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Promise Falls #1
Broken Promise
From New York Times bestselling author Linwood Barclay comes anexplosive novel set in the peaceful small town of Promise Falls, where secrets can always be buried—but never forgotten�
After his wife’s death and the collapse of his newspaper, David Harwood has no choice but to uproot his nine-year-old son and move back into his childhood home in Promise Falls, New York. David believes his life is in free fall, and he can’t find a way to stop his descent.
Then he comes across a family secret of epic proportions. A year after a devastating miscarriage, David’s cousin Marla has continued to struggle. But when David’s mother asks him to check on her, he’s horrified to discover that she’s been secretly raising a child who is not her own—a baby she claims was a gift from an “aԲ� left on her porch.
When the baby’s real mother is found murdered, David can’t help wanting to piece together what happened—even if it means proving his own cousin’s guilt. But as he uncovers each piece of evidence, David realizes that Marla’s mysterious child is just the tip of the iceberg.
Other strange things are happening. Animals are found ritually slaughtered. An ominous abandoned Ferris wheel seems to stand as a warning that something dark has infected Promise Falls. And someone has decided that the entire town must pay for the sins of its past…in blood.
After his wife’s death and the collapse of his newspaper, David Harwood has no choice but to uproot his nine-year-old son and move back into his childhood home in Promise Falls, New York. David believes his life is in free fall, and he can’t find a way to stop his descent.
Then he comes across a family secret of epic proportions. A year after a devastating miscarriage, David’s cousin Marla has continued to struggle. But when David’s mother asks him to check on her, he’s horrified to discover that she’s been secretly raising a child who is not her own—a baby she claims was a gift from an “aԲ� left on her porch.
When the baby’s real mother is found murdered, David can’t help wanting to piece together what happened—even if it means proving his own cousin’s guilt. But as he uncovers each piece of evidence, David realizes that Marla’s mysterious child is just the tip of the iceberg.
Other strange things are happening. Animals are found ritually slaughtered. An ominous abandoned Ferris wheel seems to stand as a warning that something dark has infected Promise Falls. And someone has decided that the entire town must pay for the sins of its past…in blood.
484 pages, Hardcover
First published July 28, 2015
917 people are currently reading
10350 people want to read
About the author
Linwood Barclay
112books6,918followersLinwood Barclay is the #1 internationally bestselling author of seventeen novels for adults, including No Time for Goodbye, Trust Your Eyes and, most recently, A Noise Downstairs. He has also written two novels for children and screenplays.
Three of those seventeen novels comprise the epic Promise Falls trilogy: Broken Promise, Far From True, and The Twenty-Three. His two novels for children � Chase and Escape � star a computer-enhanced dog named Chipper who’s on the run from the evil organization that turned him into a super-pup.
Barclay’s 2011 thriller, The Accident, has been turned into the six-part television series L’Accident in France, and he adapted his novel Never Saw it Coming for the movie, directed by Gail Harvey and starring Eric Roberts and Emily Hampshire. Several of his other books either have been, or still are, in development for TV and film.
After spending his formative years helping run a cottage resort and trailer park after his father died when he was 16, Barclay got his first newspaper job at the Peterborough Examiner, a small Ontario daily. In 1981, he joined the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest circulation newspaper.
He held such positions as assistant city editor, chief copy editor, news editor, and Life section editor, before becoming the paper’s humour columnist in 1993. He was one of the paper’s most popular columnists before retiring from the position in 2008 to work exclusively on books.
In 2004, he launched his mystery series about an anxiety-ridden, know-it-all, pain-in-the-butt father by the name of Zack Walker. Bad Move, the first book, was followed by three more Zack Walker thrillers: Bad Guys, Lone Wolf, and Stone Rain. (The last two were published in the UK under the titles Bad Luck and Bad News.)
His first standalone thriller, No Time for Goodbye, was published in 2007 to critical acclaim and great international success. The following year, it was a Richard and Judy Summer Read selection in the UK, and did seven straight weeks at #1 on the UK bestseller list, and finished 2008 as the top selling novel of the year there. The book has since been sold around the world and been translated into nearly thirty languages.
Barclay was born in the United States but moved to Canada just before turning four years old when his father, a commercial artist whose illustrations of cars appeared in Life, Look and Saturday Evening Post (before photography took over), accepted a position with an advertising agency north of the border.Barclay, who graduated with an English literature degree from Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario, was fortunate to have some very fine mentors; in particular, the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Laurence, whom Linwood first met when she served as writer-in-residence at Trent, and Kenneth Millar, who, under the name Ross Macdonald, wrote the acclaimed series of mystery novels featuring detective Lew Archer.It was at Trent that he met Neetha, the woman who would become his wife. They have two grown children, Spencer and Paige.
Three of those seventeen novels comprise the epic Promise Falls trilogy: Broken Promise, Far From True, and The Twenty-Three. His two novels for children � Chase and Escape � star a computer-enhanced dog named Chipper who’s on the run from the evil organization that turned him into a super-pup.
Barclay’s 2011 thriller, The Accident, has been turned into the six-part television series L’Accident in France, and he adapted his novel Never Saw it Coming for the movie, directed by Gail Harvey and starring Eric Roberts and Emily Hampshire. Several of his other books either have been, or still are, in development for TV and film.
After spending his formative years helping run a cottage resort and trailer park after his father died when he was 16, Barclay got his first newspaper job at the Peterborough Examiner, a small Ontario daily. In 1981, he joined the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest circulation newspaper.
He held such positions as assistant city editor, chief copy editor, news editor, and Life section editor, before becoming the paper’s humour columnist in 1993. He was one of the paper’s most popular columnists before retiring from the position in 2008 to work exclusively on books.
In 2004, he launched his mystery series about an anxiety-ridden, know-it-all, pain-in-the-butt father by the name of Zack Walker. Bad Move, the first book, was followed by three more Zack Walker thrillers: Bad Guys, Lone Wolf, and Stone Rain. (The last two were published in the UK under the titles Bad Luck and Bad News.)
His first standalone thriller, No Time for Goodbye, was published in 2007 to critical acclaim and great international success. The following year, it was a Richard and Judy Summer Read selection in the UK, and did seven straight weeks at #1 on the UK bestseller list, and finished 2008 as the top selling novel of the year there. The book has since been sold around the world and been translated into nearly thirty languages.
Barclay was born in the United States but moved to Canada just before turning four years old when his father, a commercial artist whose illustrations of cars appeared in Life, Look and Saturday Evening Post (before photography took over), accepted a position with an advertising agency north of the border.Barclay, who graduated with an English literature degree from Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario, was fortunate to have some very fine mentors; in particular, the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Laurence, whom Linwood first met when she served as writer-in-residence at Trent, and Kenneth Millar, who, under the name Ross Macdonald, wrote the acclaimed series of mystery novels featuring detective Lew Archer.It was at Trent that he met Neetha, the woman who would become his wife. They have two grown children, Spencer and Paige.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,637 reviews
March 7, 2017
This is the first book in the Promise Falls Trilogy. I have a feeling that I am really going to love this series. I really enjoyed this book. It was action packed and had problems putting it down.
David Harwood moves back to his hometown to provide a better life for his young son. But he loses his job shortly after returning and is forced to move back in with his parents. He's on an errand for his mom when he stops in at his cousin Marla's house and discovers her with a baby that 'an angel dropped off.' Marla's baby died at birth - so whose baby is this?
Promise Falls Detective Barry Duckworth has his hands full. In addition to the baby case, other strange things are happening. Animals are found ritually slaughtered. An ominous abandoned Ferris wheel seems to stand as a warning that something dark has infected Promise Falls. And someone has decided that the entire town must pay for the sins of its past…in blood. There is lots going on and I wondered how all of this is going to tie all together?
I find Barclay's storytelling so engaging. We are introduced to many of the residents of Promise Falls. Backgrounds and personal storylines are detailed - some more than others. Are these the only crimes in Broken Promise? Or just the only ones we know about? I did figure out one of the crimes before the end, but I was happy to discover that I was not completely right. And that there's more to the story of Promise Falls.
I loved it and especially now that I know there will be two more novels in the 'Promise' series! The next book, Far From True will be read as soon as it comes in from the library
David Harwood moves back to his hometown to provide a better life for his young son. But he loses his job shortly after returning and is forced to move back in with his parents. He's on an errand for his mom when he stops in at his cousin Marla's house and discovers her with a baby that 'an angel dropped off.' Marla's baby died at birth - so whose baby is this?
Promise Falls Detective Barry Duckworth has his hands full. In addition to the baby case, other strange things are happening. Animals are found ritually slaughtered. An ominous abandoned Ferris wheel seems to stand as a warning that something dark has infected Promise Falls. And someone has decided that the entire town must pay for the sins of its past…in blood. There is lots going on and I wondered how all of this is going to tie all together?
I find Barclay's storytelling so engaging. We are introduced to many of the residents of Promise Falls. Backgrounds and personal storylines are detailed - some more than others. Are these the only crimes in Broken Promise? Or just the only ones we know about? I did figure out one of the crimes before the end, but I was happy to discover that I was not completely right. And that there's more to the story of Promise Falls.
I loved it and especially now that I know there will be two more novels in the 'Promise' series! The next book, Far From True will be read as soon as it comes in from the library
April 14, 2023
This one didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t biting my nails. Some parts were interesting enough, but the story could have been shorter and I would have enjoyed it more. There was a decent twist and I didn’t see it coming.
October 30, 2021
3.5 stars
When his newspaper shuts down widowed journalist David Harwood and his son Ethan move in with David's parents in Promise Falls, New York.
One morning, as a favor to his mother, David brings some prepared food to his cousin Marla - a troubled young woman whose baby died at birth nearly a year ago.
Since then Marla has been consumed by grief and once even tried to snatch a baby from the hospital. Luckily for Marla this was hushed up by her mother, the hospital's top administrator.
When David gets to Marla's house he's shocked to find that she's feeding a baby, who she claims was dropped off by 'an angel.' Marla says the baby, named Matthew, now belongs to her, and insists that David take her shopping for a crib and baby accoutrements.
As it happens 'the angel' left a stroller with the baby and David finds an address in the folds of the pram. Ostensibly taking Marla shopping, David drives to the address and - lo and behold - finds a bloody dead woman in the house.
Of course the police suspect that Marla committed the murder, and David, concerned for his cousin, agrees to try to help her.
During his inquiries David speaks to the dead woman's husband and doctor, and tries to find the baby's nanny - who seems to be missing.
Meanwhile Promise Falls is having a rash of other crimes. Twenty-plus dead squirrels were hung from a fence;
three mannequins were found riding the Ferris wheel of a defunct amusement park;
and several girls were assaulted on the campus of a local college.
Detective Barry Duckworth, a 20-year veteran of the Promise Falls Police Department, is lead investigator on all these cases. Duckworth is a capable intuitive cop, good at connecting the dots - but clues seem to be scarce.
Duckworth assigns his temporary assistant, uniformed cop Angus Carlson, to look into the squirrels, Ferris wheel, and assaults - but Carlson is less than enthusiastic about this.
This is the first book of a series and various characters seem likely to show up in future stories. These include David's mom Arlene - who's starting to show signs of dementia;
David's dad Don - who has a dark secret;
disgraced former mayor Randall Finley - a weasel who's going to make another run for the job;
Samantha (Sam) Worthington - the pretty mother of a school bully;
and Angus Carlson, who hopes to make detective.
Linwood is a deft hand at characterization and every character has unique issues. Overweight Detective Duckworth is doing his best to avoid those tempting chocolate-frosted donuts. Sleazy ex-mayor (and would-be blackmailer) Finlay is trying to find dirt on people. Sam Worthington - in the midst of a dirty custody fight - routinely answers the door holding a gun. Arlene is trying to get her son David remarried. Carlson wants to impress his wife and has mother issues; and so on.
I enjoyed this well-written book, which has some shocking moments and unexpected twists. My major objection to the story are the loose ends at the book's end. I think a mystery novel - of all genres - should wrap up cleanly. Still, I'll probably read the next book in the series to (hopefully) find out what's what.
I'd recommend this book to mystery fans.
You can follow my reviews at
February 17, 2016
Another solid read from author Linwood Barclay!
This is NOT a gripping, intense thriller that keeps you up at night. This is also not a book that showcases a deranged antagonist hell bent on evil and destruction.
What this book IS about is actually far more scary than that, because it's a story about people we all know and trust who have gone bad. The people you hear about on the news with their neighbors saying 'I'm so shocked, they were always so nice!'
In traditional Barclay style he has constructed a tale with multiple story lines that slowly draws you in, and then slowly continues to build on the mysteries and whodunits until you are so wrapped up in this book you don't want to put it down. With a satisfactory ending and a hook left open for book 2, this series shows high promise and I eagerly look forward to what's next in store for David Harwood and family!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is NOT a gripping, intense thriller that keeps you up at night. This is also not a book that showcases a deranged antagonist hell bent on evil and destruction.
What this book IS about is actually far more scary than that, because it's a story about people we all know and trust who have gone bad. The people you hear about on the news with their neighbors saying 'I'm so shocked, they were always so nice!'
In traditional Barclay style he has constructed a tale with multiple story lines that slowly draws you in, and then slowly continues to build on the mysteries and whodunits until you are so wrapped up in this book you don't want to put it down. With a satisfactory ending and a hook left open for book 2, this series shows high promise and I eagerly look forward to what's next in store for David Harwood and family!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 19, 2015
I was going to give this one a 3.5, but decided to round it up due solely to the last page. Talk about wanting more!
I'm not going to summarize the plot because it was complicated and intensive. There were multiple storylines crossing and coming together at the end in typical Barclay form. This is the beginning of a new trilogy set in his fictional town of Promise Falls, NY. It didn't feel quite up to par of his past writing in the sense that there seemed to be a bit extra padding at times, but I'm chalking that up to a need to set up for the remaining books. However, the plot kept me reading and I really enjoyed a myriad of characters from Too Close to Home and Never Look Away. I do think this series was a brilliant idea and by gosh, after that ending, I'm dying to get my hands on the next one. I already requested it on Netgalley! :)
I'm not going to summarize the plot because it was complicated and intensive. There were multiple storylines crossing and coming together at the end in typical Barclay form. This is the beginning of a new trilogy set in his fictional town of Promise Falls, NY. It didn't feel quite up to par of his past writing in the sense that there seemed to be a bit extra padding at times, but I'm chalking that up to a need to set up for the remaining books. However, the plot kept me reading and I really enjoyed a myriad of characters from Too Close to Home and Never Look Away. I do think this series was a brilliant idea and by gosh, after that ending, I'm dying to get my hands on the next one. I already requested it on Netgalley! :)
August 20, 2024
4.5�
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Promise Falls #1
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ July 28, 2015
Est Page Count ~ 484 (73 chapters)
Audio length ~ 13 hours 3 minutes
Narrator ~ Quincy Dunn Baker, Brian O'Neil
POV ~ single 1st, present tense & multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ slaughtered squirrels, miscarriage, murder, mystery surrounding a baby
David ~ a reporter and single father to 9 year old, Ethan, moves back into his childhood home with his parents. His cousin, Marla, had a miscarriage, but is taking care of a baby. Hmm, how can that be? Where did this baby come from? David is making it his mission to find out. His parts are told 1st person, present tense.
We have Detective Barry Duckworth investigating a few crimes going on around town. I thought he and his team did great work.
We hear from multiple characters in the 3rd person and try to piece together what's happening in this small town. I really enjoyed this one, minus the poor dead squirrels, of course. It's fast paced and engaging, just how I like my crime thrillers to be. There's sort of a cliffhanger that'll make you want to read the next installment.
Narration notes
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me � ~ ~
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Promise Falls #1
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ July 28, 2015
Est Page Count ~ 484 (73 chapters)
Audio length ~ 13 hours 3 minutes
Narrator ~ Quincy Dunn Baker, Brian O'Neil
POV ~ single 1st, present tense & multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ slaughtered squirrels, miscarriage, murder, mystery surrounding a baby
David ~ a reporter and single father to 9 year old, Ethan, moves back into his childhood home with his parents. His cousin, Marla, had a miscarriage, but is taking care of a baby. Hmm, how can that be? Where did this baby come from? David is making it his mission to find out. His parts are told 1st person, present tense.
We have Detective Barry Duckworth investigating a few crimes going on around town. I thought he and his team did great work.
We hear from multiple characters in the 3rd person and try to piece together what's happening in this small town. I really enjoyed this one, minus the poor dead squirrels, of course. It's fast paced and engaging, just how I like my crime thrillers to be. There's sort of a cliffhanger that'll make you want to read the next installment.
Narration notes
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me � ~ ~
October 11, 2015
Broken Promise review—October 11, 2015
I would like to thank Linwood Barclay, Net Galley and NAL publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
Broken Promise is the first installment of the Promise Falls trilogy, set in upstate New York. My only other Barclay read is Tap on the Window, but that book and this novel are enough for me to see that Mr. Barclay is a master storyteller. I really enjoyed this novel.
Broken Promise is written mainly in 3rd person narrative with several chapters written in first person with protagonist David’s voice. I’m not sure I’ve seen this approach before, but I liked it. David’s character steers the ship, so to speak, but we also get the inner musings of several other characters. I particularly enjoyed ex-newspaper reporter David Harwood, police detective Barry Duckworth, and medical examiner Wanda Therrieult. The dialogue is crisp. The descriptive phrases are lean and just enough to set a moody ambience. Though there are a lot of characters, Mr. Barclay has cleverly and intricately woven them all into the plot of this suspenseful mystery. The pace is simmering, spiced with liberal sprinklings of twists and turns. I can honestly say that at no point did my attention waver.
I generally hate, hate, hate cliffhangers. However, I wouldn’t say that Broken Promise is a classic cliffhanger because much of the mystery is cleared up by the end of the book, for which I am grateful. There are, however, a number of plot points, including one very critical one, still up in the air. My main disappointment is that the next book in the trilogy is not out until March 2016 and the final installment not until November 2016. I therefore suggest readers take a few notes regarding plot highlights and remaining unresolved issues in order to fully enjoy the next book.
Do I recommend Broken Promise? I certainly do! I encourage all fans of mystery and suspense to give this one a shot. I’m glad I did and am looking forward to book 2.
I would like to thank Linwood Barclay, Net Galley and NAL publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
Broken Promise is the first installment of the Promise Falls trilogy, set in upstate New York. My only other Barclay read is Tap on the Window, but that book and this novel are enough for me to see that Mr. Barclay is a master storyteller. I really enjoyed this novel.
Broken Promise is written mainly in 3rd person narrative with several chapters written in first person with protagonist David’s voice. I’m not sure I’ve seen this approach before, but I liked it. David’s character steers the ship, so to speak, but we also get the inner musings of several other characters. I particularly enjoyed ex-newspaper reporter David Harwood, police detective Barry Duckworth, and medical examiner Wanda Therrieult. The dialogue is crisp. The descriptive phrases are lean and just enough to set a moody ambience. Though there are a lot of characters, Mr. Barclay has cleverly and intricately woven them all into the plot of this suspenseful mystery. The pace is simmering, spiced with liberal sprinklings of twists and turns. I can honestly say that at no point did my attention waver.
