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)

Okay performance

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would give this a qualified recommendation to a friend. I enjoyed the story and was hooked into the mystery, but grew tired of the whole 'scott disliking (supposedly) lisa' part of the book.

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

I generally like unabridged books because I don't want to miss any part of the author's words, but during this book I started thinking "abridged books have a purpose." Just like adapting a book for stage or a movie, some editing for an audiobook can be a good thing. In short, It could have been shorter and been just as (or more) enjoyable.

What aspect of Susan Ericksen’s performance would you have changed?

Her voice felt a little stiff and stilted. I think the pacing of the editing added to the stiffness.

Could you see Shattered being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I could definitely see this as a movie or TV series. Someone who can do a believable southern accent. Not sure who in the current crop of 'stars,' but Matthew McConaughey as Scott, Sandra Bullock as Lisa, though I don't think they're young enough.

now that's romance

Would you listen to Shattered again? Why?

No, but that's just because there's so many more books in the world. I really enjoyed this as romance and escapism. It's a lovely story

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

Yes

A New Author to Follow

I really enjoyed this book. The story flowed with a few twists and turns. A surprise at the end. The narrator, Susan Erickson did an awesome job. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I didn't expect a romance novel

it was decent, mind candy, if the emphasis had been on ROMANTIC mystery.... but I didn't expect that genre, and I found it offputting.

The plot was more predictable than I like in a mystery, though really, fine for a romance novel. It's a decent crossing of the two genres, and totally has it's place, it was just miscategorized for me.

Fabulous

I bought this on sale - what a gift! Fabulous storyline and narration. The plot had me intrigued from beginning to end.

Thoroughly recommend this to everyone - mystery, romance, intelligence.

Loved the mystery and the romance!

This book just "clicked" for me and I loved it! I was drawn into the plot of the mystery and couldn't wait to solve it. I was so sure I "knew" what had happened, only to realize I was way off base and had to start all over in my solving of the case. lol At the same time, I found myself pulling for Scott and Lisa to get together. Lisa was raised wealthy and priviledged, but was not written or narrated as a "witch" when we meet her in the story. Scott came from a hard childhood, but does not go about with a chip on his shoulder. Their time together as children form the bond of trust they both need as adults. Love the twists and turns of the story. Had a hard time taking a break to do little things like ... my job (lol) until I finished it. I really enjoyed Ms. Ericksen's narration and plan to look for more of her work. I appreciated the richness of her narration through the different characters and their moods. Good mystery, good romance ... best of both worlds!

Great story and narration

Enjoyed the mystery and love story. Wonderful characters that brought the listener into the drama. Highly recommend to all who enjoy a non grisly mystery.

loved the book

The book kept me on my toes. Other than the strange use of the word significantly, in my opinion.

Loved it, great read

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

Exciting, riveting, good performance

What did you like best about this story?

The story itself was well written and continued to surprise me.

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A family full of secrets

Any additional comments?

no

Excellent Mystery Novel

Very intriguing story line. Especially liked the references to Lexington landmarks mentioned in this book. Captivating story.