Jane Halifax is back, but she’s not quite herself… A twisted story of betrayal, where the formidable forensic psychiatrist will discover that the only person you can trust is yourself.
A near-fatal car accident has left Jane in a coma. When she wakes, she has no idea who she is.
Initially comforted by unlikely spectres from past cases, Jane is unaware of everyone else’s concerns: the police who believe she was deliberately run off the road; a lawyer whose files were in her car at the time of the accident – files he should never have lent her; her neurosurgeon who fears a relapse; and her partner, Tim, who has to cope with the fact Jane remembers almost nothing of the last two years – including their relationship.
A young woman called Luna keeps luring Jane back to the present. Linked to a thirty-year cold case from Jane’s past, Luna has a quest of her own she can only solve with Jane’s help.
But if Jane wants to help Luna, she first needs to heal herself, and there just might be reasons beyond the accident that are hampering Jane’s recovery…
Buy a copy of Resurrection here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
When Jane Halifax awakes from a coma, she can’t remember who she is. We get an insight into the workings of her mind as she tries to regain her memories. An old case haunts her. If you enjoyed the TV series you will definitely love this book, but it doesn’t matter if you have never watched an episode. This is a tightly written thriller with a complex central character. Jane is not afraid to put herself in danger if it means she will get the answers she needs. Roger Simpson is a great writer who really knows his central character. Yvette, VIC, 5 Stars
Resurrection is the second book in the Jane Halifax series. I haven’t read the first book or watch the Halifax TV show, also written by Roger Simpson, so went into this book blindly. Dr Halifax, a forensic psychiatrist, wakes from a coma after a horrific car accident. Her memory is slow to return; however, a case from her past begins dominating her thoughts. This page-turner jumps between the past and the present. In the present, Jane is slowly remembering her life, and in the past, she consulted on a high-profile murder case that ended in tragedy. This book can be read as a stand-alone as I have done, although I’d like to go back and read the first in the series. Sharah, QLD, 5 Stars
What a story that had me hooked from page one. A standalone book that twisted and turned until the end. Please keep writing. Margaret, SA, 5 Stars
WOW!!! The next instalment of Jane Halifax in Roger Simpson’s Resurrection is his best book yet. When Jane is involved in a terrible car accident and she loses her memories, she must recover them to solve a murder. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
Resurrection has Jane Halifax as the central character, someone that I knew from the television shows, but this book brings a whole new dimension to Jane, and I loved it. I was drawn in from the first page and devoured the book as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. It is a great story and had me second-guessing what was going to happen next. The fact that Jane is suffering from memory loss because of an accident makes it a perplexing, captivating and exciting thriller. She is finding out things and recovering pieces of memory along with the reader. There are people in her life that are trying to help her recover and there are others there for different reasons. Jane struggles to determine how they all belong in her life while trying to heal herself. I highly recommend the book and can’t wait for the next one from Roger Simpson. Janine, VIC, 5 Stars
This book was a twisted story with brilliantly portrayed characters. Just had to keep reading one more chapter until I was finished. And I loved how Roger Simpson crossed from screenwriter to novelist. Must read for sure. Karen, QLD, 5 Stars
A big fan of the Halifax FP television movies, I was thrilled for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is an excellent psychological thriller that starts with dinner with a colleague. Feeling unwell, Jane leaves to drive home but her car is rammed down an embankment. Jane is badly injured and in a coma for some time before medical care helps her recover from this traumatic accident as well as regain her lost memory. Her mind takes her back many years to a case she can recall, a cold case, with the hope it can help her regain what she has lost from her mind. Along the way to recovery she meets Luna, who was 8 years old when her parents died, her older brother jailed for the crime. A lot of deceptions and many twists and turns in this thrilling book. Relationships, colleagues, friends – are they really who they say? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now onto getting a copy of book #1 Transgression and I look forward to the author’s future books. Nicky, QLD, 5 Stars
Resurrection, written by Roger Simpson, presents an intriguing mystery as the main character, Jane Halifax, a Forensic Psychiatrist, struggles to regain her memory after a serious road accident. There are several traumatic events in her life leading up to the accident. Her memory loss is severe, and so she struggles to grasp anything that reminds her of her life before the accident. It is a long road to psychological recovery as doctors and friends try to jog her memory. Her contemptuous but funny self-talk is amusing as their attempts constantly fail. In fact, it is Jane who eventually remembers fragments of her professional life that will keep you guessing at the outcome of this story. This unusual approach to unravelling a mystery got me hooked from the start. Leanne, NSW, 5 Stars
Having never seen the Jane Halifax TV Series, nor read the first book in the series, I had no idea what to expect when reading this book; however, from the first page, I was hooked. The concept of a forensic psychiatrist who is herself the victim of a crime that causes her to lose her memory is unique. It offered the author Roger Simpson a chance for the main character to treat herself as the subject of analysis. I found Jane’s reactions to her situation very believable as she ends up having to solve a thirty-year-old crime in order to recover her own identity. Not recognizing anyone around her, she is not really sure to trust – not even herself. As fragments of her memory start to come back, she uses her instinctive skills to piece together the jigsaw puzzle of her life and the case. This was a quick read – I sat down and read it in a weekend. A great book to take on a weekend break – just make sure that you have someone around to bring you cups of tea, as you are not going to want to put this book down. Karina, QLD, 5 Stars
Overall I thought this was such a well-rounded and propelling story. I love a story that gets you thinking back and trying to guess the ending and being pleasantly surprised when it does not end how you thought it would. This story begins with Jane, who has suffered a severe brain injury following a car accident – or was it? As Jane recovers physically, her memory is stuck in time with a case she worked on 20 years ago and what happened in the two years since her partner tragically died. And who is Tim? As we work through dual timelines, we start to see our leading lady in action. As the metaphorical fog lifts we start to see a glimpse of the old Jane before her tragic accident and although everything seems to be on track. But things are not what they appear to be. Roger beautifully captures the female thoughts of intimacy – or lack thereof – and although I’ve not read his earlier book, he does justice to Jane and her character. I felt the story wrapped up very quickly, I would have liked to have seen it drag out a little more… I wanted more story and depth to the characters Tim, Zoe and Luna but perhaps that will come in Roger’s next book! An excellent read with lots of Aussie landmarks! Mercury, NSW, 5 Stars
I have always enjoyed the Halifax f.p. series on TV and love reading novels as well, so when the book came out it was a win-win for me. It held me enthralled from the first chapter to the last as I needed to find out about Jane’s amnesia results through to the cold case of 20 years ago that helped her to test her memory. With threats to her safety along the way, I could not put the book down. Diana, VIC, 5 Stars
Resurrection is the second in the Roger Simpson Dr Jane Halifax series. Simpson has written the screenplays for the same character and has now turned his hand to novels. Halifax is a forensic psychiatrist who has been involved in a serious car accident and recovery is very slow physically and mentally due to the loss of memory. There was another car involved in the hit-and-run accident; an ongoing police investigation is working to find out if it was a deliberate attempt on Jane’s life. As parts of her memory start to return, the most clear time is 20 years earlier. Simpson brilliantly tells the story over the two timelines as Jane regains her memory and becomes more involved in a cold case… but is it cold? There was conviction. It is a page-turner and keeps you guessing to the very end, as parts of Jane’s life and cases come back to her. As a Melbournian, I enjoy the story being set in suburbs that are very familiar to me. Although second in the series it can be read alone. I highly recommend this series for all crime thriller fans. Karen, VIC, 5 Stars
I could not put this book down! I haven’t watched any of the Halifax series but this book was written in a way that one could be drawn into the story and wanting to watch and read more. I can’t wait to read where Simpson takes Jane’s story next. Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book. Jane Halifax is one of my favourite characters on the big screen and now in novels. This new offering from Roger Simpson will delight fans and newcomers alike. The story follows Jane as she overcomes new challenges but also revisits the past. There is just enough of the past to allow new readers to follow Jane on her new journey. As a fan of the Halifax TV series, I can easily picture Rebecca Gibney as I am reading each chapter. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. I will await the next installment of Jane Halifax. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved it. Roger Simpson is the acclaimed screenwriter of 20-plus movies and the popular Halifax series, which I will now endeavour to watch. Resurrection is his second novel following Dr Jane Halifax. Apart from getting acquainted with the characters, it was not necessary to have read the first novel or seen the series. This novel was easy flowing, with jumps to and from past and present. It has mileage and intrigue. Dr Jane Halifax is in the process of ‘resurrecting’ her memories and to assist she reflects on a past investigation, which takes us on a rollercoaster. I would class this novel as a psychological twister that is well worth the read. Sharon, QLD, 5 Stars
This was a very different story from the usual Jane Halifax series. I loved it. The book opens with Jane recovering from a terrible accident. The most severe injury was to her brain and she has lost her memory. She can’t remember who she is or even her own name. I was gripped from the start and couldn’t put the book down. As Jane slowly regains her memory she is often wondering if what she remembers is true or not. A fascinating read that will keep you guessing as the story unfolds. I read it in two sittings. Wonderful! Lyn, SA, 5 Stars
A psychological revelation as Jane Halifax, forensic psychiatrist, comes to terms with her life after a disturbing accident. The author involves the reader in her mixed perceptions, anxieties and snippets of memories of events that have shaped her. The writing covers psychology, law, tragedy, political events in COVID times of the last two years, places of interest in Melbourne and even humour. Rhymes add another feature to the story. Definitely highly recommended. Am looking forward to a sequel. Kate, NSW, 5 Stars
Resurrection is a gripping psychological crime thriller. Whether you love Dr Jane Hallifax or have never come across her before, from the first page you read you are drawn into her sphere. Immersed in a historical case that resurfaces and a car crash that seems deliberate, Jane awakes with little memory of who she is. The reader is taken down Jane’s journey to recovery in not just mind but self-discovery of her very essence. Simpson is a skilled writer with his characters and storytelling. This page-turning thriller with its twists, turns and raw emotions is tense, captivating and a great read. Jennifer, QLD, 5 Stars
Roger Simpson has produced another amazing Jane Halifax book! I really enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the book, although there wasn’t as much edge-of-your-seat suspense as the first book in the series had. It was still a thrilling and enjoyable read that kept you hooked til the final chapter. Erena, VIC, 4 Stars
I have enjoyed the Halifax fp TV series over the years and I read the first novel (Transgression) when it came out. This one starts with Jane in hospital, waking from a coma after a car accident. She has extensive injuries including memory loss. I loved the way she described her days as she worked at getting her memory back. Who can you trust as you recover your memories? There were certainly many interesting moments as some people take advantage of Jane’s memory loss. And other times when Jane second-guesses herself as she is uncertain of what she may have seen (in the present day). There is some humour in this novel so it is not all heavy mystery. Indigo, NSW, 4 Stars
A psychological thriller, a good read. The ending surprised me. Luciana, WA, 4 Stars
I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book and was hooked by its gripping start and interesting twists. I found this book to be a definite page-turner, easy to read with an interesting plot. KA, VIC, 4 Stars
This is the second book in the Halifax series. I hadn’t read book #1 but didn’t need to to understand the story. Jane has been in an accident and woken up with amnesia. The only flashes of her past that she seems to remember are from an old case. By investigating the case will she manage to unravel the mystery of her own life and resurrect her memories? This one has lots of twists and keeps you interested right til the end. Lee, VIC, 4 Stars
This was a great read with an interesting plot. There was good character development throughout. This book was well written and left me guessing and wanting to read on. I enjoyed that the story was set in Melbourne and included areas and landmarks of which I am familiar. I haven’t read any of the other Halifax books but I will now – this book was really well written so that you didn’t need to have read any of the previous books and it can stand alone as well as being part of a series. I really enjoyed this book. It is an easy and interesting read, and have already recommended it to a friend. Emma, VIC, 4 Stars
This is a really interesting, psychologically rich police and murder mystery. It is well-written, intriguing, and has a number of puzzles that keep you guessing. I hadn’t watched the TV show nor read the previous story, but I didn’t notice gaps in my understanding or enjoyment. Rarely do I say that an author is masterful, but I think Simpson is. Recommended. Cathryn, TAS, 4 Stars
Excellent read. Interesting to learn how a brain injury affects one’s life. Dr Halifax is involved in a car accident where her car is run off the road. She suffers a brain injury and the storyline covers her recovery from that. She can’t remember anything about the accident, but can remember things from 20 years ago. This involves her trying to help a young lady find out the story behind her parents’ deaths and the ultimate suicide of her brother; all this happened 20 years ago. Dr Halifax’s own father committed suicide when she was a young girl and she has not ever really confronted its consequences in her own life. She confronts it all now and then her own recovery progresses. Heartbreaking at times. Interesting read, could not put the book down at times. Glenice, VIC, 4 Stars
Back in the day, I was a big fan of Halifax fp, loved that she was a Forensic Psychologist working with the police, and was thrilled when I heard Roger Simpson was bringing back the character, this time in book form, rather than TV. Resurrection is the second in this series, eagerly awaited after reading Transgression, the first, last year. Resurrection begins with Jane Halifax in a car accident, waking up from a coma with no memory of the incident, who she, or who anyone else, is. I found this beginning fascinating as Jane cannot trust anyone because she doesn’t know who they are, who she is or how they are all related. She slowly begins to re-enter the world with the help of a decades-old case she was apparently interested in before the crash. She doesn’t need memory to solve the case but memory does slowly come back closely followed by some uncomfortable truths. Resurrection was an easy-to-read psychological thriller. Jane Halifax is a complex character who I am happy to spend time with any time. Keep on writing her, Mr Simpson, I beg you. Daniella, QLD, 4 Stars
Having not seen any of the Halifax series or read Roger Simpson’s first book, I was concerned I might be left behind. My fears weren’t realised though and the character and story were engaging from the very beginning. It was an intriguing tale that moved at a comfortable pace. There seemed to be a bit of a flurry activity at the end which I wasn’t expecting, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. Vanessa, QLD, 4 Stars
Was looking forward to this book and it didn’t disappoint. All the little back stories kept you entwined in the story and trying to second-guess what might come up next and definitely some surprises were put in there that weren’t expected at all. Overall a fairly fast-paced story where you didn’t need to read the first before opening this one, and one that kept you guessing till the end and kept you up reading late just to get another chapter or two down. Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
Resurrection by Roger Simpson brings Jane Halifax to life in a novel. The story starts with Jane in a car accident which causes her to lose her memory. The story captivates and makes you wonder how it would be to not remember not only who you are, but who are your close friends! This book entranced me from the first page! Julie, VIC, 4 Stars
In the second book with Jane Halifax, we were taken on a journey of Jane trying to rediscover who she is after a car accident left her with memory loss as well as trying to help a young woman uncover the truth about her family. I enjoyed the flashbacks to years before and seeing how it all connects together as well as following Jane on her journey to finally solving the mystery of whether a killer is really innocent or not. Great storytelling. Tayla, VIC, 4 Stars
I quite enjoyed this book. Very much a psychological thriller. I was always picturing Rebecca Gibney as Jane Halifax. Jane is very analytical, thinking, calm. It was interesting seeing her deal with her accident and loss of memory. The story tied up some loose ends from other storylines. And the ending I was not expecting. Overall a good story. Denise, SA, 4 Stars
Inside the mind of a forensic psychiatrist who’s affected by trauma… This is a fascinating idea. It isn’t, as some might assume, simply a detective drama. In fact, it doesn’t really have a focus on crime-solving or a crime case which may annoy some readers. It isn’t what I’d call a thriller (which makes it a bit different from the first Halifax). It’s more of a study of Jane Halifax, as she works out who she is and what’s going on. The mystery in this case is all about her and the bits around her unfold to explain the strangeness around her. A good idea though it doesn’t have the tautness and action of some other crime thrillers, however great if you like character examination and are a fan of Jane. It is plainly written to make it easy and swift to read. Rebecca, NSW, 4 Stars
Firstly, I have to admit that I didn’t realise this was the second book in the Halifax series until I had finished it. I felt like I should have known more about the characters and their backstories in general, therefore as the story drew to a close I was questioning everything. As a result, this is a book that is difficult to review but I will try my best. This is a story with two timelines and, because of the strong characters/personalities, the story pulled me in from the start. I immediately connected with Jane feeling everything she was currently going through. I felt her frustration and sadness but most of all her vulnerability. If I had more information about Jane’s backstory I would have been more heavily invested in the story. In general, this was a fast-paced thriller where you weren’t quite sure what was going to happen next. For those who have read the first Halifax book, you are in for a treat. For me, I have now bought the first book and will be hanging out for the third in the series. Diane, SA, 4 Stars
Roger Simpson creates a sense of suspense and mystery in Resurrection. Told from the point of view of Jane, who no longer remembers she is Jane, creates a deeply engrossing storyline. I read this one in a day as I couldn’t put it down. I loved Jane’s witty commentary on complex and intriguing characters. Sam, ACT, 4 Stars
This book has an apt Biblical title which reflects the theme of this second book in the Halifax f.p. series. I had previously seen and enjoyed Simpson’s work on TV with Dr Jane Halifax, played by Rebecca Gibney, as the highly skilled forensic psychiatrist protagonist so I looked forward to reading this book, kindly sent to me by Better Reading for review. I was not disappointed by this gripping novel as Simpson’s knowledge of the legal process shone through, making it largely very authentic. However, I did consider that Halifax’s involvement with a troubled young woman called Luna required me to suspend my disbelief at what would be seen by many psychiatrists as somewhat unprofessional behaviour. Nevertheless, this was a minor point in a twisting tale that satisfyingly answered my puzzlement. It was definitely a case of “physician heal thyself”! I look forward with eagerness to reading the next novel in this series. Pamela, VIC, 4 Stars
I had never watched the Halifax FP TV series, nor seen the movies, so I wondered how the author would write this novel about Jane Halifax Forensic Psychiatrist in a way that would appeal to both fans of the series and those like me who knew nothing of the heroine’s backstory. It was brilliantly done. Driving home from an excellent dinner, Jane is run off the road and left for dead. She survives with severe memory loss and must ‘recreate’ herself, which she does by tackling a ‘cold case’. Several mysteries ensue – who caused Jane’s accident? What had she missed in that cold case so long ago? Why were some aspects of her self-rediscovery blocked from consciousness? Roger Simpson sets up a real page-turner. I loved the first half of the book but felt the second part fell a bit flat, at least in relation to some of the mysteries. Still a good read though! Susan, VIC, 4 Stars
Jane Halifax is such a likeable character. She is real and raw in Resurrection. This book focuses more on the character than the mystery, which may work for some but I wanted more from the mystery. Melissa, QLD, 3 Stars
This series is new to me. It took me a while to get into the book. I was a little confused to start with because of all the different code names and the case obsession. Once she started on her journey, I really felt for her and wanted to figure out what happened. A slow burn enjoyable read. Tara, WA, 3 Stars
I hadn’t read the previous Jane Halifax book Transgression so I had no idea of her character. But without this background, this book can be read quite well as a stand-alone story without too much trouble. The storyline plows through Jane’s history anyway, as she attempts to retrace her memory after being in a car accident. My sympathy was always there with her for this journey into her past and as she delves into a 20-year-old case she was involved in (she believed this would help her recollections). I felt her frustrations and anger when these paths turned out to be unsuccessful. Jane’s character is likeable and I found I also had a fondness for her as a person on her mission to remember who she is. I liked Jane. Even without her memory, she is a gutsy, independent go-getter. A real woman of the 21st century. I now want to read Roger Simpson’s previous ‘Jane’ book! Chris, VIC, 3 Stars
Simpson’s style of writing at the beginning of the book has a way of making the reader feel as lost as the protagonist feels. Our understanding of the ever-changing landscape seems to mirror that of the main character. We find ourselves undertaking the journey with her; our eyes slowly being opened at the same time hers are. It’s not hard to see that Simpson starting writing for the screen. Alicia, NSW, 3 Stars
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