Beyond - Book Review

Who doesn’t like ghost stories? Beyond, by Ruth Mitchell, is a futuristic, sci-fi mystery with all the intrigue of ghost hunting. The fun-filled tale revolves around Laura, who owns and lives in an old, haunted hotel in San Francisco. Laura is an author with an active imagination. She promotes her writing and hotel by hyping the public’s belief that spirits hang out at the 1862 luxury hotel, the Crescent. This San Francisco hotel has more than memories creeping out of its history - it has them creeping out of its being.

The author introduces Laura in the opening chapter as Laura shares dialogue with her AI computer. Like Siri or Alexa, her AI Computer will answer Laura’s questions, conversate, and access Google. The reader learns that AI technology is quite advanced from its present state, making ghost hunting more of a science. The author leads the reader to believe that quantum physics research has led to the knowledge of the “coexistence of other dimensions and realities.” 

The author’s adventures with her remarkable characters are intensified by including Cloud. He is the true hero of the story even though he is a white German Shepherd who gives his point of view through the literary device of anthropomorphic or humanlike thoughts. For example, Cloud senses the presence of a ghost in their suite and states in dog language, “This is not allowed!” He gives a guttural growl and raises his hackles and paws at the floor. The author’s other distinctive characters are the most memorable. She relates that Sean’s magnetism makes Laura “feel unlaced, like a floozy coming out of her bustier.” 

The plot involves spirits that are not hostile but seem to have an agenda. Laura learns about a secret grandfather through the semi-scientific ghost investigations at the hotel and DNA testing. She becomes involved in a long-distance romance that appears to end in tragedy.

An integral part of Laura’s story and character is her battle with alcohol. This side-story causes the reader to wonder if her interaction with ghosts is, in part, hallucinations. She is given the courage to quit drinking through her association with Sean and others who care about her. Her recovery through an AA program, with a sponsor and the support of friends, may influence readers with the same issues to try AA.

Are paranormal beings always an integral part of most human cultures?” 

Beyond is an entertaining paranormal thriller tale with a  fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. If you like paranormal stories - you will love Ruth Mitchell’s Beyond.