Popular writer to meet fans in Oakmont
M.J. Rose probably is best known as a writer of erotic thrillers.
Her new novel, "The Reincarnationist," might be even more revealing. In it, she bares the soul and spirit, tapping in to what she sees as a growing interest in reincarnation and the eternal question: "Who Am I?"
The result is an effort unlike anything she has written, says Rose, who will be featured at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Coffee & Crime breakfast series at Mystery Lovers Bookshop, Oakmont.
The Connecticut resident describes "The Reincarnationist" as a treasure hunt, love story and adventure. Reviewers are praising it for its "Da Vinci Code"-like qualities. New York Times best-selling author David Morrell hails it as "fascinating and fabulous ... a breakneck chase across the centuries."
Set in present-day Rome and New York, as well as in early-Christian Rome of 1,600 years ago, Rose strives for exacting historical accuracy as she explores what her publisher refers to as "two worlds consumed by the fires of intrigue and extraordinary passion."
Readers are introduced to photojournalist Josh Ryder, who survives a terrorist's bomb, only to be haunted by near-hallucinatory memories of a past life as a priest whose dangerous relationship with Sabina, one of Rome's most powerful and important Vestal virgins, constitutes a transgression so serious the lovers will face a certain death if exposed.
Rose hopes that "The Reincarnationist" will be the first of at least four books about hunts for actual and psychological treasures.
She says her readership has come to expect her to try new things and explore new areas. "This book is different because it is part historical, which I've never done before, and it doesn't have a lot to do with sex," she says.
She appreciates that many of her readers have told her that what they loved about her previous novels is still there: It is a page-turner, the characters are complex and strong, and she continues to write with a descriptive quality that can play out like a movie in one's head.
Rose, who long has been interested in the subject of reincarnation, has been considering this book for 10 years. She even created a Web site examining thinking about the topic. A recent Gallup survey found that 20 percent of U.S. adults believe in reincarnation.
"I've written psychological suspense -- erotic psychological suspense at that -- and have gotten a lot of respect for the fearlessness with which I approach my subject matter," she says.
But when she thought about writing "The Reincarnationist," she always was apprehensive. "I didn't want people to start treating me like a nut job," she says.
Rose senses that people might be more open spiritually these days. The Internet and exchange of information makes that easier, she says.
A therapist once told her that the hardest thing for a human to give up is hope. "And reincarnation is very much about hope -- that how we live in the here and now can ensure that the next time we come back, our life will be better," Rose says.
She believes that some people feel they can't be "religious" and still believe in reincarnation.
"I'm not religious, for instance. To me, reincarnation is about the soul and the spirit, not about any concept of God. But I do find it interesting that reincarnation has been part of every ancient religion and most modern religions. It was part of Christianity until approximately 400 years after the death of Christ," she says.
Rose says the idea of reincarnation has given her solace and hope, and she sees herself as part of an ongoing spiritual journey.
Additional Information:
Coffee & Crime author breakfast featuring M.J. Rose
When: 10 a.m. Sat.
Where: Mystery Lovers Bookshop, 514 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont
Admission: $5; reservations are necessary
Details: 1-888-800-6078, 412-828-4877 or online
Additional Information:
'The Reincarnationist'
Mira, $24.95, hardback, 464 pages
