A Breath After Drowning
Author: Alice Blanchard
Publication Date: April 10th, 2018
Publisher: Titan Books
Kate Wolfe has a tragic past. Her mother committed suicide when Kate and her little sister Savannah, were still children. Six years later Savannah is horribly murdered. The Wolfe’s next-door neighbour Henry Blackwood is convicted of the crime and is placed on death row. Kate, now a prominent psychiatrist, starts to doubt Blackwood’s guilt after she uncovers some long-hidden family secrets. Kate delves deeper into the mystery and as alternative suspects come to light, danger is just around the corner.
Kate's connections with others highlight the novel. The loss of her mother affected her father greatly and he became emotionally detached from Kate and Savannah. The murder of her sister, combined with her father's neglect resulted in a deep-rooted fear of abandonment and self-destructive behaviour. It was only through the guidance of her friend and mentor Ira that Kate was better able to deal with her anxieties, eventually drawing her into the field of psychiatry.
Kate and her boyfriend James have a close, fun and loving relationship. Although they have their difficulties, they trust each other. He is supportive of her and although he doesn't completely understand what she's been through, he is concerned for her and wants to protect her.
All the characters are well rounded and established, but it's really Kate who shines through. She has a tragic past, and although she continues to have apprehensions, fears, and self doubt, she no longer allows them to debilitate her. Instead of being fragile she is strong, caring, compassionate and genuine. She still blames herself for Savannah's death and craves her sister's forgiveness above all else.
Author Alice Blanchard provides intricate details in her storytelling without becoming overwhelming or excessively wordy. It is easy to visualise the Boston winter setting or hear the crunch of the snow when the characters are walking in the woods.
A Breath After Drowning is an exciting novel with surprising twists, lots of suspense and an intense, intriguing narrative. I couldn't read it fast enough as I wanted to get to the heart of the mystery as quickly as possible. It is a well written, addictive serial killer thriller featuring a strong, likeable female protagonist and a satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the finished copy provided for review.
From the publisher:
The stunning new psychological thriller from the award-winning author of Darkness Peering and The Breathtaker.
Sixteen years ago, Kate Wolfe's young sister Savannah was brutally murdered. Forced to live with the guilt of how her own selfishness put Savannah in harm's way, Kate was at least comforted by the knowledge that the man responsible was on death row. But when she meets a retired detective who is certain that Kate's sister was only one of many victims of a serial killer, Kate must face the possibility that Savannah's murderer walks free.
Unearthing disturbing family secrets in her search for the truth, Kate becomes sure that she has discovered the depraved mind responsible for so much death. But as she hunts for a killer, a killer is hunting her...
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