Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune is an adult fiction novel about death and beyond.
When Wallace Price died, he didn't expect to be reaped by a girl in a suit. He also didn't expect to be brought to Charon's Crossing, a peculiar tea shop in a small, middle of-nowhere-town. And he really didn't expect to be tied, by a literal hook, to a ferryman named, Hugo.
It turns out, being dead isn't easy and Wallace isn't ready to give up the, less than fulfilling, life he'd left behind. But Charon's Crossing is a waystation of sorts and it is Hugo's job to help the dead move on. With his help, Wallace comes to see all that he missed out on life and when a being, known only as the Manager, tells him his time is up, Wallace is determined to "live" his last few days the best way possible. But will he be ready when the time comes? Will anyone?
I can't tell you how much I love Klune's books. This one had me literally giggling in my bed at times. It's always lovely when a book surprises a laugh out of you. There was also this wonderful balance of levity and philosophy. This book deals with a topic that many people shy away from, or at the very least feel uncertain or uncomfortable thinking about: death and what comes after. But Klune is able to maintain the seriousness of the subject, while making the reader feel comfortable. Not an easy feat.
I also loved each and every character in this book. Even the Manager, shockingly enough. I did find the storyline a tad predictable but that didn't bother me much. I know this is weird to say but I felt comfortable reading this story; it was truly a pleasant read for me.
My only slightly negative comment is how swiftly Mr. Lawyer, workaholic, no time for emotions, and yet angry and defensive, Wallace, turns into such a decent guy... and an insightful one at that. Maybe it happened gradually and I just didn't see it, but Wallace turned too likable too quickly in my opinion.
This one gets 4.5-5 stars from me. Bring on the next one Klune. I'll be waiting!
That's all for now!
-M-
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