What do you think?
Rate this book
Senses Series #2
Expiration Date
Your Days Are Numbered…And Clay Ryker Knows It.
Clay Ryker is a man with a dark past and an uncertain future. A failure in both business and marriage, he has come home after a decade away, hoping for a fresh start in the small Pacific Northwest town where he grew up.
But Clay harbors a terrible secret, one that even those closest to him don’t know. When increasingly sinister notes appear in the folds of his morning paper, Clay realizes that the truth is not so secret after all. Then people around him start dying and, with a serial killer on the loose, he discovers a terrible he can foresee the timing of a person’s death–his or her expiration date.
As his newfound ability proves both a blessing and a curse, Clay’s foreknowledge could cost more than he can bear to lose. Working with ex-cop and investigator Vince Turney, Clay has no choice but to face up to the truth of his past. Will he find the courage to overcome an unspeakable evil, one that he himself may have empowered?
Clay Ryker is a man with a dark past and an uncertain future. A failure in both business and marriage, he has come home after a decade away, hoping for a fresh start in the small Pacific Northwest town where he grew up.
But Clay harbors a terrible secret, one that even those closest to him don’t know. When increasingly sinister notes appear in the folds of his morning paper, Clay realizes that the truth is not so secret after all. Then people around him start dying and, with a serial killer on the loose, he discovers a terrible he can foresee the timing of a person’s death–his or her expiration date.
As his newfound ability proves both a blessing and a curse, Clay’s foreknowledge could cost more than he can bear to lose. Working with ex-cop and investigator Vince Turney, Clay has no choice but to face up to the truth of his past. Will he find the courage to overcome an unspeakable evil, one that he himself may have empowered?
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
10 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Eric Wilson
137 books464 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Eric Wilson is a NY Times bestselling author with 21 published books in over a dozen languages. He writes fiction (suspense, mystery, supernatural), film novelizations, and nonfiction (biography, memoir, travel). He has two more books being pitched to publishers, and he's already working on more.
Linktr.ee/ericwilsonwriter
Eric's books, in order of publication:
Shattered Nerves
(unpublished--written in high school)
Something Suspicious in Bear Flag
(unpublished--written in college)
Dark to Mortal Eyes
Expiration Date
The Best of Evil
A Shred of Truth
Facing the Giants
Flywheel
Fireproof
Field of Blood
Haunt of Jackals
Valley of Bones
One Step Away
Two Seconds Late
Three Fatal Blows (cancelled)
October Baby
The Eagle's Nest (cancelled)
Amelia's Last Secret
Alice Goes the Way of the Maya
Taming the Beast: The Untold Story of Team Tyson
Minutes Before Midnight (cancelled)
Samson
From Chains to Change
American Leftovers
What Are You Going to Do?
Confessions of a Former Prosecutor
Come Back Stronger (date not set)
Through the Storms We Faced (date not set)
Eric Wilson is a NY Times bestselling author with 21 published books in over a dozen languages. He writes fiction (suspense, mystery, supernatural), film novelizations, and nonfiction (biography, memoir, travel). He has two more books being pitched to publishers, and he's already working on more.
Linktr.ee/ericwilsonwriter
Eric's books, in order of publication:
Shattered Nerves
(unpublished--written in high school)
Something Suspicious in Bear Flag
(unpublished--written in college)
Dark to Mortal Eyes
Expiration Date
The Best of Evil
A Shred of Truth
Facing the Giants
Flywheel
Fireproof
Field of Blood
Haunt of Jackals
Valley of Bones
One Step Away
Two Seconds Late
Three Fatal Blows (cancelled)
October Baby
The Eagle's Nest (cancelled)
Amelia's Last Secret
Alice Goes the Way of the Maya
Taming the Beast: The Untold Story of Team Tyson
Minutes Before Midnight (cancelled)
Samson
From Chains to Change
American Leftovers
What Are You Going to Do?
Confessions of a Former Prosecutor
Come Back Stronger (date not set)
Through the Storms We Faced (date not set)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 19, 2010
Clay Ryker could have been a contender. He was an excellent athlete with tons of promise, handsome and popular, and smart enough to make a big splash in the world. But because of one moment of bad decision-making, Clay inadvertently and accidentally caused the death of a high school friend. Because he covered up his involvement, guilt set in and 12 years later (novel time) his business fails, marriage is over, his son lives with his mother states away, and he has to move back in with his parents in his home town of Junction City, Oregon. That is where things go from bad to weird.
There is an evil force that hates Clay and wants to see him dead. The reader has to figure out if this force is human or demonic or both as Clay begins to foresee the deaths of the people around him and then fight for all he’s worth to keep them alive.
This novel moves right along without any slow spots. There is a bit of history in it, as Eric Wilson is an excellent historian, and these nuggets are pertinent to the plot and they don’t drag the story down. This book fits right in with the Christian Thriller genre, and I’d think that anyone who enjoys Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti will enjoy this novel as well.
Ellen C Maze, author Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
RABBIT has been called "MUCH, MUCH better than Twilight" "with a lightning paced plot that rivals the works of Dan Brown or Stephen King" Sixteen 5-Star reviews so far. Get your copy today!
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
There is an evil force that hates Clay and wants to see him dead. The reader has to figure out if this force is human or demonic or both as Clay begins to foresee the deaths of the people around him and then fight for all he’s worth to keep them alive.
This novel moves right along without any slow spots. There is a bit of history in it, as Eric Wilson is an excellent historian, and these nuggets are pertinent to the plot and they don’t drag the story down. This book fits right in with the Christian Thriller genre, and I’d think that anyone who enjoys Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti will enjoy this novel as well.
Ellen C Maze, author Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
RABBIT has been called "MUCH, MUCH better than Twilight" "with a lightning paced plot that rivals the works of Dan Brown or Stephen King" Sixteen 5-Star reviews so far. Get your copy today!
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
November 17, 2017
What a roller coaster. Where do I even begin? Clay Ryker was a simple man heading back to his hometown after his wife had wanted a divorce. Back in that town, he gets some sort of power, one where he could tell the exact date of when people would die. He'd soon figure out that his power is beyond him, and there's a bigger threat he has to worry about.
The beginning was really good, I really liked learning about Clay's past and his exact feelings on the whole situation. The only thing I couldn't wrap my head around was that there were about three or four things going on besides Clay's story. In the middle of a chapter it would stop and talk about someone and something else without context, this made me pretty confused, but at the end it all came together and I understood. So you have to have some patience with that. The book picked up just as I thought it would, but then it took a turn, a turn that caught me completely off guard. Normally I can tell what's going to happen in the end, but boy, was I ever wrong.
This book was heart wrenching, and kept me on my toes throughout. Puzzles and riddles and growing dilemmas really made this book unique and amazing.
The beginning was really good, I really liked learning about Clay's past and his exact feelings on the whole situation. The only thing I couldn't wrap my head around was that there were about three or four things going on besides Clay's story. In the middle of a chapter it would stop and talk about someone and something else without context, this made me pretty confused, but at the end it all came together and I understood. So you have to have some patience with that. The book picked up just as I thought it would, but then it took a turn, a turn that caught me completely off guard. Normally I can tell what's going to happen in the end, but boy, was I ever wrong.
This book was heart wrenching, and kept me on my toes throughout. Puzzles and riddles and growing dilemmas really made this book unique and amazing.
May 22, 2010
As a writer, I love it when I can keep reading a book and not have to wonder "why?" What I mean by that is that I can take off my "writing analysis" hat and am able to just enjoy the narrative of the story without pause, steadily progressing, drawn along and intrigued, until I finally reach the end.
Such is the type of books Eric Wilson writes. Much of this has to do with his fully realized characters. His characters are real people with very real problems. He doesn't try--like some Christian authors--to live in a sin and guilt-free world. His story worlds are just like our own. Filled with hurt and suffering people, capable of both incredible good and shameless evil.
Expiration Date is one such novel. It involves an interesting premise--what if you had the ability to know someone else's date of death?--and superb characterization. Particularly well written is the main character Clay Ryker and his friend Mylisha. Much of the story deals with events that happened earlier in their lives and how those events still affect them today. (Seriously, how many people allow themselves to be forever stuck in high school? Too many, I think.)
Another thing I enjoy about Eric's novels is the frequent touches of history. Expiration Date is no slouch here either. There is a strong subplot about Russian history that I found intriguing.
The only fault I would find in this book is that there was one big reveal that surprised me. That could be because I missed some of the clues Eric had given (small children mean lots of interruptions in my life) or it could be because there weren't enough clues. Regardless, it wasn't a biggie, and didn't detract from the narrative as a whole.
Also, there were elements of the ending that seemed to beg for a later book. Since I'm a latecomer to Eric's work, some of these could have been addressed in later writings. I look forward to finding out.
Overall, a good effort and an enjoyable read. Well done!
Such is the type of books Eric Wilson writes. Much of this has to do with his fully realized characters. His characters are real people with very real problems. He doesn't try--like some Christian authors--to live in a sin and guilt-free world. His story worlds are just like our own. Filled with hurt and suffering people, capable of both incredible good and shameless evil.
Expiration Date is one such novel. It involves an interesting premise--what if you had the ability to know someone else's date of death?--and superb characterization. Particularly well written is the main character Clay Ryker and his friend Mylisha. Much of the story deals with events that happened earlier in their lives and how those events still affect them today. (Seriously, how many people allow themselves to be forever stuck in high school? Too many, I think.)
Another thing I enjoy about Eric's novels is the frequent touches of history. Expiration Date is no slouch here either. There is a strong subplot about Russian history that I found intriguing.
The only fault I would find in this book is that there was one big reveal that surprised me. That could be because I missed some of the clues Eric had given (small children mean lots of interruptions in my life) or it could be because there weren't enough clues. Regardless, it wasn't a biggie, and didn't detract from the narrative as a whole.
Also, there were elements of the ending that seemed to beg for a later book. Since I'm a latecomer to Eric's work, some of these could have been addressed in later writings. I look forward to finding out.
Overall, a good effort and an enjoyable read. Well done!
November 8, 2007
I liked the idea of this book better than the book itself.
October 29, 2008
This was the sequel to "Dark To Mortal Eyes' and I actuall liked it better than the first one. You wouldn't necessarily have to read the first one to read this one but some of the characters overlap.
May 19, 2009
This was a good book! Anyone that gets into Dekker will like this. Good vs. evil struggle, mixed with a little Christianity, in a suspense package. Interesting mix!
June 10, 2009
The book reads pretty fast and it held my attention. I guess I'm spoiled
by Ted Dekker. I didn't find Eric Wilson story as compelling as
Dekker's Three or Blink although it was good.
by Ted Dekker. I didn't find Eric Wilson story as compelling as
Dekker's Three or Blink although it was good.
December 17, 2018
A very interesting concept is poorly executed. And not just that. It's filled with clunky dialogue and predictability. The characters were purely one-dimensional (and Eric Wilson's idea of how African-American's talk is not only distracting, but almost laughable). The first and LAST book I read from this guy!
March 30, 2020
This story line was a little awkward to follow at times and honestly, it was hard to imagine that people would be holding grudges from high school 12 years later. Some actions just weren’t explained well enough.
November 2, 2022
At 400 pages - again too long - some good ideas but not a great read
May 20, 2015
I bumped the star rating to 2 by rounding up the 1.5 rating. The book ranged from "nice" to "it was ok". There were a few issues with the story that kept me from rating it a 4 or 5.
One issue that really bugged me was the use of "hell" out of its proper context. When reading a Christian novel I do not expect to find any sort of language in the reading. Implied, yes; but not its usage. The story would have been better without the use of the word multiply times.
Another issue and this one left me bewildered was the introduction of the two gay men. I couldn't figure out how they further the plot or if it was the author's intrusion to make the point that Christians should tolerate that behavior or if Christians shouldn't avoid them, and instead pray for them. I wasn't sure what the purpose was. And I noodled over that one since the couple cropped up 3 times in the book.
And a third issue was that the book started feeling rushed and glossed over by the last 1/3 of the story. The plot lines became weakened. The ending seemed too convenient. Scenes did not follow a logical pattern. Overall, I was unsatisfied with the ending and its conclusion. Talk about anti-climatic.
The good points that helped this story: the writing started off strong and fresh. The characters seemed to be developed well and had character growth (up until the last 1/3). The plot weaved in and out in a tango that kept me reading. The idea of the story was great and I had looked forward to the conclusion. These good points, though, were overshadowed by the issues listed above.
I have a couple more Eric Wilson books that I will give a try.
One issue that really bugged me was the use of "hell" out of its proper context. When reading a Christian novel I do not expect to find any sort of language in the reading. Implied, yes; but not its usage. The story would have been better without the use of the word multiply times.
Another issue and this one left me bewildered was the introduction of the two gay men. I couldn't figure out how they further the plot or if it was the author's intrusion to make the point that Christians should tolerate that behavior or if Christians shouldn't avoid them, and instead pray for them. I wasn't sure what the purpose was. And I noodled over that one since the couple cropped up 3 times in the book.
And a third issue was that the book started feeling rushed and glossed over by the last 1/3 of the story. The plot lines became weakened. The ending seemed too convenient. Scenes did not follow a logical pattern. Overall, I was unsatisfied with the ending and its conclusion. Talk about anti-climatic.
The good points that helped this story: the writing started off strong and fresh. The characters seemed to be developed well and had character growth (up until the last 1/3). The plot weaved in and out in a tango that kept me reading. The idea of the story was great and I had looked forward to the conclusion. These good points, though, were overshadowed by the issues listed above.
I have a couple more Eric Wilson books that I will give a try.
