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1978, Jonestown. 909 dead—two children survive. Where are they now?
Two children scramble through a remote jungle to escape the madness of Jonestown. When they return to America they’re given new names. A fresh start. Almost forty years later Will Finch stumbles across an abandoned Armani jacket in an inner-city San Francisco playground. He soon learns that the jacket holds a secret. A cryptic message that tears his life apart and threatens to make him the latest victim of the Jonestown massacre.

Inspired by true events, Second Life will keep you bolted to your chair until you reach the final sentence. This uncompromising thriller catapults you on a mesmerizing journey from an historic catastrophe to a prophecy of mass annihilation.

265 pages, ebook

First published July 12, 2017

800 people are currently reading
324 people want to read

About the author

D.F. Bailey

21 books116 followers
D.F. Bailey is a W.H. Smith First Novel Award and a Whistler Independent Book Award finalist.

His first novel, Fire Eyes was optioned for film. His second novel, Healing the Dead, was translated into German as Todliche Ahnungen. The Good Lie, another psychological thriller, was recorded as a talking book. A fourth novel, Exit from America, made its debut as an e-book in 2013.

In 2015 D.F. Bailey published The Finch Trilogy — Bone Maker, Stone Eater, and Lone Hunter — novels narrated from the point-of-view of a crime reporter in San Francisco. He is now extending the trilogy in a series of stand-alone novels.

Following his birth in Montreal, D.F. Bailey's family moved around North America from rural Ontario to New York City to McComb, Mississippi to Cape May, New Jersey. He finally "landed on his feet" on Vancouver Island — where he lives next to the Salish Sea in the city of Victoria.

For twenty-two years D.F. Bailey worked at the University of Victoria where he taught creative writing and journalism and coordinated the Professional Writing Cooperative Education Program — which he co-founded. From time to time he also freelanced as a business writer and journalist. In the fall of 2010 he left the university so that he could turn "his pre-occupation with writing into a full-blown obsession."

For more information about D.F. Bailey's books and his free newsletter visit: www.dfbailey.com

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5 stars
352 (52%)
4 stars
222 (33%)
3 stars
75 (11%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
June 6, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/6/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews31 followers
July 21, 2017
In 1978 in Jonestown 900 people killed their children then committed suicide. But what if two of the children escaped into the jungle then made their way back to the United State, were given new identities, and were placed in foster care. How would this affect them? What did they live through and what are they doing in the present. How does this link up to a global warming debate that leads to a man being killed and a hit list discovered with Will Finch’s name on it.

This action packed story draws you in with the possibility of two survivors from the Jamestown massacre. Will they embrace the fresh start and fall into the traditional role of an American? But what if they were so indoctrinated that they become a sleeper cell of future terror? The possibilities are endless but are scary when you think of a hit list with your name on it.

Will Finch is covering a global warming debate when he sees a former escaped felon commit suicide and discovers his Armani suit jacket. When he goes through the pockets he finds a hit list with his name on it. Of course the action takes off from there as Will looks for the linking pieces to the mystery while trying to stay one step ahead of someone trying to kill him.

This is a great thriller with an amazing mystery. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to solve the mystery and hoping Will doesn’t meet his maker.

I received Second Life from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books141 followers
August 11, 2017
Second Life is built around the premise, What if two young children survived the Jonestown suicide of 1978? If so, what would their lives be like.

D.F.Bailey, weaves a daunting tale laced with fast paced action, intrigue, murder and an intense hunt for the killers. People on the list are dying at what appears to be accidental deaths, but Will Finch isn't buying it. After all, his name is on the list so he has a reason to be concerned.

The Second Life is a thrilling, fast paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Topped by a ending with a twist, I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Vickie Sarmina.
241 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2017
This review is from: Second Life (Will Finch Mystery Thriller Series Book 4) (Kindle Edition)
I have received a complimentary copy of this book I will give my honest opinion on my review.
Remember the Jonestown Mass Murder killings in Guyana on November 18, 1978, where 900 cult members committed suicide? The book starts out with two children who were able to escape the mass suicide in Jonestown. What could this event possibly have to do with a Debate between Kali Rood and Dr. Martin Fast on global warming? Will Finch was covering the debate for the eXpress online newspaper in San Francisco. After leaving the debate, he happened to see a former escaped felon, who killed himself. After all the evidence was collected and the forensics team finished the scene, Will remembered that Toby had left suit jacket on the rail by the fence. He collected the suit jacket, and realized that it was an Armani. What would Toby be doing with a jacket from Armani? Not long after Toby's suicide, Will gets a call from the detectives that Dr. Martin Fast was killed during a robbery at shopette. The very Dr. Martin Fast, who he had just been covering during the debate. None of this made sense to Will. He and his significant other, Eve, looked through the jacket, but couldn't find anything. Days later, Eve looked more thoroughly through the jacket and found a hidden pocket. In the pocket was a small piece of paper with a twitter account on it. Following the maze of the twitter account and a link, she was able to uncover a list. It looked like a hit list! And Will's name is on it as well, along with 24 other academics and researchers. As the bodies start piling up, Will is basically running for his life. Eve tries to help by assisting him to get his articles about the murders included in the eXpress newspaper. The FBI will be forced to investigate the murders. What does all if this have to do with Kali Rood? Why has this hit list been made? How many will die? What did Toby Squire have to do with all of this? This was a very intriguing and interesting book. It keeps the reader enthralled in the plot from beginning to end. The character development was superb. The reader could actually relate to the emotions within each character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
August 17, 2021
11/18/1978, Jonestown, Guyana. Peoples Temple Agricultural Project. Ruth Watts (2nd grade) was asking Danny (12) about the environment/area.
Gerald Gordon (CA Division of Youth Services) let Mrs. Jane Smythe know about the tragedy of Reverend Jim Jones (cult leader), Randy Watts (husband), & all his other followers.
Isobel Oehmke survived Mrs. Jane Smythe would adopt her.

The parent company The San Francisco Post no longer existed.
Wally Gimbel was quite pleased how the San Francisco eXpress subscription had increased.
Lenny Earl had shot himself.
Cinnabar/bar/pool hall; Mentone Hotel (Ellis/Jones St’s. Raymond Guzman (former inmate) met with Will Finch (San Francisco eXpress reporter, former undercover operative for Military Intelligence).
Board room. Wally Gimbel led the meeting. Those in attendance were: Will, Eve Noon, Fiona Page, & Gabe Finkleman.
Eve Noon (new San Francisco eXpress associate publisher/part owner, your boss).
FBI SA John Vickers & FBI SA Calinda Cruz (partner) came to see Kali Rood.
Jacob Bell was fired for inappropriate remarks. Later he was killed.
Kali told them if they needed any more information, they could speak with Raymond Busman (lawyer).

Finch held a envelope in his hand with his name on it.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Catchword Publishing; 1 edition; LisaatmanyBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Donna.
1,386 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2017
This book is the fourth Will Finch Mystery Thriller, though it's a standalone with the other three making a trilogy. I must admit to starting it with a little trepidation that it wouldn't be as good - like when you get a successful movie franchise but they just keeping adding more and more to it and it's no longer worth seeing them. However, I needn't have worried because the author hasn't just matched the previous books' excellence, he's exceeded it! I won't go into details about the storyline - you can get that in the book info above and I hate spoilers! - but will just say that the way that the author weaves together the themes of Jonestown, modern day issues like climate change, and the things which happened in the previous books (by introducing Toby Squires) was masterful, and really drew me in from the very beginning. His writing is so vivid and his characters so realistic that it's like the action takes place in the theatre of my mind, and I'm hooked from beginning to end.
I loved this book, and highly recommend it to all mystery and thriller lovers. While reading the previous trilogy will give you a firm grounding in the main characters' lives, I think you could read this book without reading it - any references to past events and characters are explained well enough for you to understand them, you just won't have the same depth of base understanding. (However, I'm sure that after reading this book, you're bound to want to read them anyway!) Now I'm just on tenterhooks waiting for the next thrilling instalment.
607 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2021
A very interesting beginning to this story, which seems irrelevant for most of the book, but comes back near the end to help tie everything together.

The mystery actually seemed to begin when Will Finch learns of the murder of someone he has just met at a debate where the man was one of the participants. Of course, Will wants to help solve the crime, and this begins a saga that drags him deeper and deeper into a bizarre series of murders. Of course he has help at the newspaper where he works to uncover details about the people involved, and he is befriended by an FBI agent who passes along some useful information, too. But it is his independent perseverance that keeps him going.

His trusted partner (and lover), Eve Noon, helps him along the way, and when Will's own life is put in danger, he tries to distance himself from her to protect her. Of course she does not feel the danger and insists on helping him, which it turns out is a life-saver.

This is a very intriguing mystery and well-written. I would almost give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the frustrating behavior of Will Finch. For being an intelligent person he sure fails to use common sense when he approaches difficult situations and gets himself into trouble needlessly
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
June 25, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Will Finch, a reporter for eXpress, who had just attended a debate between Dr. Marty Fast and Kali Rood about climate change; spotted Toby Squire in a park. A wanted killer who escaped custody was in a playground with a jacket. Finch called the police and gave chase after Toby, only to witness Toby kill himself. Police found a wad of cash on Toby. Several blocks away Dr. Marty Fast was killed in a holdup. An open and shut case to police. Finch returned to get the jacket, but little did Finch realize the jacket contained a secret and unraveling the secret, would play a part in uncovering a diabolical plot.

Finch sets off on his own to try to find the ones behind the plot and halt the threat that includes him. He didn't have much to go on, and a lot of dead ends. The more Finch digs, the faster the pace of the threat.

A very fast paced, interesting storyline! The ending was another plot twist.
372 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2018
The Jonestown Massacre was not the end of Jim Jones’ legacy.

Second Life works well as a stand-alone novel, but in order to really appreciate the writing skill of D. F. Bailey, you should read the four Will Finch novels in order because many of the plot elements established in the first one are neatly drawn out and tied up, story-by-story.
I did find that Kali Rood’s “ghost list” of academics, scientists, media personalities, and reporters provided clues that were used to lead Will Finch to uncovering her evil plan, but it could well have consisted of basketball players, poets, accountants, and dentists, and still lead to the novel’s climax, albeit by a slightly less direct process. On the other hand, it was still a great read.
I have pre-ordered Five Knives, which is the series “Prequel”, and already have the four novel box set (not Will Finch novels) “First Four” downloaded to my Kindle.
D. F. Bailey is very, very good.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
July 18, 2017
This book starts with 2 children who survived the Jonestown massive suicide of 1978. They are given new identities and foster homes to live. Unfortunely, no one really knows what damage has already been done to these two children until they grow up. When people start being killed off when they come across Kali Rood in one way or another, Will Finch notices this when writing his article for his online paper. Then his name and address is added to the mysterious "kill list". Can they figure out who is behind the killings, because they keep happening. A surprise ending to this story. I received a copy of this book from Reading Deals. The review is voluntary and of my own opinions.
Profile Image for Monica.
313 reviews55 followers
August 14, 2017
No one knows the damage done to these two children. A very smart development.

After all the evidence Will's name is on that hit list along with others.

Who is behind the killings?
Will they figure it out?
They keep happening, threatening.

This was a very intriguing non stop action novel, a very interesting book.
This is my sincere opinion. I can't give you anything more, you have to read it.
Profile Image for Robert Romberger.
207 reviews30 followers
January 12, 2019
Second Life

The fourth installment of the Will Finch mystery series is a rollercoaster ride right from the start. You get a bit of history, seemingly unrelated, then jump right into today for a murder mystery and final ending of the first three books of the series, but nothing is as it seems. Soon, more bodies are piling up and Will is on the list as well. A fantastic read with twists and turns right to the end.
21 reviews
July 9, 2019
Confusing start, lots to keep track of, and great finish

While it was hard to figure out where this story was going, there were many, seemingly unrelated things that came together into a massive good vs evil situation, where it was hard to be sure which was which. This is not a cliff hanger, but cliffs are involved. While trying not to spoil the story, it ends with a feeling of satisfaction of a good job done.
506 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2019
ANOTHER AWESOME Will Finch READ!!

Could not put this book down, until the very end!!!
Will and Eve are deeply in trouble in this book!! A crazed woman and her crew are the ones doing the murders of all the people on the LIST. This story, takes us all the way from California, to New York and beyond. Eve has been kidnapped and Will has to follow the clues, to find and save her. Crazies abound in this book!!
Me? I'm waiting for the release of the next book!!
200 reviews
January 26, 2021
I read other reviews to help me decide what to write because I wasn’t sure how to start it starts with two children being rescued from a tragic event and started their second life. This is the fourth Will Finch novel some people say it can read as as stand alone but I wouldn’t how can you understand the backstory of the characters if you just jump in but I will leave it up to each person to choice. As in previous books it was well written and engaging a first rate book
Profile Image for Tom Costello.
73 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2018
This fourth Will Finch mystery had me tense right through to the last paragraph. I hope there is a #5 in the offing. There is so much more I want to know about Will, Eve, Fiona and Wally. I particularly liked the echoes of the roman philosopher Seneca: "Amor fati"-embrace your fate don't merely bear it.
1,260 reviews
June 20, 2019
Second Life, Second Chance

People are being murdered all over the world whose names are on the hit list of a cult leader. Like Columbo, you know who the mastermind is, but you have to follow Finch to the take down. This is a fast moving story from California to New York to Paris, France and back. This story will never bore you.
312 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2019
will finch survived #3 - hope you read it (otherwise this won't make sense)
gianna whitelaw's killer surfaces -is killed - leaves a clue behind
kali rood "the virgin queen" participates in a debate
what does the rev. jim jones - jonestown mass suicide have to do with any of this?
maybe nothing or?
Profile Image for Cynthia A.
688 reviews
July 22, 2021
Does mass suicide control you

Once again I liked the intense adventure by Will and Eve. Caught up in a world of staunch believers that were trying to convince people to follow the life that Jones had set up at Jonestown. A hit list of names and those on the list dying. Well written and kept me captivated,
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,622 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2019
Further Adventures of the Intrepid Reporter

This time a far-ranging international conspiracy with its roots in the Jonestown Guyana tragedy bring Will Finch and those he holds dear into peril.
41 reviews
June 14, 2019
Creepy and sureal

For those of us that remember Jonestown, the cult like followers of Jim Jones and the impact of the mass suicide on anyone who heard of read about it: this book resonates and brings chills up and down ones spine.
96 reviews
June 8, 2020
Another Great Book Bites the Dust.

I'm writing all my reviews after reading all 6 books by Bailey. Love me some Will Finch. Please Mr. Bailey keep the series going.This should have been the 4th book review. Read in order. Except The 5 Knives can be read 1st or last.
678 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2020
The Cult World

Finch and Eve Noon are pulled into a mystery that covers the world. Several people, whose name was found on a secret list, are murdered. Finch finds his name added to the list and the excitement begins.
Profile Image for teresa.
510 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2021
Constant motion

Will Finch doesn't sit idle! He is a thinker and a doer. With trauma in his past he recognizes trauma when it is headed his way. This makes him an excellent investigative reporter and he has stumbled upon a whopper of as story.
Profile Image for Barry Edstene.
530 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2021
That's a wrap! What a way to look back at Jonestown. This was one of the best mystery series I have started this year. Want a great read? Do yourself a favor, this is good starting at page one and never letting up.
319 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2021
Jonestown revitalised.

Two child members escape death at Jonestown. As adults, they establish a revised form of the same religion. To keep it and it's mission, several people are murdered. Will Finch starts digging into the mystery to expose the cult.
370 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2022
Another gripping read from the Will Finch series, good from start to finish. Will finds out secrets from a time when cult leaders were like gods and some still are godlike to their acolytes. Don't drink the Kool Aid though, read it yourself.
Profile Image for Dalene W..
323 reviews13 followers
January 17, 2019
Good thriller

This was an interesting book. The author did a good job tying it to the Jonestown massacre of 1978. I questioned it it could be pulled off credibility and it was.
187 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2019
Exciting stuff!

Wow. Non-stop action. So many twists and turns. Jonestown Massacre meet multiple assassins, but why?? Intense and really draws you in. I loved it.
Profile Image for Lori.
137 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2019
This was an interesting one & at times I wondered how the story was going to get back to the characters we meet in the beginning...escaping from death in Jonestown.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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