In one word, brilliant! - 5 star

This lady is known as the Queen of Crime for no other reason than her books and writing are outstanding. Broken Ground is meticulously researched, a brilliant crime story presented in a very readable form, and concluding in a most satisfactory manner.

Karen is head of the Historic Crimes Unit (HCU) and is researching the rape and murder of some working girls from 1984. As always she is assisted by Jason “Mint” Murray where respect has to be earned and Jason needs to prove his importance to the team. There is some wonderful interplay between Karen and Jason, praise given but just as soon taken…”He was, she thought, a decent if limited man”. Running alongside this historic case a body is unearthed in the remote depths of the highlands preserved by the rich peat in which it had lain for many years. Both cases will test the resolve of our intrepid two and call into question Karen’s professional judgment. Her new manager ACC Ann Markie is also intent on destroying the career of DCI Pirie, a personal vendetta is brewing and a final confrontation will take us to the very heart of the Scottish parliament and in particular the 1st minister.

Karen Pirie is a wonderful believable police officer, we feel her pain, a woman committed to uncovering the truth whatever the personal cost. An intricate plot, a killer hidden in plain sight for many years and a possible love interest makes Broken Ground one of the best crime stories I have ever read. Highly, highly recommended.