What do you think?
Rate this book
Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers #9
The Near Death Experience
Is there life after death? Is it even possible to know for sure?
Dr. Emerick Sewell's book, a sensational account of his near death experience, had taken the world by storm when it was released. But when one of his readers overdosed on pills in order to be reunited with her dead husband, her family blames Dr. Sewell and files suit. Against his better judgment, Thaddeus Murfee swallows his cynicism and takes the case. As his research begins to bring new evidence to light, his disbelief slowly melts away and leaves him questioning everything.
The Near Death Experience is part of the Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thriller Series, which has more than 1.5 million readers and counting, and made John Ellsworth into a household name. If you love page-turning thrillers with mystery, clandestine plotting, and a dash of romance, dive into the world of Thaddeus Murfee today!
Dr. Emerick Sewell's book, a sensational account of his near death experience, had taken the world by storm when it was released. But when one of his readers overdosed on pills in order to be reunited with her dead husband, her family blames Dr. Sewell and files suit. Against his better judgment, Thaddeus Murfee swallows his cynicism and takes the case. As his research begins to bring new evidence to light, his disbelief slowly melts away and leaves him questioning everything.
The Near Death Experience is part of the Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thriller Series, which has more than 1.5 million readers and counting, and made John Ellsworth into a household name. If you love page-turning thrillers with mystery, clandestine plotting, and a dash of romance, dive into the world of Thaddeus Murfee today!
328 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2019
2471 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
99 books516 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 19, 2017
Three intertwining plotlines here - the overdose and subsequent death of a lonely woman, the final months of Murfee's wife Katie as she dies of breast cancer and the hunt to track down the man who kidnapped their daughter five years earlier - all overlaid by a scientific debate about brain death and conscienceness afterwards.
The ending has the feel that this may be the last book of the Murfee series
The ending has the feel that this may be the last book of the Murfee series
March 17, 2016
I've read this entire series and enjoyed it. Of all the independent authors who promote their books on facebook, John Ellsworth, Mark Dawson and Scott Pratt are my favorites. Others that I tried weren't worth reading and certainly aren't worth mentioning here. Funny, one of these others compared himself to Lee Child. He was the worst of all. Thaddeus Murphee and his odyssey sucked me in and I couldn't get the next installment fast enough. I'm sort of sorry it ended but I can understand if the author wants to move on to something else.
December 25, 2015
Must read, great book.
With the first book "Chase, The Bad Baby" fell in love with Thaddeus Murfee character. Reading the first chapter brought tears to my eyes. Three different plots in this book. His wife is dying and how he is handling. How he planned to get his money back from the Italian mafia. Lawsuit against the doctor that wrote the book. My library has all the books in this series.
With the first book "Chase, The Bad Baby" fell in love with Thaddeus Murfee character. Reading the first chapter brought tears to my eyes. Three different plots in this book. His wife is dying and how he is handling. How he planned to get his money back from the Italian mafia. Lawsuit against the doctor that wrote the book. My library has all the books in this series.
February 22, 2016
A Littleracters were fo bit of a stretch
A Little bit of a stretch with the premise of the book and it was predictable. Yet I had to keep reading. I read many books of this genre and this was in the top half. The characters for the most part were believable and the story moved quickly. The Mafia aspect was lost in the trial and was generally not required to enhance an already good story.
A Little bit of a stretch with the premise of the book and it was predictable. Yet I had to keep reading. I read many books of this genre and this was in the top half. The characters for the most part were believable and the story moved quickly. The Mafia aspect was lost in the trial and was generally not required to enhance an already good story.
