in that she was at the bar, not paying attention to her child. That is when things hit the fan, she is no longer seen as the grieving mother. But the wealthy mother on vacation, who got drunk and neglected her child.
The Police Chief wants an arrest at once and thinks she is guilty, making it a slam dunk case. However, Detective Rolle does not believe she did it, it is just too convenient. He thinks something else is going on. For example, what about the husband, He has his own secrets that he is trying to hide. He does not want this case closed so fast, and he is going to do everything to make sure that it is not.
Cassidy gives an intriguing plot that would grab any reader. However, there felt as if there was lot of unnecessary info dump between the Detectives. Which made it feel like it was more like a true crime, instead of fictitious novel.
I also did not care for Mirren; she came off as calculating instead of devastated. If I lost my child, I would be in Bellevue in a straight jacket. This woman had attitude, just arrogant at times, like a cold fish, just did not feel realistic to me.
Other than that, the author has a solid build in dialogue. The writing style flowed and was not choppy feeling.
Cassidy Is one to watch for certain, just by her plot detail.
This book overall, still gets 3.5 stars rounded up.
Great JOB!
Thank you, NetGalley/Amanda Cassidy/ Canelo.Canelo Crime for this eARC for my review. Opinions are of my own volition.
August 31, 2022
I was one of the lucky recipients of an advance e-copy of this book. Here's my review:
The book is about an Irish family holidaying on Kite Island. There are multiple perspectives on the action throughout the book. The main first-person voice is that of the mother, Mirren. She identifies herself early on as a drinker, making her a rather unreliable narrator. The story is about the disappearance and search for Mirren's 8 year old daughter. As the story progresses it is unclear whether a crime has even been committed, and by whom.
There were characters in the story that I quite liked, with interesting back-stories. I would be interested to read more about them if they featured in future books. However I did find some of the supporting characters a bit underdeveloped.
This isn't strictly a UK Crime book, since the family are Irish, and the majority of the action takes place on Kite Island. I read it as a "holiday read", and quite enjoyed being transported to an unfamiliar destination. The author depicted the location well.
Overall this was an enjoyable read with enough mystery to hold my interest until the end, even though I had guessed quite early on "whodunnit". I liked that the author left a few loose ends even after the conclusion. I would read other books by this author, especially if they featured Detective Rolle or Kite Island.
The book is about an Irish family holidaying on Kite Island. There are multiple perspectives on the action throughout the book. The main first-person voice is that of the mother, Mirren. She identifies herself early on as a drinker, making her a rather unreliable narrator. The story is about the disappearance and search for Mirren's 8 year old daughter. As the story progresses it is unclear whether a crime has even been committed, and by whom.
There were characters in the story that I quite liked, with interesting back-stories. I would be interested to read more about them if they featured in future books. However I did find some of the supporting characters a bit underdeveloped.
This isn't strictly a UK Crime book, since the family are Irish, and the majority of the action takes place on Kite Island. I read it as a "holiday read", and quite enjoyed being transported to an unfamiliar destination. The author depicted the location well.
Overall this was an enjoyable read with enough mystery to hold my interest until the end, even though I had guessed quite early on "whodunnit". I liked that the author left a few loose ends even after the conclusion. I would read other books by this author, especially if they featured Detective Rolle or Kite Island.
September 9, 2022
Breaking is the story about a family in which every member has their own problems and difficult backgrounds - they all go on a vacation to improve their relationships and dynamic. Instead the youngest daughter vanishes and the book tells the story of how they try to find her and work through their problems and struggles.
I was interested in the story throughout the whole book and intrigued how it would end and if they would find Allanah. I did not guess the ending or the plot twists and was very surprised by many parts.
The author managed to give each of the characters a complex backstory which explained their behavior and way of thinking.
The writing was fine, the dialogue parts made sense and felt real, but some of the internal monologue / thoughts of the characters were too dry - I couldn't bring myself to read every word and sometimes skimmed a few lines/paragraphs.
Even though it is a good thing that I could not guess the ending, it was too out of nowhere for me. I didn't really believe what actually happened as it got revealed at the end, it didn't fit in with the rest of the story in my opinion.
Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this eARC!
I was interested in the story throughout the whole book and intrigued how it would end and if they would find Allanah. I did not guess the ending or the plot twists and was very surprised by many parts.
The author managed to give each of the characters a complex backstory which explained their behavior and way of thinking.
The writing was fine, the dialogue parts made sense and felt real, but some of the internal monologue / thoughts of the characters were too dry - I couldn't bring myself to read every word and sometimes skimmed a few lines/paragraphs.
Even though it is a good thing that I could not guess the ending, it was too out of nowhere for me. I didn't really believe what actually happened as it got revealed at the end, it didn't fit in with the rest of the story in my opinion.
Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this eARC!
September 7, 2022
This was a solid debut. I like reading stories with unreliable & unlikeable narrators, and this story had a great example with Mirren. We see how she copes with the disappearance of her youngest daughter while on holiday. Throughout the story, I was torn between two opinions on Mirren - is this her punishment for not loving her adoptive daughter as much as her biological daughter, or will this give her a second chance to prove that she loves them both equally? I also liked the commentary on how parents, especially mothers, of missing children are supposed to act in front of the media. If they don’t fit the specific expectations, then it’s assumed that they’ve done something wrong & it’s their fault their child is missing. All in all, I found this book to be very readable - it was so easy just to sit down & not realise how much time had passed. I did find that it dragged in places, and while the last chapter was open ended, I did feel a bit let down at this. Still, I’m looking forward to seeing what Amanda Cassidy does next.
Thanks to Canelo & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Canelo & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2024
An intriguing start but no likeable characters.
July 11, 2024
Thrilling
September 18, 2024
Pretty good, mysterious element & the pace picked up by the end but I liked how each chapter was written by a different characters perspective
October 6, 2022
I struggled a little to get into this because each chapter flicks between either time or person but by about 40% I was gripped and couldn't believe the ending.
There's so many different things going on that trying to work out just what has happened to Alannah is not easy! What actually happened to her I would never have guessed in a million years!
I'd have loved a little bit extra, maybe an epilogue of a year on to revisit where everyone was. I had really grown fond of Rolle so I'd like to know he found peace.
It's a fast paced read with plenty of crime drama. I'd definitely recommend.
There's so many different things going on that trying to work out just what has happened to Alannah is not easy! What actually happened to her I would never have guessed in a million years!
I'd have loved a little bit extra, maybe an epilogue of a year on to revisit where everyone was. I had really grown fond of Rolle so I'd like to know he found peace.
It's a fast paced read with plenty of crime drama. I'd definitely recommend.
October 6, 2022
‘Breaking’ is a tense and thrilling debut that keeps you guessing right up to the final page! It’s a psychological thriller, mixed with a police procedural and that made for an exciting narrative and a terrific pace.
Dr Mirren Fitzpatrick has taken her family for a well deserved rest in the Florida Keys. But the worst thing occurs, their youngest daughter Alannah goes missing one afternoon on the beach! They are desperate to find Alannah but soon suspicion falls onto Mirren as it emerges that she was drinking alone in a bar whilst her children were by themselves on the beach. Soon she is made into the villian as troubling events emerge from her past. When a body is found everyone’s thinks that the worst has happened…
The best character for me in this book was Detective Rolle and I would certainly read more about this life! He was a gentle soul, determined to help those who needed it and get justice for the victims of this story. I had a lot of empathy for his situation and would love to see more books centred around him! Im hoping that the author intended this but I couldn’t gel with Mirren at all. I don’t know why either as she was a result of her circumstances growing up etc but I felt a coldness coming off her all the way through.
Due to this I felt more of a pull towards the drug trafficking etc that Rolle was investigating. However, the author was making a point I believe about the differences in how missing children are handled by the media. For example, would Madeline McCann have received as much attention if her parents weren’t doctors etc?! In regards to Alannah’s disappearance I was not expecting that resolution at all!!!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Dr Mirren Fitzpatrick has taken her family for a well deserved rest in the Florida Keys. But the worst thing occurs, their youngest daughter Alannah goes missing one afternoon on the beach! They are desperate to find Alannah but soon suspicion falls onto Mirren as it emerges that she was drinking alone in a bar whilst her children were by themselves on the beach. Soon she is made into the villian as troubling events emerge from her past. When a body is found everyone’s thinks that the worst has happened…
The best character for me in this book was Detective Rolle and I would certainly read more about this life! He was a gentle soul, determined to help those who needed it and get justice for the victims of this story. I had a lot of empathy for his situation and would love to see more books centred around him! Im hoping that the author intended this but I couldn’t gel with Mirren at all. I don’t know why either as she was a result of her circumstances growing up etc but I felt a coldness coming off her all the way through.
Due to this I felt more of a pull towards the drug trafficking etc that Rolle was investigating. However, the author was making a point I believe about the differences in how missing children are handled by the media. For example, would Madeline McCann have received as much attention if her parents weren’t doctors etc?! In regards to Alannah’s disappearance I was not expecting that resolution at all!!!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
October 13, 2022
So Firstly I want to say a massive thanks to Kelly from @lovebooktours, the publisher and the author for gifting me a free copy of this digitally in exchange for a review.