I generally hate, hate, hate cliffhangers. However, I wouldn’t say that Broken Promise is a classic cliffhanger because much of the mystery is cleared up by the end of the book, for which I am grateful. There are, however, a number of plot points, including one very critical one, still up in the air. My main disappointment is that the next book in the trilogy is not out until March 2016 and the final installment not until November 2016. I therefore suggest readers take a few notes regarding plot highlights and remaining unresolved issues in order to fully enjoy the next book.
Do I recommend Broken Promise? I certainly do! I encourage all fans of mystery and suspense to give this one a shot. I’m glad I did and am looking forward to book 2.
September 9, 2016
I have to admit to approaching this book with a little trepidation. I did not enjoy the previous Linwood Barclay that I read. But this one? This is a completely different story.
Broken Promise is intriguing. It is compelling. It is fast paced and sweeps the reader along. Just as you think you know where this is heading, Mr Barclay will throw in a twist to the plot that has the book heading off in a completely unexpected direction.
The characters in this book could be your neighbours, your friends even. It raises the question, just how well do you really know these people; your friends, your family, your acquaintances? What are they keeping hidden from you? Do you really know them, or do you only know the façade they present?
I have all three parts of this Promise Falls trilogy and I won't be stopping reading until I have finished all three.
Thank you to Netgalley , and publishers Penguin Group for a digital ARC of Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Broken Promise is intriguing. It is compelling. It is fast paced and sweeps the reader along. Just as you think you know where this is heading, Mr Barclay will throw in a twist to the plot that has the book heading off in a completely unexpected direction.
The characters in this book could be your neighbours, your friends even. It raises the question, just how well do you really know these people; your friends, your family, your acquaintances? What are they keeping hidden from you? Do you really know them, or do you only know the façade they present?
I have all three parts of this Promise Falls trilogy and I won't be stopping reading until I have finished all three.
Thank you to Netgalley , and publishers Penguin Group for a digital ARC of Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 26, 2015
I received this advance copy of Net Galley and Penguin Group in exchange for a honest review.
This was a pleasure for me as I love the writing of Linwood Barclay and eagerly await any new novels by him, having read everything he has released.
The hardest part of this task was overcoming the badly formatted copy I had that was littered with extra numbers printed on each page. I was determined not to let this spoil my enjoyment and enjoy what appears to be the first in a new series of books by this talented author.
The novel was full of great characters and several story-lines that kept me gripped and wanting to know more. Great read from a great author.
This was a pleasure for me as I love the writing of Linwood Barclay and eagerly await any new novels by him, having read everything he has released.
The hardest part of this task was overcoming the badly formatted copy I had that was littered with extra numbers printed on each page. I was determined not to let this spoil my enjoyment and enjoy what appears to be the first in a new series of books by this talented author.
The novel was full of great characters and several story-lines that kept me gripped and wanting to know more. Great read from a great author.
July 21, 2015
4.5�s
With Ethan at school, David Harwood took the food his mother had asked him to deliver to his cousin Marla and headed to her house. David and Ethan had returned from Boston to Promise Falls so David could start at his reporter position for the local paper. The day he began the job, the paper folded and everyone was out of work. So David and Ethan were currently living at David’s parent’s house � not ideal but would do until he could find work and get their own place. The first sign that something wasn’t quite right at Marla’s house was what looked like a smeared hand print in blood beside the front door � the second sign was Marla calmly bottle feeding a baby inside the house. Marla had lost her baby daughter ten months previously to still-birth � David was puzzled�
But the puzzlement turned to bewilderment and horror when a woman was discovered not that far away, brutally murdered, her baby missing. David was sure Marla was incapable of inflicting injury on a person � but the circumstantial evidence was damning. Marla’s mother asked David to do some enquiring; to ask the questions that he was always good at as a reporter. He needed to prove Marla was innocent of the terrible crime the police wanted to pin on her. Detective Duckworth was lead investigator in the case and though the evidence pointed at this being an easy solve, he wasn’t sure at all.
As Duckworth tried to prioritize his cases � he seemed to have more felonies than usual happening in his small town � David was finding discrepancies, secrets and lies. His questions were definitely yielding answers � but were they the correct ones? Were there more shocks to come?
What a brilliant start to a new series by author Linwood Barclay! Broken Promise is a gripping novel filled with suspense and thrilling twists, which caused this reader’s heart to pound on more than one occasion! An intense and fast paced plot, the ending left just enough questions to lead into the next book of the series (not too long I hope) but tied up (most) of the story nicely. I have no hesitation in recommending Broken Promise highly � another great novel from this author.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
With Ethan at school, David Harwood took the food his mother had asked him to deliver to his cousin Marla and headed to her house. David and Ethan had returned from Boston to Promise Falls so David could start at his reporter position for the local paper. The day he began the job, the paper folded and everyone was out of work. So David and Ethan were currently living at David’s parent’s house � not ideal but would do until he could find work and get their own place. The first sign that something wasn’t quite right at Marla’s house was what looked like a smeared hand print in blood beside the front door � the second sign was Marla calmly bottle feeding a baby inside the house. Marla had lost her baby daughter ten months previously to still-birth � David was puzzled�
But the puzzlement turned to bewilderment and horror when a woman was discovered not that far away, brutally murdered, her baby missing. David was sure Marla was incapable of inflicting injury on a person � but the circumstantial evidence was damning. Marla’s mother asked David to do some enquiring; to ask the questions that he was always good at as a reporter. He needed to prove Marla was innocent of the terrible crime the police wanted to pin on her. Detective Duckworth was lead investigator in the case and though the evidence pointed at this being an easy solve, he wasn’t sure at all.
As Duckworth tried to prioritize his cases � he seemed to have more felonies than usual happening in his small town � David was finding discrepancies, secrets and lies. His questions were definitely yielding answers � but were they the correct ones? Were there more shocks to come?
What a brilliant start to a new series by author Linwood Barclay! Broken Promise is a gripping novel filled with suspense and thrilling twists, which caused this reader’s heart to pound on more than one occasion! An intense and fast paced plot, the ending left just enough questions to lead into the next book of the series (not too long I hope) but tied up (most) of the story nicely. I have no hesitation in recommending Broken Promise highly � another great novel from this author.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
March 9, 2018
Broken Promise is the first in the Promise Falls Trilogy. Linwood Barclay has written a superb opener.
David Harwood has received a series of blows. First and most devastating his wife has passed away, the newspaper he works for is going under, and then he is forced to move back home with his 9 year old son. Moving back in with his parents is a little humiliating, but he makes the best of it and helps out. His mother asks him to take some soup to his cousin Marla and check up on her. When he arrives Marla is rocking a baby that is not hers. When questioned about the baby, she says an angel delivered it to her. The real mother to the baby is found dead and suddenly David is in a quandary about Marla's angel story. He decides to do a little digging into the identity of the real mother and the details of her death. What he uncovers will rip open family secrets and send the community reeling.
Welcome back to Promise Falls, David.
David Harwood has received a series of blows. First and most devastating his wife has passed away, the newspaper he works for is going under, and then he is forced to move back home with his 9 year old son. Moving back in with his parents is a little humiliating, but he makes the best of it and helps out. His mother asks him to take some soup to his cousin Marla and check up on her. When he arrives Marla is rocking a baby that is not hers. When questioned about the baby, she says an angel delivered it to her. The real mother to the baby is found dead and suddenly David is in a quandary about Marla's angel story. He decides to do a little digging into the identity of the real mother and the details of her death. What he uncovers will rip open family secrets and send the community reeling.
Welcome back to Promise Falls, David.
October 22, 2018
David Harwood is a former Boston Globe city editor and widower who returned home to Promise Falls so he could spend more quality time with his nine-year old son (better hours). He was to be a reporter for the local newspaper but it closed on his first day and now he’s living with his parents until he finds something new. When he stops by to check on his cousin, Marla, whose baby was stillborn some months ago and she’s still pretty fragile, David finds her with a baby boy she says was delivered to her by an “angel.� He knows something’s wrong and discovers information that leads him to an address where he finds a murdered woman he suspects is the baby’s real mother. This discovery is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
I opted to listen to this book and that was a great decision. The two narrators were so good and made the book even more interesting. I also chose not to read the synopsis and had no idea where the story would lead. That also served me well as this tale meanders into several directions that eventually connect, some loosely and others more concretely. David is one of the two narrators, Detective Barry Duckworth who’s investigating this case is the other. Their perspectives couldn’t be more diverse, which adds another element of interest. There’s a strange phenomena occurring at the town’s theme park and a crisis at the local college. And, the connections between David and his family with others in the town provide more murky situations.
There are a host of surprises, small and major, to keep everything moving at a satisfying pace. There are also a lot of characters to track, which isn’t an issue for me as I maintain lists for all the series I follow. But be forewarned that it will be important to remember them and the audio performers help in how they distinguish them. While I figured out early on the biggest mystery, there are still other open threads that weren’t completely resolved...no cliffhangers, just a continuing story arc that’s very compelling. I really enjoyed the story, am glad I chose audio and am anxious to continue.
(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
I opted to listen to this book and that was a great decision. The two narrators were so good and made the book even more interesting. I also chose not to read the synopsis and had no idea where the story would lead. That also served me well as this tale meanders into several directions that eventually connect, some loosely and others more concretely. David is one of the two narrators, Detective Barry Duckworth who’s investigating this case is the other. Their perspectives couldn’t be more diverse, which adds another element of interest. There’s a strange phenomena occurring at the town’s theme park and a crisis at the local college. And, the connections between David and his family with others in the town provide more murky situations.
