The Broken Places

By: Ace Atkins

Narrated by: Brian d'Arcy James

A year after becoming sheriff, Quinn Colson is faced with the release of an infamous murderer from prison. Jamey Dixon comes back to Jericho preaching redemption, and some believe him; but for the victim’s family, the only thought is revenge. Another group who doesn’t believe him - the men in prison from Dixon’s last job, an armored car robbery. They’re sure he’s gone back to grab the hidden money, so they do the only thing they can: break out and head straight to Jericho themselves. Colson and his deputy, Lillie, know they’ve got their work cut out for them. But they don’t count on one more unwelcome visitor: a tornado that causes havoc just as events come to a head. Communications are down, the roads are impassable - and the rule of law is just about to snap.

©2013 Ace Atkins (P)2013 Recorded Books

Good Story

Good story and execution of the audio book. Development of the characters was well done.

Quinn Colson Book 3 - All Hell Breaks Lose

The 3rd installment in Ace Atkins’ Quinn Colson series takes place a year after Colson is elected Sheriff I’d Tibbahah County, and has to deal with escapees from Parchman Farm prison, a pardoned murderer turned preacher living with his sister and nephew, and a natural disaster. Well told story that, disappointingly, ends with a cliffhanger. Excellently read by Brian D’Arcy James, who also read the 1st two books in the series.

I’m loving following the characters.

I like both the story and the narrator. I live in the south so some of this rings SO true!

Not as good as others in the series

The first part of this story was good as one would expect from the first two books in the series. The second half was more like a sermon rather than part of this what I've come to expect from this author. I don't mind the mentioning of God or religion, however I don't listen to books concerning religion as the main story line. I'm going to have to look at reviews for the fourth book in the series as I won't bother if it delves into religion as this one did.

Bounced back

The 3rd installment of the series bounces back and is better than the second. I have to say the narrator is not as good as previous one.

Ace Atkins does it again.

The Sheriff Quinn Colson novels have become one of our favorite novels. The right mix of drama and humor.

Love this series

I can picture the town, the people, the evil. It made me want to dive into the next book.

Too much “Praise the Lord”

My second Quinn Colson book and did not enjoy as much as the first because of the Jesus is behind everything. It is hard to believe a former stripper and drug user would come to her senses and ask her brother the sheriff for help sooner than she did. Was I the only person reading this book that thought Jamie Dixon lied about the money until the end. I am from the south but I thought the use of the N word was excessive. The first 60 per cent of this book was good and I will continue this series .

Disappointing.

Would you try another book from Ace Atkins and/or Brian d'Arcy James?

Maybe.

What was most disappointing about Ace Atkins’s story?

If you want to read a "Yes, Jesus loves me" testimonial then go ahead. Two thirds of the book were quite entertaining but the last part describing the tornado and its aftermath was just much too tedious. I found myself skipping several chapters. And what's up with the Jesus love fest? It was like watching Jimmy Lee Swaggart on Sunday morning.

What aspect of Brian d'Arcy James’s performance would you have changed?

Some of the characters sounded exactly the same but overall his performance was enjoyable.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment because I enjoyed Mr. Atkins' other stories a lot more.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Atkins, turn the Jesus talk down a bit. I don't mind religious or spiritual talk or twist in a story because I know it is a big part of many people's lives but this was way over the top.

Preach, preach, preach

I am done with this series, had a lot of potential. Cut out all the preaching and it would’ve been a five hour book.