A Dark and Broken Heart

By: R. J. Ellory

Narrated by: Robert Slade

How long can a man escape judgment? A dark and atmospheric thriller from the award-winning author of A Simple Act of Violence.

Vincent Madigan is charming, resourceful, and knows how to look after himself. The only problem is that he's up to his neck in debt to Sandia - the drug king of East Harlem. One heist will free Madigan from Sandia's control and give him the chance he needs to get his life back on track. But can he evade justice for his crimes? Or will his own conscience be his final undoing?

©2012 Roger Jon Ellory (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd

Dark, Bent and Broken

A pet hate of mine is where the author mixes first and third person viewpoints. In all the short stories and novels I have written I have maintained the viewpoint with which I started: 1st person – 3rd person singular – 3rd person omniscient, because to me that makes sense. If it is 1st person then only that which that particular character could reasonably be expected to know should be revealed. Therefore it is significant, and indicative of the excellence of this novel, that I suspend my aversion and just enjoy the story as it unfolds through the eyes of Vincent Madigan, plus various other characters with whom he collides. I understand why Roger wrote it this way because it enabled him a more personal entry into the mind, feelings and responses of Madigan. It gave him elements of Dostoevsky, Conrad and Greene in terms of character depiction and analysis, plus self-analysis.
If you have reached this review you already know this is a crime story set in New York about a heist and possibly what can go wrong. Madigan is an experienced, seasoned, cynical and - bent cop. This is R J E at his best. An array of powerfully drawn characters in conflict whose actions and reactions cause repercussions and unexpected twists as they move towards a gripping climax and moving, but satisfying denouement.
As indicated in my review of A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS that is, and remains my favourite of Roger's novels, but this is right up there among his best, which is both an enthusiastic recommendation and unstinting praise for an author I admire greatly.
Eric J Drysdale. E: [e-mail]

Just a great story

What made the experience of listening to A Dark and Broken Heart the most enjoyable?

RJ ellory does it again! In my opinion one of his best novels

What did you like best about this story?

The main characters inner struggle

What about Robert Slade’s performance did you like?

I will be looking fir novels narrated by Slade in the future

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

The last chapter was especially moving