There are a host of surprises, small and major, to keep everything moving at a satisfying pace. There are also a lot of characters to track, which isn’t an issue for me as I maintain lists for all the series I follow. But be forewarned that it will be important to remember them and the audio performers help in how they distinguish them. While I figured out early on the biggest mystery, there are still other open threads that weren’t completely resolved...no cliffhangers, just a continuing story arc that’s very compelling. I really enjoyed the story, am glad I chose audio and am anxious to continue.
(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
August 9, 2015
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Linwood Barclay, and Penguin Group Berkley NAL for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
Barclay is back with another of his psychological thrillers that keeps the reader engaged and wondering until the bitter end. David Harwood holds the short end of the stick; a single dad after the loss of his wife, a plum journalism job that falls apart as soon as he starts, and he's forced to live with his parents to make ends meet. When his mother asks him to check in on a wayward cousin, still suffering from the recent loss of a baby, David is sure this will be a quick meeting and distraction from his dreary life. However, Marla Pickens has a surprise for David, a baby she claims was passed along to her "by an angel". With a history of non-consensual baby acquisition from the Promise Falls Hospital, Marla could be up to her old tricks. It is only when a woman is found stabbed to death across town and her baby missing that the pieces fall into place in a resounding fashion, leaving David to wonder if his cousin might be a cold-hearted killer. Pleading ignorance and sticking to her story, Marla cannot understand what she's done wrong and David's reporter senses begin to buzz. What if someone else in Promise Falls is trying to set her up, preying on her pass weakness? As David begins to probe further, shelving the issues with his son and parents, there lies a truth he could not see coming. Barclay crafts a great story, told from multiple angles, to lure the reader into wondering what could happen next, then chooses a path that was obstructed and forges on. Not to be missed and surely the great opening to a series.
Barclay utlises a formula in his novels that fans know well: present many characters, use numerous storylines to keep them fresh, then tie off the main plot with a twist no one saw coming, even if you paid attention. Barclay then weaves in some thrills and spills, while keeping the reader in a crazed fit of needing to know. Even though the formula can be applied to all his thrillers, I get sucked in by the obscure path every time, and I love it. The stories are unique and the happenstance keeps readers from getting bored by the same stepped process. Readers can join the Barclay train at any time and not miss a beat, though his sometimes minute references to past stories are not lost on long-time fans. A stellar writer who has a style all his own, while not straying away from what he does best; confound the reader to the final period.
Kudos, Mr. Barclay for this excellent novel. You make all Canadians proud, but also anyone who loves a good thriller and can handle a night of lamp-huddled page turning to find out how wrong preconceived notions can be.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
Barclay is back with another of his psychological thrillers that keeps the reader engaged and wondering until the bitter end. David Harwood holds the short end of the stick; a single dad after the loss of his wife, a plum journalism job that falls apart as soon as he starts, and he's forced to live with his parents to make ends meet. When his mother asks him to check in on a wayward cousin, still suffering from the recent loss of a baby, David is sure this will be a quick meeting and distraction from his dreary life. However, Marla Pickens has a surprise for David, a baby she claims was passed along to her "by an angel". With a history of non-consensual baby acquisition from the Promise Falls Hospital, Marla could be up to her old tricks. It is only when a woman is found stabbed to death across town and her baby missing that the pieces fall into place in a resounding fashion, leaving David to wonder if his cousin might be a cold-hearted killer. Pleading ignorance and sticking to her story, Marla cannot understand what she's done wrong and David's reporter senses begin to buzz. What if someone else in Promise Falls is trying to set her up, preying on her pass weakness? As David begins to probe further, shelving the issues with his son and parents, there lies a truth he could not see coming. Barclay crafts a great story, told from multiple angles, to lure the reader into wondering what could happen next, then chooses a path that was obstructed and forges on. Not to be missed and surely the great opening to a series.
Barclay utlises a formula in his novels that fans know well: present many characters, use numerous storylines to keep them fresh, then tie off the main plot with a twist no one saw coming, even if you paid attention. Barclay then weaves in some thrills and spills, while keeping the reader in a crazed fit of needing to know. Even though the formula can be applied to all his thrillers, I get sucked in by the obscure path every time, and I love it. The stories are unique and the happenstance keeps readers from getting bored by the same stepped process. Readers can join the Barclay train at any time and not miss a beat, though his sometimes minute references to past stories are not lost on long-time fans. A stellar writer who has a style all his own, while not straying away from what he does best; confound the reader to the final period.
Kudos, Mr. Barclay for this excellent novel. You make all Canadians proud, but also anyone who loves a good thriller and can handle a night of lamp-huddled page turning to find out how wrong preconceived notions can be.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
July 27, 2015
This review can also be found at .
I liked this book. I have to admit that I was able to guess a few of the big twists but I found enough surprises along the way to keep my interest. This book is the first in a new series set in the small town of Promise Falls. I had no idea that this book was part of a series and had assumed it was a stand alone novel. I was kind of surprised to find that this story left a few loose ends that I am sure will be picked up in future installments.
This book is told from multiple point of view. David's point of view is the primary source of narration which accounts for about half of the story. The rest of the story is told from a variety of characters including Detective Duckworth, Agnes, David's father, and a man who has just lost his wife to name a few. I think that each character was very well done with a distinct voice and each point of view added to the overall story. It really took all of these characters to see what was truly happening.
The pacing of the story was fantastic and there were not any dull moments. There is quite a bit going on this novel. The main mystery deals with the murder of the mother of an infant son but there is more going on in this little town including incidents at the local amusement park, the local college, and even a case involving squirrels. Is everything connected and if so how?
I did guess some of the major twists which was a bit of a disappointment because I really like to be surprised. There were enough twists that I didn't predict to keep the story interesting for me. I do wish that all of my questions had been answered. As it stands, I feel like I only received answers to some of my questions. I wouldn't say that the ending was cliffhanger because the main focus of the story was resolved even though a lot of questions do remain.
I would recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. This is a fast paced novel with a lot of action and twists and turns to keep things interesting. I have read quite a few novels by Linwood Barclay and I think that this book lives up to what I have come to expect from this author. I can't wait to see what happens next in Promise Falls.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group NAL via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
I liked this book. I have to admit that I was able to guess a few of the big twists but I found enough surprises along the way to keep my interest. This book is the first in a new series set in the small town of Promise Falls. I had no idea that this book was part of a series and had assumed it was a stand alone novel. I was kind of surprised to find that this story left a few loose ends that I am sure will be picked up in future installments.
This book is told from multiple point of view. David's point of view is the primary source of narration which accounts for about half of the story. The rest of the story is told from a variety of characters including Detective Duckworth, Agnes, David's father, and a man who has just lost his wife to name a few. I think that each character was very well done with a distinct voice and each point of view added to the overall story. It really took all of these characters to see what was truly happening.
The pacing of the story was fantastic and there were not any dull moments. There is quite a bit going on this novel. The main mystery deals with the murder of the mother of an infant son but there is more going on in this little town including incidents at the local amusement park, the local college, and even a case involving squirrels. Is everything connected and if so how?
I did guess some of the major twists which was a bit of a disappointment because I really like to be surprised. There were enough twists that I didn't predict to keep the story interesting for me. I do wish that all of my questions had been answered. As it stands, I feel like I only received answers to some of my questions. I wouldn't say that the ending was cliffhanger because the main focus of the story was resolved even though a lot of questions do remain.
I would recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. This is a fast paced novel with a lot of action and twists and turns to keep things interesting. I have read quite a few novels by Linwood Barclay and I think that this book lives up to what I have come to expect from this author. I can't wait to see what happens next in Promise Falls.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group NAL via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
June 25, 2015
I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read Linwood Barclay's latest novel "Broken Promise". He has recently become one of my favorite authors and this novel didn't disappoint.
Widowed David returns to small town Promise Falls, New York hoping to provide a better life for his young son, Ethan. However, the town where David grew up and his parents still reside has been touched by scandal, a recent surge in crime and is now on the decline.
An out of work reporter, David begins to investigate some of the strange goings on and quickly becomes wrapped up in more than one difficult situation.
Real and interesting characters, a fast-paced page turning thriller and many unanswered questions have me eagerly awaiting the next Linwood Barclay book.
I received a copy of this book from Penguin First To Read.
Widowed David returns to small town Promise Falls, New York hoping to provide a better life for his young son, Ethan. However, the town where David grew up and his parents still reside has been touched by scandal, a recent surge in crime and is now on the decline.
An out of work reporter, David begins to investigate some of the strange goings on and quickly becomes wrapped up in more than one difficult situation.
Real and interesting characters, a fast-paced page turning thriller and many unanswered questions have me eagerly awaiting the next Linwood Barclay book.
I received a copy of this book from Penguin First To Read.
September 23, 2015
3.5 stars
I’ve read a couple of Linwood Barclay novels and have loved the gripping suspense, ruthless killers and unexpected twists. Broken Promise has all these elements but the delivery is slow. There is a greater lean towards mystery, with a multitude of characters harbouring dark secrets and chequered pasts.
Broken promise wasn’t a bad read, quite the opposite, with multiple plot lines it was intricate and well written. Just not what I’ve come to expect! Although not part of this series I would suggest first reading Barclay’s previous novels featuring Promise Falls and its inhabitants & . These previous novels give the reader background on some of the characters.
Although a little let down by the story line would I buy this book? Yes!!! It still held lots of mystery and a bad ass antagonist who would stop at nothing to cover his tracks.
With thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review.
I’ve read a couple of Linwood Barclay novels and have loved the gripping suspense, ruthless killers and unexpected twists. Broken Promise has all these elements but the delivery is slow. There is a greater lean towards mystery, with a multitude of characters harbouring dark secrets and chequered pasts.
Broken promise wasn’t a bad read, quite the opposite, with multiple plot lines it was intricate and well written. Just not what I’ve come to expect! Although not part of this series I would suggest first reading Barclay’s previous novels featuring Promise Falls and its inhabitants & . These previous novels give the reader background on some of the characters.
Although a little let down by the story line would I buy this book? Yes!!! It still held lots of mystery and a bad ass antagonist who would stop at nothing to cover his tracks.
With thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review.
January 23, 2024
Promise Falls is a town with a lot of secrets!
BROKEN PROMISE, the debut novel in Linwood Barclay’s now well-known PROMISE FALLS trilogy is best described as lying in the center of a triangle bounded by suspense thriller, psychological thriller and horror! Plenty of good old-fashioned murders, extortion, kidnappings and police work, to be sure, but readers will also discover a novel full of cerebral shudders, bone-deep frissons and eye-blinking “What the hell was that all about?� moments!
How about this for a bizarre grouping of plots? Animals are being ritually slaughtered; a young woman with a very tenuous mental grip on reality is found holding a baby that she claims was delivered to her doorstep by an “aԲ�; the baby’s real mother is murdered; a serial rapist is threatening the local college campus; a former mayor of Promise Falls is looking to return to local politics despite a past conviction for sexual assault of an under-age minor; and (as if all of the rest wasn’t enough) a local amusement park, shut down as no longer financially viable, is broken into and left with a very creepy calling card!
BROKEN PROMISE is a veritable avalanche of sub-plots and storylines but, somehow, Barclay has managed to keep them all intertwined without ever being muddy or confused. What’s even more impressive is that every single story moves forward simultaneously in real-time and the inevitable cliff-hangers as Barclay moves the reader from one perspective to another are never interminable or irritating.
Despite the obvious care and attention that Barclay has obviously taken with that multiplicity of plots, he hasn’t forgotten about character development for even a moment. Detective Barry Duckworth, for example, is one of the people who you should pay attention to from the first time you read the name. As well as being a skilled police officer, he’s an amazingly charming and entirely believable protagonist who is obviously destined to play a part in novels yet to come. His propensity to be overweight, his half-hearted attempts to do something about it and the fact that he is clearly concerned he’s hanging on the edge of a potential heart attack is something I can identify with on a very personal level.
Definitely recommended by a proud Canadian reader! Good job, Mr Barclay.
Paul Weiss
BROKEN PROMISE, the debut novel in Linwood Barclay’s now well-known PROMISE FALLS trilogy is best described as lying in the center of a triangle bounded by suspense thriller, psychological thriller and horror! Plenty of good old-fashioned murders, extortion, kidnappings and police work, to be sure, but readers will also discover a novel full of cerebral shudders, bone-deep frissons and eye-blinking “What the hell was that all about?� moments!
How about this for a bizarre grouping of plots? Animals are being ritually slaughtered; a young woman with a very tenuous mental grip on reality is found holding a baby that she claims was delivered to her doorstep by an “aԲ�; the baby’s real mother is murdered; a serial rapist is threatening the local college campus; a former mayor of Promise Falls is looking to return to local politics despite a past conviction for sexual assault of an under-age minor; and (as if all of the rest wasn’t enough) a local amusement park, shut down as no longer financially viable, is broken into and left with a very creepy calling card!
BROKEN PROMISE is a veritable avalanche of sub-plots and storylines but, somehow, Barclay has managed to keep them all intertwined without ever being muddy or confused. What’s even more impressive is that every single story moves forward simultaneously in real-time and the inevitable cliff-hangers as Barclay moves the reader from one perspective to another are never interminable or irritating.
Despite the obvious care and attention that Barclay has obviously taken with that multiplicity of plots, he hasn’t forgotten about character development for even a moment. Detective Barry Duckworth, for example, is one of the people who you should pay attention to from the first time you read the name. As well as being a skilled police officer, he’s an amazingly charming and entirely believable protagonist who is obviously destined to play a part in novels yet to come. His propensity to be overweight, his half-hearted attempts to do something about it and the fact that he is clearly concerned he’s hanging on the edge of a potential heart attack is something I can identify with on a very personal level.
Definitely recommended by a proud Canadian reader! Good job, Mr Barclay.
Paul Weiss
September 19, 2017
David is on his way to visits his cousin that lost her daughter a couple of months before at childbirth. But he finds her with a child when he gets to her house. A child she claims her hers...
Linwood Barclay knows how to keep the readers in suspense throughout the whole book by not only creating an interesting story but by having very short chapters with no unnecessary chitchat. Don't take me wrong I love books with lots of descriptions and when it takes time for events to happen and long chapters too. But now and then I just love to read a book when every chapter is short and crammed with action. Like this book. It was really hard to stop reading when I started to read the book. Just one more chapter...
One thing I really like about this book was that it has connections to Too Close to Home, it's the same town and some characters from that book are in this one as well. By the way, this is the first book in a series. And, of course, this book ended with a cliffhanger. Now I have a very strong need to read the next book in the series.
I have previously compared Linwood Barclay's books to Harlan Coben and I will do so again. Both authors know how to write a really good suspenseful story that takes you on a wild ride. I really liked the story in this book, yes there were some things I suspected that came true, but it still had some surprises up its sleeves.
4.5 stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Linwood Barclay knows how to keep the readers in suspense throughout the whole book by not only creating an interesting story but by having very short chapters with no unnecessary chitchat. Don't take me wrong I love books with lots of descriptions and when it takes time for events to happen and long chapters too. But now and then I just love to read a book when every chapter is short and crammed with action. Like this book. It was really hard to stop reading when I started to read the book. Just one more chapter...
One thing I really like about this book was that it has connections to Too Close to Home, it's the same town and some characters from that book are in this one as well. By the way, this is the first book in a series. And, of course, this book ended with a cliffhanger. Now I have a very strong need to read the next book in the series.
I have previously compared Linwood Barclay's books to Harlan Coben and I will do so again. Both authors know how to write a really good suspenseful story that takes you on a wild ride. I really liked the story in this book, yes there were some things I suspected that came true, but it still had some surprises up its sleeves.
4.5 stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 2, 2018
Solid 4.5 stars
We are in the town of Promise Falls
Somewhere in New England
David a reporter back into town after working in Boston Globe. He works for a day at the local paper before it shuts down. He lives at his parents house. He has a son. He’s looking for a job.
Marla.. his cousin.. says an angel visited her and gave her a baby.
The mother of the baby is found killed in her kitchen ... who is the killer ? Was it Marla, or the angel or someone else.
Detective Duckworth has to find out the killer and at the same time some person in town had just killed and strung 23 squirrels and did something at the abandoned fairground.
A very promising book in the Promise Falls trilogy. I took it out from the library on a whim and I finished the book in two days and I have the second book of this trilogy and will start it ASAP.
My first Linwood Barclay and it will not be my last for sure.
We are in the town of Promise Falls
Somewhere in New England
David a reporter back into town after working in Boston Globe. He works for a day at the local paper before it shuts down. He lives at his parents house. He has a son. He’s looking for a job.
Marla.. his cousin.. says an angel visited her and gave her a baby.
The mother of the baby is found killed in her kitchen ... who is the killer ? Was it Marla, or the angel or someone else.
Detective Duckworth has to find out the killer and at the same time some person in town had just killed and strung 23 squirrels and did something at the abandoned fairground.
A very promising book in the Promise Falls trilogy. I took it out from the library on a whim and I finished the book in two days and I have the second book of this trilogy and will start it ASAP.
My first Linwood Barclay and it will not be my last for sure.
September 1, 2015
I always enjoy Linwood Barclay's books, and this was no exception. There are clues generously given along the way without revealing too much, and I eventually had an idea in my head what had happened. Still, there were some turns I didn't see coming. I like Detective Barry Duckworth and his internal thinking. As the first in a trilogy, some incomplete storylines are expected. With my memory, though, I've kept some notes because the next one won't be out until next March. I'm looking forward to it.
March 10, 2017
I have had this book for awhile and kept putting off reading it, now I wish I had read it right away. I was riveted and once I got into it, I could not put it down. This is the first book in a trilogy and all the books have been published, so I will definitely get into the next one. This is a suspense/mystery that will keep you guessing most of the way, but not necessarily about the crime you are thinking.
David Harwood, a single dad, leaves a job at the paper in Boston because he spends no time with his son. He moves back to Promise Falls to take a job with the local paper, which closes its doors his first day on the job. He and his son Ethan are now living with his parents until he can find a new job and get back on his feet. His mother asks him to take some food to his cousin Marla, who is having some mental health issues and when he gets there she has a baby that she says an "angel" brought her. Marla lost her baby in childbirth 10 months earlier. Using information on the stroller, David goes to the house where he believes the baby lives and they find the mother's body, dead in the kitchen. The story takes off from there.
There are many storylines going on at the same time in this book. The story starts with the discovery of 23 dead squirrels, all hanging by their necks on a fence. There are several attempted rapes at the local college, a physician with a gambling problem who is being threatened, a local police detective who wants to know what's happening to his town, an ex-mayor who was outed after he was found 'associating' with underage prostitutes, but wants to make a comeback, a local town-worker whose daughter was murdered several years earlier and whose wife has recently died of cancer, and then some naked mannequins found in a carnival ride at a local amusement park that has closed down and is being sold off in the car numbered 23. This number comes up several times in the police investigations. What is its significance? All these seemingly disconnected stories are easy to follow, yet the story is easy to follow. They are not all solved at the end of this book, in fact, there are more unanswered questions, but it works and I can't wait to get to the next book. This is a character driven story and the characters are well drawn. I can't help but like many of them and hope that things work out for them. A great book for those who like mysteries and suspense. Pick it up and give it a go, I don't think you will regret it. I won this book from a ŷ Giveaway and I am glad I did.
David Harwood, a single dad, leaves a job at the paper in Boston because he spends no time with his son. He moves back to Promise Falls to take a job with the local paper, which closes its doors his first day on the job. He and his son Ethan are now living with his parents until he can find a new job and get back on his feet. His mother asks him to take some food to his cousin Marla, who is having some mental health issues and when he gets there she has a baby that she says an "angel" brought her. Marla lost her baby in childbirth 10 months earlier. Using information on the stroller, David goes to the house where he believes the baby lives and they find the mother's body, dead in the kitchen. The story takes off from there.
There are many storylines going on at the same time in this book. The story starts with the discovery of 23 dead squirrels, all hanging by their necks on a fence. There are several attempted rapes at the local college, a physician with a gambling problem who is being threatened, a local police detective who wants to know what's happening to his town, an ex-mayor who was outed after he was found 'associating' with underage prostitutes, but wants to make a comeback, a local town-worker whose daughter was murdered several years earlier and whose wife has recently died of cancer, and then some naked mannequins found in a carnival ride at a local amusement park that has closed down and is being sold off in the car numbered 23. This number comes up several times in the police investigations. What is its significance? All these seemingly disconnected stories are easy to follow, yet the story is easy to follow. They are not all solved at the end of this book, in fact, there are more unanswered questions, but it works and I can't wait to get to the next book. This is a character driven story and the characters are well drawn. I can't help but like many of them and hope that things work out for them. A great book for those who like mysteries and suspense. Pick it up and give it a go, I don't think you will regret it. I won this book from a ŷ Giveaway and I am glad I did.
August 3, 2019
Broken Promise .....this is the first Linwood Barclay book I have read for a number of years.
David Harwood has a good job working as an assistant editor on a newspaper in Boston and is raising his son on his own.
When he finally admits to himself that his unsociable working hours aren’t fair on his young son or himself, he takes a job on a local newspaper in his home town, Promise Falls. However, luck is not on his side and on the day he starts his new job, the editor announces the paper is shutting down. Out of work, David and his son move back in with his parents.
His cousin Marla is in trouble. after losing her baby during childbirth, Marla is understandably not coping. When dropping off a food parcel from his mother, David finds blood smeared on the front door and Marla curled up with a baby in the bedroom!
This is the start of an exciting unraveling of events, with David, Detective Barry Duckworth, the ex mayor and numerous other characters coming into the mix.
There is an easy flow to the writing, the characters are perfectly drawn and the plot is good.
I was also intrigued by the strange happenings in the town......... a line of squirrels hung up in a park and an abandoned Ferris Wheel coming to life! It all added to the unsettling atmosphere.
This is the first book in a series set in the town of Promise Falls, the next is Far From True and the third is The Twenty Three.
I don’t know why I took a break with this author, this book has got me back in the Linwood Barclay fan club 😊.
David Harwood has a good job working as an assistant editor on a newspaper in Boston and is raising his son on his own.
When he finally admits to himself that his unsociable working hours aren’t fair on his young son or himself, he takes a job on a local newspaper in his home town, Promise Falls. However, luck is not on his side and on the day he starts his new job, the editor announces the paper is shutting down. Out of work, David and his son move back in with his parents.
His cousin Marla is in trouble. after losing her baby during childbirth, Marla is understandably not coping. When dropping off a food parcel from his mother, David finds blood smeared on the front door and Marla curled up with a baby in the bedroom!
This is the start of an exciting unraveling of events, with David, Detective Barry Duckworth, the ex mayor and numerous other characters coming into the mix.
There is an easy flow to the writing, the characters are perfectly drawn and the plot is good.
I was also intrigued by the strange happenings in the town......... a line of squirrels hung up in a park and an abandoned Ferris Wheel coming to life! It all added to the unsettling atmosphere.
This is the first book in a series set in the town of Promise Falls, the next is Far From True and the third is The Twenty Three.
I don’t know why I took a break with this author, this book has got me back in the Linwood Barclay fan club 😊.
March 31, 2016
Actual real review coming your way soon.
"I want a new drug, one that does what it should
One that won’t make me feel too bad
One that won’t make me feel to good
I want a new drug, one with no doubt
One that won’t make me talk too much
Or make my face break out
One that won’t make me nervous
Wonderin what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I’m with you
I’m alone with you
I’m alone with you, yeah, yeah"
"I want a new drug, one that does what it should
One that won’t make me feel too bad
One that won’t make me feel to good
I want a new drug, one with no doubt
One that won’t make me talk too much
Or make my face break out
One that won’t make me nervous
Wonderin what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I’m with you
I’m alone with you
I’m alone with you, yeah, yeah"
November 20, 2017
F A N T A S T I C!
"Best Cliffhanger Mystery Thriller Suspense Series."
BROKEN PROMISE (Promise Falls #1) is "hands down" Linwood Barclay's finest work! OMG! What a gripping page-turner. Even more exciting, there is a continuation (like Christmas, comes again).
An explosive novel about the disturbing evil secrets of a quiet mysterious small town (turns out, not so quiet). Set in a fictional upstate New York small town outside of Albany, called Promise Falls—a town slowly dying, with a number of the businesses closing, or recently closed, and the younger generation, forced to move on to larger cities with better opportunities.
Since the former mayor, Randall Finley got caught with an underage prostitute, no one since seems to possess his same tenacity in support of the town. Even though he is a snake, he was able to keep the town afloat. He now owns a thriving water business (Finley Springs) and seems to be the only one hiring in town. However, he does want to get back into politics, and working his way back to running for office again. He is also trying to bribe his way back in the right circles, and connections. (looking forward to hearing more from this character).
A multi-layered plot, with an array of intriguing and well-developed characters, and a town of scandalous secrets, lies, conspiracy, murder, possibly revenge, and a list of mysterious events-and the mysterious number, "twenty-three".
As the novel opens, David (main character) is moving back to Promise Falls, the town he hates; moving in with his parents. At the age of forty-one, he never thought he would be moving back to the childhood home he left some twenty years ago, and now with his nine year old son, Ethan. How did he get here?
He really had limited choices. The downfall started five years earlier after his wife, Jan passed away. He was left raising his son alone with a great job at the Boston Globe as an investigative reporter. However, with deadlines and work, he felt he was not devoting enough time to his son. He had gone from reporter to editing desk job. His mom and dad would be a great help, but of course they were not able to travel, to Boston, so he had made the decision to move back to Promise Falls to take a job with the local newspaper, The Standard, where his parents could help out with Ethan.
However, well laid plans, soon turn to disaster. The first day back, the paper announced they were closing the doors with all the other failing business. Just Great � now no job, or any prospects of a job in this miserable town, living with nosy parents, (Don and Arlene), plus his son-- the new kid at school, has no friends and is miserable—with some issues with another boy at school.
With David’s first day out of work, his mom wants him to run an errand for her. Little does he know running this simple errand will land him in the middle of a murder investigation? He is to take some food to his cousin Marla. Simple enough. Marla has been through some traumatic events—an online reviewer, she got pregnant by a younger college student, her mom (David’s aunt) did not care for. The baby was stillborn 10 mos earlier, and Marla has not recovered, and afterwards caught stealing another baby from the hospital. Of course, her mom is the hospital administrator and takes care of covering things, as she is all about control and appearances.
Now, David arrives at his cousin’s house and she has a baby? What gives? Has she stolen another baby? She says an “aԲ� dropped it off with a stroller. Is she nuts? David notes some blood stains on the stroller. He does not want to panic his cousin, and when she is getting dressed, David sees a flyer in the stroller with an address. David puts Marla and the baby in the stroller and heads to the address. When they arrive, at the home, they find a dead woman, Rosemary Gaynor, brutally murdered, and a frantic husband, Bill.
Did Marla kidnap Matthew and kill the mother? What happened to the nanny? David knows his cousin is a little strange; however, a murderer, he does not think she is capable. Marla also has face blindness. Something is not right, and David begins using his investigative reporting skills to do some digging to get to the bottom of his mystery.
In addition to this murder, Officer Barry Duckworth (obsessed with donuts and trying to lose weight) has his hands full, juggling cases coming at him at once with a sweep of crimes in the area. A murder, a missing Nanny, her boyfriend, a fatal shooting at Thackeray College, rapes, strange things in the night at Five Mountains, a deserted amusement park, with three mannequins on a Ferris Wheel, and twenty-three dead squirrels hanging, mixed with a message "YOU'LL BE SORRY".
Duckworth's homefront is not so simple either, as he has just learned his son, Trevor is now working as a driver for Finley. Finley cannot be trusted—he is dying to find out things going on in the police department, to use for his own purpose.
In the meantime, we meet a few other families, each with their own secrets. David’s dad, Don is hiding something. His mom, Arlene is forgetting things; Jack the doctor has a gambling habit, Marla is struggling with reality, Samantha, the mother of Carl (the boy who was mean to Ethan), with baggage of her own; works at a laundromat, wear tight jeans, hot, and carries a shotgun—possible love connection for David? Marla’s mom is a control freak, with her own secrets, and dad is having an affair. Best of all Finley has offered David a job running his media and campaign (we are in for a treat with this one).
There is also a backstory of Olivia Fisher, a young woman with a bright future, killed years ago in a brutal murder. Her mother died of cancer recently, and the dad remaining - still grieving, and left to control the fiancé, who has turned into a raging alcoholic.
The book ends with a delicious cliffhanger. The main mystery has not been solved, as the killings may be connected to an older case. There is a message someone is trying to send. Is it revenge? Is the killer walking among them, and someone they all know? And oh, more with hidden secrets, yet to come to the surface. I am dying for the next installment! Here is hoping I can land an ARC, as the suspense is killing me.
