This was a dark, taut serial killer police procedural. The plot is complex and the twists and turns are gripping but at the same time realistic. I liked that the main detective had her own personal demons and was not some sort of super cop, like you find in some books. The whole cast of characters were great and I loved the relationships and banter between them. It is hard to find a really good crime series so I'm excited that I can add this one to my list.

I loved this book, couldn't read it fast enough. Frankie is some kinda woman that is for sure ! she's determined to the point of ludicrous and free with the Euro's of the boss's budget. I found it all pretty gripping and I genuinely had no idea who it was until the very end. Fast paced and slick I will for sure be reading the next instalment. I found the setting of Dublin just that little bit more interesting than some of the UK sites which, lets face it , are well worn. Frankie's progress up and down the coast to Bray etc was interesting and easy to place if you know the coast at all. Frankie's relationships with Baz and with her boss are all very realistic and feel comfortable - the sign of some well constructed characters all of whom I am looking forward to meeting again.

I was very lucky to be asked to read the book by NetGalley and I thank them for the opportunity. The views expressed are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley, Olivia Kiernan and Quercus for my copy of Too Close to Breathe, in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan has just returned to work after a grisly encounter with a murderer. Now she's trying to push herself back into the job while trying to manage her patience, everyone else's pity and regain her respect.
When a body is found and suspected a suicide, it's Frankie who connects the dots to establish it as a murder. Frankie and her team are then dragged into an investigation which takes them into the dark world of BDSM and the dark web.

Review

I really enjoyed this, it was very dark and definitely what would be described as 'gritty'. A deep thriller which investigates some of the more modern ways that crimes occur, with a particular focus on the dark web and the secrets it hides. A modern detective thriller without a doubt, but able to maintain the delicious thrill of the chase of old favourites. Set against the backdrop of Dublin City and the secrets which are hidden behind the facades of the town houses and inside the river Liffey, this is a page turner without a doubt.

I loved the character of Frankie, she is the perfect modern female detective in a powerful position not often held by women. Despite her attack she refuses to be seen as a victim, holding her own in a department mostly occupied by men. She's clearly a fighter and a loner she really has that won't take any rubbish (putting it politely) attitude and I'm really looking forward to exploring more of her personality in future books.

Too Close to Breathe offers a great teaser for future books to come and the development of the main character. I'm highly anticipating the next novel in this series!

Too close to breathe introduces us to Detective Frankie Sheehan. This is Frankie's first case on her return from sick leave after being the victim of a killer in her last investigation, so she is still dealing with the psychological and physical fall out.
The apparent suicide of a prominent microbiology lecturer Dr Eleanor Costello turns into a murder investigation. Another body is found and it is possible a serial killer is at large. I'm worried about giving away spoilers so will say no more of the plot.
There are many layers to this book and it makes for a very good read, an interesting and suspenseful crime thriller with an ending that was as unexpected and excellent.

Breathtakingly good.

This is a deliciously dark debut. Frankie Sheehan is a complex yet relatable character. Her words are used wisely - taking no prisoners she tells it how it is, whilst her inner narrative provides a heart-rending insight into her damaged core. Sometimes I applauded her, at other times I wanted to weep for her.

The plot is cloying, claustrophobic and everything that I wanted it to be. I found myself holding my breath for page after page as the story unfolded.

Overflowing with twists, turns and more than a dose of adrenaline this is a debut that deserves to be shouted about from the rooftops.

Thank you so much to the Publisher and to NetGalley for the advance copy. Highly recommended.

A really rather excellent crime thriller from Olivia Kiernan - with an engaging and often fascinating main protagonist, a cleverly plotted mystery and the start of a new series, so really all to the good.

I found Frankie to be a terrific anchor to the story, you feel there is a lot more to get to know about her which is always the best way to start off, the writing is beautifully immersive and the killer dark and dangerously compelling.

Plenty of twists and turns along the way but what I liked about it was they were all embedded into the plot rather than just randomly arriving, the investigative elements are very authentic feeling.

Overall a very very good read indeed. I will be reviewing this more fully closer to publication date.

Recommended highly for crime fans.