I don't know how T.J. Klune manages to break my heart repeatedly and yet also makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside too...

He somehow blends such serious and thoughtful topics like death and grief with humour and coziness, so that the end result is something truly special. His characters are always fantastic and 'Under the Whispering Door' introduces us to a new set of messy, complicated humans(mostly) that will definetely leave you feeling a mixture of heartbroken and warm and fuzzy too.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review; many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for the opportunity.

This review will contain spoilers.

After one of the most iconic and villainous introductions to a main character that I've read in a good long while, the story flipped my expectations and took me on a journey that involved both laughter, tears, and staying up far past my bedtime.

There were so many things to love about this book. The characters were so all very flawed but vibrantly human (even when they were not); the relationships and found family aspect were very well done. I loved the world building and the entire book felt very cinematic. After the description of the tea shop I could not help but visualize the entire book as one Ghibli-esque romp through the afterlife.

This is one of those books that is just so beautifully written and includes such lovely characters, that I'll be thinking about for a long time.

I really liked this book; though it was definitely darker in tone and content than The House in the Cerulean Sea it was so thoughtfully approached and heartfelt that I'm glad I went a bit out of my comfort zone to read it. The book is a little bit of a spooky love story - so perfect for reading snuggled up under the covers during chilly weather with a cup of something warm and comforting.

I appreciated the provided content warning for discussions of violence and suicide, etc. I really liked how problems were solved with kindness and actually having conversations (instead of pointless drama). Some parts felt trope-y but were nicely balanced out by the nicely handled descriptions of existential crisis and grief management that were the main focus of the book.

I would definitely recommend this very charming book for fans of this author's other works. and those who want a heartwarming story about grief, and second (or more) chances.

I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of Under the Whispering Door after reading and loving House in the Cerulean Sea last summer. It is important to note that these two books are different. House in the Cerulean Sea is soft and welcoming from the start, its protagonist Linus Baker a good man from the get go, the reader waiting for him to share his goodness with those on the island. Wallace Price is a completely different person from Linus Baker. A cutthroat, successful attorney, Wallace is used to things going his way so when he suddenly dies of a heart attack Wallace’s life, or afterlife, is completely overthrown. Wallace is taken to the way station between the land of the living and the land of the dead, a teashop called Charon’s Crossing, where Wallace learns the true value of life and how love can change someone for the better.
This book was an experience and may be upsetting for some readers who have recently lost someone. I appreciated the trigger warning for suicide at the beginning of the book.

Omg this was amazing ! I’m in love with this author since the house in the cerulean sea! I was so excited to get a copy of this new story and it was a wonderful story
Like different, refreshing and it’s rare that a book makes me cry and well I might’ve cry .. maybe :)
Thanks netgalley !

If you have been waiting for another warm hug of a book since reading "Cerulean Sea" pick up this new one. A lovely story that turns grief into hope

I was drawn to this book immediately not only because TJ Klune wrote one of my favourite books of 2020, but because he described this novel as “a comedy about grief,” and I don’t think he could’ve been more accurate in his description.

Wallace was an objectively bad person in life, a man who is divorced, has no friends, and values his law career above all else. It comes as a shock to him, however, when he dies of a sudden heart attack and almost no one shows at his funeral. He does however meet Mei there, who he soon finds out is a Reaper and is the only one who can see him. Mei’s job is to guide Wallace to The Ferryman, Hugo, who is supposed to help him onto his next phase of existence.

Wallace is reluctant to listen to Hugo or Mei, and originally spends much time bargaining for his life and having one failed escape attempt with almost worse than fatal consequences. Charon’s Crossing, the tea house and odd home that Hugo and Mei share with the ghost of Hugo’s grandfather, Nelson, and Hugo’s ghost therapy dog, Apollo, is described as a way station, a place to go immediately after death to prepare to pass onto the next stage, of which not even Hugo knows anything substantial about. This all infuriates Wallace at first, wanting answers and refusing to take any kindness thrown his way.

Despite his reluctance, Wallace rather quickly becomes a whole new person when embraced by these new people who truly want to know him, even in death. He comes to think of them as his friends, and even a family of sorts, all while he’s falling for Hugo, the Ferryman he can’t even touch due to the whole, dead thing. Before long, Wallace has a whole list of new reasons to not want to pass on, and more authentic relationships than he ever had in life.

This book was funny, insightful and full of charm, with Klune managing to pull off an overall positive tone in a book that spends the majority of the time discussing death. A more than worthwhile read.

I didn't know what to expect going into this novel and Iit genuinely blew me away. I've never read T.J Klune before, but I heard wonderful things for House in the Cerulean Sea and I was ecstatic when I received a copy of Under the Whispering Door.
Walter starts out as someone you don't like. You're not supposed to like him. But as time went on, I grew to love him and the best part is I can't pinpoint an exact moment. Suddenly, I was rooting for him.
As someone who has dealt with the death of a close love one, I was skeptical going into this. But Under the Whispering Door handle the heavy topic with grace. Philosophies and dark concepts were kept light hearted by loving, witty and overall bright characters. It's hard to be sad about death and grief in such a whimsical atmosphere. Still, it brought me to tears towards the end.
TJ Klune summed this book up well in a tweet last year. "The book is about being kind to yourself, and learning to cope and have faith when all seems lost."
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with an E-Book of Under The Whispering Door for an honest review.

<i>A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!</i>

The House in the Cerulean Sea is the book you want, but Under the Whispering Door is the book you need.

What a book.

I'm not gonna lie. It wasn't what I expected. To be fair, I also didn't really know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I think I thought it'd be more cutesy, like Cerulean Sea, and less absolutely fucking heartbreaking. Rereading the synopsis just now also made me realize it doesn't do the book justice in my opinion, so just read it. You won't regret it.

Trigger warnings: Death. Obviously. But, to be a bit more specific: <spoiler>death by suicide, murder (stabbing), though none of it graphic. Death of a pet, crossing of characters.</spoiler>

I don't even know how to talk about this book coherently. How to properly explain how much I loved this book, and perhaps more importantly, why. As I mentioned in my initial response, I read 60% of it in one go because I couldn't stop, and finished it at 2am. I absolutely sobbed my eyes out over one specific quote that I'm sure wasn't meant to have that kind of effect (I literally had to put my tablet aside), and I cried several times throughout the book in general.

I don't do that.

But here I was. Because I <i>cared</i> so much about these characters. Even Wallace, which I had not expected starting out, haha! Whether they were main characters, or side characters, I cared about them all. Even the Manager confused my emotions, haha!

My absolute favorite character was Nelson. He was the reason for most of the times I laughed out loud, because, as we're used to from Klune, this book is <i>funny</i>. It's just that this time, it's also heartbreaking.

But it heals you just as much.

This is an afterlife I could believe in, even if only by sheer force of will. And I would love to visit Charon's Crossing Tea and Treats, even if I don't like tea. I'm sure Hugo would find me something.

Maybe one day I'll gain the ability to write proper reviews about Klune's books, but today is not that day. You'll have to take my word for it: I loved it, it was beautiful, it was painful, it was everything I needed, I felt light after finishing it, I can't wait for the audio!

P.S. The Cerulean Sea reference was PERFECT and I LOVED it!

I don't even know if I can do this book justice. I am a huge fan of House in the Cerulean Sea and so when I was saw Under the Whispering Door, I couldn't contain my excitement. The story, while separate from House in the Cerulean Sea, feels similar in a way-- and by that I mean, I still felt like... very happy and warm while reading it. Which is even weirder for this book because..it's about death. The mix of humor and serious topics was perfect throughout the entire story. I loved every character (Apollo & Mei especially!) and while I was enjoying myself, I also felt really introspective. It makes you think about the life you're living and what you would do differently and helps sort of reframe the "unknown" that surrounds what happens when you die.

I can't wait to read it again when it comes out. I have nothing but amazing, positive things to say about it.

ARC/NetGalley

TJ Klune's new book doesn’t come out until September but I’m not one to wait on reviewing an ARC. Wallace Price is dead, but not ready to accept that. He’s brought to a ferryman who helps ghosts cross over to what’s next. A task that’s made more complicated when they start to fall for each other.

Under the Whispering Door is darker and sadder than The House in the Cerulean Sea, but it shares its predecessor’s quirky humor and theme of found family. If you liked The Graveyard Book you’ll connect to this more adult story.

