When her ex-boyfriend starts stalking her, seventeen-year-old Cameryn must use her knowledge of forensic sciences to protect herself.

Just let me say something to Kyle: Coolest way to die ever. You know, minus being a oscho serial murderer. ( )

The Dying Breath: A Forensic Mystery

Ferguson, Alane

B.L. 5.1

Points: 8.0 UG

Cameryn Mahoney is a smart, strong-willed 17 year-old girl ready to graduate from high school. She is also being stalked by her former boyfriend Kyle, a psychopath who has already kidnapped Cammie once, and will stop at nothing to be with her once again.

I have really enjoyed this mystery. Overall I would rate the book as above average and would highly recommend it to many students and adults. The author does an excellent job with character development, scene, setting and plot.

Cameryn’s father Patrick Mahoney is the coroner of Silverton. Cammie has a gift, and a fascination for forensic science. She is also being groomed as a medical examiner by the brusque and curmudgeonly Dr. Moore from Durango. At the same time Cammie is trying to help Dr. Moore with his investigation into the suspicious death of Leather Ed, she is also being drawn deeper into the dangerous world of ex-boyfriend Kyle O’Neil.

Through the course of the book we are introduced to Lyric, Cammie’s best friend and ally. Lyric is probably my favorite character in the book. She is gifted with intuition and a snarky sense of humor that helps keep Cammie firmly planted on the ground. She is protective of her friend without being overbearing.

22 year-old Justin is a detective with the Sheriffs department in Silverton. He has a massive crush on Cammie, but realizes she is 17, and understands he cannot act on his feelings at this time. Lyric is very aware of both Justin’s interest, and Cammie’s mutual feelings for him as well – even though Cammie has not openly admitted these feelings.

Cammie’s Grandma completes the characters who surround her with love and protection. She is perfect as the Irish Mawmaw who takes care of everyone and everything with love and patience.

The plot twists and turns keep this book interesting right up to the end without being confusing.

All things considered, a very fun summer read. ( )

I was a little disappointed in this book compared to the others. I felt like there wasn't really a whole lot of action or suspense until the last 30 pages, which felt very rushed. It was a little to mushy gushy for me. I liked how the other books had more suspense and mystery versus romance. ( )

Kyle O’Neil is still after Cameryn. Now he is leaving notes along side dead bodies promising to love her until HER dying breath. Can you say stalker? Everyone is trying to protect Cameryn, especially Justin. Since he was first introduced in the first book, The Christopher Killer, we have known of Justin’s feelings for Cameryn. She is ready to let her guard down and develop a relationship with Justin. We also find the gruff Medical Examiner Doctor Moore taking a bigger interest in Cameryn as he sees her as a very gifted person and an asset to forensic science. ( )