The Broken Circle

A Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham Mystery #4

by Shirley Wells

In the quiet Lancashire village that is home to forensic psychologist Jill Kennedy, the wealthy new owner of nearby Kelton Manor is found dead in the woods. Local residents are wary of newcomers; Jack Taylor, a man who regularly walks his dog near to where the man’s body is found, seems especially determined to hinder the investigation.

As Jill and her sometime lover and colleague DCI Max Trentham hunt the dead man’s killer, they are drawn ever deeper into the victim’s dark past. When the name of prominent local businessman Thomas McQueen crops up in the course of their inquiries, Max finds himself adrift in uncharted waters; already facing suspension for harassing McQueen — believing him to be responsible for an unsolved murder a year earlier. But is McQueen really as innocent as he claims?

Genres: Mystery

282 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[100sweet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've decided to stop this series after this book. The mystery in this was good and that ending was heartbreaking. That being said, I have grown to really dislike Jill and Max after reading 4 books of them. They are both alcoholics with Jill also being a habitual gambler and Max also being a smoker. There is no romance or even sweet relationship between them. I find this relationship going nowhere and so is the series.

[Linda Branham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series. Jill is a forensic psychologist. Max is a DCI. They have a relationship - although it is a difficult one - and they solve crimes together

[Caroline Ingvaldsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham Mystery is a satisfying police procedural set in the Lancashir countryside.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a few twists and turns in this book - I kept thinking I knew whodunnit then was not so sure. Kept me guessing until the end which is always a good thing. I have not read the earlier Jill and Max stories (although I plan to now) but I really enjoyed their relationship throughout the story, though it doesn't distract from the main storyline. This book is easy bedtime reading (not so scary as to give you nightmares) and gives the traditional quaint British countryside village mystery an edge to suit current circumstances.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having finished the series of 4 (if there are more, I didn't know and doubt that I'd read them anyway), I came to thinking that these are simply quick, easy reads that require no thinking and don't challenge your brain in the slightest. If that's what you look for, then it's not a bad set, as they are actually pleasurable reads, they just don't get me thinking which is what I like a 'mystery' to do.
The series, unlike the main characters may suggest, don't do very much investigating and there is little to no psychology involved either.

I spent one week listening to these four audiobooks, and although a pleasant change, they didn't leave a strong impression on me.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book as our two on-off lover-heroes seemed an interesting pairing. But this was too lost in the "village" theme of cups of tea, dogs and woods to be very strong on investigating the murder mystery. In particular, as a forensic psychologist, our hero Jill did very little and didn't demonstrate much professional work at all. There still seemed to be a few loose ends at the end for me. It was OK, but I wouldn't rush out to read the others in the series.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why Goodreads doesn't recognize this author or her mystery series as it is very good. This is the newest installment. I highly recommend it.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was ok. may have been better if I had read the previous as there were references. good twists and turns though

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow but it made you keep on reading to see who the killer was. Definitely didn't expect the ending.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shirley Wells has delivered the goods as usual!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really great book by Shirley Wells, I just couldn't put it down, as always great characters and a brilliant story line.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with Jill and Max. Even though I haven't read the previous parts of the series, the book can itself be read independently. It is an interesting novel, which keeps the read on her toes, anticipating what's to come. the plot is well thought and the character building is very neat. all in all, a nice read. Hoping to get my hands on the previous parts.