Too Close to Breathe

February 26, 2018
Det. Chief Supt. Frankie Sheehan, the heroine of Irish author Kiernan’s solid debut, has recovered sufficiently from being gravely wounded in the line of duty to investigate the apparent suicide of Eleanor Costello at her Dublin home, but a closer look at the body shows it’s a clever murder. Digging into Eleanor’s life and searching for her missing husband uncovers plenty of secrets—and indicates she wasn’t as straitlaced as she appeared. When the body of another woman turns up, Sheehan quickly discovers that the two are connected through Eleanor’s husband, and a snuff video of the last victim leads the police into some sinister places on the dark web. Meanwhile, the case that left Sheehan injured and still a bit shaky is coming up for trial, but she suddenly isn’t so sure the authorities have charged the right person after all. The intersection of the two cases feels too convenient, and Sheehan’s post-trauma troubles offer nothing new. Still, likable characters, strong pacing, and the appealing Dublin locale bode well for any sequel. Agent: Susan Armstrong, C&W Agency (U.K.).

The skillful narration of Brona C. Titley is the best feature of this mystery, which includes graphic descriptions of murder and an unappealing protagonist, Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan. Despite being a debut, Sheehan's backstory dominates much of the narrative. Titley is a plausible Sheehan and is successful in depticing his dedicated team of officers as they investigate a series of murders in Dublin. Well-rendered city descriptions lighten the atmosphere as the body count rises and the dark web adds a bizarre element to the plot. Titley's best creation is unassuming witness Tom Quinn, a guileless farmer who is a sharp contrast to the sometimes intimidating city dwellers. Listeners will be fascinated by the depictions of Irish life and detailed police procedures but annoyed by the story's dubious conclusion. S.G.B. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine