Broken Ground is a contemporary suspense series novel, but for new entrants to DCI Karen Pirie (like me!) this is a smooth entry point and well written read.

DCI Karen Pirie is a chief inspector with Scotland's Historic Crimes division, and although she deals with a past murder in Broken Ground, there's also a current murder investigation she finds herself in the thick of, another cold case, and dealing with internal office meddling.

Sound like a lot? It is, and that's before we've even gotten to Karen's personal life, but Ms. McDermid is clearly a deft hand at police procedurals and series writing, as there's enough information given to newbies to get them up to speed without throwing veteran readers off pace.

I thought Karen was fascinating--tenacious, loyal to those she calls friend, and angry at those (mainly her new boss) who quickly reveal themselves to be more interested in sidelining her than seeing her do her job.

The deft way Ms. McDermid weaves together the present day case, the cold case, the other cold case, and Karen's life would, quite honestly, be a hot mess in many writer's hands, but it's all knotted together expertly and with none of the "and then every case is tied to each other!" way I was expecting.

Instead, each investigation Karen is involved in develops on its own, and each is given plenty of breathing room, although Karen is certainly one very busy woman!

I am normally not a series fan, because I find that the writing falls off several books in, or the wait for the next book takes so long I've forgotten what happened before, or the amount of backstory that's required for new readers takes up what feels like half the book. I admit I know nothing about Val McDermid other than that she's famous (although I'm pretty sure I've read her before) but she definitely knows how to write and I was interested in every single story line and loved that they all proceeded briskly.

My only nitpick is that after becoming so interested in everything that was going om, the ending happened very, very quickly. I would have liked to have known more, and although the hallmark of a good series is that each installment leaves you wanting more, I still felt the resolution to one of the cold cases and the current case was rushed. Still, consider me intrigued by Karen and her world, and I would definitely read the next book in the series.

For diehard fans (obviously) and for those looking for a new police procedural to try, a trip to Scotland and DCI Karen Pirie's world is well worth the time.

Val McDermid infuses her characters with life. This is a stellar addition to her library of wonderful characters. Detective Karen Pirie is tough, yet vulnerable . I thoroughly enjoyed the complex plot and the scenic descriptions of Scotland from the urban areas to the Highlands.

My first foray into the world of Val McDermid and not bad for the thriller genre with a couple of cases ongoing - a cold case dating back to the end of World War II and one that unfolds in the present. Set in Scotland with DCI Karen Pirie running the Historic Cases Unit - there’s politics, camaraderie and intrigue plaguing the workplace. The cold case surrounds the mystery of two motorbikes buried in the peat bogs of Scotland at the end of WW II. Unearthing them reveals a deadly surprise - and the quest to solve the case ensues. The present day not to be outdone, Karen overhears a conversation in her usual cafe haunt. Her antenna up, her fear comes to pass - a murder occurs. Lots of coincidences, neat falling into place occurrences, a spark here and there - a nice array to keep the pace going and a solid read indeed. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity for an early read and review.

A body is discovered buried in a bog along with a WWII vintage motorcycle on a remote Scottish farm. The Historic Cases Unit headed by Karen Pirie is already investigating a series of unsolved vicious rapes from decades ago after one of the victims, left disabled by the attack, dies and new information comes to light. But with her boss doing her utmost to get rid of her including dumping an arrogant new officer on her to act as a spy, Karen decides to saddle him with a particularly time-consuming and likely fruitless task and head out to take over this new case since, although the bike is from the '40s, the body is definitely from a much later period putting the case well within her purview. While enjoying a break from the investigation, she stops at her favourite coffee shop where she overhears two women talking, one describing a possible deadly solution to problems with her ex-husband. Karen decides to let the pair know that she has overheard, a decision she will later come to regret.

Broken Ground is the fifth book in Val McDermid's Karen Pirie series and it is one smart police procedural full of twists and turns and red herrings. Like most of McDermid's books, it is more puzzle than action but, as always, she makes it completely compelling. The story jumps between the three cases while the main case of the body in the bog is divided between 1944 and the burial of the bikes up to 1995 and the murder and now with the investigation. The other two cases, while given less space, are just as interesting. I enjoyed the story and found it impossible to put down. I did find the ending felt somewhat rushed but, overall, another satisfyingly addicting mystery by McDermid.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Intriguing story with interesting characters. Lots of twists and incite into the Scottish police. A page turner until the end

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Val McDermid, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I am always pleased to find a new Val McDermid novel ready to be devoured, particularly because she has a few strong series that I have come to enjoy. After a devastating personal loss, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie is back. Shuffled off within Police Scotland to head-up the new Historic Cases Unit (HCU), Pirie begins work on a rape/murder from three decades ago. With only the description of the assailant’s vehicle, Pirie begins combing through records well before thorough databases were created. Meanwhile, two treasure hunters are combing rural Scotland with a hand-drawn map, seeking the ultimate prize, two motorcycles from around the end of the Second World War. After locating the spot and digging through much peat, they locate not only the crates, but a body that’s suffered numerous gunshots wounds. What adds to the intrigue is that a number of artifacts on and around the victim date it back no earlier than 1995. DCI Pirie is called to the scene and thus begins her meatier case, trying to locate what might have happened. With the peat preserving the victim’s body, an identification is possible, as is some other history about the man left in the bog. With Pirie working this case, she must also juggle all that is going on with her other investigation, turning up many forgetful witnesses and belligerent individuals. However, Pirie is not one to give up easily and she soon creates a document trail that may solve both cases in short order, if only she can get a few key pieces of evidence to line up properly. That will require assistance from higher up the chain of command, always a daunting task. McDermid provides the reader with some excellent insight in this well-established series. Recommended for those who enjoy DCI Karen Pirie in action, as well as readers with a keen interest in cold cases.

It has been a while since I read Val McDermid, but doing so always proves to be a worthy task. She’s able to get to the heart of the matter in a timely fashion, while also building up her setting and characters effectively, thus keeping the reader fully committed. DCI Pirie proves to be a great character who has evolved since the beginning of the series. Still handling the death of her husband, Pirie is only now coming out of the fog. She’s able to keep her mind sharp and wits about her as she tackles some less than simplistic police work within the HCU. Added to that, there is the strain of a less than compassionate superior and Pirie must forge ahead just to stay above the fray. Many of the other characters found within the novel develop effectively over this time and show that their presence is not only essential, but entertaining for the reader. Juggling a few cases can be tough for both the police and the reader, trying to keep facts and witnesses straight, though McDermid writes in such a way that it is reasonable and usually straightforward. The reader is able to digest the larger story with ease, helped sometimes by short chapters that keep the narrative’s momentum. Those familiar with McDermid’s work will know she does well to keep the sarcasm high between intense moments, balancing the reading experience. McDermid’s writing holds out until the final sentence and readers will surely be pining for more in the near future.

Kudos, Madam McDermid, for another winner. I love your writing and ideas, hoping you have a few more pieces to dazzle your fans in the coming months.

What to say about Val McDermid? This novel gave me nightmares. I am an avid reader of horror, thriller, mystery, true crime- and yet, this one got under my skin. I am still not quite sure why, but in a way that's the strongest endorsement I can give. *shivers*

DCI Karen Pirie heads up the historical case unit in Scotland. Karen is still suffering from the loss of her significant other and seems to be having a hard time trusting anyone around her.

Karen is out chasing leads on a series of historical rapes when she is asked to divert to Wester Ross where a body has been discovered, buried with some Long sought treasure. The body is well preserved by the peat and has more modern shoes leading the forensic specialist to call Karen.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series so it works well as a stand alone. McDermid's narration is flowing and really moves the story along. She describes the landscapes so well you can almost smell the peat and feel the wind on your face. This is a really good police procedural that has many components to keep you reading.

Karen seems to have caught the attention of her boss but not in a good way. Knowing that the woman wants to take hurt her position Karen doesn't trust the new arrival to her unit. With her faithful other detective in tow they dive into the mystery of the man buried in the peat, whose mystery reaches back to WWII.

I really enjoyed this novel and I'm putting these on my radar to keep up with any new ones!

Another fantastic book by Val McDermid. She is a reliably good read. She is on my list of authors I request when there are new books.

A very, very interesting and wonderfully complicated plot! Makes me want to read all the others in this series...

I enjoyed this latest in the Karen Pirie series. The characters are great and the story was interesting. It didn't have quite the suspense of others of Val McDermid's, but still good. I look forward to more in this series. More suspense and I would have given a 5 star rating, 4 is just great, where 5 is awesome.

What can I say about Val McDermid that has not already been written. This mistress of the art of puzzling mysteries. The high priestess of the crime novel. She who creates novels of the highest level strikes again with Broken Ground.
She lays out this book as you would a jigsaw puzzle. Throw it all out of the box, get your edges in place then build up each area of the puzzle to germinate the idea of its conclusion, then when you are left with the last few pieces you rush to get them place to get the satisfaction of a job well done and the flourish of the full reveal.
This novel does just that for me the reader.
We are again in the presence of Karen Pirie and the Historic Cases Unit as they are called in to investigate an unexpected turn of events at a treasure hunt , a hunt that has its roots back in the dying days of World War 2. A young couple with a treasure map and the hope of a great find discover something unexpected during their excavations. Footwear found at the site give us a more recent timeline than the 1940' hence the need for Karen and her team.
Add to the story a conversation overheard by Karen in a crowded café, a potential love interest and troubles with her boss and we see Karen juggling it all to bring a conclusion to her case and closure to the family of the victim.
As the past bleeds into the present the pieces of the puzzle fall into place to bring together another finely crafted work of fiction.

Gripping Mystery!

What a wonderful mystery by Val McDermid.. This author knows how to craft a great suspense and this story will have you hooked from the beginning. This is my first novel by author McDermid. Her style of writing is comforting and realistic. The characters and the story were well written and the story was easy to follow. It was an engaging read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

This is a new author for me, and a contemporary mystery/thriller, which I haven’t read too many of lately. I was missing a good “whodunit” based on how much I enjoyed this one. Set in Scotland, with a female protagonist, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie, the novel centers around a cold case with a reach all the way back to World War II. The detective pursues justice for the deceased, while butting heads with her boss, workmates and witnesses. Not the smoothest of operators, her determination may land her in hot water or in the thick of action as she closes cases. Complicating this particular case is the sexy coffee shop owner. Is he a potential suspect or suitor?

DCI Karen Pirie works cold cases in Edinburgh, and her newest one is intriguing. There are two classic motorcycles buried at the end of WWII unearthed in a peat bog in the remote Scottish Highlands, along with a dead body. It's obvious that the deceased wasn't buried with the bikes, since he's wearing Nike trainers from 1995. Karen and Jason must do extensive research, which leads them to search in places as diverse as libraries, car lots, and Milwaukee, WI. Karen's also coping with a hostile supervisor. I have enjoyed Ian Rankin's Scottish mysteries, but this author is new to me, and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

DCI Karen Pirie is still reeling from the death of her partner and love when she becomes engaged in a decades old mystery. Deep in the Highland Peat bogs, two U.S. Army Indian motorcycles, along with a cache of nearly flawless diamonds liberated from the Nazi party's plunder, have been buried for since the 1940's. Known only to the two men who buried them, until a rough map is given to Alice, the granddaughter of one of the men, who tells she will find her inheritance there. Unfortunately, during the treasure hunt, the body of an unknown man much younger than the bikes is found.....someone has been there before them. DCI Pirie must try to connect the dots between the Americas and the Highlands, the bikes and the diamonds, and who would have killed to find them. A truly intriguing tale that leaves you guessing and a pleasure to read.

I really enjoyed this book, the writing is excellent and the story has many twists and turns. It is a great whodunit mystery that brings in several different scenarios when it first starts, I would suggest paying attention to all the different characters that are introduced, it will help understand later. As the story progresses it follows two main storylines happening at the same time with the cold case file squad and their small staff with a non supportive leadership.
I would highly recommend, one of the better murder mysteries I have read in quite a while. The character development is well done, and it draws you in to care about all the them. I kept hoping Hamish would come out clean and the Dog Biscuit would get put in her place.
I was given the opportunity to receive this book from Atlantic Monthly Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets 5*****’s.

I will admit I kind of struggled with this book. I just felt like there was so much going on and the characters for me weren't particularly enjoyable. The book was interesting but perhaps not just for me.

I requested this book fron Netgalley as I have previously enjoyed many of the author’s books. But for some reason I have never come across this series.
I saw this as an audiobook from the library, so decided to listen to the story as I’m very partial to a scottish accent and I was entranced.
As book 5 in the series and not having read any previously, it was surprising easy to slip into the story line. For me it was a solid basic police procedural novel. DCI Karen Pirie is the lead in homicide cold cases and with a 25 year old mystery of a body found with some much older Indian motorbikes, she is thoughly tested.
There is enough back story provided so that your aware that Karen has has some recent tradgy in her life but also that station politics is rearing it’s ugly head. There are a number of other threads running through which tie in seamlessly to a satisfing conclusion.
This is one series that I can see translating well onto the screen.

Val McDermid's Karen Pirie novels are fast becoming my favourite series of hers. The cold case element is intriguing and the reader is secure in the knowledge that Val has done her research. I love to pick up the little techie details that help to solve the crime and am constantly in awe of the progress made in forensic anthropology.



So, in Broken Bones we are transported to the highlands of Scotland during WW2 where elite training camps were set up for reconnaissance and sabotage purposes. To find out more about these elite training camps click here . What I loved about Broken Bones was the two concurrent narratives - the one exploring Pirie's ongoing investigation and the one detailing the the series of events that lead to a body being discovered, buried, beside two vintage motorbikes. She paints a very realistic picture of the highlandsboth historically and contemporary.
Her plotting is flawless - never too much detail, never too little, but always with little tantlising titbits that eventually elicit an 'aw, so that's what happened.'

One of the things I enjoy most about this series though is Karen Pirie herself. Her personal journey has been challenging, poignant and sometimes downright brutal. In Broken Ground she has evolved yet again and is in a differetn place. It is this relatability that keep me hooked. Karen isn't just a great detective - we already knew that - her capacity to renew herself and open herself personally has been a delight to read.
Can't wait for the next Pirie novel.