One of the best parts about my job reviewing books and products is the fact that I get to read and preview books before they hit the stands. I especially love it when I find brand new authors that write exciting novels right off the bat.
I’m so excited to share with you this murder mystery, loaded with police procedural detail. This author is going to make a mark on the literary world. Here are my thoughts.
Too Close to Breathe by Oilvia Kiernan
Publisher: Dutton (April 3, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-1524742614
ABOUT:
Olivia Kiernan’s tautly written debut novel immerses readers in a chilling murder case . . . and the tantalizing, enigmatic victim at the center of it all.
In a quiet Dublin suburb, within her pristine home, Eleanor Costello is found hanging from a rope.
Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan would be more than happy to declare it a suicide. Four months ago, Frankie’s pursuit of a killer almost ended her life and she isn’t keen on investigating another homicide. But the autopsy reveals poorly healed bones and old stab wounds, absent from medical records. A new cut is carefully, deliberately covered in paint. Eleanor’s husband, Peter, is unreachable, missing. A search of the couple’s home reveals only two signs of personality: a much-loved book on art and a laptop with access to the Dark Web.
With the suspect pool growing, the carefully crafted profile of the victim crumbling with each new lead, and mysterious calls to Frankie’s phone implying that the killer is closer than anyone would like, all Frankie knows is that Eleanor guarded her secrets as closely in life as she does in death.
As the investigation grows more challenging, Frankie can’t help but feel that something doesn’t fit. And when another woman is found murdered, the same paint on her corpse, Frankie knows that unraveling Eleanor’s life is the only way to find the murderer before he claims another victim . . . or finishes the fate Frankie only just managed to escape.
Engrossing, complex, and atmospheric, Olivia Kiernan’s debut novel will leave readers breathless.
Review of Too Close to Breathe by Oilvia Kiernan
A brand new author has just blown the socks off of the police procedural crime fiction genre and I am excited to be chosen to review this baby!
I have to say, this book does have some quirks to it. The author chose a unique manner to develop her main character, Detective Frankie Sheehan. Many times, in the first few chapters, you may think perhaps you were reading another book in a series.
However, we are getting flashbacks to another case along with hints of insight and gut feelings that many detectives craft over time. While at first this was a tad confusing, it also allowed telling signs and hints of what is to come and became a very important part of the story.
What I love about this book is that the author created a crime fiction murder mystery chock full of bits and pieces that add up over time. Interesting clues and minute details that stumped the investigation, wound around questionable suspects, and was even going to be axed at the end.
Using shades of the dark web, creepy feelings, and some grizzly detail, the author finally brought a surprising conclusion. With brilliant writing and impeccable characters that have secrets many layers deep, Too Close to Breathe by Oilvia Kiernan is wonderful representation of murder mystery at its finest.
This is definitely a writer that does her research, has the twisted mind needed for crime fiction, plus the ability to describe it in a fashion that will allow her to make her mark in literary fame. Fast paced and very well done! Don’t miss it!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free book so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.
