Stu Harvey has hit a rough patch. His recent book sales haven't met his expectations, and his wife just lost their baby during childbirth. Desperate for relief from the nightmare his life is gradually descending into, he accepts an unusual offer from his agent: write the biography of recently released suspected mass murderer Simon Hollis and get a fresh start. Stu has doubts about Simon's innocence, but beggars can't be choosers. He must find the courage to stay professional despite growing suspicion that Simon Hollis is not only guilty of the crimes but might still be dangerous. Meanwhile, the Nashville Police Department sends one of their top officers, Detective Blaire Rossi, to finish what they started in Jason Melby's Fractured.

Jason Melby's use of a drawn-out origin story with subtle gaps makes it easy for readers to understand the tense relationship between Stu and his wife, gradually explaining why he takes the unusual offer to work with Hollis. The dialogue contains an overall tone of dark humor that carries through the narrative from the emotional episodes between Stu and his wife to Detective Rossi's balancing act of duty and politics with the top brass. What stands out in Fractured is how Melby skillfully blends clever wordplay in the dialogue, beautifully crafted musical lyrics, and strategically placed clues with an engaging investigative subplot. This storytelling approach creates a realistic narrative that immerses thriller enthusiasts in an adventure with clues requiring an analytic mind to piece them together. I enjoyed reading this fascinating novel and look forward to more from such a talented author.

Stewart (Stu) Harvey, a well-known and best-selling novelist, is facing a challenging time due to recently dropped sales and his wife's upcoming pregnancy, which complicates his efforts to address financial difficulties. Simon Hollis, a popular, award-winning country musician and convicted mass murderer, has recently had his verdict overturned, releasing him from prison after serving 20 years. Stu's agent works a deal to get him and Stu back in the money—write Simon's biography. Stu, skeptical, reluctantly accepts the deal and Simon's invitation to stay at his mansion to gather impressions and facts to write the autobiography. And then... all hell breaks loose.

It's been a long time since I last read a suspense, detective/murder thriller, and even longer since I read a novel in that category in one sitting. But I simply couldn't put the book down. Jason Melby skillfully weaves a suspenseful story with multiple plot lines, some of which seem to come out of "left field" but, in the course of events, blend in with the primary story perfectly. Whether a lead, supporting, or one-time-on-stage character, every character is realistic and true to life in their roles. I am a firm believer in verisimilitude (a sense of reality). Conversely, I am also critical of scenes that don't come across as realistic or true to form. Melby comes through with flying colors in all facets of the story. I admire and look for realism, and there's plenty of that in Fractured.

Fractured by Jason Melby is a well-written thriller novel that follows the life of Stu Harvey, a novelist who is struggling emotionally after the death of his stillborn daughter. As a way to recover emotionally and financially, he decides to take a high-paying job from Simon Hollis, which will require him to document his life story. After spending more than twenty years behind bars, Simon Hollis is released by the court, who proclaim him innocent after the result of a DNA test. Harvey moves into Hollis's mansion to begin work and starts to discover strange things like a secret tunnel, a buried skull, and rosary beads that belonged to a missing driver named Jared Finley. After new cases of murder are discovered after his release, Harvey begins to suspect that Hollis, whom he is working for, might not be as innocent as the court believes.

What I loved most about this book was the tension that never stops building up. The way mysteries unfolded and pieces connected kept me really engaged and made it hard to put down. I loved how Melby went deep into the minds of both Stu and Hollis. Stu's grief and emotional struggles made him an easy target. Even though he was a good person, he was weak enough to be tricked and framed. The character development in this book was top-notch, and the way Melby helped in building both the secondary characters made this book both grounded and rich in detail. There were lots of plot twists in the narrative, and the pacing was seamless. Fractured by Jason Melby left me wondering whether redemption is truly possible; Hollis had a chance to change but decided to follow a dark path. The book is very unpredictable and shows evil can spread like a disease in anyone who feels wronged, making the world a scary place. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thriller novels with strong characters and plot twists.

Jason Melby's Fractured is a gripping dark tale featuring crime author Stu Harvey and exonerated serial killer Simon Hollis. Stu has endured a second tragedy in his marriage, and his writings are no longer as popular. New DNA evidence has been discovered, proving the country singer was unfairly imprisoned for over 20 years. His publishing agent persuades Stu to write a biography of Hollis, promising easy money and renewed fame. Stu nervously agrees and is invited to stay at Hollis' luxurious property. But is the talented and personable Hollis truly innocent? After all, DNA does not lie. A succession of calamitous circumstances reveals cruel torment to innocent casualties. What is the link between the abductions and torturous killings of the different victims?

Fractured by Jason Melby is a dark and suspenseful murder thriller. From the start, the plot is fascinating, with a gripping storyline and featuring a diverse ensemble of characters. The reader connects with a damaged, heartbroken Stu who is working hard on his career. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the villain's warped activities take the plot on a wild ride. The intriguing, multifaceted parallel storyline maintains tension throughout each chapter, with surprising turns and a dramatic finale that comes as a surprise. This novel explores topics such as the fight against evil, horror, the human mind, suspense, and murder. Fractured is a mind-blowing thriller with excellent graphic details that add to the action. Fans of dark crime novels who are fascinated by the psychology of serial killers will find the story a riveting page-turner.