Second Glance by Jodi Picoult

Ellen's comments: If you like to watch “Ghost Trackers” and “10 Best Haunted . . .” you’ll love this book. There are ghosts and spirits and signs on almost every page! And if you’re a “non-believer,” it’s a fun read that keeps you asking, “What will they think of next?” You can pick up some good Vermont history and Native American culture, ponder gene therapy, and learn about a dark shadow that crossed the horizon of American science in the 1920s and 30s.

The one love of Ross Wakeman‘s life died from injuries in an auto accident while he was rescuing the driver of the other car, and he cannot forgive himself for not being at her side at the final moment. He has attempted suicide more than once in order to follow Aimee to the next world and try to find her there. Apparently doomed to live, he takes a job with a renowned “ghost chaser” in hopes of contacting her ghost, but finds instead the captivating ghost of a young mother who died by hanging in 1932.

The cast of characters is large, and spread over seventy years, but Picoult introduces each one carefully so that you don’t get lost. I was fascinated by the way the characters’ lives are interwoven and kept trying to guess what ties would crop up next. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you’ll find a delightful set of new friends here, and probably pay more attention whenever you smell the scent of roses. Check status at GPL