This intriguing new book explores the question of whether there is life after death, not through scientific or academic methodology, but by allowing people from around Ireland and the world to tell their stories of having been contacted by the living dead.

Healy and Mullan's approach is similar to that of the authors of the highly successful Chicken Soup for the Soul in that people are allowed to tell their own stories. Such first-hand accounts are both compelling to those who already believe and challenging to those who are sceptics.

Contacted does not set out to prove or to proselytise. Each story is presented on its own, without commentary, thus allowing readers to make up their own minds. Such an approach gives breathing space to the reader who might wish to sit and reflect on a particular story.