BROADCHURCH: A Novel By Erin Kelly Based on the Story by Series Creator Chris Chibnall

Publisher:  Minotaur Books
Expected Release Date:  September 16, 2014
Pages:  448
Genre:  Mystery

About the Book:  In the sleepy British seaside town of Broadchurch, Detective Ellie Miller has just returned from vacation, only to learn that she’s been passed over for a promotion at work in favor of outsider Alec Hardy. He, escaping the spectacular failure of his last case, is having trouble finding his way into this tight-knit community wary of new faces. But professional rivalry aside, both detectives are about to receive some terrible news: 11-year-old Danny Latimer has been found murdered on the beach.

For Ellie it's a personal blow; Danny was her older son’s best friend. She can’t believe anyone in Broadchurch would ever have harmed him. But Alec considers everyone, even Danny’s parents, suspect in his death. It’s a living nightmare for everyone involved…even before the press arrive and start stirring up the secrets every town member keeps hidden behind closed doors.

An intimate portrait of a town and the ordinary grievances that have slowly simmered for years before boiling over in an unthinkable crime, this remarkable adaptation of the hit television show Broadchurch tells the story of a shattered family, a reeling town, and the two imperfect detectives trying to bring them answers.

Wanda's Thoughts:  The coastal town of Broadchurch is preparing for its summer season. The atmosphere changes quickly when the unthinkable happens. The body of an 11 year-old boy is found on Harbour Cliff Beach. The body is identified as Danny Latimer, who lived in town with his family. 

It is determined early on that this murder was not committed by a random opportunist, but perhaps by someone local. And probably someone they all know, someone the family knows and respects. Broadchurch is a town laced with secrets and the story unfolds with an intense and emotional plot as dark secrets and betrayals are unveiled throughout. Deep feelings surface as the author really gets into the hearts and minds of the characters – intriguing characters with very complex issues. The storyline has mystery, drama, and powerful emotions that evolve for an enthralling read. The ending builds into a big crescendo – a stunning conclusion! There were so many twists and turns that kept you guessing until the end – certainly not predictable.

I was not aware of the TV series, but after reading the book I’d be very interested in watching it. Everything about this book drew me in – the multi-faceted storyline, compelling characters, and a conclusion that totally surprised me. My only negative comment is that there are so many characters to keep track of that I was getting them confused. But the ending was so powerful and emotional that I couldn’t give this novel anything less that a 5 star rating. I highly recommend. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Erin Kelly - Author - Erin Kelly was born in London in 1976 and grew up in Essex. She read English at Warwick University and has been working as a journalist since 1998.

She has written for newspapers including the The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Express and magazines including Red, Psychologies, Marie Claire, Elle and Cosmopolitan.