"Fascination exploration of horrific concepts."

Taking care of her daughter and stepson is a full-time job for Julie Hutchinson, but it becomes more difficult when darkly disturbing dreams invade her mind and an illusive ghostly intruder invades her house. Then her chipper sister gives advice that ultimately amounts to "pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get over it" and her mother keeps pushing books and visits to psychics and mediums on her. It is easy to understand why Julie is having a difficult time dealing with multiple sets of tragic circumstances.

AFTERLIFE is actually an intriguing, well-written book. However, to find it so, one must ignore the back cover blurb as it currently stands because it incorrectly gives away about half of the storyline. Also, readers who want all plot threads neatly bundled up at the end should steer clear of this book because the final page will induce intense gnashing of teeth. However, the book itself is a fascinating exploration of horrific concepts and worth reading.

Reviewed by Vicky Gilpin
Posted November 17, 2004

A school for special children. An unsolved murder. A terrified widow. A dream of blood and lost souls. A stranger with an unspeakable secret. It all comes together in the afterlife.