I enjoyed this. This made me remember how much I like Mia Sheridan as an author. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this and watching the romance unfold between the main characters and how they both dealt with their trauma. Will definitely be picking up more of this authors mysteries.

I hard a really hard time connecting with the characters, I felt a lack of emotion throughout the story, even with the tragic things that happen to some characters.

I felt what make me continue and finish the story was really the mystery that even though predictably was actually interesting.

Please take in consideration that this book mentions a lot of topics that can be a trigger for a lot of people.

"The Broken Pieces" by Mia Sheridan takes place in San Francisco, where Inspector Lennon and FBI Agent Ambrose work together to investigate a hallucinogenic drug that is affecting the homeless population. As they work on the case, their growing attraction and personal histories create challenges in their partnership.

At the beginning, the development of Lennon and Ambrose’s relationship was strong, and the balance between the plot and romance was well-handled. However, around the middle of the book, the romance became less prominent as the focus shifted more toward the case. Some characters were explored in greater depth, which added to the plot, but this also slowed the story’s pace. As a result, the ending felt rushed.

Overall, the pacing felt slow, and I had to suspend disbelief multiple times. I found it difficult to connect with the characters, and combined with the slower progression of the story, this book did not fully work for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Assigned to a difficult case in San Francisco, Inspector Lennon Gray is temporarily partnered with Agent Ambrose Mars. As new evidence emerges from each crime scene, the focus expands to not only on the killer but also an underground project, yet to get answers they each must confront their past in order to move forward.
“In the end, all we have are stories.”

Narrated in third person, Lennon is not a stereotypical detective and this is to her detriment at times. With Ambrose’s sensibilities, he is measured but also kindhearted. While this storyline has the foundation for an inventive, compelling and tension driven crime investigative, I didn’t feel the heaviness or desperation as expected throughout, though the podcasts were my favorite chapters. That said, the journey that Lennon and Ambrose take added dimension to the story.

4 1/2 Stars

Another creative mystery/thriller from Mia Sheridan.

This book was really well-done with some fun twists and intelligent plot developments. A few things felt like a bit of a stretch in my opinion but the author made them work. When Inspector Lennon Gray gets a new partner. He doesn't feel "right" to her but she can't put her finger on it, so she just assumes she's feeling off because of her attraction to him.

In the small town that Lennon lives in, the crime rate is sky high and a great deal of their current issues are stemming from the drug trade. Then when murders start happening that appear to have a connection with a mysterious drug, things get even more interesting. I'm not going to tell too much because this is one of those books that could be easily spoiled and I don't want to be guilty of that.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

💊These Broken Places💊
By Mia Sheridan

Pages: 344
Rating: 3️⃣.0️⃣0️⃣
Book Goal 2025: 10/130

✨Have you ever had anything strange happen at a gas station or see something strange?✨

In this twisted journey into the shadows of the Golden Gate, an inspector and an FBI agent must track down the source of an unknown drug, but their attraction and their own secrets keep getting in the way. The streets of San Francisco aren't as sunny as the city pretends they are. Inspector Lennon Gray has learned this the hard way, and it's starting to wear on her.
When a new case plunges her into the depths of the transient community, Lennon must once again face ugly truths about humanity. Her new partner makes things a little easier, though. Agent Ambrose Mars is charming-innocent, somehow, despite his own hard years in the field. The combination leaves Lennon fascinated and disturbed at the same time, and she's even more drawn to him for it.

I love Mia’s writing but I’m not sure this book was for me. It felt scrambled and confusing. Normally I understand thrillers but this was sort of like watching law & order after you’ve watched all the seasons and they hire different writers to spice things up. 😆😆😆

I think if you’re looking for an easy book to read that’s more in line with police, law & order, crime, etc… this is for you!

3.5 stars

Growing up in San Francisco, Inspector Lennon Grey knew the city like the back of her hand. But familiarity didn’t make it any easier as the crime rate escalated. When a dangerous new drug surfaced at multiple crime scenes, Agent Ambrose Mars was brought in to assist with the investigation. What they uncovered could potentially put their lives and hearts in danger.

I’ve been a longtime fan of this author. It’s sad for me to say I struggled with this one. On the surface, the plot seemed intriguing, but the storytelling felt flat and I couldn’t feel the characters. The ending also didn’t provide the impact it needed.

Lennon was a decent character, and I’m glad she somewhat redeemed herself. I like the mystery behind Ambrose’s appearance but I wish he had more intensity. It took me a while to get into the story, thankfully the past timeline helped propel my interest.

The Broken Places is a story of self-reflection and second chances. It might appeal to readers who enjoy thriller laced with romance.

This book was trippy. An agent works on a case involving drugs being found at the scene. She suddenly gets a new partner that is harboring secrets. This book jumped around so much I was starting to think I was a little crazy, but then everything started coming together and it was an oh I get it moment. I really enjoyed how everything came together, even though it was a little fast but in the end it all worked out. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read this book.

This is my first time reading one of Mia Sheridan’s romantic suspense novels and on the whole, I absolutely loved The Broken Places. Its particular storyline isn’t one I tend to seek out and although I have read this author’s work before and since I always go into a story blind, I got quite the surprise! I’m used to reading this author’s stories such as Archer’s Voice, and I have to say, I certainly would read more suspense novels by her in the future.

My mind has been working overtime. Throughout this narrative, I have repeatedly considered the possibilities of what was happening, by whose hands and why. I’m no Miss Marple so it’s needless to say that most of my theories were proven wrong - and I loved this. I enjoyed witnessing protagonists Ambrose and Lennon working together and the connection that they share. I absolutely loved Ambrose’s character development. Many twists and turns kept me hooked and desperate to discover what was going to happen next. However, I did tend to lose concentration around the middle of the book, and especially during those chapters when we went back in time.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Broken Pieces. I thought the plot of the story was cleverly thought out and penned. I would definitely recommend this book to you to read.

The Broken Places by Mia Sheridan is a deeply emotional and powerful romance that explores healing, trauma, and second chances. The story follows two characters, both scarred by their pasts, who find solace and love in each other’s arms. Sheridan’s writing is tender and evocative, with well-developed characters and a compelling emotional journey. The Broken Places is a heartfelt read for fans of romance with deep emotional depth, complex characters, and themes of personal growth and healing.

I really love all the books from Mia Sheridan! I really do recommend this book if you like this kind of genre!

Mia Sheridan writes it imma read it. The twists in her mystery books make me fall in love with thrillers all over again. Don’t get me wrong I love her romance books but I think I like these books better? Lennon and Ambrose worked together well, eventually, and the connection they made was perfection

I'm entering my thriller Era and Mia Sheridan doesn't disappoint, I knew I loved her as a romance author but now im a fan of the more thrilling side of her writing as well.

Oh my gosh, this book was phenomenal! It’s an emotional rollercoaster packed with twists, secrets, and so much heart. A police procedural at its core, but honestly, it’s so much more than that. Set in the gritty streets of San Francisco, the story dives into themes of trauma, healing, and love in the most unexpected places.

We follow Inspector Lennon Gray, who’s such a layered and relatable character. She’s juggling a dark past while investigating these strange murders tied to an unknown hallucinogenic drug. When FBI Agent Ambrose Mars comes onto the scene, the stakes get even higher—and the chemistry between them? Perfection.

Mia Sheridan absolutely nails the balance here. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, but the emotional depth had me tearing up. Lennon and Ambrose’s journey is raw and inspiring, showing that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s room for love and growth. And the idea of using EMDR and hallucinogens for trauma recovery? Such a bold and unique angle—it really makes you think.

The writing flows so smoothly, and the pacing is spot-on. There’s action and suspense, but also these beautifully tender moments that just hit you right in the feels. Mia has a way of making every emotion feel so real—whether it’s pain, joy, or love.

The ending is satisfying but leaves a few little threads untied. If you’re into emotional, twisty reads with complex characters and an unconventional love story, this is a must-read. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the most shattered hearts can find healing and love. Highly recommend!

Thank you so much Mia, Netgalley and Montlake for this arc🫶

✨ they’d lost him at every age he’d never be. And so in some sense, the loss never stopped. In many ways, it deepened over time.✨

Another original, mind boggling read by Mia Sheridan! She seems to write these amazing reads that are one of a kind.
This book had me hooked right away, I was invested and needed to see how it was all going to play out!

The story focuses on a string of murder investigations that where the murderer is using an unknown drug to cause disturbing crime scenes.
This drug is also used in underground treatments to help trauma victims overcome their demons and learn to live a normal life.

If you like suspense + secrets + romance then this book is for you!!

✨Things that happen when we’re young have the most impact on our lives.✨

This book delivered a mix of highs and lows. Some chapters were so compelling they demanded my full attention, while others moved at a sluggish pace, making it challenging to stay engaged. The plot had its merits, delivering a decent story overall, but the characters left little impression. They weren’t particularly memorable or frustrating, just somewhere in the middle. Overall, while the book had its moments of intrigue, its uneven pacing and unremarkable characters left it feeling average. It was a decent read for passing the time but falls short of leaving a lasting impression.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was super excited about this book and author because I have read other books but this one didn’t meet my expectations. It had twists and turns and kept me interested for the most part but I did struggle with some of the character development. I also had parts where I didn’t want to keep reading. I’d say this is an average read for me.

Mia Sheridan is on a role with these dark romantic thrillers, and Broken Places is definitely in this category. Lennon is a detective, attending some of the most gruesome crimes. When a new case lands her at an ugly scene, she is given a new partner, Ambrose, an FBI agent tasked with investigating these harsh realities. He is mysterious, seemingly quiet and reserved.
With a new drug on the market and serious murders happening that shows a link to this drug, the detectives are determined to figure out what’s going on.
I was interested in the killer mystery, I wanted to understand what led to such heinous crimes but this story twisted into something more unrealistic by the end of the book. Lennon wasn’t the most likable character but her trauma and tough work life may have contributed to her harshness. Unfortunately this wasn’t for me but I’m glad to see others loved it.
Thank you for the eARC.

I just think this one might not have been for me. There were some parts that I literally could not put the book down because they were so interesting and other parts that I had to force myself to read.

The plot was what originally drew me in. It sounded so good, and a lot of it was. I didn't see all of the twists coming and I was engaged enough to finish it so I could figure out what was going on. There was, in my opinion, a fair amount of fluff though that detracted from the story.

The characters were okay. I didn't love them but I didn't dislike them either. They were just kind of there for me.

Absolutely not a negative read for me, just more middle of the road.

A dark and twisted new read that follows and Detective and and Inspector in San Francisco as they investigate a new drug that is having an horrific effect on the homeless community. Brutal, multiple homicides with no clear motive or perpetrator are happening before they can even get their heads around the first case. Inspector Lennon Gray is paired with the mysterious FBI Detective Ambrose Mars who as her feeling all kinds of confused. Ambrose seems to be hiding things. She feels a pull to him she cannot deny, but is reluctant to make a move. She is still mourning the loss of her first love and does not think she is ready. Ambrose on the other hand knows what he is feeling is strong enough to take a chance on, despite the secrets he is keeping. Will those secrets tear them apart? Will they make them stronger? Can they stop the killer before there is a mass murder on their conscience? If you want the answer you will have to read it!