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marlynb's review against another edition
5.0
Jan Burke's latest book is a standalone that could best be described as a paranormal mystery. Tyler Hawthorne was born in 1791, and died in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. While he lay dying on the battlefield, he spoke to a mysterious person who gave him a ring, and a dog, and the task of Messenger.
The Messenger carries the wishes of the dying who can no longer communicate verbally to their living loved ones.
When we meet Tyler, he is living in present-day Los Angeles. He lives a solitary life, with only his dog Shade as a real companion. Somehow,Tyler knows when dying people need his services, and he goes to them to offer comfort and more. Yet, after over 200 years, having outlived all his peers and being unable to die, he wishes he had given a different answer to the being who approached him on the battlefield.
He buys a mansion in the hills, and befriends Ron, the grandson of the previous owner. Ron's friend Amanda, a "trust-funder" who lives nearby, is suspicious of Tyler's Samaritanship, but is unsure what to do about her misgivings.
Driving home from a party in the desert, she witnesses a truck running him down on his motorcycle, and is pretty sure he's dead. But he's still alive, despite what Amanda saw. Now the men in the truck are after her, too, and Tyler has to tell her about himself so he can protect her.
Jan Burke has crafted another spellbinding tale. She is an amazing writer, and has obviously done painstaking research for this book. Don't pass it by because it's not part of the Irene Kelly series!
The Messenger carries the wishes of the dying who can no longer communicate verbally to their living loved ones.
When we meet Tyler, he is living in present-day Los Angeles. He lives a solitary life, with only his dog Shade as a real companion. Somehow,Tyler knows when dying people need his services, and he goes to them to offer comfort and more. Yet, after over 200 years, having outlived all his peers and being unable to die, he wishes he had given a different answer to the being who approached him on the battlefield.
He buys a mansion in the hills, and befriends Ron, the grandson of the previous owner. Ron's friend Amanda, a "trust-funder" who lives nearby, is suspicious of Tyler's Samaritanship, but is unsure what to do about her misgivings.
Driving home from a party in the desert, she witnesses a truck running him down on his motorcycle, and is pretty sure he's dead. But he's still alive, despite what Amanda saw. Now the men in the truck are after her, too, and Tyler has to tell her about himself so he can protect her.
Jan Burke has crafted another spellbinding tale. She is an amazing writer, and has obviously done painstaking research for this book. Don't pass it by because it's not part of the Irene Kelly series!
ssteph3294's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for the first time in high school and thought it was the greatest book ever. Reading it again as an adult wasn't as impressive. The romance between Amanda and Tyler went from 0-10 without any building it seemed. That wasn't the main story line, but something that bothered me as a whole. If it was longer - with more character building/development it could have been better.
The only reason it gets 3 stars is because I remember enjoying it so much when I first read it.
The only reason it gets 3 stars is because I remember enjoying it so much when I first read it.
bxermom's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. The paranormal aspect of it was excellent. I loved the characters and they way she developed them. I read this book in less than a day. I couldn't put it down.
The Messenger is about a man named Tyler who passes on messages from the dying to their loved ones. Tyler was given this job as he lay dying on the battlefield at Waterloo. Tyler can now live forever until he passes his job on to the next chosen Messenger. But there is a problem. The man who gave Tyler his power wants it back, and he'll do whatever it takes to get it!
The Messenger is about a man named Tyler who passes on messages from the dying to their loved ones. Tyler was given this job as he lay dying on the battlefield at Waterloo. Tyler can now live forever until he passes his job on to the next chosen Messenger. But there is a problem. The man who gave Tyler his power wants it back, and he'll do whatever it takes to get it!
bookrec's review against another edition
1.0
This was not her usual detective story. It was very sci-fi-ish and not up my alley.
shelflife's review against another edition
1.0
This was utter rubbish! I can't believe she wrote a book like this. It was really, really bad on so many levels that I can't begin to list them. I did finish it cuz it was an easy read and silly and light and for the moment I was in the mood for light reading, just not this bad.
Be warned, don't bother!
giantsdancefarm's review against another edition
2.0
meh. not at all my favorite of ms. burke's books, not just because it's not an Irene Kelly book, but just never got going for me.
krisrid's review against another edition
5.0
AWESOME Book!!!! I loved this!
The book has so many facets - it's got a gothic atmospheric tone even though it's written in the present. Theres a ghost story, a suspense and action thiller component, traumatized heros, nasty villains, loyal canines and just a touch of romance.
You are intrigued and curious about Tyler Hawthorne from the first minute you meet him. And you can't help but like plucky, clumsy Amanda Clark. Everything that happens to them as the plot plays out is delicious, clever, fraught with danger and thrillingly exciting!!
The premise - of an immortal being, who's job is to hear and deliver the last messages of the dying to their loved ones - is unique. And the story that's wrapped around the premise is just fantastic from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this book - I couldn't put it down once I started it!!”
The book has so many facets - it's got a gothic atmospheric tone even though it's written in the present. Theres a ghost story, a suspense and action thiller component, traumatized heros, nasty villains, loyal canines and just a touch of romance.
You are intrigued and curious about Tyler Hawthorne from the first minute you meet him. And you can't help but like plucky, clumsy Amanda Clark. Everything that happens to them as the plot plays out is delicious, clever, fraught with danger and thrillingly exciting!!
The premise - of an immortal being, who's job is to hear and deliver the last messages of the dying to their loved ones - is unique. And the story that's wrapped around the premise is just fantastic from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this book - I couldn't put it down once I started it!!”
sunnid's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoy Burke's mystery, but this foray into the supernatural was pretty hokey. Shades of another Lord V...?
vkemp's review against another edition
4.0
A complete departure for Jan. I am a huge fan of urban fantasy and this one ranks up there with all the witches and warlocks. 200 years ago on the battlefield at Waterloo, Tyler Hawthorne became a Messenger, comforting the dying. Fans of Dean Koontz and Charlaine Harris should read this one.
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