When a mouthy consultant meets a gruff FBI agent, they team up to solve the worst serial murders in decades - but even with all their talents combined they seem outmatched.
Dr. Percy Shatter is the best forensic, behavioral, and clinical psychologist, which probably says more about her than she ever could. She’s afraid of nothing in the real world, especially after personally interviewing every living serial killer between studying the rest. She’s faced evil and come out the other side with knowledge, analysis, and only a few scars. Plus she can drink anyone under the table.
When she meets Special Agent Riley Rankin, Percy stands her ground, toe-to-toe, with him. He’s in the Violent Crimes unit with the FBI. And he's taken down monsters so terrifying their existence never made it into public knowledge. He’s a rockstar investigator, with a fantastic solve rate, because he follows the rules to the letter. That is…until he meets Percy, who can't stop pushing his buttons. Suddenly he misses his old murder scenes with lots of blood but not so many metaphors.
Together, Percy and Riley, are forced into a partnership when several brutally mutilated bodies are found, resembling the work of an infamous serial killer. More concerning, the dead victims are discovered states apart at the same time - which means there's more than one copycat. And the notorious murderer being mimicked has been in prison for decades without helping anyone on the outside. Suddenly, the floundering investigative duo is left feeling lost. In the incredible stress of the situation, both partners end up at each other’s throats. While Percy tries to solve her woes at the bottom of a bottle, Riley simply shuts down. All the while, killers are planning their next elaborately violent murders.
Can Riley help Percy wrangle her inner demons long enough to chase down the psychotic followers of a serial killer, or will they both lose their composure, sanity, and lives when Percy falls apart?
*Content Warnings: graphic violence, descriptions of gore and death, tons of swearing, active addiction, maladaptive behaviors, and more**
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! Thrillers are my favorite genre, and this is one great thriller. I really liked the main characters, and I loved how dark it is! I thought I had it figured out a couple times, but I was wrong. I did not expect the little twist at about 85%, but I liked it. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
*the author has a list of triggers, please read them before reading this book
"I received a free copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion
At the start of this psychological thriller, the first in the series, Dr. Persephone "Percy" Shatter meets with Assistant Director of Violent Crimes of the FBI, Marvin Keller-Strong. With her Doctorate and Undergraduate degrees in Behavioral and Criminal Psychology, Sociology and Forensic Science, she has been utilized on several occasions to consult on cases and she hopes this meeting will result in another such opportunity.
At this meeting, Percy is introduced to Special Agent Riley Rankin whom left her with a questionable first impression upon their previous encounter when they met in the elevator, due to his gruff demeanor. When it is explained to Riley that Percy will be his partner on a new serial murder case, he is annoyed, to say the least, to be paired with a Civilian he does not see as a “real partner”. There’s definitely tension among this new forced partnership.
Percy is a snarky, strong-willed woman with a penchant for cussing who puts her foot in her mouth more than she’d like and Riley is a rule following, strait-laced agent who is used to getting results. Despite the rocky start, the two work very well together and their differences end up complimenting their relationship.
The murders are very graphically explained so if you are at all squeamish, you may want to steer clear of this book. I wasn’t bothered in the least as I tend to enjoy dark suspense, thriller type stories.
Things I enjoyed: 1) I consider this book an easy and quick read. I tend to enjoy books with short chapters and this book delivers. 2) The story is engaging and I was interested to find out what came next. 3) The author does a great job of describing. Meaning, I could easily visualize the characters, the murder scenes, the different places where suspects and others were questioned, etc. 4) The story is told from different perspectives but is done in a way that is not confusing or distracting. 5) Except for number 3 listed below, I really enjoyed the Percy character. Some of her exclamations I even say myself. I found her relatable for the most part. Riley is a great character.
Things I questioned or didn’t love. 1) The setup of the Percy/Riley relationship led me to believe the static between them would be more of a story line, however, that tension seemed to resolve itself very early on in the book. I’m not sure it was necessary to introduce them as potential adversaries as their quick trust in their partnership and each other seems a little unbelievable. 2) I won’t explain this right but, Percy is VERY in her head, which is probably on purpose by the author. I just found some of the Percy talk (her thoughts and her talk to herself) a little overwhelming and confusing at times. 3) Percy is an absolute drunk. I have no problem with drinking. Personally, I just find it difficult to believe someone who can drink themselves to passing out each day can perform at such a high-level continuously. Maybe her alcoholism will be important in a later book, but for this one, I feel it could be played down a little. 4) I have a small issue as it relates to the reasons for the killings but can’t really get into it without spoilers. 5) I don’t know how many people try to guess the killer but I do, and my first guess was right. That’s not to say, the result wasn’t good. I just enjoy being shocked and few books are able to leave me with a dropped jaw which I love
All this to say, I recommend giving this book a read. It is very well thought out and entertaining. I’ll definitely read the next one to see how the Percy story progresses.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ARC from author NO SPOILERS - Adult psychological crime, Detective Thriller, Book 1 with no cliffhanger.
