Last Breath

This just reminded me how good The Good Daughter was!! Great short story.

Not a bad short story.

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Ever since I started reading Karin Slaughter books, she has surprised me, made me sad, made me extremely anxious, made me laugh, but about all else, her books have thrilled me to the highest degree. Last Breath is no different. It is a short Novella that follows the Quinn's; mainly Charlie, as she takes on a meaningful case towards the beginning of her law career. Charlie is invited to a girl scout meeting to pass on some words of wisdom when she is confronted in the restroom by one of the young members. Flora is having issues with her guardians and wants Charlie to help her file for emancipation. Are the guardians taking from the young girls trust or is she involved in a larger scheme? Charlie races to find out the truth.

// “You work on problems; you don't tear into each other to win.” //

One thing is for certain, if you read The Good Daughter, you must check this out as well. It's a good primer for the book and it gives you some extra insight into Charlie and Ben's relationship. My heart has been pounding in my chest ever since I finished it. The last chapter is so, so good! I hope there is a third proper, full-length sequel or prequel in the future because these characters are written so well.

// “If you're not being useful, your being useless.” //

So, we find out Flora's parents are both dead, and her guardians have been watching over her until she reaches the age of 18 and can go off to college on her own. Charlie questions the guardians, the shifty family who want to take her in after the emancipation (I cannot remember the legal term), and she has a run-in with the district attorney towards the end. It is an incredibly tight-knit story that is full of exciting and heartbreaking twists.

One part that struck a chord with me was when Charlie questions her ability to be good at her job, good as a person, or if she will be good as a future mother. Knowing what we know in The Good Daughter, you cannot help but emphasize with her because you know she is a good soul who will do anything to help her family or another person in need; her own health or mental stress be damned. You just want to give her a big hug!

Without saying much more, expect to be on the edge of your seat and thrilled throughout.

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