Book Review: After Life

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

After Life    
Rhian Ellis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Psychological Suspense   Thriller
Viking, $23.95, Jul 2000, 292 pp.

Train Line, New York is a town divided into two co-existing groups. The long-term residents descend from generations of mediums and spiritualists. The more recent arrivals are New Age enthusiasts. Naomi Ash is sort of an in-betweener. Her mother, medium Madame Galina Ash fled New Orleans about two decades ago to the delight of the local police force. She resettles in Train Line amidst a community of her peers. Naomi knows the business of the awakening the dead from first hand experience with her mother.

Naomi is worried that the local police will soon resurrect a certain dead person. Ten years ago, Naomi murdered and buried her boy friend, Peter Morton. His remains have just been uncovered and without the need of a crystal ball, all evidence points towards Naomi.

AFTER LIFE is a superb psychological thriller that deftly alternates between the present and what occurred ten years ago. Naomi is a brilliant character whose thoughts hook the reader into deep philosophical thinking as to what are really life and death. The support cast, including the dead Peter, provides layers of background that adds understanding of Naomi. Using poetic imagery, Rhian Ellis debuts with a great tale that indicates she will enjoy a successful life as an author long after readers devour this book.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner