Damaged

Dive into the gripping world of Martina Cole's *Damaged*, a heart-stopping thriller that will leave you breathless until the very last page. When the unthinkable happens and the bodies of missing schoolgirls begin to surface, the chilling echoes of Grantley's dark past reverberate through the present. Former DCI Kate Burrows, a name synonymous with justice and resilience, finds her hard-earned retirement shattered as she's reluctantly pulled back into the fray. DCI Annie Carr, a rising star grappling with the weight of this horrifying case, recognizes Kate's unparalleled expertise and seeks her assistance. For Kate, the investigation offers a welcome, albeit dangerous, distraction from the turbulent undercurrents rippling through her personal life. Her relationship with former gangster Patrick Kelly is thrown into disarray by the unexpected arrival of his long-lost son, a figure whose presence threatens to unleash a storm of violence and upheaval. The past, it seems, refuses to stay buried. As the body count escalates, a chilling realization dawns upon Kate and Annie: the killer is not some distant threat lurking in the shadows, but someone dangerously close to home. With no solid leads to guide them, they are plunged into a desperate race against time, each tick of the clock bringing another innocent life closer to the precipice. The pressure mounts as they struggle to decipher the twisted motives behind these heinous crimes, sensing that there is far more to these murders than initially meets the eye. The investigation is more complex than they thought, the killer is more cunning than they imagined. Cole masterfully weaves together a tapestry of suspense, weaving in complex family dynamics and the haunting specter of past sins to provide a rich, multi-layered reading experience. *Damaged* is more than just a crime novel; it's an exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness. Can Kate Burrows, with her unwavering determination and sharp intellect, unravel the intricate web of secrets and lies before another schoolgirl becomes a victim? Prepare to be captivated by Martina Cole's signature blend of gritty realism, compelling characters, and relentless suspense in this must-read thriller. With *Damaged*, Cole delivers a truly unforgettable and darkly addictive reading experience that will haunt you long after you turn the final page. This hardcover edition is a must-have for any fan of crime fiction, women sleuths, and suspenseful thrillers.