About the Book
The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel Paperback. In the near future when someone is murdered, a clone of the victim can be commissioned to help police solve the crime. This process is costly, tedious and not always successful. Memory lapses, mental implosions, and rouge clones are not uncommon. It’s risky, but Jonathan has the money, the fans, and the means, and so his clone must navigate a treacherous labyrinth of secrets to reclaim the life stolen from him and put his murderer behind bars.
Before his untimely death, Jonathan was stuck in a rut. His marriage was failing, writer’s block had his Jim Starlight series at a dead-end, and his affair with a college student was about to go public. When his charred remains are found inside his remote cabin it’s clear that the murderer is someone in his inner circle.
His clone only has a matter of days to unravel the mystery before he loses the vast fortune he spent his entire life, the first one, building. As he uncovers his previous life’s transgressions, the people he trusted most may have some unsavory opinions about clones. Jonathan must take his investigation into his own hands to have a chance at life.
The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel is a twist-filled murder mystery, that examines the life of a beloved celebrity tarnished by scandal and the painful process of coming to terms with one’s own demons.
About the Author
Jeffrey Ashkin’s literary journey began with penning plays for local and state competitions in Florida, where he tried to distinguish himself as a burgeoning talent. Even before college, he had already seen two of his plays come to life on stage – the existential sci-fi drama, “My Self,” wowed audiences at the
renowned Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville, while the satire “Growing Up Too Fast” found its place in publication through a prestigious theatre company and played many times throughout Florida.
After college, Jeffrey segued into writing films and short stories. He dove into science fiction and wrote and directed the sci-fi/mystery film “Technical Support.” This work earned the honor of gracing the screens at San Diego Comic-Con in 2012, drawing attention from distinguished filmmaker Rian Johnson, who praised the film as “Great stuff, well done. A cool sci-fi concept.” His subsequent films continued to captivate audiences at San Diego Comic-Con in both 2022 and 2023.
In addition to writing, he enjoys hosting convention panels that delve into storytelling, be it the iconic “Twilight Zone” series or the world of underwater filmmaking. He also likes playing trivia at O’Brien’s Pub in Santa Monica where he is usually outmatched by Jeopardy! Champions. During the week, he teaches special education in Los Angeles.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book,The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel, What is it about?
“The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel” is a sci-fi murder mystery that explores the boundaries of identity, memory, and morality. The story follows Jonathan Sendel, a man who wakes up in a new body, only to realize that his “resurrection” is not what it seems. As he pieces together the mystery of his death, he’s forced to navigate a world where technology blurs the line between life and death, and where the people he once trusted may not be who they appear to be. It’s a mix of psychological thriller and noir detective story, set against a futuristic backdrop where second chances come with unexpected consequences.
Beyond the mystery itself, the novel delves into the philosophical implications of consciousness and selfhood—if your memories are intact but your body is different, are you still you? And if technology allows us to cheat death, does that make us immortal, or just something else entirely?
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel, is it directed at any particular market?
“The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel” appeals to readers who enjoy sci-fi with a strong mystery element, particularly fans of authors Philip K. Dick. If you’re into stories that blend futuristic technology with deep philosophical questions—while still delivering a fast-paced plot—this book is for you. If you like films like Blade Runner, Ex Machina, or Black Mirror, you’ll probably find a lot to love in this novel.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
I like Philip K. Dick since he has this great ability to blur the line between reality and illusion (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?) his stories explore deep philosophical questions in accessible, gripping ways. I also really like Michael Crichton because of his gift of taking cutting-edge science and turning it into an adventure (Jurassic Park, Prey).
I also really like, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald because I like the how he takes the American dream and twists it to show the realities underneath.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
The best advice I can give is to write what excites you. If you’re having fun writing the story, chances are the reader will too. Experiment, take risks, and don’t feel like you have to play by established rules of telling the story.
Also, enjoy writing and rewriting. Take criticism graciously and not personally. If your script keeps getting the same note over and over again about something not working, it’s probably not working.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
I can be contacted directly at raindancefilms@gmail.com. If you want to know more about my work I’ve listed links below:
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212952310-the-second-life-of-jonathan-sendel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.ashkin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyashkin/ Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jeffreyashkin.bsky.social
Q6: What was your inspiration behind your book The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of someone investigating their own murder. If you had to do it, do you think you could? Also, would a clone inherit more than just memories? I wanted to blend a compelling murder mystery with a thought-provoking sci-fi concept.
Q7: Can you tell us about some of the challenges the clone of Jonathan will face as he tries to help solve his murder?
Jonathan Sendel’s clone isn’t just dealing with solving a crime—he’s grappling with his own existence. Is he really Jonathan Sendel, or someone else? Can he trust the memories implanted in him? Every clue he uncovers forces him to question both the murder and his own identity.
Q8: Which part of your book was your favourite to write, and why?
My favorite part of the book is when the clone begins to form his own identity. For a portion of the book, he’s trying to get the life he once had but then something changes and he wants his own identity and life.
Q9: Which part was the most challenging?
The most challenging part was blending the murder mystery with the existential question of what it means to be alive.
Q10: What will you be working on next?
Currently, I’m developing a sequel to The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel. I feel like there is a lot more to say about the world in this novel.
The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel Paperback by Jeffrey Ashkin
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