Fractured Trust

Renee Steele, Book 1

By: R. Barri Flowers

Narrated by: Carmen Beaubeaux

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1982, and assistant prosecuting attorney Renee Steele works for the Sex Crimes Unit of the Akers County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Sparrow's Crossing, Michigan. In her latest case, Renee prosecutes wealthy businessman Kurt Bochner, who is accused of raping a young woman during a date. Alice Prescott, a cocktail waitress and aspiring model, claims the former local college star quarterback date raped her. The case hits close to home for Renee, who was the victim of date rape 13 years earlier while in law school. She never pressed charges against her assailant, but the crime has affected both her professional and personal life. She is currently dating corporate attorney Lawrence Quinn, but finds herself attracted to Sparrow's Crossing police detective Paul Kelly, an investigator for her current rape case. Renee is thrown for a loop when Paul's separate investigation into an international escort service operation yields unexpected results that lead to a shocking betrayal. In the meantime, she is pitted in court against a formidable opponent, defense attorney Deana Krane, who has never lost a case and is determined to win an acquittal for her client Kurt Bochner.

In Fractured Trust, date rape and prostitution are put under the microscope. The results are anything but certain, and there is a stunning climax.

©2014 R. Barri Flowers (P)2014 R. Barri Flowers

A fascinating legal courtroom drama

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like the lead, Renee Steele, the damaged attorney who works for the Sex Crimes Unit as she filters her actions through her personal rape experience. I also liked her adversary in the courtroom, Deanna Krane, because she was especially formidable.

Which character – as performed by Carmen Beaubeaux – was your favorite?

I loved Carmen Beaubeaux's portrayal of Deanna Krane.

Any additional comments?

I love courtroom dramas and this book is filled with it! This interesting story explains - in a detailed and entertaining way - how sex crimes - particularly date rape and prostitution - are handled in the legal system from investigation to conviction.

I was intrigued with the courtroom scene where a woman was on trial for raping a man. I don't hear about or read about that crime often.

The narrator, Carmen Beaubeaux, has a pleasant voice and handled the story and characters very well.

good listen

If you could sum up Fractured Trust in three words, what would they be?

informative
entertaining
exciting

What did you like best about this story?

the courtroom scenes

Which scene was your favorite?

the rape trial

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

renee is a bit too sad she needs an eccentric hobby or a light-hearted friend who doesn't take life so seriously to balance her out

Any additional comments?

this is my first legal-thriller I think I'll read some more

I liked the story

If you could sum up Fractured Trust in three words, what would they be?

From her Perspective

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This book had a solid plot.

What aspect of Carmen Beaubeaux’s performance would you have changed?

The narrator and I did not click. I could not seem to get into her rhythm. To many pauses and voice infliction changes kept me a little confused, On a positive note, Ms. Beaubeaux has good crisp enunciation asking her easy to understand.

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

I would have preferred this book in printed form.

A fast paced thriller

Any additional comments?

This is one of the thriller that I can't pause . I have to listen up to the end to know the result. Very good story and the narrator did a good job.

Worst Narrator !!!!!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Couldn't get past chapter 3.......................... I've listened to over 500 audio books and Carmen Beaubeaux's voice is the most irritating voice I've ever heard !!!!

What was most disappointing about R. Barri Flowers’s story?

Can't really comment on the story ..... couldn't stand the narration to find out.

Would you be willing to try another one of Carmen Beaubeaux’s performances?

No !!!!!!!!!!!!!