I am not a frequent reader of fiction. I spend most of my reading time on the financial markets or historical subjects that, frankly, some would consider arcane.

So when I do sit down with a novel, I want there to be something compelling about it. That is exactly what I found in the plot development and action of this book. Overall, a highly absorbing read, and carefully thought out. Kept me on the edge of my chair. Thank you, E.J. Rand!

From a great opening sentence: "If Norman Lyons had known he was going to die that morning, he would have worn different clothes," the reader soon meets Gary Kemmerman, neighbor to the aforementioned Mr. Lyons. Gary and Norman had spoken for a few minutes that same morning, not long before the latter's car crashed in a fatal "accident," having been run off the road by another vehicle on a wintry morning in New Jersey. Gary has retired from his practice as a crisis consultant after the death of his beloved wife from cancer nearly a year ago--he left his practice in order to be with her during her final months, and is still mourning her deeply.

Gary is reluctantly pulled back into the world of the living when Norman's widow begs him to look into her husband's death, firmly convinced he has been murdered. He is assisted in this effort by another neighbor, a homicide lieutenant. What follows is another murder, an attempted murder, arson, and an attack on a witness, and that's only through the first half of the book. Other characters in the tale include a cold-blooded killer with a fondness for Disney songs, and a beautiful young woman who witnessed Norman's "accident" and causes Gary to deal with the question of whether he can finally put his demons--or his ghosts--to rest and fall in love again.

The narrative is tense and the book is very fast reading, and I liked the cast of characters. Despite the fact that at times I felt the writing was uneven and a bit melodramatic, it soon became much surer as the story continued and the suspense built up, to the point where I couldn't put the book down. This appears to be the first in an anticipated series featuring Gary Kemmerman, and I will look forward to the next entry.

"Say Goodbye" is exciting, moving, and very believable. Easy to read and enjoyable, this is an excellent novel!

This novel was recommended to me as a good first novel by a local (New Jersey) author. I thoroughly agree: the characters are believable, with no superhero abilities, and I was concerned about them throughout the course of the narrative. The plot was interesting and believable as well, and at the conclusion I was sorry that the second novel was not yet published as I wanted to see future developments.