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There are currently 20 member reviews
for The Life I Left Behind
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Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
A Compelling Story
It has been a long time since I've picked up a book by a new author that I couldn't put down. But this story was so intriguing, the characters well developed, and the narrative engaging that I wanted to stay buried in the story and then felt sadness when I reached the last page.
The Life I Left Behind is told from the perspective of three strong, vibrant women. Melody survived a vicious attack, has memory lapses and no longer trusts her judgment. Eve's ghost narrates her investigation into what really happened to Melody. DI Rutter questions the original investigation that may have resulted in a wrongful conviction.
While I did have an inkling as to the real culprit, the book held my interest, maintained a high level of suspense, and kept me intrigued. That is the sign of a good read. I'm not planning to buy Colette McBeth's earlier book, Precious Thing.
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Betty B. (Irving, TX)
Great New Mystery
The Life I Left Behind grabbed me very quickly and I found it hard to put down until the final page. The story is narrated alternately by Melody Pieterson and by Eve Elliot's ghost, two young women who are attacked in much the same way, one surviving and one losing her life six years later. Much to my surprise, this was an excellent way to tell this story and move it along. The characterizations were very strong and I found myself caring for both women and for the detective who works hard to find the killer. I would recommend this book to almost anyone who likes mysteries which keep you guessing. But once you start reading, you won't want to stop until the final page.
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Carolyn L. (Summerville, SC)
The Life I Left Behind
It took me a while to decide if I liked the format of this book, but I gradually accepted it. It was an interesting story that drew me in more as I went along. I would have liked a bit more input by detective inspector Rutter, as well as some indication of any repercussions due to the initial investigation and arrest of David Alden. And does the title refer to Eve or Melody?
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Cheryl W. (Crosby, MN)
Could not wait
I read this book half way through and could not wait. I had to go to the end of the book and get the answers then go back and read the last half of the book. Eve and Melody take turns telling the story (a unique approach).
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Cindy J. (Hastings, NY)
The Life I Left Behind
I have been looking for a good mystery and I found it in this book. It is a bit confusing at the beginning with the various characters, but it becomes more clear as you get into the book. It also helps that the character's name is at the beginning of each chapter. This book reminds me of Lovely Bones, but is even better.
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SP
4.5 stars! Intense and engrossing
I was surprised at how engrossing this story was. I am not familiar with the author, but will look for more of her work in the future. It's the perfect mystery in most ways. I enjoy the alternating voices of the victims and the DI, however, I would have loved a few chapters squeezed in from the perspective of the murderer. I didn't "get" the motive for the crimes from the murderers point of view until I reread the book. Otherwise, well done and great read.
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Susan P. (Boston, MA)
The Life I Left Behind
This was a good mystery about lack of memory due to trauma. A young woman was attacked years ago and her attacker is released from jail. Suddenly another woman is attacked in a similar manner and killed. The chapters are told in alternating chapters by the first woman and the one who died. Was it the person who was originally convicted or someone else? One narrator knows what happened (but doesn't let on for a long time) and the other is trying to piece it together. Well done but not heart-racing taut. For those who liked BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP.
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