Max Paddington refuses to go into the light until he finds his killer. This presents a dilemma, since Max is even less competent as a spirit than he was as a live person. No one sees or hears him and he can’t manage to get anywhere or do anything on his own.Joe Cavelli is a private investigator, living an ordinary life. Then one day he walks across a parking lot, gets yelled at by a ghost, and … ghost, and his life only gets stranger from there.
Max and Joe team up to find Max’s killer. In the process, they form an unlikely friendship and change each other’s lives in ways they never expected.
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I really loved Into The Light. It was a really great mix of paranormal and mystery, which is also a good recipe for an entertaining read.
The characters in this novel are so well done. Max Paddington is one unlucky dude. His wife asks for a divorce, and only a short while later, he is shot and killed. Then to top it off, he becomes a ghost who can’t move into the light until he solves his death mystery.
Joe Cavelli is a private investigator who had imaginary friends when he was younger…or were they ghosts? He becomes friends with Max, and the two set out to solve the mystery of Max’s murder.
The unlikely friendship is such an intriguing thing to read about. There’s a ton of character growth as the two become closer and it absolutely made this book a joy to read.
This book was fantastic and I highly recommend checking it out. It is a well crafted mix of paranormal and mystery, with humor, love, and friendship.
*I read this book as part of a blog tour with Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Thoroughly enjoyed this supernatural tale! This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be my last!
Maxwell Paddington sucks at life. He’s teased and bullied as a kid, passed over for promotions several times as an adult, and his wife, Rachel, wants a divorce.
Then he’s murdered outside Chili’s.
Max is incredulous he’s now a ghost. Who wouldn’t be?
Convinced Rachel had him killed because he bought an expensive set of golf clubs, Max can’t prove it because no one can see or hear him until he encounters private investigator Joe Cavelli in Chili’s parking lot.
When a forgotten secret from Joe’s childhood is revealed, this unlikely duo forms a reluctant partnership to find out who killed Max and why.
Into the Light is appropriately titled and not just for the bright light at the end of life—even though Max’s grandpa and a host of familiar… and not so familiar deceased people all try to coax Max into the light—but because of the enlightenment both men receive as Joe interviews people from Max’s life.
Alive and dead, both men, so entrenched in their own convictions about people and life, come to realize living life in a vacuum isn’t living at all. Focusing on life will make you miss the moments that make up life.
Moments like: when Max meets a homeless man he once helped; when Joe meets Max’s parents; when Max is confronted by his deceased favorite aunt, and when Joe talks to Rachel. (Warning: Have tissues close by!)
Stellar writing makes this read a page-turner not so much to find out whodunit, but who said it, because whether it’s a snarky moment or emotions running high, the banter between Joe and Max is perfect. The men see a little of themselves in each other. Max takes it to heart, but Joe is a lot more stubborn… and heartbroken.
When the killer and his motive are revealed, Max isn’t as happy as he should be… because he still has unfinished business.
Into the Light is also one of those books that will linger long after it’s finished. It will lead you to consider if you’re consumed with the shoulda-coulda-wouldas of life or enjoying what you have with a heart of gratitude.
With its relatable characters and satisfying ending, I give Into the Light my highest recommendation. Download this one today!
Enjoy!
Into the Light by Darcia Helle was a delightful read, very unique, and heartwarming. Just loved the characters and story. Entertaining and funny at times, too. Highly recommend this read! Excellent.