Broken Promise

Promise Falls reporter David Harwood returns to his hometown after personal and professional setbacks, moving in with his parents along with his young son. When his cousin Marla, who lost her baby a year ago, is discovered caring for a infant she claims was given to her by an angel, David becomes entangled in investigating the truth behind the child's origins. As David digs into the case, he uncovers connections between the baby mystery and other strange events occurring in Promise Falls. His pursuit leads him through a web of small-town secrets, placing him in direct conflict with both law enforcement and community members who prefer certain truths remain hidden. The story combines elements of psychological suspense with crime fiction, exploring themes of loss, family loyalty, and the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath a seemingly peaceful small town. The narrative raises questions about how far people will go to protect their loved ones and what happens when personal tragedy intersects with public duty.

Readers found this thriller engaging but not as strong as Barclay's previous works. Many noted the fast pace and complex mystery kept them reading, though the large cast of characters proved difficult to track. Liked: - Multiple interweaving plotlines - Small-town newspaper setting - Barclay's signature plot twists - Strong opening chapters Disliked: - Too many unresolved subplots - Character development felt rushed - Ending left questions unanswered - Some found the supernatural elements out of place One reader said "the first half hooked me completely but it unraveled by the end." Another noted "trying to juggle so many storylines made it lose focus." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) BookBrowse: 3.5/5 LibraryThing: 3.7/5 While most finished the book quickly, many felt it didn't match the quality of Trust Your Eyes or No Time for Goodbye.

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🔍 "Broken Promise" is part of Linwood Barclay's Promise Falls trilogy, followed by "Far From True" and "The Twenty-Three." 📰 The protagonist, David Harwood, is a former newspaper reporter—drawing from Barclay's own 30-year career as a journalist for the Toronto Star. 🏙️ Promise Falls, the fictional setting of the novel, appears in several of Barclay's other works, including "Never Look Away" and "Trust Your Eyes." 🌟 The book debuted at #1 on the Toronto Star's bestseller list when it was released in 2015, continuing Barclay's streak of successful suspense novels. 🎬 Several of Linwood Barclay's novels have been optioned for film and television, with "Broken Promise" among those under consideration for adaptation.