Broken (Slaughter novel)

Broken is a 2010 crime novel by Karin Slaughter. It is the ninth novel in the Grant County series, following the interconnected stories of medical examiner Sara Linton and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, though it also features detective Lena Adams prominently.

The novel centers around a complex and violent investigation in Grant County. Sara Linton, now working as a medical examiner in Macon, Georgia, returns to Grant County after the discovery of a brutally murdered woman in a cabin. Jeffrey Tolliver, still the chief of police, leads the investigation, which quickly escalates and reveals a web of secrets and long-held grudges within the small community. Lena Adams, struggling with her own personal demons, becomes entangled in the case, forcing her to confront her past and make difficult choices.

The narrative explores themes of violence, trauma, abuse, and the complexities of small-town life. Slaughter's characteristic graphic descriptions and intense character development are prominent features of the novel. The intertwined personal lives of Sara, Jeffrey, and Lena are heavily explored, adding layers of emotional depth to the crime investigation. The novel's plot involves uncovering a long history of abuse and exploitation, revealing the darker undercurrents simmering beneath the surface of Grant County society. The interconnectedness of the characters' pasts and present actions drives the narrative forward.