"The Broken Shore" is a crime novel by Australian author Peter Temple, featuring the character Detective Sergeant Joe Cashin. Set in a coastal town, the story revolves around Cashin's investigation into the murder of a local man, which uncovers deep-seated corruption and complex relationships within the community. The novel explores themes of justice, morality, and the impact of the past on the present. As Cashin delves deeper into the case, he confronts his own demons and the harsh realities of life in a small town, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read.