This is one of those books that the enjoyment depends on what your feelings and beliefs are. Do you believe in the afterlife? Are you open minded enough to accept that there could be an afterlife even if you don't want to accept that there might be?

Written from the point of view of three main female characters: Eve, the dead female victim narrates from beyond the grave, the second is Melody, a survivor of a similar attack six years earlier, and the final one is the Detective Inspector, Victoria, in charge of the case. Melody's friend was jailed for her attack and as his release comes up Eve is found murdered in similar circumstances. All three protagonists are strong characters and McBeth creates fantastic, realistic characters with strengths, weaknesses and situations which you imagine can be true to life.

The storyline has a complex mix of characters including Melody's controlling husband, at times a pathetic Melody, and a lovely ethereal Eve, almost pulling strings from behind the scenes. There is suspense at every chapter ending and I truly found this a book that I didn't want to put down and couldn't wait to pick up again.

Having previously read McBeth's debut novel, Precious Thing, I felt sure I was in for another good psychological ride and The Life I Left Behind didn't disappoint. Five stars from me.