Funny, sad, tragic and enlightning... I loved this book. - Rated 
Speaking as someone who's done the Psychic & Mystic Fair Circuits and read many of Ms Mantels other books I was both intrigued and hesitant about this book as I worried she might give the usual description of supernatural.
Instead I was delighted to find that she'd used her wonderful imagination to create Alisons' world instead of the usual hackneyed view of a psychics' life, ability and how they'd comunicate with the spirit world.
This is a truely glorious work of fiction that I'd happily recommend to anyone who enjoys great writing and plot.
*Another little gem in this book is, at the end of novel there's an interview with Ms Mantel about the book, a description of her other novels, a list of her favourite books and a list of books by other authors that share a similar theme to Beyond Black.
P.S. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I'm going to give it to her other book "Fludd" instead, though it was a close run thing.
Obviously this is a book that people love or hate - I loved it! - Rated 
An engaging and very sympathetic central character (plus an unsympathetic but somehow still likeable supporting one in Colette - I think it was her acid tongue that I liked) gives life to this portrait of drab south-eastern England.
OK it's not Stephen King, in that the plot doesn't grip like a vice and there aren't massive supernatural shocks in store. In fact the 'fiends' were probably a lot more frightening when they were alive.
It reminded me a bit of 'The Office', purely in the sense that it's set in the same M25 hinterland where everything is a bit crap and shoddy, and it doesn't move along very fast. If you're enjoying the ride, that doesn't matter.
I found it funny, moving, and emotionally involving. The descriptions of psychic shows (based on the one (and only) show that I've seen) were spot-on, and I loved the bitching, rivalry, and ultimately friendship and support among Alison's fellow psychics. The descriptions of the male psychics particularly were very funny.
Pick it up, read the first few pages (up to about page 7) - that should be enough to tell you if you will enjoy the novel.
Various reviewers have complained about the book being too long. Au contraire - like Alison herself, there's just more of it to love.
2 words.... - Rated 
Beyond terrible.
This was simply the worst thing I have ever read, and I mean that wholeheartedly. 2-dimensional characters, a total lack of pace, excitement or direction, topped off with a horribly saccharine and conveniently 'all is well' conclusion that makes the end of The Matrix: Revolutions look like the Wachowski brothers DID, after all, know what they were doing.
Stay away from this. Read some Haruki Murakami instead.
Poignant look at life and death. - Rated
I think this book is very well written, it is a subject that could put many people off the read. It is and very funny read in parts but it does have a dark side and both women have known much sadness. I do disagree with it being a `ghost story'. It is more an observant account of how two women meet up, and how their lives progress, ghosts are definitely a sideline. Thoroughly enjoyable and I will look out for more books by the Hilary Mantel.
Don't bother - Rated
I bought this book after reading rave reviews about it, but gave up within 50 pages. It wasn't just the fact that the book was incredibly depressing, but also that it was incredibly boring. I agree with one of the other reviewers in that the details about daily life in the UK were just dull.
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