Publication Date: October 21, 2024
In the game of deception and betrayal, nothing is ever as it seems, not even murder.
Secrets would be revealed in the dead of night, and lives would be changed forever. With each body count rising, Claire and Stephen began to unveil the truth, exposing the dark side of their seemingly perfect lives. In the shadows, Jessica watched from the sidelines with grave anticipation, ready to take hold of her moment. The game of cat and mouse had begun. Will Claire and Stephen be able to ride out the storm and rebuild their lives? Will Jessica seal her place next to Stephen no matter what the cost? Will the killer ever be caught?
Claire Bell suspects her husband, Stephen, is hiding something, but a series of murders points to Claire as the possible culprit.
Author Shelly M. Patel delivers a thriller told in first person by different narrators in A Broken Reflection. That approach tends to create some confusion, particularly in this instance.
Typically, readers are able to identify “good” characters and “bad” characters based on a number of factors controlled by the author. However, within the first chapter, Claire cycles through so many emotions and scenarios that it is challenging to identify with her. She goes from thinking she’s being followed to being gleeful after finding a party dress.
If there is one thing consistent about the storyline, it is the use of self-talk. It’s certainly confusing because of the emotional roller coaster as the narrative shifts with each chapter. Although the pieces fall into place at the end, it is challenging to get to that point.
A Broken Reflection illustrates the struggle of an emotionally fragile woman balancing between reality and imagination, making her vulnerable.
Shelly M. Patel enjoys writing mystery books. Her first Children’s book, Jake has Dyslexia, entered the Reader’s Choice award in 2021. In 2023, she won second place in CloutBooks for the Reader’s Choice Award for her novel When Secrets Kill. She lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, three beautiful children, and their dog, Teddy.
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