What happens after death? It’s that big something we all wonder from time to time, and a recurring theme in Sharon Sant’s work.
After nineteen-year-old Cassie dies with her family in a car crash, the answer to her big question is that she comes straight back. Eight hours after being pronounced dead Cassie wakes up on a mortuary slab. The rest of her family is not so lucky. Understandably, Cassie feels that the crash has taken everything from her, but she soon discovers that the accident has given her something new too. If Cassie touches a dead body she can see that person’s final moments, witness death from their perspective. It’s not long before a desperate police officer attempts to make use of Cassie and her new gift, enlisting her to help find an elusive killer of young girls.
With Sant so practised in constructing multi-dimensional and memorable characters it’s no surprise how real Cassie and damaged love interest, Dante feel. "I’m most horrible to the people I like," Cassie jests, and it’s true that she comes equipped with an acid tongue she’s not afraid to use. But under all the sass and edge, Cassie is a caring, intelligent and, perhaps most importantly, a character readers can relate to. Scenes with her gran are so often touching, and her growing desire not to waste her second chance, despite the total collapse of her life around her, is endearing indeed.
Written in the first person, Cassie’s innermost thoughts colour the prose nicely. The writing flows exquisitely and there’s not a clunky moment in sight (rare for a book concerning such an emotionally isolated character). The supporting cast is another highlight, made up of an array of interesting individuals, some intent on helping Cassie, some intent on using her powers to their advantage. By the end of the book there is a real whodunit vibe and plenty of clever twists and turns to supplement the wonderfully nervous action.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
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