Broadchurch (Novelization) by Erin Kelly

If you haven’t seen the UK series Broadchurch, do it. Do it now. Unless you’re waiting for the US version, Gracepoint. In which case I say: watch Broadchurch anyway, because Olivia Colman’s performance is outstanding. (Yes, I love David Tennant too, but Colman is really the reason to watch.) If you already love Broadchurch, you’ll probably want to check out this novelization by Erin Kelly.

Broadchurch Front Cover (St. Martin’s Press)

THE PLOT: The murder of 11-year-old Danny Lattimer rocks the small British coastal town of Broadchurch. DS Ellie Miller is just back from vacation and was pretty sure of returning to a promotion. Instead, she faces a new boss and the murder of her son’s best friend. DI Alec Hardy is  in charge of the case, but he’s got baggage, namely a serious health condition and an infamous, botched previous case. These two unlikely partners sift through the town’s residents for suspects as lies, affairs, and skeletons in the closet all come to light.

MY TWO CENTS: If you loved the series, you’ll probably want this book. It’s more story than your usual movie tie-in book but doesn’t add any new plot content. The story is told third person, primarily from the POVs of Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy (the two main investigators), grieving mother Beth, and Karen the reporter. Occasionally we get snippets of other characters’ POVs.You get a little new insight into Beth’s grieving process, suspect Jack Marshall’s thoughts, and the reporters’ motives and emotions. The murderer is the same as in the series (since rumor has it that there may be differences in the American version.) Even having seen the series, I found that the end of book made me cry.

BOTTOM LINE: Well-written, but if you’re looking for more story, you won’t get it here. I also wouldn’t recommend the book as a substitute for the series.

TEACUP RATING: I easily give the book 4 out of 5 teacups.

ON SALE DATE: Hardcover and e-formats will be available on September 16, 2014.

Note: Review is based on an ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.