Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Shot while trying to rescue a victim of domestic violence, SWAT team leader, Joe Baker was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Eight minutes later, he opened his eyes a changed man. With his newfound ability to see auras and graphic glimpses of impending murders, Joe retreats to a life of solitude, going as far as losing the only person he’s ever loved, his best friend and former partner on the force, Brian.

When a vision puts him in contact with Beth Adams, director of a battered women’s shelter, Joe is drawn to her pale aura. Curious, he accepts a lunch meeting with Beth only to have another vision strike him. With Beth as the newest victim, Joe calls upon Brian to help protect her.

Joe doesn’t expect to fall in love with Beth, nor is he prepared for Brian’s confession of love after so many years of wanting nothing else. Faced with a decision, Joe prays his greed won’t drive away the two most important people in his life.

NOTE: This book was previously published by Totally Bound Publishing in March 2013.

Book Review

There have been many accounts of people with near death experiences coming back with extraordinary perception, beyond what one would consider explainable. After Joe Baker, of Carol Lynne's 'Dead Man Living', survives a gun shot wound, he is dumbfounded by his ability to see, not only auras, but events that are to take place in the future. As he struggles with these extrasensory perceptions, he begins to realize that not everyone shares his awe and, in fact, people are now wary of him; few people believe him. Deciding that they are more of a curse than a benefit, Joe slowly withdraws and tries his best to ignore what he sees. This doesn't work, but Joe keeps his visions to himself, until they become so strong, and so correct that he can no longer ignore them. He is compelled to find a way to use them effectively.

Learning how to use his new skills is quite frustrating, especially since Joe doesn’t have anyone to guide him so it is often a matter of trial and error. His interest kicks in when he becomes involved with visions of a murder which he has visions of, but is not able to interpret in time to stop them from happening. Through this event, he meets a fascinating woman with the purest aura he's ever seen. He's instantly drawn to her goodness and wants to be near her, not only to protect her, but because it simply feels so right to be with her.

Beth is involved in the case; she's the murdered woman's counselor at a battered woman's clinic and helped place her in the home where she was murdered. Even though she knows it's illogical, she feels responsible for the woman's death. The most impressive thing is that Beth believes him and is willing to follow his advice and trust him to use his abilities to make things right by bringing the murderer to justice, especially since he sees Beth as the next victim. It's easy to see why they quickly become involved in an intimate, trusting relationship.

There's a huge communication gap between Joe's friend, Brian, and himself. Joe has been in love with Brian for a long time, but never made a move for fear of ruining their friendship and their working partnership. Brian feels the same way, but has never let Joe know. By the time Brian does express his feelings, Joe is already involved with Beth. Neither of the men want to give up the other one, so the only solution is to see if a ménage will work for the three of them. It will be tricky at best, but so worth it if it works.

I liked the story, especially the paranormal element involved. Carol's explanation of auras as related to moods and how psychic information is perceived was quite interesting. It's the dynamics of the threesome that didn't quite resonate with me as deeply as some of Carol's other books have. Separately, I liked the characters and admired their dedication to their work and to each other. Even with this said, I still wanted their arrangement to work so no one would be left out and no one would be disappointed or left behind. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a male, male, female ménage, paranormal happenings, and good winning out over evil. Thanks, Carol, for another example of love's ability to overcome obstacles.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the original publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 20000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	08-October-2014
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/703-978-1-60735-815-2--dead-man-living-by-carol-lynne.html