Review: The Breathtaker

When the town of Promise, Oklahoma is ruined by a tornado, police chief Charlie Grover is expecting the usual storm deaths and damage. However, when they reach one house, they find that the three occupants have been brutally murdered. Grover enlists the help of tornado-chasing scientist Willa Bellmann to try to track down a killer who is able to predict the arrival and paths of tornadoes.

‘The Breathtaker’ has an interesting premise, but as the novel progresses, it feels increasingly like the film ‘Twister’, even down to a tornado-filled climax that requires the suspension of disbelief. Blanchard’s descriptions of tornadoes and the scientific data that she includes clearly show that she has done a great deal of research, yet at times, it seemed unnecessary and gratuitous.

All of Blanchard’s characters are scarred in some form or another, carrying heavy emotional baggage. One would imagine that this would permit her to engage in deeper writing, but it is only Grover and his innocent daughter, Sophie, who seem real and human. The identity of the serial killer will be predicted by anyone with a good knowledge of thrillers, and whilst Blanchard attempts to draw parallels between him and Grover, there is not enough meat on his bones to make it believable.

Oddly enough, ‘The Breathtaker’ is an enjoyable read. It may have big Hollywood overtones, but like any popcorn movie, you can watch it and forget about it. Rather than seeking to dispense with stereotypical serial killer thrillers, Blanchard seems to embrace them. Some years ago, when the serial killer genre was only starting its rise to popularity, this would have been a more than adequate thriller. Now, in a world where everyone knows Hannibal Lecter and his ilk, ‘The Breathtaker’ is not going to be at the top of the pile.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Book Review: The Breathtaker