A Reese's Book Club Pick, New York Times bestseller, and over one million copies sold, Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is a breathtaking novel that masterfully blends literary fiction, romance, mystery, and suspense into an unforgettable story of first love, devastating secrets, and impossible choices.

Beth has built a quiet life with her kind and dependable husband, Frank. Their marriage has endured because the past has remained buried. But when a chance encounter brings Gabriel Wolfe—the man Beth loved as a teenager—back into her life, old emotions begin to resurface, threatening everything she's worked so hard to protect.

As buried memories collide with the present, long-hidden resentments and dangerous secrets begin to unravel. Then a local farmer is found dead, and everyone wants the same answer:

Who killed him?

Moving seamlessly between past and present, Broken Country is both an emotionally charged love story and a gripping mystery. Richly atmospheric and impossible to put down, this novel explores the lasting impact of first love, grief, forgiveness, and the choices that define who we become.

Perfect for readers who loved The Paper Palace and Where the Crawdads Sing, Broken Country delivers unforgettable characters, lyrical writing, and a jaw-dropping ending you won't see coming.

Why You'll Love Broken Country

• Reese's Book Club Pick
• New York Times bestseller
• Over one million copies sold
• Beautiful blend of romance and mystery
• Twisty, emotionally rich storytelling
• Atmospheric rural setting
• Complex, unforgettable characters
• Stunning ending perfect for book clubs

Tropes & Themes

• Love triangle
• First love
• Small-town secrets
• Dual timeline
• Marriage in crisis
• Murder mystery
• Family drama
• Second chances
• Grief and healing
• Literary suspense

Perfect For Fans Of

• The Paper Palace
• Where the Crawdads Sing
• Kristin Hannah
• Delia Owens
• Lucy Foley
• Liane Moriarty
• Reese's Book Club
• Literary mystery novels

Book Details

Title: Broken Country (Reese's Book Club)

Series: Standalone

Author: Clare Leslie Hall

Format: Hardcover

Genre:

• Literary Fiction
• Women's Fiction
• Mystery
• Suspense
• Contemporary Romance

Awards & Recognition:

• Reese's Book Club Pick
• New York Times Bestseller
• Over 1 Million Copies Sold

Pages:
320

Publication Date:
March 4, 2025

Dimensions:
9.2 × 6.1 × 1.2 inches

About the Author

Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist and journalist based in Dorset, England. She is the author of Broken Country, Pictures of Him, and Days You Were Mine. Known for her emotionally layered storytelling and beautifully crafted characters, Hall blends literary fiction with compelling suspense to create unforgettable reading experiences.