This was so close to a 5 star read! I love the character of Mirren. She is a character with a lot going on! I love the chapters written from her perspective that keep you guessing as to whether you can trust her or not! Her character has so many different layers from being the cold and calculating uncaring person who you believe may have done something to hurt her daughter to the mother in immense amount of pain shown at alternative times that you could tell came from a place of genuine grief and fear! Her character is by far the most developed throughout the book and the one that kept me constantly guessing!
The police work for me was a little bit difficult to get through. Rolle is an amazing character. His back story and character development really suck you in. You want to learn more about him and his past and I found myself really rooting for him to get the case solved! However, I just absolutely hated the character of Logan Lovell. And this is probably why it didn’t quite get to a 5 star review from me.
Some difficult topics are approached throughout the storyline which have been treated in a way that is both thought provoking and harrowing at times. Amanda Cassidy has an incredible writing style that sucks you in and keeps a perfect pace that means you are constantly engaged.
And to sum up my thoughts on this wonderful debut - those last 2 pages! Oh what an ending! Gave me absolute chills!
What an amazing debut and an author I will definitely be on the look out for again in the future!
This was so close to a 5 star read! I love the character of Mirren. She is a character with a lot going on! I love the chapters written from her perspective that keep you guessing as to whether you can trust her or not! Her character has so many different layers from being the cold and calculating uncaring person who you believe may have done something to hurt her daughter to the mother in immense amount of pain shown at alternative times that you could tell came from a place of genuine grief and fear! Her character is by far the most developed throughout the book and the one that kept me constantly guessing!
The police work for me was a little bit difficult to get through. Rolle is an amazing character. His back story and character development really suck you in. You want to learn more about him and his past and I found myself really rooting for him to get the case solved! However, I just absolutely hated the character of Logan Lovell. And this is probably why it didn’t quite get to a 5 star review from me.
Some difficult topics are approached throughout the storyline which have been treated in a way that is both thought provoking and harrowing at times. Amanda Cassidy has an incredible writing style that sucks you in and keeps a perfect pace that means you are constantly engaged.
And to sum up my thoughts on this wonderful debut - those last 2 pages! Oh what an ending! Gave me absolute chills!
What an amazing debut and an author I will definitely be on the look out for again in the future!
October 10, 2022
Breaking by Amanda Cassidy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow!
I am now a fully paid up member to the Amanda Cassidy fan club and can’t wait to read more from this author.
But why oh why in nearly all mysteries is there always a policeman sent to a town in disgrace! Right my one and only gripe over now back to the book.
Breaking tells the aftermath of a little girls disappearance during a family holiday and the catastrophic impact on those involved.
The plot was well crafted with lots of twists and turns. I was constantly thinking the story was heading in one direction before being quickly proved very wrong.
The chapters were kept to just a few peoples narrations which is exactly how I like it! Especially with a book that has a rollercoaster plot it would be very easy to go off on several tangents and loose the key plot line but the author stayed true to the plot and makes the readers feel that they are in safe enough hands that they can be whisked away with the family.
Although I think I can safely say after finishing the book that the family have proved that they are capable of just about anything and I think I would be very nervous if they became my new neighbours !
The subplots in this book were very interesting and gave each character so much depth and history that I feel like this book could have easily been a series .
The writing style and the plot I think would work very well as a script and I can easily see this being adapted to a fantastic tv drama.
Thank you to the author, Canelo and of course tandem for inviting me along on this fantastic readalong and for all those who are craving a mystery thriller for those autumn evenings then look no further!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow!
I am now a fully paid up member to the Amanda Cassidy fan club and can’t wait to read more from this author.
But why oh why in nearly all mysteries is there always a policeman sent to a town in disgrace! Right my one and only gripe over now back to the book.
Breaking tells the aftermath of a little girls disappearance during a family holiday and the catastrophic impact on those involved.
The plot was well crafted with lots of twists and turns. I was constantly thinking the story was heading in one direction before being quickly proved very wrong.
The chapters were kept to just a few peoples narrations which is exactly how I like it! Especially with a book that has a rollercoaster plot it would be very easy to go off on several tangents and loose the key plot line but the author stayed true to the plot and makes the readers feel that they are in safe enough hands that they can be whisked away with the family.
Although I think I can safely say after finishing the book that the family have proved that they are capable of just about anything and I think I would be very nervous if they became my new neighbours !
The subplots in this book were very interesting and gave each character so much depth and history that I feel like this book could have easily been a series .
The writing style and the plot I think would work very well as a script and I can easily see this being adapted to a fantastic tv drama.
Thank you to the author, Canelo and of course tandem for inviting me along on this fantastic readalong and for all those who are craving a mystery thriller for those autumn evenings then look no further!
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