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The Ninth Life
The Ninth Life is the story of struggling and aged artist Kate Devereau's life as she tries to make sense of her often confusing existence. She needs to understand what has been happening to her and why she seems to have avoided death on so many occasions. To understand why she is plagued by the mysterious and tormenting voice in her head. Then people around her start to die. Will she be next? Has she finally run out of time?
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
1 person is currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Jaye Marie
18 books59 followersMy name is Jaye Marie, the 'oily rag' and one half of the establishment that is https://jenanita01.com.
I came to writing rather late but have always loved books. I think I trained to be a writer due to so many years of transcribing and editing my sister, Anita Dawes's books.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be so many things, a doctor, a pianist, or an artist. In all my 75 years, I have had so many jobs and hobbies that my family call me Worzel Gummidge, convinced I have a selection of different heads in a cupboard somewhere!
I love to make things, whether it is something to wear, eat or simply enjoy looking at. These days however, time is becoming my enemy, but I can still stretch it a bit when I need to!
I enjoy reading many different genres, so was very surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow I'm sure.
I also enjoy running our website/blog, Books & Bonsai, and love meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
I came to writing rather late but have always loved books. I think I trained to be a writer due to so many years of transcribing and editing my sister, Anita Dawes's books.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be so many things, a doctor, a pianist, or an artist. In all my 75 years, I have had so many jobs and hobbies that my family call me Worzel Gummidge, convinced I have a selection of different heads in a cupboard somewhere!
I love to make things, whether it is something to wear, eat or simply enjoy looking at. These days however, time is becoming my enemy, but I can still stretch it a bit when I need to!
I enjoy reading many different genres, so was very surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow I'm sure.
I also enjoy running our website/blog, Books & Bonsai, and love meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 15, 2014
Although this is Jaye's first book, she is no stranger to the field of fiction. She has been my editor/proof-reader for years, and she is very good at what she does.
The Ninth Life is all about a woman who hears a voice in her head, and no, she doesn't think it's a good thing. She refuses to listen to anything it says, and her life begins to spiral dangerously out of control.
I loved it, she writes well... and at the risk of giving anything else away, the sequel is already under way!
The Ninth Life is all about a woman who hears a voice in her head, and no, she doesn't think it's a good thing. She refuses to listen to anything it says, and her life begins to spiral dangerously out of control.
I loved it, she writes well... and at the risk of giving anything else away, the sequel is already under way!
September 29, 2019
In Nine Lives, we meet Kate, a fifty-nine-year old artist who has had a wretched string of luck when it comes to men, and who is now going through the motions of a day-to-day existence. She has health issues, smokes too much, and is plagued by an inner voice that constantly monitors her decisions.
Much of the story is written in expository style, admittedly not something I am used to. The reader is treated to a lot of background information about how Kate’s life has evolved and how each day unfolds. She’s made mistakes, bad choices she now recognizes, and has been taken advantage of by more than one man. Kate hopes the worst is behind her—especially now, with a female mentor and friend who offers the steadfast support she has been lacking. Sadly, there are still hurdles to overcome, the toll of which becomes evident when several in Kate’s orbit meet with foul play.
The writing is crisp, the descriptions vivid. Dialogue, when it appears, is well done, although the bulk of the book relies on narrative. I did find several of the scenes difficult to read and had to skim them. That aside, the author did an excellent job in creating a thoroughly reprehensible villain, who I couldn’t wait to see reach a justifiable end.
This book is a slow burn, very dark, with a somber tone. It creeps along like a slowly oozing poison or slithering snake that strikes with deadly precision in its concluding moments.
Much of the story is written in expository style, admittedly not something I am used to. The reader is treated to a lot of background information about how Kate’s life has evolved and how each day unfolds. She’s made mistakes, bad choices she now recognizes, and has been taken advantage of by more than one man. Kate hopes the worst is behind her—especially now, with a female mentor and friend who offers the steadfast support she has been lacking. Sadly, there are still hurdles to overcome, the toll of which becomes evident when several in Kate’s orbit meet with foul play.
The writing is crisp, the descriptions vivid. Dialogue, when it appears, is well done, although the bulk of the book relies on narrative. I did find several of the scenes difficult to read and had to skim them. That aside, the author did an excellent job in creating a thoroughly reprehensible villain, who I couldn’t wait to see reach a justifiable end.
This book is a slow burn, very dark, with a somber tone. It creeps along like a slowly oozing poison or slithering snake that strikes with deadly precision in its concluding moments.
September 6, 2017
The Ninth Life is a psychological thriller set mainly in Guildford, Surrey.
Kate is a fifty-nine year old artist. She has an unusual voice in her head that provides commentary on her life; however, she has always tried to ignore what it says. Kate is currently working on a series of seascape pieces for Sam, a gallery owner and best friend, who is opening a new gallery in London.
We learn about Kate’s earlier life in a series of memories; her hardships, relationships and her current desire for solitude are all fed to us in easy-to-absorb chunks. Early on we are introduced to a sinister character who is besotted with her. As the story develops there is a slow build-up of tension, with a net of mishaps and murder that draw closer.
I liked Kate, with her artistic flair and disregard for most responsibility unless it was connected to her paintings. It became her coping mechanism in the face of underlying fears. Her passion for art shone through and I could almost see the paintings she so lovingly produced. Her back story was interesting and filled out her character, but the method of introducing it got a little repetitive towards the end. I did want to know a little more about those who loved Kate and, perhaps, what drew them to her. For me, there were so many unanswered questions about many of them, I would have enjoyed a little more to flesh out the characters.
Overall a good debut novel. If you like art and enjoy the thriller genre, then give this a go.
Kate is a fifty-nine year old artist. She has an unusual voice in her head that provides commentary on her life; however, she has always tried to ignore what it says. Kate is currently working on a series of seascape pieces for Sam, a gallery owner and best friend, who is opening a new gallery in London.
We learn about Kate’s earlier life in a series of memories; her hardships, relationships and her current desire for solitude are all fed to us in easy-to-absorb chunks. Early on we are introduced to a sinister character who is besotted with her. As the story develops there is a slow build-up of tension, with a net of mishaps and murder that draw closer.
I liked Kate, with her artistic flair and disregard for most responsibility unless it was connected to her paintings. It became her coping mechanism in the face of underlying fears. Her passion for art shone through and I could almost see the paintings she so lovingly produced. Her back story was interesting and filled out her character, but the method of introducing it got a little repetitive towards the end. I did want to know a little more about those who loved Kate and, perhaps, what drew them to her. For me, there were so many unanswered questions about many of them, I would have enjoyed a little more to flesh out the characters.
Overall a good debut novel. If you like art and enjoy the thriller genre, then give this a go.
January 30, 2015
Kate is an artist who's had a very painful life and a few close calls with death. After a heart attack, Kate tries to go on with her life, however trouble lurks in the form of her vindictive ex-husband. One by one Kate's friends and loved ones meet mysterious deaths and Kate, fearing she's next runs for her life.
Adding to Kate's dilemma is a the mysterious voice that's been plaguing her her entire life, which at times proves to be more of a nuisance than of help.
At times Kate comes across as standoffish, but after reading about her history and the tragedies she suffered in the past, gives you a better understanding for her attitude. After reading about her past, I was wishing she'd find the peace that she wanted.
The story is very mysterious and suspenseful, and I was left wondering if Kate would escape the murderer. The mysterious voice plays a big part in the story and the ending does a wonderful job of explaining the voice and it's purpose in Kate's life.
One of my flaws with the story is there were some scenes in the final chapters that I felt could've been expanded on. For instance, it would've helped if there was a little more buildup before Kate has a showdown with the murderer.
Adding to Kate's dilemma is a the mysterious voice that's been plaguing her her entire life, which at times proves to be more of a nuisance than of help.
At times Kate comes across as standoffish, but after reading about her history and the tragedies she suffered in the past, gives you a better understanding for her attitude. After reading about her past, I was wishing she'd find the peace that she wanted.
The story is very mysterious and suspenseful, and I was left wondering if Kate would escape the murderer. The mysterious voice plays a big part in the story and the ending does a wonderful job of explaining the voice and it's purpose in Kate's life.
One of my flaws with the story is there were some scenes in the final chapters that I felt could've been expanded on. For instance, it would've helped if there was a little more buildup before Kate has a showdown with the murderer.
November 14, 2023
Nine Lives is the debut novel by Jaye Marie. It’s a mystery, thriller and suspenseful tale of woe of a fifty-nine year old female artist, Kate, who has ill health and no love life. She can’t seem to get out of her own way in everything she does. Her only outlet is her painting.
Kate’s best friend Sally is in love with her but she rejects her friend’s advances while still pining for her lost love, Michael. She also had a disastrous marriage to Jack who nearly killed her with his abuse and sadly succeeded in doing so with her son.
There are two men in her life, one who loves her and another who is obsessed with her in a sick way. She is plagued by all kinds of terrible things happening to her and her health continues to deteriorate. She has no where to turn.
There are many questions unanswered but I still enjoyed the suspense and how Kate finally discovers who her tormentor is.
Kate’s best friend Sally is in love with her but she rejects her friend’s advances while still pining for her lost love, Michael. She also had a disastrous marriage to Jack who nearly killed her with his abuse and sadly succeeded in doing so with her son.
There are two men in her life, one who loves her and another who is obsessed with her in a sick way. She is plagued by all kinds of terrible things happening to her and her health continues to deteriorate. She has no where to turn.
There are many questions unanswered but I still enjoyed the suspense and how Kate finally discovers who her tormentor is.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews