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Hold Your Breath
Listening Length: 2 hours and 31 minutes
From the best-selling author of All Is Not Forgotten and Don’t Look for Me comes a sharp, compulsive thriller about a young woman who narrowly escapes a violent crime and the psychiatrist helping to recover her memory of the suspect.
Gabby Ashford has just survived an attempt on her life. Detectives have connected her story to two other cases in the area: Professional women drugged at a bar, brought to their homes, and drowned in their bathtubs. Gabby, who miraculously woke up in her own bathtub unharmed, could be the key to finding a serial killer on the loose - but she has no memory of the attack.
Gabby admits herself to a high-end rehabilitation center to recover and to seek the help of a psychiatrist renowned for his work with memory recovery. As Dr. Forrester works with Gabby - interviewing not only her but her overbearing fiancée, her emotionally fragile brother, and the local detective working the case - questions about Gabby’s story, her past, and the ethics of memory recovery emerge.
Dr. Forrester, the central voice of Walker’s breakout debut All Is Not Forgotten, is a fascinating and deeply complicated character, barreling toward the truth of the case at hand while wrestling with the demons of his own past. Shocking and succinct, Hold Your Breath will have you on the edge of your seat from the first minute to the last.
From the best-selling author of All Is Not Forgotten and Don’t Look for Me comes a sharp, compulsive thriller about a young woman who narrowly escapes a violent crime and the psychiatrist helping to recover her memory of the suspect.
Gabby Ashford has just survived an attempt on her life. Detectives have connected her story to two other cases in the area: Professional women drugged at a bar, brought to their homes, and drowned in their bathtubs. Gabby, who miraculously woke up in her own bathtub unharmed, could be the key to finding a serial killer on the loose - but she has no memory of the attack.
Gabby admits herself to a high-end rehabilitation center to recover and to seek the help of a psychiatrist renowned for his work with memory recovery. As Dr. Forrester works with Gabby - interviewing not only her but her overbearing fiancée, her emotionally fragile brother, and the local detective working the case - questions about Gabby’s story, her past, and the ethics of memory recovery emerge.
Dr. Forrester, the central voice of Walker’s breakout debut All Is Not Forgotten, is a fascinating and deeply complicated character, barreling toward the truth of the case at hand while wrestling with the demons of his own past. Shocking and succinct, Hold Your Breath will have you on the edge of your seat from the first minute to the last.
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2020
22 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Walker
14 books3,828 followersWendy Walker is the author of psychological suspense. Her novels have been translated into 23 foreign languages, have topped bestseller lists both nationally and abroad, and have been optioned for television and film. Prior to writing, Wendy worked in banking and several areas of the law. She spent most of her childhood as a competitive figure skater. Wendy has three grown sons and resides in Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
January 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Audible Plus just came to Canada! Yay! That means catching up on some of those amazing audible short stories by some of my favourite authors - for free!
I remember reading, "All is not forgotten" and really enjoying it by Wendy Walker. This short story focuses on the same psychiatrist from that book. Dr. Forrester is now treating someone else and trying to recover her memories.
It's a good and quick mystery. The psychology aspect is always interesting.
Audible Plus just came to Canada! Yay! That means catching up on some of those amazing audible short stories by some of my favourite authors - for free!
I remember reading, "All is not forgotten" and really enjoying it by Wendy Walker. This short story focuses on the same psychiatrist from that book. Dr. Forrester is now treating someone else and trying to recover her memories.
It's a good and quick mystery. The psychology aspect is always interesting.
October 10, 2023
A pretty decent psychological thriller 😵💫 Could have absolutely been longer! 🙃
September 21, 2021
Wendy walker's short story, free on audible plus, about Gabby, who escaped a violent crime and the psychiatrist helping to recover her memory kept me engaged for a couple of hours, and I certainly didn't guess either of the big twists. But the narrator didn't click with me, his voice sounding monotone, and his female voices annoying! I also found some things quite imlausible and unexplained..
Good if you have a couple of hours spare, and don't think too much about the plot!
Good if you have a couple of hours spare, and don't think too much about the plot!
April 27, 2022
I love these short novellas from Audible that you can get through in a few hours!
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one, the twists didn't come until the end but they were very good.
I agree with some others that the narrator could have been more engaging, he was very monotone, although easy to understand.
Gabby Ashford has had an attempt on her life by a presumed serial killer. She was the one that survived, waking up in her bathtub, bound but not harmed. The killer's MO is drowning his victims and Gabby's water had been turned off.
She voluntarily commits herself to a rehab center to get her mind around what happened and also to work with a renowned psychiatric, Dr. Forrester.
This is a short novella so I won't give away anything else. I think if the narrator were better this might have been a 4, the tension could have been more taut.
It's a quick, free listen on Audible and I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a huge cast of characters to keep straight in my mind as I "cleaned" ugh.
I will still recommend this one, Walker is very good as coming up with a clever premise!
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one, the twists didn't come until the end but they were very good.
I agree with some others that the narrator could have been more engaging, he was very monotone, although easy to understand.
Gabby Ashford has had an attempt on her life by a presumed serial killer. She was the one that survived, waking up in her bathtub, bound but not harmed. The killer's MO is drowning his victims and Gabby's water had been turned off.
She voluntarily commits herself to a rehab center to get her mind around what happened and also to work with a renowned psychiatric, Dr. Forrester.
This is a short novella so I won't give away anything else. I think if the narrator were better this might have been a 4, the tension could have been more taut.
It's a quick, free listen on Audible and I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a huge cast of characters to keep straight in my mind as I "cleaned" ugh.
I will still recommend this one, Walker is very good as coming up with a clever premise!
October 14, 2020
After surviving an attempt on her life by a serial killer, Gabby Ashford has no memory at all of the attack, so she checks herself into a rehabilitation center to try to recover her memories with the help of Dr. Forrester, a world renowned psychiatrist. Along with him we'll find about her past, her family and the memory recovery process.
"Hold your breath" was a terrific way to spend a couple of hours. Dr. Forrester was a pretty complex character (I didn't know he had already appeared in "All is not forgotten", so I'll have to check that one).
The plot was smart, engaging, with chapters centered around a particular person or fact and a final twist that, although I predicted, added another layer to the story. Also, Dylan Baker did a pretty good job with the narration.
Worth a listen!
"Hold your breath" was a terrific way to spend a couple of hours. Dr. Forrester was a pretty complex character (I didn't know he had already appeared in "All is not forgotten", so I'll have to check that one).
The plot was smart, engaging, with chapters centered around a particular person or fact and a final twist that, although I predicted, added another layer to the story. Also, Dylan Baker did a pretty good job with the narration.
Worth a listen!
October 16, 2020
Hold your breath is a short novella, Audible Original, by Wendy Walker. My mind wandered. I was reminded a little of The Sixth Sense but that didn't improve it. The book is good, but not great. Young woman seeks the assistance of a psychiatrist to help her remember the face of a man who slipped rohypnol into her drink and she woke the next morning inside her bathtub, naked, covered by a blanket. It transpired that there is a serial killer on the loose who slips his victims a micky and then drowns them in their bathtubs. Lucky for Gabby there was a burst pipe in her building and the water company told her to shut off the water....fate? If you read and enjoyed All Is Not Forgotten, you may enjoy this.
Dylan Baker narrated, he's an interesting actor but I did not enjoy his narration.
Dylan Baker narrated, he's an interesting actor but I did not enjoy his narration.
February 20, 2023
This Audible original was a great way to spend 2 1/2 hours. This psychological thriller pulled me in immediately and had several twists with a major twist at the end I never saw coming. The plot is original and fast paced. The narrator, Dylan Baker, does an excellent job of bringing the story to life while adding a layer of intrigue and tension as the drama develops. “We do not walk in straight lines. Sometimes we step into things we do not intend to.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 14, 2023
Story 3.75 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Dylan Baker
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Dylan Baker
September 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
A relatively short Audible story by Wendy Walker, not quite as "thrill"-ing as some of her other stories, but worth a couple of hours of your time.
July 26, 2025
Twisty little novella from an author I return to again & again, short & nice to listen to while driving.
March 15, 2025
Audible audio
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A fun listen with some twists and turns, narrator did a wonderful job but there something in the way he read the story I couldn't fully warm up too, it did fit the one character especially though, and it didn't damper my enjoyment of the story.
I could feel the backstory I was missing (somehow missed in the summary that he was in a previous book, whoops 🤭) so I'll read that one eventually.
You do get a good sense of who our main guy is so you could probably read this separately.
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩
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A fun listen with some twists and turns, narrator did a wonderful job but there something in the way he read the story I couldn't fully warm up too, it did fit the one character especially though, and it didn't damper my enjoyment of the story.
I could feel the backstory I was missing (somehow missed in the summary that he was in a previous book, whoops 🤭) so I'll read that one eventually.
You do get a good sense of who our main guy is so you could probably read this separately.
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩
May 6, 2022
Short but heavy, not rewarding nor satisfying audiobook.
January 24, 2021
I enjoyed this & it made me want to know more each time, but I didn’t like how they had to explain everything at the end, as if the listener can’t deduce what happened on their own
February 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I anticipated the twist but it was still very engaging and Dylan Baker did a great job with the narration.
October 18, 2020
☆4¼☆
If you've read or listened and liked to All Is Not Forgotton by Wendy Walker, than I highly recommend this Audible Original. It is from the POV of the Dr. Forrester, who is the main narrator in that book, also. He is yet again trying to recover someones memory. A quick, twisty little mystery-thriller that is not be missed.
If you've read or listened and liked to All Is Not Forgotton by Wendy Walker, than I highly recommend this Audible Original. It is from the POV of the Dr. Forrester, who is the main narrator in that book, also. He is yet again trying to recover someones memory. A quick, twisty little mystery-thriller that is not be missed.
December 29, 2024
3 Stars
November 3, 2020
Gabby Ashford has survived an attack on her life by a serial killer. She was drugged and left in her bathtub, seemingly only saved by the chance fact that her water had been shut off for repairs. She could name the killer and stop this spree of violence if only she could remember his face. Meet Dr. Forrester: a psychiatrist known for his work retrieving lost memories. Gabby checks herself into a high end facility to enlist his help.
This audible original didn't really work for me. The number one issue is probably just the narrator. I did not enjoy his reading style and he did a poor job of making clear when he was switching between characters. I also have to say that the very choice of narrator led me to guess who dunnit from the outset.
Beyond the narrator, I found some of the exposition on the world of psychiatry extraordinarily boring. But in an edgy way. That is, the author expounds on facets of psychiatry in a way I think are meant to be very interesting to the reader but that the reader already read about in Science magazine in 1994. My waning interest led me to be very confused about some parts of the story, such as Dr. Forrester's ex-wife. What did that have to do with anything? There's a plot twist and reveal here but it seemed unnecessary, far outside the scope of the actual story. That's not something we have time for in such a short novella.
Overall, I thought the story had potential but the delivery and pacing were bad enough to rate this one mediocre at best. Two stars.
This audible original didn't really work for me. The number one issue is probably just the narrator. I did not enjoy his reading style and he did a poor job of making clear when he was switching between characters. I also have to say that the very choice of narrator led me to guess who dunnit from the outset.
Beyond the narrator, I found some of the exposition on the world of psychiatry extraordinarily boring. But in an edgy way. That is, the author expounds on facets of psychiatry in a way I think are meant to be very interesting to the reader but that the reader already read about in Science magazine in 1994. My waning interest led me to be very confused about some parts of the story, such as Dr. Forrester's ex-wife. What did that have to do with anything? There's a plot twist and reveal here but it seemed unnecessary, far outside the scope of the actual story. That's not something we have time for in such a short novella.
Overall, I thought the story had potential but the delivery and pacing were bad enough to rate this one mediocre at best. Two stars.
November 29, 2020
What just happened? Oh goodness
January 9, 2026
I have such mixed feelings about Hold Your Breath! On one hand, it was a solid, entertaining read that kept me genuinely engrossed from the start. Wendy Walker definitely knows how to build a tense atmosphere, and I found myself flying through the pages just to see how the mystery would unfold. The plot twist was definitely the highlight—I didn’t see it coming, and it added that much-needed "wow" factor to the ending.
However, despite the strong pacing and the great reveal, the rest of the book felt a bit mediocre for me. It hit all the standard thriller tropes, and while it was well-executed, it didn't necessarily bring anything groundbreaking to the genre. It’s a "good" book, just not a "great" one. If you’re looking for a quick, twisty popcorn thriller to get you through a weekend, this is a perfect choice, but it didn't quite leave a lasting impact on me.
However, despite the strong pacing and the great reveal, the rest of the book felt a bit mediocre for me. It hit all the standard thriller tropes, and while it was well-executed, it didn't necessarily bring anything groundbreaking to the genre. It’s a "good" book, just not a "great" one. If you’re looking for a quick, twisty popcorn thriller to get you through a weekend, this is a perfect choice, but it didn't quite leave a lasting impact on me.
January 12, 2021
Yowza! This was fantastic. Had me guessing until the end. This was very well done. I dare you to see if you can figure this one out before the last chapter. I definitely recommend.
March 10, 2021
Loved this follow up novella
April 19, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
Good short thriller
Good short thriller
November 17, 2021
Pretty good quick listen. Psychological, one might even say ;)
One of the few examples of good free goodies via Audible subscription.
One of the few examples of good free goodies via Audible subscription.
October 28, 2020
A quick, engaging novella. Exactly what I needed today.
October 31, 2020
This was a very interesting book!!! It kept me interested right from the beginning and I was guessing right up to the ending. Really enjoyed it!!!
March 13, 2024
I am new to this author and want a brilliant story. This book catapults you into a riveting tale of survival, memory and the relentless pursuit of a cunning serial killer. The story revolves around Gabby Ashford, who narrowly escapes becoming another victim in a chilling series of attacks on professional women. The detectives link Gabby’s ordeal to a pattern of drugging, abduction and drowning that has left a trail of victims in its wake.
