Southern Gothic Thriller Hits All the Right Marks

When I started reading the novel The Breathless by Tara Goedjen, I did not know it was geared to young adults. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize it was a YA novel at all until after I finished and I went online to read other people's opinions of the book. In no way am I suggesting that YA books are any less entertaining than other thrillers, but this one really blew me away. As a reader it pulled me right in and kept me at arm's length for the four days it took me to finish.

The book does center around teenagers which is probably why it lends itself well to the YA category but the story is so much more than your typical teenager thriller. Set in and around an old antebellum mansion, the story takes on a strong southern gothic feel immediately. So much so that you often find yourself as a reader forgetting that this book partially takes place in a time of iPhones, social media and selfies. It's haunting, romantic and full of secrets.

The novel works to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Ro Cole while bringing up spells to raise the dead, shady family history and a few genuine scares tossed in for good measure.

This was an enjoyable book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good page turning thriller.