A retired marine biologist turned amateur sleuth has an ax to grind --- and a child to save --- in this new stand-alone mystery from the author of the acclaimed Cecil Younger series.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer, retired marine biologist Delphine is on the brink of throwing in the towel. She has outlived her PI husband and worries that she’s become a burden to her son and his growing family. One night, while contemplating how to go on, she witnesses a violent argument between a man and his girlfriend. When Delphine discovers that the woman has gone missing along with her young child, she embarks on a quest to find them.

What begins as a chance encounter balloons into a rescue mission across the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, Delphine encounters the dregs of humanity --- grappling with schemers, kidnappers and murderers --- as well as its joys. With the help of a few friends, a retired PI and a queer biker gang, she is determined to see her mission through...knowing full well that it may be her last.

While BIG BREATH IN stands alone, longtime John Straley fans will recognize the characteristic wit, heart and contemplation of life that threads through every one of his books --- and discover a new heroine to fall in love with.

Audiobook available, read by Alyssa Bresnahan