What do you think?
Rate this book
Never Dead
THE PERFECT COUPLE? Emerson McGee has spent most of his life living with a secret, and the first-year law student’s menacing struggle with his sexuality is only the half of it. His wife, Danielle, has her own scars of adolescent heartache—which she thinly veils behind her façade as an upper-middle class princess. The newlywed’s cookie-cutter marriage is abruptly interrupted when they make a reluctant move into the quaint house Emerson inherited from his deceased grandmother. Unbeknownst to them, there’s already something else living A malevolent entity hell-bent on exposing its connection to Emerson and the tragic secret they share. A GHOST’S STORY While a mysterious narrator recounts the details of his abject life, the McGee’s vengeful poltergeist pulls Danielle deeper into a mystery that has haunted an impoverished ghetto in South Baton Rouge—aptly called “‘Da Bottom”—for nearly a decade, and spills into the provocative world of New Orleans hoodoo. Before its final scare, Never Dead concludes with a bloody twist the McGees never saw coming.
- GenresHorror
316 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2011
4 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 8, 2011
After meeting this bubbling and enthusiastic author at a recent writer's convention, I had nothing but high expectations for his debut novel, NEVER DEAD, and I prayed that it did not disappoint. Well, whoever said prayer doesn't work, has never tried it, because this book blew me away. The first thing to capture my attention was author, Jones's, seemingly effortless and mellifluous craft of writing. His words fit together so beautifully, forming metaphors and analogies that had me rereading, just to soak up the words a little bit longer. I was captured from the prologue, and thus began the race to finish this well-crafted novel.
Jones puts a unique and original twist on a played out and tired theme. He takes a flat and mundane plot and twists it up into a thrilling work of art like origami. I thought I had the story figured out pretty early on, but I quickly dismissed the idea, figuring Jones was too intelligent of an author to give it to me that easily. I finished in haste, just to see how wrong I was, and boy was I wrong! Being wrapped up in the pages of a good book; it's probably the only instance when I actually enjoy being wrong. This is no ordinary ghost story. Somewhere in the midst of the drama and the thrill, Jones manages to teach the readers valuable lessons and opens our eyes to the truth that's either hidden or that which we choose not to see. And I applaud him for that.
I would give a 4-star rating for the story alone, but the author's writing skills had me so enthralled, I had to bump it up to 5. Bravo Jumata Emill Jones. Look forward to a long, successful career as a bestselling author. You've only just begun. I just hope the world is ready for what else you have in store.
Monique D. Mensah
Author of WHO IS HE TO YOU, INSIDE RAIN, and SMOKE SCREEN
Jones puts a unique and original twist on a played out and tired theme. He takes a flat and mundane plot and twists it up into a thrilling work of art like origami. I thought I had the story figured out pretty early on, but I quickly dismissed the idea, figuring Jones was too intelligent of an author to give it to me that easily. I finished in haste, just to see how wrong I was, and boy was I wrong! Being wrapped up in the pages of a good book; it's probably the only instance when I actually enjoy being wrong. This is no ordinary ghost story. Somewhere in the midst of the drama and the thrill, Jones manages to teach the readers valuable lessons and opens our eyes to the truth that's either hidden or that which we choose not to see. And I applaud him for that.
I would give a 4-star rating for the story alone, but the author's writing skills had me so enthralled, I had to bump it up to 5. Bravo Jumata Emill Jones. Look forward to a long, successful career as a bestselling author. You've only just begun. I just hope the world is ready for what else you have in store.
Monique D. Mensah
Author of WHO IS HE TO YOU, INSIDE RAIN, and SMOKE SCREEN
December 9, 2011
When a dark secret can no longer be buried, what does it do to become alive? Whatever it can. This secret takes residence in the only home it has ever known. Home in the sense of where it first found and lost love; but when it's lost love has been found can it reclaim what it believes belongs to itself?
Danielle and Emerson are in a transitional part of their lives. They are newly married, moving into a new “home”, actually only new to them. It's Emerson's deceased grandmother's home in a new city. While moving into their home, Danielle has a scary encounter with a ghost in what used to be Emerson's old room. Even though Danielle can not make heads nor tails of the encounter, she also can not figure out why her husband would not believe her.
As the ghost makes more visits to the home, more of the reasoning behind why its soul is not at rest becomes more transparent as the safe and comfortable relationship of Danielle and Emerson is tested. Even though Emerson tries to play it off that he has now idea who this ghost is, his past comes back to haunt him and brings about some issues that can not be avoided.
When the truth is revealed no one's life will be the same, especially Danielle's. Sometimes the things we think can move away, run away, or suppress away are the things that face us daily in the mirror and when we can no longer hide from the reflection we see the true us. And as life would have it, one bad choice can have grave results that effect more than just oneself.
Review by Karen Reynolds
Review for Readers In Motion Bookclub
Rating: 5 *****
Danielle and Emerson are in a transitional part of their lives. They are newly married, moving into a new “home”, actually only new to them. It's Emerson's deceased grandmother's home in a new city. While moving into their home, Danielle has a scary encounter with a ghost in what used to be Emerson's old room. Even though Danielle can not make heads nor tails of the encounter, she also can not figure out why her husband would not believe her.
As the ghost makes more visits to the home, more of the reasoning behind why its soul is not at rest becomes more transparent as the safe and comfortable relationship of Danielle and Emerson is tested. Even though Emerson tries to play it off that he has now idea who this ghost is, his past comes back to haunt him and brings about some issues that can not be avoided.
When the truth is revealed no one's life will be the same, especially Danielle's. Sometimes the things we think can move away, run away, or suppress away are the things that face us daily in the mirror and when we can no longer hide from the reflection we see the true us. And as life would have it, one bad choice can have grave results that effect more than just oneself.
Review by Karen Reynolds
Review for Readers In Motion Bookclub
Rating: 5 *****
November 20, 2011
Emerson McGhee & his wife, Danielle moves back to Emerson's hometown of South Baton Rouge to live in the house that was once owned by Emerson's recently deceased grandmother. Emerson isn't too happy about revisiting his past, but he knows it the best thing to do financially for his family. The couple is forced to face some unsettling things that threatens to put their lives in jeopardy. They soon realize you can't outrun your past... NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY!!!
The first thing that caught my attention before opening the book were the words on the cover ... "Never Dead is an E. Lynn Harris meets Stephen King." I love Stephen King and my love for E. Lynn Harris is beyond what my words can express, so when someone says that I take notice. After reading this selection, I'm not ready to compare Jumata Emill Jones with E. Lynn Harris or Stephen King. I will say this.. Jumata Emill Jones is in a category of his own.
Never Dead is a welcome change from what I have been reading lately... I was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns he dared to take with this book. His writing style is captivating, stimulating, and very memorable. There were times I was nervous as I was read the words in this book.
I applaud this author for giving the readers a solid read.
5 Stars
Orsayor
The first thing that caught my attention before opening the book were the words on the cover ... "Never Dead is an E. Lynn Harris meets Stephen King." I love Stephen King and my love for E. Lynn Harris is beyond what my words can express, so when someone says that I take notice. After reading this selection, I'm not ready to compare Jumata Emill Jones with E. Lynn Harris or Stephen King. I will say this.. Jumata Emill Jones is in a category of his own.
Never Dead is a welcome change from what I have been reading lately... I was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns he dared to take with this book. His writing style is captivating, stimulating, and very memorable. There were times I was nervous as I was read the words in this book.
I applaud this author for giving the readers a solid read.
5 Stars
Orsayor
August 9, 2011
Great writing. Very descriptive detail. The author has a great vocabulary and knows how to make his words mesh together like they are married. However, it took me a little while to read this book. Had I known what I was getting into, I wouldn't have bought it. Ten years ago, I picked up an E. Lynn Harris book and couldn't get passed the first chapter. By me reading this book in its entirety, shows my growth and maturity.
What has previously grossed me out has now made me look at it as creative.
I wish this author much success.
What has previously grossed me out has now made me look at it as creative.
I wish this author much success.
March 16, 2012
Wow...I dont like scary movies so I couldnt read it before I went to bed! but the bOok was a good read! Keeps you on your toes!
August 23, 2012
Never Dead is a haunting (literally) story about newlyweds Emerson and Danielle McGee who relocate and take residence of Emerson's grandmother's house after she passes away. Almost immediately, Danielle notices something strange and menacing lurking about in the home when she is confronted by a ghost, which she later learns is an ominous spirit definitely trying to tell her something about her husband's past.
Mr. Jones did an immaculate job capturing my attention within the first paragraph and held it up until the final word. I was particularly satisfied with the intense suspense in combination with the supernatural backdrop. If you enjoy reading mystery that keeps you flipping the pages until there is none, then this is the book for you.
Mr. Jones did an immaculate job capturing my attention within the first paragraph and held it up until the final word. I was particularly satisfied with the intense suspense in combination with the supernatural backdrop. If you enjoy reading mystery that keeps you flipping the pages until there is none, then this is the book for you.
July 25, 2012
The story is about a newlywed couple, Emerson & Danielle McGee, that moves into the husband's deceased grandmother's house to save money while Emerson attends law school. The couple anxiously awaits their future together. However, they are less prepared for the entity that awaits them to bring the truth to the light.
Emerson has habored a secret for 10 years that will eventually bring forth revelations that force the couple and those around them to come to terms with themselves: boundaries form; love tested; self-preservation unfolds; friendships unravel. "Never Dead" is a coming of age story about acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin.
Emerson has habored a secret for 10 years that will eventually bring forth revelations that force the couple and those around them to come to terms with themselves: boundaries form; love tested; self-preservation unfolds; friendships unravel. "Never Dead" is a coming of age story about acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin.
February 18, 2015
Wicked Kind of Love
J.E. Jones does it again for me with his first novel. In the beginning, I was more entertained by the past life of "Mac", but as the story progressed Danielle and Emerson had my attention just as much. I will never understand how Danielle kept herself in that house after the first encounter, because it would only take one time for me to know to get the hell outta dodge lol. I loved the twist close to the end and I loved the ending. Hopefully we get to read more about Madame Devereaux in the future because it sounds like a great story to tell. Good job, J.E. I can't wait to read your next effort.
J.E. Jones does it again for me with his first novel. In the beginning, I was more entertained by the past life of "Mac", but as the story progressed Danielle and Emerson had my attention just as much. I will never understand how Danielle kept herself in that house after the first encounter, because it would only take one time for me to know to get the hell outta dodge lol. I loved the twist close to the end and I loved the ending. Hopefully we get to read more about Madame Devereaux in the future because it sounds like a great story to tell. Good job, J.E. I can't wait to read your next effort.
July 6, 2012
I must say that I really enjoyed this book. If you like reading books by E. Lynn Harris you will definitely appreciate this story. This book is about a young newlywed couple that moved back to the husband's old neighborhood to save money while the he attends laws school. Unfortunately for the wife her husband has plenty of unfinished business that they are forced to come to terms with. This was a very interesting read with lots of different elements to keep the reader engaged and turning the page. I cannot wait to read more books by this promising author!
January 8, 2012
Whenever I read a book I expect the author to grab me on the first page and not let go. Never Dead does this and more. After reading the prologue I knew that it wouldn’t take me long at all to finish this book. The author brought each character to life and allows you to feel the pain, joy, excitement and satisfaction they feel with only his words. This is what a book is supposed to do and Mr. Jones does it extremely well. I am definitely looking forward to his next book.
August 25, 2011
This was a somewhat risque for my taste and my first paranormal thriller. But despite the risque, This novel was well written, characters fully developed, and I read it in five days because I just had to know how it would end.I love the way this Author writes, which makes you visualize whats happening as he describes it.
February 9, 2012
This is a well written book; He did a really good job of bringing each character to life. With his words I was able to feel the struggle, anger, pain and excitement of each character. I thought I had the story figured out, and then there was the unexpected twist(great job). He is a talented writer and I look forward to reading his next book.
June 28, 2012
**spoiler alert**
The gay sex scenes left me a bit a squimish, but I actually enjoyed reading the book. There was never a dull moment. It left me with several questions though. The violent ghost rape scene in the end was just a bit much. I was left wondering if that was necessary. After all, the wife was innocent in all of the drama. *shrugs*
The gay sex scenes left me a bit a squimish, but I actually enjoyed reading the book. There was never a dull moment. It left me with several questions though. The violent ghost rape scene in the end was just a bit much. I was left wondering if that was necessary. After all, the wife was innocent in all of the drama. *shrugs*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2013
NEVER DEAD is a tense, chilling tale of murder, revenge and retribution. I did not want to put the book down until I knew all the details of what happened years before. The book was predictable, yet not to the point that it revealed the story. I was shocked when I found what really happened to the green-eyed boy. For lovers of the paranormal, you will enjoy this one.
August 28, 2011
This book deserves the endorsement it got for the late L.A. Banks. Such a good book. 4.5 stars
October 25, 2011
Excellent read!
November 19, 2011
This book has started out with a bang! Hope it continues that way!
Want to read
December 1, 2011I'm gonna read this one soon after ROZALYN, after 32 Candles (which I'm reading now)...can't wait.
January 18, 2012
This was a VERY good read. At moments when I thought I knew where the storyline was going, there were several twists that kept me enthralled. Part of me didn't want the story to end.
March 10, 2012
What an amazing book!
June 25, 2013
very creepy and I couldn't put it down. A little sad too.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews