30 May Review: “All of Us Are Broken” by Fiona Cummins

I picked up “All of Us Are Broken” because, well, sometimes you just need a good thriller to sink your teeth into. I read it mostly curled up on my couch over a couple of stormy weekends—perfect weather for a chilling crime novel, right? With a title like that, it promised some deep, dark psychological twists, and I was curious if it could deliver.

What’s it about?

The story centers around the Rowe family, who are trying to piece their lives back together after a series of traumatic events. They’re off on a road trip to escape the shadows of their past, seeking some semblance of normalcy. But, because this is a thriller, nothing goes as planned.

Their journey takes a dark turn when they cross paths with a pair of killers, Sunny and Nicky, who are on their own destructive path. Detective Saul Anguish, who’s had his own share of appearances in Cummins’ previous books, is on their trail. The plot weaves together the Rowe family’s desperate bid for safety and the relentless pursuit of the killers, creating a tense, edge-of-your-seat narrative. The big draw here is how Cummins explores the psyche of both the victims and the perpetrators, making you question the thin line between sanity and madness.

What This Chick Thinks

Okay, let’s get into it. I’m giving this one a solid 7 out of 10. Here’s why:

First off, Cummins knows how to write suspense. The pacing was spot on, with enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling like a rollercoaster ride gone off the rails. The alternating perspectives between the Rowe family, the killers, and Detective Anguish were handled well, giving a rounded view of the chaos unfolding.

Character-wise, I was really drawn to the Rowe family. Their fragility and determination to find peace were palpable. You can’t help but root for them, especially given how relatable their struggles feel. On the flip side, Sunny and Nicky are the kind of villains that send shivers down your spine—complex, menacing, but not entirely devoid of humanity. It’s that touch of realism that makes them so unnerving.

However, while the characters and suspense were strong, there were moments where the plot felt a tad predictable. Some of the “big reveals” didn’t hit as hard because I saw them coming. Also, there were points where the narrative dipped into melodrama, which pulled me out of the story a bit.

Overall, the emotional depth of the characters and the intense, atmospheric writing kept me hooked, even if it wasn’t a flawless ride from start to finish.

Final thoughts

“All of Us Are Broken” is a gripping thriller that delves into the fractured lives of its characters with chilling precision. Fiona Cummins does an excellent job of balancing suspense with emotional depth, making this a compelling read despite some predictable moments. If you’re into thrillers that explore the human psyche and enjoy a mix of familial drama and criminal pursuit, you’ll likely enjoy this one. A solid 7 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

1. “The Couple Next Door” by Shari Lapena – For its intense domestic drama and suspenseful plot twists.
2. “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn – If you’re into dark psychological thrillers with deeply flawed characters.
3. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides – For its gripping narrative and exploration of complex psychological themes.