What do you think?
Rate this book
Unbreakable
Dr. Grace Kendal never stands a chance. The injured woman comes out of nowhere, bleeding heavily and holding a gun. Compelled to help her, Grace is dragged into Elin Breckenridge’s nightmare. Their fight to survive will take them across the country and to the limits of their endurance. But who is Elin running from? As Grace struggles for answers, one thing becomes clear—Elin is somehow connected to a dead man, and Grace could be next.
For Detective Sergeant Safia Faris, the case should have been easy: one dead body, one suspect. But the deeper she digs, the more obvious it becomes that murder was only the beginning. The investigation sets her on a collision course with Grace and Elin, and she’s forced to reevaluate everything she knows. Because nothing is quite as it seems, and Grace’s and Elin’s lives aren’t the only ones on the line.
Cover Artist: Jeanine Henning
Genres: Crime & Mystery / Intrigue & Thriller / Romance
Tags: Police Procedural, People of Color, Medical Romance, First Responders
Words: 88,000 words
For Detective Sergeant Safia Faris, the case should have been easy: one dead body, one suspect. But the deeper she digs, the more obvious it becomes that murder was only the beginning. The investigation sets her on a collision course with Grace and Elin, and she’s forced to reevaluate everything she knows. Because nothing is quite as it seems, and Grace’s and Elin’s lives aren’t the only ones on the line.
Cover Artist: Jeanine Henning
Genres: Crime & Mystery / Intrigue & Thriller / Romance
Tags: Police Procedural, People of Color, Medical Romance, First Responders
Words: 88,000 words
312 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2021
About the author
Cari Hunter
12 books506 followersCari Hunter lives in the northwest of England with her wife, their cats, and a field full of sheep. She works full-time as a paramedic and dreams up stories in her spare time.
Cari enjoys long, wind-swept, muddy walks in her beloved Peak District. In the summer she can usually be found sitting in the garden with her feet up, scribbling in her writing pad. Although she doesn’t like to boast, she will admit that she makes a very fine Bakewell Tart.
She has a hat trick of Goldie awards and multiple Rainbow awards under her belt, and has twice been a Lambda finalist.
Her new novel, A Calculated Risk, the first in the DI Jo Shaw series, was released in September 2023.
Cari can be contacted at: [email protected], via her blog: http://carihunter.wordpress.com/, or by dropping by and saying hi on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cari.hunter.9 :-)
Cari enjoys long, wind-swept, muddy walks in her beloved Peak District. In the summer she can usually be found sitting in the garden with her feet up, scribbling in her writing pad. Although she doesn’t like to boast, she will admit that she makes a very fine Bakewell Tart.
She has a hat trick of Goldie awards and multiple Rainbow awards under her belt, and has twice been a Lambda finalist.
Her new novel, A Calculated Risk, the first in the DI Jo Shaw series, was released in September 2023.
Cari can be contacted at: [email protected], via her blog: http://carihunter.wordpress.com/, or by dropping by and saying hi on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cari.hunter.9 :-)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
September 24, 2021
What a great read! I’m always excited when a new Hunter book comes out. She is such an amazing author and you never know exactly where her story might take you, but you do know you will be on the edge of your seat. While it’s hard for Hunter to compete with her own Dark Peak series (which has one of my favorite sapphic couples in a book/series ever) but I think this book comes in a close second, it’s that good. This was a thrill ride from beginning to end and I just loved it!
One of the things I adore about Hunter is that she almost always starts her books off with a bang. She knows how to hook a reader in instantly and she’s one of the best at doing it. Not thinking clearly, I decided that since I had twenty minutes before I left for a doctor’s appointment that I would get a few pages in. Big mistake! This book was exciting right off the bat so I felt like I was stopping on a cliffhanger, even though it was only the first chapter. Don’t do what I did and make sure you carve out a good chunk of time before you sit down and read this. This is the kind of book you will want to read in only one or two sittings because the book flows at such a good pace and the story is absolutely gripping.
Most of Hunter’s books don’t have the ‘by the rules’ kind of romance that we see so often in WLW fiction. While I love romance, I also love that Hunter doesn’t force romance into her books. This book had people seriously injured with their lives on the line so this was not the place to add in a fluffy romance. Instead, she took the quieter moments and used them to slowly develop a connection between the two mains. It went at the right pace for the book and was believable for the situation they were in. The fact she didn’t force the “I Love yous” in was just so appreciated. I wish other authors would read this to see how you can have the beginning of a love story, without forcing an unbelievable ending down our throats, and it is still very satisfying for us readers.
There is so much more I want to talk about but this being a crime/thriller, that has a mystery, I just don’t want to take the chance to spoil any of it. While the mystery itself is not very hard to solve, it didn’t need to be because all the exciting and thrilling moments is where the book really shines. The characters are wonderful and this book is one hell of a ride from start to finish. If you are a Hunter fan or a thriller fan, don’t hesitate for a second about getting this. If you are new to Hunter, this is a perfect first book to try. I think it showcases her writing and not only is this going in my favorites pile, I think this is one of her best.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
One of the things I adore about Hunter is that she almost always starts her books off with a bang. She knows how to hook a reader in instantly and she’s one of the best at doing it. Not thinking clearly, I decided that since I had twenty minutes before I left for a doctor’s appointment that I would get a few pages in. Big mistake! This book was exciting right off the bat so I felt like I was stopping on a cliffhanger, even though it was only the first chapter. Don’t do what I did and make sure you carve out a good chunk of time before you sit down and read this. This is the kind of book you will want to read in only one or two sittings because the book flows at such a good pace and the story is absolutely gripping.
Most of Hunter’s books don’t have the ‘by the rules’ kind of romance that we see so often in WLW fiction. While I love romance, I also love that Hunter doesn’t force romance into her books. This book had people seriously injured with their lives on the line so this was not the place to add in a fluffy romance. Instead, she took the quieter moments and used them to slowly develop a connection between the two mains. It went at the right pace for the book and was believable for the situation they were in. The fact she didn’t force the “I Love yous” in was just so appreciated. I wish other authors would read this to see how you can have the beginning of a love story, without forcing an unbelievable ending down our throats, and it is still very satisfying for us readers.
There is so much more I want to talk about but this being a crime/thriller, that has a mystery, I just don’t want to take the chance to spoil any of it. While the mystery itself is not very hard to solve, it didn’t need to be because all the exciting and thrilling moments is where the book really shines. The characters are wonderful and this book is one hell of a ride from start to finish. If you are a Hunter fan or a thriller fan, don’t hesitate for a second about getting this. If you are new to Hunter, this is a perfect first book to try. I think it showcases her writing and not only is this going in my favorites pile, I think this is one of her best.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
October 18, 2021
This is just so, so good! I absolutely loved it.
“Unbreakable” by Cari Hunter was just so unbelievably good. It’s an action-packed thriller and I was hooked from the very beginning.
Elin Breckenridge is seriously injured and in need of medical assistance so she kidnaps Dr. Grace Kendal. At the same time, Detective Sergeant Safia Faris is simply trying to solve a random murder when their stories become intertwined. The plot is too good to really give anything more away so…
The story is told from three different perspectives which I found slightly weird at first, but I grew to love. Elin and Grace and Safia are three very different strong and intelligent women and I honestly think this is the first time where I enjoyed all three POVs equally.
There is a romance here but it’s more of a beginning than anything and I absolutely loved it. I can’t stand it when you’re reading a mystery or thriller and the author tries to make you believe the characters are in a life long relationship after a few days of intense action where people are not their normal selves. Hunter does not do that here. The characters get to know one another in bits and pieces but I was still left feeling happy and hopeful for them and their future.
I highly recommend this!! This was my first-time reading Hunter and it has made me extremely excited to get into her back catalogue.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Unbreakable” by Cari Hunter was just so unbelievably good. It’s an action-packed thriller and I was hooked from the very beginning.
Elin Breckenridge is seriously injured and in need of medical assistance so she kidnaps Dr. Grace Kendal. At the same time, Detective Sergeant Safia Faris is simply trying to solve a random murder when their stories become intertwined. The plot is too good to really give anything more away so…
The story is told from three different perspectives which I found slightly weird at first, but I grew to love. Elin and Grace and Safia are three very different strong and intelligent women and I honestly think this is the first time where I enjoyed all three POVs equally.
There is a romance here but it’s more of a beginning than anything and I absolutely loved it. I can’t stand it when you’re reading a mystery or thriller and the author tries to make you believe the characters are in a life long relationship after a few days of intense action where people are not their normal selves. Hunter does not do that here. The characters get to know one another in bits and pieces but I was still left feeling happy and hopeful for them and their future.
I highly recommend this!! This was my first-time reading Hunter and it has made me extremely excited to get into her back catalogue.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2021
Hunter does it again, what a thrilling ride! I’m a fan of the dark peak series and this book is matching that series. New books by Hunter are on my automatic read list and it is not strange why as I’m a huge fan of British and Scandinavian detectives/thrillers. The gloomy atmosphere and no BS attitude never fail to disappoint me and Hunter knows exactly how to capture this while also delivering an excellent plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And not to forget, all the British expressions, can’t help it, I’m a sucker for those.
This book is slightly different from a standard detective as only one of the POVs shows the side of the police investigation and this POV (from detective Safia), while important, is not the main focus of the book. The biggest part of the book is composed of the POVs from doctor Grace and her kidnapper Elin. After having read and watched a lot of detectives I did notice some points in the beginning of the police investigation that normally should and would have been picked up earlier, but the book was just exhilarating to read so I didn’t mind.
This book is to be read because of the mystery, which is something that fans of Hunter will know, but there generally is also a bit of romance in there which was also the case in this book. The romance isn’t the focus of the book (that would be quite odd under the circumstances), but I found it believable and it made me connect even more to the characters. All characters have different personalities, but at the same time they share a type of selflessness, which makes it impossible not to like them.
And there is even something for foodies to enjoy as the lovely descriptions of the Pakistani and Bengali dishes that Safia and her girlfriend Kamila regularly enjoy, made me crave food. I like to try out new things and cuisines, but some of these dishes I had never heard of and would love to try some, if I only could remember the names of all these dishes…..
Other reviews warned not to start this book when you don’t have time to finish it, which was sound advice, because wow, I was hooked immediately and the title is so fitting! If you like Hunter’s books, you will like this for sure, I definitely recommend this to all who like detectives/thrillers.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is slightly different from a standard detective as only one of the POVs shows the side of the police investigation and this POV (from detective Safia), while important, is not the main focus of the book. The biggest part of the book is composed of the POVs from doctor Grace and her kidnapper Elin. After having read and watched a lot of detectives I did notice some points in the beginning of the police investigation that normally should and would have been picked up earlier, but the book was just exhilarating to read so I didn’t mind.
This book is to be read because of the mystery, which is something that fans of Hunter will know, but there generally is also a bit of romance in there which was also the case in this book. The romance isn’t the focus of the book (that would be quite odd under the circumstances), but I found it believable and it made me connect even more to the characters. All characters have different personalities, but at the same time they share a type of selflessness, which makes it impossible not to like them.
And there is even something for foodies to enjoy as the lovely descriptions of the Pakistani and Bengali dishes that Safia and her girlfriend Kamila regularly enjoy, made me crave food. I like to try out new things and cuisines, but some of these dishes I had never heard of and would love to try some, if I only could remember the names of all these dishes…..
Other reviews warned not to start this book when you don’t have time to finish it, which was sound advice, because wow, I was hooked immediately and the title is so fitting! If you like Hunter’s books, you will like this for sure, I definitely recommend this to all who like detectives/thrillers.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2021
I was so impatient to read this book that I couldn’t wait for the audiobook, even though I know I will love Nicola Victoria Vincent’s narration and voices for all the characters. It will be in my ears as soon as it’s available.
No one would ever expect Elin Breckenridge to kidnap a doctor. Under the threat of a gun, Dr Grace Kendal agrees to help out as Elin tries to race against time. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Safia Faris is charged with solving a murder turned kidnapping turned even worse.
This new novel is everything I’ve come to expect from Cari Hunter. It’s captivating, it’s well-written, it’s smart, it’s funny when the reader needs to breathe a little, and the characters are ordinary people entangled in extraordinary circumstances, wonderfully human and flawed and endearing and I love them.
Hunter writes of connection rather than lust. Unbreakable isn’t a romance novel, don’t expect detailed steamy sex scenes. The focus of the story is elsewhere, but it doesn’t mean nothing’s happening in the heart department.
Telling the story from the POV of the three main characters is genius. Focusing on Elin and Grace would have been harrowing and getting to see the outside gives perspective, as well as lighter moments. Safia’s relationship with her girlfriend Kami is very sweet, and I also enjoyed her friendship with her colleague Suds a lot. Of course, it reminded me of Sanne and Nelson in the Dark Peak trilogy, and I couldn’t be happier about that.
I don’t want to say too much about Grace and Elin, about why Elin is acting the way she is, Grace’s reactions, the way their relationship evolves. The story takes place over a pretty short period, and it could be boring since the characters spend quite a lot of time waiting but on the contrary, it’s thrilling. The pacing is perfect and even the quiet moments are meaningful.
Hunter excels at police procedurals, gloomy weather, and human relationships, and this book has it all. If you loved the Dark Peak series, you’ll love this too. If you’ve never read a book by Cari Hunter, this one is a good place to start.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
No one would ever expect Elin Breckenridge to kidnap a doctor. Under the threat of a gun, Dr Grace Kendal agrees to help out as Elin tries to race against time. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Safia Faris is charged with solving a murder turned kidnapping turned even worse.
This new novel is everything I’ve come to expect from Cari Hunter. It’s captivating, it’s well-written, it’s smart, it’s funny when the reader needs to breathe a little, and the characters are ordinary people entangled in extraordinary circumstances, wonderfully human and flawed and endearing and I love them.
Hunter writes of connection rather than lust. Unbreakable isn’t a romance novel, don’t expect detailed steamy sex scenes. The focus of the story is elsewhere, but it doesn’t mean nothing’s happening in the heart department.
Telling the story from the POV of the three main characters is genius. Focusing on Elin and Grace would have been harrowing and getting to see the outside gives perspective, as well as lighter moments. Safia’s relationship with her girlfriend Kami is very sweet, and I also enjoyed her friendship with her colleague Suds a lot. Of course, it reminded me of Sanne and Nelson in the Dark Peak trilogy, and I couldn’t be happier about that.
I don’t want to say too much about Grace and Elin, about why Elin is acting the way she is, Grace’s reactions, the way their relationship evolves. The story takes place over a pretty short period, and it could be boring since the characters spend quite a lot of time waiting but on the contrary, it’s thrilling. The pacing is perfect and even the quiet moments are meaningful.
Hunter excels at police procedurals, gloomy weather, and human relationships, and this book has it all. If you loved the Dark Peak series, you’ll love this too. If you’ve never read a book by Cari Hunter, this one is a good place to start.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
Unbreakable isn’t the first book by Cari hunter I’ve read but it’s certainly now my favorite. In this book, Hunter carries on her ability to write original and exciting thrillers. If that’s your thing or you’re looking for a new kind of spice, I highly recommend this book!
I don’t wanna give too much about the plot away but this story follows the perspectives of three characters, Elin, Grace and Safia. Elin owns and operates a security company, Grace a doctor and Safia a detective.
Elin’s past comes back to hit her in a terribly horrifying and heart breaking way which causes her to drop everything to save someone she loves. When injured while doing this she spots doctor Grace and initially threatens her to help. Grace isn’t really threatened but still helps due to her oath to help people. Safia is left with the aftermath that Elin left behind while fleeing a scene with her injuries which takes her on an adventure to find out what actually happened.
Elin is just a character you can’t help but sympathize with her the same way Grace did. She goes to extreme lengths to save the person she loves including putting her life on the line several times.
Grace has to be one of the most selfless characters I’ve read about in a long time. She puts her life on the line to help Elin. At first I was worried about a Stockholm syndrome like situation but Hunter does a good job and writing in a sense of self awareness within this character. Safia is also a very nice character, very understanding and observant.
Overall this book beats Desolation Point and quickly found itself as one of my favorites by Miss Cari Hunter.
I do wish the book was a bit longer or perhaps the aftermath of the whole situation was, would’ve been nice to see how everyone moves on from the drama or see Grace and Elin’s relationship develop further than Elin needing help to save the person she loved that was in danger.
I highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in return for the honest review!
I don’t wanna give too much about the plot away but this story follows the perspectives of three characters, Elin, Grace and Safia. Elin owns and operates a security company, Grace a doctor and Safia a detective.
Elin’s past comes back to hit her in a terribly horrifying and heart breaking way which causes her to drop everything to save someone she loves. When injured while doing this she spots doctor Grace and initially threatens her to help. Grace isn’t really threatened but still helps due to her oath to help people. Safia is left with the aftermath that Elin left behind while fleeing a scene with her injuries which takes her on an adventure to find out what actually happened.
Elin is just a character you can’t help but sympathize with her the same way Grace did. She goes to extreme lengths to save the person she loves including putting her life on the line several times.
Grace has to be one of the most selfless characters I’ve read about in a long time. She puts her life on the line to help Elin. At first I was worried about a Stockholm syndrome like situation but Hunter does a good job and writing in a sense of self awareness within this character. Safia is also a very nice character, very understanding and observant.
Overall this book beats Desolation Point and quickly found itself as one of my favorites by Miss Cari Hunter.
I do wish the book was a bit longer or perhaps the aftermath of the whole situation was, would’ve been nice to see how everyone moves on from the drama or see Grace and Elin’s relationship develop further than Elin needing help to save the person she loved that was in danger.
I highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in return for the honest review!
September 16, 2021
Loved it.
If you are a fan of crime thrillers this is a must read. Suspense builds from the opening scenes and like DS Safia Faris, the reader gets to try to keep up with Elin and Grace and figure out why these women are on the run leaving a trail of blood and a body in their wake.
Hunter continues to impress with her increasingly complex plots with enough twists to keep you turning pages. Scenes are easy to visualize and as always with this author, pull the reader into the car, the hotel room and the alleyways. Using alternate point of view chapters allows the reader to get into the heads and the hearts of the main characters. Elin’s bravery, Grace’s compassion and Safia’s ability to sort through the evidence make them and this story a memorable one. While romance is not a major aspect of this thriller, I did love the relationship between Safia and Kamila. Their scenes together in the lab at work or in their home added warmth and comfort to offset the danger faced by Elin and Grace.
An edge of your seat thriller. Something we have come to expect and always look forward to by this author.
A copy of this book was received with thanks from the publisher via NetGalley for review.
If you are a fan of crime thrillers this is a must read. Suspense builds from the opening scenes and like DS Safia Faris, the reader gets to try to keep up with Elin and Grace and figure out why these women are on the run leaving a trail of blood and a body in their wake.
Hunter continues to impress with her increasingly complex plots with enough twists to keep you turning pages. Scenes are easy to visualize and as always with this author, pull the reader into the car, the hotel room and the alleyways. Using alternate point of view chapters allows the reader to get into the heads and the hearts of the main characters. Elin’s bravery, Grace’s compassion and Safia’s ability to sort through the evidence make them and this story a memorable one. While romance is not a major aspect of this thriller, I did love the relationship between Safia and Kamila. Their scenes together in the lab at work or in their home added warmth and comfort to offset the danger faced by Elin and Grace.
An edge of your seat thriller. Something we have come to expect and always look forward to by this author.
A copy of this book was received with thanks from the publisher via NetGalley for review.
May 24, 2022
Amazing story. I read along as I listened so I would not miss a thing. The narration kept me hanging onto each word well into the wee hours. I loved the different accents and voices.
Dr Grace Kendal is violently pulled into a dangerous situation and must quickly decide whether to run or to stay. Of course, once she finds out the truth, she ends up risking everything to help the stranger, Elin Breckenridge. What I love best about Hunter stories, including this one, is that there are multiple moving parts in constant motion. The reader has to stay on their toes because a lot happens very quickly. There’s no extra filler, just a pedal to the metal velocity that makes it difficult to quit the book even though bedtime is calling. In addition, without slowing down the pace, she reveals just enough background to make her characters both empathetic and vulnerable.
I always fall for the detective in her books and this one’s no different. DS Safia Faris leads the investigation with her partner, Suds. Serious and sharp, she puzzles together the pieces, somehow understanding that time is not on anyone’s side. Great build up of tension. Wonderful secondary characters as well. Suds is an outstanding partner, also smart and kind hearted. Kami, a forensics specialist, and Safia’s romantic partner is a bright light and their interactions give us brief glimpses into the detective’s personal life.
Just an overall excellent read, characters and story.
Dr Grace Kendal is violently pulled into a dangerous situation and must quickly decide whether to run or to stay. Of course, once she finds out the truth, she ends up risking everything to help the stranger, Elin Breckenridge. What I love best about Hunter stories, including this one, is that there are multiple moving parts in constant motion. The reader has to stay on their toes because a lot happens very quickly. There’s no extra filler, just a pedal to the metal velocity that makes it difficult to quit the book even though bedtime is calling. In addition, without slowing down the pace, she reveals just enough background to make her characters both empathetic and vulnerable.
I always fall for the detective in her books and this one’s no different. DS Safia Faris leads the investigation with her partner, Suds. Serious and sharp, she puzzles together the pieces, somehow understanding that time is not on anyone’s side. Great build up of tension. Wonderful secondary characters as well. Suds is an outstanding partner, also smart and kind hearted. Kami, a forensics specialist, and Safia’s romantic partner is a bright light and their interactions give us brief glimpses into the detective’s personal life.
Just an overall excellent read, characters and story.
September 28, 2021
Now this is one great psychological thriller! Of course, I expect exciting stories from Cari Hunter, but I think Unbreakable may be one of her best yet.
This tale is definitely full of intrigue and action. A doctor (Grace Kendal) is kidnapped at the very beginning of the book by a mysterious and obviously badly injured woman (Elin Breckenridge). Grace is compelled to help Elin, but by doing so, she becomes a part of a dangerous nightmare with Elin. We not only see the story through Grace and Elin’s eyes, but also through the eyes of Detective Sergeant Safir Faris. In fact Safir, her girlfriend Kami, and her work partner Suds are very important secondary characters. Through Safir we get to see the police investigation of the crimes as they are occurring. This actually works out really well, and gives the reader a more complete view of what is happening.
I was captivated by this novel from the very first page, and could not put it down until the very end. There is constant, sometimes heart-stopping action and intrigue in these pages, and even a bit of romance to add to the emotional drama. This book has a special place in my favorite books list, and I highly recommend it to all mystery and intrigue lovers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This tale is definitely full of intrigue and action. A doctor (Grace Kendal) is kidnapped at the very beginning of the book by a mysterious and obviously badly injured woman (Elin Breckenridge). Grace is compelled to help Elin, but by doing so, she becomes a part of a dangerous nightmare with Elin. We not only see the story through Grace and Elin’s eyes, but also through the eyes of Detective Sergeant Safir Faris. In fact Safir, her girlfriend Kami, and her work partner Suds are very important secondary characters. Through Safir we get to see the police investigation of the crimes as they are occurring. This actually works out really well, and gives the reader a more complete view of what is happening.
I was captivated by this novel from the very first page, and could not put it down until the very end. There is constant, sometimes heart-stopping action and intrigue in these pages, and even a bit of romance to add to the emotional drama. This book has a special place in my favorite books list, and I highly recommend it to all mystery and intrigue lovers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
October 2, 2021
I hate gore, I don’t like violence and I avoid those types of books like the plague. But I love Cari Hunter’s novels. Call me crazy but I find that her well-written, British-based, police procedural/thrillers are right up my street. A new book by Cari Hunter is always a cause for celebration. Pity that she doesn’t write faster…
As Dr. Grace Kendall is kidnapped by a wounded woman, she is dragged into a desperate situation in which her chances of survival will depend on the woman who can take her life.
Detective Sergeant Safia Faris is in charge of the murder investigation of an unidentified man killed in a park. It should be an easy case, but when the investigation sets her on the path of Grace and her abductor, nothing is as it seems and all many lives are at risk.
Cari Hunter is one of those rare authors in lesfic who has found a distinct voice. A type of writing style that is quintessentially British – more precisely Northern English – socially critical, full of fast-paced action and unfiltered crime. Her characters are flawed ordinary people, not born to be heroines, but nevertheless, women who gather all the strength they didn’t know they had to survive terrible threats to their lives. Ms. Hunter’s settings – either in the city or the countryside -, always reflect a dark, gloomy side of humanity. What’s not to love?
Unbreakable is part thriller, part police procedural. I like the duality of the plot in which one moment the reader is immersed in the tense and suspenseful events surrounding Grace’s kidnapping and in another, is following the detailed aspects of the police investigation surrounding the case. It’s like being on the stage and the stalls’ seats alternatively watching the events unfold and hoping for a good resolution. I thought that both the criminal and the investigation aspects of the story were done very well. My knowledge of medicine is lacking but I trust Ms. Hunter’s medical descriptions implicitly as she’s a paramedic with a lot of experience in treating patients in the field. That’s another good thing about her books, I don’t have to worry that I might find something medically unrealistic.
If you are new to this author, you might think there’s no place for romance in Ms. Hunter’s books. On the contrary, in between getting almost killed and seriously injured, this author always finds a way to bring romance to the characters in her books. That’s yet another good thing about her novels: come for the mystery, stay for the romance. Sanne and Meg, from the Dark Peak series, is one of my favourite lesfic couples ever. This raises my expectations for a bit of romantic payoff amongst so much suffering and pain. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case here, the romance payoff wasn’t enough for me. I completely understand that the extreme situations in which the characters were involved made any romantic liason complicated but Ms. Hunter has done it before so she was more than able to do it here too. Even maybe in the epilogue. However, I know I’m being a bit hard on Ms. Hunter and most readers buy her books for her unique take on crime and suspense. So I might be in the minority here. And despite what I’ve just said, I really enjoyed Unbreakable. Great title, by the way.
Overall, a very good thriller/police procedural with a British feel. Can’t wait for the upcoming audiobook narrated by Nicola Victoria Vincent. 4.5 stars.
As Dr. Grace Kendall is kidnapped by a wounded woman, she is dragged into a desperate situation in which her chances of survival will depend on the woman who can take her life.
Detective Sergeant Safia Faris is in charge of the murder investigation of an unidentified man killed in a park. It should be an easy case, but when the investigation sets her on the path of Grace and her abductor, nothing is as it seems and all many lives are at risk.
Cari Hunter is one of those rare authors in lesfic who has found a distinct voice. A type of writing style that is quintessentially British – more precisely Northern English – socially critical, full of fast-paced action and unfiltered crime. Her characters are flawed ordinary people, not born to be heroines, but nevertheless, women who gather all the strength they didn’t know they had to survive terrible threats to their lives. Ms. Hunter’s settings – either in the city or the countryside -, always reflect a dark, gloomy side of humanity. What’s not to love?
Unbreakable is part thriller, part police procedural. I like the duality of the plot in which one moment the reader is immersed in the tense and suspenseful events surrounding Grace’s kidnapping and in another, is following the detailed aspects of the police investigation surrounding the case. It’s like being on the stage and the stalls’ seats alternatively watching the events unfold and hoping for a good resolution. I thought that both the criminal and the investigation aspects of the story were done very well. My knowledge of medicine is lacking but I trust Ms. Hunter’s medical descriptions implicitly as she’s a paramedic with a lot of experience in treating patients in the field. That’s another good thing about her books, I don’t have to worry that I might find something medically unrealistic.
If you are new to this author, you might think there’s no place for romance in Ms. Hunter’s books. On the contrary, in between getting almost killed and seriously injured, this author always finds a way to bring romance to the characters in her books. That’s yet another good thing about her novels: come for the mystery, stay for the romance. Sanne and Meg, from the Dark Peak series, is one of my favourite lesfic couples ever. This raises my expectations for a bit of romantic payoff amongst so much suffering and pain. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case here, the romance payoff wasn’t enough for me. I completely understand that the extreme situations in which the characters were involved made any romantic liason complicated but Ms. Hunter has done it before so she was more than able to do it here too. Even maybe in the epilogue. However, I know I’m being a bit hard on Ms. Hunter and most readers buy her books for her unique take on crime and suspense. So I might be in the minority here. And despite what I’ve just said, I really enjoyed Unbreakable. Great title, by the way.
Overall, a very good thriller/police procedural with a British feel. Can’t wait for the upcoming audiobook narrated by Nicola Victoria Vincent. 4.5 stars.
October 2, 2021
Cari Hunter is a must-read and automatic pre-order for me! The author often states she is not a romance writer, and yet her characters come off so relatable, human, and endearing as you journey with them across a story, you can't help but swoon for them anyway!
Which is the merit of a great writer, to make us care about characters beyond the current action-packed storyline, and want more for them beyond it.
And boy, is it full of thrilling action! Right from the first page you're brought into a high stakes, heart pumping life or death situation, and it doesn't let you go, as it twists and turns, squeezes you until it's done.
I loved the rep here with our Detective Sergeant, Safia being of Pakistani heritage and her girlfriend Kami being Bengali, so having a lot in common there being India adjacent cultures. The talk of food had me so hungry!
Our MC's are definitely Elin and Doctor Grace, though. We see all the action and intense emotion through their eyes, as they are forced into no-win situations, trying to survive and thwart a perpetrator holding something precious over them, dangling it like a carrot in sickening ways, sending them on wild and more dangerous goose-chases.
It's intense emotion and yet broken with levity the way only the English can. Being Australian I relate a lot to the style of dark gallows humour inside, and silly banter that exists between employees in darker job roles.
I just appreciate these style of solid, real, relatable stories of people trying hard to right wrongs and winning out against the bad guys. It just ticks all the right boxes for me. So I would highly recommend it to lovers of British police procedurals, hospital/EMT dramas, and stubborn yet banterful characters that are engaging.
Which is the merit of a great writer, to make us care about characters beyond the current action-packed storyline, and want more for them beyond it.
And boy, is it full of thrilling action! Right from the first page you're brought into a high stakes, heart pumping life or death situation, and it doesn't let you go, as it twists and turns, squeezes you until it's done.
I loved the rep here with our Detective Sergeant, Safia being of Pakistani heritage and her girlfriend Kami being Bengali, so having a lot in common there being India adjacent cultures. The talk of food had me so hungry!
Our MC's are definitely Elin and Doctor Grace, though. We see all the action and intense emotion through their eyes, as they are forced into no-win situations, trying to survive and thwart a perpetrator holding something precious over them, dangling it like a carrot in sickening ways, sending them on wild and more dangerous goose-chases.
It's intense emotion and yet broken with levity the way only the English can. Being Australian I relate a lot to the style of dark gallows humour inside, and silly banter that exists between employees in darker job roles.
I just appreciate these style of solid, real, relatable stories of people trying hard to right wrongs and winning out against the bad guys. It just ticks all the right boxes for me. So I would highly recommend it to lovers of British police procedurals, hospital/EMT dramas, and stubborn yet banterful characters that are engaging.
January 1, 2022
5⭐️
What a way to start the new year. Okay, I started listening last year but only finished it today.
Cari Hunter is a master at writing thrillers. From the first page, no, after just a few sentences, she pulls you into the story and you feel like a moth in the bright light, unable to move. And the tension just keeps building and building. Unbreakable is no exception. The story is gripping, exciting, and suspenseful. As usual with Hunter's stories, there is no romance, but a connection develops between Elin and Grace that has the potential for much more. The author brings the tension, the mood, and the shifting dynamics perfectly to paper, powerfully, emotionally without overdoing it, and without getting cheesy.
Severely injured Elin Beckenridge and doctor Grace Kendal meet under unusual and threatening circumstances when Elin unceremoniously kidnaps Grace. Layer upon layer, we then learn Elin's story and what led to this drastic action. Will Grace be able to free herself or will she help Elin avert the threat?
The story is told from three perspectives, once from Elin's, once from Grace's, and then from the point of view of Detective Sergeant Safia Faris, the assigned investigator. This makes the cat and mouse game all the more exciting. As if on a map, we can follow who is where and how Safia and her partner Sud are getting closer and closer to the two women. It is exciting to hear the conversations and thoughts from these three sides. How a "simple" murder changes for Safia and Sud and evolves into a much more complicated case involving hostage-taking. Or how the dynamics and sympathies change as we listen to Elin and Grace.
The pacing is perfectly tuned, sometimes calmer as we learn the protagonists' stories or when Safia is at home with her girlfriend Kami and her dog Bolly. And then again when the chase continues and the threat increases so much that I'm sitting on the edge of my chair and I'm annoyed that I can't understand faster spoken English so I could set the pace faster.
Nicola Victoria Vincent, the narrator, did an exquisite job, the voices were so different that I always knew who was speaking. Once again, I am thrilled with the added feeling of excellent narration of a book.
I won this book in a contest. Thank you very much, Cari Hunter.
What a way to start the new year. Okay, I started listening last year but only finished it today.
Cari Hunter is a master at writing thrillers. From the first page, no, after just a few sentences, she pulls you into the story and you feel like a moth in the bright light, unable to move. And the tension just keeps building and building. Unbreakable is no exception. The story is gripping, exciting, and suspenseful. As usual with Hunter's stories, there is no romance, but a connection develops between Elin and Grace that has the potential for much more. The author brings the tension, the mood, and the shifting dynamics perfectly to paper, powerfully, emotionally without overdoing it, and without getting cheesy.
Severely injured Elin Beckenridge and doctor Grace Kendal meet under unusual and threatening circumstances when Elin unceremoniously kidnaps Grace. Layer upon layer, we then learn Elin's story and what led to this drastic action. Will Grace be able to free herself or will she help Elin avert the threat?
The story is told from three perspectives, once from Elin's, once from Grace's, and then from the point of view of Detective Sergeant Safia Faris, the assigned investigator. This makes the cat and mouse game all the more exciting. As if on a map, we can follow who is where and how Safia and her partner Sud are getting closer and closer to the two women. It is exciting to hear the conversations and thoughts from these three sides. How a "simple" murder changes for Safia and Sud and evolves into a much more complicated case involving hostage-taking. Or how the dynamics and sympathies change as we listen to Elin and Grace.
The pacing is perfectly tuned, sometimes calmer as we learn the protagonists' stories or when Safia is at home with her girlfriend Kami and her dog Bolly. And then again when the chase continues and the threat increases so much that I'm sitting on the edge of my chair and I'm annoyed that I can't understand faster spoken English so I could set the pace faster.
Nicola Victoria Vincent, the narrator, did an exquisite job, the voices were so different that I always knew who was speaking. Once again, I am thrilled with the added feeling of excellent narration of a book.
I won this book in a contest. Thank you very much, Cari Hunter.
October 10, 2021
Cari Hunter does it again! I don’t think Hunter has ever written a book I didn’t like so there are no surprises here really.
This book is rather different from your standard lesfic, as is also the standard for Hunter if you ask me. From the first page you are sucked into the story and don’t even want to put it down to have a toilet break or grab yourself some drinks and snacks (which you will be craving thanks to the writer). I was warned about this before I started reading this one, so I made myself comfortable and let myself be sucked in to a wonderful telling of what could best be described as a British detective.
Written in third person POV from three perspectives: Elin - our “bad” woman, Grace - the abducted doctor and Safia - the detective sergeant working the case, you get a full picture of what is going on. For a story that basically takes place over a long weekend you’d think you’d get bored and it gets old pretty soon, but in true Cari Hunter fashion it never does. I believe this is aided by the three different perspectives. Hunter knows exactly where to put in some lighter more humorous moments to give us readers a break, and to suck us right back into the nitty gritty of the story.
If you are looking for a cookie cutter romance, you are searching in the wrong place. There is an established couple in the book and they are super cute, and there is some more connecting going on, but no romance. This book is more about connecting and fighting for what you think is the right thing to do. I absolutely loved it.
For any one looking for a great crime drama, look no further. Cari Hunter’s Dark Peak series is one of my all time favourites and for anyone who loved those books - you’ll enjoy this as well. If you are new to this author, you will not be disappointed. I think this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
This book is rather different from your standard lesfic, as is also the standard for Hunter if you ask me. From the first page you are sucked into the story and don’t even want to put it down to have a toilet break or grab yourself some drinks and snacks (which you will be craving thanks to the writer). I was warned about this before I started reading this one, so I made myself comfortable and let myself be sucked in to a wonderful telling of what could best be described as a British detective.
Written in third person POV from three perspectives: Elin - our “bad” woman, Grace - the abducted doctor and Safia - the detective sergeant working the case, you get a full picture of what is going on. For a story that basically takes place over a long weekend you’d think you’d get bored and it gets old pretty soon, but in true Cari Hunter fashion it never does. I believe this is aided by the three different perspectives. Hunter knows exactly where to put in some lighter more humorous moments to give us readers a break, and to suck us right back into the nitty gritty of the story.
If you are looking for a cookie cutter romance, you are searching in the wrong place. There is an established couple in the book and they are super cute, and there is some more connecting going on, but no romance. This book is more about connecting and fighting for what you think is the right thing to do. I absolutely loved it.
For any one looking for a great crime drama, look no further. Cari Hunter’s Dark Peak series is one of my all time favourites and for anyone who loved those books - you’ll enjoy this as well. If you are new to this author, you will not be disappointed. I think this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
October 9, 2021
Another good read by Cari Hunter. You don't come across many good British authors that pull off a good storyline, with twists and turns, You get to a point in the storyline and you think you know who's who and what's what, but then she surprises you with a new twist and turn. This book certainly keeps you on your toe, it has quite a bit of angst in it, but certainly will keep you entertained on a cold night. One of the reasons why I seem to go back to her books is because of the setting of some of the storylines, Saddleworth moors, I love the descriptions she gives of these areas. Makes you feel like the moors are a dark place in her description, but a on summer day they are quite a beautiful place to see.
This is certainly another good book by Cari Hunter.. get reading!
5 Stars.
This is certainly another good book by Cari Hunter.. get reading!
5 Stars.
May 13, 2022
WOW. What a great audiobook. Why haven‘t I listend to it sooner? The story and the narration were fantastic. What an emotional, intense and action-packed story. I loved every minute of it.
Will definitely read more from Cari Hunter in the future.
Will definitely read more from Cari Hunter in the future.
October 13, 2021
WON-DER-FUL
January 8, 2022
Again such a thrilling book, loved it! First read it last year, this year enjoyed the audiobook.
You just can’t miss with a book by Hunter 💚
You just can’t miss with a book by Hunter 💚
Read
November 1, 2021I simply can't enjoy stories where kids are involved in violent situations.
A 4 year old kidnapped girl was one of them.
If this circumstance doesn't affect you as much as affected me, then you probably will rate this book with 5 stars.
The book is brilliantly written and the story keeps you at the edge of the seat waiting to see what coming next.
A 4 year old kidnapped girl was one of them.
If this circumstance doesn't affect you as much as affected me, then you probably will rate this book with 5 stars.
The book is brilliantly written and the story keeps you at the edge of the seat waiting to see what coming next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
Cari Hunter is the author of the Dark Peak series and several standalone novels. Unbreakable is her new release thriller mystery. A doctor is held up at gunpoint and forced to drive an injured woman to her hotel room and treat her for a bullet wound. Narrated by three different characters, we discover Grace and Elin on the run and police Detective Sergeant Safia Faris responsible for solving a murder. A most enjoyable read of a classic police procedural thriller with engaging characters and unfolding mystery. A fittingly paced venture with realistic narrative and a four-star read rating. With many thanks to Bold Strokes Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and are made without fear or favour.
November 14, 2021
Excellent story and narration. A must read/listen for those thriller people, lighter on romance yet an unbreakable bond (see what o did there?) was obvious. I may catch hell for this, but maybe my favorite Hunter book. So, must listen to the Dark Peak Series again. Just to make sure 😉
Easy 5 stars.
Easy 5 stars.
November 16, 2021
Another Cari Hunter piece of god-awful amazingness.
I couldn't stop, folks. As soon as I put this down, not 5 minutes would go by and I'd have to pick it back up to continue the chase, even though it deals with terrible, gut churning subject matter and my heart would hurt. Anyone familiar with Ms. Hunter will know that she does not hold back in crushing your soul with iron fists, then driving over said soul with the double decker Happy Potter night bus, and finally throwing it off the highest Dark Peak never to see the light of day again (ok that last bit was overly dramatic, but I stand by the rest).
There are multiple POVs in this story, which always delights me. Elin, Grace, and Safia all take turns trying to figure out what the goddamned hell is going on in Elin's life and who is behind it. The synopsis of the book is perfect, as I can't really way much more without giving away major plot lines. I equally liked all main characters, their personalities and relationships with partners and colleagues kept the flow going so well. I laughed out loud at times, gasped in horror, felt stress and worry, my heart raced.....I was basically motherf***ing Mark Wahlberg when he jumps the tracks in his Mini Cooper in The Italian Job and has to navigate the NYC underground maze while running from bad guys and keeping his posse safe, youknowwhatImsaying?!
Read this book then down some single malt afterwards. I'm sure there's a therapist somewhere that will enable that coping strategy.
I couldn't stop, folks. As soon as I put this down, not 5 minutes would go by and I'd have to pick it back up to continue the chase, even though it deals with terrible, gut churning subject matter and my heart would hurt. Anyone familiar with Ms. Hunter will know that she does not hold back in crushing your soul with iron fists, then driving over said soul with the double decker Happy Potter night bus, and finally throwing it off the highest Dark Peak never to see the light of day again (ok that last bit was overly dramatic, but I stand by the rest).
There are multiple POVs in this story, which always delights me. Elin, Grace, and Safia all take turns trying to figure out what the goddamned hell is going on in Elin's life and who is behind it. The synopsis of the book is perfect, as I can't really way much more without giving away major plot lines. I equally liked all main characters, their personalities and relationships with partners and colleagues kept the flow going so well. I laughed out loud at times, gasped in horror, felt stress and worry, my heart raced.....I was basically motherf***ing Mark Wahlberg when he jumps the tracks in his Mini Cooper in The Italian Job and has to navigate the NYC underground maze while running from bad guys and keeping his posse safe, youknowwhatImsaying?!
Read this book then down some single malt afterwards. I'm sure there's a therapist somewhere that will enable that coping strategy.
November 10, 2021
WOW! Talk about a book that lives up to the hype!
The adrenaline rush begins the moment the story gets underway and doesn't stop until the end! I don't generally seek out crime thrillers, but I'd heard nothing but great things about this one and had to give it a go.
The two MCs are strong, courageous and memorable, the secondary characters are woven wonderfully into the story and the villains are breathtakingly evil. This is action packed and at times hold-your-breath, on-the-edge terrifying.
This is my second experience listening to a Nicola Victoria Vincent narrated audiobook and she is truly A+++ outstanding - handling an impressive variety of races, dialects and genders with aplomb.
It feels like I've been on a sort of thrill ride and I'm sorry to get off. A truly excellent listening experience! More of this, please!
The adrenaline rush begins the moment the story gets underway and doesn't stop until the end! I don't generally seek out crime thrillers, but I'd heard nothing but great things about this one and had to give it a go.
The two MCs are strong, courageous and memorable, the secondary characters are woven wonderfully into the story and the villains are breathtakingly evil. This is action packed and at times hold-your-breath, on-the-edge terrifying.
This is my second experience listening to a Nicola Victoria Vincent narrated audiobook and she is truly A+++ outstanding - handling an impressive variety of races, dialects and genders with aplomb.
It feels like I've been on a sort of thrill ride and I'm sorry to get off. A truly excellent listening experience! More of this, please!
January 8, 2022
One of a few books I couldn’t stop listening to and felt sad when it ended. Great narration coupled with a fantastic action-packed story. It’s not big on romance (which goes against what I usually look for in a book) and I STILL loved it and give it a 4.5!
November 2, 2021
So when I heard about this book I made the decision not to request it as an ARC as it didn't seem like a book that would particularly appeal to me. I'm not usually the biggest fan of cop stories, so I don't tend to read them. But after seeing rave review after rave review for Unbreakable, I decided to give it a shot and bought the audiobook. And I'm glad I did! This was a wild and touching ride.
This book is hard to describe in a basic paragraph like I normally do, but the gist of the book is Dr. Grace Kendal is kidnapped by Elin Breckenridge (pronounced like Ellen) as Elin is fighting death with a gunshot wound. All while Decretive Safia Faris is assigned to a crime scene that she suspects Elin is involved in and pursues her. But something about the whole situation seems fishy.
This book hooked me in right from the getgo. It was exciting while you had no idea what was actually happening that made you keep reading to gain context. And the pace never let up either. This book was so fun and riveting.
The characters were really great. Elin had so much depth to her character and had such strong emotions, especially for someone fighting death literally the whole book. Grace is extremely aptly named as she handles everyone around her with... grace and caring while also not hesitating to get involved in dicey situations. And finally Safia brought a whole new perspective to this book that was unexpected.
The three POVs was a really interesting format and handled so well here. It was REALLY interesting watching Safia follow and pursue Elin while rooting for both of them simultaneously. That's a really neat trick Hunter managed to do.
I like how the relationship was handled in this book too. This is definitely more a thriller than romance, but even with the romance angle- it felt like the relationship was just at the beginning steps rather than Hunter putting a whole romance arc in an action book. That allowed you to really bond with the characters while not taking away from the action.
This was great. I'm not a cop book reader, and I was super into it. 4.75/5
This book is hard to describe in a basic paragraph like I normally do, but the gist of the book is Dr. Grace Kendal is kidnapped by Elin Breckenridge (pronounced like Ellen) as Elin is fighting death with a gunshot wound. All while Decretive Safia Faris is assigned to a crime scene that she suspects Elin is involved in and pursues her. But something about the whole situation seems fishy.
This book hooked me in right from the getgo. It was exciting while you had no idea what was actually happening that made you keep reading to gain context. And the pace never let up either. This book was so fun and riveting.
The characters were really great. Elin had so much depth to her character and had such strong emotions, especially for someone fighting death literally the whole book. Grace is extremely aptly named as she handles everyone around her with... grace and caring while also not hesitating to get involved in dicey situations. And finally Safia brought a whole new perspective to this book that was unexpected.
The three POVs was a really interesting format and handled so well here. It was REALLY interesting watching Safia follow and pursue Elin while rooting for both of them simultaneously. That's a really neat trick Hunter managed to do.
I like how the relationship was handled in this book too. This is definitely more a thriller than romance, but even with the romance angle- it felt like the relationship was just at the beginning steps rather than Hunter putting a whole romance arc in an action book. That allowed you to really bond with the characters while not taking away from the action.
This was great. I'm not a cop book reader, and I was super into it. 4.75/5
October 27, 2021
WOW!
Grace finds herself tangled up in the drama surrounding Elin, a woman with serious injuries who is desperate for help but in a difficult position. As Grace learns of Elin’s situation she is compelled to help, no matter the risk to herself. Detective Sergeant, Safia, is trying to solve a case, hunt down a person she thinks is responsible, but the more she learns about the case, the less clear it seems. Safia’s cases leads her to Grace and Elin and soon she has to re-evaluate everything.
Intense, dramatic and just down right amazing. Cari Hunter always delivers and I was not disappointed with Unbreakable. I have only read a few of Cari’s books, and I didn’t think much would top Alias for me but Unbreakable did. I was thoroughly lost in every moment of the story. On the edge of my seat, worrying about the characters involved, especially when what was really going on was revealed. A lot of the story was touch and go, it had a pace that suited the storyline and I was addicted.
I wasn’t sure about Elin at first but I am glad I gave her a chance. Grace I admire so much, everything she went through and what is must have been like for her when she ended up caught up in everything surrounding Elin, but she kept calm and truly professional got the facts and made the decisions she needed to. I also loved that along the way Elin and Grace could bond and grow, developing a friendship and then more. It was also great that Safia’s story was an underlying storyline, offering just a little something more to the story that helped you understand her character and the decisions she made.
So many moments where I held my breath but I just couldn’t put the book down. Cari is an amazing writer and I can’t recommend Unbreakable enough. I don’t know how to describe it or why, it’s comforting in a way, a little danger but realistic, and it is just one of those stories you just have to read.
Grace finds herself tangled up in the drama surrounding Elin, a woman with serious injuries who is desperate for help but in a difficult position. As Grace learns of Elin’s situation she is compelled to help, no matter the risk to herself. Detective Sergeant, Safia, is trying to solve a case, hunt down a person she thinks is responsible, but the more she learns about the case, the less clear it seems. Safia’s cases leads her to Grace and Elin and soon she has to re-evaluate everything.
Intense, dramatic and just down right amazing. Cari Hunter always delivers and I was not disappointed with Unbreakable. I have only read a few of Cari’s books, and I didn’t think much would top Alias for me but Unbreakable did. I was thoroughly lost in every moment of the story. On the edge of my seat, worrying about the characters involved, especially when what was really going on was revealed. A lot of the story was touch and go, it had a pace that suited the storyline and I was addicted.
I wasn’t sure about Elin at first but I am glad I gave her a chance. Grace I admire so much, everything she went through and what is must have been like for her when she ended up caught up in everything surrounding Elin, but she kept calm and truly professional got the facts and made the decisions she needed to. I also loved that along the way Elin and Grace could bond and grow, developing a friendship and then more. It was also great that Safia’s story was an underlying storyline, offering just a little something more to the story that helped you understand her character and the decisions she made.
So many moments where I held my breath but I just couldn’t put the book down. Cari is an amazing writer and I can’t recommend Unbreakable enough. I don’t know how to describe it or why, it’s comforting in a way, a little danger but realistic, and it is just one of those stories you just have to read.
November 7, 2021
** Warning to prospective readers, don’t start this book unless you are prepared to lose a night of sleep to finish it. Believe me, you won’t be able to put it down!
Grace Kendal has just finished her very long shift as a Doctor for HEMS in London and would like nothing better than to get home for some rest and a nice long weekend. She doesn’t exactly get what she hoped for when an injured woman kidnaps her at gun point from the ambulance lot along with all her emergency supplies. Elin Breckinridge has been shot and going to the hospital is not an option so she takes the next best thing, throwing Grace into Elin’s tumultuous orbit. While Elin takes Grace on the run throughout England, DI Safia Faris investigates the murder of a man in Hampstead Heath eventually finding herself chasing the only suspect she has who seems to have added kidnapping to her criminal repertoire.
This is a fast paced thriller that will leave you needing to read the next chapter, there will be no putting it down. The characters are just mysterious enough to keep the reader engaged as the full story is revealed little by little, leaving you no choice but to root for them. This was my first Cari Hunter book but it certainly won’t be my last. I plan to pick up her Dark Peak series next and hope I get to see some of the side characters from this book at some point in her other books. Now I’m off for a Sunday morning nap since I was up a bit late finishing this last night.
Grace Kendal has just finished her very long shift as a Doctor for HEMS in London and would like nothing better than to get home for some rest and a nice long weekend. She doesn’t exactly get what she hoped for when an injured woman kidnaps her at gun point from the ambulance lot along with all her emergency supplies. Elin Breckinridge has been shot and going to the hospital is not an option so she takes the next best thing, throwing Grace into Elin’s tumultuous orbit. While Elin takes Grace on the run throughout England, DI Safia Faris investigates the murder of a man in Hampstead Heath eventually finding herself chasing the only suspect she has who seems to have added kidnapping to her criminal repertoire.
This is a fast paced thriller that will leave you needing to read the next chapter, there will be no putting it down. The characters are just mysterious enough to keep the reader engaged as the full story is revealed little by little, leaving you no choice but to root for them. This was my first Cari Hunter book but it certainly won’t be my last. I plan to pick up her Dark Peak series next and hope I get to see some of the side characters from this book at some point in her other books. Now I’m off for a Sunday morning nap since I was up a bit late finishing this last night.
October 18, 2021
Edit : for those interested, go check the author interview right here
Let me read a second time and I will tell you more...
Sooo, I have reread it and now I'm nibbling my nails and gulping books waiting for the audio version. It really, really can't arrive too soon.
First read was really good but I was (as usual) blazing through one dematerialized page to the next as fast as I can.
Second read was way much slower, enjoying as usual all the anglicisms. It's one of my non-secret pleasure when a new Cari Hunter is published. Learning new words. I guess I like to collect them in my spare time ? "stroppy" was a definite winner for this book.
So back to the story. This 2nd pass, I took care to really look at the chapter title each time, thus thoroughly enjoying the shattered timeline and it's just marvelous. Sigh of deep pleasure.
Safia and Suds, by the way it's written, may, for some, seem slow, but they in truth are really fast in catching up.
And the levity they bring is quite necessary to lightened up the really stressing chapters between Grace & Elin. We have a story revolving around two very different but really great teams in this book.
Though the mystery in itself is not surprising, the way it's written makes for a heart-stopping, breath-shortening, cold& clammy hands, run.
I mean, I know it's going to
, but still, my poor heart can only take that much.
And then the writing is also marvelous. I haven't made so many highlights in a while. So many heartbreaking ones, here is a couple "Please don't wreck it.There's stuff" and "casual excision". Then alhtough their isn't that much repetition of "four-year-old" (only four, and no I didn't count them meself, I cheated) but their spacing is such that it sticks to your head and is really frightening)
But the part that blew my mind is
"She didn't bite his head off or ask wether he had any brighter ideas. If he'd had an alternative strategy, he would have told her. Sometimes he needed to state the obvious before he could get on with things" wahooo. If that's not a perfect illustration of knowing someone and knowing how to interact with them. Acknowledging and letting pass a behavior pattern that may be annoying because it helps that person feeling better.
And yeah, if I wasn't already a fan, now I would be.
Let me read a second time and I will tell you more...
Sooo, I have reread it and now I'm nibbling my nails and gulping books waiting for the audio version. It really, really can't arrive too soon.
First read was really good but I was (as usual) blazing through one dematerialized page to the next as fast as I can.
Second read was way much slower, enjoying as usual all the anglicisms. It's one of my non-secret pleasure when a new Cari Hunter is published. Learning new words. I guess I like to collect them in my spare time ? "stroppy" was a definite winner for this book.
So back to the story. This 2nd pass, I took care to really look at the chapter title each time, thus thoroughly enjoying the shattered timeline and it's just marvelous. Sigh of deep pleasure.
Safia and Suds, by the way it's written, may, for some, seem slow, but they in truth are really fast in catching up.
And the levity they bring is quite necessary to lightened up the really stressing chapters between Grace & Elin. We have a story revolving around two very different but really great teams in this book.
Though the mystery in itself is not surprising, the way it's written makes for a heart-stopping, breath-shortening, cold& clammy hands, run.
I mean, I know it's going to
, but still, my poor heart can only take that much.
And then the writing is also marvelous. I haven't made so many highlights in a while. So many heartbreaking ones, here is a couple "Please don't wreck it.There's stuff" and "casual excision". Then alhtough their isn't that much repetition of "four-year-old" (only four, and no I didn't count them meself, I cheated) but their spacing is such that it sticks to your head and is really frightening)
But the part that blew my mind is
"She didn't bite his head off or ask wether he had any brighter ideas. If he'd had an alternative strategy, he would have told her. Sometimes he needed to state the obvious before he could get on with things" wahooo. If that's not a perfect illustration of knowing someone and knowing how to interact with them. Acknowledging and letting pass a behavior pattern that may be annoying because it helps that person feeling better.
And yeah, if I wasn't already a fan, now I would be.
December 6, 2021
4.5 Stars - light on the romance but heavy on the action and excitement. Really enjoyed this listen.
September 14, 2021
Unbreakable is another in a long line of exciting novels by Cari Hunter. Dr. Grace Kendal is taken at gun point by a beaten and bleeding Elin Breckenridge. Elin needs all of Grace’s skills if she intends to stay alive. Grace is unaware that she is only seeing the surface of very troubled waters.
Hunter has written award winning and audience favourite mystery thrillers over the years and her streak will continue with Unbreakable. It is a savvy story more along the lines of how are they going to do it with a side dish of what the heck happened before Elin met Grace. The story places you right into the action and the suspense of not knowing previous events holds the reader’s interest firmly in hand. I enjoy novels that make me flip page after page to catch up to the storyline.
Hunter’s writing is stellar as always. Her characters are multidimensional and intriguing being placed in situations well out of their depths. The plot is not a new concept however the way Cari manipulates it makes it rise to the top. She adds a second plot which shows the situation from the policing side and how Detective Sergeant Safia Faris tries to make sense of Grace’s kidnapping and tries to rescue her. This multiplies the anxiety and stress levels of the reader in a good way of course. There is a small third plot involving Lowry which seems to fizzle out and could use a bit more rewriting and tightening but this is my only very little criticism.
Cari Hunter is one of those writers that I keep checking on to see when her next story comes out. Hopefully she will become one of yours.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
4.5⭐️
Hunter has written award winning and audience favourite mystery thrillers over the years and her streak will continue with Unbreakable. It is a savvy story more along the lines of how are they going to do it with a side dish of what the heck happened before Elin met Grace. The story places you right into the action and the suspense of not knowing previous events holds the reader’s interest firmly in hand. I enjoy novels that make me flip page after page to catch up to the storyline.
Hunter’s writing is stellar as always. Her characters are multidimensional and intriguing being placed in situations well out of their depths. The plot is not a new concept however the way Cari manipulates it makes it rise to the top. She adds a second plot which shows the situation from the policing side and how Detective Sergeant Safia Faris tries to make sense of Grace’s kidnapping and tries to rescue her. This multiplies the anxiety and stress levels of the reader in a good way of course. There is a small third plot involving Lowry which seems to fizzle out and could use a bit more rewriting and tightening but this is my only very little criticism.
Cari Hunter is one of those writers that I keep checking on to see when her next story comes out. Hopefully she will become one of yours.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
4.5⭐️
January 22, 2022
I have read an extraordinary story of two remarkable women who find themselves fighting for the same cause. The cover is fantastic.
The New Year I’d like to start by making up all the books I intended to read in 2021 but didn't get around to. I also wanted to take more time with each story, so I started with the lengthier ones. So far, it's been half of January, and I've only read two books. It appears my 2022 reading challenge should cover approximately 40 books. I’ll excuse myself here with a hectic month at work, which means it's time to close the previous year. However, I promise myself I'll have a week or two off soon. Otherwise, I might end up bad. That’s enough about me. Let's get to the book now.
Cari Hunter created an incredible character named Grace Kendal. Her stubbornness, as it is fiction, always brings good results. The stubbornness that comes with great courage and wisdom – the living saint.
When I reached out for this book, I wasn’t aware that it was a crime story, a thriller with some horror elements from time to time. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire novel. The chapters describing police work improvement were the only ones that gave me a sense of relief. Despite the fact that the cops perform an excellent job here. The plot is so gripping and moving that by the third quarter of the novel, I had almost given up hope of a happy ending.
Overall, it's a fantastic book with plenty of thrills and emotions. It's perfect for a gloomy winter day.
4.25
The New Year I’d like to start by making up all the books I intended to read in 2021 but didn't get around to. I also wanted to take more time with each story, so I started with the lengthier ones. So far, it's been half of January, and I've only read two books. It appears my 2022 reading challenge should cover approximately 40 books. I’ll excuse myself here with a hectic month at work, which means it's time to close the previous year. However, I promise myself I'll have a week or two off soon. Otherwise, I might end up bad. That’s enough about me. Let's get to the book now.
Cari Hunter created an incredible character named Grace Kendal. Her stubbornness, as it is fiction, always brings good results. The stubbornness that comes with great courage and wisdom – the living saint.
When I reached out for this book, I wasn’t aware that it was a crime story, a thriller with some horror elements from time to time. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire novel. The chapters describing police work improvement were the only ones that gave me a sense of relief. Despite the fact that the cops perform an excellent job here. The plot is so gripping and moving that by the third quarter of the novel, I had almost given up hope of a happy ending.
Overall, it's a fantastic book with plenty of thrills and emotions. It's perfect for a gloomy winter day.
4.25
November 27, 2021
Pardon to language 'cause this was so fucking exhilarating, and I couldn't put it down! Hunter's definitely one of my favourite authors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews