Before I Died

by Sara Marx

Laney Cavallo had a charmed life. Two wonderful kids and the love of the best woman she’d ever known—after years of unhappiness, she had it all. Past tense.

The one evil in her life she couldn’t shed finally did his after years of blackmailing her into silence, her power-drunk ex-husband has made her silence permanent. Now she can’t tell the world about the dangers of the pesticide he’s unleashing on an unsuspecting planet. And further breaking her heart, she can’t warn her beloved Mara that he plans to come after her next, and even the kids aren’t safe.

Unfinished business, undying love and the burden of her own complicity in this evil plot drive Laney to take action, hoping it’s not too late to save the people she loves. It would be easier if she weren’t already dead...

A haunting, passionate, breathtaking story unfolds in Sara Marx’s solo debut novel.

Genres: Lesbian, LGBT, Mystery Thriller, Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2011

About the author

Sara Marx begged for her start in radio, lying about her age and qualifications, and ended up on air that night. She has since appeared in TV commercials and infomercials and radio voice over work. Her radio career spanned 15 years. She can be seen guest-hosting on the Home Shopping Network and has been featured with her children on The Travel Channel enjoying Central Florida Attractions. Actively involved in an LGBT film group, she also supports The Humane Society and Children's and Human Rights. Sara spends her downtime at the beach where she writes and attempts (and mostly fails) dangerous surfing maneuvers.

Reviews

[Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally intrigued by the summary:

"After years of blackmailing her into silence, Laney's power-drunk ex-husband has made her silence permanent. Now she can’t tell the world about the dangers of the pesticide he’s unleashing on an unsuspecting planet. And further breaking her heart, she can’t warn her beloved Mara that he plans to come after her next, and even their two kids aren’t safe.

Unfinished business, undying love and the burden of her own complicity in this evil plot drive Laney to take action, hoping it’s not too late to save the people she loves. It would be easier if she weren’t already dead..."

The book switches back and forth from the present to the past via Laney's flashbacks. in fact, the whole book is told from Laney's POV, which, imho, limits the book's focus on Mara, Laney's partner, who, for me, is an even more interesting character. That is the only flaw I can think of. I must warn potential readers though, that this book is not a typical romance.

...The ending is as 'happy' as it can possibly be...considering the circumstances, but the whole story is so heartbreaking, the ending may not be everyone's cup of tea--it might leave sappy readers (like me) with a heavy feeling in the heart. But if you want something different from the typical lesfic romance, then give this a go.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible innovative book

“Humans have a certain amount of responsibility to one another.”
+ • + • + • +

Its unique & captivating storyline, spectacular in its complexity, fluidity & intensity creates a very compelling & entertaining book. With a nice flowing effortless progression, engaging narrative incorporating such formidably vulnerable & passionately flawed characters made it an easy read.

[Nolly Frances Sepulveda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story, I loved it. It made me laugh out loud and shake my head.

[Cab · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has an interesting premise; it’s told from the point of a woman who has been killed by her ex-husband. We’re introduced to her after she’s died and throughout the story we watch her come to terms with the realization that she is dead and the unraveling of the mystery of “why” she was killed. The “why” is really fascinating more so because it takes into account how every action or decision a person makes has a ripple effect and often unanticipated consequences. As a result, we watch as Laney attempts to correct some of these consequences from beyond the grave.

I really enjoyed this book and will have to check out her next one “Decoded”

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know those people who hang out in the parking lot outside concerts handing out books and graphic pamphlets about one cause or another? That's what this book reads like. It's incredibly preachy and over the top. It drives me nuts when writers make their villains so obviously, evilly bad--and also incredibly stupid. I found the concept of the book interesting, but all of the characters were grating and either obscenely perfect or obscenely evil. I like more ambiguity and a lot more character development.

[D. Leigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know this book has gotten some great ratings, but I just couldn't get into it. Doesn't mean it isn't good, just not my cup of tea. The first chapters reminded me too much of Charles Dickens's timeless classic that I've always found to be an intersting idea but too drawn out. So, maybe I didn't give it a good enough chance. I do plan to try it again when my stack of "waiting to be read" gets lower.

[Roxan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang this novel nearly killed me... this novel was engaging, for me, and the ending was both beautiful and heart-wrenching. I'd probably not read this again unless I want something to cry over again and again, all night long.

[Marie Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well-written and well-edited with pleasantly surprising twists and turns. It was the first book I've read by Sara Marx but it won't be the last.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

little slow on the beginning, but middle to end, can't put it down....plus sad :( so you can't put it down.

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the writer's style of writing from the present to the past and back. I also loved the love story but I did find the environmental part somewhat preachy and find the macabre relationship between her husband and her childhood friend quite CSI like. Anyway... it was entertaining