A Secondhand Life by Pamela Crane

From time to time, I listen to audiobooks as a way to get in more personal reading time, and to make good use of those long road trips between home and the book festivals I attend around Michigan. After all, if I'm going to be trapped in a small space for two or three hours, I might as well use that time doing something I love. Storytelling will always be my preferred method of passing time.

My latest discovery was A Secondhand Life by Pamela Crane. It was published in 2015, but that only goes to prove that books don't have expiration dates. So, if you're an Indie Author, keep that thought in mind. Just because your book wasn't a massive bestseller right out of the gates, that doesn't mean that people won't discover and enjoy it years later. They will.

This is an engaging story about a woman who received a donor heart after barely surviving a car accident in her teens. Several years later, she discovers the phenomenon of organ memory, and begins to experience moments in time directly connected with the donor. This is a fascinating premise, and when mixed with the horrific acts of a serial killer, a relentless drive to solve the crimes, and bring closure to survivors, it produces a compelling story.

I found this novel exciting, intriguing, and suspenseful. There were many twists and turns that had me guessing the story's outcome... but Ms. Crane's skillful storytelling kept my certainty at bay until the last few chapters. I was surprised at the ending for it's uunusual, heartfelt twist, which made my reading experience even more enjoyable. This story has emotional depth, entertaining puzzles, and a curiosity about what might be possible if we can find a way to tap into the memories of our hearts.

The narrator, Melanie Carey, is a skilled voice actor. She changed her voice just enough for each character to make them distinctive without giving the read a confusing or cartoon feeling. She handled both male and female characters well, giving each a slight emphasis that made them more real as individuals, which added to the depth of the story.

This novel is described as, "Book One of the Killer Thrillers," and I look forward to finding the next book in the series. The epilogue of this one has primed me for the next exciting case. I want to know what happens next. 😊