When Joe receives a call from his superior, Lieutenant Powell, asking for help with a murder investigation, he greets it with mixed emotions. On the one hand it seems an interesting case, but he needs to be there for Nikki. He is only a consultant, however, so his exposure to the violent elements should be minimal.

Upon viewing the crime scene, Joe realizes he knew the dead man.- Dr. Robert Nelson, a parapsychology professor at the university. Joe had been asked to debunk several supposedly paranormal events heralded by the good Dr. Nelson. The extremely odd way in which Dr. Nelson met his death has everyone stunned. Nelson was found in his home impaled by an obelisk-like stone sculpture of considerable height and weight. According to Nelson’s girlfriend, odd things - like pots and pans clattering together when no one is in the kitchen , have been happening ever since Nelson had a falling out with an eight-year-old African-American boy, Jesse Randall. Rumor has it that when Jesse has bad dreams, evil things happen to people who have crossed him.

Initial inspection of the crime scene, reveals no obvious clues to Joe. His next move is to interview Jesse to assess the boy’s so called psychic powers. Joe is impressed by the boy, but feels that he is a good illusionist, not a psychic. Jesse terminates the interview. obviously displeased by Joe’s questioning. That evening the elevator in Joe’s building malfunctions, with Joe in it. Through a number of quick thinking maneuvers, Joe manages to emerge unscathed, but extremely shaken. Does this boy really have the ability to harm people through his subconscious?

Beyond Belief has all the elements needed to make a classic action thriller. Bizarre death, kidnapping by helicopter and, at first glance, much action involving unexplained phenomena. However, as is often the case in the world of illusion, looks are deceiving. The methodical and scientific manner in which Joe proceeds to investigate the strange death makes the plot much more believable and lifelike. The author presents ludicrous situations, yet he has Joe patiently examine the scenes and produce a logical explanation, based on scientific facts.

Occasionally Mr. Johansen goes a bit too far. I struggled with the kidnapping by helicopter, especially in the pursuit by Jesse’s self appointed protector. He is suspended by a rope attached to the helicopter as the helicopter takes off. He manages to climb partway up the rope before the pilot manages to dislodge him by almost scraping him against the side of a building. And he is not seriously injured. Not knowing much about helicopters, this may be possible, but it seems extreme to me. It would undoubtedly make a great action flick.

Although there are quite a few characters in the novel, all are well drawn. They are neither perfect people, nor are they so overburdened by character flaws that they hardly seem capable of functioning. Their actions are justifiable on the basis of their previously explained needs and wants. The book is more action driven than character driven, but at least the reader has an idea about the characters’ emotional makeup.

The reader gets the privilege of being, perhaps, ninety percent omniscient, but the author manages to keep a few secrets capable of illiciting an - Oh, now I understand, from his readers. Anyone with an interest in magic will certainly be amused by this one, and those who are skeptical of otherworldly events will find Mr. Johansen on their side - for the most part. The author does a commendable job of educating the public in some of the ways a magician can deceive our minds as well as our eyes.

--Andy Plonka