The Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy

I joined Book of the Month Club in February of 2017. I liked the idea of Book of the Month, because they give me five book choices each month, and I get to pick the book that sounds good to me. If I don't like any of the five choices, then I can skip that month.

So, in February, I chose The Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy, because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I usually stay away from thrillers and mysteries. Instead of choosing a fantasy or YA lit novel, I chose this one. I will say this novel definitely made me uncomfortable, considering it took me six months to read.

This isn't a sign of a poorly written novel. Murphy has true talent with her constructing skills. Every little detail mattered in this book and she's fantastic at conveying answers subtly. She makes her readers work for the ending, which is what books should make readers do. If you find yourself reading a book and guessing what is happening next, then that means the author didn't do their job right. Why did it take me six months to finish the book? Because I don't like thrillers. This isn't a bad thing because I pushed myself as a reader. This is a task I encourage all readers to try every once in awhile. You never know what you might learn. 

Murphy has a really interesting story here. Edie works as a body at the Elysian Society where she works with clients who have lost loved ones. During their sessions she swallows a lotus, which "removes" her from her body temporarily. This way the deceased can come back and visit with their grieving loved one. For a time, Edie is "possessed." However, things eventually descend into chaos with her interest in Patrick Braddock, and his deceased wife, Sylvia. Eventually Edie starts channeling Sylvia illegally outside of the Elysian Society.

This sounds like science fiction or fantasy. The idea of channeling and possessing is not new to us. However, this time it is and should be. Murphy writes as if this is happening right now in our society on a normal basis. Channeling isn't about magic and special powers. Channeling is medical, and it's treated as a necessary evil in this unnamed town Edie calls home. Granted, this novel also makes you wonder if the Elysian Society does more harm than good. Does channeling hurt loved ones by preventing them from moving on?

Well, Murphy also shows us the destruction the Elysian Society can have on its workers. Edie doesn't want to be Edie. Spoiler: that's not even her real name. She loves channeling, because she wants to be somebody else. This is a tale of desire and Murphy puts all the stereotypical love affair clichés in front of her readers to throw them off. The ending is not expected, the turning points will scare you to the point where you think there are ghosts in your bedroom and under your bed. I'm glad I read this book as I was given a new insight into storytelling, having avoided a whole genre for twenty-four years. Would I give this book a five? No, because there were still some places I could guess what would happen next. And the first half of the book was slow. Where are the never-ending heart stopping moments? 

Nevertheless, Murphy's novel is an original idea. It's unique and an important addition to the thriller genre. Do you like reading mysteries or thrillers? Then I suggest you give this book a read. 

xx Rae

Rated: 4 out of 5

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, I suggest buying from B&N or your local/independent bookstore, or borrowing from your library first. We want to keep bookstores alive right?