A tense, politically charged V.I. Warshawski mystery that explores truth, media, and power in modern Chicago.
When several high-profile women in Chicago fall under attack—including a prominent television pundit—private investigator V.I. Warshawski finds herself pulled into a world of media spin, political manipulation, and deadly secrets. What begins as a search for missing persons becomes a fight for justice against those who will stop at nothing to control the story—and the truth.
In Breakdown, Sara Paretsky’s legendary detective V.I. Warshawski faces one of her most challenging cases yet—a tangled mystery that cuts across journalism, politics, and family loyalty. When a group of teenage girls performing a cemetery ritual stumble upon a corpse, V.I. is drawn into a case linking Chicago’s elite to scandal, superstition, and murder.
As tensions rise, V.I. must navigate her own beliefs about faith and power while protecting the innocent from the fallout of greed and ambition. Paretsky masterfully blends crime, conscience, and commentary, offering a fast-paced and emotionally resonant story that reflects both the city’s grit and its soul.
A must-read for fans of strong female leads and Chicago-set mysteries, Breakdown proves once again why V.I. Warshawski stands as one of crime fiction’s most enduring heroines.
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A thought-provoking thriller tackling media, politics, and morality.
Features V.I. Warshawski at her most complex and courageous.
Paretsky’s sharp writing balances suspense with social awareness.
Set in the heart of Chicago with vivid urban atmosphere.
Smart, feminist crime fiction with emotional and intellectual depth.
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Sue Grafton, Laura Lippman, and Michael Connelly.
Readers who love socially relevant mysteries with strong heroines.
Chicago crime fiction collectors.
Book clubs seeking thrillers with moral and political edge.
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed Breakdown, you might also like:
Critical Mass by Sara Paretsky — another bold, investigative V.I. Warshawski case.
What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman — a gripping, character-driven mystery.
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly — courtroom and crime collide.