Pretty Broken Dolls: An absolutely gripping crime thriller packed with mystery and suspense (Detective Katie Scott, #6)

by Jennifer Chase

In the thin light of the moon, the woman’s limp body hangs from the iron fence amongst the redwoods. Looped over the railings is the little gold locket her mother gave her when she turned sixteen. The picture of the girl inside smiles out at a future she’ll never see…

As day breaks over the fairground, Detective Katie Scott forces herself to take in another disturbing scene in front of her. A woman, the same age as her, found slumped in the carriage of the Ferris wheel, red lipstick dragged across her lips, her throat cut.

Katie doesn’t want to believe that the serial killer picking off women across the state has found their way to the small town of Pine Valley, California, but when her team finds a gold engagement ring hanging nearby, it’s a terrifying, but undeniable fact.

With a twisted killer on her doorstep, Katie knows if she doesn’t act fast, she’ll find more women left out in the cold like broken dolls. Her team hit dead end after dead end, but only she can see the vital link between the victims: a connection with Katie herself.

Katie has spent years pushing traumatic memories of her years in the military far out of reach, but she must confront them now or more innocent women will die. But as the killer circles closer and closer to Katie, what if the only answer is to give him what he wants? There must be another way… 

• ISBN10: 1838888985
• ISBN13: 9781838888985
• Publish Date: 5 August 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Bookouture
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 302
• Language: English

Reviews

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.In Pretty Broken Dolls, the reader is transported back to Pine Valley, California. In this installment, Detective Katie Scott and her partner Deputy Sean McGaven works assiduously to stop a serial before he claims his next victim.

Despite being the sixth book in the series Pretty Broken Dolls works well as a standalone. In this installment, Katie and her partner are handed a case courtesy of the FBI. This case in question involves the victims, all females, who were posed as broken dolls after being murdered. They would learn that the case had a connection to a murder in Pine Valley, which occurred one year ago. Katie had reservations about the case, which stemmed from her lack of trust in the agent who brought the case to their attention. However, when she discovered that she and the victims shared a military and K9 connection, she knew she has to find justice for them.

The story had me on the edge of my seat from its intense prologue to the end when the case was tied up. Danger and suspense permeated the pages of this riveting read. I was on pins and needles, knowing that Katie would likely be in the killer’s crosshairs because of her K9 connection. Katie can handle herself, but it didn’t stop me from fearing for her safety.

At first, it was difficult to determine the identity of the killer. Several potential suspects made it difficult to highlight the true villain. However, the deeper we got into the investigation, several things became clear, giving me an idea of the villain’s identity. I was on point with my suspicions.

Amidst all of this, Katie struggles with personal issues with PTSD, topping the list. However, she proved to the consummate professional, as she did not allow her personal issues impede her in solving the case.

Overall, Pretty Broken Dolls was a thrilling read. Suitable for fans of police procedurals featuring strong female characters and a small town setting.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Emma (SCR)]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via NetGalley and for letting me take part in this tour. This is the 6th book in the Katie Scott series but all books can be read as standalones.

I love Detective Katie Scott. She is portrayed so realistically. She is ex-army, suffering from PTSD and still manages to have one of the best cold case solve rates. She is extremely impressive. She doesn’t let her PTSD stop her from doing her job.

I love Katie’s partner McGaven too. He always has her back and is a damn good cop. He makes an excellent partner.

The case is very disturbing and twisty. The murders were brutal and the killer was quite clearly suffering from some mental health issues. I was shocked when I finally worked out who the killer was. I didn’t see it coming until it was almost happening.

As always Jennifer did an excellent job of keeping me hooked. The pace and tension were spot on. This book is full of action and will keep you up way past your bedtime.