Although I have read a lot of crime fiction, I have never read a title in that genre that also included a paranormal element. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Melanie Casey's debut novel Hindsight, but it didn't take me long to realise it was a captivating story that kept me involved from start to finish.
Cass Lehman's terrifying gift which allows her to temporarily experience other people's deaths (if she is in the exact vicinity it happened) has kept her locked away at her family home for much of her adult life. Living in a small town she can negotiate her way to various safe areas but does not dare venture too far afield. Yet at the age of 28 she realises she wants to experience more of the world, no matter what the consequences.
Just as Cass is opening herself up to new possibilities a murder occurs in the local area and Cass takes a major leap by offering to help the lead detective Ed Dyson with the case. Naturally she is not well received to begin with, but when Ed views first hand just what Cass's gift will allow her to do, he comes around (much to the disgust of his partner Phil). It is not an easy association (as Ed himself has some major baggage), but it is one that gets results and soon even the sceptics must admit Cass's skills are valuable.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story - Cass is vulnerable and frustrating at times but ultimately very likeable. Her mother and grandmother are also warm, endearing characters. I also enjoyed the small town setting in an area (South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula) that is far from the usual big city crime hot spots.
While there was plenty of suspense and tension within the plot and the storytelling, I also really enjoyed Cass's journey of struggling with her gift and also the gradual softening of Ed's character.
Overall I thought this was an engaging and captivating book that gives a whole new spin on the crime/detective genre. I look forward to Melanie's next book.
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