Stephen Hawley Martin

Martin presents evidence in this book for consciousness outliving our bodies, and finds the case for reincarnation strong. He points to a cosmic mind as something we all share. He discusses Near Death Experiences, communication with spirits, the unlikelihood of evolution alone accounting for our guided development, and more to back up his arguments.

Most of the evidence presented is case studies. There’s little repeatable experimental research described, but one section of the book was fascinating to me: Martin describes double-blind experiments that show statistically significant results regarding the success of mediums.

Not to sound pedantic, but I don’t think you’ll read much evidence herein that you’ll never die. Martin does provide evidence that your consciousness will live on–at least temporarily–after death, but not that we are eternal beings. At one point a person describes their out-of-body experience as “in a place that is noplace” or “not bound by time and space,” but that that may be the best “evidence” of eternal existence.

I confess that when Martin starting writing about birthmarks, I began to feel like I had entered the twilight zone. He argues that the mind is powerful enough to shape matter, and since our mind lives on after we die, it causes imperfections–birthmarks and even missing limbs–during birth that mimic trauma in a past life. Did you die in your last life by being shot in the head? You may have a birthmark from the bullet wound.

On the other hand, there were a couple passages in the book that were very enlightening. I’ll try, with the author’s permission, to provide excerpts in coming posts.

My opinion about all this? Don’t believe it. But don’t disbelieve, either. Embrace the mystery that exists until further research provides more evidence.

The Oaklea Press, © 2015, 168 pages

ISBN: 9781633186293… (altro)

Dead Man of the Year by Stephen Hawley Martin is a mystery. Brian Durston has recently left an advertising agency in New York to join his uncle's own agency in Richmond, Virginia. However, not long after arriving, he finds his Uncle Rod's body, dead of an apparent suicide. However, he immediately feels that something is off, and decides to find out what really happened. All of this occurs while the agency is in middle of losing it's biggest account.

I really enjoyed this mystery. It read very smoothly. I didn't get confused because there were too many characters (which, admittedly, happens easily for me). I greatly enjoyed the characters, especially Mary - he fully renders her as a cheap person and keeps that going throughout the book, often in a humorous way.

The only major issue I have is with the introduction of Nickie, Brian's love interest and sleuthing partner. I think she basically just shows up - almost as if Martin had problems trying to figure out how to introduce her character, so he really didn't. I also had trouble figuring her out - what was her personality, was she poorly developed or just sarcastic and vague. Eventually, I realized that this really did describe Nickie well - she hides behind sarcasm to avoid becoming overly involved, and I feel that Martin does this well. As she warms up to Brian, we find out more about her.

I think a large part of the appeal of this mystery was the fact that I used to work in the advertising department of a travel agency chain. It was so interesting reading about how advertisers appeal to consumers AND the companies at the same time. I find marketing fascinating and this book only reinforced this appeal.

I feel that this book could be marketed as a cozy mystery. Yes, it has a male main character, but he is not a sleuth by nature. We also learn a lot about advertising throughout the book.

Again, I enjoyed this book. I didn't love it, but I definitely liked it. I would give Dead Man of the Year a B+. I will enjoy reading more of Stephen Hawley Martin's books in the future.… (altro)

Durston Negus is a medium-sized advertising firm located in Richmond, Virginia. Brian Durston leaves a lucrative job at a Madison Avenue Agency to join the smaller firm. Promised a stake in the firm by his Uncle Rod, Brian’s future looks bright. Bright until the night he discovers his uncle’s body slumped over his desk. The police rule it a suicide which cancels out Uncle Rod’s life insurance policy. Without the insurance money Brian cannot purchase his Uncle’s shares of the firm. Who benefits? The surviving partners of course.

Brian decides an investigation is in order. While beginning the investigation the firm’s largest account goes into review and Brian must also work to save the account and the firm his uncle built. An up and coming copywriter steps in to help Brian solve the murder and perhaps save the firm. Could she be involved in the murder? Who can Brian trust?

A romance taunt with suspicion, an ad campaign that must be outstanding, partners who might have reason to murder the largest shareholder, Brian has his hands full. Will he be able to prove his uncle was murdered, inherit the money to buy his uncle’s interest, and save the agency?

This is a classic whodunit with many interesting story lines. Martin leads us through the exciting pace of an ad agency on the verge of success or failure. Brian is a hero who is reminiscent of a modern, lighter “Madmen” advertising character. He is likable though a little naive at times. The romance though sudden and a bit confusing at the beginning gains some merit as the story progresses. Dead Man of the Year has some of the feel of a cozy mystery mixed into a suspense mystery. This story is a page turner mystery. You just have to find out if it is a murder and if so who the murderer might be. This book is recommended for mystery buffs everywhere.… (altro)