Broken Oaths by Patricia Marques – Book review

During a remote meeting, a Portuguese official watches from Lisbon as his colleague, Emanuel Francisco, a diplomat based in London’s Portuguese embassy, dies of what looks to be a heart attack. When no one comes into the room to Francisco’s aid, he tries frantically to contact the consulate to get immediate help.No one picks up.When local police finally arrive hours later, they walk into a disturbingly silent and horrific scene. Everyone inside the building is dead.Inspector Isabel Reis, a Gifted Inspector with Portugal’s PolÍcia Judiciária, has developed a reputation for closing sensitive cases involving powerful people. When the gravity of what has happened in London is revealed, she’s called up to assist the Met’s CID in the investigation.Two things quickly become very this was a mass killing, and only one person escaped. The person the embassy was secretly protecting within its walls.Now Isabel must quiet her turbulent mind and come face to face with a killer more ruthless than she has ever seen before . . . The answers lie with the sole survivor.

Publication date 23 May 24

Review

Here is my review of third Isabel Reiss  by Patricia Marques- Broken Oaths

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

This crime mystery with a touch of sci-fi has fast paced plot with truly tense scenes. The action moves from Isabel’s native Portugal, where she has a status of a ‘Gifted’ detective with a reputation for dealing with ard cases and where the Gifted are tolerated to London where the Gifted have all but disappeared. Isabel has to work with the local met to solve a politically sensitive murder that could have been committed by someone who is Gifted.

Isabel continues to grow, and it was interesting to see her in a new environment, her Gift appears to be getting stronger and she is still dealing with the aftermath of Gabriel. I found myself silently cheering when she finally snaps at the lack of support given to the investigation.

The book explored the consequences of the abuse of power and vulnerability od marginalised people but never in a judgy way or at the expense of the plot.

You don’t need to read the other books in the series to follow the story but it will enhance your enjoyment of you do

Content warning

References to sexual assault, references to racism.

Perfect for fans of

Crime thrillers with a touch of sci fi eg In a Blink of An Eye ( review here) or The Colours of Death by Patricia Marques ( review here)