Every Breath by Ellie Marney

Title: Every Breath (Every #1)
Author: Ellie Marney
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Tundra Books
Pages: 352
Source: Hardcover provided by Penguin Random House Canada
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Overall: 4 STARS

Summary: 

When James Mycroft drags Rachel Watts off on a night mission to the Melbourne Zoo, the last thing she expects to find is the mutilated body of Homeless Dave, one of Mycroft's numerous eccentric friends. But Mycroft's passion for forensics leads him to realize that something about the scene isn't right--and he wants Watts to help him investigate the murder.

While Watts battles her attraction to bad-boy Mycroft, he's busy getting himself expelled and clashing with the police, becoming murder suspect number one. When Watts and Mycroft unknowingly reveal too much to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion's den--literally. A trip to the zoo will never have quite the same meaning to Rachel Watts again...  

My Thoughts:  
I can't believe I've had Ellie Marney's Every Breath sitting on my bookshelf for over a year, never realizing I was missing out on such a captivating YA crime thriller! When Mycroft and Watts discover the mutilated body of their friend, Homeless Dave, near the zoo one evening, they don't believe the police will do enough to investigate his death. Restless and grieving, Mycroft and Watts begin their own search for answers, unaware the clues will lead them right into the heart of danger and a murderer's path.

While Ellie Marney's Every Breath is loosely inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the novel uniquely stands out on its own. Mycroft and Watts may joke they share a partnership like Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, but the dynamic of their friendship is very different. Watts is more than simply a female sidekick—she completely holds her own against Mycroft.

When the bank foreclosed on their farm four months ago, Rachel Watts and her family had no choice but to move to Melbourne to face an uncertain future. Living in the city has been quite the adjustment for this country girl; she misses her home and her old life. Melbourne is crowded and noisy, and her parents are always tired or busy with their new jobs. Her friendship with her neighbour and classmate Mycroft, despite his strange habits and troubled history, makes living in Melbourne bearable.

James Mycroft is haunted by the death of this parents. His tragic past fuels his passion for forensics and the countless hours he spends online writing scientific articles under the pseudonym Diogenes. He has a brilliant mind, but he forgets to take care of himself. His aunt is barely home, and the only meals he seems to eat are provided by Watts's mother. Mycroft needs Watts, more than she probably realizes. The romance that develops between them doesn't come suddenly. It felt so natural for Mycroft and Watts to explore their feelings beyond friendship, to realize just how much they both mean to each other.

The suspense quietly builds as Mycroft and Watts work together to solve the mystery of Homeless Dave's murder. I had my suspicions about the identity of the murderer, but I love that it wasn't blatantly apparent right away. Watts may have been initially hesitant to help Mycroft investigate, but once she makes the decision to join him, they're a true team. Mycroft can more easily make connections using logic and reasoning, but Watts is never too far behind him.

I absolutely enjoyed reading Ellie Marney's YA debut Every Breath! And I will not do a repeat of allowing the sequel Every Word to sit on my TBR pile for over a year again. With an Australian setting, a murder to be solved, and two brilliant characters who'll fast become your OTP, what's not to love about Every Breath?