Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Crows Nest, NSW : Allen & Unwin, 2013.
Description
Rachel Watts is an unwilling new arrival to Melbourne from the country. James Mycroft is her neighbour, an intriguingly troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. Despite her misgivings, Rachel finds herself unable to resist Mycroft when he wants her help investigating a murder. And when Watts and Mycroft follow a trail to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion's den - literally. A night at the zoo will never have quite the same meaning again.
User reviews
LibraryThing member A_Reader_of_Fictions
For more reviews, gifs, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.
Not gonna lie, I was scared of this book. I mean, everyone has been loving it and I have been known, very occasionally, to be the black sheep of my little corner of the interwebs. For the record, I hate being the black sheep.
You’ve probably guessed by now that Sherlock love was not necessary to love Every Breath, and I really really do. For a while I was afraid that I would just like it, but not reach the passionate, shouty levels of my dear friends. I’m not sure if took some time to take off for everyone or if that was just a me thing, but either way I ended up in the same location. That location being the docks. Where I boarded a ship. A Wattscroft ship made of science and practicality.
Every Breath has some of the very best friendship to love romance that I’ve ever experienced. When the novel opens, they’re very firmly friends with scarcely a tension-filled moment. There are some Freudian slips here and there, but mostly they’re cool and comfortable with each other. The thing is that I totally get why they didn’t realize they should be making out. For one thing, Rachel hasn’t been in the city for that long and, for another, she doesn’t want to stay. Mycroft knows that she’s hoping to head right back out to the country, that she doesn’t want to get attached, and they’re both basically resisting messy romantic feelings. People vainly trying to resist attraction is basically my call to ship.
Throughout Every Breath, Rachel has to weigh her feelings for Mycroft and her feelings about the city. I love how much Rachel loves farming and how much she will not let people disparage it. Along her emotional arc, Rachel says a lot of really mean things to people she loves, the barbs calculated to hurt the most. She also is incredibly loving and sweet and thoughtful, the sort of girl who makes sure Mycroft has enough to eat and will go hang out with Mycroft’s friend Homeless Dave.
Speaking of Homeless Dave, may he rest in peace. The mystery of the novel crops up early. Mycroft and Rachel, who totally have no romantic feelings for each other no sir, go to visit Dave and find his throat slashed. It’s a grisly, painful scene. Mycroft, though fascinated by forensics, throws up; it shows a lot about their dynamics that Rachel actually handles this better in some ways and not in others. The two begin investigating the case together and they’re really such a perfect team. When he’s flagging, she’s got a new idea and vice versa. Their talents and ways of thinking are quite different, so they complement one another well. Also, they trust one another, which is essential.
Mysteries are not usually my thing, but I actually really liked this one. There’s a bit of Scooby Doo-ness in the meddling kids solving the mystery, but it also really worked. Unlike some YA or MG mysteries, I think it makes a lot of sense for the teens to be the ones to solve the case. The circumstances are such that it truly is unlikely that the police force would look so closely. It’s a sad truth that the murder of a homeless man wouldn’t be looked into as closely.
Back to the romance, because that’s obviously the most important part. I already adored the other half of Mycroft and Watts group, Mai and Gus, but they’re even better for being the biggest shippers on the whole planet. Actually, almost everyone is trying to get those kids to realize the truth, except for Rachel’s parents and the school administration. Both of the latter have pretty good reasons for being concerned, and, in the case of Rachel’s parents, I think it resolves really smoothly.
The first kiss is shippy perfection and holy shit I could barely put the book down from that point on. Basically, it hit one of my very favorite tropes and just yes. Also, the passion and the swoons in this book. I cannot even.
My reservations are minor and petty. Mostly I just could not handle the character named Gray Jetta. His actual first name is Graham, but he goes by Gray. How does no one comment on the fact that this guy is a car? There’s also a teacher named Mrs. Ramen. Again, students would totally have some nickname for her or snicker about that or something. On top of that, there are way too many comma splices, which hurt my grammar loving soul, at least until I got sucked in enough to not notice anymore. Other than those things, my only issue was that it took a bit of time for the book to hook me, but once it did it did not let go.
I may have already preordered the second book even though it doesn’t come out until September. Why oh why will it finish in Australia before book two even comes out here? More importantly, why must the Australian covers be so incredibly ugly. Now I have to wait ages and I am sad. Or I’ll give in and buy the ugly covers, but I really really don’t want to. ARGH.
Not gonna lie, I was scared of this book. I mean, everyone has been loving it and I have been known, very occasionally, to be the black sheep of my little corner of the interwebs. For the record, I hate being the black sheep.
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Every Breath seemed a bit suspect too, because, while the thrilling word “ship” came up a lot, it came hand in hand with the word “Sherlock.” It’s not that I’m anti-Sherlock of any variety. However, what I know about Sherlock comes almost entirely from the Wishbone version of Hound of the Baskervilles. I did watch the first movie with Jude Law and RDJ, but I don’t even remember it. Until the book reminded me, I couldn’t remember who the heck Mycroft was in Sherlock Holmes. What if Sherlock love was essential for Every Breath love? My fears, guys.You’ve probably guessed by now that Sherlock love was not necessary to love Every Breath, and I really really do. For a while I was afraid that I would just like it, but not reach the passionate, shouty levels of my dear friends. I’m not sure if took some time to take off for everyone or if that was just a me thing, but either way I ended up in the same location. That location being the docks. Where I boarded a ship. A Wattscroft ship made of science and practicality.
Every Breath has some of the very best friendship to love romance that I’ve ever experienced. When the novel opens, they’re very firmly friends with scarcely a tension-filled moment. There are some Freudian slips here and there, but mostly they’re cool and comfortable with each other. The thing is that I totally get why they didn’t realize they should be making out. For one thing, Rachel hasn’t been in the city for that long and, for another, she doesn’t want to stay. Mycroft knows that she’s hoping to head right back out to the country, that she doesn’t want to get attached, and they’re both basically resisting messy romantic feelings. People vainly trying to resist attraction is basically my call to ship.
Throughout Every Breath, Rachel has to weigh her feelings for Mycroft and her feelings about the city. I love how much Rachel loves farming and how much she will not let people disparage it. Along her emotional arc, Rachel says a lot of really mean things to people she loves, the barbs calculated to hurt the most. She also is incredibly loving and sweet and thoughtful, the sort of girl who makes sure Mycroft has enough to eat and will go hang out with Mycroft’s friend Homeless Dave.
Speaking of Homeless Dave, may he rest in peace. The mystery of the novel crops up early. Mycroft and Rachel, who totally have no romantic feelings for each other no sir, go to visit Dave and find his throat slashed. It’s a grisly, painful scene. Mycroft, though fascinated by forensics, throws up; it shows a lot about their dynamics that Rachel actually handles this better in some ways and not in others. The two begin investigating the case together and they’re really such a perfect team. When he’s flagging, she’s got a new idea and vice versa. Their talents and ways of thinking are quite different, so they complement one another well. Also, they trust one another, which is essential.
Mysteries are not usually my thing, but I actually really liked this one. There’s a bit of Scooby Doo-ness in the meddling kids solving the mystery, but it also really worked. Unlike some YA or MG mysteries, I think it makes a lot of sense for the teens to be the ones to solve the case. The circumstances are such that it truly is unlikely that the police force would look so closely. It’s a sad truth that the murder of a homeless man wouldn’t be looked into as closely.
Back to the romance, because that’s obviously the most important part. I already adored the other half of Mycroft and Watts group, Mai and Gus, but they’re even better for being the biggest shippers on the whole planet. Actually, almost everyone is trying to get those kids to realize the truth, except for Rachel’s parents and the school administration. Both of the latter have pretty good reasons for being concerned, and, in the case of Rachel’s parents, I think it resolves really smoothly.
The first kiss is shippy perfection and holy shit I could barely put the book down from that point on. Basically, it hit one of my very favorite tropes and just yes. Also, the passion and the swoons in this book. I cannot even.
My reservations are minor and petty. Mostly I just could not handle the character named Gray Jetta. His actual first name is Graham, but he goes by Gray. How does no one comment on the fact that this guy is a car? There’s also a teacher named Mrs. Ramen. Again, students would totally have some nickname for her or snicker about that or something. On top of that, there are way too many comma splices, which hurt my grammar loving soul, at least until I got sucked in enough to not notice anymore. Other than those things, my only issue was that it took a bit of time for the book to hook me, but once it did it did not let go.
I may have already preordered the second book even though it doesn’t come out until September. Why oh why will it finish in Australia before book two even comes out here? More importantly, why must the Australian covers be so incredibly ugly. Now I have to wait ages and I am sad. Or I’ll give in and buy the ugly covers, but I really really don’t want to. ARGH.
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LibraryThing member ReadingBifrost
“I’m only a genius with facts. I’m an academic genius and a social moron.”
“At least you admit to being a moron at something.”
“I admit to being a moron at lots of things. Being a moron in one or two areas serves to highlight my extraordinary brilliance in everything else.”
James
Rachel is a country girl whose family moved to the big city of Melbourne against her will. She teasingly calls Mycroft the smarter Holmes brother and is constantly pressured by teachers and friends to keep him under control.
The interactions between the two main characters are amazing. While one tries to deny the attraction the other completely uses it as a science experiment. Most of all- they were still teens! Many YA-books try to put teenagers in stories where suddenly all the normal teenage problems go away, but in Every Breath Watts and Mycroft still have to deal with the same situations as normal teens (plus a little extra).
On to the plot! Mycroft naturally has his very own homeless-network, and when one his closest homeless friends turns up dead he and Watts know that the police will do little to nothing to catch the murderer. There’s a detail that Mycroft points out at one point in the investigation that later proves vital to the mystery; which is also a big part of what really brings out his character. It’s a typical “Who-How-Why” problem to solve like most mysteries, with characters trying to pull you into the wrong directions and other just being distractions.
Overall, I would recommend Every Breath to anyone who is looking for a light mystery and romance novel. There’s also a sequel out in Australia (and another on the way) so maybe it’ll make it to your country soon as well (not in the US yet).
“At least you admit to being a moron at something.”
“I admit to being a moron at lots of things. Being a moron in one or two areas serves to highlight my extraordinary brilliance in everything else.”
James
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Mycroft likes to refer to himself and Rachel Watts as Mycroft and Watts, because like every Sherlock needs a Watson, every Mycroft needs a Watts. He’s an eccentric teenage genius with a tragic past that he can’t forget.Rachel is a country girl whose family moved to the big city of Melbourne against her will. She teasingly calls Mycroft the smarter Holmes brother and is constantly pressured by teachers and friends to keep him under control.
The interactions between the two main characters are amazing. While one tries to deny the attraction the other completely uses it as a science experiment. Most of all- they were still teens! Many YA-books try to put teenagers in stories where suddenly all the normal teenage problems go away, but in Every Breath Watts and Mycroft still have to deal with the same situations as normal teens (plus a little extra).
On to the plot! Mycroft naturally has his very own homeless-network, and when one his closest homeless friends turns up dead he and Watts know that the police will do little to nothing to catch the murderer. There’s a detail that Mycroft points out at one point in the investigation that later proves vital to the mystery; which is also a big part of what really brings out his character. It’s a typical “Who-How-Why” problem to solve like most mysteries, with characters trying to pull you into the wrong directions and other just being distractions.
Overall, I would recommend Every Breath to anyone who is looking for a light mystery and romance novel. There’s also a sequel out in Australia (and another on the way) so maybe it’ll make it to your country soon as well (not in the US yet).
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LibraryThing member crashmyparty
I received a copy from the publisher, Allen & Unwin, in exchange for an honest review. This however did not influence my review in any way.
Honestly, though the premise of the story intrigued me and spiked my Sherlock senses (a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle's original characters), I did not expect
The characters were multi-dimensional and interesting and they felt real to me - Watts and Mycroft but also the supporting characters and the villains, which could have been even more fleshed out had there been more time, but everything in this novel happened pretty fast so you can see why they weren't. The tension between Watts and Mycroft really jumped off the page at me, I was practically screaming "KISS! KISS!" at them...I wish I was kidding!
The writing wasn't fantastic but the dialogue was witty and I think it will appeal to teenage and young adult readers, particularly Australians when they see places as the major settings of the book! I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
Honestly, though the premise of the story intrigued me and spiked my Sherlock senses (a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle's original characters), I did not expect
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to be so hooked by the opening chapters as I was. I didn't put this book down for two days! The characters were multi-dimensional and interesting and they felt real to me - Watts and Mycroft but also the supporting characters and the villains, which could have been even more fleshed out had there been more time, but everything in this novel happened pretty fast so you can see why they weren't. The tension between Watts and Mycroft really jumped off the page at me, I was practically screaming "KISS! KISS!" at them...I wish I was kidding!
The writing wasn't fantastic but the dialogue was witty and I think it will appeal to teenage and young adult readers, particularly Australians when they see places as the major settings of the book! I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
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LibraryThing member PaperDollLady
The book's front cover holds a question: WHAT IF SHERLOCK HOLMES WAS THE BOY NEXT DOOR?
It presents a backdrop for the plot. Peopled with Sherlock Holmes character types, the story's narrator, Watts (Rachel) is a smart seventeen-year-old country girl, whose family moved to the city (Melbourne) after
From the get-go there's the subtle attraction to draw the reader in. Opening with a glimpse of Watts and Mycroft's unique friendship already formed--they use surnames at this stage--the two are in the school's sick bay and Watts is administering first-aid to Mycroft after he's been engaged in fisticuffs. Here's what she reveals: "Mycroft turns his head, and now I'm getting the full stare. His blue eyes are luminous from the sunlight reflecting off the white bench surfaces. My palms suddenly go sweaty - it's way too warm in here. When my pulse jumps I have to look away." And the pull of it builds from there because, after all, opposites attract. She's obliging and polite. He's obsessive and dramatic. When asked by Mai and Gus if the pair are investigating the crime, Watts says, "no" to Mycroft's "yes" and it soon leads to a squabble over who cares enough over Dave's death. Mycroft insists he could solve it on his own, yet he implores Watts to help him out. Watts vacillates but then gives in. While they search for answers and decipher facts, the teen duo even finagle a way to view the body and talk with the pathologist without it seeming forced or contrived. Underlying all their detective work is the mystery surrounding the car-accident death of Mycroft's parents. Surfacing in a confrontation with hurtful things said between them, it's a plot layer that deepens the Mycroft-Watts partnership. Soon reconciled, they support and brace each other up. Literally, Mycroft braces Watts as she slips on the descend off a high-rise scaffolding after examining a graffiti mural holding a vital clue. And at a crucial moment she save his skin. Only then do they fall into using the first-name endearments of James and Rachel.
EVERY BREATH is a realistically told YA tale that unfolds so cleverly with Mycroft's intriguing back story, some adroit twists, plus such a palpable tension between Watts and her boy genius that the pages just seem to turn themselves. Thanks to LT Early Reviews for giving me a chance to read the first of what, I believe, is a series. Can't wait for the sequel!
It presents a backdrop for the plot. Peopled with Sherlock Holmes character types, the story's narrator, Watts (Rachel) is a smart seventeen-year-old country girl, whose family moved to the city (Melbourne) after
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losing their much-loved family farm. She's indispensable at home, keeping up with household chores while her parents and older brother work to make ends meet. On the same street, two doors down, lives Mycroft (James) a seventeen-year-old eccentric boy genius. Orphaned since age ten, Mycroft boards with Mrs. Angela Hudgson, his legal guardian but rarely-there maternal aunt. In their supportive roles, school chums and teen couple, Mai and Gus, provide likeable springboards for Watts and Mycroft's endeavors. Namely, to find out who murdered a friend, Homeless Dave, and his dog, Poodle. All the modern technologies--forensics, internet, IMing, and cell phone messages-- are used as the teen detective duo of Watts and Mycroft debate with the police whether or not a senseless "sport killing" was the motive for the crime. Even with some similarities to Holmes type characters--remember, Mycroft was the smarter Holmes brother, and Mrs. Hudson was Holmes' landlady--don't be fooled, this is no predictable cookie-cutter whodunit. From the get-go there's the subtle attraction to draw the reader in. Opening with a glimpse of Watts and Mycroft's unique friendship already formed--they use surnames at this stage--the two are in the school's sick bay and Watts is administering first-aid to Mycroft after he's been engaged in fisticuffs. Here's what she reveals: "Mycroft turns his head, and now I'm getting the full stare. His blue eyes are luminous from the sunlight reflecting off the white bench surfaces. My palms suddenly go sweaty - it's way too warm in here. When my pulse jumps I have to look away." And the pull of it builds from there because, after all, opposites attract. She's obliging and polite. He's obsessive and dramatic. When asked by Mai and Gus if the pair are investigating the crime, Watts says, "no" to Mycroft's "yes" and it soon leads to a squabble over who cares enough over Dave's death. Mycroft insists he could solve it on his own, yet he implores Watts to help him out. Watts vacillates but then gives in. While they search for answers and decipher facts, the teen duo even finagle a way to view the body and talk with the pathologist without it seeming forced or contrived. Underlying all their detective work is the mystery surrounding the car-accident death of Mycroft's parents. Surfacing in a confrontation with hurtful things said between them, it's a plot layer that deepens the Mycroft-Watts partnership. Soon reconciled, they support and brace each other up. Literally, Mycroft braces Watts as she slips on the descend off a high-rise scaffolding after examining a graffiti mural holding a vital clue. And at a crucial moment she save his skin. Only then do they fall into using the first-name endearments of James and Rachel.
EVERY BREATH is a realistically told YA tale that unfolds so cleverly with Mycroft's intriguing back story, some adroit twists, plus such a palpable tension between Watts and her boy genius that the pages just seem to turn themselves. Thanks to LT Early Reviews for giving me a chance to read the first of what, I believe, is a series. Can't wait for the sequel!
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LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
Although the cover (on my version) of the book alludes to Sherlock Holmes being the boy next door, other than superficial (but fun) references, this book doesn't have anything to do with the Sherlock Holmes cannon. Although, I have to suspect the author was a fan of both the original cannon and
In this story, James Mycroft (the obvious allusion to Holmes) is the boy next door and although he is clever, flawed, fun and fractured, he strikes me as quite a bit more human than the Conan Doyle character. Rachel (another, less obvious, Holmes lore nod) Watts is a country girl through and through, forced to move to the city of Melbourne due to her family's financial crisis. We join the characters after they have gotten to know each other and have found, in one another, a partnership of sorts where she helps ground her erstwhile, super smart neighbor and he opens up her point of view of the city and the people in it. When one of Mycroft's vagrant friends is murdered, it is up Watts and Mycroft to solve the mystery.
To put it succinctly, I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is a young adult tale, but I found it engaging. The characters were very well done and sympathetic, the mystery was compelling and the end was a surprise (to me anyway). Although I sometimes was thrown a bit by the language (I believe the author is Austrailian, as is the setting and characters), that was part of the fun and made me think a bit more. This was a fast moving tale and I was really rather sad when it was all done, even though I raced through the last few chapters as I couldn't read fast enough to find out what would happen. Very well done!
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perhaps the more recent, modern upgrade BBC version of Sherlock. In this story, James Mycroft (the obvious allusion to Holmes) is the boy next door and although he is clever, flawed, fun and fractured, he strikes me as quite a bit more human than the Conan Doyle character. Rachel (another, less obvious, Holmes lore nod) Watts is a country girl through and through, forced to move to the city of Melbourne due to her family's financial crisis. We join the characters after they have gotten to know each other and have found, in one another, a partnership of sorts where she helps ground her erstwhile, super smart neighbor and he opens up her point of view of the city and the people in it. When one of Mycroft's vagrant friends is murdered, it is up Watts and Mycroft to solve the mystery.
To put it succinctly, I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is a young adult tale, but I found it engaging. The characters were very well done and sympathetic, the mystery was compelling and the end was a surprise (to me anyway). Although I sometimes was thrown a bit by the language (I believe the author is Austrailian, as is the setting and characters), that was part of the fun and made me think a bit more. This was a fast moving tale and I was really rather sad when it was all done, even though I raced through the last few chapters as I couldn't read fast enough to find out what would happen. Very well done!
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LibraryThing member mountie9
Delightfully intriguing new teen detective series with plenty of homages to Sherlock Holmes. Perfectly paced and full of unique and real characters. Delightful dialogue, (Jen, who recommended it to me mentioned to read it out loud to yourself in an aussie accent for added pleasure - yup it did it
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even though my accent was atrocious) fast paced, suspenseful and delightfully quirky. Looking forward to cracking open its sequel which the publisher just sent me. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ginger_reader22
Rachel Watts and her family have recently moved to the city, it's bigger, louder, more crowded and Rachel hates it. All she wants is to return her quiet, peaceful country life and let the grim of the city life wash down the drain.
The only problem with that is Mycroft.
James Mycroft is the boy next
When an evening walk to the zoo turns deadly they find themselves caught up in the middle of a murder investigations. With Mycroft's brilliant mind and forensic knowledge they both set out to find killer before the killer finds them.
Lets just start with the blurb that made me read this book "What if Sherlock Holmes was the boy next door?" That right there drew me in but it was Marney's characters and story line that kept me going.
