Cels Reviews: Kate Harrison's - "Soul Beach"

Published November 30, 2011
Category: Cel's Says

“People are dying to get here……….”

When Alice Forster receives an email on the day of her murdered sister’s funeral, it seem like a sick hoax. An invitation to the virtual world of Soul Beach, an online paradise of sun, sand and sea where Alice can see her sister again. But only the beautiful, young and dead reside on Soul Beach, and Alice’s sister doesn’t remember who stole her life. Can Alice discover not only the secrets of Soul Beach, but the identity of her sister’s killer before she ends up the next victim?

Soul Beach is entirely new and fresh and will have you deep into the mystery from the very get-go. It’s a unique mix of paranormal, murder mystery, teen angst, family ties and an in-depth look at some of the worse aspects of human nature. Alice’s journey will, at times, break your heart as she gets sucked under by her grief, and have you cheering from the sidelines as she takes pro-active steps to help those trapped on the beach.

Harrison has deftly managed to convey a world which seems so perfect on the outside yet retains sinister undertones. Paradise may be more trouble than it’s worth.There is something not quite right about Soul Beach and even at the very end of the book, you are still trying to put your finger on exactly what it is. The relationship between Alice and Megan is poignant yet not sickly sweet as I first feared it would be. The inner look at the devastation to the lives of those left behind is honest and real. The plot is fast moving and the red herrings that keep popping up will hold your attention in a vice-like grip. The ending will leave you keen for book two of the trilogy.

Soul Beach is the first YA release from the author of the bestselling “Secret Shopper” novels and an amazing start to the trilogy. Come visit Soul Beach and discover “paradise” for yourself.