Broken Places

By: Tracy Clark

Narrated by: Shari Peele

Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

Former cop Cass Raines has found the world of private investigation a less stressful way to eke out a living in the Windy City. But when she stumbles across the dead body of a respected member of the community, it's up to her to prove a murderer is on the loose....

Cops can make mistakes, even when they're not rookies. If anyone knows that it's Cass Raines, who took a bullet two years ago after an incompetent colleague screwed up a tense confrontation with an armed suspect. Deeply traumatized by the incident, Cass resigned from the Chicago PD, leaving one less female African-American on the force. Now she's the head of a one-woman private investigation agency, taking on just enough work to pay the bills. She spends the rest of her time keeping an eye on the tenants in her little Hyde Park apartment building, biking along the lakefront, and playing chess with the only father figure she's ever known, Father Ray Heaton. 

When Father Ray asks Cass to look into a recent spate of vandalism at his church, she readily agrees to handle the case. But only hours later she's horrified to discover his murdered body in the church confessional, a dead gangbanger sprawled out nearby. She knew Pop, as she called him, had ticked off plenty of people, from slumlords to drug dealers and even some parishioners and politicians, with his uncompromising defense of the downtrodden. But a late-night random theft doesn't seem like much of a motive at a cash-strapped parish like Saint Brendan's. 

The lead detective assigned to the case is all too ready to dismiss it as an interrupted burglary gone awry, just another statistic in a violent city. But Cass's instincts tell her otherwise, and badge or no badge, she intends to see justice done....

©2018 Tracy Clark (P)2018 Recorded Books

Promise Not Yet Realised

After a politically connected hot dog cop precipitates an unnecessary shoot out, a black female detective quits the force and hangs out her P.I. shingle. content to take small potatoes cases he is propelled into action when her mentor, friend and priest is murdered in his church. At odds with her cop nemesis she must dig deep to uncover the truth about the killing of an activist priest.

I'm rather mixed on this novel. Cass is equally interesting and annoying. I like the concept of a black female detective and her frustration with the politics that play with in the police department seems realistic. However, there is too much effort wasted on demonstrating how tough she. We know she's tough. She doesn't have to sound like someone out of a bad noir novel. I can't say I loved the plot though the atmosphere was well conveyed. There is enough promise here that I will try the next of the series.
Shari Peele was good with the delivery of the story

Too many cliches

Was looking for something similar to VI Warshawski. this read like I imagine Sarah paretsky practice beginner novels would read. Also, a downright stupid portrayal of depression as a state of mind you can power through, and taking anti depressants as a sign of weakness. Mental health issues are real health issues that require treatment. Started sand stopped, each time hoping the book would turn a corner, but have up mid-chapter 8. oh well, my search for the next detective series continues.

LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!

I’ve been procrastinating whether to purchase this book but I really underestimated it. Tracy Clark had you feeling that “Black Girl Magic” moment throughout the entire book along with all the plot twists and turns throughout this mystery. I love the fact that ex-cop Cass Raines was beautiful, brave and not afraid to challenge anyone in her way of finding out the truth. Shari Peele was the best narrator for this story. I’m looking forward to the next book to this series.

Phenomenal series

I absolutely loved this. The main character is a tough act but she is also someone you really want to just win! And win she does- no matter how many times I wanted to yell for her to stop being stubborn. It is the start of a great series and I look forward to each new release.

Another Winner

This is my third Tracy Clark book. I am enjoying her writing. Some poor choices on Cass' part in this book, however, that could be do to her ego and the emotional stress
her is under in story. Moving on to the Fourth book. I did not read the books in order. Not necessary.

Not bad, not good

The overall story line was interesting. As the story unfolds you can follow it step by step. The ending is kind of sweet after every thing she goes through. It is a murder mystery but not a thriller. The story is about an hour or 2 to long and could have done without some of the overflow of details. Decent book.