Helpful Score: 1
"Try Not to Breathe" is a solid debut that, like every other psychological thriller published this year, will likely be marketed to readers of The Girl on the Train. Both books feature female characters with drinking problems, and the authors of both books live in England..... oh wait, Holly Seddon moved to Amsterdam, so there!
The story focuses on Alex Dale, a former reporter who lost her job, husband and self-esteem to alcohol. While researching a freelance article about persistent vegetative states, she happens upon Amy Stevenson, who has been in that condition since a brutal rape and assault. Alex remembers the case as Amy was her age and grew up near her. The person responsible for Amy's condition was never caught, and Alex comes to see solving the mystery of Amy's assault as her chance for redemption.
Each chapter focuses on a specific character's story, and is identified by the name of that character and the date the events took place. This format allows for a few neat surprises as the relationships between the characters unfold.
Although I did want to see what happened next, the book was not suspenseful enough to keep me reading past my bedtime. I thought that the "who" of the whodunnit was somewhat weak. The writing and story were clever enough that I plan to read what Holly Seddon publishes next.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story focuses on Alex Dale, a former reporter who lost her job, husband and self-esteem to alcohol. While researching a freelance article about persistent vegetative states, she happens upon Amy Stevenson, who has been in that condition since a brutal rape and assault. Alex remembers the case as Amy was her age and grew up near her. The person responsible for Amy's condition was never caught, and Alex comes to see solving the mystery of Amy's assault as her chance for redemption.
Each chapter focuses on a specific character's story, and is identified by the name of that character and the date the events took place. This format allows for a few neat surprises as the relationships between the characters unfold.
Although I did want to see what happened next, the book was not suspenseful enough to keep me reading past my bedtime. I thought that the "who" of the whodunnit was somewhat weak. The writing and story were clever enough that I plan to read what Holly Seddon publishes next.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
