Shattered

By: Karen Robards

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

The past is never over. It just gets dusty.

Lisa Grant was a rising star in a prestigious law firm in Lexington, Kentucky, when the firm went bankrupt and she lost her job. With an ailing mother to care for, she takes the first job she can find: research assistant to District Attorney Scott Buchanan. Scott is as disagreeable as he is sexy, and Lisa suspects the only reason she got the job was Scott’s fond feelings for her mother, who treated him well when he was just a farmhand on the Grants’ large horse farm while Lisa was growing up.

After she misses an important court date, Lisa doesn’t get any special treatment from Scott. As punishment, he sends her to organize cold-case files in the basement of the courthouse. What Lisa expects to be a mind-numbingly boring task turns into anything but when a missing-persons case draws her attention. The details of the case are engrossing: an entire family — father, mother, and two children — disappeared without a trace more than 28 years ago. Except that’s not all: the mother in a photo Lisa finds could be her own twin.

Before Lisa can learn more, a series of catastrophes strikes close to home, and she realizes that finding the photo has put her in terrible danger. Determined to uncover the truth, she confides in Scott, and their relationship develops into something beyond that of employer and employee. Together they unravel a terrifying web of criminal connections that could shatter what Lisa knows of her past. And it’s clear someone will go to shocking lengths to make sure certain secrets stay hidden.

©2010 Karen Robards (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Robards proves once again to be a master of romantic suspense, creating likable characters and an intriguing, well-paced, and nail- biting plot." ( Booklist)

Shattered

This story. Was very captivating and held my interest to the point where it was hard to put down,,

Thrilling but absurd

Ok, so, your mother is dying, your house just burned down, you barely escaped inches in front of the flames (but no burns or scorching), and you decide to go to a PARTY? And spend your time thinking about a hot guy? Who also happens to be your boss. Yeah, absurd.

However, the story has some interesting twists and turns. It kept me interested, though I laughed in several places I don't think we're meant to be humorous. I fast forwarded through the love scenes (which I don't usually do, but these were tortuous). The ending was satisfying, and the narration was good. I'm glad I got this on sale, and didn't waste a credit on it.

A really interesting tale

I really enjoyed the story. It was fun to imagine the grand southern Kentucky home, the handsome gentlemen and spoiled trust-fund ladies. It wasn't the best book I've ever listened to, (or read) but still very entertaining!

Good story

The mystery was a good one. The story seemed to drag some. Way too much description, not enough action. But definitely worth listening too.

Wow

Absolutely loved this story!! Everything about it was great.. Will read more from this writer..

Highly recommend!

This is one book I just couldn't stop listening to! Great story, great narration! Very captivating with several unexpected twists and turns.

She Thinks He's Hot...Okay I Get It Already

The story has some interesting characters and a reasonable line. While the history and relationship of the two main characters is and should be part of this story, with every page harping on her eyes and his chest, I got bored. The narrator's delivery and accent was pleasant and she did a very good job; however, the constant high drama delivery also got very old. Except that the ending was pretty good, I was glad it was over.

It keeps you guessing ..

Where does Shattered rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks within the top 10 audiobooks that I read this year

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

Her voice is easy listening and she makes the characters come alive

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The interaction between Scott and hisnephew called to say that Lisa was found.

Just Okay

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was just okay, somewhat predictable

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Less romance, more mystery. I like mysteries with a little romance thrown in but I felt there was too much detail in the sexual relationship between the 2 main characters. More time should have been devoted to the mystery aspect. It was like the people who commited the crime were kind of thrown in at the end.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

yes

Was Shattered worth the listening time?

It wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst

Suprising

Would you consider the audio edition of Shattered to be better than the print version?

I think it is hard to get teen voices correct. They sound whiny or breathless. And the parts she blacked out could have been looked at in one glance instead of listening to it so many times. But I think listening to the audio was easier than reading through the strikeouts.

Who was your favorite character and why?

James. He was like most 10 year olds. He was living in the moment and enjoyed life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No but I did enjoy this book more than I thought I would. I didn't realize it was a dystopian novel which is my new favorite genre because it is all about survival. I would definitely pick up a sequel.