I loved all the twists and turns and how even though there were a few moments when they did something dumb that put them in harms way they were, for the most part, very strategic and smart about the moves they made.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery but also to anyone who loves 'the feels' because oh boy did this book have feels. I'm very excited for the next book in this series and I cannot wait to see where Marney's characters end up next.
Until next time,
Ginger
In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.
The only problem with that is Mycroft.
James Mycroft is the boy next
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door, one of the smartest people that Rachel knows and although they are best friends Rachel feelings often walk a thin line between friendship and romance. When an evening walk to the zoo turns deadly they find themselves caught up in the middle of a murder investigations. With Mycroft's brilliant mind and forensic knowledge they both set out to find killer before the killer finds them.
Lets just start with the blurb that made me read this book "What if Sherlock Holmes was the boy next door?" That right there drew me in but it was Marney's characters and story line that kept me going.
I loved all the twists and turns and how even though there were a few moments when they did something dumb that put them in harms way they were, for the most part, very strategic and smart about the moves they made.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery but also to anyone who loves 'the feels' because oh boy did this book have feels. I'm very excited for the next book in this series and I cannot wait to see where Marney's characters end up next.
Until next time,
Ginger
In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member paeonia
Rachel Watts befriends genius misfit James Mycroft and together the two teens solve the murder of a homeless man. Inevitable romance ensues, but doesn't overshadow the mystery. Some Australian vernacular to interpret ( not being an Aussie). Readers will welcome another Watts and Mycroft adventure
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LibraryThing member lauraodom
I am a self-proclaimed fan of all things Sherlock related, so a request for this book was a no-brainer when it showed up as a book for early review on LibraryThing. I enjoyed the book. It had a good storyline and was a tip of the hat to the Sherlock stories without being over-the-top. I liked the
Recommendations:
Would I recommend this to my fellow book lovers? Eh. It's a take it or leave it book.
Would I recommend this book for children/teens? No. I don't like the glorified use of cigarettes and overall teen independence.
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romantic chemistry between Mycroft and Watts, and the mystery played out well. The downside to this book was the profanity. I get that it fit the characters, but profanity in books is always a turn-off to me. Recommendations:
Would I recommend this to my fellow book lovers? Eh. It's a take it or leave it book.
Would I recommend this book for children/teens? No. I don't like the glorified use of cigarettes and overall teen independence.
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LibraryThing member avidreader85
This book was an excellent retelling of Sherlock Holmes. The mystery was what it was supposed to be, a mystery until the very end. And the subtle similarities of characters between the classic Sherlock and this novel were very well done.
LibraryThing member kimpiddington
Nice mystery with a bit of romance tossed in.
LibraryThing member Kaethe
TEENAGE SHERLOCK AND WATSON
LibraryThing member taleofnight
Seeing all the positive reviews for this definitely makes me feel like the black sheep. I didn't really care about the story. The only time I was actually invested in the story was when Watts and Mycroft found the murdered homeless guy and when it was finally revealed who the murderer was.
I also
Every thing else was boring to me. Even when they were going around investigating, I just didn't care, and I don't really know why. Maybe it was the writing, I felt like there was a lot of description that I didn't care about. I really don't need to know what color the walls are painted or what plants are in the room. And this book if very Australian, which was to be expected because the author is Australian and it's set in Australia, but I think I kind of had a disconnect because of it, which can't really be helped.
I also
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enjoyed the romance, mostly because I loved Mycroft. I probably wouldn't have given this 2 stars if it wasn't for Mycroft.Every thing else was boring to me. Even when they were going around investigating, I just didn't care, and I don't really know why. Maybe it was the writing, I felt like there was a lot of description that I didn't care about. I really don't need to know what color the walls are painted or what plants are in the room. And this book if very Australian, which was to be expected because the author is Australian and it's set in Australia, but I think I kind of had a disconnect because of it, which can't really be helped.
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LibraryThing member TheLibraryhag
Rachel Watts and James Mycroft are neighbors. They both are not happy with their personal situations so they bond right away. Rachel is a displaced country girl trying to cope with city life. Mycroft is a brilliant mind haunted by the mysterious deaths of his parents. They spend time together and
I really like this book. It is YA so there is the required angst. But you really can't help but like this group of misfits, even if you want to dope slap them sometimes. They are a group of really smart kids. And the adults in the book are regular humans with their own issues and concerns. The mystery is very good and there is some action. Looking forward to the next one so much that I am buying a copy.
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often visit Homeless Dave near the zoo. On one visit with tea and leftovers, they find Dave quite dead. Together with the help of some friends, they plan to solve the murder of their friend.I really like this book. It is YA so there is the required angst. But you really can't help but like this group of misfits, even if you want to dope slap them sometimes. They are a group of really smart kids. And the adults in the book are regular humans with their own issues and concerns. The mystery is very good and there is some action. Looking forward to the next one so much that I am buying a copy.
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LibraryThing member Herenya
Rachel’s family have left their farm and are still adjusting to life in the city, but Rachel is only two doors down from her new friend, James Mycroft, a troubled eccentric genius. When they discover a homeless friend has been murdered, Mycroft worries that the police won’t take the murder
I was expecting something more tightly paced and tense, but there are a lot of Sherlock Holmes-inspired stories out there, and “teenagers catch trams and solve murder in the shadow of Melbourne Zoo” certainly hasn’t been done before. So points for that. I liked it enough that I’ve requested the sequel from the library.
Riding the trams and trains still has a lot of novelty value for me. It’s one of the few city things I actually enjoy, especially riding at night, like now. [...] There’s Harley City motorbikes, car yards with all the coloured flags reduced to dust tones, bridal shops, clearance sales. Even ALDI has a glow-in-the-dark seedy radiance. My breath mists the tram window and I’m in a bubble, one of those deep-ocean submarines that studies life at a thousand metres below.
The city is still a mystery to me -- cold, unfriendly, alien. Only when I’m viewing it like this, at a removed distance, does it seem as if there’s any beauty, or recognisable pattern. If I could keep the city at arm’s length all the time, I’d be happy.
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seriously and is determined to investigate. I was expecting something more tightly paced and tense, but there are a lot of Sherlock Holmes-inspired stories out there, and “teenagers catch trams and solve murder in the shadow of Melbourne Zoo” certainly hasn’t been done before. So points for that. I liked it enough that I’ve requested the sequel from the library.
Riding the trams and trains still has a lot of novelty value for me. It’s one of the few city things I actually enjoy, especially riding at night, like now. [...] There’s Harley City motorbikes, car yards with all the coloured flags reduced to dust tones, bridal shops, clearance sales. Even ALDI has a glow-in-the-dark seedy radiance. My breath mists the tram window and I’m in a bubble, one of those deep-ocean submarines that studies life at a thousand metres below.
The city is still a mystery to me -- cold, unfriendly, alien. Only when I’m viewing it like this, at a removed distance, does it seem as if there’s any beauty, or recognisable pattern. If I could keep the city at arm’s length all the time, I’d be happy.
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LibraryThing member alcarinqa
This book is so good! I was absolutely hooked from the prologue (it's a punchy prologue!), and it only got better from there! I enjoyed the characters, the mystery, and the vivid sense of place, and am looking forward to the next two books in the series.
Set in Melbourne, Every Breath is about
The murder-mystery aspect of the book had me worried initially, because I thought that teenagers solving a crime alongside the police wouldn't be believable. Why would adults give them pertinent details and allow them to spin their theories? But Marney handles it well, and I understood why the coroner and police officer wanted to listen. I was sucked into the action: there's a lot going on and I was always guessing what might happen next. One of the things that did disappoint me is how patronisingly Mycroft would wait for Watts to reach some conclusion or another - I feel like it took away from her own considerable agency and left us hanging on Mycroft's. In fact, whatever contributions Watts does make towards solving the case, she's never happy with. She's always in awe of how much Mycroft achieves and even blames herself for wallowing at one stage because she didn't do as much as him.
Watts and Mycroft have an easy, simple friendship . Even then they hurt one another, it's only because they know eachother so well. I think this aspect of life is frequently forgotten about in YA - author trip over themselves creating sexual tension between two protagonists and forget that the basis of any real, lasting relationship is friendship. So for me, it's a massive plus that Watts and Mycroft were firmly established as best friends long before they explored any other relationship, but having said that, I love the sweet cute (and heart achy) build up in their romance.
The fact that Rachel and James refer to one another by last-name threw me for most of the book: although it was easy enough to remember Watts' name is Rachel, because her family call her that, I constantly forgot that Mycroft was the boy's last-name! Although it did serve as a good indicator of how close they were getting - when they started saying first-names you knew things were about to get interesting!
Every Breath is an engaging crime thriller that most will enjoy, especially because of its rich setting, exciting plot and great characters. I'm glad there are more books to come about Mycroft and Watts, because I'm not ready to let them go yet! I'll be eagerly looking forward to the sequels!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.
