The Girl in the Mirror

by Constance McKee

Psychiatrist Jodi Kendall adores her husband, Michael. They have a serious argument in which she detaches from her body—a coping technique she’s never revealed to anyone. The next day, Jodi can’t remember the details of the argument and, before they can reconcile, Michael suddenly dies.

Six months later, distraught and confused, Jodi takes an accidental overdose and has a near-death experience in which she has a brief, loving encounter with Michael. He seems so real that, after her resuscitation, she consults a near-death experience expert, Dr. Simon Bentley, who concludes that Michael exists, in the flesh, in a parallel world. Jodi, with Dr. Bentley’s help, resolves to join Michael again. Her quest becomes an obsession, and as she begins to despair, she finally discovers the path to Michael’s world. What she finds there surprises her and ultimately changes her life.

The Girl in the Mirror details a young woman’s quest for self-identity. It is a love story and an adventure story, and raises important questions about the nature of reality and a new possibility for life after death.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Fiction, Novels, Suspense, Supernatural

278 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2015

About the author

Connie was in private practice in psychiatry for many years before becoming a forensic psychiatrist, working with the criminally insane. The work was fascinating, but also stressful, so she decided it was time for a change. She'd heard amazing stories from her patients--truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction--so she decided to try to put those stories, and her feelings about them, into words (while carefully protecting identities). When she realized that writing wasn't as easy as she thought, she enrolled in the Stonecoast program at the University of Southern Maine, where she received a MFA in creative writing. In addition to this novel, she has written short stories: one of which was given an award by the Atlanta Writers Club, and another appeared in the online literary magazine "The Perch," which is connected to Yale University.

Connie grew up in coastal Alabama, has lived in both Eastern and Western states, and now resides with her husband in the Atlanta area. When not writing, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Reviews

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath on the top of Wuthering Heights; where I woke sobbing for joy.”

----Emily Brontë


Constance McKee, an American forensic psychiatrist, pens her debut book, The Girl in the Mirror that unfolds the story of a woman psychiatrist who after the death of her beloved husband goes through near death experience (NDE) but soon her diagnosis maker her addicted to it and she gets a hang of it thereby finding a way to meet her husband again and again, before things get too risky and complicated for her.


Synopsis:

Psychiatrist Jodi Kendall adores her husband, Michael. They have a serious argument in which she detaches from her body—a coping technique she’s never revealed to anyone. The next day, Jodi can’t remember the details of the argument and, before they can reconcile, Michael suddenly dies.

Six months later, distraught and confused, Jodi takes an accidental overdose and has a near-death experience in which she has a brief, loving encounter with Michael. He seems so real that, after her resuscitation, she consults a near-death experience expert, Dr. Simon Bentley, who concludes that Michael exists, in the flesh, in a parallel world. Jodi, with Dr. Bentley’s help, resolves to join Michael again. Her quest becomes an obsession, and as she begins to despair, she finally discovers the path to Michael’s world. What she finds there surprises her and ultimately changes her life.


Dr. Jodi Kendall's loving husband Michael dies out of cardiac arrest all of a sudden. Jodi loved Michael way too dearly and it became difficult for her to cope with the her husband's loss. Six months later, due to a sleeping pills overdose, Jodi experiences a near death situation where she could feel her living and healthy husband and in that moment she spent some time with him. Curiosity gets the best of her as she embarks on a journey to reunite with her husband again and again without the help of drugs. Enters Dr. Simon Bentley, a NDE expert, who believes that Jodi's near death journeys take her to a parallel world where loved ones exist. But her obsession to find Michael leads her on the path to self-discovery.

Despite of being a debut writer, the author's writing style is extremely articulate with the tone being mystifying. The author's narrative approach is pretty free-flowing layered with enlightening stories of so many near death experienced characters but on the flip side, there are quite a bit of medical science jargon which at times made it difficult for me to comprehend. Otherwise the pacing is really fast and the story arrested me right from the very beginning.

The author explores an unique theme into her story line that is both layered with proper suspense thus keeping the readers anticipating till the very end. The characters are filled with realism in their demeanor and are quite well-developed. Jodi, the main character, goes through a lot of evolution. Jodi seems to be a doting and loving wife to Michael, but her love for him turns into a compulsion which detaches her from her family, friends and colleagues. The supporting cast are quite well-crafted from the best friend to the doctors, all seem to lens a supporting hand towards Jodi during her NDEs.

The author not only explores the unexplained world of NDE research but also throws light into the life of a married couple that faces quite a deal of marital issues. And those scenes between this married couple are depicted with deep evocative emotions.

Overall, this is a remarkable as well as enlightening story that is both emotional as well as intriguing enough to keep the readers glued till the very last page.

Verdict: NDE might not sound real to you, but read this book to see and understand the universe of NDE.

Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Constance McKee , for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.

