Heaven's Witness

Usually when I read a suspense thriller, I spend most of my time simply trying to figure out who the killer is. Not only did this book keep me guessing (and I didn't figure out the killer until the very end), but it also approached the genre from a completely innovative and interesting angle, one that kept me not only guessing, but captivated by the subject matter. Allen Estrin and Joseph Telushkin have succeeded in creating a thoroughly exciting story with engaging characters, electrifying dialogue, and a stimulating, thought-provoking plot!

I heard the authors of this book interviewed on a radio show. I was so taken with them that I immediately ordered the book. It was an amazing book. Unfortunately, I started reading the book at 10 pm on a Sunday night! After the first 3 pages of the prologue which sets the story for the whole book I was completely hooked. I didn't end up going to bed until 2 am, and only then it was because my eyes literally were closing on their own! The next day I finished reading the book in one sitting. It was riveting, beautiful, fun, exciting, and just an overall great read. I immediately recommended it to everyone I knew. My mother read the book in 2 days as well and loved it too! One of the things that I really enjoyed about the book was the fact that each chapter was like a different scene in a movie. It took you from one character and one scene to another. There was no way to get bored reading this book. The dialogue was wonderful. I tend to "skim" over long diatribes and chapters that seem extremely wordy and never get to the point. I didn't skim a word of this book. It was all succinct and to the point. I think this would make a *great* movie. Mr. Estrin, Rabbi Teluskin, perhaps you should start shopping it around as a screenplay. I would definitely go see the movie! And.....if there is a next book I can't wait!

This book was simply awesome. From the moment I picked it up I was not able to put it down. Right when I thought I figured out the mystery the author's would just keep throwing me for a loop. I am an unofficial expert on past life therapy and to my surprise this novel had absolutely no holes in it what so ever when it came to past life regression. This is a must read for past life fans. It is about time reincarnation was presented in such an entertaining and cool way. The book pulls you in so tight that it makes it hard for you to separate the novel from reality. I think this book was secretly based on a true story. Or at least a true story from one of my past lives. Happy reading!

I was immediately drawn to the characters and the "set-up". Although the plot wasn't unduly convoluted, it took many unexpected - and fascinating - turns. I particularly appreciated that the characters' actions "fit", and that they developed in believable AND interesting ways. The authors presented the psychological aspects of the story, but didn't preach or try to lead the reader down a particular path. It was a pleasure to realize I could think for myself and come to my own conclusions. The denouement was clear-cut, but there was still plenty of room for wondering about the characters' futures. I'd certainly be interested in reading the follow-up book.

Heaven's witness is a great novel with more character depth than you might be used to in a murder mystery. Dr Jordan Geller is a hero that we can really identify and root for. He is someone who is all too human, but the authors don't fall in to the trap of creating a typical hero (or antihero). He has the same doubts that we all do, and he's just looking to do the right thing. Unilke many of todays novels, it doesn't take you fifty or a hundred pages to get into the book, you are sucked in on page one. This book also has more heart than most of todays murder mysteries and you might be surprised to find that you're crying a couple of times. All in all, "Heaven's Witness" is a great read and when the climax happens faster that you are ready for, you are sad that your time with these characters is over.