The narrative unfolds with gripping intensity as Gabby, despite escaping physical harm, faces the haunting void of memory loss from the attack. The author weaves a web of suspense around Gabby’s journey, positioning her as a potential key to unmasking the elusive serial killer terrorizing the area.
As Gabby seeks refuge in a high-end rehabilitation centre and enlists the help of a renowned psychiatrist, Dr Forrester, the plot takes a physical turn. The author explores the nature of memory recovery, introducing ethical dilemmas and raising questions about the reliability of Gabby’s recollections.
Dr Forrester, a complex and compelling character, emerges as the central voice navigating the layers of the case. The psychiatrist’s internal struggles and demons from his past add depth to the narrative, creating a thought-provoking backdrop to the suspenseful events unfolding.
This story has shocking revelations and concise storytelling. The narrative propelled by the author’s sharp prose, keeps you on the edge of your seat from the opening scenes to the climatic conclusion. The intertwined threads of Gabby’s story, the pursuit of the serial killer and Dr Forrester’s internal turmoil create a rich tapestry of psychological intrigue.
This is a gripping tale that will leave you breathless and captivated until the final page. If you enjoy the genre, then adding this to your TBR will not leave you disappointed. I am eager to explore more of this author’s work.
https://featzreviews.com/hold-your-br...
The narrative unfolds with gripping intensity as Gabby, despite escaping physical harm, faces the haunting void of memory loss from the attack. The author weaves a web of suspense around Gabby’s journey, positioning her as a potential key to unmasking the elusive serial killer terrorizing the area.
As Gabby seeks refuge in a high-end rehabilitation centre and enlists the help of a renowned psychiatrist, Dr Forrester, the plot takes a physical turn. The author explores the nature of memory recovery, introducing ethical dilemmas and raising questions about the reliability of Gabby’s recollections.
Dr Forrester, a complex and compelling character, emerges as the central voice navigating the layers of the case. The psychiatrist’s internal struggles and demons from his past add depth to the narrative, creating a thought-provoking backdrop to the suspenseful events unfolding.
This story has shocking revelations and concise storytelling. The narrative propelled by the author’s sharp prose, keeps you on the edge of your seat from the opening scenes to the climatic conclusion. The intertwined threads of Gabby’s story, the pursuit of the serial killer and Dr Forrester’s internal turmoil create a rich tapestry of psychological intrigue.
This is a gripping tale that will leave you breathless and captivated until the final page. If you enjoy the genre, then adding this to your TBR will not leave you disappointed. I am eager to explore more of this author’s work.
https://featzreviews.com/hold-your-br...
October 9, 2020
I absolutely loved All Is Not Forgotten so I was really excited when I saw this on Audible Plus. This novella does not disappoint. The mystery and psychology is interesting and keeps you listening. It doesn’t go into crazy detail even though I will say I wish we had more chapters on recovering memories and Gabby’s history.
The ending didn’t surprise me, but is still a good mini twist and overall the story is worth the 2 hour time!
The ending didn’t surprise me, but is still a good mini twist and overall the story is worth the 2 hour time!
July 1, 2023
I love a good audio book that I can listen to while I complete tasks.
I am a huge Wendy Walker fan, and after reading 5 out of 21 books, I decided to give this novella, which follows Dr. Forrester, from All Is Not Forgetten, as he helps Gabby try and recall her memories from an attack. Wendy Walker always does a great job with drawing the reader in and having them think they know what is going to happen and then throw in a twist. This quick listen does just that.
I only gave it 4 stats because I do wish that it was a longer story that could have touched on more of Dr. Forrester
I am a huge Wendy Walker fan, and after reading 5 out of 21 books, I decided to give this novella, which follows Dr. Forrester, from All Is Not Forgetten, as he helps Gabby try and recall her memories from an attack. Wendy Walker always does a great job with drawing the reader in and having them think they know what is going to happen and then throw in a twist. This quick listen does just that.
I only gave it 4 stats because I do wish that it was a longer story that could have touched on more of Dr. Forrester
July 24, 2022
WTF just happened ?
I went through this twice , partly because I thought I was missing something and partly because it’s short enough that I can .. but I think it’s just the book and fact that it’s unsatisfactory and just tries to explain everything away with psychological ramblings.
Atleast it was free .
I went through this twice , partly because I thought I was missing something and partly because it’s short enough that I can .. but I think it’s just the book and fact that it’s unsatisfactory and just tries to explain everything away with psychological ramblings.
Atleast it was free .
December 19, 2020
Serves me right for picking a two-hour audiobook to try to meet my reading goal at the end of the year. Short but not satisfying and definitely not suspenseful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews