Title: Heartbroken
Author: Lisa Unger
First published June 26, 2012
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.6
Overview
In Lisa Unger’s Heartbroken, three women are on a collision course that will shatter their lives. When a family secret is uncovered, it sets off a chain of events that leads Kate and Emily to the same place: Heart Island.
Kate has written a novel based on her family’s tragic love story, while Emily is running from her own demons. But Heart Island has its own dark history, and the harsh and unyielding Birdie Burke is at its center.
As the three women confront their pasts and face their fears, they will discover the terrifying truth behind the island’s haunted past. With raw emotional power and masterful suspense, Heartbroken is a gripping tale of dysfunctional families, restless ghosts, and the demons we must battle to find redemption.
Editoral Review
Heartbroken by Lisa Unger is a gripping thriller that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the lingering effects of past traumas. Published on June 26, 2012, the book is a masterful work of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Lisa Unger is a New York Times bestselling author who has written several other thrillers, including Beautiful Lies and In the Blood. With Heartbroken, she delivers another page-turner that is sure to captivate readers with its intricate plot and well-drawn characters.
The book tells the story of Kate Burke, a successful journalist who returns to her hometown of The Hollows to care for her father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As Kate tries to come to terms with her father’s illness, she also grapples with the unresolved trauma of her childhood, which was marked by tragedy and loss.
As Kate delves deeper into her past, she uncovers long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel her present. Along the way, she must confront her own fears and vulnerabilities, as well as the dark forces that seek to destroy her.
Unger’s writing is taut and evocative, drawing readers into the story with its vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters. The book is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
One of the strengths of Heartbroken is its exploration of the complex relationships between family members. Unger deftly portrays the tensions and conflicts that arise when long-buried secrets come to light, and she does so with empathy and insight.
Another strength of the book is its pacing. Unger expertly builds suspense throughout the novel, keeping readers engaged and eager to turn the page.
The plot is well-structured, with each twist and turn adding to the overall tension and sense of impending doom.
However, there are some weaknesses in the book. Some readers may find the plot to be overly convoluted, with too many characters and subplots to keep track of.
Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel stilted and forced, particularly in the early chapters of the book.
Despite these flaws, Heartbroken is a compelling and engaging thriller that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. It is a well-written and well-crafted novel that explores important themes about family, trauma, and the search for identity.
Overall, Heartbroken is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller. It is a sophisticated and stylish work of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The Washington Post gives the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and expert pacing.
