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DI Kate Burrows #2
Broken
DI Kate Burrows thought she'd never face a killer like the Grantley Ripper again. But she was wrong. One by one, children are being abandoned. Thankfully, they're rescued from harm. Then one victim is not so lucky, and Kate knows she's in a race against time to save lives. As a parent herself, Kate's finding the case tough and she needs the support of her lover, Patrick Kelly, more than ever. But Patrick's got problems of his own...
660 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2000
211 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Martina Cole
112 books1,728 followersMartina Cole was born and brought up in Essex. She is the bestselling author of fourteen novels set in London's gangland, and her most recent three paperbacks have gone straight to No. 1 in the Sunday Times on first publication. Total sales of Martina's novels stand at over eight million copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 30, 2022
2021 review: DI Burrows case No.2 - Serial killer capturing DI Kate Burrows has a horrific multiple child abandonment by mothers case to deal with, which looks to become something a lot deadlier; whilst her 'man', semi-legit former big-time gangster Patrick Kelly has his hands full, not because the Russians are coming, but because the Russian gangsters are already here!
Although as page-turning and highly idealised as Cole's other books, it doesn't work so well with the multiple crimes against children, or with the heavy black and Russian stereotyping, even though all her characters are stereotypes anyways. There is however, that ever present critique of how the British underclass have been left to fend for themselves; and how both villainy and authority fill that vacuum for their own ends. All in all, another un-put-down-able 20th century cops and villains drama... once you've read one, you'll want to read them all! 7.5 out of 12.
Although as page-turning and highly idealised as Cole's other books, it doesn't work so well with the multiple crimes against children, or with the heavy black and Russian stereotyping, even though all her characters are stereotypes anyways. There is however, that ever present critique of how the British underclass have been left to fend for themselves; and how both villainy and authority fill that vacuum for their own ends. All in all, another un-put-down-able 20th century cops and villains drama... once you've read one, you'll want to read them all! 7.5 out of 12.
October 10, 2012
The first time I ever read a Martina Cole I confess I was rather taken aback by some of the language which used as I felt that it was too much and used far too often. This may have been one of her earliest books as I believe that it has toned down over the years. The language is there but not in he frequency it was before. Bad language does not offend me but I know some people are easily offended by such usage.
This is a brilliant, well written and plotted book but some readers may find the plot rather uncomfortable as it revolves around abduction and murder of small children and refers to paedophillia, whilst events are not described in detail it will disturb some readers. However if you think to yourself that this really is just the product of a writer's imagination then you will be fine
A powerful and compelling read I throughly enjoyed it
This is a brilliant, well written and plotted book but some readers may find the plot rather uncomfortable as it revolves around abduction and murder of small children and refers to paedophillia, whilst events are not described in detail it will disturb some readers. However if you think to yourself that this really is just the product of a writer's imagination then you will be fine
A powerful and compelling read I throughly enjoyed it
April 18, 2013
A friend had given me a few of Martina Cole's books after I said I would like something different to read from what I usually do read.
This book along with some of her others are brilliant but this really did get to me.
Obviously if your a Martina fan, you know she doesn't hold back (I absolutely love the way she writes...saaarthh Landen).
Broken is raw, on edge, tough and got me wanting to jump in the book and throttle (putting it lightly) those disgusting, vile people. I couldn't put the book down n I applaud Martina for bringing the true light out of today's societies and writing how she sees it. Yeah, maybe some exaggerated but at the end of the day, we know what is out there, we are just kept from the true extent sometimes!!
Also character DI Kate Burrows has got some balls....I became to respect her character completely.
I would definately recommend this book for anyone to read, just even for a change.
Very gripping!!!!
This book along with some of her others are brilliant but this really did get to me.
Obviously if your a Martina fan, you know she doesn't hold back (I absolutely love the way she writes...saaarthh Landen).
Broken is raw, on edge, tough and got me wanting to jump in the book and throttle (putting it lightly) those disgusting, vile people. I couldn't put the book down n I applaud Martina for bringing the true light out of today's societies and writing how she sees it. Yeah, maybe some exaggerated but at the end of the day, we know what is out there, we are just kept from the true extent sometimes!!
Also character DI Kate Burrows has got some balls....I became to respect her character completely.
I would definately recommend this book for anyone to read, just even for a change.
Very gripping!!!!
March 20, 2011
This one is like a follow on from the ladykiller it is about th di kate burrows trying found out why some children are being abandoned and she is having some personal things going on her life too it is a very good read andit does get you gripped from the start to the finish
May 28, 2023
3.5 Stars
July 30, 2024
Wow, the story line & what this book is mostly about should make me hate it but it was so good! It is so well written & once again Kate Burrows prevails, I really enjoyed this page turner & will read the next one in the series soon!
September 26, 2017
Not sure why I missed marking this up in 2014... Let's just say it's a Martina Cole, it was narrated by Annie Aldington, it's one of the DI Kate Burrows series - therefore, by default, it had to be fucking awesome so I'm giving it 5 stars (as I did for it on Audible back then!)
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October 8, 2012Wow what a great sequel to ladykillers excellent
September 1, 2015
this book took me by surprise. I have spent too long reading silly romances. this book is a real masterpiece. the story is so full and rich yet not complicated. Im looking forward to reading more of Martina Cole.
November 17, 2017
Terrible book. Used all the existing tropes available to make a sorry plotline - too many characters and forced drama.
June 30, 2019
What a great read takes you out of your every day life and gives
What a great read takes you out of your every day life and gives. You an insight to what life could really be like
What a great read takes you out of your every day life and gives. You an insight to what life could really be like
November 10, 2018
couldn't put it down. A bit unrealistic in parts but what fun book isn't?
October 3, 2018
This book follows DI Kate Burrows, who thought she'd never face a killer like the Grantley Ripper again. But she was wrong.
One by one, children are being abandoned. Thankfully, they're rescued from harm. Then one victim is not so lucky, and Kate knows she's in a race against time to save lives. As a parent herself, Kate's finding the case tough and she needs the support of her lover, Patrick Kelly, more than ever. But Patrick's got problems of his own.....
While this book was a little slower then the first book in the 'DI Kate Burrows' series, this was still a great read! Yes it took me a little while to read this one as it was very slow-paced in parts but it made up for it in between! The plotline as a whole is disturbing, compelling, gripping and just heart-racing!
I just love the characters yet again! I'm now truly invested in Kate and Patrick's relationship, no matter how bad he is! I loved Kate in 'The Ladykiller' and I just adored her in this book! She's fiestier, badder, and definitely not a woman to be messed with!
I even have developed a soft spot for Willy, Patrick's right-hand man!
Really looking forward to reading more from these very brilliantly-written characters!
Martina Cole never fails to amaze me with her truly fantastic writing. This is the 3rd book of hers that I have read and it certainly won't be the last! She doesn't sugarcoat anything and certainly tells stories that pack a punch! Prepare to laugh, cry, get angry, get annoyed and extremely emotional about all her captivating addictive plots.
A must read!
One by one, children are being abandoned. Thankfully, they're rescued from harm. Then one victim is not so lucky, and Kate knows she's in a race against time to save lives. As a parent herself, Kate's finding the case tough and she needs the support of her lover, Patrick Kelly, more than ever. But Patrick's got problems of his own.....
While this book was a little slower then the first book in the 'DI Kate Burrows' series, this was still a great read! Yes it took me a little while to read this one as it was very slow-paced in parts but it made up for it in between! The plotline as a whole is disturbing, compelling, gripping and just heart-racing!
I just love the characters yet again! I'm now truly invested in Kate and Patrick's relationship, no matter how bad he is! I loved Kate in 'The Ladykiller' and I just adored her in this book! She's fiestier, badder, and definitely not a woman to be messed with!
I even have developed a soft spot for Willy, Patrick's right-hand man!
Really looking forward to reading more from these very brilliantly-written characters!
Martina Cole never fails to amaze me with her truly fantastic writing. This is the 3rd book of hers that I have read and it certainly won't be the last! She doesn't sugarcoat anything and certainly tells stories that pack a punch! Prepare to laugh, cry, get angry, get annoyed and extremely emotional about all her captivating addictive plots.
A must read!
May 31, 2021
Broken is the second book to feature Di Kate Burrows. I first read this book Eleventy billion years ago. Or maybe around 17 years ago when it first come out.
I have decided to do a re read of this series so far, ready for Martina's new Book Damaged which is due out later this month. Having just finished the first book in my reread marathon, I couldn't wait to start this one. It's funny how much of a book you actually forget, and it was great being back with DI Kate Burrows and Patrick Kelly.
This is proving to be a tough case for Kate, Children are going missing, It seems their mothers are seen trying to get rid of them.
The children turn up and of course the Mothers deny everything.
