With the release of THE WOMAN WHO MARRIED A BEAR in 1995, John Straley began an award-winning career that would include both the Cecil Younger and Cold Storage mystery series, which have spawned legions of fans.

Straley continues to bring his special style of crime noir writing with the release of BIG BREATH IN. This is not just a novel, but an emotional experience that features a protagonist who will pull on your heartstrings as you go on this adventure with her. Retired marine biologist Delphine has received a terminal cancer diagnosis and may not have much time left on this earthly plane. To honor her late husband, John, a private detective in the Alaska area where they lived, she takes on a search from a former colleague of theirs to save a missing woman and her infant child.

"[Straley's] Acknowledgements reflect on the personal connection he had with this story, given his wife Jan's 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, which makes the reading experience that much more memorable."

Delphine is currently in Seattle, where she is being treated by her oncologist and is in the last stages of chemotherapy and other attempts to prolong her life. Robert, a fellow cancer patient she has befriended, is much closer to death than she is and gives her his motorbike. She will use it to get around in pursuit of Leigh and her oddly named daughter, Blue Sky. Delphine’s friend, Tom Foster, requested her help and motherly instinct in this case. Leigh has gotten mixed up with Tyler “Tye” Dearborn, a very bad man who is running an illegal baby-selling ring and is involved with some extremely dangerous types.

Delphine finds Leigh and Blue Sky, but it is difficult to convince Leigh that getting away from Tye would be in her best interest. Instead, Delphine finds herself on the bad side of Tye and his giant henchman, known as the Babysitter, especially when she has to watch as they trash her apartment and steal her cancer medication. Even though it is tough to help someone who doesn’t want your assistance, Delphine sees this mission as the last thing she needs to do before checking out and is determined to bring down Tye and his black-market baby ring at any cost.

When she learns of Robert’s passing, Delphine is taken in by his widow, Jenny. She gets Jenny involved in the case, and they continue to work on Leigh --- that is until tragedy strikes, and Leigh’s lifeless body is found in a dumpster. Blue Sky is gone, and Delphine simply cannot stand for what Tye may do next with the child. Her adventure gets bigger and far more dangerous, and it will find her teaming up with a lesbian bike gang. With these interesting folks on her side, along with other newfound friends, Delphine may succeed in her final act, even if it means neglecting the medical attention she requires at the end of her life cycle.

Throughout BIG BREATH IN, we are privileged to enjoy Delphine’s inner monologue, which mostly has to do with the life of sperm whales and other marine creatures that help take her mind off of her own mortality. It lends perspective to the novel and really allows you to connect with Delphine in an intimate way. Although it is not a long book, I didn’t read it quickly. This is primarily due to Straley’s loaded and memorable prose that draws you in deeply. His Acknowledgements reflect on the personal connection he had with this story, given his wife Jan's 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, which makes the reading experience that much more memorable.