*CW: Profanity, Death, graphic crime scenes,violence and alcoholism - please check authors list and look after yourself **
New to me author which is always exciting, even more so in the Thriller category and I was not disappointed with this ARC which pulled me in from the start.
The melding of Professional and Private personae of our two main characters, Dr Persephone Shatter and Special Agent Riley Rankin is superbly written with no glossing over on character flaws. Their faults, vulnerabilities and strengths become more apparent as they continue to work the Case and what was once a forced teaming eventually changes via mutual respect to a willing partnership. Personal history is slowly released throughout the Book but does not overtake the actual story line nor is it wasted filler. Percy and Riley have a superb dynamic fraught with ups and downs, very realistic and relatable. Would I like to see this relationship cultivated into something deeper? Against my usual preferences for romance free Thrillers I am saying yes, eventually though!
My only niggle is the Alcoholism and how it affects ones ability to work in an intelligent, cerebral role and not have it addressed more proactively considering clear thought processes are a requirement and necessity. I am hoping this aspect is resolved in the next Book.
Crime scenes delivered well, easy to visualise with the descriptive prose and I love that, adds to the tension and I do adore my twisted villains.
Add to this a supporting cast of believable individuals, vivid settings, an intrigue, danger filled plot line and you have the ingredients for a tasty recipe cooked to perfection by M.A.Green.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this, the story flowed, was intelligent, realistic and engrossing with it's twists and turns. M.A.Green has been added to my own List for new releases to watch for and I look forward to Book 2 with anticipation.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shattered by M.A. Green is a gripping, intense thriller that dives headfirst into the dark and twisted minds of killers—and those tasked with catching them. Dr. Percy Shatter, a brilliant but deeply flawed psychologist, teams up with FBI Agent Riley Rankin to solve a string of gruesome murders. The dynamic between Percy and Riley is electric, filled with tension, wit, and a clashing of philosophies that keeps the story engaging.
Percy’s unique mind and her complex relationship with her own demons are the heart of the book. I found myself fascinated by the way she analyzes the world, even when it means navigating her struggles with addiction and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Her perspective offers a fresh and raw look at the psychological impact of facing evil every day, making her a memorable and relatable character.
While the content warnings for graphic violence and addiction are warranted, they add depth and realism to the story, making it a compelling read for fans of gritty crime fiction. Riley Rankin is equally intriguing, and I’m eager to uncover more about his backstory in future installments.
Shattered is a raw, thrilling exploration of crime, psychology, and the fine line between order and chaos. I highly recommend it to fans of dark, character-driven thrillers.
I can best describe this book as a rollercoaster ride. It starts off slow as it climbs, then all of a sudden, you're moving this way and that at a high rate of speed. Twists and turns and maybe even upside down at times. I was never too sure till the end of who the bad person was. Percy has some issues but is brilliant and can put together things that maybe the normal person can see just not the bigger picture. But it has to be a combination of her past studies and experience. Riley also has some initial issues in working with Percy, but she grows on him. I enjoyed the book and looks to read more about Percy and Riley as the take on the worst cases of the fbi. It's a quick read as the rollercoaster keep you moving forward but never knowing which direction is the next and you'll always be a bit unsettled as it moves along.
I enjoyed this. I found it took some time to get used to the two main characters, Percy and Riley. Once I did, I enjoyed their working relationship and their investigation into a number of seriously dark murders and how they are connected to a serial killer who is behind bars.
It was an intriguing read and I definitely didn't see the twist towards the end. If you want a dark and twisty read, then this book is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Percy Shatter is paired up with Special Agent Riley Rankin from the FBI. Percy can hold her own with Rankin, but she also hides her need for alcohol so she can function. They are on a case that resembles a person that Percy had dealings with before and is now in prison. But it isn't just one copycat, there are more, and this causes many issues for them. A real thriller to read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
“She Shattered” by M. A. Green is a surprisingly funny and suspenseful thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Dr. Percy Shatter—a forensic, behavioral, and clinical psychologist (and alcoholic) who consults with the FBI. She’s sharp, flawed, and completely addicting. The perfect mix of dark tension, humor, and emotional depth made this story stand out. I can’t wait to read more of Percy’s story!
This was my first book by this author. I was a little apprehensive at first, it took me a couple days to get into it as it was a little slow starting but boy it took off and I couldn’t stop! A roller coaster of emotions between the main characters but loved how she portrayed the why.
What kind of a mind writes this? What kind of a mind reads this? Well this mind loved it. Even though I had the bad guy figured out early on, the ride getting to the reveal was awesome. Great characters, great writing. A must read, but, no kidding, be prepared for chills.
Shattered is full of nightmare fuel! I love the main character in this book--FBI consultant Percy Shatter is not to be messed with, on or off the clock. Great visual storytelling with a unique and engaging plot. Must read!