Loving the array of eccentric characters in the town of Promise Falls, with this new riveting series! How intriguing, and Barclay grabs you from page one and hooks you to the end.
A mix of psychological, crime, cop procedures, forensics, mystery, suspense, wit, and humor----all rolled into one action-packed thriller! Was so engrossed, purchased the audiobook, narrated by Quincy Dunn Baker and Brian O'Neil in addition to the e-book for a suspenseful performance.
YEAH, appears there will be more to come.
Final Assignment (Promise Falls, #1.5) Jan. 12, 2016
Far From True (Promise Falls, #2) Mar. 22, 2016 .
On a personal note: I have made the drive from Albany airport to the Catskills and for some reason, I am thinking about this mysterious fictional town of Promise Falls, similar to the surroundings. Will continue to think about this book each time I return (chilling).
Highly Recommend! Thriller fans will devour this new and exciting series. 5 Stars + (my kind of book).
Meet the Author
Finally, get to experience this awesome author in my own South Florida backyard. Thrilled, I am there for both events!
Barclay will discuss "Broken Promise" at 2 p.m. Aug 4 as part of "Between The Covers," the WXEL Book Club at the WXEL station, Boynton Beach to air Aug. 21. Barclay also will discuss his novel at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Murder on the Beach, Delray Beach. Move over Michael Connelly- The state of Florida and its loyal fans have room for two outstanding crime authors!
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Best Cliffhanger Mystery Thriller Suspense Series."
BROKEN PROMISE (Promise Falls #1) is "hands down" Linwood Barclay's finest work! OMG! What a gripping page-turner. Even more exciting, there is a continuation (like Christmas, comes again).
An explosive novel about the disturbing evil secrets of a quiet mysterious small town (turns out, not so quiet). Set in a fictional upstate New York small town outside of Albany, called Promise Falls—a town slowly dying, with a number of the businesses closing, or recently closed, and the younger generation, forced to move on to larger cities with better opportunities.
Since the former mayor, Randall Finley got caught with an underage prostitute, no one since seems to possess his same tenacity in support of the town. Even though he is a snake, he was able to keep the town afloat. He now owns a thriving water business (Finley Springs) and seems to be the only one hiring in town. However, he does want to get back into politics, and working his way back to running for office again. He is also trying to bribe his way back in the right circles, and connections. (looking forward to hearing more from this character).
A multi-layered plot, with an array of intriguing and well-developed characters, and a town of scandalous secrets, lies, conspiracy, murder, possibly revenge, and a list of mysterious events-and the mysterious number, "twenty-three".
As the novel opens, David (main character) is moving back to Promise Falls, the town he hates; moving in with his parents. At the age of forty-one, he never thought he would be moving back to the childhood home he left some twenty years ago, and now with his nine year old son, Ethan. How did he get here?
He really had limited choices. The downfall started five years earlier after his wife, Jan passed away. He was left raising his son alone with a great job at the Boston Globe as an investigative reporter. However, with deadlines and work, he felt he was not devoting enough time to his son. He had gone from reporter to editing desk job. His mom and dad would be a great help, but of course they were not able to travel, to Boston, so he had made the decision to move back to Promise Falls to take a job with the local newspaper, The Standard, where his parents could help out with Ethan.
However, well laid plans, soon turn to disaster. The first day back, the paper announced they were closing the doors with all the other failing business. Just Great � now no job, or any prospects of a job in this miserable town, living with nosy parents, (Don and Arlene), plus his son-- the new kid at school, has no friends and is miserable—with some issues with another boy at school.
With David’s first day out of work, his mom wants him to run an errand for her. Little does he know running this simple errand will land him in the middle of a murder investigation? He is to take some food to his cousin Marla. Simple enough. Marla has been through some traumatic events—an online reviewer, she got pregnant by a younger college student, her mom (David’s aunt) did not care for. The baby was stillborn 10 mos earlier, and Marla has not recovered, and afterwards caught stealing another baby from the hospital. Of course, her mom is the hospital administrator and takes care of covering things, as she is all about control and appearances.
Now, David arrives at his cousin’s house and she has a baby? What gives? Has she stolen another baby? She says an “aԲ� dropped it off with a stroller. Is she nuts? David notes some blood stains on the stroller. He does not want to panic his cousin, and when she is getting dressed, David sees a flyer in the stroller with an address. David puts Marla and the baby in the stroller and heads to the address. When they arrive, at the home, they find a dead woman, Rosemary Gaynor, brutally murdered, and a frantic husband, Bill.
Did Marla kidnap Matthew and kill the mother? What happened to the nanny? David knows his cousin is a little strange; however, a murderer, he does not think she is capable. Marla also has face blindness. Something is not right, and David begins using his investigative reporting skills to do some digging to get to the bottom of his mystery.
In addition to this murder, Officer Barry Duckworth (obsessed with donuts and trying to lose weight) has his hands full, juggling cases coming at him at once with a sweep of crimes in the area. A murder, a missing Nanny, her boyfriend, a fatal shooting at Thackeray College, rapes, strange things in the night at Five Mountains, a deserted amusement park, with three mannequins on a Ferris Wheel, and twenty-three dead squirrels hanging, mixed with a message "YOU'LL BE SORRY".
Duckworth's homefront is not so simple either, as he has just learned his son, Trevor is now working as a driver for Finley. Finley cannot be trusted—he is dying to find out things going on in the police department, to use for his own purpose.
In the meantime, we meet a few other families, each with their own secrets. David’s dad, Don is hiding something. His mom, Arlene is forgetting things; Jack the doctor has a gambling habit, Marla is struggling with reality, Samantha, the mother of Carl (the boy who was mean to Ethan), with baggage of her own; works at a laundromat, wear tight jeans, hot, and carries a shotgun—possible love connection for David? Marla’s mom is a control freak, with her own secrets, and dad is having an affair. Best of all Finley has offered David a job running his media and campaign (we are in for a treat with this one).
There is also a backstory of Olivia Fisher, a young woman with a bright future, killed years ago in a brutal murder. Her mother died of cancer recently, and the dad remaining - still grieving, and left to control the fiancé, who has turned into a raging alcoholic.
The book ends with a delicious cliffhanger. The main mystery has not been solved, as the killings may be connected to an older case. There is a message someone is trying to send. Is it revenge? Is the killer walking among them, and someone they all know? And oh, more with hidden secrets, yet to come to the surface. I am dying for the next installment! Here is hoping I can land an ARC, as the suspense is killing me.
Loving the array of eccentric characters in the town of Promise Falls, with this new riveting series! How intriguing, and Barclay grabs you from page one and hooks you to the end.
A mix of psychological, crime, cop procedures, forensics, mystery, suspense, wit, and humor----all rolled into one action-packed thriller! Was so engrossed, purchased the audiobook, narrated by Quincy Dunn Baker and Brian O'Neil in addition to the e-book for a suspenseful performance.
YEAH, appears there will be more to come.
Final Assignment (Promise Falls, #1.5) Jan. 12, 2016
Far From True (Promise Falls, #2) Mar. 22, 2016 .
On a personal note: I have made the drive from Albany airport to the Catskills and for some reason, I am thinking about this mysterious fictional town of Promise Falls, similar to the surroundings. Will continue to think about this book each time I return (chilling).
Highly Recommend! Thriller fans will devour this new and exciting series. 5 Stars + (my kind of book).
"Barclay, who lives in Canada, continues his penchant for delving into American small towns, creating believable settings that pack an emotional wallop. Barclay's well-sculpted characters add to the solid plot, from David and his family to a sleazy former mayor trying for a comeback, a hard-edged hospital administrator and a villain who hides in plain sight. Promise Falls isn't the town most of us would want to live in, but we can't wait to revisit. Barclay's "Broken Promise" assures more visits are on the horizon."-- Oline H. Cogdill, SouthFlordia.com
Meet the Author
Finally, get to experience this awesome author in my own South Florida backyard. Thrilled, I am there for both events!
Barclay will discuss "Broken Promise" at 2 p.m. Aug 4 as part of "Between The Covers," the WXEL Book Club at the WXEL station, Boynton Beach to air Aug. 21. Barclay also will discuss his novel at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Murder on the Beach, Delray Beach. Move over Michael Connelly- The state of Florida and its loyal fans have room for two outstanding crime authors!
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2016
I've always been a huge fan of Linwood Barclay. His novels are always fast paced and thrilling with twists and turns... some turns can be seen a mile away yet he always throws in a wild turn that no one sees coming. Broken Promise is no different. This is the story of a big small town, Promise Falls, that has seen better days. From the way this novel turns out, better days aren't on the horizon anytime soon.
David Harwood moves back with his parents after the death of his wife and career with his son Ethan. David hopes this move will get his life back on track to being able to support his small family. While trying to piece together his life, he is thrown into a harrowing situation when his cousin is found with a child she believes to be her own. The only problem is that her child had died months earlier. David attempts to reconcile who this baby's true mother might be but is taken aback when he finds the mother dead.
If that isn't crazy enough, there is a nutso on the loose either raping women, leaving dead squirrels tied up to trees, or mannequins on rides at a bankrupt amusement park. All these instances hold similarities that cause concern for the head detective Barry Duckworth, who is also investigating the brutal death of a young woman and her stolen baby. Suffice it to say, things are getting really strange. really fast for this small town.
Initially I wasn't going to finish this read because the ARC I received was hard to read. After one of my ŷ friends saying just trudge through it, I became totally absorbed in this small town. There are a lot of characters and we are given glimpses into their lives. Suddenly the strings start to weave together how everyone is connected.
Because Broken Promise seems to be the first in a series I can forgive the thin and caricature-like characters. The lies and deceit make me wonder who in this town isn't a crappy person or involved in some underhanded dealings. Because virtually everything I want to talk about in reference to this book is virtually a plot twist, I'll refrain from going further.
Essentially, fans of Linwood Barclay will find Broken Promise full of a promising tale of a town that would like to keep its secret... secret. The constant plot twists or whodunnit scenarios help ensure a thrilling roller coaster ride for readers. I promise fans of Barclay will enjoy this broken thrill ride.
Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley
David Harwood moves back with his parents after the death of his wife and career with his son Ethan. David hopes this move will get his life back on track to being able to support his small family. While trying to piece together his life, he is thrown into a harrowing situation when his cousin is found with a child she believes to be her own. The only problem is that her child had died months earlier. David attempts to reconcile who this baby's true mother might be but is taken aback when he finds the mother dead.
If that isn't crazy enough, there is a nutso on the loose either raping women, leaving dead squirrels tied up to trees, or mannequins on rides at a bankrupt amusement park. All these instances hold similarities that cause concern for the head detective Barry Duckworth, who is also investigating the brutal death of a young woman and her stolen baby. Suffice it to say, things are getting really strange. really fast for this small town.
Initially I wasn't going to finish this read because the ARC I received was hard to read. After one of my ŷ friends saying just trudge through it, I became totally absorbed in this small town. There are a lot of characters and we are given glimpses into their lives. Suddenly the strings start to weave together how everyone is connected.
Because Broken Promise seems to be the first in a series I can forgive the thin and caricature-like characters. The lies and deceit make me wonder who in this town isn't a crappy person or involved in some underhanded dealings. Because virtually everything I want to talk about in reference to this book is virtually a plot twist, I'll refrain from going further.
Essentially, fans of Linwood Barclay will find Broken Promise full of a promising tale of a town that would like to keep its secret... secret. The constant plot twists or whodunnit scenarios help ensure a thrilling roller coaster ride for readers. I promise fans of Barclay will enjoy this broken thrill ride.
Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley
July 29, 2015
David Harwood, single parent to 9 year old Ethan returns to his home town of Promise Falls. The promised job as a reporter at the Standard soon evaporates and he ends up living back with his parents. When he goes to visit his cousin Marla he finds a smear of blood on the door. Marla is nursing a baby. Whose is it and why does she claim and angel give it to her? This is just one of the mysteries in this novel. Others include a woman found stabbed in a particularly brutal way, 23 dead squirrels and a campus where several women were attacked. When it looks like Marla is under suspicion for the murder of Rosemary Gaynor, David starts asking questions. Marla might be a little off kilter since her baby was still born, but David did not believe her capable of murder. Then what was she doing with Rosemary Gaynor’s baby?
This is my first novel by this author. While it held my interest throughout, at times I felt there were too many stories competing for attention. I also didn’t realise this was the beginning of a series, so the ending for me felt a bit flat. There were several twists and turns along the way, although I had pretty much figured some of them out before they happened. Despite feeling I knew where it was heading, I never considered giving up on the novel, as there was enough interest in seeing how it all played out. The information about prosopagnosia (face blindness) was an interesting development and integral to the story. Though David was well developed as was Marla, some of the others just didn’t strike me as realistic. I could have done without the graphic description of the murder and the language throughout. All this probably it shows that I am not the type of reader for this sort of novel.
I’m not sorry I read it. It was a change of pace for me, but I will probably not read another in the series. However, if you are a person who likes mysteries and crime novel with lots happening, you will probably like this more than I did and it could well hook you into reading the others as well. I was really looking forward to this after having heard about it from some other readers, so thanks to the reading room and Hachette Australia for my advanced reader copy to read and review.
This is my first novel by this author. While it held my interest throughout, at times I felt there were too many stories competing for attention. I also didn’t realise this was the beginning of a series, so the ending for me felt a bit flat. There were several twists and turns along the way, although I had pretty much figured some of them out before they happened. Despite feeling I knew where it was heading, I never considered giving up on the novel, as there was enough interest in seeing how it all played out. The information about prosopagnosia (face blindness) was an interesting development and integral to the story. Though David was well developed as was Marla, some of the others just didn’t strike me as realistic. I could have done without the graphic description of the murder and the language throughout. All this probably it shows that I am not the type of reader for this sort of novel.
I’m not sorry I read it. It was a change of pace for me, but I will probably not read another in the series. However, if you are a person who likes mysteries and crime novel with lots happening, you will probably like this more than I did and it could well hook you into reading the others as well. I was really looking forward to this after having heard about it from some other readers, so thanks to the reading room and Hachette Australia for my advanced reader copy to read and review.
July 23, 2015
As Detective Duckworth calls Promise Falls, the town is like a suit, once new, has now turned shiny and threadbare.
The story starts with the discovery of 23 bodies ... all squirrels, all hanging by their necks.
Now that I have your attention, this is what you're going to find in this book.. other than the dead squirrels. In no particular order ....
Woman stabbed to death in her home
Nanny and woman's baby are missing
Baby turns up mysteriously at the home of another woman who previously kidnapped a baby from the hospital
Several attempted rapes at the local college
A physician with a gambling problem
A sheriff who wants to know what's happening to his town
A politician who has already been outed after he was found 'associating' with underage prostitutes
An unemployed newspaper reporter and his son, who are living with his parents
A friend to many, whose daughter was murdered several years earlier and whose wife has recently died of cancer
Naked mannequins found in a carnival ride that has been unused for ages
...... and the number 23
There are several story lines running parallel to each other, but at some point they start dovetailing.
This is the beginning of a new series .... and what a beginning it is! Normally with so many characters being introduced all at once, it is easy to get lost. Not so with this one.
Most of the story lines come to a conclusion in a very satisfying way, so this 'could' be a stand-alone. But .. there is one mystery that remains and the book gives just the slightest hint that more is coming. The next book is FINAL ASSIGNMENT (novella e-book only 1.5) and then comes FAR FROM TRUE (Bk 2) ... just in case you want to add these to your wish list.
A very easy 5 stars from me!
A huge THANKS to NetGalley / PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW for furnishing the e-book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 8, 2024
My first Barclay book and what a wild ride. This is the first of four books set in Promise Falls, NY featuring Detective Barry Duckworth and in this novel he works to unravel a family secret with the Harwood family.
The plot lines and characters were well conceived and written and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing at the various murders, back-stabbings and family bickering that a number of the reveals were eye-opening and shocking.
I'll certainly be reading more of Mr. Barclay's back catalogue after completing this series.
Recommend for those who like this genre.
The plot lines and characters were well conceived and written and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing at the various murders, back-stabbings and family bickering that a number of the reveals were eye-opening and shocking.
I'll certainly be reading more of Mr. Barclay's back catalogue after completing this series.
Recommend for those who like this genre.
March 7, 2017
Promise Falls is a small town that is slowly losing itself. The amusement park has shut down along with the newspaper. Because of this latest incident, David Harwood is forced to move back in with his parents along with his son, Ethan. Eager to find a job he helps his parents with whatever they need around the house. As he takes some food to his cousin, Marla, he makes a startling discovery. She has a baby that she insists an angel has brought to her house. When the mother of that baby is found murdered, David does all he can to protect Marla despite her sorted past.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this title. Broken Promise is the first in a new trilogy by Linwood Barclay. This book wasn't necessarily action packed, but it held my attention completely. By the end of the book there were 23 dead squirrels, 5 dead people, 2 unsolved murders and one strange adoption case. There is a cliffhanger at the end of the book that made me immediately go out and get the second book in the trilogy Far From True. Linwood Barclay is a great storyteller who keeps the reader wanting more.
This book had me asking many questions at the end and wanting to know what is going to happen next. Marla, who is David Harwood's cousin lives alone and posts reviews online for various companies. Less than a year earlier, she had lost her child and her life will never be the same. David was working for the Boston Globe, when he became a single parent, and decided to move back to Promise Falls so that his parents can help him with his son, Ethan. Detective Duckworth is celebrating his 20th year on the force, when these incidents take place. These characters along with the other residents of Promise Fall will spend the three days trying to solve the mysteries that are taking place in their small town. Will Marla be charged with murder? How did this baby really come to be in her possession? Will David be able to get to the bottom of the mystery before he becomes a part of it?
Look out for the rest of the books in the trilogy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this title. Broken Promise is the first in a new trilogy by Linwood Barclay. This book wasn't necessarily action packed, but it held my attention completely. By the end of the book there were 23 dead squirrels, 5 dead people, 2 unsolved murders and one strange adoption case. There is a cliffhanger at the end of the book that made me immediately go out and get the second book in the trilogy Far From True. Linwood Barclay is a great storyteller who keeps the reader wanting more.
This book had me asking many questions at the end and wanting to know what is going to happen next. Marla, who is David Harwood's cousin lives alone and posts reviews online for various companies. Less than a year earlier, she had lost her child and her life will never be the same. David was working for the Boston Globe, when he became a single parent, and decided to move back to Promise Falls so that his parents can help him with his son, Ethan. Detective Duckworth is celebrating his 20th year on the force, when these incidents take place. These characters along with the other residents of Promise Fall will spend the three days trying to solve the mysteries that are taking place in their small town. Will Marla be charged with murder? How did this baby really come to be in her possession? Will David be able to get to the bottom of the mystery before he becomes a part of it?
Look out for the rest of the books in the trilogy.
May 29, 2018
This was my first book by this author and it was fantastic. I could put it down. A complete roller coaster, one thing after another for David who moves back to Promise Falls with his son, Ethan. I loved the small town setting and characters and hope to meet them again as the series continues. Linwood Barclay could be my new favourite author!
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