Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Elliott Smith wakes up in the hospital with a head injury...and an invisible companion. At first, he's convinced "John" is just a figment of a damaged brain, but when Elliott is fully recovered John is still around—and desperate to find out who he is. Reluctantly, Elliott agrees to help, and discovers Chicago PD has a John Doe on their hands with six bullets in him—who died in the ER at the same time Elliott was there.

As Elliott digs deeper into the mystery of John, he stumbles on a body hidden behind a wall for 80 years, meets a sexy artist who could become more than just a one-night stand, and uncovers a deadly secret that has haunted a nun for two decades.

First Edition published by Zymaya Publications, 2008.

Book Review

As disconcerting as is would be to get hit by a car, end up in the hospital with a head injury and broken arm, Elliott Smith, from Dorien Grey's book 'His Name is John', has a very unique complication—he hears a voice in his sleep who says his name is John. John can't remember anything else which is disconcerting for both Elliot and John, since he has no idea how to help him. Not only does Elliott doubt his own sanity, he also questions who John is and where he came from. Other than knowing he's the man who died beside him in the Emergency Room, Elliot is at a loss as to how, or even if, he can honor John's request of finding his murderer.

Elliott is quite talented in renovations of old buildings. For him, it's more of an artistic expression than a job. He takes great pride in his work. His wealthy, stuffy parents hate his choice. They think it is below him. Fortunately, his sister and her family are wonderfully down-to-earth and loving which helps to balance his life. Elliott seems distant at first, but it's partly due to the fact that he was raised so formally, making it difficult for him to relax and be himself. He's afraid to let go and show his feelings because he doesn't want to be hurt; it's easier to seem aloof. This more or less works for him until he meets the wonderful and understanding Steve who steals his heart before Elliott even realizes it. It's interesting to see Elliott change as he begins to bond with Steve. Love will do that to a person; make us open up to the world and to each other. Even though they are slowly but surely getting closer, they are still very cautious about assuming anything.

When John passes through to the spirit world, he becomes a new being. In a sense, he is born again like a baby, but he does retain some residual memories from his former life. As he learns more, John is able to recognize people, places, events, and feelings that he's experienced. I have to admire Elliott for his tenacity, not only for tracking down clues for John's murder investigation, but also for sticking with John through his frustrating adjustment from a corporeal to a non-corporeal being. It was interesting to see how that very unusual relationship develops as John's awareness expands and as Elliott gets better at listening.

The mystery is written in a formal style which took a bit of getting used to, but Mr. Grey has such a wonderful grasp of words making his narrations and descriptions well worth the effort. His vivid depictions of the buildings Elliott is renovating, help too, not only imagine the style and grace of each, but also help to portray why Elliott loves them so much. His characters, especially Elliot and John, and their connection lays the groundwork for their interactions later in the story. Also, in any new series, the first book is often the wordiest since the environment and all the characters have to be portrayed along with the plot. 'His Name is John' is an interesting mystery with fascinating paranormal elements and unexpected surprises. I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants a story they have to digest a little more than others, one that's different in the fact that one of the main characters is otherworldly, and is full of adventure and intrigue. Thank you, Mr. Grey, for introducing us to Elliott and John's world.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 322 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	17-March-2017
Price	$4.99 ebook, $16.00 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Name-John-Elliott-Smith-Mystery-ebook/dp/B06XQBH4PW