One Last Breath is a thriller, complete with supernatural elements, that revolves around an unsolved crime. It follows Tru, who grew up in the shadow of the murders of best friends Bailey and Celeste two decades prior. I think that Sain does a great job exploring how tragic events rock a small town like the one at the center of this story, and tying it in with Tru’s fascination with the case. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the murders, Tru meets an enigmatic girl named Rio, who convinces her that they were Bailey and Celeste in a past life.
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Now, I usually have a hard time with reincarnation storylines (not least because I don’t believe in it), but Rio does not prove to be a reliable narrator so I felt like it worked here. In fact, Sain casts doubt on not only Rio’s reincarnation argument, but her whole backstory in various lights which makes her an enigma, and I was intrigued as I attempted to figure out what was true and what wasn’t. Like any good thriller, One Last Breath had me theorizing big time, and suspicion is cast upon various characters in this small town. Still, there were a couple plot twists and nothing could’ve prepared me for the big reveal at the end.

One Last Breath is an eerie, atmospheric thriller that perfectly blends mystery, romance, and the supernatural. Set in a haunting lakeside town, it follows a girl uncovering dark secrets tied to a decades-old cold case murder. Ginny Myers Sain’s writing is lush and immersive, pulling you into the eerie setting and unraveling tension with every page. While the pacing lagged in places, the chilling twists and emotional depth kept me hooked. A must-read for fans of slow-burn mysteries with a gothic touch!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Ginny Myers Sain delivers another atmospheric, eerie thriller with One Last Breath, blending mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. The setting—a steamy Florida town with deep, dangerous springs—adds a haunting layer to the story, making the underwater sequences especially tense and immersive.

Tru is a compelling protagonist, torn between uncovering the truth behind an unsolved murder, her unresolved grief, and her growing feelings for the enigmatic Rio. Their relationship is central to the story, and while it’s well-developed, at times, it overshadows the mystery itself. The paranormal elements feel subtle compared to Sain’s previous books, which may leave some readers wanting more.

The pacing is solid, though the large cast of characters can feel overwhelming, and some of the side plots detract from the tension rather than add to it. However, the writing is evocative, and the twists keep the story engaging.

If you enjoy slow-burn mysteries with romance and ghostly undertones, One Last Breath is an excellent choice. It may not be as chilling as Dark and Shallow Lies, but it’s still an immersive, well-crafted read that will leave you holding your breath.

One Last Breath by Ginny Myers Sain is a pulse-pounding Young Adult mystery thriller that masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and complex characters into a gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The novel follows the story of 17-year-old Bri, a girl who is struggling to make sense of her own identity in the wake of her sister’s disappearance. Bri’s life has been marked by the weight of unanswered questions surrounding her sister’s sudden vanishing, and she’s been haunted by the mystery for years. When a new series of strange events begins to unfold in her town, Bri finds herself thrust into the middle of a web of secrets, deceit, and danger.

Ginny Myers Sain excels at creating a sense of unease that builds throughout the novel. The atmosphere is thick with suspense, and just when you think you’ve figured something out, a new twist or revelation keeps you second-guessing your theories. Sain weaves the tension expertly, making the stakes feel high and real, as Bri uncovers pieces of the puzzle that lead to an explosive and unexpected climax.

The characters in One Last Breath are richly developed and realistic. Bri is a compelling protagonist, full of vulnerability, strength, and determination. Her internal struggles, paired with her growth throughout the story, make her a relatable and empathetic character. The supporting cast, including her friends and family, each bring something unique to the narrative. Their motivations are often layered and complicated, adding to the intrigue and depth of the story.

Sain's writing style is sharp and concise, with an underlying emotional depth that makes the book not just a thrilling mystery, but also a reflection on loss, grief, and the search for truth. The pacing is fast, which helps maintain the intensity, but the author also takes moments to delve into the emotional toll the mystery takes on Bri, making the stakes feel more personal and grounded.

Overall, One Last Breath is an exceptional YA thriller. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre who enjoy a good mystery with well-crafted twists, intense suspense, and characters that stay with you long after the book is finished. Ginny Myers Sain has delivered a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, keeping readers guessing from start to finish.

One Last Breath by Ginny Myers Sain is an emotionally powerful story about grief, survival, and finding strength in the aftermath of tragedy. The book follows a young woman as she navigates the weight of loss and tries to piece together the secrets of her past. Sain’s writing is raw and honest, pulling you right into the character’s world and making you feel every bit of her pain and growth. The characters feel real and relatable, and the themes of healing and self-discovery are both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It’s an intense read, but ultimately, it’s about finding light in the darkness. This one definitely deserves 5 stars.

Ginny Myers Sain has done it again!!!!!! She’s given me a story that I COULD NOT PUT DOWN!!! I’ve been a little obsessed with serial killer thrillers as of late, so she had me from page 1. And bring in the fact that this is based out of my home state, which makes it that much more scary and exciting.

Almost 20 years ago, two gruesome murders rocked the small Florida town of Mount Orange. Each year the town welcomes people to “remember” the lives of Bailey and Celeste, the girls who lost their lives prematurely. They went camping one night and were found brutally murdered the next morning. But just because their killer was never caught, doesn’t mean anyone has forgotten.

Tru has always felt the need to know what happened before she was even born. She’s felt a kinship to them, for some reason. Like she knows them herself. She’s wanted answers for the girls who couldn’t get them for themselves… including her sister who died when she was a child. Maybe that’s why she went to work for the town newspaper.

The only thing that helps her get her mind off of their morbid deaths is free diving. Under the water she only needs to remember one thing… don’t go too deep.

When Rio shows up, it’s at the perfect time to help Tru figure out what she wants to do with her life. She’s dating her best friend and childhood sweetheart, planning on going to FSU with him in the fall, and looking at a future she doesn’t want, but she doesn’t know what she wants… not exactly. But the one thing they want is to solve the murders that have haunted them both for way too long.

Together they start to ruffle feathers and find answers that someone doesn’t want anyone to have. Answers they could be killed to protect…

I love a mystery and this had me hooked from the very start. Girls are dead and it may have been from a notorious serial killer, but no one can figure out what happened. These two girls are better detectives than any of the ones on the actual police force. But that’s small town for you, right?

What I wasn’t expecting was a sapphic love story. I had no idea that this was queer and I was overjoyed! I love love, but there is just something about queer love that makes me even happier. Maybe it’s because I’m a big ole softy. Or it could be the fact that I’m a rainbow-flag-flying, glitter-tooting, flaming homosexual myself. And I’m very proud of it. 🤣

It wasn't the book, it was me. I unfortunately DNFed this one at about 30%. I tried so hard to power through but I was not a vibing with this one. I had a hard time connecting with the story and I thought it was just too slow. I think it is an interesting concept and I was curious, but not quite invested to keep going. I do think the Florida setting was great and wish I could have felt more for this book. This one will find an audience, but it just wasn't me sadly. Thanks to Penguin Teen for the arc copy.

One Last Breath by Ginny Myers Sain didn't disappoint. I loved everything about it. Thank to you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the supernatural elements of past lives in this book and how it all played into the unsolved murders in the book. I really liked how this whole book played out because I did not see that ending coming. This was an interesting murder mystery that was well written and gripping.

Feeling a connection with a murder victim from twenty years ago isn’t strange. Seeing flashes from a life that isn’t yours…meeting another person who is just as obsessed with other person who was murdered the same night…a

Working together Tru and Rio work together try and follow the clues to discover who the true murderer is before he has a chance to silence them for good.

SPOILERS

i’m a little conflicted on this one. overall, i was drawn into the story from the beginning and was invested in what happened and what was currently happening. i really liked the vibes of the book with the summer setting and the diving.

my main issue was the reincarnation bit. it wasn’t necessarily the plot line but i feel like it could have been done better. it just felt cheesy and forced. trulee believed it VERY quickly as well. idk i have mixed emotions on that aspect. also rio’s “mysteriousness” ended up being kinda anticlimactic lol like the secrets she was hiding.

i feel bad for east (for many reasons) he deserved better ://

this wasn’t anything groundbreaking and that’s okay. i do think it’s still an enjoyable read if you don’t think too hard about it. i didn’t guess the plot twists so that’s a plus as well!