This is definitely one of the most notable books ive read recently. Under the whispering door is a beautiful, wholesome, heartfelt novel dealing with grief, death and acceptance of a sort.

I think the aspect I enjoyed the most was the comedy. It was funny without intending to be funny, but seeing a dead man not understanding shit of whats going on, like us readers, was pretty damn hilarious.

The other thing is the world building. Its very unique and different compared to the other books ive read and i was constantly in awe and wonder of the details and tidbits of world building information we got. The author too had sprinkled all this throughout the book which made it a worth more an experience to read because it added more tension, speculation and suspense. And the tea shop? Pure masterpiece because it was such a calm and refreshing setting to read in, just damn the vibes of this book is immaculate.

Undoubtedly the characters were what held a huge grip on me. Hugo is a mfing dilf. And his voice is so distinct. The intellectual input through the characters and especially through Hugo, as his role as the ferryman really had such a grip on me because idk HIS MIND??? Its just so fckn sexy??? I can’t even describe it, the walks, the talks, the BANTER, it was so fun and actually enjoyable to read about. Im a reader who’s really critical of banter but idk Hugo has me at death door on how much i enjoyed reading his interactions! And finally, Wallace. Im not going to go as far as to say he was a phenomenal character, but oh boy was the character work done phenomenally. It was the gradual acceptance of what had happened to him, of where he is at now, to his place with Hugo, just all of it was so SO GOOD!! We got see him as a character grow so much throughout this book and all of it is so evident, im just in awe of the author here. Like the way Wallace’s past was brought up. The flashbacks, the memory reels, it just AAAAAAAAAAH JUST wow. The teacup scene is one of my favorite scenes and not one im likely to forget any time soon because WOW THAT WAS GOOD.

I clearly loved this book, but it also had things I didn’t necessarily enjoy. The biggest of which is pacing. I enjoyed this book for its characters and vibes, which is exactly what this mostly is and so its a pretty slow paced book, a slow troll in the park if you will and i loved that yes! UNTIL the end, which kind of felt rushed. And i feel this way because the conflict was resolved in a pretty convenient way and the conflict mainly picks up near the end. Idk the manager as a character really downgraded at *that* point. And i get there aren’t a lot of things the characters could have done, but it still felt a bit more convenient to me.

Regardless, this is definitely a great book and one i really enjoyed! Thank you to Tor for granting me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

Some thoughts i had while reading the book!
- This is so fun
- Hugo Freeman dilf
- The tea cup scene was so beautiful im WOW
- Did i just accidentally stumble upon therapy WTF THIS BOOK...

I've received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

The stuff doesn't really wasn't what I was expecting but in all the right areas intriguing and complex.

This book was undeniably fantastic. I loved every minute of reading it, I really did. I immediately wanted to read Klune's other work, and this book made me think a lot about the way I"m living my life and how I could live it more fully. My one comment is not about the writing/the book, but rather about the marketing copy - the visit from the Manager occurs 80% into the book, so I spent a lot of the book waiting for that to happen, because the framing in the cover copy made it seem like it was the inciting incident of the story, and being slightly impatient that it hadn't happened yet. So that was a little distracting from my enjoyment of the story itself, which was sad because the story was so great!

Under the Whispering Door is a wonderful read that deals with love and grief - and the full gamut of relationships that run in between. Wallace Price is an asshole, a lawyer whose life is consumed with work, who shows no empathy or humanity for others when he dies. This is the story of how he changes after death and the journey he goes on, the friends he makes and the love he embraces - with a little help from a Reaper called Mei, a tea shop owner called Hugo, Hugo's dead grandfather and a ghost dog.

T J Klune is a master at creating compelling stories and characters you fall in love with, and he's done it again with Under the Whispering Door. I was laughing and crying from page to page, as T J Klune's pointed wit and humour sat side by side with his ability to dig deep into emotion.

The character development is unparalleled, never before have I gone from hating to loving a character in such a smooth arc - a journey for me, as well as for Wallace.

This may be a difficult read for people struggling with grief as it does pose questions about how humanity deals with life and death; getting closure (or not); and what comes after. There is a content warning at the start of the book, as some heavy themes are also intricately woven into the novel, including suicide and children dying. The dry humour that is interspersed in the book breaks up these heavy subjects, without ever seeming forced or frivolous.

An utterly charming read from start to finish. This one is going to stay with me for a long time.

I received an advance review copy of this book via the publishers on NetGalley; it releases on Amazon on September 21st 2021.

Klune strikes again! Okay, you guys are going to need a bit of context for my reactions to this sad, funny, intricate gem of a novel (which I received as a free eArc from Netgalley). I have, for years, had quite a bit of trouble with authors (especially those that aren’t associated with the diverse aspects they claim to represent) creating supposedly diverse characters that are flat or one dimensional. You all know what I’m talking about, that character that is described as being African American, or Muslim, or some other underrepresented characteristic and…that’s all. There is nothing else interesting, or complex, or even human about them, they are a cardboard cutout designed to provide “diversity” to the novel.
Okay, background having been properly provided, let me continue with the review. I have now read two of Klune’s novels (this title and The House in the Cerulean Sea) and I am over the moon about one thing in particular, all of the characters – no matter what their backgrounds – are intricate, human, and thoughtfully portrayed! On top of this astounding feat of writing skill and human empathy, both novels were well-written, funny, and exciting to read. I cried, I laughed out loud, and I honestly believed in the characters and their motives. Definitely an author to watch going forward.

TJ Klune is a masterful writer and one that I will be needing to add his entire backlog to my TBR shelf.
Under the Whispering Door is a book about death. It focuses on what comes after the act of dying.
We meet our main character Wallace at the end of his life and we soon find out just exactly what kind of person Wallace is, and that's a not-so-great one. Wallace is escorted to a tea shop run by Hugo, who is a "ferryman" for the those in the afterlife. His job to help Wallace and other recently departed to accept their deaths, and be ready to go through a door to what awaits next.

Klune has such a fun writing style and his books have such important messages that need to be read and absorbed by everyone. Even in a book about macabre subjects, he injects a breath of life into the story and has such wonderful character development. His previous book, The House in the Cerulean Sea, is widely loved and enjoyed for many of the same reasons listed above. This book is of the same vein, but ultimately I think some will have challenges with this story. If you are a person that has a religious-backed idea of the afterlife, you may not find this book suitable. Klune presents us with a new idea of what happens after the act of death and I think this is best suited for those with open minds about the subject.

This book made me laugh, cry, remember my own loved ones who have passed and most importantly, made me stop to think if I am happy with my life so far. Bravo to Klune and I cannot wait to read more of his work.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge publishers for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

"You have questions"
In a shaky voice, Wallace replied, "That is quite possibly the biggest understatement ever spoken by the human tongue." --Chapter Five, Under the Whispering Door

I had super high hopes going into this novel because I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, it currently stands as my favorite read of 2021 so far. Where The House in the Cerulean Sea had majority of joyous moments with serious commentary scenes mixed in, Under the Whispering Door has several heavy moments with ice breakers throughout. Although these books are so polarizing in theme, I found I was engaged from the very first chapter just like in The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Wallace Price is undeniably selfish and prior to his death, he saw no fault in that. Following his death he meets Mei, a Reaper, who takes him to this quirky teashop run by a ferryman. Hugo is the person that'll help Wallace cope with his death and cross over. Wallace is quite angry and still his egotistic self when he meets Hugo. He also hasn't entirely accepted that he's dead. While not giving too much away, Wallace has one of the best character arcs. I think it had to do with the Freeman family and how many other spirits and human beings he encountered at his prolonged stay at the cafe. Realistically, he needed that time and those "eye-opening moments' Don't be fooled by the synopsis, Wallace is given an ultimatum but this novel occurs over a span longer than seven days.

It was wonderfully done but possibly triggering for some readers, this book's commentary is on more than just Wallace's death. It's to be expected that a book discussing death and grief would have heavy commentary but I do want to give a Content warning: Discussion of suicide, murder, death of child (previous to book timeline/death from childhood cancer), unexpected deaths, and stages of grief. TJ Klune does give a content warning at the beginning of the novel and does a fantastic job illustrating all of these discussions. It flows so well as Hugo is a ferryman, Wallace isn't the first or the last spirit Hugo has helped, learned throughout the course of the novel.

The whole Freeman family was a delight to read about with all the different personalities. The clothing fiasco and other ice breakers like it, allowed some parts to ease the tension the topics of the book had without taking away any messages of grief or death the author was portraying. This next quote is pulled from an ice breaker moment about Mei hating on fake psychics and while I realize it's dark humor (given the themes of the book), it a note to Hugo and Mei's interactions (and reminded me of Arthur and Lucy).

[Mei] crossed her arms and pouted "Nothing's stopping us. You told me that we should always try and achieve our dreams."
"I didn't have murder in mind when I told you that," Hugo said dryly --- Chapter 11, Under the Whispering Door

If you're a fan of TJ Klune's works, you're not going to be disappointed. Comes out September 21st, 2021!

I was beyond thrilled to get approved for T.J. Klune’s upcoming book Under the Whispering Door. He has a writing style that is whimsical and easy to read while also making me feel a wide range of emotions. Once again I was immediately drawn in and invested in the story from the start.

This is a story about death, loss and grief, but it’s also about friendship, hope, love, and family. While it deals with sad and darker content, it is done in a delicate manner and is also very funny and moving in ways you might not expect. There is a one scene in the middle of the book that had me cracking up so much I had to go back and read that section again! All of the characters are amazing - they are well developed, memorable and just fantastic. This isn’t surprising given I’m still thinking about the kids from The House in the Cerulean Sea (hi Chauncey!!). Nelson was my favorite - his sarcastic attitude and jokes brought levity and made me laugh so many times.

My expectations for this book were sky high and I am so glad that this book lived up to them! It is a charming story that I know I will be re-reading in the future. This is very different from The House in the Cerulean Sea, but similar in that it will transport you and immerse you into the story while taking you on an emotional journey with some great characters. 5/5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Tor for gifting me this eARC to read and review. Under the Whispering Door will be out on September 21.

This wonderful book took me on an emotional and whimsical journey with a character I disliked, but who warmed my heart little by little along the way! From the blurb I knew this book would crush me as it speaks about the afterlife & if you were given a chance to change would you? And though this is a tough topic, the story is entertaining and funny - Patricia Ryan oh my! A reaper, Mei, comes to collect Wallace Price at his own funeral and to his surprise only five people were in attendance! Mei brings Wallace to a small village in the afterlife to Hugo, a tea shop owner and a ferryman to souls who needs to cross over. Having questions - Wallace is adamant on staying put so he’s given seven days to cross over. With Hugo’s help and gentle guidance, Wallace experiences love and life! Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Books, and the author for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.

*Reviews on Goodreads, BookBub, and Instagram; will post on Amazon on publish date.*

Stunningly beautiful and deeply profound. This book resonated in the deepest parts of my soul. It’s about the power of relationships. It’s about allowing yourself to be loved. And it’s about the possibility of change and learning from mistakes

How do you write a review for a book that is absolutely, completely, and utterly PERFECT? Klune has somehow taken the topic of death and made it endearing and whimsical with just the right touch of self-reflection. He’s created characters that are both impossibly loveable and ones you can’t imagine life without. And he’s done it all with charm and wit and beautiful prose. If this doesn’t exhibit writing at its best…if this doesn’t denote an author that is an absolute master, I’m at a loss for what does!

Wallace liked to think of himself as intelligent, hardworking, and successful. Others saw him as a crotchety, self-consumed asshole. But death is an equal opportunity taker. What kind of life did all of that hard work and privilege really afford him in the end? After a massive heart attack, Wallace finds himself at an afterlife way station, imbedded in a tea shop, where he must come to terms with his life and death with help from Hugo, Mei, and Nelson. Wallace may be the main character, but it’s Hugo, Mei, and Nelson that delight! They create a warm, safe space for Wallace to let go of fear and embrace kindness. Ultimately, it took dying for Walter to find his humanity and to learn how to let people love him.

Klune explores the hard topics of death and grief through quirky, easy to love characters that are real and relatable while delivering important life lessons through the whimsical backdrop of this afterlife way station. I couldn't have loved this book more!

Thank you TJ Klune, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.