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Frankie Sheehan #1
Too Close to Breathe
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 earlier, 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.
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 earlier, 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.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2018
285 people are currently reading
3937 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Kiernan
16 books313 followersOlivia Kiernan is a writer of crime thrillers and suspense fiction. She holds an MA in Creative Writing. In the past, her work has been longlisted for the Bath and Fish Short Story Awards, the Bath Children’s Novel Award and shortlisted for the BBC Writersroom. She is author of THE END OF US, a thriller published in 2023. She has also written four novels in the critically acclaimed Detective Frankie Sheehan series. Recently, LA based Freedom Films and actor/producer Victoria Smurfit have optioned the series for TV. Kiernan’s fourth novel, The Murder Box, was released in 2021 and sees Detective Frankie Sheehan receive a murder mystery game only to discover that the fictional victim at the game’s centre bears a striking resemblance to a missing woman. On release, the Irish Independent said of The Murder Box: “A clever, original story is augmented by Kiernan’s masterful writing, credible characters, and a smashing finale”. The Daily Mail said, “The plot crackles from first page to last, and the tension never lifts until the darkest of twists brings it to a superb conclusion.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
March 22, 2018
Olivia Kiernan wites a highly disturbing police procedural featuring DCS Frankie Sheehan set in the darker side of Dublin. Frankie has returned to work after a serious attack in which Tracy Ward was murdered. She is far from recovered, afflicted by a form of PTSD, but she needs to be back at work if she is to stand any chance of emerging from her trauma. With the upcoming trial of Tracy's killer, Frankie is dealt the suicide of the beautiful controlling Eleanor Costello, a microbiologist found hanged at her clinically clean and ordered home. It doesn't take Frankie long to spot that it was murder, prompting Frankie and her police team to embark on a gruesome investigation where the lines between victim and killer become distinctly blurred.
The case takes them deep into the dark net and a website that focuses on self harm and the death experience called the Black Widow, and BDSM practices. The death of Amy Keegan, a woman whose family are known to Frankie, connects with Peter Costello, Eleanor's husband, the pair had been in a relationship. The missing Peter becomes their prime suspect, but nothing is as it seems. The police go undercover on the Black Widow site but to little avail, although they are certain the killer is a prominent visitor to the site. Frankie is minded to reassess her perception that they have Tracy Ward's killer as it seems her present case appears to connect with it. In a story where the truth proves to be singularly elusive, Frankie and her team come across the use of thallium and its only known antidote, Prussian Blue paint, a huge tide of lies, secrets and deception, human beings that reside in the darkest of spheres, and a killer who will not stop until caught.
Kiernan writes an atmospheric thriller with a flawed and emotionally damaged central character in Frankie. It is a promising debut that establishes Frankie's determined detective who lives close to the edge, undergoing devastating injuries that mark her physically and traumatise her emotionally. I imagine this is a series that will continue to be edgy and dark, given it is this novel's calling card. Some readers might find the disturbing content too much to bear. If you like dark atmospheric crime fiction, then this is likely to appeal to you. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
The case takes them deep into the dark net and a website that focuses on self harm and the death experience called the Black Widow, and BDSM practices. The death of Amy Keegan, a woman whose family are known to Frankie, connects with Peter Costello, Eleanor's husband, the pair had been in a relationship. The missing Peter becomes their prime suspect, but nothing is as it seems. The police go undercover on the Black Widow site but to little avail, although they are certain the killer is a prominent visitor to the site. Frankie is minded to reassess her perception that they have Tracy Ward's killer as it seems her present case appears to connect with it. In a story where the truth proves to be singularly elusive, Frankie and her team come across the use of thallium and its only known antidote, Prussian Blue paint, a huge tide of lies, secrets and deception, human beings that reside in the darkest of spheres, and a killer who will not stop until caught.
Kiernan writes an atmospheric thriller with a flawed and emotionally damaged central character in Frankie. It is a promising debut that establishes Frankie's determined detective who lives close to the edge, undergoing devastating injuries that mark her physically and traumatise her emotionally. I imagine this is a series that will continue to be edgy and dark, given it is this novel's calling card. Some readers might find the disturbing content too much to bear. If you like dark atmospheric crime fiction, then this is likely to appeal to you. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
March 26, 2018
For a first novel... really damn good!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
*copy received for review consideration
Full review - http://amidlifewife.com/too-close-to-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
*copy received for review consideration
Full review - http://amidlifewife.com/too-close-to-...
April 21, 2025
1.5 stars
Original English title: Too Close To Breathe
short review for busy readers:
Run-of-the-mill police procedural with all the trope trimmings. Told in the requisite thriller POV of 1st person female. Some Irish flavour, but mostly in the mentioning of place names. Prose is of a passable level, with some nice descriptive flourishes. Nothing to write home about.
in detail
Tropes:
Traumatised, gruff detective with messy personal life. Impatient, leap-before-look personality. Gets fixated on their favourite theory. Doesn't listen to or interact well with colleagues or higher ups. Morally judgemental. Arrogant about prowess/intelligence. Doesn't learn from past mistakes.
And the best one... must, must, must always rush in and confront the murderer !!! There's a knife-wielding maniac in there I have to stop! No, I can't wait for back-up! Must confront! Must confront! (Gets stabbed, in hospital forever, totally PTSD...next case...pulls the same stupid stunt. Where do they find these clowns?)
And now for the "you have GOT to be kidding me" clanger:
Even considering this novel takes place in Catholic Ireland, the sensationalistic -- and utterly wrong -- portrayal of BDSM practitioners as Dark Web freaks who have death and torture fantasies they can't wait to act out on unsuspecting lambs is not only ridiculous, it's also harmful.
It's exactly the same kind of harmful as the "kill your gays" trope, which merely reinforces the message that any alternative sexuality outside of mainstream vanilla heterosexuality is life-threatening. Get a tad kinky and some head case will murder you!
Please, leave that in the 1980s where it belongs.
Original English title: Too Close To Breathe
short review for busy readers:
Run-of-the-mill police procedural with all the trope trimmings. Told in the requisite thriller POV of 1st person female. Some Irish flavour, but mostly in the mentioning of place names. Prose is of a passable level, with some nice descriptive flourishes. Nothing to write home about.
in detail
Tropes:
Traumatised, gruff detective with messy personal life. Impatient, leap-before-look personality. Gets fixated on their favourite theory. Doesn't listen to or interact well with colleagues or higher ups. Morally judgemental. Arrogant about prowess/intelligence. Doesn't learn from past mistakes.
And the best one... must, must, must always rush in and confront the murderer !!! There's a knife-wielding maniac in there I have to stop! No, I can't wait for back-up! Must confront! Must confront! (Gets stabbed, in hospital forever, totally PTSD...next case...pulls the same stupid stunt. Where do they find these clowns?)
And now for the "you have GOT to be kidding me" clanger:
Even considering this novel takes place in Catholic Ireland, the sensationalistic -- and utterly wrong -- portrayal of BDSM practitioners as Dark Web freaks who have death and torture fantasies they can't wait to act out on unsuspecting lambs is not only ridiculous, it's also harmful.
It's exactly the same kind of harmful as the "kill your gays" trope, which merely reinforces the message that any alternative sexuality outside of mainstream vanilla heterosexuality is life-threatening. Get a tad kinky and some head case will murder you!
Please, leave that in the 1980s where it belongs.
February 1, 2023
This is the first book in a 4-book series (so far) featuring Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan and set in the Dublin area. Frankie is only recently back to work after being injured by a suspected serial killer when she's called to the scene of a probable suicide. Frankie quickly determines that it was murder, not suicide. Frankie and her team embark on an investigation which takes them deep into the dark web and the bodies start to pile up.
I'll be honest, I didn't like Frankie much. I found her quite abrasive and not very nice to her team at times. I realize she's still suffering physically from her injuries as well as from PTSD but she shouldn't take it out on her team. In spite of that I really enjoyed the story and didn't have a clue as to who was the villain which makes a little more sense when we find out who it is. The trial for the person who is charged with injuring Frankie and killing another woman is going on at the same time as this investigation so we're fed snippets of that story as well. At first I thought I had missed the first book but I guess not. Maybe there'll be a prequel?! Some of the chapters are longer than I like but it wasn't a deal-breaker. Frankie's partner Baz seems to be a nice guy but the other characters aren't all that memorable.
Thanks to my GR friend Karly for bringing this series to my attention and to the London Public Library for the loan of this book. I hope to read the others in the series sometime soon.
I'll be honest, I didn't like Frankie much. I found her quite abrasive and not very nice to her team at times. I realize she's still suffering physically from her injuries as well as from PTSD but she shouldn't take it out on her team. In spite of that I really enjoyed the story and didn't have a clue as to who was the villain which makes a little more sense when we find out who it is. The trial for the person who is charged with injuring Frankie and killing another woman is going on at the same time as this investigation so we're fed snippets of that story as well. At first I thought I had missed the first book but I guess not. Maybe there'll be a prequel?! Some of the chapters are longer than I like but it wasn't a deal-breaker. Frankie's partner Baz seems to be a nice guy but the other characters aren't all that memorable.
Thanks to my GR friend Karly for bringing this series to my attention and to the London Public Library for the loan of this book. I hope to read the others in the series sometime soon.
May 31, 2018
Olivia Kiernan shows a lot of promise in this debut and series opener, based primarily in Dublin, it features some horrifying murders. A mesmerising mixture of murder, betrayal, and secrets, this is a police procedural that I very much enjoyed. DCS Frankie Sheehan feels like a character who has her own baggage, and story to tell, I do appreciate it when the investigators in a book are fleshed out in such a way as is done here. The author does a great job of developing her characters throughout the book.
I kept guessing and each time was proved wrong, which is the ideal in a title from the crime thriller genre. It is now so hard to rise to the top of this genre as there are so many authors writing crime now. There are so many, with a lot of them being just mediocre. This is definitely above average but it didn't blow me away. I hope to see Kiernan publishing more of her work in the future.
I would like to thank Olivia Kiernan, Quercus Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
I kept guessing and each time was proved wrong, which is the ideal in a title from the crime thriller genre. It is now so hard to rise to the top of this genre as there are so many authors writing crime now. There are so many, with a lot of them being just mediocre. This is definitely above average but it didn't blow me away. I hope to see Kiernan publishing more of her work in the future.
I would like to thank Olivia Kiernan, Quercus Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
January 17, 2018
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.
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.
July 20, 2019
I do have many favourite novels, it's just something that happens to me. I expect it does to you too?
YES ONE HUNDRED PERCENT TOO CLOSE TO BREATHE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE NOVELS THAT SITS AT THE TOP OF MY LONG LIST OF FAVOURITE STORIES !
Four murders. Each may have a connection. Eleanor Costello is called Dr Costello at the university college Dublin. When Eleanor is found hanging from her bedroom ceiling at first it was classed as a suicide. Amy Keegan who was having an affair with Eleanor’s husband is had also been found dead. Two more people are found dead, but I’m not saying who. The question is why have four people all connected to each other been found dead?
Olivia Kiernan nicely has planned a page turning murderer with an excellent twist that I didn’t see coming. I can’t highly recommend enough Too Close To Breathe.
I’m fascinated with reading the first novel by a new author. I enjoy it even more when a new author uploads what writing course they did and how they planned their novel. I like discovering how authors write, do they plan it in a note book or straight to computer. Olivia’s website Oliviakiernan.com is fantastic in explaining on her blog page everything that she went through when writing Too Close To Breathe.
YES ONE HUNDRED PERCENT TOO CLOSE TO BREATHE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE NOVELS THAT SITS AT THE TOP OF MY LONG LIST OF FAVOURITE STORIES !
Four murders. Each may have a connection. Eleanor Costello is called Dr Costello at the university college Dublin. When Eleanor is found hanging from her bedroom ceiling at first it was classed as a suicide. Amy Keegan who was having an affair with Eleanor’s husband is had also been found dead. Two more people are found dead, but I’m not saying who. The question is why have four people all connected to each other been found dead?
Olivia Kiernan nicely has planned a page turning murderer with an excellent twist that I didn’t see coming. I can’t highly recommend enough Too Close To Breathe.
I’m fascinated with reading the first novel by a new author. I enjoy it even more when a new author uploads what writing course they did and how they planned their novel. I like discovering how authors write, do they plan it in a note book or straight to computer. Olivia’s website Oliviakiernan.com is fantastic in explaining on her blog page everything that she went through when writing Too Close To Breathe.
June 27, 2018
Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan returns to the job after an horrific assault and is handed a case that, on the surface, looks like a suicide. It doesn’t take long for her to determine that this is anything but a self-inflicted death.
Throughout the story, Frankie flashes back to what happened to her while answering a call for police assistance. Her plight was gradually revealed, sometimes overlapping into the current investigation. All the while, she and her team are challenged with puzzling clues that lead them down dark paths and to suspects that hit close to home for Frankie. It was tough for me to connect with her or even judge her skills as it was clear that often she was either projecting her own issues or refusing to accept truths about people she knew personally. The case, however, was extremely interesting, drawing me in slowly and building excitement. It all culminates quite nicely, entwining around the trial of the man accused of attacking Frankie.
My issues with Frankie aside (I just thought she came back to work too soon), this series has high potential as she has a strong team. I’m interested in seeing how she merited such a meteoric rise to her position and seeing her in action without the baggage she carried in this one. I really liked the narrator who seemed to capture the main character perfectly and managed a host of accents and other characters distinctively. It’s a really good story. 3.5 stars
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Throughout the story, Frankie flashes back to what happened to her while answering a call for police assistance. Her plight was gradually revealed, sometimes overlapping into the current investigation. All the while, she and her team are challenged with puzzling clues that lead them down dark paths and to suspects that hit close to home for Frankie. It was tough for me to connect with her or even judge her skills as it was clear that often she was either projecting her own issues or refusing to accept truths about people she knew personally. The case, however, was extremely interesting, drawing me in slowly and building excitement. It all culminates quite nicely, entwining around the trial of the man accused of attacking Frankie.
My issues with Frankie aside (I just thought she came back to work too soon), this series has high potential as she has a strong team. I’m interested in seeing how she merited such a meteoric rise to her position and seeing her in action without the baggage she carried in this one. I really liked the narrator who seemed to capture the main character perfectly and managed a host of accents and other characters distinctively. It’s a really good story. 3.5 stars
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
April 8, 2018
Is there anything better as an avid reader than reading an amazing debut?! Anyone that reads a lot of crime fiction, and police procedurals in particular knows that at times the genre can feel a bit repetitive, stale even, but I can honestly say that this one was far from boring, it was a fantastically strong debut, really impressive.
Frankie is the ultimate flawed lead character, I genuinely liked her and found her to be an interesting person AND her past was totally intriguing. The case she’s working seems to be a standard suicide but winds up being anything but, I always like cases where things are not as they seem at first glance and this has plenty of surprises. The involvement of the dark web was another aspect that fascinated me, it’s frightening but also extremely interesting and makes for a great addition to the plot.
Kiernan is a really strong writer, this book is being compared to Tana French and I can definitely see why. She’s one of my favorite authors and Kiernan has a similar style, so if you enjoy her books definitely add this to your TBR!
Too Close to Breathe in three words: Authentic, Dark and Solid.
Frankie is the ultimate flawed lead character, I genuinely liked her and found her to be an interesting person AND her past was totally intriguing. The case she’s working seems to be a standard suicide but winds up being anything but, I always like cases where things are not as they seem at first glance and this has plenty of surprises. The involvement of the dark web was another aspect that fascinated me, it’s frightening but also extremely interesting and makes for a great addition to the plot.
Kiernan is a really strong writer, this book is being compared to Tana French and I can definitely see why. She’s one of my favorite authors and Kiernan has a similar style, so if you enjoy her books definitely add this to your TBR!
Too Close to Breathe in three words: Authentic, Dark and Solid.
April 3, 2018
There's just something about a flawed protagonist that I just love. Frankie is certainly that. After dealing with a horrible experience from her past case, she's back and what should be a run of the mill suicide case turns into a murder case that puts her right back into the danger she was hoping to avoid coming back into the force.
A solid debut series but doesn't really give you anything different from most procedurals out there. The author does showcase PTSD and the lasting effects of a traumatic event and how it impacts every part of a person's life. And I do love the mention and incorporation of anything dark web. I'm so curious about this, by the way. Does it really exist? (I'm sure it does.) Would I ever be curious enough to go delving in? (Doubtful... very doubtful!) The book does provide solid detective work over some out of the ordinary solving of a case that we tend to see and I appreciate the authenticity of this.
I will say that while I enjoyed the story line, I did feel that it dragged in some places and the incorporation of Frankie's past could have been a bit more seamless. For a minute I was confused on whether I was reading about a new victim and where that came from... and then it began to make more sense.... and then it got darker and I DO LIKE DARK. Frankie has been through the wringer and I fear for her safety for any future entanglements that may come with other cases.
Lovers of police procedurals will be drawn to this new series. Let's see where the author takes Frankie on her journey, shall we?
Thank you to Dutton books for this copy! :)
A solid debut series but doesn't really give you anything different from most procedurals out there. The author does showcase PTSD and the lasting effects of a traumatic event and how it impacts every part of a person's life. And I do love the mention and incorporation of anything dark web. I'm so curious about this, by the way. Does it really exist? (I'm sure it does.) Would I ever be curious enough to go delving in? (Doubtful... very doubtful!) The book does provide solid detective work over some out of the ordinary solving of a case that we tend to see and I appreciate the authenticity of this.
I will say that while I enjoyed the story line, I did feel that it dragged in some places and the incorporation of Frankie's past could have been a bit more seamless. For a minute I was confused on whether I was reading about a new victim and where that came from... and then it began to make more sense.... and then it got darker and I DO LIKE DARK. Frankie has been through the wringer and I fear for her safety for any future entanglements that may come with other cases.
Lovers of police procedurals will be drawn to this new series. Let's see where the author takes Frankie on her journey, shall we?
Thank you to Dutton books for this copy! :)
April 17, 2018
3.75 stars Thanks to Dutton Books and Penguin's First to Read for a chance to review this ARC. Published April 5, 2018
This is a debut novel and the first of a new detective series that takes place in Ireland.
The main protagonist is Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan - a female detective. She has just returned to work from an on the job injury having been stabbed in the face after going into a crime scene alone - refusing to wait for back up. No sooner is she back to work than she is handed a crime to solve. The hanging death of a well known and well liked female college professor. Before the case is over, three people are dead, Sheehan's home town is drug into the fray, and the Dark Web and bondage have entered the case. Furthermore, she has testified in court and let off the man who had previously stabbed her. Sheehan sees a connection between the two cases.
For a debut novel I felt that Kiernan did a really good job of keeping you in suspense. I thought about half way through that I had detected the 'killer'. I must admit I wasn't even close. This is a short novel and that helped to keep the writing tight, yet propel it along. For a detective novel and mystery I felt that Kiernan kept the characters to a minimum, and introduced them slowly, therefore letting the reader build a better rapport with each one. This is a series that I will follow up on and I can foresee Kiernan making her name well known in this genre.
This is a debut novel and the first of a new detective series that takes place in Ireland.
The main protagonist is Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan - a female detective. She has just returned to work from an on the job injury having been stabbed in the face after going into a crime scene alone - refusing to wait for back up. No sooner is she back to work than she is handed a crime to solve. The hanging death of a well known and well liked female college professor. Before the case is over, three people are dead, Sheehan's home town is drug into the fray, and the Dark Web and bondage have entered the case. Furthermore, she has testified in court and let off the man who had previously stabbed her. Sheehan sees a connection between the two cases.
For a debut novel I felt that Kiernan did a really good job of keeping you in suspense. I thought about half way through that I had detected the 'killer'. I must admit I wasn't even close. This is a short novel and that helped to keep the writing tight, yet propel it along. For a detective novel and mystery I felt that Kiernan kept the characters to a minimum, and introduced them slowly, therefore letting the reader build a better rapport with each one. This is a series that I will follow up on and I can foresee Kiernan making her name well known in this genre.
April 24, 2018
This is the first of a series, featuring Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan. Frankie was injured during her last case and is obviously still feeling traumatised by the events; especially as she has to deal with the forthcoming case in Court. However, she will have little time to dwell on events, as a new case is about to take over her thoughts, and her time.
Dr Eleanor Costello was a successful, and focused, academic microbiologist. Found hanging at her home, her death initially seems to be a suicide, but turns out to be murder. Before long, Frankie and Detective Baz Harwood, are in the midst of a disturbing investigation, which features the Dark Web and a site called, ‘Black Widow.’ There are those who flirt with danger, who wish to experience death; and you really have a sense of the underbelly of the internet, with dark chat rooms that target the young and vulnerable.
Although this was a promising debut novel, I must admit that I was not overwhelmed by it. However, one of the things that I did like was the way the author makes it clear how those in the police force, who undertake to protect the public, are affected by the cases they investigate. With Frankie, who finds that this case touches on people, and places, she knew as a child, this is even more apparent. Overall, a good start to a series with an interesting central character. Rated 3.5.
Dr Eleanor Costello was a successful, and focused, academic microbiologist. Found hanging at her home, her death initially seems to be a suicide, but turns out to be murder. Before long, Frankie and Detective Baz Harwood, are in the midst of a disturbing investigation, which features the Dark Web and a site called, ‘Black Widow.’ There are those who flirt with danger, who wish to experience death; and you really have a sense of the underbelly of the internet, with dark chat rooms that target the young and vulnerable.
Although this was a promising debut novel, I must admit that I was not overwhelmed by it. However, one of the things that I did like was the way the author makes it clear how those in the police force, who undertake to protect the public, are affected by the cases they investigate. With Frankie, who finds that this case touches on people, and places, she knew as a child, this is even more apparent. Overall, a good start to a series with an interesting central character. Rated 3.5.
April 9, 2018
With all of the dozens of books about police chasing serial killers, here's one that actually does it right. Kiernan offers us a book that is tough to put down and easy to finish in one day. It feels authentic, realistic, honest. There's nothing over-the-top or cartoonish about it. Frankie Sheehan rings true as a character and her investigation feels right, chasing dead ends, false leads, clues, and answers that are just out of reach. Very well-written. Thanks to Penguin for providing a copy for review.
April 9, 2018
"A smile can hide many secrets."
2.5⭐
Too Close to Breathe has a very interesting premise - a profiler realizes that the suicide she was looking into was actually a murder, and then chaos ensues.
Unfortunately, the way the story was told was not for me. I was frustrated by Too Close to Breathe. It was very slow-paced, and I don't feel like the ending was worth the wait. A ton of characters are introduced in this novel (it's the first book in a series), and it makes everything get convoluted. It became difficult to keep track of who was who.
This story is written like there's a previous book - a past case is mentioned constantly, and the trial for that case is ongoing throughout the novel. There was an attempt to try to pack way too much in to such a short book. I wasn't a fan of being introduced to characters/additional victims from a former case mid-story. A lot of emphasis was put on a case we know nothing about.
There were random parts thrown in where the narrator keeps talking about her bonsai tree. I think it was supposed to be a metaphor for the main character (maybe), but after a while, I just started getting irritated whenever it was brought up. If it wasn't supposed to be a metaphor, then this main character really loves her plant for no reason.
The thing that I had the biggest issue with was the kink-shaming. It's 2018, and I think it's probably time for everyone to accept that someone's enjoyment of BDSM doesn't make them a bad person. I feel like we were supposed to be supportive of the main character, but she was a pretty judgmental protagonist. This is just a very tired route to go down - BDSM is not a villainous hobby.
I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short for me. I don't feel like it brought anything new to the table for procedurals, and I most likely won't be reading the second one. We'll see.
Thank you so much to Dutton for sending this book in exchange for an honest review.
2.5⭐
Too Close to Breathe has a very interesting premise - a profiler realizes that the suicide she was looking into was actually a murder, and then chaos ensues.
Unfortunately, the way the story was told was not for me. I was frustrated by Too Close to Breathe. It was very slow-paced, and I don't feel like the ending was worth the wait. A ton of characters are introduced in this novel (it's the first book in a series), and it makes everything get convoluted. It became difficult to keep track of who was who.
This story is written like there's a previous book - a past case is mentioned constantly, and the trial for that case is ongoing throughout the novel. There was an attempt to try to pack way too much in to such a short book. I wasn't a fan of being introduced to characters/additional victims from a former case mid-story. A lot of emphasis was put on a case we know nothing about.
There were random parts thrown in where the narrator keeps talking about her bonsai tree. I think it was supposed to be a metaphor for the main character (maybe), but after a while, I just started getting irritated whenever it was brought up. If it wasn't supposed to be a metaphor, then this main character really loves her plant for no reason.
The thing that I had the biggest issue with was the kink-shaming. It's 2018, and I think it's probably time for everyone to accept that someone's enjoyment of BDSM doesn't make them a bad person. I feel like we were supposed to be supportive of the main character, but she was a pretty judgmental protagonist. This is just a very tired route to go down - BDSM is not a villainous hobby.
I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short for me. I don't feel like it brought anything new to the table for procedurals, and I most likely won't be reading the second one. We'll see.
Thank you so much to Dutton for sending this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2019
Too Close to Breathe by Olivia Kiernan is a dark, intense, and addicting debut. I'm so glad I stumbled on this atmospheric suspenseful crime thriller at the library - a patron had just read it and totally sold me on it. I loved diving down the intricate rabbit hole of the central mystery. There are so many tantalizingly clever twists and turns to wrap your head around. The story is tightly plotted enough that the reveals don't feel like they come entirely left field, but the author still managed to surprise me. As much as I enjoyed the mystery itself, I also liked getting to know our lead, Detective Frankie Sheehan as well. While her character is quite flawed and damaged, she's also incredibly determined to get the job done. Like I said above, I'm glad I took a chance on Too Close to Breathe because this could be a new favorite dark and edgy mystery series.
April 4, 2018
This is a great start to a new series.
A body is found hanging and at first it seems to be suicide but several things point to someone else being involved in the death.
Frankie is asked to investigate and soon another body is discovered burning on a bonfire.
Frankie and her team have their suspicions but keep coming up against a brick wall. Frankie is recovering from a nasty attack during a previous case and gradually throughout the book, we learn what happened to her.
There are some disturbing discoveries on the dark web and Frankie has to join a chat room to try and get into the mind of people who are trying to find out what death is like.
It seems that all the victims are linked somehow and there’s a real race against time at the end to save lives.
This is a really good read and I look forward to reading more of this series.
Thanks to Riverrun/Quercus and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
A body is found hanging and at first it seems to be suicide but several things point to someone else being involved in the death.
Frankie is asked to investigate and soon another body is discovered burning on a bonfire.
Frankie and her team have their suspicions but keep coming up against a brick wall. Frankie is recovering from a nasty attack during a previous case and gradually throughout the book, we learn what happened to her.
There are some disturbing discoveries on the dark web and Frankie has to join a chat room to try and get into the mind of people who are trying to find out what death is like.
It seems that all the victims are linked somehow and there’s a real race against time at the end to save lives.
This is a really good read and I look forward to reading more of this series.
Thanks to Riverrun/Quercus and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
June 7, 2020
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2018; Penguin Group/Dutton
I liked this novel, but at times I did find the story a bit slow. Frankie Sheehan has great potential for a flawed character, but still just remains sort of an interesting character. Frankie returns to the police force too soon, and finds herself a bit over her head. As this is a debut book, and I can see the series getting better, I rated it 3.5 stars and will read the next book.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2018; Penguin Group/Dutton
I liked this novel, but at times I did find the story a bit slow. Frankie Sheehan has great potential for a flawed character, but still just remains sort of an interesting character. Frankie returns to the police force too soon, and finds herself a bit over her head. As this is a debut book, and I can see the series getting better, I rated it 3.5 stars and will read the next book.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
June 14, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A woman is found dead, strangled to death. There is a video of it happening in a blue room. An Irish detective has to find the culprit, despite PTSD.
A little slow, but not bad at all.
A woman is found dead, strangled to death. There is a video of it happening in a blue room. An Irish detective has to find the culprit, despite PTSD.
A little slow, but not bad at all.
September 3, 2018
A graphic serial killer book set in Ireland. Great story and interesting characters. Looking forward to reading more in this series. Fantastic narrator as well!!
April 2, 2018
The cover of Too Close To Breathe blew me away as did the publicity campaign that accompanied my paperback ARC. So it was with great excitement that I started to read it. But to be honest after reading the first few pages I was a bit confused! Had I missed something? I thought I was reading a debut but it read like I had missed the first book in series! Once I realised I hadn’t and that what had happened to DCS Frankie Sheehan hadn’t been shared previously then I began to relax into the plot more. So I will say that if you find the beginning a little slow and confusing then please do stick with it as I promise you that once you get sucked into this gripping police procedural you are not going to want to let it go.
When Dr Eleanor Costello is found hanging in her bedroom after a suspected suicide, it doesn’t take long for the local profiler Frankie Sheehan to notice some inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Sheehan is just back at work following an “incident” that has happened to her recently. This incident is not fully referred to but we know it’s related to a past case. Once more details come out about Eleanor, Sheehan realises she is chasing a clever killer who has possibly killed before and may not yet be finished.
After my shaky start to Too Close To Breathe I became completely enthralled by Frankie Sheehan and her attempt to solve this case. This is a fast paced “proper” police procedural that will appeal to fans of writers of Tana French (who is a favourite writer of mine) and it compares very favourably indeed. The Dublin based setting provided an atmospheric background to the dark and gritty storyline which also contained some very disturbing scenes. This certainly isn’t a book for the faint hearted with its descriptive autopsy and murder scenes plus the seedy forays into the world of BDSM and the Dark Web. But I relished every little clue when it came and stored it away with the others although I still didn’t manage to put them all together to solve the case myself.
This is such a clever and intelligently put together thriller that is full of untrustworthy, flawed characters who made my skin crawl at times. But as all the threads came together at the end it was surprising how loath I was to say goodbye to them all. This is definitely an example of a book that gets better the more you read of it and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I’m desperate now to meet DCS Sheehan again in the future as this is one series that could become a top favourite of mine! Highly recommended by me!
When Dr Eleanor Costello is found hanging in her bedroom after a suspected suicide, it doesn’t take long for the local profiler Frankie Sheehan to notice some inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Sheehan is just back at work following an “incident” that has happened to her recently. This incident is not fully referred to but we know it’s related to a past case. Once more details come out about Eleanor, Sheehan realises she is chasing a clever killer who has possibly killed before and may not yet be finished.
After my shaky start to Too Close To Breathe I became completely enthralled by Frankie Sheehan and her attempt to solve this case. This is a fast paced “proper” police procedural that will appeal to fans of writers of Tana French (who is a favourite writer of mine) and it compares very favourably indeed. The Dublin based setting provided an atmospheric background to the dark and gritty storyline which also contained some very disturbing scenes. This certainly isn’t a book for the faint hearted with its descriptive autopsy and murder scenes plus the seedy forays into the world of BDSM and the Dark Web. But I relished every little clue when it came and stored it away with the others although I still didn’t manage to put them all together to solve the case myself.
This is such a clever and intelligently put together thriller that is full of untrustworthy, flawed characters who made my skin crawl at times. But as all the threads came together at the end it was surprising how loath I was to say goodbye to them all. This is definitely an example of a book that gets better the more you read of it and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I’m desperate now to meet DCS Sheehan again in the future as this is one series that could become a top favourite of mine! Highly recommended by me!
March 23, 2018
Despite my love of thrillers, one subgenre that I tend to stay away from is the police procedural - I'm just not a big fan of storytelling that relies heavily on a set formula. But I decided to pick up Too Close to Breathe anyway, because you know me, I'll read anything if it's Irish.
And I mostly really enjoyed this. I think part of it is that it's been so long since I read a police procedural that I was ready for a foray back into the genre. It's still not my favorite type of thriller, and I probably won't pick up another one any time soon, but I think I'll check out the next book in Olivia Kiernan's series whenever it's published. The plotting in Too Close to Breathe was intricate, the subject matter was darker than dark but not particularly gratuitous, the characters were compelling, and the writing was mostly really solid (except for one dialogue which actually involved the line "Blah! I don't go in for that kind of mumbo jumbo." but I guess we can't have everything). This book also made me really want a bonsai tree (or more accurately reawakened my desire to own a bonsai tree - this has been an ongoing Thing for me), so all in all I'd say it was a success.
I do have some qualms - I found that there were a couple of gargantuan leaps in logic, mostly involving the way the detectives profile the killer (at one point a man tries to stab a woman but she gets away, so they deduce from practically zero information that he's probably married and that he has a fetish for mutilating women and since this attempt went awry he'll most likely try again... what???), and certain details behind the legal proceedings were a little far fetched, but oh well, maybe I couldn't entirely suspend my disbelief, but I don't know, sometimes I find nitpicking to be so tedious. I raced through this book, especially the second half - it's undeniably engaging and entertaining and that's pretty much all I could ask for.
I also really loved Frankie's character, which is the main reason I'm interested in continuing this series. I'm a huge fan of flawed female characters, and Frankie's tragic backstory was less a tragic backstory than one traumatic event that happened a few months back, and I like that Too Close to Breathe begins when Frankie's still in the middle of dealing with the aftermath. Overall, a promising start to what I hope ends up being an interesting series that will inevitably draw comparisons to Tana French - definitely worth a read if you're a fan of the crime-thriller genre.
Thank you Penguin First to Read and Olivia Kiernan for the advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
And I mostly really enjoyed this. I think part of it is that it's been so long since I read a police procedural that I was ready for a foray back into the genre. It's still not my favorite type of thriller, and I probably won't pick up another one any time soon, but I think I'll check out the next book in Olivia Kiernan's series whenever it's published. The plotting in Too Close to Breathe was intricate, the subject matter was darker than dark but not particularly gratuitous, the characters were compelling, and the writing was mostly really solid (except for one dialogue which actually involved the line "Blah! I don't go in for that kind of mumbo jumbo." but I guess we can't have everything). This book also made me really want a bonsai tree (or more accurately reawakened my desire to own a bonsai tree - this has been an ongoing Thing for me), so all in all I'd say it was a success.
I do have some qualms - I found that there were a couple of gargantuan leaps in logic, mostly involving the way the detectives profile the killer (at one point a man tries to stab a woman but she gets away, so they deduce from practically zero information that he's probably married and that he has a fetish for mutilating women and since this attempt went awry he'll most likely try again... what???), and certain details behind the legal proceedings were a little far fetched, but oh well, maybe I couldn't entirely suspend my disbelief, but I don't know, sometimes I find nitpicking to be so tedious. I raced through this book, especially the second half - it's undeniably engaging and entertaining and that's pretty much all I could ask for.
I also really loved Frankie's character, which is the main reason I'm interested in continuing this series. I'm a huge fan of flawed female characters, and Frankie's tragic backstory was less a tragic backstory than one traumatic event that happened a few months back, and I like that Too Close to Breathe begins when Frankie's still in the middle of dealing with the aftermath. Overall, a promising start to what I hope ends up being an interesting series that will inevitably draw comparisons to Tana French - definitely worth a read if you're a fan of the crime-thriller genre.
Thank you Penguin First to Read and Olivia Kiernan for the advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2018
Lately I’ve been trying to branch out and read more thrillers, especially more modern thrillers. They are usually quick reads for me and I sometimes get stuck in the ‘past’ reading a bunch of historical mysteries that I think it’s 1880 rather than 2018 so, breaking things up is a good thing for me.
This one came up and it’s from an author that I have never heard of but I saw that the book was set in Dublin which I thought made the book sound different and interesting. I have also seen it compared to IN THE WOODS, I’ve not read IN THE WOODS yet, but I’ve heard great things about it and I was excited to see read something that was similar but yet uniquely it’s own and maybe a little more off the radar.
I was surprised that this was the author’s debut novel. I knew it was the first in a new series but I guess I didn’t realize it was her first novel all together. I had never heard of her but that’s not surprises since thrillers are a little new to my review genre so I just thought this was a new series, but after reading the book I was impressed by this new author’s ability to tell a twisty tale. She writes like an old pro with all kinds of interesting plot dynamics and interesting threads to hold the reader’s interest.
This had a lot of police procedural elements and it was clear that either Kiernan had a background in police work or she spent a TON of time researching everything so that she could get it right. It was seamless and felt natural so however she came about her knowledge was impressive.
The main character clearly has some deep issues with PTSD which makes her a fascinating protagonist. Frankie clearly has some things that she needs to work through but getting to do that with her as a reader keeps things interesting and adds depth to her character.
The plot itself had a lot to hold my interest. There is some graphic content in this book and some deeply disturbing elements but I think fans of the genre will enjoy how well put together this thriller is. It has an interesting lead character, a complex plot that is rich in details and darkness, but the police procedurals elements made the book for me.
I haven’t really read a lot go books within the subgenera of police procedurals so for me this book stood out because of that, however I have read a few other reviews from people who are big fans of that subgenera and they said this book didn’t bring anything new to the genre of police procedurals. So it sounds like fans of the subgenera will likely find this book just ok, but for me I found it excellent! I loved the darkness of the plot, the complexity of Frankie, and the details of the procedural. I did wish though that Dublin had been featured more in this book and that she would have capitalized on the setting and culture more.
See my full review here
This one came up and it’s from an author that I have never heard of but I saw that the book was set in Dublin which I thought made the book sound different and interesting. I have also seen it compared to IN THE WOODS, I’ve not read IN THE WOODS yet, but I’ve heard great things about it and I was excited to see read something that was similar but yet uniquely it’s own and maybe a little more off the radar.
I was surprised that this was the author’s debut novel. I knew it was the first in a new series but I guess I didn’t realize it was her first novel all together. I had never heard of her but that’s not surprises since thrillers are a little new to my review genre so I just thought this was a new series, but after reading the book I was impressed by this new author’s ability to tell a twisty tale. She writes like an old pro with all kinds of interesting plot dynamics and interesting threads to hold the reader’s interest.
This had a lot of police procedural elements and it was clear that either Kiernan had a background in police work or she spent a TON of time researching everything so that she could get it right. It was seamless and felt natural so however she came about her knowledge was impressive.
The main character clearly has some deep issues with PTSD which makes her a fascinating protagonist. Frankie clearly has some things that she needs to work through but getting to do that with her as a reader keeps things interesting and adds depth to her character.
The plot itself had a lot to hold my interest. There is some graphic content in this book and some deeply disturbing elements but I think fans of the genre will enjoy how well put together this thriller is. It has an interesting lead character, a complex plot that is rich in details and darkness, but the police procedurals elements made the book for me.
I haven’t really read a lot go books within the subgenera of police procedurals so for me this book stood out because of that, however I have read a few other reviews from people who are big fans of that subgenera and they said this book didn’t bring anything new to the genre of police procedurals. So it sounds like fans of the subgenera will likely find this book just ok, but for me I found it excellent! I loved the darkness of the plot, the complexity of Frankie, and the details of the procedural. I did wish though that Dublin had been featured more in this book and that she would have capitalized on the setting and culture more.
See my full review here
April 19, 2018
This is *nothing* like Tana French, Jane Casey or Gillian Flynn all of whom I love. Instead it's lurid and packed with genre cliches (the traumatised cop, the connections between her past nemesis and the present cases) including the left-field killer who appears from nowhere in a rush ending. Too many coincidences and plot holes, too much awkward writing. I must learn to manage my FOMO...
January 10, 2023
My Rating Style: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ticked a lot of boxes VERY ENTERTAINING!!!
Dr Eleanor Costello has an outwardly facing perfect life, respected in her field, successful, married, beautiful and DEAD. Dr Costello was found hanging from the rafters of her perfect bedroom and the scene very much appears to be a suicide.
Enter, DCS Frankie Sheehan, her first case back on the job after a traumatic injury and a very close call. Frankie needs to ease back into work but unfortunately nothing about the Costello case is as it seems, least of all suicide.
As Frankie and her team get closer to the truth it becomes apparent that there is more to this case than meets the eye, how does it tie in with Frankie’s close call in her previous case and if this is not a simple case of suicide who is the killer and when will they strike again!!
Olivia Kiernan is a new author for me and I was delighted by the first book in this series. An Irish author and an Irish set police procedural which was a breath of much needed fresh air. I loved that we get a sense of the slang and way people talk to one another in Dublin but without a play by play of dictionary definitions. If you don’t understand some of the terms you might have to look them up but I much prefer that to endless word counts dedicated to explanations. That was a winner for me.
At the time of writing this review it is a little out of date (due to an overdue holiday). I was immediately enamoured with Frankie I liked her big attitude and direct approach. She is fearless without being overly careless (I mean its fiction so there is a little of that) and she is a true team player. So many times we have read police procedurals where the main MC is doing all the crime fighting alone all the time, never sharing the load and always kicking the goals or getting into stupid situations. Frankie is not like that, sure she gets in a bind here and there but she truly leans on her team.
The police work was so well researched (well thats how it reads) there was no scooby gang policing going on in this book. The leads were sought out and followed up, the suspects interviewed, CCTV inspected and the case took far longer than the usual wrap up in a couple of days CSI style. This one was spaced out over the course of a couple of months before we find out who the killer is, there are breadcrumbs and you have to follow them. In saying that its also not a drawn out story either… it is just written in a way that Frankie will comment - 2 months have gone by and no suspects have panned out… or something to that effect. Much more realistic than the killer, slaughtered 59 people in two days and was caught and put in jail in 2.
I also found this one funny, the dark humour that the thriller genre lovers have to have to read about death and serial killers and still get a laugh out of things. I really liked the team as well they all have their unique set of skills and each are draw upon to contribute in a delightful way. Baz and Frankie’s work relationship is super nice and there appears to be no awkward sexual tension so its purely they are mates, they are a team and they look out for each other. But they have the good banter too which is awesome.
Humorous excerpt from chapter 1
She’s another familiar face - the doc. Another adjustment. Although change is fair game when you’ve been away for months, it makes me feel cheated.
“She’s new.”
Jack Clancy stays focussed on the victim below. He sticks his hands in his pockets, rocks on his heels.
“Still as sharp as ever, I see. I hope your detective skills aren’t as diabolical as your observation skills, Sheehan.”
Also chapter 1 - hehehe I was giggling early
The husband, Peter Costello, is I reachable. But the helpful neighbour supplied us with enough information on the guy to set up a bank account in his name and take out a mortgage.
I really enjoyed the writing as well the chapters are pretty long but there are break spots where you can comfortably stop for a bit and come back. There is background to the characters but a feel that you have been reading these characters for ages as well so its familiar without it even being familiar which I liked I felt part of the story.
I think the ending was doing a little bit too much and it went a bit out there but not so much so that it was stupid. Given that this was the first book too I reckon there will be a change up and I think book two is a little bit shorter which suggests tightening up of the storyline (we will see I am currently halfway through it at the time of writing this review).
Overall I really enjoyed this Irish Police Procedural - it is a bit rough and tumble the language, the casual use of the word fat or tubby could be considered offensive but I didn’t read it that way… but it is there so if that isn’t your cup of tea then perhaps steer clear. I really enjoyed this one though and I am looking forward to getting through the whole series.
Dr Eleanor Costello has an outwardly facing perfect life, respected in her field, successful, married, beautiful and DEAD. Dr Costello was found hanging from the rafters of her perfect bedroom and the scene very much appears to be a suicide.
Enter, DCS Frankie Sheehan, her first case back on the job after a traumatic injury and a very close call. Frankie needs to ease back into work but unfortunately nothing about the Costello case is as it seems, least of all suicide.
As Frankie and her team get closer to the truth it becomes apparent that there is more to this case than meets the eye, how does it tie in with Frankie’s close call in her previous case and if this is not a simple case of suicide who is the killer and when will they strike again!!
Olivia Kiernan is a new author for me and I was delighted by the first book in this series. An Irish author and an Irish set police procedural which was a breath of much needed fresh air. I loved that we get a sense of the slang and way people talk to one another in Dublin but without a play by play of dictionary definitions. If you don’t understand some of the terms you might have to look them up but I much prefer that to endless word counts dedicated to explanations. That was a winner for me.
At the time of writing this review it is a little out of date (due to an overdue holiday). I was immediately enamoured with Frankie I liked her big attitude and direct approach. She is fearless without being overly careless (I mean its fiction so there is a little of that) and she is a true team player. So many times we have read police procedurals where the main MC is doing all the crime fighting alone all the time, never sharing the load and always kicking the goals or getting into stupid situations. Frankie is not like that, sure she gets in a bind here and there but she truly leans on her team.
The police work was so well researched (well thats how it reads) there was no scooby gang policing going on in this book. The leads were sought out and followed up, the suspects interviewed, CCTV inspected and the case took far longer than the usual wrap up in a couple of days CSI style. This one was spaced out over the course of a couple of months before we find out who the killer is, there are breadcrumbs and you have to follow them. In saying that its also not a drawn out story either… it is just written in a way that Frankie will comment - 2 months have gone by and no suspects have panned out… or something to that effect. Much more realistic than the killer, slaughtered 59 people in two days and was caught and put in jail in 2.
I also found this one funny, the dark humour that the thriller genre lovers have to have to read about death and serial killers and still get a laugh out of things. I really liked the team as well they all have their unique set of skills and each are draw upon to contribute in a delightful way. Baz and Frankie’s work relationship is super nice and there appears to be no awkward sexual tension so its purely they are mates, they are a team and they look out for each other. But they have the good banter too which is awesome.
Humorous excerpt from chapter 1
She’s another familiar face - the doc. Another adjustment. Although change is fair game when you’ve been away for months, it makes me feel cheated.
“She’s new.”
Jack Clancy stays focussed on the victim below. He sticks his hands in his pockets, rocks on his heels.
“Still as sharp as ever, I see. I hope your detective skills aren’t as diabolical as your observation skills, Sheehan.”
Also chapter 1 - hehehe I was giggling early
The husband, Peter Costello, is I reachable. But the helpful neighbour supplied us with enough information on the guy to set up a bank account in his name and take out a mortgage.
I really enjoyed the writing as well the chapters are pretty long but there are break spots where you can comfortably stop for a bit and come back. There is background to the characters but a feel that you have been reading these characters for ages as well so its familiar without it even being familiar which I liked I felt part of the story.
I think the ending was doing a little bit too much and it went a bit out there but not so much so that it was stupid. Given that this was the first book too I reckon there will be a change up and I think book two is a little bit shorter which suggests tightening up of the storyline (we will see I am currently halfway through it at the time of writing this review).
Overall I really enjoyed this Irish Police Procedural - it is a bit rough and tumble the language, the casual use of the word fat or tubby could be considered offensive but I didn’t read it that way… but it is there so if that isn’t your cup of tea then perhaps steer clear. I really enjoyed this one though and I am looking forward to getting through the whole series.
March 22, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of Too Close to Breathe, a début police procedural featuring Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan of the Dublin Gardaí.
Frankie is still recovering physically and emotionally from an attack where she failed to save Tracy Ward and was injured herself by the killer, when she returns to work to investigate the suicide of university lecturer Eleanor Costello, except the post mortem concludes Eleanor was murdered. Frankie and her team struggle to discover much about the secretive Eleanor and what they do uncover adds more confusion to already muddy waters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Too Close to Breathe which has a suspenseful plot leading up to an action packed finale. It should be noted, however, that the novel contains a fair amount of swearing and adult content which may not be suitable for those who prefer a gentler edge.
Much of the novel revolves around Frankie and her first person narrative. She is very well drawn with a sharp personality and an invasive fear of certain situations after the attack. I like the fact that she instinctively latches on to the important people and places, not always correctly, but there is always something in this instinct. I'm not sure if I like her as she's very demanding and not always tactful with it but another book would firm up my opinion (hint, hint!). I also like her interactions with her boss and her partner which have a vein of black humour as they seem very authentic.
The plot is well done in its sense of disorganisation and confusion. I can't say much about the content without issuing spoilers but each new development does not offer a firm line of enquiry as most procedurals are structured, rather it sows more confusion and a grasping of any available straw. Again it seems authentic in the circumstances and I imagine hard to pull off as successfully as it is here.
Too Close to Breathe is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Frankie is still recovering physically and emotionally from an attack where she failed to save Tracy Ward and was injured herself by the killer, when she returns to work to investigate the suicide of university lecturer Eleanor Costello, except the post mortem concludes Eleanor was murdered. Frankie and her team struggle to discover much about the secretive Eleanor and what they do uncover adds more confusion to already muddy waters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Too Close to Breathe which has a suspenseful plot leading up to an action packed finale. It should be noted, however, that the novel contains a fair amount of swearing and adult content which may not be suitable for those who prefer a gentler edge.
Much of the novel revolves around Frankie and her first person narrative. She is very well drawn with a sharp personality and an invasive fear of certain situations after the attack. I like the fact that she instinctively latches on to the important people and places, not always correctly, but there is always something in this instinct. I'm not sure if I like her as she's very demanding and not always tactful with it but another book would firm up my opinion (hint, hint!). I also like her interactions with her boss and her partner which have a vein of black humour as they seem very authentic.
The plot is well done in its sense of disorganisation and confusion. I can't say much about the content without issuing spoilers but each new development does not offer a firm line of enquiry as most procedurals are structured, rather it sows more confusion and a grasping of any available straw. Again it seems authentic in the circumstances and I imagine hard to pull off as successfully as it is here.
Too Close to Breathe is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 11, 2018
Wow, where do I start! What a debut, I loved this novel! The Irish setting was a big bonus but the true winner for me was DCS Frankie Sheehan. She's just been cleared to return to duty after a brutal attack. Her first case seems to be an apparent suicide but things are looking a bit off after the autopsy. The more they learn about the seemingly perfect Dr. Eleanor Costello who at first was thought to have hung herself the more twisted the trail gets to finding her killer. The team has several false starts, they are following leads that take them to more puzzles.
I liked Frankie because she's a tough no-nonsense leader who isn't afraid to go it alone if she needs to find out just what is driving this case. Her superiors are concerned about her because she has her own trial coming up where she'll have to face her own attacker. Is she getting in over her head, things are spinning out of control with this case.
This is a real whodunnit and it was a hard one to put down, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery. I'm looking forward to next installment in this series.
I would like to thank First-to-Read for providing me with an e-galley of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I liked Frankie because she's a tough no-nonsense leader who isn't afraid to go it alone if she needs to find out just what is driving this case. Her superiors are concerned about her because she has her own trial coming up where she'll have to face her own attacker. Is she getting in over her head, things are spinning out of control with this case.
This is a real whodunnit and it was a hard one to put down, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery. I'm looking forward to next installment in this series.
I would like to thank First-to-Read for providing me with an e-galley of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 8, 2018
A good start to what I hope is going to be a great series. Dublin doesn’t feature too strongly on the novel but with the Irish history and heritage, not to mention some Irish humour, there’s no mistaking where this is set.
It does get in some very dark subject matter mind - BSDM and down and dirty bars...oh and then there’s the dark web....
Oh and what about the PTSD? Frankie, our main character has some dark issues, and what’s exciting is what we;re going to find out about her in the next books in the series. There’s a lot of groundwork here but it all leads to you wanting to know more.
Gritty police procedural set in Dublin. There are quite a few moments you might want to turn your head, catch your breath before going back in mind. Oh and don’t have a Prussian blue bookmark when you do...
It does get in some very dark subject matter mind - BSDM and down and dirty bars...oh and then there’s the dark web....
Oh and what about the PTSD? Frankie, our main character has some dark issues, and what’s exciting is what we;re going to find out about her in the next books in the series. There’s a lot of groundwork here but it all leads to you wanting to know more.
Gritty police procedural set in Dublin. There are quite a few moments you might want to turn your head, catch your breath before going back in mind. Oh and don’t have a Prussian blue bookmark when you do...
April 5, 2018
Too Close to Breathe is a police procedural featuring DI Frankie Sheehan as the main investigator. Early on it is apparent that she has suffered a traumatic attack at the hands of a murder suspect. This had me question whether this book was a sequel to another book. I wasn't quite sure if this experience was just backdrop in order to better understand the main character's psyche or if it had any connection to the current case. Overall, Too Close to Breathe was an enjoyable read (I read it in one day.) I was surprised to find out that this was a debut. I will most likely pick up the next book in the series.
December 10, 2018
This is a fairly disturbing police procedural, one that I really enjoyed. DCS Frankie Sheehan is on the case of a woman found hanging in her bedroom. For obvious reasons the death doesn't seem suspicious at first and it's classified as a suicide. But then Amy Keegan who was having an affair with the dead woman's husband also turns up dead. It doesn't take long before there are more deaths, and all of these people seem to be linked. The case takes a dark turn when Frankie and her detective colleagues follow a lead which takes them onto the internet, and more specifically, deep into the dark net. They need to infiltrate a website that focuses on self harm, and the death experience. This is a great thriller / police procedural with a damaged but yet very real lead character. This is a debut novel by a new author and I can't wait to read more in this series.
April 9, 2018
When respected microbiologist and part time lecturer, Eleanor Costello is found hanging in her bedroom in Wicklow, it appears at first sight to be a clear case of suicide. However Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan is not convinced, and very soon the case is upgraded to that of a murder enquiry.
Having been very badly injured in a previous case, Frankie arrives back to the team and is raring to go – she even refuses the offer of chocolate cake, provided especially to celebrate her return! She is clearly someone who will not take any prisoners however she is also suffering flashbacks and trauma from that event, details of which are not given until later on. Other reviewers have commented that this threw them a little. I too had to check that this actually was the first book and that I hadn’t missed a previous one. As the story proceeds, we do find out more about that case and how Frankie came to be attacked.
Olivia Kiernan has written a storming debut and has at its heart a forceful character. Frankie Sheehan is a trained forensic scientist and an experienced profiler but even she sometimes got things wrong. I wasn’t sure what I felt about Frankie. I felt that I should like her but despite her trauma, I didn’t find her particularly engaging. I don’t expect detectives to be cuddly bunnies but she came across to me as being too quick to assume someone’s guilt (and innocence) without having sufficient evidence to back it up and and also too quick with the cutting remarks, often coming across as the ‘mean-girl’. Her colleague Baz however, I loved, and he was a more measured counterbalance to her tougher temperament and impulsive actions.
Too Close to Breathe is quite a complex story with a dark underbelly involving the private and unseen parts of people’s lives with references to sinister websites dealing with BDSM and death fantasies – all hidden in a part of the internet known as the Dark Web. There are some sadistic crimes being committed and it really does become a race against time to catch those responsible before they strike again. The way that all the threads linked up was very well done indeed. There were of course a few red herrings thrown in to tease the reader and all the way through I had my own list of suspects – some were considered, discarded and then considered again but, at the final hurdle, I was well and truly beaten.
This was a gripping and accomplished debut from Olivia Kiernan. I’m very pleased to see that there will be a second outing for Frankie Sheehan. The next book ‘The Killer in Me’ will be published in April 2019.
Having been very badly injured in a previous case, Frankie arrives back to the team and is raring to go – she even refuses the offer of chocolate cake, provided especially to celebrate her return! She is clearly someone who will not take any prisoners however she is also suffering flashbacks and trauma from that event, details of which are not given until later on. Other reviewers have commented that this threw them a little. I too had to check that this actually was the first book and that I hadn’t missed a previous one. As the story proceeds, we do find out more about that case and how Frankie came to be attacked.
Olivia Kiernan has written a storming debut and has at its heart a forceful character. Frankie Sheehan is a trained forensic scientist and an experienced profiler but even she sometimes got things wrong. I wasn’t sure what I felt about Frankie. I felt that I should like her but despite her trauma, I didn’t find her particularly engaging. I don’t expect detectives to be cuddly bunnies but she came across to me as being too quick to assume someone’s guilt (and innocence) without having sufficient evidence to back it up and and also too quick with the cutting remarks, often coming across as the ‘mean-girl’. Her colleague Baz however, I loved, and he was a more measured counterbalance to her tougher temperament and impulsive actions.
Too Close to Breathe is quite a complex story with a dark underbelly involving the private and unseen parts of people’s lives with references to sinister websites dealing with BDSM and death fantasies – all hidden in a part of the internet known as the Dark Web. There are some sadistic crimes being committed and it really does become a race against time to catch those responsible before they strike again. The way that all the threads linked up was very well done indeed. There were of course a few red herrings thrown in to tease the reader and all the way through I had my own list of suspects – some were considered, discarded and then considered again but, at the final hurdle, I was well and truly beaten.
This was a gripping and accomplished debut from Olivia Kiernan. I’m very pleased to see that there will be a second outing for Frankie Sheehan. The next book ‘The Killer in Me’ will be published in April 2019.
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