I really loved Triptych when I read it, but it took me some time to warm up to Fractured. Will Trent is a very unconventional main character after all, hes a GBI investigator that cant read. Hes awkward, socially inept, and at times, easily flustered. I tend to waffle back and forth in my belief of the scenario but by the time I get to the end, I have to admit that I feel for him. Slaughter takes his illiteracy and really makes it matter, as his dyslexia leads to him discovering some key facts later than he should. Im glad shes decided to give him a partner and really test his comfort zone. I think it makes him more of a fully flushed-out character, and thats why I root for him in the end.But enough about Will! The real mystery here, What Has Happened to Emma?, is a good one. Not only is this the story of a brutal kidnapping (or murder? or both?), but much like in Triptych, youre never completely sure who are the good guys and who are the bad. Also, Slaughter does a good job of telling a story about the foster care system, and how shared upbringings can have very different results. There is not yet a third book in this series, but I hope there will be.

Yes, I've given "Fractured" 5 stars. NOT because it's the best book I've ever read, or because it's 'deep and meaningful literature.'I gave it five stars because it grabbed me, and kept me inside reading all weekend. And isn't THAT what a good mystery should do? There wasn't ever a good place to stop!But there's many more positive things about "Fractured" that should be said:The main character is Will Trent, a member of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He's complex, has a deep and troubled background but never becomes trite or predictable. Will is teamed with Faith Mitchell, an Atlanta cop, with baggage of her own. And here's where I was surprised...there were so many common roads Slaughter could have mistakenly taken with this combination and DIDN'T. Their partnership could have been 'too cute'(wasn't!), or Trent could get all 'MALE' with Faith(DIDN'T!).I admit(perhaps by even saying this, I'm exposing MY sexist views?)to being worried that a female author MIGHT write her female characters somewhat...defensively. Slaughter's women characters are well-rounded, varied and realistic. There's no apologies for women in leadership roles who could be considered..er..overbearing, nor is there the perennial female victim. There are no stereotypes here. Ultimately, what Slaughter has given her readers are PEOPLE that drive this excellent story.And it was the STORY kept me on the edge of my Kindle. You've probably read a synopsis somewhere, so I won't go over the storyline with you. But let me share the fact that there's a whole lot more going on than meets the eye!Buy it, reserve some time for yourself and enjoy

After Detective Will Trent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation walks into a crime scene in a wealthy Atlanta home with two teenagers dead and one missing, it was always going to be a complicated case to solve. Especially since he has to work with a detective from the Atlanta PD who still hate him for catching some of their cops taking bribes to cover up drug dealing. Will has his own problems with his dyslexia and neglected childhood that make him socially awkward, but this all makes for a fascinating character and one who sees things that others miss. Another great thriller from Karin Slaughter. Looking forward to reading more of this series. 4.5