The First Time I Died

Garnet McGee #1

by Jo Macgregor

The first time I died, I didn’t come back alone.

When Garnet McGee returns to her small Vermont hometown for the holidays, she vows to solve the mystery of the murder which shattered her life ten years ago.

But then the unexpected happens — she dies in an accident and gets brought back to life by paramedics.

Now she’s hearing words, seeing visions and experiencing strange sensations. Are these merely symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and an over-active imagination, or is she getting messages from a paranormal presence?

Garnet has always prided herself on being logical and rational, but trying to catch a killer without embracing her shadow self is getting increasingly difficult. And dangerous, because in a town full of secrets, it seems like everybody has a motive for murder.

Fast-paced and riveting, The First Time I Died is a suspenseful and haunting crime story with an supernatural twist.
 

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Fiction, Thriller, Supernatural, Crime, Mystery Thriller

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2018

About the author

When not writing, Jo Macgregor is a counselling psychologist in private practice in South Africa. She works mainly with victims of crime and trauma, and brings her twenty years of experience as a therapist to her writing, creating deeper characters and realistic psychological scenarios.

She started her professional life as a high school English teacher and writes young adult fiction under the name Joanne Macgregor. Her psychological non-fiction (self help) is published under the name J. Macgregor.

She writes intelligent novels with all the feels and a twist of humor - fiction for your head, heart and funny bone!

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The webs we weave…Plain and simple, Jo Macgregor has a hit with , a haunting tale of love lost and hidden truths that, if uncovered, could destroy a town a surely as it broke one young woman’s heart. What happened that night ten years before? She’s not a kid anymore and Garnet wants answers. She knows the truth lies buried beneath the lies, but will the answers come from beyond the veil?

Someone or something is trying to communicate with her, someone who knows what happened that night at the lake…has she just made herself a target or has she just be given a gift that could save her life? The voices and the visions started the first time she died...was she revived to become an avenging angel?

Simply phenomenal! Jo Macgregor has upped her writing talent into the stratosphere! Dark and edgy, this paranormal thriller is magnetic from start to finish! If you’re looking for something a little on the dark side, that still feels fresh with characters that play off each other perfectly, this tale is highly recommended for all ages!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Jo Macgregor!

Series: Garnet McGee - Book 1
Publication Date: October 7, 2018
Publisher: Joanne Macgregor
Genre: Supernatural Suspense
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon
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[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply splendiferous! Really enjoyable read that I just breezed through.

[Lori Krause]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was afraid initially that I wouldn't because I'm not usually into this style of narrative, or at least, that is what I thought. Now, after reading this book, I realize I am into this style. It was engrossing, to say the least. The main character, Garnet McGee, leaves town and then, after ten years, returns to solve the murder of her boyfriend. There's a lot of truth in it. Most people who endure tragedy have trouble moving on from it. In that sense, the story is believable, and with a bit of mystery and suspense, this thriller is entertaining. Not to mention it has a supernatural twist. There were a lot of little nuances that enhanced the story and even the characters. I recommend the book.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely (and unexpectedly) bowled over by this book! Why you might ask? It leapt out at me to be read as it is a thriller which is one of my favourite genres. My enjoyment was unexpected as I am usually wary of anything to do with the paranormal, but not on this occasion. It is not a crime novel where the reader is buried under loads of supernatural information. The thriller and mystery parts are well interwoven along with the paranormal aspects and as a result, I was hooked from the very beginning!

Garnet McGee returns to her home-town in Pitchford, Vermont, at the suggestion of her college professor, who thinks she needs some time away from her studies so that she can re-evaluate what she wants to do with her life. Whilst there, she vows to solve the mystery of a murder which shattered her life ten years ago. But after dying in an accident and being brought back to life, she starts hearing voices, seeing visions and experiencing strange sensations. Are these merely symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and an over-active imagination, or is she getting messages from a paranormal presence?

This is the first of Jo Macgregor’s novels I have read and as always when reading a mystery, I started guessing who the main suspect was. Well, I was wrong because it was someone else…

THE FIRST TIME I DIED is unusual in that I had imagined that it would be about Garnet's death, but it was, in fact mostly about someone else’s. I found that this gave the novel an edge that was both engaging and enjoyable. I found it easy to empathise with Garnet and I wanted her to succeed in what she was looking to achieve.

I loved Jo Macgregor’s writing style and some of her descriptions in the novel were so atmospheric, especially those about Plover Pond. The first half of the novel is written in alternating chapters of time, giving the reader clarity, which really worked for me. "Then" referred to a time period of ten years ago, when Garnet was a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl.

Jo Macgregor brought everything together for a fabulous conclusion even though I never did manage to accurately guess who was behind the murder. I haven’t got anything negative thing to say about this book. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author. THE FIRST TIME I DIED is an exciting and action-packed crime/thriller that I highly recommend.

Thank you to Hidden Gems and the author for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.

[Gail Schimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good detective type story, and I like a touch of the supernatural - so this was a fabulous combination! and at the right level - I find too much crazy magic off putting, but Jo Macgregor finds the balance and pulls it off perfectly.

[ᒪᗴᗩᕼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½⭐

MOODS
➨ Mystery Thriller
➨ Supernatural –Clairvoyance

WHAT YOU GET
➨ Decade-old Murder
➨ She died and didn’t come back alone
➨ Small-town secrets

There is something about this story that just missed the mark for me; it relies heavily on the supernatural elements for the mystery-solving to even work but then it keeps sweeping those same elements under the rug like they couldn’t possibly be true🤷. That coupled with the blah characters left me feeling like this was just okay…but others have really enjoyed this, so I think I’m in the minority here.

NARRATION=🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/5
📣 Emily Sutton-Smith was fairly decent…not a fav by any means.

Total Score 6.50/10 | Opening-7 | Characters-6 | Plot-6.5 | Atmosphere-7 | Writing Style-6.5 | Ending-6 | Overall Enjoyment- 6.5

[Karen Szabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story. I like the way Jo Macgregor writes. I lived this story vicariously through Garnet. I used to chew my nails and I could feel Garnet’s pain whenever she messed with her fingers. Knowing it was a murder mystery, I tried to pay attention to all the clues. Sometimes I forgot because the characters, town and story were so interesting. This is Jo’s second book I have read and her experience in counseling brings extra levels of interest to her writing. The title says Garnet McGee - Book 1. I can’t wait to read Book 2.

[Marguerite (M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garnet's first installment was basically my worst nightmare.
10 years after fleeing a tragedy, Garnet comes back to her hometown to hopefully get some closure. She wants to know what happened to her boyfriend and she has to face all those people she did her best to forget.

The first time I died had some minor editing issues -or peculiar speeches as the author said- and a not so likable heroine.
Garnet is troubled, lost, and has not really accomplished anything. She has been running away from her past for too long and she forgot to make a life for herself in the process.
But while she wasn't particularly endearing, she was an amazing character to follow. Accompanied with the small-town murder mystery and the heart-wrenching grief that follows her and everyone along, The first time I died was an incredible read.

The story was as much about finding the killer as getting closure. But it was also about facing a lot of what if. Some of Garnet's former classmates have jobs, spouses, kids, houses, ... while Garnet has an unfinished thesis, no attachment, and everlasting love for her dead high school sweetheart.
Does that mean the others succeeded in life when she didn't? Or are they just hiding their mistakes and failures deeper than she is? That's what she will have to discover, but her presence and nosiness are not necessarily welcome...

Medium meets Pretty Little Liars meets Veronica Mars? Yes please.

> 27 years old main character
> No romance except the one from the past (possibly later)
> Alternate chapters: 2007 and 2017
> No cliffhanger
> Multiple installments

Trigger warning:
Grief, cancer, drugs, violence, excoriation disorder (skin picking disorder)

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Joanne Macgregor’s young adult contemporary books – Hushed and The Law of Tall Girls – and have since found myself more than willing to dive into the author’s other work. In fact, I find myself curious about all her work and plan to one day devour them all. As it currently stands, however, I started through taking a step away from the young adult contemporary books and decided to read one of the thrillers written under the name Jo Macgregor. As a big thriller fan, I was extremely eager to see how The First Time I Died played out.

From the very first page, I was sucked into this story. It quickly became a book I was willing to devour in a single sitting, finding myself sucked deeper and deeper into the story. There were so many elements of the story I wanted to find out more about, so many theories I had, and I could not wait to see how each played out. Were any of my theories correct? Had I managed to work out who was involved? Did I fall victim to the countless red herrings thrown throughout? My mind was amassed with such questions, at the same time trying to puzzle out the details.

I will be honest and say I did work out some of the elements of this story, but much of the bigger picture remained a mystery to me. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it’s always nice when I fail to work out every detail. In fact, such are the kind of thriller books that are my favourite. It quickly becomes boring when you’re reading the same kind of story over and over – which is certainly not the case with The First Time I Died.

