Book Review: Breaking Dead by Corrie Jackson

Breaking Dead is the debut novel from Corrie Jackson and features Sophie Kent, an investigative journalist who is still coming to terms with the death of her brother.

During her investigations into the murder of a 14 year old boy she encounters Natalia, a Russian model. Natalia has a nasty bruise on her face and has obviously been the victim of violence. Natalia opens up to Sophie and tells her that she was raped. Before Natalia can disclose the name of her attacker she gets cold feet. Later that night Sophie receives a strange text directing her to the Rose Hotel. As she arrives she discovers that the body of a young woman has been found in one of the rooms. She is shocked to find out that it is Natalia. Sophie learns that hours earlier Natalia had attended a glitzy party at the hotel, to celebrate the start of London fashion week. Sophie is eager to discover what happened to the young model, and soon finds herself drawn in to the seedy world of the fashion industry.

Sophie is a great new character. She has many personal issues, not in the least the guilt she feels over her brothers death, but she is strong, and has that urge that all good reporters have, to root out a good story. Even if, by doing so, she puts herself in danger. 

I particularly liked her relationship with DCI Sam Durand. I will be keen to see how it develops.

The story flows really well. The pace of the novel is good. The characters are very well drawn out. I would be interested to know if Corrie worked on any stories in the fashion industry during her time as a journalist because the setting is very realistic. I really enjoyed it.

It is a very good debut novel. I thoroughly recommend it, and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Breaking Dead, the debut novel from Corrie Jackson. Breaking Dead is published in eBook on the 21^st April (paperback original is coming later in the year in September). It is reminiscent of The Cuckoo's Calling and is just as compelling. Breaking Dead uncovers the dark side of fashion with an underworld rife with drugs, secrets, prostitution and blackmail.