A Riveting Tale Hindered by Narration

I must express my gratitude to Netgalley and all involved for providing me with the opportunity to experience Last Girl Breathing in audiobook format. As an avid reader, I was drawn to the intriguing concept promised by Court Stevens' narrative. Regrettably, my journey through this story was significantly impeded by a major drawback—the narration—which ultimately influenced my rating of this otherwise suspenseful tale.

Initially, I approached Last Girl Breathing with the expectation of a quick and engrossing read, but the audiobook format proved to be a double-edged sword. The central issue that marred my overall enjoyment was the narrator's performance. The audible inhalations and deep breaths became a constant distraction, hindering my ability to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Unfortunately, this detracted from the overall experience and contributed to my decision to rate the book at three stars.

Moving past this hurdle, let me delve into the heart of the story. Last Girl Breathing follows Lucy Michaels, a young woman haunted by the tragic loss of her little brother in a devastating flooding accident. Lucy, who had the capacity to save lives during the incident, finds herself unable to rescue her own sibling. Fast forward to the present, where Lucy is on the cusp of graduating from high school when her stepbrother mysteriously disappears.

Stevens weaves a compelling tale of suspense and secrets, entwined with a significant focus on character development. Lucy, grappling with the burden of her past, becomes a complex protagonist whose journey resonates with the reader. The narrative successfully navigates the intricate web of mystery, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as Lucy confronts her past and unravels the enigma surrounding her stepbrother's disappearance.

Despite the narratorial setbacks, the strengths of Last Girl Breathing lie in Stevens' ability to craft a small-town atmosphere with charm and precision. The picturesque description of the setting enhances the overall narrative, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The author's talent for portraying the nuances of a close-knit community adds depth to the story, making it an engaging exploration of both mystery and the intricacies of human relationships.

Despite my reservations about the audiobook narration, I extend a measure of grace to Court Stevens, offering a two-book allowance before passing a final judgment. I acknowledge that individual preferences play a crucial role in audiobook experiences, and my dissatisfaction with the narrator may not be universally shared.

In conclusion, Last Girl Breathing is a captivating tale marred by a disruptive narration that may deter some listeners. If you can overlook this flaw and appreciate the intricate small-town charm and the author's skillful character development, then I encourage you to explore the story. Court Stevens has demonstrated storytelling prowess, and I remain open to giving another of her works a chance in the hope of a more seamless and enjoyable listening experience. Click the link below, keeping in mind the potential drawbacks, and embark on this suspenseful journey if the premise intrigues you. ( )

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC of this book.

I LOVED this book. It kept me on my toes the entire time. I also loved our main character Lucy.

I know some folks on Goodreads said they were able to pick out the culprit of the Lucy's missing friends was from the beginning, but I had no idea. Each character has some sort of redeeming quality that makes the reader doubt that they are capable of any sort of foul play. The characterization in this book was top-notch.

This book also brings into play how a large corporation/factory/plant can impact a community and community member choices. As climate change and the impact of factories is more on the forefront in todays news, this subplot I found to be very relevant and interesting.

The alternating timelines really worked with the plot of the book. You slowly learned the background of what happened when the dam broke while getting deeper into the present day investigation.

Now, can we talk about the twists. The last third of this book was WILD. I could not predict the outcome at all. And all of the subtle little details made it even more difficult for me to infer what would come of Lucy and the investigation. When you learn the whole story, if you are like me, you will spend time just sitting in shock.

I also need to add that I listened to the audio narration of this book and McKenzie Fetters did an excellent job. You could tell who was speaking by how she changed her voice in the story. As the majority of the story is told from Lucy's point of view, I have to add that her narration for Lucy was very genuine and fit Lucy's character perfectly.

Loved this. Would recommend it to any mystery reader- especially the audiobook version! And will be looking into reading more of Court Stevens other books. ( )

#FirstLine ~ The bulk of Mom’s messages come through in a span of thirty-eight minutes.

What makes Last Girl Breathing truly captivating is its compelling characters and their emotional depth. Lucy's journey, filled with guilt and determination, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as it unravels the truth, revealing the intricate web of lies and deceit in the town.

Court Stevens delivers nonstop suspense, creating a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. Last Girl Breathing is a riveting exploration of the human spirit, the power of redemption, and the resilience of the last girl standing. With its well-crafted characters and suspenseful plot, this novel is a must-read for those who enjoy thrilling mysteries and stories that tug at the heartstrings.

I was able to read and listen to this book via @netgalley eARC and audiobook!!! Thanks so much!! ( )