I am a Karin Slaughter fan, and have read all her books. Her books are not exactly a series, but many of the characters do overlap and appear in multiple books.

In an earlier story line, Jeffrey and Sara are divorced; however, they reconcile and then he is later killed. Thus, he is both her ex-husband at one point in the books, and they are reconciled and happy when he is killed in another book.

Lena has a presence in a few books, and her actions in earlier books make her less sympathetic. I think she is a woman damaged by her history and upbringing, who continues to make poor choices that are dangerous to those around her.

Slaughter focuses a lot on people who are challenged by their personal histories and how they either overcome or succumb to their flaws. I enjoy her books because they are not predictable (at least to me!) and are also set in Georgia (where I live). Sometimes a bit gory and horrific, but I am still addicted to her stories :)

Interesting, Sugar-Plum, and very helpful--thanks!

Unless I missed it (I read the book mostly in bed before going to sleep), it isn't mentioned in Broken that there was a divorce and reconciliation. I remember the passage about how Sara and Jeffrey met and fell in love, but maybe I'm not remembering it accurately.

I usually skip over the gore. This is fairly easy to do with books--not so easy with audio books. I used to listen to Tess Gerritsen's books on my way to and from work. Those presented a gore challenge! I got a little weary of her concept of evil, but may give them another try at some point.

It's cool to read about a setting close to home. I enjoy mysteries set in NYC for that reason, and would be happy to find something set in rural PA.

That is an interesting point -- because I have read all of the books, mostly in order, I know the history of Sara & Jeffrey's relationship. So, if it wasn't outlined in 'Broken', I would not have noticed the omission. However, it does make it hard for the book to stand alone for new Slaughter readers.

I sometimes have trouble with audio books for the same reason! I can easily skim over lengthy blood and guts descriptions when reading, not so much with audio books. Also, I get irritated with the narrator's voice / accent doesn't match my mental image of the character. I still love audio books for the lengthy solo car trips I make several times per year.

Karin's series is a little scattered. Broken is one of her later books so you've missed some character development.

Look at her bibliography at Wikipedia and start with the Grant County series. Move into the Atlanta series and then pop back to the Georgia series. It will make more sense then.

She does get a bit graphic at times.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wikipedia - Karin Slaughter

Thanks for the link, Dee. She looks different in that picture. I ordered a used copy of Fallen, the book that follows Broken, because I got hooked on the excerpt I read at the end. (Just what the publisher intended.) For the rest, I'll start by hunting for them at my libraries' ongoing used book sales. I had some other issues with Broken, but I know I'll want to read more.

Sugar-Plum, the narrator's voice is important to me too. I took three audio books out of the library for a drive to New Haven (3.5 hours) last month, and ended up returning all three "unread." I had separate issues with each, but the narrators voices figured into my decision on two of them. On the other hand, some narrators are so good that I've been known to choose an audio book on that basis alone.