Jean, a professional housesitter, has just been given notice that once she completes her latest assignment, she'll be retired. Not happy about the news, she begins moving about the house with a fistful of keys, unlocking forbidden doors and taking ownership of the place.

Due to unusual circumstances, Michael, a thief, and Steph, an abused pregnant woman, end up on Jean's doorstep and take up residence, not knowing that the living arrangements are only temporary. Once the truth is known, the three of them set out to assume the identities of the true owners and scheme about ways to keep out the real world. When someone from Michael's past intrudes upon their sanctuary, the action they take results in tragedy.

This novel carries the same amount of suspense as Joss' Sara Selkirk murder mysteries. She creates very believable and intriguing characters and provides many plot twists throughout the story. Although it had a slow beginning, once the plot unfolded and the suspense took over, HALF BROKEN THINGS was extremely difficult to put down.