The Broken Hearts Club

All I can really say is I never saw it coming! The twists absolutely blind-sided me. Detective Conrad Voort could have a good long future ahead of him, if Mr. Black will allow that. It is a well written, well constructed page turner. If you enjoy psychological thrillers and good crime fiction then give this one a whirl. You're sure to not be disappointed.

Every once in a long while I read a book that I will remember, and recommend, and think about. I can't decide whether I was more interested in the "bad guy" or the cop in this wonderful book, but when the two go up against each other, readers don't sleep.

I usually can figure a book out by page 50, but not this one. This book had you so engrossed in the characters that you fully expected the author to introduce the "next member" of the Club as one of the Detectives. Boy, was I wrong! Good, enjoyable read.

became so engrossed in the reality of the story that I, myself, was too terrified to finish the book, (not to mention my new-found fear of...horses)

Led by psychologist Ian Bainbridge, the members of the BROKEN HEARTS CLUB meet every week at Mackey's Steak and Ale Tavern in Midtown Manhattan to discuss their ailing souls. Even as he tries to heal the melancholy participants, Ian plans to write a book about them. The other three (the banker, the literary agent, and the mechanic) believe they each have an ax to grind with the women who hurt and betrayed them. However, one of the club members takes the next violent step: murder. NYPD detective Conrad Voort has his own heartbreak to deal with since his lover Camilla Ryan ended their relationship. Camilla's new love is Ian. Conrad has no time to nurse his injured psyche as his superior assigns him to investigate the recent murder of a woman. He soon ties the case to the BROKEN HEARTS CLUB. However, before he can solve who is the killer and how the remaining trio fit in the puzzle, more murders occur. THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB is a thrilling police procedural that concentrates on the affairs of the heart more than on detective work. The fast-paced story line bounces back and forth between the prime characters even more than a bouncing Tigger could accomplish. Though confusing at first, Ethan Black brilliantly ties the plot together and readers will see the logic behind the constant shuffle. The emphasis on non-police matters fails to add to the character development, leaving readers not caring whether any of the broken hearts ever mends.Harriet Klausner