Official Review: A Life Before by Julien Ayotte

Macdonald9113 · Post by **Macdonald9113** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:17

Love it, crime, thriller, everything, it's interesting

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:21

This is clearly a satisfying read with well-developed characters. The idea that a character's dreams have something to do with a crime adds an interesting paranormal element - is that the controversial religious concept, I wonder?

BookishCreature · Post by **BookishCreature** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:25

A medical, religious, courtroom crime/mystery - what a mix of genres! It seems like you really enjoyed the book.

Thanks for the review! I like that you pointed out your favorite characters.

Juanita700 · Post by **Juanita700** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:34

Crime and reincarnation seems like a hybrid idea. Getting a second chance who would not want something like that.

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:40

While reading reviews for this book, I was remembering one of the episodes from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". She was injected with venom, which gave her recurring visions of being a patient in a mental hospital, with her being the Slayer in Sunnydale as just a delusion.

Katherine Smith · Post by **Katherine Smith** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:44

I like the plot of this book and it sounds very interesting. I like that it involves things like dreams and the dead reaching out for justice. It reminds me a little of the Lovely Bones and Erin Brockovich. I am not sure what the religious concept is that you mention in your review, but I guess that is why I should read the novel to find out.

Carmel Bachelor · Post by **Carmel Bachelor** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:47

This book sounds like a challenging read, which is exactly what I've been looking for! I'm trying to broaden my reading into different genres and this story sounds like a great intro to the mystery/crime genre. Very good review, well done!

Camkim3022 · Post by **Camkim3022** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:49

A life before by Julien Ayotte.
Reading the sample of this book has just left me with lots of suspense. The back and forth between the past and present made me frustrated for a while but I realised the book needs a lot of patience keenness and complete attention. The use of the third persona is very intriguing because at some point you feel like you are part of the book itself .Mike's reaction to his wife's death has not been fully portrayed its just too vague. The author gives a detailed description of all the lives of the characters before so as to understand the story thumbs up for that .In general I enjoyed the book. I would like to know what happens to Samantha, does mike solve the case what is peters part in all this. Good job with the review.

katiesga54 · Post by **katiesga54** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:51

I have not been a fiction reader in a long time, but clicked this review just to see what the book was about. I have to say, quite impressed and downloading for a relaxing/tense read.

I am very intrigued to find out if the character Samantha is going to be connected to Susan in the way I am picturing it. This story captured my attention from the very beginning with the description of Hawaii, giving the teaser about Susan and then the courtship begins.

As was stated in the book, life can take unexpected turns.

I am ready for the read!

I cannot rate the whole book just yet, but so far so good!

wpjmurphy · Post by **wpjmurphy** » 24 Feb 2018, 13:57

This review made me want to read A Life Before by Julien Ayotte more than reading the first five chapters made me want to continue. Now I’m intrigued. I want to know more about Samantha and why she is the way she is.

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 24 Feb 2018, 14:06

Having reread your review, I want to comment that I'm especially interested in the mystery involving all the people dying of lung cancer in the span of five years; add to that that they all lived in the same condo complex, and I'm totally intrigued. And THEN Mike's wife died and his paralegal came close? Whoa. What kind of shenanigans? I don't know, but I'd love to find out. Thanks so much for the introduction to this book.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 24 Feb 2018, 14:10

Today's #BOTD sounds like it would be really good on audio! Maybe the author will have that available soon. In the meantime, I have added it to my WTR list. Thank you!

Chocklit Girl · Post by **Chocklit Girl** » 24 Feb 2018, 14:23

I read the sample of this book on Amazon so reading this review gave me more insight as to how the story unfolds. The fact that you gave it 4 stars out of 4 makes me want to purchase it but at the same time, your review helped me understand enough about the plot. I didn't pick up on the Erin Brokovich reference but now that you mentioned it, that was spot on. The controversial religious concept is very interesting to me and who doesn't love a little courtroom drama? Wonderful review!