September 9, 2020
Another great legal thriller! The focus of this book is whether a person who removes a ventilator from a brain dead patient is committing murder or not. Twists and turns from family members, doctors, and opposing lawyers makes this a page turner hard to put down! There’s also a discussion about what happens to a person after death in the afterlife from a science perspective. Interesting, but not from a faith perspective. It would have been better to have a circumspect view from faith and science, in my opinion. But, all in all, this is a good read! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
March 22, 2019
Consciousness
This is very thought provoking. The story is fiction, but the theory, very real. I have been a nurse for a long time. Many years ago, a gentlemen was admitted to ICU post CVA. He then progressed and was brought to our med/surgery floor. He had a full blowen cardiac arrest. (No vital signs at all) . We performed full code protocol and resuscitated him. He was brought back to ICU, obviously. He then returned to our floor about a week later. Upon hearing of his return, I went to see him first thing starting my shift. He remembered me taking care of him, as his nurse. But then , he thanked me for "saving me" (it was me that found him in full cardiac arrest, and initiated CPR. I asked him how he knew it was me. He said, "I watched you." Then he made a joke about the other nurse jumping up n' down in the hallway just yelling; " she didn't know what to do." He was spot on, that was exactly what happened! I will never ever forget that. He changed my whole perspective on everything as we 'know ' it. Many more experiences have occurred throughout my career, because I have opened to them. Fantastic story. Love this series.
This is very thought provoking. The story is fiction, but the theory, very real. I have been a nurse for a long time. Many years ago, a gentlemen was admitted to ICU post CVA. He then progressed and was brought to our med/surgery floor. He had a full blowen cardiac arrest. (No vital signs at all) . We performed full code protocol and resuscitated him. He was brought back to ICU, obviously. He then returned to our floor about a week later. Upon hearing of his return, I went to see him first thing starting my shift. He remembered me taking care of him, as his nurse. But then , he thanked me for "saving me" (it was me that found him in full cardiac arrest, and initiated CPR. I asked him how he knew it was me. He said, "I watched you." Then he made a joke about the other nurse jumping up n' down in the hallway just yelling; " she didn't know what to do." He was spot on, that was exactly what happened! I will never ever forget that. He changed my whole perspective on everything as we 'know ' it. Many more experiences have occurred throughout my career, because I have opened to them. Fantastic story. Love this series.
December 22, 2015
John Ellsworth has done it again!
I have read every one of Ellsworth's Thaddeus Murfee books. The characters are old friends. I care about them and have enjoyed sharing their experiences. A Near Death Experience opens the door to a concept I've not given much thought to before, but it's presented in way I found credible and it's made me think. I suppose this latest book, could be a fitting end to the Thaddeus Murfee series, but I hope it isn't. I'm not ready to let go of these characters about whom I care so much.
I have read every one of Ellsworth's Thaddeus Murfee books. The characters are old friends. I care about them and have enjoyed sharing their experiences. A Near Death Experience opens the door to a concept I've not given much thought to before, but it's presented in way I found credible and it's made me think. I suppose this latest book, could be a fitting end to the Thaddeus Murfee series, but I hope it isn't. I'm not ready to let go of these characters about whom I care so much.
May 12, 2018
"A Very Emotional Story Plus Action and Suspense"
This is an unusual story about a doctor who has died, went to heaven, and comes back to life. He has written a book of his experiences. Was he writing fact or fiction? His story is read by a woman who finds the story compelling and takes a large amount of pills to enjoy her journey only to wind up in a long coma. The family takes on Murfee to sue the doctor. There are several different story lines here one of which is very heartbreaking for Thaddeus and his wife Kate. Enjoy this well written novel which has you engulfed in the intense trial. Highly recommend.
This is an unusual story about a doctor who has died, went to heaven, and comes back to life. He has written a book of his experiences. Was he writing fact or fiction? His story is read by a woman who finds the story compelling and takes a large amount of pills to enjoy her journey only to wind up in a long coma. The family takes on Murfee to sue the doctor. There are several different story lines here one of which is very heartbreaking for Thaddeus and his wife Kate. Enjoy this well written novel which has you engulfed in the intense trial. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2018
Great Readings, John Ellsworth!!!!
As an individual who has experienced a near death experience, I truly appreciate this book and highly recommend it to anyone. I found it difficult to lay down, and looked forward to pick up where I left off. I am an avid reader of legal thrillers. John Gresham has been my favorite author until now, but Ellsworth is fast on his heels. The only thing better in Mr. Gresham's books is the lack of profanity. I personally don't see a need for that. Aside from that, I love this series, and regret to come to the end of this series. Great read, Mr. Ellsworth. Keep up the great work. I look forward to reading another of your series!!!
As an individual who has experienced a near death experience, I truly appreciate this book and highly recommend it to anyone. I found it difficult to lay down, and looked forward to pick up where I left off. I am an avid reader of legal thrillers. John Gresham has been my favorite author until now, but Ellsworth is fast on his heels. The only thing better in Mr. Gresham's books is the lack of profanity. I personally don't see a need for that. Aside from that, I love this series, and regret to come to the end of this series. Great read, Mr. Ellsworth. Keep up the great work. I look forward to reading another of your series!!!
April 4, 2019
Thaddeus Murfee
This book, as well as the other eight books was great, I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Once I began to read, it was rather difficult to put down. However, with that being said, I would absolutely love to see at least one more book with Thaddeus moving on whether out be with Christine or possibly someone else, like the Dr for instance with all the children right along with her children. That would be interesting.
I would recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys reading legal thrillers.
I have noticed some misspelled words and a few words that definitely did not belong in the sentence.
This book, as well as the other eight books was great, I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Once I began to read, it was rather difficult to put down. However, with that being said, I would absolutely love to see at least one more book with Thaddeus moving on whether out be with Christine or possibly someone else, like the Dr for instance with all the children right along with her children. That would be interesting.
I would recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys reading legal thrillers.
I have noticed some misspelled words and a few words that definitely did not belong in the sentence.
July 13, 2018
Very familiar
I am one who reads a lot of books and articles about NDEs. I was searching for such a book when I stumbled across this. I realized it wasn't about an actual account but decided to read it anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters. I know it says that any likeness in the story is a coincidence but we all know that the good doctor is none other than another neurosurgeon who actually went to heaven and came back. I will absolutely read the series now starting with #1.
I am one who reads a lot of books and articles about NDEs. I was searching for such a book when I stumbled across this. I realized it wasn't about an actual account but decided to read it anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters. I know it says that any likeness in the story is a coincidence but we all know that the good doctor is none other than another neurosurgeon who actually went to heaven and came back. I will absolutely read the series now starting with #1.
May 26, 2020
Totally unlike other Thaddeus Murfee books.
First, there are pages and pages of technical details that are sometimes tedious, but informative.
I was sad that a couple of beloved characters I've come to know and love "didn't make it". Since I read all the Christine books in succession ,and then jumped into ten Thaddeus Murfee books without pause, I'm wondering if I should take a break? Or, just go ahead and finish the last three in the series? I'm inclined to do the latter.
First, there are pages and pages of technical details that are sometimes tedious, but informative.
I was sad that a couple of beloved characters I've come to know and love "didn't make it". Since I read all the Christine books in succession ,and then jumped into ten Thaddeus Murfee books without pause, I'm wondering if I should take a break? Or, just go ahead and finish the last three in the series? I'm inclined to do the latter.
June 1, 2018
John Ellsworth this story about Thaddeus Murphy and his terminally ill wife was 11 th and currently final story in the series.
I believe it was my favorite book about Thaddeus Murphy, though I have liked the entire series. It was a story with a good plot with several layers. The characters were interesting and that some were even fun to take this journey.
I really enjoyed every minute of reading this book.
I believe it was my favorite book about Thaddeus Murphy, though I have liked the entire series. It was a story with a good plot with several layers. The characters were interesting and that some were even fun to take this journey.
I really enjoyed every minute of reading this book.
December 20, 2018
Amazing Series
ALL of the Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers are engaging, thought provoking and this one doesn't disappoint. I don't like writing "spoiler reviews" but if you like this genre you will not be bored by this or any series written by John Ellsworth. The characters are complex and real, each storyline is unique. Mr. Ellsworth keep the books coming.
* The books are well edited & as a heavy reader bad editing has ruined several good books for me -
ALL of the Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers are engaging, thought provoking and this one doesn't disappoint. I don't like writing "spoiler reviews" but if you like this genre you will not be bored by this or any series written by John Ellsworth. The characters are complex and real, each storyline is unique. Mr. Ellsworth keep the books coming.
* The books are well edited & as a heavy reader bad editing has ruined several good books for me -
January 10, 2019
This was the 9 th series in the Thaddeus Murfee series and it was not one of the better ones. I did not like the disconnect between book 8 and this one. The end of book 8 it seem that Katy was recovered from her cancer and would survive, in book 9 the cancer came back and it was fatal. One of the other members of the team also did not survive. I did like the ending and the story at the end gave Thaddeus hope for a brighter future than he expected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2020
I’m hooked. This was my second Thaddeus Murfee book and I am enjoying author John Ellsworth books so much. Story lines move ahead and good character development. However, I did not get the Sicilian connection and the reason for the attempts on the Murfees. Nor did I agree with the trial verdict. For me, it’s about if a book grabs my interest enough to read the next page. And yes, I am of the age where reading on Kindle is easier all around, witness two carpal tunnel syndromes.
May 11, 2020
Another Winner Well Worth Your Time!
John Ellsworth is up to his usual high standards.
Great continuing characters and a very compelling topic - what happens to us after we die?
I know this is a work of fiction but I'm going to see if there is any fact in the information presented which is supported both by medical documentation and quantum physics.
I found this book nearly impossible to put down and I think if you enjoy legal thrillers you will as well
John Ellsworth is up to his usual high standards.
Great continuing characters and a very compelling topic - what happens to us after we die?
I know this is a work of fiction but I'm going to see if there is any fact in the information presented which is supported both by medical documentation and quantum physics.
I found this book nearly impossible to put down and I think if you enjoy legal thrillers you will as well
October 28, 2020
I love the court room drama of the books I've read and wish the author had stuck to that, or at least not stooped to murder by the hero to add melodrama. Does no one else get the fact the Thaddeus, and Christine, are multiple murderers - for whatever reason: and the the XFBI condones them? The books would have been just as good, or even better, if we had a hero who wasn't a nonchalant multiple killer.
December 14, 2020
Wow, this one is really different
It delves into medical issues that are very hard to explain but some of it made clearer during witness testimony during the trial phase of the book. I recently lost my husband and this book was remarkable with it’s discussion on afterlife and the continuation of concussion after death. Trial and new medical theories about brain death and afterward are excellently handled. Another good book by John Ellsworth.
It delves into medical issues that are very hard to explain but some of it made clearer during witness testimony during the trial phase of the book. I recently lost my husband and this book was remarkable with it’s discussion on afterlife and the continuation of concussion after death. Trial and new medical theories about brain death and afterward are excellently handled. Another good book by John Ellsworth.
July 8, 2023
Thaddeus Murfee is a Good Man
It's really hard not to fall in love with Thad Murfee. Who doesn't love a man that worships his wife, adores his family, and would literally move Heaven and Earth to protect them? Thad does that in this intriguing and extremely thought-provoking novel that presents a different manner of looking at and responding to the near-death experience of his new client. This is a legal thriller you shouldn't miss.
It's really hard not to fall in love with Thad Murfee. Who doesn't love a man that worships his wife, adores his family, and would literally move Heaven and Earth to protect them? Thad does that in this intriguing and extremely thought-provoking novel that presents a different manner of looking at and responding to the near-death experience of his new client. This is a legal thriller you shouldn't miss.
June 5, 2017
Love the direction the series took in this latest offering. The end of earthly life... can there be communion across the planes of here and hereafter? Is there even a hereafter? And how does that fit into a Thaddeus Murfee courtroom drama?
Read and find out. I was impressed with how well Ellsworth pulled it together. No wonder I keep coming back to this author!
Read and find out. I was impressed with how well Ellsworth pulled it together. No wonder I keep coming back to this author!
February 28, 2019
Excellent as always
I
I really enjoyed this book. It really explore s the legal and conscious effects of life and death.
It was exciting and very well explained. Presenting both sides equally. As with all John s books it was exciting and challenging and interesting.
Thanks John.,
I
I really enjoyed this book. It really explore s the legal and conscious effects of life and death.
It was exciting and very well explained. Presenting both sides equally. As with all John s books it was exciting and challenging and interesting.
Thanks John.,
October 20, 2019
Can a medically and legally “dead” person communicate with a living person?
Thaddeus struggles with scientific versus Christian beliefs and eternal life, as he is faced with his impending wife’s death. Thaddeus also has legal struggles defending a client along with locating a mobster from his past.
Thaddeus struggles with scientific versus Christian beliefs and eternal life, as he is faced with his impending wife’s death. Thaddeus also has legal struggles defending a client along with locating a mobster from his past.
January 6, 2021
Consciousness
I love all his books as I was a former trial attorney myself. The whole issue of human consciousness is timely and crucial. I suggest that the author and you listen to YouTube talks about consciousness by Swami Sarvapriyananda.
I once misused the word enervate as does the author in several of his books. It means to drain of energy.
I love all his books as I was a former trial attorney myself. The whole issue of human consciousness is timely and crucial. I suggest that the author and you listen to YouTube talks about consciousness by Swami Sarvapriyananda.
I once misused the word enervate as does the author in several of his books. It means to drain of energy.
August 29, 2021
Absolutely outstanding.
This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. The characters were very believable. The story was engrossing. I couldn't put it down. It had everything, suspense, fear, car chases and a lot of humor, with a terrific ending. What more could I want. Thank you very much!!!
This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. The characters were very believable. The story was engrossing. I couldn't put it down. It had everything, suspense, fear, car chases and a lot of humor, with a terrific ending. What more could I want. Thank you very much!!!
June 15, 2017
The law, science and life
Ellsworth cleverly weaves a dilemma of today's society; when is a person really dead. Identifying the differences between current "law" and new science and people's spiritual beliefs. The story is heartbreaking and intriguing.
Ellsworth cleverly weaves a dilemma of today's society; when is a person really dead. Identifying the differences between current "law" and new science and people's spiritual beliefs. The story is heartbreaking and intriguing.
May 11, 2018
Incredible book series
When I started one of his books I couldn't put it down. I literally kept buying another book each time I finished one. Very easy to read and entertaining. I can't wait for his next book.
When I started one of his books I couldn't put it down. I literally kept buying another book each time I finished one. Very easy to read and entertaining. I can't wait for his next book.
May 19, 2018
By far, my favorite of the Thaddeus Murfee series. Excellent read and time spent reading is never wasted even though my mother thought it was.
My question is: how can John Ellsworth top this book? My thanks to you, Mr. Ellsworth for your skills and ability to entertain!!!
My question is: how can John Ellsworth top this book? My thanks to you, Mr. Ellsworth for your skills and ability to entertain!!!
July 6, 2018
I read all his books and was hard put down every one
He is a great author that writes with intriguing thoughts while adding in romance and mystery. I would recommend to any bookstore.
He is a great author that writes with intriguing thoughts while adding in romance and mystery. I would recommend to any bookstore.
July 28, 2018
Tremendous story
This is an excellent story befitting how Thaddeus fits into life with his family while living in a special place and dealing with another intriguing case. Well worth your time and thought.
This is an excellent story befitting how Thaddeus fits into life with his family while living in a special place and dealing with another intriguing case. Well worth your time and thought.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews