Caffeinated Aspects:
- I found the Author’s notes at the beginning fascinating and recommend not skipping them. (Yes, I am talking to you)
- The year is 2015 and unlike the witches and soothsayers of the past, Insighters are respected in the medical and legal professions. In Davidson’s world as teens, or during tragic/stressful events folks unlock or recall parts of their past lives. This often affects them or is the driving force behind their behavior. Whether court required, or medical reasons patients use Insighters to safely navigate memories of their past lives. By understanding their fears/behavior in relation to their past lives they can break the cycle. Insighters also use their insight to alert local authorities to watch or set traps for dangerous souls. It is all quite interesting and taps into some religious and spiritual beliefs.
- Leah Nazir is our quirky heroine and Insighter. Folks who work with her respect her but will also note she is a cold-hearted bitch. By outward appearances, Leah is indeed a bit of a bitch. Cold, factual and reserved she allows very few people into her inner world. In ALL of Leah’s past lives she was murdered. Every time she is stabbed, and a part of her is waiting for that to happen again. Of course she hopes to thwart the killer, but she is also resigned to die.
- P.I Archer Drake has been hired to keep an eye on her, and soon find himself curious. Leah is aware of the man stalking her but believes him to be her killer. When he is unhappy with the client and feels Leah may be in danger he confronts her. Oh boy this is when the fun begins.
- In Deja Who we have several threads; developing friendship/romance between Archer and Leah, a murder and the looming threat of Leah’s pending murder, All of these threads created intense scenes, drama and helped the reader understand Leah and her past. The beginning was rough for me (see Decaffeinated Aspects) but the story delivered twists, reveals and just enough drama to keep me flipping the pages at a steady past.
- Secondary characters added interest and shed light on Insighters, past lives and the jumbled legal issues surrounding those lives. It was quite interesting and allowed me to see Leah in action and warm up to her. I enjoyed Leah's sessions with patients, and her insight about people she comes into contact with. Davidson included famous historical characters and it was riveting.
- The romance was light and adorkable, even silly at times but it totally worked because Leah and Archer are quirky.
Decaffeinated Aspects:
- I almost DNF’d Deja Who at 15%. While the author’s note and prologue give us the basic concept, we sort of jump right into the story as Leah is with a client. The date on the report is the only clue about where I was. In America, based on how the date was written and the year was 2015. We dip into past lives and it was all quite unsettling for me as a reader. I did not feel grounded. Thankfully, I began to settle in despite jarring questions. Once I read Archer’s perspective, I decided to give it more time. I am glad that I did, despite wanting more details. I am not even sure of the city. My best guess is Chicago.
- The world building was lacking for me, or the author assumed that as the reader I understood all the levels of reincarnation. I would have liked an understanding of the path, and Insighters role. We learn how Insighters helps the patients not become lost in their own mind, but I am quite confident their role is more than that. I am hoping the second novel provides more insight.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer