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The Moment Between: A Psychological Thriller That Brings Death To Life
After four years of mourning, Doctor Hackett Metzger is determined to stop letting his wife's death control his life. He is finally beginning to live again, but his recovery leads to an unexpected fight for his own survival and startling revelations about what happens to all of us in The Moment Between.
Hackett, a brilliant neurologist, is a skeptic. He doesn't believe he will one day be reunited with Jean, or dwell with God in heaven. What he does believe is that he should have seen the warning signs of her heart attack; he should have saved her. He also cannot accept the possibility that his clinical study of near death experiences could prove the existence of a conscious afterlife. When Hackett falls for the mother of a patient, grief finally begins to fade. But he has no idea his new love is hiding her dangerous past. Will Hackett's damaged spirit endure another heartbreak? And, will he survive the treachery around him?
As life and research collide, the good doctor discovers that the secrets of love and death just may be part of the same fabric.
Hackett, a brilliant neurologist, is a skeptic. He doesn't believe he will one day be reunited with Jean, or dwell with God in heaven. What he does believe is that he should have seen the warning signs of her heart attack; he should have saved her. He also cannot accept the possibility that his clinical study of near death experiences could prove the existence of a conscious afterlife. When Hackett falls for the mother of a patient, grief finally begins to fade. But he has no idea his new love is hiding her dangerous past. Will Hackett's damaged spirit endure another heartbreak? And, will he survive the treachery around him?
As life and research collide, the good doctor discovers that the secrets of love and death just may be part of the same fabric.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2019
7 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Gareth J. Frank
1 book139 followersGareth Frank is a former union organizer and administrator. He received a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin and later studied at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The Moment Between is his first published novel. His short stories have been published in various journals and have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize as well as the Silver Pen Write Well Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 5, 2019
When many accomplished authors look back at their careers, they often have regrets about their debut novel. Some even question how they received a publishing deal for that novel in the first place. However, when Mr. Gareth Frank looks back at his career years from now, he will not have any regrets about his debut novel, The Moment Between.
This book is not a textbook suspense thriller novel; instead, it is more of a cross-genre work. Following the story of Hackett Metzger, a brilliant neurologist who lost his wife 4 years prior to the start of the story, this novel deals with the concepts of grief, love, and the afterlife.
There is a lot to love about The Moment Between. One of the main things is a protagonist. When writing a character of any profession, especially a medical profession, it is often difficult to capture the essence of the job when the author themselves are not a part of that profession. However, Frank does so marvelously. Dr. Metzger comes across as very “real” and seems like an actual neurologist.
The book is close to 300 pages long, but the pacing is quite fast, and the plot keeps the reader on their toes with plenty of twists and turns. Frank has an authentic talent for weaving together character and narrative, combining the two elements to create a compelling read. Even with the engaging plot, the story never forgets that it is truly a character-driven tale of one man’s quest for answers as he tries to overcome his grief.
The Moment Between is the definition of a page-turner, and Gareth Franks is an author readers should be on the lookout for. This work is undoubtedly the first of many great novels that we can expect from this author.
This book is not a textbook suspense thriller novel; instead, it is more of a cross-genre work. Following the story of Hackett Metzger, a brilliant neurologist who lost his wife 4 years prior to the start of the story, this novel deals with the concepts of grief, love, and the afterlife.
There is a lot to love about The Moment Between. One of the main things is a protagonist. When writing a character of any profession, especially a medical profession, it is often difficult to capture the essence of the job when the author themselves are not a part of that profession. However, Frank does so marvelously. Dr. Metzger comes across as very “real” and seems like an actual neurologist.
The book is close to 300 pages long, but the pacing is quite fast, and the plot keeps the reader on their toes with plenty of twists and turns. Frank has an authentic talent for weaving together character and narrative, combining the two elements to create a compelling read. Even with the engaging plot, the story never forgets that it is truly a character-driven tale of one man’s quest for answers as he tries to overcome his grief.
The Moment Between is the definition of a page-turner, and Gareth Franks is an author readers should be on the lookout for. This work is undoubtedly the first of many great novels that we can expect from this author.
July 6, 2019
The Moment Between by Gareth Frank
This is one of those books that sucks you in and does not let go until you are done! Hackett is a neurosurgeon who is still mourning the death of his wife and struggling to live a happy life until along comes beautiful, toned and younger Sarah, but is she what she appears to be or is there a deeper, darker side that Hackett just doesn't see...interesting and riveting both the storyline and the characters, throw in the moments between life and death and you have one heck of a good book and alot of thinking to do! Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in return for what my opinion was. I definitely do recommend this book!
This is one of those books that sucks you in and does not let go until you are done! Hackett is a neurosurgeon who is still mourning the death of his wife and struggling to live a happy life until along comes beautiful, toned and younger Sarah, but is she what she appears to be or is there a deeper, darker side that Hackett just doesn't see...interesting and riveting both the storyline and the characters, throw in the moments between life and death and you have one heck of a good book and alot of thinking to do! Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in return for what my opinion was. I definitely do recommend this book!
July 25, 2019
While the beginning of this book really sucked me in and drew me into the story I found myself really struggling to read past the point of the main characters “moment between”. I found that after this point the protagonists (Hackett) internal dialogue was, for me, boring, a little waffley and sometimes difficult to follow (possibly because I don’t have a huge interest in physics or maths 😂). I found myself wanting to skip large sections just to find out what other characters were doing which felt like such a shame after enjoying the beginning of the book so much.
I would have liked there to be a bit more subletly with the plot in the way of “whodunnit” and why. Saying that it was a good read that, overall, I enjoyed, and if you’re looking for something with an easy to follow medical killer/thriller plot this is a good one to pick up and give a go!
I recieved a free copy of this book via BookSirens in exchange of an honest review and that was it :)
I would have liked there to be a bit more subletly with the plot in the way of “whodunnit” and why. Saying that it was a good read that, overall, I enjoyed, and if you’re looking for something with an easy to follow medical killer/thriller plot this is a good one to pick up and give a go!
I recieved a free copy of this book via BookSirens in exchange of an honest review and that was it :)
June 18, 2019
The moment between is a medical thriller written about Doctor Hackette Metzger who has spent 4 years getting over the loss of his wife. He is a neurologist and loses his wife by a heart attack. He blames himself for what has happened, but things take a turn, and new revelations happen to change his understanding of things.
He has an opportunity to happens where he can study near-death experiences. Meeting someone new is also tough for him, and that is where the story takes an interesting turn. By meeting someone new and him being, so emotionally vulnerable, Sarah takes advantage of the situation.
The love story has mystery and complications embedded in it, and for that reason, the content had layers providing room for its complexity. The plot was enjoyable to read, and the pace was steady enough, keeping you intrigued.
The lesson you take from the story is to look deeper and think with your heart rather than your eyes. Happiness and its meaning become a question, and the plot makes you ponder after the story is finished. I cherished the author’s delicate touch in expressing emotions and appreciation for what he tried to create.
I recommend the book to fiction thriller fans and people who like to read mystery.
He has an opportunity to happens where he can study near-death experiences. Meeting someone new is also tough for him, and that is where the story takes an interesting turn. By meeting someone new and him being, so emotionally vulnerable, Sarah takes advantage of the situation.
The love story has mystery and complications embedded in it, and for that reason, the content had layers providing room for its complexity. The plot was enjoyable to read, and the pace was steady enough, keeping you intrigued.
The lesson you take from the story is to look deeper and think with your heart rather than your eyes. Happiness and its meaning become a question, and the plot makes you ponder after the story is finished. I cherished the author’s delicate touch in expressing emotions and appreciation for what he tried to create.
I recommend the book to fiction thriller fans and people who like to read mystery.
August 28, 2019
Oh my goodness, this was one heck of a book!! A thriller with supernatural elements, it sure took me on a journey, and for most of it, my heart was just about beating out of my chest.
Hackett is helping conduct a study on near-death experiences but he is a skeptic. Until one day, something happens that gives him a huge wake-up call. Sarah is one scary woman to have in his life, and everyone close to him warns him that there is something not right with her, but he doesn't listen. I found myself shouting at my Kindle a couple of times, lol, when it came to her behaviour.
The author rachets up the tension, bit by bit, until you feel like you can't breathe, and you just turn the pages faster and faster in order to get to the end so you can release that tension.
I absolutely LOVED the description of the near-death experience, it was amazing. I hope that the end of my life will be something like this, I can only hope.
My only niggle is that the blurb for this book is a little misleading perhaps? I expected more near-death stuff and less of the thriller element (although it is well done, nevertheless).
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to BookSirens for the chance to read this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
Hackett is helping conduct a study on near-death experiences but he is a skeptic. Until one day, something happens that gives him a huge wake-up call. Sarah is one scary woman to have in his life, and everyone close to him warns him that there is something not right with her, but he doesn't listen. I found myself shouting at my Kindle a couple of times, lol, when it came to her behaviour.
The author rachets up the tension, bit by bit, until you feel like you can't breathe, and you just turn the pages faster and faster in order to get to the end so you can release that tension.
I absolutely LOVED the description of the near-death experience, it was amazing. I hope that the end of my life will be something like this, I can only hope.
My only niggle is that the blurb for this book is a little misleading perhaps? I expected more near-death stuff and less of the thriller element (although it is well done, nevertheless).
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to BookSirens for the chance to read this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
January 28, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Psychological thriller that is very well written.
Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist whose wife died 4 years before.He work with Dr. Lai and with Ella Mae and he has an opportunity to been part of a study on near-death experiences but he is a skeptic. He always talk about dead wife with Ella Mae.
Sara is atractiv woman, mother of one of his patients, Aaron, a teenager with epilepsy.
She looking for better life for her and marry Dr.Hackett.
Then Hackett had experienced a near death and that change his life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes phycological thrillers.
I highly recommend and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Psychological thriller that is very well written.
Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist whose wife died 4 years before.He work with Dr. Lai and with Ella Mae and he has an opportunity to been part of a study on near-death experiences but he is a skeptic. He always talk about dead wife with Ella Mae.
Sara is atractiv woman, mother of one of his patients, Aaron, a teenager with epilepsy.
She looking for better life for her and marry Dr.Hackett.
Then Hackett had experienced a near death and that change his life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes phycological thrillers.
I highly recommend and I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 9, 2019
Absolutely fantastic book!
I was first attracted to this book by the cover. It is not my usual type of book but after reading the book description it struck an interest in me and I decided to give it a try, I was not disappointed.
This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that is very well written. Congratulations to the author, Gareth Frank, on his first published book. I cannot wait to read future books published by him. Definitely worth a read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was first attracted to this book by the cover. It is not my usual type of book but after reading the book description it struck an interest in me and I decided to give it a try, I was not disappointed.
This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that is very well written. Congratulations to the author, Gareth Frank, on his first published book. I cannot wait to read future books published by him. Definitely worth a read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2019
Gareth Frank The Moment Between
300 pages
Reviewers note: I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The Moment Between is an ambitious book that dips its toe into multiple genres; medical fiction, psychological thriller, and metaphysical/spiritual exploration. The main character, Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist who inexplicably performs neurosurgery a related but distinct speciality in the real world. His wife, Jean, has been dead for four years and he mourns her loss and suffers from guilt as he believes he could have/should have diagnosed her condition and prevented her death from a heart attack. Hackett is supported by his devoted friend Ella Mae a nurse at the hospital, and his protegee and medical resident, Yu Lai.
At his weekly dinner at a local tavern Hackett, unattractive and out of shape, encounters the much younger super fit and sexy Sarah, mother of one of his patients, Aaron, a teenager with epilepsy. Sarah immediately comes on to him, raising his suspicions which he quickly subdues.
No one is who they first seem to be. The author puts all his characters through a revolving door; they go in one person and come out another. Sarah, a hardworking loving mother is hiding her true nature, at least from Hackett; all the women in his life can see right through her. Is Aaron a terrible teen or a good kid, and what happened to his father? Even Hackett is not the man we think he is, his flaws gradually revealed.
Dr. Metzger, who does not believe in the afterlife is drawn into a study of post death consciousness by Dr. Lai. His friend Ella Mae has had a near-death experience and is a firm believer. Hackett wanders around all day talking to his dead wife, who seems to talk back, but he doubts it’s anything more than an internal dialogue. This leads to much thought and reflection on what happens when we die.
The first quarter or so of the book clips along at a fast pace, drawing the reader into the characters, who are they and what are their motivations. Once the stage is set, the pace begins to slow, and devolves into a long conversation about the afterlife. Thankfully, the pace quickens near the end of the book and has a satisfactory conclusion.
I certainly enjoyed aspects of the book, the beginning drew me in kept me reading, for a while, and the last chapters when the storyline reverted to the thriller action were entertaining. As someone in the medical field, I found the patient centered scenes interesting. But I have to admit, I found the afterlife business boring, so boring in fact, I skimmed over many pages of it. Overall, this mish-mash of killer-thriller and deep intellectual reflection did not work for me.
I would give this book 3 ½ stars if I could.
300 pages
Reviewers note: I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The Moment Between is an ambitious book that dips its toe into multiple genres; medical fiction, psychological thriller, and metaphysical/spiritual exploration. The main character, Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist who inexplicably performs neurosurgery a related but distinct speciality in the real world. His wife, Jean, has been dead for four years and he mourns her loss and suffers from guilt as he believes he could have/should have diagnosed her condition and prevented her death from a heart attack. Hackett is supported by his devoted friend Ella Mae a nurse at the hospital, and his protegee and medical resident, Yu Lai.
At his weekly dinner at a local tavern Hackett, unattractive and out of shape, encounters the much younger super fit and sexy Sarah, mother of one of his patients, Aaron, a teenager with epilepsy. Sarah immediately comes on to him, raising his suspicions which he quickly subdues.
No one is who they first seem to be. The author puts all his characters through a revolving door; they go in one person and come out another. Sarah, a hardworking loving mother is hiding her true nature, at least from Hackett; all the women in his life can see right through her. Is Aaron a terrible teen or a good kid, and what happened to his father? Even Hackett is not the man we think he is, his flaws gradually revealed.
Dr. Metzger, who does not believe in the afterlife is drawn into a study of post death consciousness by Dr. Lai. His friend Ella Mae has had a near-death experience and is a firm believer. Hackett wanders around all day talking to his dead wife, who seems to talk back, but he doubts it’s anything more than an internal dialogue. This leads to much thought and reflection on what happens when we die.
The first quarter or so of the book clips along at a fast pace, drawing the reader into the characters, who are they and what are their motivations. Once the stage is set, the pace begins to slow, and devolves into a long conversation about the afterlife. Thankfully, the pace quickens near the end of the book and has a satisfactory conclusion.
I certainly enjoyed aspects of the book, the beginning drew me in kept me reading, for a while, and the last chapters when the storyline reverted to the thriller action were entertaining. As someone in the medical field, I found the patient centered scenes interesting. But I have to admit, I found the afterlife business boring, so boring in fact, I skimmed over many pages of it. Overall, this mish-mash of killer-thriller and deep intellectual reflection did not work for me.
I would give this book 3 ½ stars if I could.
November 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! Didn’t want to put it down!
March 17, 2019
In this fast-paced yet cerebral thriller, Frank explores the mysteries of life and death and life after death. Greed, sex, and murder drive the action-packed story forward, but the author finds a way to look at the possibility of God from the rational point of view of a scientist. The result is a creative and beautiful story of eternal love. Definitely recommend.
March 31, 2019
Seeing the human side of doctoring up close is poignant in this novel. This is an amazing, fast-paced story about a sad widower doctor. He’s lonely and meets a younger, beautiful woman. Something’s off about her though.
Important life and death questions are brilliantly presented, both sides of thought-provoking issues discussed, and in a compelling way. Science is put side-by-side with mysticism or the supernatural respectfully. The characters are complex, and suspense is created when the reader sees trouble ahead for the good doctor. Readers will feel strongly for this protagonist and worry about what’s in store for him. The antagonist does some shocking things, but she is also so human, a victim in her own mind, who justifies the bad things she does.
The pace is great, and suspense never lets up, and the world of the doctor is developed with expertise. Details, whether mundane or otherwise, bring this story to life. The author’s powers of description are terrific, concerning human feelings, the physical environment, and the supernatural.
The novel is riveting, well written, profound, and entertaining. It manages to inspire deep thought while keeping a reader turning pages quickly.
Important life and death questions are brilliantly presented, both sides of thought-provoking issues discussed, and in a compelling way. Science is put side-by-side with mysticism or the supernatural respectfully. The characters are complex, and suspense is created when the reader sees trouble ahead for the good doctor. Readers will feel strongly for this protagonist and worry about what’s in store for him. The antagonist does some shocking things, but she is also so human, a victim in her own mind, who justifies the bad things she does.
The pace is great, and suspense never lets up, and the world of the doctor is developed with expertise. Details, whether mundane or otherwise, bring this story to life. The author’s powers of description are terrific, concerning human feelings, the physical environment, and the supernatural.
The novel is riveting, well written, profound, and entertaining. It manages to inspire deep thought while keeping a reader turning pages quickly.
February 6, 2019
A psychological suspense thriller, that definitely had me reading to the very last page!
“Death is not an ending, it is just another stage of life.”
Hackett wishes he could believe this statement.
As a Doctor, Hackett is not sure this theory could ever be true.
Then he finds out for himself! Will it be enough?
Engaging novel!
“Death is not an ending, it is just another stage of life.”
Hackett wishes he could believe this statement.
As a Doctor, Hackett is not sure this theory could ever be true.
Then he finds out for himself! Will it be enough?
Engaging novel!
February 17, 2019
When you pick up a mystery-thriller, you don't expect to also have the author take you through an exploration on the age-old mystery of what happens to one after death. This was a page-turning novel with wonderfully in-depth characters and a great story.
September 15, 2019
Four years after the death of his wife, Jean, Dr Hackett Metzger is still grieving for her. Dr Metzger, a well respected neurosurgeon, feels guilty that he didn't do enough to save her and he was unable to resuscitate her. He felt that with his medical knowledge and experience he should have noticed any symptoms or changes she might have experienced prior to her heart attack. It was a battle that he mentally fought every day. He had difficulty believing that he would be reunited with her one day in Heaven. Despite his personal beliefs, he agreed to support a study investigating patients that claimed that they had experienced a near death event. Following a heart attack, Dr Metzger became more interested in the research project. He becomes involved with the single mother of one of his patients, he is falls in love and despite the doubts and concerns that his daughter and his friends expresses, the couple are married. As the honeymoon phase of the marriage wanes, Dr Metzger begins to question what is his brides true nature. This book was a page turner that grabbed my interest right away and kept me interested until the end. I loved the medical aspect, the author was knowledgeable and vivid in his descriptions of the medical and surgical treatments. I was surprised and shocked by how far the single mother would go to remove obstacles that blocked her road to happiness and perfect life. Many times in today's world I question why do people do the things they do and are there any boundaries that people won't cross to obtain what they want? This is a psychological mystery, thought provoking read that will stay in my thoughts and perhaps bring me a sense of peace concerning what happens after? Thank-you to Book Sirens, Three Women Press and Gareth Frank for an ARC in exchange for a honest review
July 22, 2020
Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist whose wife died 4 years before the start of the story. A big part of the book is him trying to answer the question When and how does the spark of consciousness enter and leave the body, and trying to understand near-death experiences. He is asked to support a study in the hospital where he is the lead Neurologist.
Sara Filicidees has also lost a husband to death and has a teenaged son with epilepsy. Sara isn't as pure-hearted as Hackett is, and has been shaped by the abuse suffered as a child and being poor her entire life. I won't go into more detail about the plot as to not give spoilers.
This book was different than I expected, but I enjoyed it. The further into it I got, the more I wanted to read and found myself staying up late not wanting to put it down. While the suspense was different than I expected, it was still a page-turner.
To me, this did not read as a first published book from an author. Mr. Frank did a good job developing characters and building suspense from the first page. There were times in the book I couldn't see how everything would fit together but that didn't stop me from continuing to read. There were parts of the book that were over my head when numbers and physics were discussed, but I was able to skim through that and still get the information I needed to understand the story. There were parts of the book I thought were maybe a little long and drawn out, but it was still a page-turner.
Great first novel, Mr. Frank!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes phycological thrillers, especially those who have knowledge or interest in physics.
I was given a free copy of this book by a group of publishers and authors in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts in the review are my own. I have never met the publisher or the author.
Sara Filicidees has also lost a husband to death and has a teenaged son with epilepsy. Sara isn't as pure-hearted as Hackett is, and has been shaped by the abuse suffered as a child and being poor her entire life. I won't go into more detail about the plot as to not give spoilers.
This book was different than I expected, but I enjoyed it. The further into it I got, the more I wanted to read and found myself staying up late not wanting to put it down. While the suspense was different than I expected, it was still a page-turner.
To me, this did not read as a first published book from an author. Mr. Frank did a good job developing characters and building suspense from the first page. There were times in the book I couldn't see how everything would fit together but that didn't stop me from continuing to read. There were parts of the book that were over my head when numbers and physics were discussed, but I was able to skim through that and still get the information I needed to understand the story. There were parts of the book I thought were maybe a little long and drawn out, but it was still a page-turner.
Great first novel, Mr. Frank!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes phycological thrillers, especially those who have knowledge or interest in physics.
I was given a free copy of this book by a group of publishers and authors in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts in the review are my own. I have never met the publisher or the author.
February 28, 2020
Modern science has created a whole new subject for investigation; that moment when your heart stops and the doctors rush with their paddles to save you. A hundred years ago when you died that was the end of your story. Now we can bring someone back after many minutes of them being considered dead. We have all heard the stories of people seeing a bright light or they were floating above their body. So maybe our story does not end at death.
In The Moment Between by Gareth Frank we start off meeting Dr. Hackett Metzger, a renowned neurologist, who has been mourning the death of his wife for over four years. His scientific mind will not let him accept the premise of an afterlife. When his colleagues want to take part in scientific research study on this subject he thinks it is a waste of time.
This is just one storyline in this book. We go from this very thought provoking premise to a psychological thriller involving the doctor and the single mother of a epileptic patient. The mother takes an interest in the doctor who, though mourning his wife, can't help but respond to the attention. As the story progresses we quickly realize no one is who they appear to be and whether there is life after death we don't want to be in a hurry to find out.
I enjoyed this book very much. The science behind why we may see things when we are declared clinically dead was fascinating. The thriller and suspense involving the doctor was a fun read. I wasn't too surprised by most of the revelations. I do think t the science aspect and thriller aspect could have been two separate books. The writing was easy and hooked me right away. I look forward to this author's next book.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In The Moment Between by Gareth Frank we start off meeting Dr. Hackett Metzger, a renowned neurologist, who has been mourning the death of his wife for over four years. His scientific mind will not let him accept the premise of an afterlife. When his colleagues want to take part in scientific research study on this subject he thinks it is a waste of time.
This is just one storyline in this book. We go from this very thought provoking premise to a psychological thriller involving the doctor and the single mother of a epileptic patient. The mother takes an interest in the doctor who, though mourning his wife, can't help but respond to the attention. As the story progresses we quickly realize no one is who they appear to be and whether there is life after death we don't want to be in a hurry to find out.
I enjoyed this book very much. The science behind why we may see things when we are declared clinically dead was fascinating. The thriller and suspense involving the doctor was a fun read. I wasn't too surprised by most of the revelations. I do think t the science aspect and thriller aspect could have been two separate books. The writing was easy and hooked me right away. I look forward to this author's next book.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2019
With The Moment Between, Frank has perfectly fused genres to create a tense, philosophical and psychological take on a typical thriller.
Exploring the story of Dr Hackett Metzger, who lost his wife four years ago, we see his grief and loneliness peppered through his love of medicine. Frank really knows his stuff here, and the protagonist is characterised as a wholesome gent who knows his craft. When a colleague becomes involved in a study focused on the moment between life and death, we’re given thought-provoking ponderings, and existential questions.
Although these deep and meaningful passages did hold my interest, my love here was far more attached to Frank’s characters, particularly our doctor’s new woman. She blazes into his life, creating chaos in the manner of a banshee, and although we know her secret, it’s utterly tantalising watching Hackett slowly begin to understand her motivations.
I really liked the contrast here between profundity and suspense. One moment Hackett is considering the complexities of life and death, and the next he’s embroiled in manipulative and dangerous fights with his new wife. I was struck with the knowledge that no matter how intelligent we are, no matter what discoveries we strike upon, real life will always find a way to drag us back .
This is an excellent debut novel; engaging, provocative, and original.
Note: as a speaker (and lover) of Glaswegian slang, I’d like to direct you here so you can understand why the protagonist’s name is so very hilarious to me.
Exploring the story of Dr Hackett Metzger, who lost his wife four years ago, we see his grief and loneliness peppered through his love of medicine. Frank really knows his stuff here, and the protagonist is characterised as a wholesome gent who knows his craft. When a colleague becomes involved in a study focused on the moment between life and death, we’re given thought-provoking ponderings, and existential questions.
Although these deep and meaningful passages did hold my interest, my love here was far more attached to Frank’s characters, particularly our doctor’s new woman. She blazes into his life, creating chaos in the manner of a banshee, and although we know her secret, it’s utterly tantalising watching Hackett slowly begin to understand her motivations.
I really liked the contrast here between profundity and suspense. One moment Hackett is considering the complexities of life and death, and the next he’s embroiled in manipulative and dangerous fights with his new wife. I was struck with the knowledge that no matter how intelligent we are, no matter what discoveries we strike upon, real life will always find a way to drag us back .
This is an excellent debut novel; engaging, provocative, and original.
Note: as a speaker (and lover) of Glaswegian slang, I’d like to direct you here so you can understand why the protagonist’s name is so very hilarious to me.
July 26, 2019
Seeing the human side of doctoring up close is poignant in this novel. This is an amazing, fast-paced story about a sad widower doctor. He’s lonely and meets a younger, beautiful woman. Something’s off about her though.
Important life and death questions are brilliantly presented, both sides of thought-provoking issues discussed, and in a compelling way. Science is put side-by-side with mysticism or the supernatural respectfully. The characters are complex, and suspense is created when the reader sees trouble ahead for the good doctor. Readers will feel strongly for this protagonist and worry about what’s in store for him. The antagonist does some shocking things, but she is also so human, a victim in her own mind, who justifies the bad things she does.
The pace is great, and suspense never lets up, and the world of the doctor is developed with expertise. Details, whether mundane or otherwise, bring this story to life. The author’s powers of description are terrific, concerning human feelings, the physical environment, and the supernatural.
The novel is riveting, well written, profound, and entertaining. It manages to inspire deep thought while keeping a reader turning pages quickly.
Important life and death questions are brilliantly presented, both sides of thought-provoking issues discussed, and in a compelling way. Science is put side-by-side with mysticism or the supernatural respectfully. The characters are complex, and suspense is created when the reader sees trouble ahead for the good doctor. Readers will feel strongly for this protagonist and worry about what’s in store for him. The antagonist does some shocking things, but she is also so human, a victim in her own mind, who justifies the bad things she does.
The pace is great, and suspense never lets up, and the world of the doctor is developed with expertise. Details, whether mundane or otherwise, bring this story to life. The author’s powers of description are terrific, concerning human feelings, the physical environment, and the supernatural.
The novel is riveting, well written, profound, and entertaining. It manages to inspire deep thought while keeping a reader turning pages quickly.
December 27, 2019
The Moment Between was a mixed bag for me.
This is the story of neurologist Dr. Hackett Metzger, whose has lost his wife Jean and coincidentally studies near death experiences. He chastises himself for not being able to save Jean, all the while studying patients who have had near death experiences. Alas eventually Hackett falls for the mother of one of his patients.
First of all, reading "The Moment Between" made me think of the 1998 Robin Williams movie "What Dreams May Come" about a couple reuniting in the afterlife. "What Dreams May Come" is also a love story about a couple reuniting in the afterlife, but like "The Moment Between", it is hard to resolve these kinds of stories.
The book read well, it was easy to engage with and follow the characters, but where I think the book fell short was the end. I don't know if the author had a plan for how to resolve the book, but I was immensely disappointed to see him turn to quantum mechanics to resolve the relationship between the present day and the afterlife. It was a profound disappointment (frankly, I didn't like "What Dreams May Come" either) and said to me that that the author had trouble with the conclusion.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the review copy. I have voluntarily provided this review.
This is the story of neurologist Dr. Hackett Metzger, whose has lost his wife Jean and coincidentally studies near death experiences. He chastises himself for not being able to save Jean, all the while studying patients who have had near death experiences. Alas eventually Hackett falls for the mother of one of his patients.
First of all, reading "The Moment Between" made me think of the 1998 Robin Williams movie "What Dreams May Come" about a couple reuniting in the afterlife. "What Dreams May Come" is also a love story about a couple reuniting in the afterlife, but like "The Moment Between", it is hard to resolve these kinds of stories.
The book read well, it was easy to engage with and follow the characters, but where I think the book fell short was the end. I don't know if the author had a plan for how to resolve the book, but I was immensely disappointed to see him turn to quantum mechanics to resolve the relationship between the present day and the afterlife. It was a profound disappointment (frankly, I didn't like "What Dreams May Come" either) and said to me that that the author had trouble with the conclusion.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the review copy. I have voluntarily provided this review.
August 11, 2019
We follow the story of a neurologist in the Washington D.C. area, named Hackett Metzger. His story opens up with him mourning the loss of his wife who passed away due to a heart attack four years ago. When we meet him he is pretty depressed and grieving for his wife, he is not as interested in his work as he used to be and pretty lonely.
One thing leads to another and he meets someone and that's where the story picks up. The overarching theme of the book is what does death bring. Is it just blackness or is there something else. Between the great characters and their development along with the plot this book does a great job of reeling you in and not letting you go.
I found this entire book very interesting and really gets you thinking about whether or not there is more to life after death. This book is definitely worth a read between the medical experience, crime, and romance this book has a little bit of everything.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One thing leads to another and he meets someone and that's where the story picks up. The overarching theme of the book is what does death bring. Is it just blackness or is there something else. Between the great characters and their development along with the plot this book does a great job of reeling you in and not letting you go.
I found this entire book very interesting and really gets you thinking about whether or not there is more to life after death. This book is definitely worth a read between the medical experience, crime, and romance this book has a little bit of everything.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2019
The redemy that mother gives you make you feel small. Review of The moment between.
3 4/5 really. Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist who still grieves for his late wife. He is lonely and sad despite the fact his wife verbally abused him by calling him ugly. Enter Sarah, she is a widow. She has a teenage son who has seizures. Her husband died of a "heart attack." Sarah meets Dr. Metzger and Dr. Metzger falls in love with Sarah despite not really knowing her at all. I liked this book. It drew me in from the beginning, however, I became lost in the forest of clinical and medical speak midway. lol.This is my opinion.The rest of the book was enjoyable and fast-paced. The mystery interesting and nail-biting and played out well. I only wish i was able to guess who the killer was instead knowing who it is in the beginning. All in all i enjoyed reading "The moment between." and i thank BOOKSIRENS.COM and the author for providing me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
3 4/5 really. Dr. Hackett Metzger is a neurologist who still grieves for his late wife. He is lonely and sad despite the fact his wife verbally abused him by calling him ugly. Enter Sarah, she is a widow. She has a teenage son who has seizures. Her husband died of a "heart attack." Sarah meets Dr. Metzger and Dr. Metzger falls in love with Sarah despite not really knowing her at all. I liked this book. It drew me in from the beginning, however, I became lost in the forest of clinical and medical speak midway. lol.This is my opinion.The rest of the book was enjoyable and fast-paced. The mystery interesting and nail-biting and played out well. I only wish i was able to guess who the killer was instead knowing who it is in the beginning. All in all i enjoyed reading "The moment between." and i thank BOOKSIRENS.COM and the author for providing me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2019
I have to say that it is a little difficult to be objective in reviewing a book by a friend, especially a former union organizer like me. The suspense book was very well written and I honestly had a hard time putting the book down which, for me, is a lot since my attention span is less than it is used to be. I especially enjoyed the main character, the doctor, and the description of his work as a neurosurgeon. There are actually two intertwined plots in the book. One is a normal suspense novel (with a couple of murders and a very evil person) and the other is a discussion on death/near-death moments and what occurs. The main character (originally) like myself is a skeptic on these matters but it made me think a lot about consciousness and what can be an indefinitely long dream at a time when you approach death. An issue I'll think about more.
July 23, 2019
"The Moment Between" is more than a thriller. It is thought provoking and beautifully written. This book takes a reader on a journey on a subject that has long held the curiosity of human beings, life and death. The character evolution of Doctor Hackett is so authentic and raw. The main plot of the story flows so well with the other happenings of other characters such as Sarah, Ella Mae, Aaron and Yu Lai Wang. In the end, I felt that I was well acquainted with every character and could understand their minds.
"No, death was permanent because time became immaterial. All experiences lived side by side. In death, the moment lasted forever." And my brainwaves paused to process these words and I am still processing it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"No, death was permanent because time became immaterial. All experiences lived side by side. In death, the moment lasted forever." And my brainwaves paused to process these words and I am still processing it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2019
I have received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you very much to the author.
You can't help but scream at the pages hoping that the doctor will hear you warn him. The author has you captured the minute you open up the book. You will not want to put the book down and you will want to avenge the death of so many people because of the psychotic killer that is among them.
The sad thing is that you realize how easy it is for medical facilities to over charge the insurance company. This is an every day occurrence and we are paying for it. I love how the author explains the colors of emotions, they are so different from what we generally think that they are.
You can't help but scream at the pages hoping that the doctor will hear you warn him. The author has you captured the minute you open up the book. You will not want to put the book down and you will want to avenge the death of so many people because of the psychotic killer that is among them.
The sad thing is that you realize how easy it is for medical facilities to over charge the insurance company. This is an every day occurrence and we are paying for it. I love how the author explains the colors of emotions, they are so different from what we generally think that they are.
May 19, 2020
Thank you to Book Sirens for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed parts of this book. I liked that it covered a topic I have not read much about, life after death. Many parts of the story got into a deeper, theoretical discussion, which was interesting. The story itself was ok. The two main characters got on my nerves a bit. You couldn't hate Sarah anymore and Hackett was making me angry at how dumb he could be. So it was a bit predictable. It kept my attention though and I was eager to read it and get to the end to see how it ended and what Hackett finally believed.
I enjoyed parts of this book. I liked that it covered a topic I have not read much about, life after death. Many parts of the story got into a deeper, theoretical discussion, which was interesting. The story itself was ok. The two main characters got on my nerves a bit. You couldn't hate Sarah anymore and Hackett was making me angry at how dumb he could be. So it was a bit predictable. It kept my attention though and I was eager to read it and get to the end to see how it ended and what Hackett finally believed.
July 18, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Frank's novel. This book does not read as if it is this author's first published work.
The plot was great, characters were multidimensional, complex and realistic. Frank does a wonderful job keeping the reader's attention via plot and characters.
The writing style itself was flawless and I believe this novel and its characters will stick with me for a long time.
I highly recommend this novel.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot was great, characters were multidimensional, complex and realistic. Frank does a wonderful job keeping the reader's attention via plot and characters.
The writing style itself was flawless and I believe this novel and its characters will stick with me for a long time.
I highly recommend this novel.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2020
A remarkable debut novel! The wonderfully developed characters continually provide surprises as the story unfolds as each one deals with their strengths and weaknesses. Well crafted dialogue is at times overshadowed by long and somewhat convoluted metaphysical rants about life after death. This psychological thriller is a genuine page turner full of plot twists. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to Book Sirens who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Book Sirens who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2020
Dark psychological thriller. Easy to guess events before they happen if you watch any ID or Lifetime TV. A little confusing as the main character at some point is a neurologist and then called a neurosurgeon..HUGE difference between the two. A little dark for my tastes but is well written. Jacket cover is enough report so I will not divulge plot details except to say Sarah is pure evil and he should have known better.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.Thanks to the author,publisher and BookSirens for the ARC.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.Thanks to the author,publisher and BookSirens for the ARC.
April 2, 2021
This story had so much potential
After the first two murders, I kept reading to see if the book would deliver on its promise. It didn't. The title is intriguing. The description of the story promising, but the story itself failed to fulfill that promise. At one point the dialogue shifted to a lecture and not an interesting one. There was also a failed attempt to link the main character's NDE with his murderous new wife's needlepoint. Had really hoped for more of an interesting story.
After the first two murders, I kept reading to see if the book would deliver on its promise. It didn't. The title is intriguing. The description of the story promising, but the story itself failed to fulfill that promise. At one point the dialogue shifted to a lecture and not an interesting one. There was also a failed attempt to link the main character's NDE with his murderous new wife's needlepoint. Had really hoped for more of an interesting story.
March 7, 2019
The Moment Between
A story that grabs you at the first page of "Before" and doesn't let you go.
An impressive work in plot, detail, character development, neurology and the moments leading to the after-life.
Remarkable coming from a new author.
Looking forward to more from Gareth Frank.
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