Book Review: Broadchurch by Erin Kelly and Chris Chibnell from TV screen to Crime Novel

I was hesitant to open this book in case it didn't live up to the TV series, however I had no need to worry because Erin Kelly has SMASHED it!. 

It's a damn good novel that incorporates everything that made the series so good.

There were three things I loved about the TV Broadchurch: The amazing huge sweeping cinematic shots across the beach and the way the camera took us into the heart of the town, making Broadchurch itself a main character,  The fantastic acting that really got into the emotions of a small community and the way a horrible isolated incident like Danny's murder throws up a whole plethora of secret's, weaknesses, and strengths that simmer just beneath the surface.

 I wondered how those things would transfer to the written word.  Well I have to say Erin Kelly came up with the goods -  BIGTIME!

From her haunting opening scenes where Danny Latimer is on the clifftops, Kelly captures the key elements of Broadchurch in their entirety.  She takes us through the town from the cliffs and sea to the Latimer House, on to the newspaper offices and Police Station smoothly, setting the scene of the close-knit community.  Her repetition of the phrase ' one road in, one road out' . ’ is poignant and really emphasises the concept of an insular community in grief and fear.

Each and every character is portrayed accurately, from the acerbic Hardy to the slowly toughening Ellie and from grief stricken, yet tough Beth to Danny's confused friend Tom Miller.

I would recommend this book to all Broadchurch fans and to anyone who likes a good Police Procedural with plenty of sub plots and intriguing characters.  Even those Die Hards (like myself) who prefer to read before  they view would enjoy this.