Messenger by Jan Burke

I've never read one of Jan Burke's Irene Kelly mysteries but the review of this book was what made me put a hold on it before the library received it. It read like a best seller, which is not something I'm into, but, it kept my interest so I read it in a day. That speaks very well for this novel.
We are introduced to Tyler Hawthorne and Amanda Clarke when they meet at the bedside of their mutual friend, Ron. Amanda is immediately angry with Tyler because he had told Ron that his cancer was going into remission and she didn't want someone handing her friend false hope. As Tyler had just come from the bedside of a dying person he wasn't at his strongest or best. Tyler talks to dying people. He listens to their final thoughts and passes on information to the ones being left behind. Once they're dead, he doesn't hear them - but Amanda sees them! Well, actually, it's only her parents and aunt and uncle that she sees but doesn't hear. Eventually, Tyler will have to explain to her that he was given the gift of a momento mori ring in his bargain for his life. He also got a large black dog, a cemetary dog, to guard him and ease his fever and pain after he listens to the dead. Now the creep who gave him this gift, wants it all back. Trouble is Tyler discovered how evil the man was and remains in death. Now he has to protect Amanda and Ron. Lots more to this but you'll have to read it for yourself!