Set in Melbourne, Every Breath is about
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Rachel Watts, who's new to the whole city-living thing (her family used to own a farm), and her neighbour James Mycroft, who's got a penchant for forensics and crime-solving. The city is brought to life by the author - I liked the emphasis on the small, usually overlooked aspects of the Melbourne, like little eateries, wonderful people, unexpected kindnesses. I think it's nice because we see the city through Rachel's eyes, and she's anti-Melbourne and the big smoke for so long that when she starts seeing how special it is, I could totally see it too.The murder-mystery aspect of the book had me worried initially, because I thought that teenagers solving a crime alongside the police wouldn't be believable. Why would adults give them pertinent details and allow them to spin their theories? But Marney handles it well, and I understood why the coroner and police officer wanted to listen. I was sucked into the action: there's a lot going on and I was always guessing what might happen next. One of the things that did disappoint me is how patronisingly Mycroft would wait for Watts to reach some conclusion or another - I feel like it took away from her own considerable agency and left us hanging on Mycroft's. In fact, whatever contributions Watts does make towards solving the case, she's never happy with. She's always in awe of how much Mycroft achieves and even blames herself for wallowing at one stage because she didn't do as much as him.
Watts and Mycroft have an easy, simple friendship . Even then they hurt one another, it's only because they know eachother so well. I think this aspect of life is frequently forgotten about in YA - author trip over themselves creating sexual tension between two protagonists and forget that the basis of any real, lasting relationship is friendship. So for me, it's a massive plus that Watts and Mycroft were firmly established as best friends long before they explored any other relationship, but having said that, I love the sweet cute (and heart achy) build up in their romance.
The fact that Rachel and James refer to one another by last-name threw me for most of the book: although it was easy enough to remember Watts' name is Rachel, because her family call her that, I constantly forgot that Mycroft was the boy's last-name! Although it did serve as a good indicator of how close they were getting - when they started saying first-names you knew things were about to get interesting!
Every Breath is an engaging crime thriller that most will enjoy, especially because of its rich setting, exciting plot and great characters. I'm glad there are more books to come about Mycroft and Watts, because I'm not ready to let them go yet! I'll be eagerly looking forward to the sequels!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.
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LibraryThing member Elizabeth_Foster
I’m glad I picked up Every Breath, a romantic crime thriller by Ellie Marney, who now has several novels to her credit. Every Breath is the first in a series and is told from the viewpoint of Rachel Watts, who has moved from the country to the city and is pining for her old existence. With her
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new friend, Mycroft, she forms part of an investigative duo fashioned after Sherlock Holmes and his side kick, Watson. Much of the plot centres around their search for clues to the violent death of a homeless man. Sherlock struggled with a maladaptive way of living and Mycroft, too, has some problems dealing with everyday life, which keeps things on edge. I’m not much of a romance reader but the romance in this, a delicious slow burn, was handled just right for my tastes. Show Less
LibraryThing member sophiehrhlgnd
One of the best books I've ever read. I was planning on reading just a chapter before going to bed but it was so good that I stayed up and read the whole book.
LibraryThing member hawaiianmermaid701
I really enjoyed this modern twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson! The plot was sufficiently complex to keep me guessing without being confusing. I enjoyed the red herrings scattered through out the book, I was convinced it was one person and when the big reveal came I was shocked. I
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just finished this book, and I immediately want to re-read it! I really enjoyed the chemistry between Mycroft and Rachel the progression of the novel and their relationship didn't seem forced or out of place. Another thing I really enjoyed was the twists on the iconic character's names, it just made me happy. Over all I really enjoyed this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member secondhandrose
Excellent first novel from Victorian author Ellie Marney. A thriller with an outcome I couldn't predict, great local context. Looking forward to the second in the series.
Subjects
Awards
Davitt Award (Longlist — Young Adult Novel — 2014)
Ned Kelly Award (Shortlist — 2014)
Language
Original publication date
2013
Physical description
21 cm
ISBN
9781743316429
Local notes
Rachel Watts is an unwilling new arrival to Melbourne from the country. James Mycroft is her neighbour, an intriguingly troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. Despite her misgivings, Rachel finds herself unable to resist Mycroft when he wants her help investigating a murder. And when Watts and Mycroft follow a trail to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion's den - literally.