Two of my favorite genres blended in a well-crafted book. What more could I have asked for? If you are someone like me who enjoys supernatural thrillers and crime fiction, then you absolutely have to check out Revenge is Not Enough by Angela van Breemen.
This book is the second book in the series called “David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery Series.” Emma and David are husband and wife, and they run “Jackson, Grant & Harris Investigations” alongside Emma’s mother, Laura, and her stepfather, Bryan.
Their focus is on solving cold cases long forgotten in police archives. Emma has psychic powers and can connect with spirits from the spirit world through thoughts and visions. Their cases mostly start with Emma having a vision where the spirit of the victim shows a glimpse of the injustice they went through. Two of my favorite genres blended in a well-crafted book. What more could I have asked for? If you are someone like me who enjoys supernatural thrillers and crime fiction, then you absolutely have to check out Revenge is Not Enough by Angela van Breemen.
This book is the second book in the series called “David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery Series.” Emma and David are husband and wife, and they run “Jackson, Grant & Harris Investigations” alongside Emma’s mother, Laura, and her stepfather, Bryan. Their focus is on solving cold cases long forgotten in police archives. Emma has psychic powers and can connect with spirits from the spirit world through thoughts and visions. Their cases mostly start with Emma having a vision where the spirit of the victim shows a glimpse of the injustice they went through.
One night, Emma had a vision of a beautiful teen girl running in the forest and a boy a little older than her chasing her. It was all fun and games at first, but then things took a horrifying turn. The vision shook her to the core, and all Emma got from that vision was a name, “Maggie.” After some discussion, Emma and her team decided to investigate Maggie’s case. But the name alone was not enough to dig up Maggie’s case file from the cold case archives. To get more information on Maggie, they decided to hold a séance to talk with Spirit Anna (Emma’s mentor when Anna was alive; now she guides her from the spirit world).
Things didn’t go as planned. The séance took an unexpected turn as, without permission, Maggie’s restless spirit took over Emma’s body. Maggie was so powerful that neither Emma nor Spirit Anna could prevent it. Laura questioned Maggie for her intrusion, but all Maggie said was that they had to help her get justice. Laura, though angry, started asking Maggie about her personal information, her disappearance, and her death. To their surprise, she died ten years after her disappearance, and then Maggie abruptly left Emma’s body, saying something very cryptic about finding “the babies” and saving them. What was she talking about? Who are these babies? Where was she during those ten years? To find out the answers, Emma and her team have to dig deep into a pile of secrets, crimes, and injustices disturbingly linked to one another.
This is a book that not only gave me the thrilling feeling of anticipation upon reading but also left a mark on my heart and mind. The heinous crime and the people committing it outraged me, and the injustice the victims went through broke me. The absurdity of playing with humanity like products disgusted me. At the same time, Emma and her team’s determination to help the victims get justice and give their families closure was truly admirable. Their rough path of solving the case kept me hooked, and Emma’s eerie communications with the outer world added a shivering spookiness. In short, this book can provoke an overwhelming amount of emotions within readers in a very good way that adds to the overall enjoyment. And that is the specialty of this book for me.
Additionally, as this book is the second book of the series, some events and names from the first book are mentioned in it. While I haven’t read the first book, I didn’t feel lost or confused upon coming across them. Because the author very skillfully explained them in a compact manner that didn’t drag the narrative or spoil the first book, but was enough to clear out any possible confusion. The plot of this book is well imagined, and the characters are well-crafted with diverse personalities and traits. Emma and David’s bond was beautiful. The care, understanding, and love they shared added a lighthearted touch to the book. Even the whole family’s tight-knit bond and support for one another was admirable. The ending felt well executed and earned with a deliberate unfolding of events. The danger lurking, the tension building, the unpredictability, and the action-packed climax were perfect to close the book.
There’s one point I would like to mention. The book doesn’t hold suspense for a long time. The mystery of Maggie’s disappearance, death, and the babies came out quite early in the book. Then the story progressed to Emma and her team’s journey of putting the people responsible behind bars, which was equally engaging. But as a reader, I would have appreciated it if the truth had come out with more complexity, holding the suspense a bit longer. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy thrillers featuring crime, detectives, and supernatural concepts, this book is a worthwhile read for you.
Angela Van Breemen’s *Past Life’s Revenge* is an intriguing blend of psychological thriller, supernatural mystery, and romance. The novel dives deep into the theme of past life regression and the emotional toll it can take on a person grappling with unresolved trauma from a previous life. The protagonist, David Harris, is a man haunted by relentless nightmares since childhood, dreams so vivid that they push him to seek professional help. Yet, conventional methods offer no relief, and his torment only worsens as he navigates the layers of his psyche.
David’s journey takes a compelling turn when he meets Emma Jackson, a psychic who introduces him to hypnotherapist Anna Tungsten. Through past life regression, David uncovers the startling revelation that he was murdered in his past life, thirty years ago. This revelation shifts the narrative from a tale of personal discovery to a tense pursuit of justice, as David learns that his murderer is still alive. The stakes are raised as David’s quest for revenge becomes the driving force in the plot, intertwining his growing relationship with Emma and his thirst for vengeance.
The novel’s exploration of past life regression is one of its most fascinating aspects. Van Breemen handles this supernatural element with care, balancing it with David’s psychological distress and his emotional struggle. It also introduces readers to a chilling moral dilemma: how far should one go in seeking retribution for a past wrong? David’s desire for revenge is understandable, but it also brings up questions about justice, morality, and whether one can ever truly move on from the past.
While the plot is fast-paced and engaging, certain moments could have been expanded for greater emotional impact. Emma, while central to David’s journey, could have been developed more fully to explore her own motivations and connection to the spiritual world. Nevertheless, the novel keeps the reader on edge as David closes in on his past murderer, with the line between present and past blurring along the way.
Analysis and Evaluation: “Past Life’s Revenge” is a gripping thriller penned by the talented author Angela Van Breeman. From the very first page, the novel is infused with an intense sense of suspense that keeps you eagerly flipping through the pages to uncover the unfolding events.
Personal Reaction: The story is well written and clear about which character drove each scene, and the suspense keeps you on edge. I loved getting caught up in the thrill of danger intertwined with romance and family values.
Rating (Clean/PG13/R): PG-13 because of implied sexual violence and murder. Also includes themes of same-sex relationships.
How is it “laced with morality?”: This story has a satisfying ending where evil is condemned, and a mystery is solved. However, it doesn’t carry a strong sense of morality, although it’s a great story.
Angela Van Breemen’s Past Life’s Revenge is a gripping exploration of the past’s impact on the present, blending psychological suspense with the mystique of past life regression. The story follows David Harris, a man plagued by relentless nightmares that have defied every conventional treatment. His journey takes a transformative turn when he meets Emma Jackson, a psychic who leads him to Anna Tungsten, a skilled hypnotherapist.
In a powerful past life regression session, David uncovers the traumatic details of his previous murder, setting the stage for a riveting quest for revenge. Van Breemen excels in creating a palpable sense of tension and urgency as David confronts the haunting reality that his past murderer might still be active. The book’s pacing is relentless, ensuring that readers remain on the edge of their seats as David navigates his perilous path toward justice.
Van Breemen’s characterization of David is particularly compelling; his emotional depth and relentless drive for retribution make him a deeply sympathetic protagonist. The interplay between his psychological torment and the supernatural elements of his past life adds layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative. Emma and Anna also bring significant depth to the story, each adding their own dimensions to David’s journey.
Overall, Past Life’s Revenge is an enthralling read that skillfully blends psychological drama with supernatural elements. Angela Van Breemen’s ability to craft a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative ensures that this book is both captivating and memorable. For those intrigued by the mysteries of past lives and the quest for closure, this novel is a must-read.
Alan R. Warren NBC news Talk Radio KCAA 106.5 F.M. Los Angeles KKNW 1150 A.M. Seattle Bestselling Author
Have you ever had a dream that was so real, you were sure it was from a past life?
Since childhood, David Harris has suffered from debilitating nightmares. He has sought the advice of psychiatrists and other health professionals without obtaining any relief. When he meets an attractive young psychic, Emma Jackson, she encourages him to seek the help of her friend Anna Tungsten, a hypnotherapist. During an emotionally charged past life regression, David learns he was murdered in his most recent past life, thirty years earlier. When David realizes his murderer is still alive, he cannot move on and a build a new life with Emma until he has exacted revenge and stopped the murderer from killing again.
Rating: 4-stars
Review:
Past Life’s Revenge by Angela Van Breemen is a stunning suspenseful thriller. It’s filled with unusual things like past lives and things we cannot explain. The paranormal vibe though fit well for this story. The tale was dark, twisty, and kept me on the edge. Someone knowing he was murdered, and the murderer is hanging around is the greatest catch of all. There were so many questions that popped up as I read. It made me want to keep reading until I found all my answers. Especially, who was the murder and why. I loved reading this book. It also reminded me of one of my favorite programs, Unsolved Mysteries, a bit.
Have you ever had a dream that was so real, you were sure it was from a past life?
Since childhood, David Harris has suffered from debilitating nightmares. He has sought the advice of psychiatrists and other health professionals without obtaining any relief. When he meets an attractive young psychic, Emma Jackson, she encourages him to seek the help of her friend Anna Tungsten, a hypnotherapist. During an emotionally charged past life regression, David learns he was murdered in his most recent past life, thirty years earlier. When David realizes his murderer is still alive, he cannot move on and a build a new life with Emma until he has exacted revenge and stopped the murderer from killing again.
The Review
This was such a compelling and thought-provoking thriller. The author does a remarkable job of creating characters that readers can engage with and become invested in their journey. The action and suspense of the main journey and the tension that threaded its way into the narrative made this a remarkable story.
Yet the balance the author struck between mystery, suspense, and paranormal thriller really stood out to this reader. The concept of past lives and our connection to the universe as a whole stood out to me, and the twists and turns in the overall narrative as the protagonists delved deeper into this past life cemented the two protagonists as driven and capable characters that can drive readers further and further into this new paranormal mystery series.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Angela van Breemen’s “Past Life’s Revenge” is a must-read mystery and paranormal thriller. The shocking revelations and the equally shocking twists that take the protagonists to the edge emotionally and physically will have readers eager to delve deeper into this new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Angela P. Van Breemen’s “Past Life’s Revenge” is a gripping exploration of the intricacies of past lives and the haunting power of unresolved trauma. From the onset, readers are drawn into the tumultuous world of David Harris, a man plagued by recurring nightmares that defy conventional explanation.
The novel delves into the realm of the paranormal as David seeks solace from his torment in the arms of Emma Jackson, a charismatic psychic, and her friend Anna Tungsten, a skilled hypnotherapist. Through a series of emotionally charged past life regressions, David unravels the shocking truth of his past existence – that he was brutally murdered three decades earlier.
What sets “Past Life’s Revenge” apart is its seamless blending of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. As David grapples with the revelation of his past trauma and the realization that his murderer still walks among the living, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and emotion.
Van Breemen’s prose is both evocative and immersive, transporting readers into David’s inner turmoil and the enigmatic world of past lives. The dynamics between the characters are richly drawn, with Emma and Anna providing both emotional support and a beacon of hope amidst David’s darkness.
At its core, “Past Life’s Revenge” is a tale of redemption and the quest for justice across lifetimes. As David embarks on a dangerous journey to confront his past and prevent further harm, readers are compelled to ponder the timeless questions of fate, karma, and the enduring power of love.
With its deftly plotted narrative and hauntingly vivid imagery, “Past Life’s Revenge” is sure to captivate fans of supernatural fiction and mystery alike. Van Breemen’s masterful storytelling will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next literary endeavor.