Not only was this book a great thriller, one that kept me guessing in regards to the mystery, it also included one of my favourite elements – a bit of the paranormal. I love it when thriller books have a paranormal edge, but I also find myself disappointed by such an element more often than not. Fortunately, The First Time I Died did the supernatural element really well, making it a great paranormal thriller. Don’t worry for those who dislike paranormal reads, as it is not one of those stories where we’re buried under masses of supernatural information – it’s well interwoven, ensuring you’ll be hooked to the paranormal elements of the story in addition to the mystery and thriller elements.

There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be reading more Jo Macgregor thriller books in the future, as this one was a fabulous read that has left me desperate for more.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindblowing and Amazing!

Wow! Wow! Wow!
This book is absolutely FANTASTIC! While I received an advanced copy to review and am a slow reader, I could not stick to my 5 chapters a day. I HAD to read more! It's just that good.
It keeps you on your toes until the very end and then leaves you wanting some more.
It's filled with great characters that are easy to like even when you don't think it possible.

All around flippen fantastic book that gives me all the good feels like Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas did.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read the book in practically one sitting (just the odd break for pesky email checking), you know you're on to a winner. I thoroughly enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. The setting was vivid and painted the picture of Pitchford in my mind's eye; the pacing of the story was perfect - not so hectic that you're exhausted but enough that I read it one day. Garnet and her family really appealed to me in their quirkiness and long suffering of each other. There were no characters that were superfluous. The tension was comfortable enough that I was intrigued and drawn into the story enough to read it flat out and get to the bottom of the mystery.
All-in-all, a really enjoyable read.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two words to describe this book, TRULY PHENOMENAL! 10/10

This book is a cross between YA, thriller, crime and supernatural, and the story telling alternates between 2017 and 2007, telling a story of true love, immense loss and grief, crime investigation and retribution. I am a fan of psychology, so reading about this subject within this story, was fascinating.

I have not read a book of Joanne’s I’ve not loved., and I look forward to the return of Garnet McGee, her dippy mother, ever patient father and the rest of Pitchford.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that leaves you breathless?
That’s this book.
I LOVED this a LOT – more than I thought I would, honestly. I get pretty burnt out on murder mysteries because most of the mainstream, traditionally-published ones follow a cookie-cutter format of “detective tries to solve mystery, detective gets close to solving mystery, detective’s life is threatened, detective beats villain, detective exposes/captures villain.” So, I *love* that this particular story broke away from that mold.
I won’t lie, the book was a little hard to get into at first, and I thought it might be a four star read at most. But — and I still don’t even know what happened — suddenly the plot picked up after the first few chapters and suddenly I was racing through it. I loved that the chapters flipped back and forth between past and present, and all of the characters felt *extremely* real. I loved all of their little quirks, and I especially loved Colby — who wasn’t even *alive* for 95% of the plot. And, the way that Colby’s spirit was integrated into the plot — subtly, and through indirect contact/visions, rather than literally speaking to Garnet from “beyond the grave” — was incredibly clever.
I also loved how this plot kept me guessing. Of course, that’s kind of what mystery writers pride themselves on — “whodunnit?” — but, a lot of the time, the culprits kinda scream at you even though the author tries to keep you guessing. The First Time I Died wasn’t like that, though. It *genuinely* kept me guessing like I had no idea what the hell was happening (in a good way) and, between that and the incredible characters, it kept me turning pages like the book was crack. In a way, I *became* Blunt, except my crack was this book and I couldn’t get enough of it. No overdosing or terrible, heroin-induced side effects here — just withdrawal from an incredible mystery that I still can’t believe is over.
I literally spent all day reading it. All. Day. Practically in one sitting.
All in all, this book was an emotional rollercoaster. Not only was I second-guessing everyone at every page turn — much like Garnet — but I also fell in love with Garnet and Colby’s relationship during the chapters set in 2017. They both read like genuine 17/18 year old high school Seniors, and their overall relationship is probably one of the most authentic-feeling teenage relationships I’ve read in fiction — Young Adult or otherwise. Colby *maybe* had moments where he seemed a little *too* perfect for being an 18 year old teenage boy... but that’s also maybe because most teenage boys I had encountered during my high school/teenage years were fuckboys who were obsessed with sending me dick pics on Kik, LOL. Maybe they were different in 2007 — but hey, I was 9. (I once had a guy message me on Facebook because he had had a “sex dream about me last night.” Needless to say, he was unfriended shortly thereafter).
Fuckboys and dick pics aside, I definitely, HIGHLY recommend this book to any mystery lover — but ESPECIALLY if you’re a reader like me, who gets pretty burnt out on the repetitiveness of the mystery genre. I can guarantee that this book will restore your faith in the genre.
Anyways, I’m going to end this review with a PSA that I love Colby a whole lot.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just because this book was not my usual cup of tea, it doesn't mean it wasn't amazing. I don't read this crime type of books, but it got me hooked. And...I couldn't put it down. The switch between the past and present with some teen background probably helped me move forward at the beginning and then I just wanted to discover everything. I had a hint on who would be the murderer, but clearly there were a lot of things that I didn't see coming. I loved the time invested by the author in descriptions of even every day objects and focus on characters attitude. It is a beautiful book of crime and suspense with a paranormal twist.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't go home again." Sometimes that is very apropos. When Garnet left her tiny Vermont home town, she vowed never to return. She had few reasons to ever do so, and many reasons to stay away. But pressure from her academic advisor, coupled with her mother's transient ischemic attack, finally propel her back to that declining community she left at age eighteen. Quickly she discovers that on the surface the town has very much changed; but under the surface, those powerful and intense undercurrents of secrets and lies are still prevalent, still holding sway. Garnet knows that "you can't go home again" is a principle to live by; or to die by.

[Mercedes Yardley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman returns home ten years after her a terrible tragedy. Most of the characters, including the heroine, were unlikable, but I loved the way the secrets unfolded throughout the book. You'll spend plenty of time wondering which character to point the finger at.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline was intriguing and the characters interesting. I guessed parts of the ending so it wasn't as shocking as I hoped but I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series!

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1QCABE...

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different from the normal mysteries I read. I like the way she got her info

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping & suspenseful reading.

When I heard about this book it had me very intrigued.
As a fan of suspenseful reads I loved the sound of this.
The cover drew me in too and the Supernatural twist was the icing on the cake.
This book had me engrossed from the beginning. It kept me turning the pages, I found myself absorbed in the story.

Garent left her small town behind after a shocking tragedy to start her life over.
Years later she finds herself back in the suffocating town she left behind to find answers.

I love these kind of reads where you just don't know who to trust.
This Author did a great job because to me everyone seemed like a suspect. The town and its residents held a lot of secrets.

I really liked the supernatural element to the story it gave it a unique twist so it wasn't just a typical who done it mystery. It definitely made me pause for thought and wonder about the possibilities.

A thoroughly gripping read and I'm looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Angelique Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I found the plot different from what we've come to expect from crime/thriller novels and I really enjoyed that. I'm getting bored with books that are written by formula. This book is beautifully written and the descriptions are vivid and keep your attention. The plot is well thought out and the story line keeps you guessing until the very end. This author is fast becoming one of my firm favourites and I look forward to the next installment.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing that I have read by this author has disappointed me in any way. I loved the mixture of psychology and thriller and the touch of the paranormal - all in just the right proportions. Garnet is a very likeable character. I see there is a hint at a series and I am looking forward to more books about her. The characters are all well-rounded - you can empathise with just about all of them except the ones you clearly aren't meant to like. Her knowledge of psychology and insight into how people think and behave really give her books an edge. This book is a real page-turner, or kindle clicker, just like her previous thriller, Dark Whispers. It's hard to say too much about the story without giving too much away - but it is set in Vermont, in a very small town that Garnet couldn't wait to leave, but which is now pulling her back.

[Lea Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It was something absolutely different and I loved every single moment. I probably would have finished the book in one sitting, but life happens, unfortunately not as interestingly as Garnet’s though. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with a murder mystery mind or even a fan of paranormal investigations. Or basically anyone wanting a great read!!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garnet McGee never planned to come back to Pitchford, Vermont. Not after what happened ten years ago. But when she hears about her mother getting hurt, she decides to come back briefly despite the demons that still haunt her. Plus, as she’s struggling with what it is that she really wants to do concerning her schooling, she’s advised to take a break, think things over and come back with an answer. Garnet has never been the same after the tragic death of her boyfriend, Colby, but those wounds are about to be reopened as she finds herself on the trek of discovering what really happened to him and why.
The First Time I Died by Joanne Macgregor is a supernatural mystery novel and the first book that I have read by this author. When I first read the blurb of this book, my interest was piqued and I was eager to read this story and learn what happened. As I read, for me, the story has a slow start and I considered putting the book down, but I pushed on. I found that the “flashback periods” were more engaging initially than the present day moments. The further I got along into the story the more engaging it became. I gradually developed more of a love/hate relationship towards Garnet than an annoyed one like I had initially. Garnet struck me as selfish and a touch arrogant in the beginning. I say this because I felt that she looked down on others when she first returned. This viewpoint of her returns in various moments, but I understand it because the author is trying to get the reader to view Garnet as a human being. Basically, …she’s flawed, as we all are.
I have to say…if you are looking for a story with a heavy supernatural presence in it…then you’ll be disappointed in this book. The supernatural elements are subtle, but they are well done in my opinion. It’s like communicating with a spirit…they can only do so much and that is reflected in this story. The mystery element is handled extremely well. I pride myself on being able to piece it all together and figure out who did what and why, but the author plays things very close to the vest. You’ll piece a few things together the closer to the end you get, but the author does a fantastic job giving you a big reveal.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. For me, the beginning was slower than I would have liked. Garnet is a bit pretentious for a while, but when the story comes together and gains some steam and momentum, it becomes truly enjoyable. Also, her constantly nibbling on her fingers or picking at something really annoyed me. I honestly wanted her to stop. I will admit that I was curious as to what brought about this terrible habit of hers but the author never touches on this. So if you have an issue with a character constantly fiddling, biting, picking at something...brace yourself.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. While the story has a slow start, it is worth the push through because it’s not long before things get truly interesting. Secrets long hidden are revealed, facades that people have worked so hard to conceal are pulled away and the real them are exposed. The tragedy that took away a loved one from so many is only compounded exponentially when the truth comes out. If you enjoy an engaging mystery that only comes together at the end then this is the book for you.

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and read it until I turned the last page!

Garnet McGee can't wait to graduate and leave her small town. The only regret she will have is leaving her boyfriend, Colby. But tragedy happens just weeks before her graduation, Colby has been murdered.
So leaving and fulfilling her dreams of being a Dr seems right. But, now 10 years later, she has come home. Her father has asked Garnet to come home and help her Mother pack up her small shop in town and spend the Christmas holiday.

From the first day, she is regretting coming home. She feels Colby around her and when she almost dies trying to save a little boy from drowning, she dies. Well, she experiences a near death vision and now Colby seems to be trying to tell her something. She needs to find out who killed Colby and the secrets of her hometown might get her killed!

I loved this book and hope there is a second one. Loved the character, and her Mother and Father.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book totally captivating! I requested an advance copy from the author after reading her newsletter where she mentioned the upcoming release. I wasn't sure I could wait for the actual release - and wow! I'm so glad I got that opportunity!!

I started off reading Jo's book in the early hours of a Saturday morning when I couldn't sleep - and then was truly grateful for the rest of a rainy weekend which allowed me to immerse myself in the characters and all that they were experiencing.

I found the mix of genres interesting - some supernatural, some crime - and absolutely adored the crystals-and-incense mom with all her spiritual interpretations of events. She reminded me a bit of myself, as an owner of an Esoteric store!

This was my first experience of Jo Macgregor's writing and I look forward to reading more of her books - and in particular, Garnet's adventures in the future.

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garnet hadn't been back to her home town since the death of her high school boyfriend, Colby. He was found beaten and dead under the ice of the towns lake. The investigation didn't lead anywhere, but when Garnet falls through the ice on the lake whilst rescuing a young boy's life, she has a near death experience that results in some life changing events.

This was a well paced and interesting book. I actually learnt a lot from it. I'm interested in NDEs and their affects on people, so although this is a piece of fiction, the consequences of Garnet's experience tally with real documented accounts. A mixture of of crime thriller with a supernatural edge to it, this was a great introduction to this author's work, and Garnet.

[Marlene Spellious · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

This story was fascinating!! I couldn't put it down! The story just got more intense as it went along!! Then ended with a bang. With great anticipation I'll be looking for more by this author!

[Jadyen (jayjaysbooknook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Joanne’s. When I found out she was doing an adult crime novel I knew I had to read it and she didn’t disappoint. I was hooked by Garnets story and loved the storyline. The touch of supernatural just added to my enjoyment of the story. It is the perfect mix to keep readers hooked and wanting more. Highly recommend.

[Cyndi Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was extremely impressed! It was a meaty mystery, with Garnet trying to solve the cold case murder of her boyfriend Colby. After a near death experience, she realizes that she starts hearing the voice of her deceased love, and has flashbacks of his life (and death). She begins to mistrust everyone and everything, eventually culminating in a revealing ending that shocked me (and impressed me with twists and explanations that would have made Sherlock Holmes proud). Highly recommend this book!!!