🔦 Book Review: Broken Life by Laura Rise
A tense and emotionally charged thriller where a wounded FBI agent returns home to confront her past—and a killer who’s just getting started.
Laura Rise’s Broken Life launches the Ivy Pane Suspense Thriller series with a gripping premise and a deeply flawed, compelling heroine. With a solid Goodreads rating of 3.97/5 from over 800 readers, the novel is praised for its fast pacing, atmospheric tension, and psychological depth.
🧠 Plot Overview
Ivy Pane, once a top FBI agent, is forced into early retirement after a traumatic injury leaves her without the use of her right arm. Defeated and haunted by the unresolved disappearance of her sister, Ivy returns to her hometown expecting a quiet life.
But peace is short-lived. A series of murders begins to unfold, each victim found in a long-abandoned tunnel system with only one clue: the scent of burning candles. The local police are overwhelmed, and Ivy—despite her physical limitations—is the only one with the instincts and experience to track the killer.
As Ivy re-learns how to function and fight, she must also confront the ghosts of her past and the possibility that the killer may be connected to her sister’s disappearance.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Complex Heroine: Ivy is emotionally raw, physically vulnerable, and fiercely determined—a refreshing departure from invincible protagonists.
- Atmospheric Setting: The eerie tunnel system and small-town backdrop add layers of dread and claustrophobia.
- Psychological Suspense: The killer’s signature—burning candles—adds a chilling ritualistic element.
- Series Potential: As Book 1 of 5, it sets the stage for deeper character development and long-running mysteries.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers found the pacing uneven, with slower moments in Ivy’s recovery arc.
- The supporting cast could be more fleshed out, especially the local police force.
- The mystery’s resolution may feel abrupt to those expecting a more drawn-out reveal.
📣 Reader Praise
“A captivating and harrowing crime thriller… keeps you on the edge of your seat with constant action, suspense, and surprise twists.” — Amazon editorial description
“Ivy Pane is a heroine you root for—damaged but not defeated.” — Goodreads reviewer
🏁 Final Verdict
Broken Life is a strong start to a suspense series that blends emotional recovery with gritty crime-solving. If you enjoy thrillers with flawed protagonists, eerie settings, and psychological twists—think Karin Slaughter or Robert Dugoni—this one’s worth diving into.
