Down the Broken Road: A Rachel Carver Mystery

Written by J. R. Backlund

Narrated by Lesa Lockford

Rachel Carver’s career with the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation came to a shuddering halt after her last case led to the collateral death of an innocent woman and a shameful cover-up by her superiors. She’s turned in her badge and is settling into a new life as a legal investigator—but Rachel’s past won’t leave her alone.

An anonymous tip leads her to investigate a possible link between a recent grizzly murder and the case that ruined her career. With a new set of clues to run down, Rachel is determined to uncover the truth once and for all. But the killer strikes again, and in a flurry of confusion, Rachel gets pinned for a double homicide. On the run and desperate for answers, she peels back the layers of the victims’ lives—and discovers a shocking litany of murder and lies that now threatens to claim even more victims. Even if Rachel can prove her innocence, she might not be able to save her own life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media Audio
• Release date: Aug 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781974975693

J. R. Backlund

J. R. Backlund is an experienced mystery writer who, prior to his first novel, studied journalism at the University of Florida. After a thirteen-year detour in construction management, he rediscovered his love of writing and telling stories. He currently resides with his wife and their furry children in Jacksonville, Florida.

Reviews for Down the Broken Road

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 After a disastrous end to her last case Rachel resigns from the SBI and goes freelance. Though she hasn't forgotten what happened, still believes it was a wrong enfing, she is busy trying to rustle up enough work to make a living. Until an opportunity arrives unexpectedly, giving her the opportunity to prove she was right to have doubts.Rachel is a strong character, aggressive many times to her own detriment, obsessive as her old boss and mentor calls her and tough, physically and mentally. This case will take her into the past, and have ties back in the past and far away. It will put her in danger, and will cost many lives. I didn't like this as much as the first in series, I think almost too much happened, making it more difficult for me to follow. Of course, it may just be me because this time of year when I have so much to do, makes concentration much more difficult. Still, I love her character, enjoy the way she puts things together, and liked her conversation with Pender at books end. Will definitely read the next.ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane.

[kbranfield-837433 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars.

Down the Broken Road by J.R. Backlund is an adrenaline-laced mystery. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Rachel Carver series, it can be read as a standalone. However I also recommend the previous novel as well.

Rachel Carver is a former SBI Agent who is now working as a legal investigator. Just as she interviewing for a job with a legal firm, reporter Bryce Parker reaches about to her about the case that ended her career.  Then the law firm surprises her with the opportunity to re-investigate the same case in which veteran Tyler Larson was murdered. Despite Rachel's doubts, her former boss at the SBI believed his girlfriend was his killer.  The discovery that another one of Larson's Army buddies has been murdered breathes new life into the old case. In addition, Bryce has discovered a witness Larson's murder. Rachel's work on both cases has barely begun when she finds herself on the run from local law enforcement. Trusting no one except for her former partner Danny Braddock, will Rachel uncover the truth about who killed Tyler and his friend, Adam Hubbard?

Rachel is resourceful and laser focused as she tries to make sense of the events unfolding in the present. Although the police are certain they have arrested the person responsible for Adam's brutal murder, Rachel is convinced his death is linked to Tyler's. When she takes a second look at Tyler's journals which detail his wartime deployments, she has new avenues to explore.  Rachel realizes her previous investigation into Tyler's murder was incomplete so she begins searching for the other men who were also deployed with him.  With a possible motive beginning to emerge, Rachel inadvertently puts herself in harm's way as she begins to close in on the suspects in the murders.

Down the Broken Road is a fast-paced mystery with an intriguing storyline. With puzzling murders to solve and quite a few suspects to investigate, Rachel is absolutely relentless in her quest for the truth. J.R. Backlund brings this newest addition to the Rachel Carver series to an action-packed, electrifying conclusion.