February 3, 2015
What if by touching someone you could know when they would die? In EXPIRATION DATE, Clay Ryker suddenly finds himself in just that position, and he's not sure if it's a blessing or a curse.
In this second book of Eric Wilson's unofficial Senses series, he deftly spins a tale of intrigue while presenting the story of a man whose life is flipping out of control. Having read Eric's previous "sight" book, DARK TO MORTAL EYES, I wasn't sure if he'd be able to produce a "touch" novel of the same quality. He did. Although starting a bit slower than EYES, I wasn't disappointed. And I love the way Eric intersperses history and lore (this time about Russia and the Romanovs) into his stories, right along with the supernatural element we're starting to expect in a Wilson thriller.
Many of the threads introduced in DARK TO MORTAL EYES are woven through EXPIRATION DATE, as are some of my favorite characters (Josee & Sgt. Turney, for example). By the time I was halfway through the book I started having fun "Eureka!" moments as pieces of the puzzle missing from EYES fell into place in this novel. However, Eric leaves much room for the continuation of the saga in future stories. So if you haven't read DARK TO MORTAL EYES, I'd suggest picking it up too as you'll have a richer experience if you read the books in order, but EXPIRATION DATE can also stand alone. Excellent book!
In this second book of Eric Wilson's unofficial Senses series, he deftly spins a tale of intrigue while presenting the story of a man whose life is flipping out of control. Having read Eric's previous "sight" book, DARK TO MORTAL EYES, I wasn't sure if he'd be able to produce a "touch" novel of the same quality. He did. Although starting a bit slower than EYES, I wasn't disappointed. And I love the way Eric intersperses history and lore (this time about Russia and the Romanovs) into his stories, right along with the supernatural element we're starting to expect in a Wilson thriller.
Many of the threads introduced in DARK TO MORTAL EYES are woven through EXPIRATION DATE, as are some of my favorite characters (Josee & Sgt. Turney, for example). By the time I was halfway through the book I started having fun "Eureka!" moments as pieces of the puzzle missing from EYES fell into place in this novel. However, Eric leaves much room for the continuation of the saga in future stories. So if you haven't read DARK TO MORTAL EYES, I'd suggest picking it up too as you'll have a richer experience if you read the books in order, but EXPIRATION DATE can also stand alone. Excellent book!
March 2, 2012
If you read the synopsis on the back cover of "Expiration Date," you most likely thought of the recent Justin Timberlake film In Time. Although their plots are similar, Expiration Date was published in 2005, so it isn't a knock-off of J.T.'s film; it may be the other way around. Along with In Time, Expiration Date contains elements of Early Edition with a little bit of That's So Raven thrown in there. However, at no point does it feel derivative of any other media. Expiration Date is actually a largely well-crafted, well-written thriller, though it does have some problems: One, there wasn't as much action as I was expecting. Two, there were some notable typos. Lastly, the ending is a bit strange. For those who enjoy science fiction/fantasy-based thrillers, though, you'll probably like this.
January 24, 2011
5/10. Full of promise and yet ultimately disappointing and frustrating. It has many intriguing story elements but they're too loosely strung together, much like the multiple characters. But there's a kicker twist at the end - even if you guess the previous twist!
May 7, 2008
Overly dramatic, lacks subtle tension and layering. Might suit crime, espionage or horror/sci-fi fans if they're not expecting too much character depth.
March 29, 2010
Not worth it.
Read
July 29, 2011This was a thrill at every page turn.
Want to read
February 20, 2012Pls if somebody can let me knw where can i read it...
thanks
thanks
April 13, 2011
Enjoyable. I feel that if I say too much I'll reveal too much about the book though.
April 27, 2017
Predictable, anticlimactic
The main character spends the entire book whining about his failures. I did not care for the ethnic slang injected into the conversations of the sisters, it lacked authenticity. The main characters interaction with his dad was a little weird, and also felt unrealistic. Demonic activity was obvious from the start and attempts to cloak it with descriptions of attire and public mingling didn't work. The religious aspect was inconsistent. The horoscope habit had no feet. I felt like the main character just flipped a switch and was back on the narrow path. Overall I guess this book would have stayed on my wish list if I hadn't been desperate for a new read.
The main character spends the entire book whining about his failures. I did not care for the ethnic slang injected into the conversations of the sisters, it lacked authenticity. The main characters interaction with his dad was a little weird, and also felt unrealistic. Demonic activity was obvious from the start and attempts to cloak it with descriptions of attire and public mingling didn't work. The religious aspect was inconsistent. The horoscope habit had no feet. I felt like the main character just flipped a switch and was back on the narrow path. Overall I guess this book would have stayed on my wish list if I hadn't been desperate for a new read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews