ARC Review: Try Not to Breathe by Holly Seddon

Release Date: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: E-book
Pages: 368 pages
Genre: Thriller, Suspence 
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Paperback | Audio (Audible)

Synopsis: 

Some secrets never die. They're just locked away.

Alex Dale is lost. Destructive habits have cost her a marriage and a journalism career. All she has left is her routine: a morning run until her body aches, then a few hours of forgettable work before the past grabs hold and drags her down. Every day is treading water, every night is drowning. Until Alex discovers Amy Stevenson. Amy Stevenson, who was just another girl from a nearby town until the day she was found after a merciless assault. Amy Stevenson, who has been in a coma for fifteen years, forgotten by the world. Who, unbeknownst to her doctors, remains locked inside her body, conscious but paralyzed, reliving the past.

Soon Alex's routine includes visiting hours at the hospital, then interviews with the original suspects in the attack. But what starts as a reporter's story becomes a personal obsession. How do you solve a crime when the only witness lived, but cannot tell the tale? Unable to tear herself away from uncovering the unspeakable truth, Alex realizes she's not just chasing a story—she's seeking salvation.

Review:

This book flips around telling the story from different points of view and different time periods, so you need to make sure you are paying attention to who is speaking and when.   Every main character in this book has a sad tale.  Amy falls for the wrong guy and winds up in a coma, Alex has the perfect job, a great husband but can't stop drinking and loses it all, Jacob was Amy's boyfriend and feels guilty that he is moving on, he puts his home life in jeopardy because he still feels responsible for Amy.  There are a few others whose lives have taken a turn but I won't list them or it may reveal too much of the story.

The writing kept the story moving and even though I had my suspicions on who attacked Amy that fateful day I had to wait until the end to find out. There are twists and turns and I did fall for some false leads which kept things interesting. Ultimately I think this story is really about letting go and moving forward.  That life is precious and you shouldn't waste a moment of it. I really enjoyed it.  I may have to find more by this author.

Disclaimer: This book was received from the publisher through netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review