A short story by Scott Nicholson, The Dead Love Longer isn't your normal "close the closet door before I go to bed scary" book I normally associate with Mr Nicholson. It's more about exploring the afterlife, consequences for your actions and how the supernatural can and cannot interact with our world (at least in the author's imagination).

All said an interesting read, but not one of my Nicholson favorites. ( )

Richard Steele, P.I, finds himself in heaven's waiting room with bullet holes in his chest and a heart full of regret. In order to move on with his death, he is tasked to solve his own murder and learn the lessons he failed to grasp in his Earthly life.
Unexpectedly however the mystery doesn't drive the plot, it serves more as a catalyst for Steele's reflection on his earthly choices and the theme of second chances. Steele needs to find forgiveness for the role he played in his wife's suicide and accept the loss of his current love. Identifying his murderer is more of an exercise in accepting the things he can't change.
Scott Nicholson writes in such a way that I could almost envision the opening scene of Transparent Lovers. I imagine it in black and white, in the tradition of noir detective dramas, and Nicholson carries this tone through the story. The author's sense of humor plays nicely into the slightly surreal storyline that also includes a touch of drama and romance.
Transparent Lovers is a brief story (just 120 pages or so) but is a well crafted and entertaining read that has piqued my interest in the author's other work. If this novella is any indication, Nicholson's talent is assured. ( )

Richard Steele has died and now he has the choice of heaven or hell. Now, Steele is not the most innocent man in the world but he still wants to go to heaven. Because of this, he must prove himself first before moving on. The problem is that to take that big escalator to the sky he needs to solve his own murder, confront his wife who committed suicide (and is not exactly happy with him) and let go of his living girlfriend (who he does love but didn’t exactly show it much). Well, they didn’t say it was going to be easy, if he wanted that, he could go to hell, literally. Nicholson injects humor throughout Transparent Lovers along with lots of mystery that has you guessing to the end of who actually killed Steele. Also we read the journey of a man who must confront all the deeds he has done in the past and let go so that he may move on. ( )

My 2 Cents:

Transparent Lovers is the first story I have read by Scott Nicholson which I did enjoy. Richard is a former PI who finds himself in a hallway with a few interesting characters. My favorite is the one on the cover above, the one with the steering wheel in his chest. Mr. Brumfield or as Richard called him Buick-brains.

Mr. Brumfield enlightens Richard of where he is and what is going on, which comes across rather humorous at times. Richard has left behind Lee his new love. What Richard doesn't know is Diana his ex-wife is waiting on him. She wants Richard to pay for what he did to her and why she is on the other side. It all becomes very interesting and a lovely read.

The reason I like the book, the writing. Scott does a wonderful job of describing the scenes and the people. I could actually picture this hallway, office, The Titanic woman, the fire scenes of hell. I could go on and on.

I really enjoyed Scott's version of the afterlife. Most of us wonder what heaven will be like when we pass. His version is very unique.

Seeing Richard overcome his faith was a big step and the ending is wonderful. I had a few tears going on. ( )

I actually have and read the Kindle edition:

I just finished reading Transparent Lovers and enjoyed it very much. I actually had tears at the end of the story. Scott does a great job with his descriptions and I love his take on the afterlife. Not at all what I would be picturing, but why it makes the story so enjoyable.

He uses just the right amount of humor, and heart to make this story great. Whether the author intended for it to be poignant or not, I took away a lot more from this story than just entertainment. I have marked several passages that I found inspiring and insightful. The story isn't simply about a man trying to solve his own murder, it's full of wonderful imagery of both the physical and emotional sides of our lives.

This is one I will be recommending to friends and family! ( )