[T. C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very heartfelt story that was both enjoyable and emotional at times. The characters are likable while also contributing in unique ways to the story. I particularly like how the author weaved the main character's struggle into an elaborate journey that will take the readers on a wild ride. The whole topic of near-death experience is something interesting that really gave the story a different feel that was refreshing. Overall, this book is well written and enjoyable to read.

T.C.

[Pamela · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 53%

What a God-awful book. I mean absolutely awful. Not to mention so bloody boring. I tried, I really did but I'd finally reached my limit. I couldn't take it anymore. So bad I wanted to pull my hair out. That, and I couldn't stand the main character, Jodi. There was not one thing about her that I found likeable. If anything, I thought she was a complete sap and total nut-job. The one word that kept popping in my mind when I finally chucked it was dumb, dumb, dumb. I will admit that I jumped to the last couple of chapters thinking I might've made a mistake in that the ending was going to blow me away. Nope. If anything, it made me realize calling it quits when I did was the smartest and sanest decision I made.

[Susan Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It's the story of a psychiatrist whose husband dies suddenly and unexpectedly. It is also the story of life after death, near death experiences, wormholes, and other dimensions. McKee manages to deal with both the earthly and the ethereal in a believable and compelling way. I loved it!

[Bamagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Girl in the Mirror” explores the painful attempts of a young woman to reunite with a husband whose death was sudden and unexpected. Jodi’s husband has a fatal heart attack following a night of troubled intimacy, a night which she cannot fully remember. In the aftermath of his death, fueled by a combination of frustrated grief and drugs, a near-death experience allows Jodi a brief reunion with Michael. This experience fuels Jodi’s heartbreaking obsession on getting back to Michael, whatever the cost.

As the story progressed, I was torn between wanting Jodi to be successful in reuniting with Michael and wishing she would make peace with his memory and move on with her life. McKee’s clever ending manages to satisfy both wishes.

This is a story peopled by realistic and likable characters. I’d like to see more of Dr. Bentley and the delightful Andalusia Jones in the future. If you have ever wondered whether a near-death experience is possible, this book may surprise you with all of the scientific research that has been done on the topic.

[Michael Mardel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl in the mirror by McKee is a pretty fast-paced story from beginning to end. We start with a death and end with enlightenment. In between are near-death experiences by a psychiatrist who wants to meet up with her husband in a parallel universe. Into the mix is another psych called Bentley who studies his patients with their NDEs. He lives outside the law so he can afford to move his sick son back to England. All the characters intertwine but at least our protagonist, Jodie, finds her friend again.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a First Read Winner of this book, and found it very interesting. The premise of the book sounded very intriguing to me, especially the part about a possible parallel universe and when I got the book I could not wait to get started. It was very well written and I liked the complex characters, but it moved at a very leisurely pace and I certainly learned a lot about therapy and depression. I liked the ending of the book and I know I will be thinking about this book long after I have put it away.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads giveaway.

The girl in the Mirror by Constance McKee was a unique read. I have never read a book that dealt with near death experiences and beyond. It was a page turner from start to finish. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

[Elizabeth Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and entertaining book. I enjoyed the otherworldly side as well as the medical aspect of the novel. Recommended read for someone who likes books with depth and meaning.

[P.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book with a very novel take on the link between self-discovery and inter-dimensional travel. I thought it cleverly crafted, and I loved the outcome.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance McKee is a retired psychiatrist who has used her experience to craft a fascinating book about a psychiatrist's desire to repeat a near death experience so that she can revisit her recently deceased husband. The characters are well drawn and the story itself is complex and entwined. This is a story about grief, loss and how life must go on.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel different emotions while reading it. But I don't find too many books can do this for me. I loved this book and I think the ending was great as well. I think the author did a great job with this book. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Elizabeth Burgess]

The Girl in the Mirror

Very interesting and entertaining book. I enjoyed the otherworldly side as well as the medical aspect of the novel. Recommended read for someone who likes books with depth and meaning.

[rooss Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

i like this book!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so much this novel, I was always looking to find more time to read. Like I put away things important to do and cleaning time just to be able to read more page. When I was unabled to read (like at work) I was just thinking about what will happen to Jodi? I'm a bit sad my mother don't understand English at all because I'm sure she will love this story. I keep an eye open for if it will be translate in French for her.

[Nina DuBois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.

This book was way more than I expected it would be. This is the first book I've read that deals with depression, loss, and a good amount of psychology, which I love.

Jodi a very lost character who does not know the meaning and value of her life without her husband Michael who dies suddenly. After her attempt at suicide, Jodi saw Michael in what she calls a parallel universe or "hallucination", no one truly knows. In her attempts to get back to the man she loves, she makes all kinds of discoveries while dealing with her depression. This book is about self-discovery and second chances. I really enjoyed this book a lot. I liked seeing the process Jodi went through to deal her mental illness and see how much her life had changed, it helped her to heal and ultimately get her life back.

While this book was quite sad a depressing considering the main character is depressed, but I urge not to pass up on this book. Mental illness does not get enough attention and it is a serious issue for a lot of people. This is a great book and it was well written. Constance knows what she's doing and I felt good after reading this book. I highly recommend it.

[Connie Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy books with a magical realism or fantasy element. And “The Girl in the Mirror” falls into that category for me. Jodi, a young psychiatrist who loses her husband to a sudden heart attack, has a near death experience when she overdoses during intense grieving. She not only sees her dead husband, Michael, but talks with him and even embraces him as he heads off for work. And then she wakes up in the ER. While fighting the temptation to commit suicide, she makes it her mission to see Michael again and agrees to undergo electroconvulsive therapy, which seems to allow her to visit what her elderly psychiatrist friend suggests is a parallel existence where Michael is still alive. Jodi’s story is a compelling one as she works through her strong emotions and feelings of loss – not only for her husband, but for other lost relationships as well. McKee’s expertise (having worked many years as a psychiatrist herself) makes for some very knowledgeable descriptions of depression, psychiatric practice and near death experiences. A fascinating story.

[Rona Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Reality is, after all, very subjective.” The perfect line to sum up this intriguing story that stretches your belief systems .. is there life after death, is there a parallel universe to our own, can you go there, and would you if you could?
I had to stop myself from skimming to find out what happens at the end.
I'm not sure I believe in the parallel universe, well I probably don't or can't wrap my head around it, but Near Death Experiences, yes ... I suppose, well maybe. A very difficult subject blending science and fiction and handled deftly by Constance McKee

[Violet Rightmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating, thought-provoking look at parallel universes, out-of-body experiences and near death experiences. Sound woo-woo and too far out there? Not under the hand of this skilled writer. Debut author Constance McKee creates a credible world and weaves a tale that takes the reader on a fascinating journey that resonates long after the book is finished.

[Cinnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I loved the premise and the characters. I would definitely recommend!

[PRINCESS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodi Kendal is a Psychiatrist by profession and married to Michael whom dies in the first few pages having cardiac arrest. Couple of month later by accident she takes overdose - sleeping pills - and encounters a near-death occurrence with her dead husband but she recovers finally. The experience is felt so real that she consults with one of the near-death experience expert; Dr. Simon Bentley. During her consultations she finds out that Michael is alive but in a different but equivalent to this world. She tries to meet Michael one more time and succeeds to meet him several times and she becomes obsess with the issue which changes her life. Jodi puts her all effort to use all the means to reunite with her husband and spends time as much as she can with him.
The understanding of Near-Death Experience (NDE) and explanation that the author gives to her readers is a super knowledge, maybe cuz of her profession as a Psychiatrist and Forensic psychiatrist for many years.

If you love paranormal activities and stories, this is the book you need to read.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris and Summer are twins -very different twins. Iris is jealous of Summer and very insecure. When Summer calls and asks Iris to come to Thailand and help her take the family yacht home, Iris is thrilled. Along the way, Summer is hit in the head and falls overboard. Summer was pregnant, hoping to be the first of her father's 7 children to produce an heir, and getting the $100 million he left in his will. With Summer gone, her husband, Adam, cannot tell the twins apart so Iris now is living the good life. But - she is not pregnant. Lots of drama to keep the story going. My objection was far, far too much boat talk - who cares how to turn, how to do stuff with the sails, etc. Don't look for a happy ending.

[Susan Swiderski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how to rate this book. If I'd never read any other books involving Near Death Experiences, had never croaked on the operating table, and didn't know someone personally who not only had an NDE, but is also a respected lecturer on the topic, I would have probably rated it higher, simply because of how astounding this fascinating and semi-taboo subject is to read about the first time. Because the author is also a psychiatrist, I was hoping she'd be offering some new insights into the phenomenon.

Then again, perhaps she did. Perhaps the parts of the book I found to be beyond believable are actually possible, or even plausible. She certainly isn't the first to suggest parallel existences; many prominent scientists have said the same. The concept of multiple existences/realities as a possible explanation for multiple personality disorders and other mental issues is certainly intriguing, if nothing else. Two actual manifestations of the same individual inhabiting the same body at the same time... and communicating with each other? Bizarre... but entertaining. And thought-provoking.

When push comes to shove, what more do we want from a book? I might have liked the characters to have been better developed, but this book is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Maybe it isn't all that hard to rate after all. I'd give it three and a half stars.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm interested in books that explore what happens after death. This book takes a different approach and Jodi gets to see her deceased husband in an unexpected way. I was a little impatient for her to see him again, and much happens before that happens.

[Matthew Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs more foreshadowing at the beginning to show the eventual growth of the character.