Book Summary:

Twenty years ago, two young women were murdered. It’s still the town gossip to this day, drawing in nearly as many tourists as the Cerulean freshwater springs. Tru grew up hearing their stories, knowing the risk of living alongside a murderer.

The one place Tru feels free - and ironically alive - is when she’s in the deep water. Holding her breath and testing how far she’ll go. Somehow, these waters will throw her into an investigation into the past - finally providing the truth she longed for.

My Review:

Whew! Ginny Myers Sain does have a way of combining paranormal and thrillers. I love her writing style and will always jump at the opportunity to read her next book. So, here I am, having just finished One Last Breath.

As with the rest of Ginny Myers Sain’s novels, One Last Breath is this intricate blend of thriller and paranormal. It starts as a creepy thriller with a history of girls dying in the area. But at some point, it’s hard even to mark when the paranormal elements begin bleeding through.

I love that subtle shift in the writing, even when I don’t always love how the twist ends (which is the case here). Ultimately, this wasn’t my favorite twist, and I wished there had been more exploration of other core elements.

Highlights:
Paranormal Thriller
Fantasy & Horror Elements
LGBTQ+

Trigger Warnings:
Gaslighting
Drowning

I’ve really enjoyed this authors books but this one missed the mark for me. I would describe it as YA romantasy. The story was a bit dragged out in the middle and took a while to get to the climax.

The names in this book absolutely sent me and reminded me of the small town I grew up in. The buildup, the unexpected death. This book is a must read! Highly Highly recommend this book and literally everything by Ginny!

I have fallen in love with Ginny Myers Sain's books. From my first read of Dark and Shallow Lies I was hooked. One Last Breath DID NOT DISSAPOINT! I was invested from the get go. I love her atmospheric settings and her characters are just top tier!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I am so glad I received this book because it did not disappoint. Its about a small town named Mount Orange Florida and its know for two things, diving and the murder of Celeste and Bailey. The murder happened twenty years ago and it murder enthusiasts from around the world think they can solve the murder.

The book made me fell like part of the team and I felt like I was trying to solve it myself.

I highly recommend this one.

Ginny Myers Sain has a way of captivating her audience with her paranormal thrillers. I loved Dark and Shallow lies and One Last Breath was no exception.

The small town of Mount Orange, Florida is known for two things: diving and the murder of Celeste and Bailey that occurred twenty years ago. The murders have attracted true crime enthusiasts around the country thinking they can solve the case, but no evidence has been found that points to the killer. Tru has always been interested in the murder, not because she wants to find the killer, but she often dreams of Bailey in her sleep and when a mysterious girl called Rio shows up determined to find the killer, Tru seems drawn to her. Soon they find themselves entangled into the investigation and someone doesn't want them to dig further.

This book was captivating. The author always does a great job in the descriptions with her book and makes you feel like you are part of the investigation. I enjoyed reading about the investigation into the murders of Bailey and Celeste as well as the investigation into the mysterious Rio and why she was so drawn to Tru. I was completely surprised on the ending but loved the conclusion to this paranormal thriller. If you are a fan of cold cases with a paranormal twist, I would highly recommend this book.

One Last Breath is out now!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review and an advanced copy of One Last Breath. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the freediving aspect and the beautiful Florida setting, but I was happy when this book was over. It had some good elements but never really gelled for me. For being so long, it still seemed like not much happened and we didn't get to know the characters enough to care if they were or were not the murderer.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy!

"One Last Breath" by Ginny Myers Sain is a gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of a small town with dark secrets, the novel unravels a web of suspense and intrigue. Sain's writing hooks you right from the opening pages with its atmospheric storytelling and well-crafted suspense. The characters are compelling and multifaceted, each with their own hidden depths and motives that add layers to the mystery.

What sets "One Last Breath" apart is its ability to blend intense drama with a deep exploration of family dynamics and psychological suspense. The plot twists are expertly executed, keeping you guessing until the very end. While some aspects of the story may tread familiar ground in the thriller genre, Sain's nuanced portrayal of relationships and the haunting atmosphere she creates make this novel stand out.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!!

what’s it about? ⬇️

The murders of best friends Bailey and Celeste have haunted the Florida town of Orange Springs for the last twenty years, attracting attention all the whole from podcasters and other true crime fans, and with the twentieth anniversary coming up, this summer is no different. Tru and her friends have all grown up hearing stories about what happened to Celeste and Bailey that awful night, and the fact that the murders went unsolved has remained a dark mark on the town ever since. But now, when Tru is already buried under the pressure she feels to graduate and go away to school with her boyfriend, her lackluster at best home life, and the trauma she still carries from the loss of her sister years earlier, she's started having nightmares about that night in alarming detail, especially considering she wasn't even alive at the time. The only time she gets to escape the insanity of her every day life is when she's freediving in Hidden Glen Springs, letting all of her troubles melt away into the cool, clear blue water.

But when a new girl named Rio breezes into town planning to solve the murders once and for all and reaches out to Tru specifically for help, Tru feels like this is what she's meant to be doing for some reason. Like she and Rio are the ones who are supposed to learn the truth of what happened to those girls they're both having strange dreams and visions about. They dive deep into their investigation, discovering all sorts of dark and dangerous secrets about the town, Bailey and Celeste, the people Tru grew up with, and even themselves along the way. By the end, Tru will be questioning who is left that she can really trust, if anyone, and if the answers to this mystery will turn her or the people she loves into the next Mount Orange cold case.

my thoughts? ⬇️

I'll admit that One Last Breath took a little while to warm up and get into the real meat of the story, but even still, the characters were all fun to read about and the scenery of Mount Orange the way Ginny Myers Sain writes it was so beautiful to imagine. Tru's relationships with the people around her were so relatable and varied that I was never disappointed to see her interact with the different characters who populated the idyllic, haunted town of Mount Orange, and when she and Rio dove into the deep end of the mystery and started figuring things out, it was so fun to watch them put together the pieces and to figure things out along side them. The twists were twisting, the red herrings were intense and threw me off more than once, and despite my surprise when things got a little more mystical than I'd expected going in, One Last Breath was such a fun read from start to finish. Plus, the way Tru's relationship with the water is described was so stunning and I loved getting inside her head in those moments, and I am a sucker for a sapphic thriller (or any sapphic story at all, tbh.)

based on your other likes? ⬇️

If you like any of these listed below, I think you might enjoy this and vice versa!

🤿 Saint Juniper's Folly by Alex Crespo. (if you like your small town murder mysteries with a touch of the mystical and a massive helping of heartwarming queer stories, give this one a go!)
🤿To Break a Covenant by Allison Ames (haunted small towns and families just trying to get by, a new arrival to town stirring up the town's old wounds, the importance of female friendships, and a touch of sapphic love. <3)
🤿 The Last Girls Standing by Jennifer Dugan (a summer camp murder, case closed--or is it? two girls clinging to their love for one another to get through their traumas, a culty sub plot that turns into so much more than that, darkdark secrets looming in the background)
🤿 Six of Sorrow by Amanda Linsmeier (a small town that has turned it's dark past into a celebration, the importance of female friendship, SAPPHIC, mysteries unraveling, mystical and witchy)
🤿 Florida!!! by Taylor Swift ft. Florence + The Machine. (kind of for the meme of it, kind of because I think of this book most of the time when I hear this song.)

trigger warnings ⬇️

death, child death, death of a sibling, death of a loved one, murder, blood, violence, gun violence, grief, stalking, alcohol, alcoholism, smoking, addiction, drug use, homelessness, abandonment, injury detail, car accident, sexual content.