Can Kate and her team figure out what is going on, can they get anywhere with such a complex case, when it turns out things really are not as they seem, the case ramps up a level, and finding the answers become a little tougher.
As well as work mounting up and becoming difficult, Kate is faced with problems with here gangster lover Patrick Kelly. Can this bond they think they have together ride out the storm, before the storm turns nasty.
Another gripping read, and onto the next one, Hard Girls for me next.
I have decided to do a re read of this series so far, ready for Martina's new Book Damaged which is due out later this month. Having just finished the first book in my reread marathon, I couldn't wait to start this one. It's funny how much of a book you actually forget, and it was great being back with DI Kate Burrows and Patrick Kelly.
This is proving to be a tough case for Kate, Children are going missing, It seems their mothers are seen trying to get rid of them.
The children turn up and of course the Mothers deny everything.
Can Kate and her team figure out what is going on, can they get anywhere with such a complex case, when it turns out things really are not as they seem, the case ramps up a level, and finding the answers become a little tougher.
As well as work mounting up and becoming difficult, Kate is faced with problems with here gangster lover Patrick Kelly. Can this bond they think they have together ride out the storm, before the storm turns nasty.
Another gripping read, and onto the next one, Hard Girls for me next.
November 17, 2008
DI Kate Burrows thought she'd never face a killer like the Grantley Ripper again. But she was wrong. One by one, children are being abandoned. Thankfully, they're rescued from harm. Then one victim is not so lucky, and Kate knows she's in a race against time to save lives. As a parent herself, Kate's finding the case tough and she needs the support of her lover, Patrick Kelly, more than ever. But Patrick's got problems of his own...
An earlier book of Martina's but no different from the others and really enjoyable
An earlier book of Martina's but no different from the others and really enjoyable
December 29, 2020
Martina Cole’s depiction of the events in Essex and East London is an orgy of soap opera excess and tabloid sensationalism. When her heroine isn’t having fabulous sex with her tall, handsome, villainous boyfriend, she is busy telling her boss where to stick his opinions. Neither of these activities strikes me as sane or clever. I have never had sex with a crime lord, and I find it best to let my boss keep his opinions and collect my paycheck.
But then, I am a downtrodden middle-aged man, not a sexy detective inspector.
A little more here: https://crimebooks.uk/?books=broken
But then, I am a downtrodden middle-aged man, not a sexy detective inspector.
A little more here: https://crimebooks.uk/?books=broken
March 28, 2013
This was my first Martina Cole and I enjoyed the relationship between the two police officers and the plot was well crafted. However, I did feel there were too many characters, many introduced very near the end of the book who played no part in solving the mystery. I also felt it laboured the child pornography theme to too great an extent. I am not sure whether I will read another Martina Cole book as there are so many others I want to read on my shelf.
May 11, 2021
I'm loving Martina Coles style of writing and although I did really enjoy this book, I didn't think it was as good as the Lady killer and I did start to get a bit bored towards the end as I felt a lot of the book was the same thing, i.e a bad mum, a missing or dead child, ect. I felt that there didn't need to be so many victims for the story to still make sense, and it was the victim bit that felt repetatitve, however I did still really enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2010
Read one of her books years ago and didn't like it at all.Think I got this in a swap when I was just swapping for anything.Must say though it wasn't a bad read and I may read more of hers just not sure yet.
August 20, 2010
I'm a late starter where reading Martina Cole is concerned but she hasn't failed me yet. The books set in Grantley with DI Burrows and Patrick Kelly are my favorites (Lady Killer, Broken & Hard. Girls). Fab!
March 11, 2016
Another amazing book from Martina Cole. I was gripped from start to finish. I loved that this book had characters Kate & Patrick again, taken from her book The Ladykiller.
Thoroughly enjoyable. :-)
Thoroughly enjoyable. :-)
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June 19, 2007kids are the best gifts anywoman could have... pls dont tear them apart.. take good care of them cos they are the best....
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November 9, 2008brill
May 16, 2009
cant faualt her great again
June 24, 2009
Another brilliant Martina Cole story.
December 31, 2010
Once again, I've loved Martina's writing style and the topics she chooses not to ignore
March 2, 2011
Another gritty detective story, about the under world of drug users, child abuse murder and a cop wanting to make a difference.
August 3, 2011
Brilliant.
August 12, 2011
Like all Martina Cole novels. An excellently written story which throws everything at you and keeps you interested when it appears that it's going too slow.
February 27, 2012
excellent book by Martina again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews