Land of Echoes

I have to admit to a love of ghost stories. I have loved them since childhood. Cree Black, the heroine of Hecht's novel, is a parapsychologist as well as a psychologist. She investigates hauntings, and if possible, loosens the ties that bind the ghosts to the living world. The theories behind hauntings, and her abilities, are sound well thought out and very plausible. The storyline-trying to free a child possessed by a spirit-has echoes of its own. However, Land of Echoes stands proudly apart. It is a fascinating story that I recommend highly.

Some time ago I picked up City of Masks, Hecht's first Cree Black story and was more than pleasantly surprised. In the supernatural genres, it is an unusual author who spends time carefully developing characters and setting, rather than pushing ahead on bare plot. Hecht has done an excellent job with Cree Black in creating a psychic investigator whose initial exposure was a visitation by the ghost of her husband at the moment she died. She is a talented empathy as well as one who can speak for the dead, and her experiences have left deep scars. In company with he co=workers Edgar Mayfield and Joyce she makes up a team that specializes in hauntings and possessions. In Land of Echoes one of Cree's old mentors brings her into the case of a young boy who attends a boarding school for gifted children that serves the Navajo reservation. Tommy's situation has gotten steadily worse and Julieta McCarty, the school's principal must either resolve the situation or hospitalize the boy. The Navajo believe that ghosts are evil and dangerous and Tommy is not only a threat to himself, but also a danger to the school. It is up to Cree to unravel a tangled web of motivation and history in order to bring the ghost to closure and resolve the present day conflicts that stand in her way. Hecht relies on solid writing and research to make his stories work. I don't know how familiar he is with Navajo culture, but he captures the conflict between the old and new on the reservation perfectly, without ever overplaying the card. In the same way, the author delves into the psychology of his characters without ever turning this into a psychological thriller. One of the reasons I like this novel is that, as complex as it is, there is no wasted writing. Pacing is excellent as well - Hecht takes the time to make sure that events develop steadily, without the frantic action that is often used to cover up a lack of real plot. If you haven't run into Daniel Hecht yet, let me recommend him. All of his novels are enjoyable and well written.

This is a wonderful novel. As a Certfied Ghost Hunter and author of "Ghosthunting Illinois" and "Ghosthunting Ohio," I can say that Dan Hecht really knows his stuff. His heroine, Cree Black, and her team of paranormal investigators, use all the principles, theories and equipment employed today by serious paranormal researchers. Reading this novel is very much like being on an actual paranormal investigation. Believe me, I should know. Hecht doesn't need to resort to cheesy bloodied ghosts and other ridiculous entities to strike fear in the reader's heart. His research into actual cases and investigative methods makes the novel all the more spookier; this could have been real. I am also well acquainted with Native American culture and I was glad to see that Hecht treated the subject with respect and authenticity in this novel. Don't miss this one. It's a great read.

Parapsychology fans will relish the return of Cree Black, who becomes immersed in a case of spiritual possession which will test all her resources and draw them into a dangerous New Mexican desert confrontation. A talented Navajo student falls ill with violent seizures attributed to the spirit of a dead ancestor, involving Cree in a dangerous world of spreading possession which keeps Land Of Echoes fast-paced and involving. Highly recommended.

As a long time Daniel Hecht fan, I could not wait for this next installment of the Cree Black series, and "Land of Echoes" does not disappoint. Hecht adds several new characters to his already stellar cast (Cree, Edgar, Joyce) and they are excellently rendered. Tommy's plight is fascinating and creepy and heartbreaking. The descriptions of Navajo country and people are beautiful, and easy to imagine, and they provide the loveliness and mystery which defines this book. It is a rich and exciting read. I highly recommend "Land of Echoes"!!!