Wallace Price is dead. He’s not overly impressed, but unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much he can do about it - other than hang out in a teashop with the Mei and Hugo (the reaper and the ferryman) and refuse to move on. Hugo’s dead grandad Nelson is there too, like Wallace stubbornly ignoring the door at the top of the house that calls to him. Life in the teashop is quite nice actually and Wallace feels that he is living life more than he ever has before. Except that he’s still dead.

The character development in this book is as inspiring as it is depressing. It’s a lovely example of how anyone can change, although you can’t help but hope that most people can achieve this before they’re actually dead. Even Hugo, who seems perfect from the outset, experiences a development of character as he accepts that the weight of the world is not on his shoulders alone and allows those who love him to offer their help.

Helping others is a constant theme throughout. In the obvious ways, as Hugo helps the dead to move on. And in the less obvious ways, as he helps Wallace to become a better person and as Wallace helps Hugo to see the flaws in the system that he is blindly following. Even the ‘cruel’ manager is driven by helping others, although his methods are sometimes a bit questionable and the manner with which he delivers his assistance does him no favours.

Overall, despite the expected negative undertone of death and missed chances, this novel has an overwhelming positivity to it. After reading I was left with the feeling that I wanted to be a better person and help more people, yet without any bitterness or regret as to how I was currently behaving. It wasn’t that the book made me feel I wasn’t doing enough, rather that there was always an opportunity to do better.

This book gave me everything i was looking for. I felt so many emotions while reading it… My heart dont lie.

This book has a lot going for it: intriguing premise, relatively likeable characters, and the humor that Klune is so well known for, however, it just didn’t meld together as well as it has in previous books. Under the Whispering Door is attempting to tackle larger topics like the meaning of life and how to come to terms with death, but when pushed together with the bordering childish humor that plays throughout, it lacks the cohesiveness that I come to expect from a TJ Klune book. However, for me the thing that put me off the most was the pacing.

A bit of the magic of this book was lost for me because of the slightly off pacing. I felt like the set-up took too long. I wanted something to happen a lot sooner than it did. I was mildly entertained, but mostly bored for around the first 60% of the book. Also, a lot of the philosophical musings seemed to repeat themselves almost to exhaustion. I’m sure that if an editor had really been looking, they could have cut at least fifty pages and made it a much tighter book, with better pacing.

Despite the plot/pacing issues, I still find myself in love with the whimsical style of Klune’s books. The way he describes his world from the tea shop to the characters themselves are absolutely lovely and often leave me with a cozy feeling and usually in tears. However, because of the other issues I had, this book never hit me in the emotional feels. Also, I find Wallace to be a bit of a prick and my empathy can only really extend so far.

Overall, I think a lot of readers will be quite happy with this. Especially if they aren’t bothered by the slow pace or put off by the main character. Those that fell in love with his writing in The House in the Cerulean Sea may be disappointed and be left wanting. However, there are also going to be readers who curl up in a puddle of their own tears and rock themselves to sleep so… read it if you’re interested, but just be aware that this may not live up to the expectations set up in your heart.

It took me a long while to finish Under the Whispering Door, TJ Klune’s new novel – and I even made a mistake on GoodReads, marking it as ‘read’ back in August. Ops.

Why? Because Under the Whispering Door is one of the most intense books I ever read. Intense, but also hilarious. Sad. Uplifting. Thought-provoking. Riveting. Charming.

—I mean, I could go on listing words here, but my point is, Under the Whispering Door is all I hoped to find when I requested it on NetGalley and then some.

Thank you, TJ Klune. This is a masterpiece.


**

When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.

Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop’s owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.

But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo’s help he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.

When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days.

Under the Whispering Door is a contemporary fantasy about a ghost who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with.

373 pages
Paranormal, LGBTQ, romance
Macmillan-Tor/Forge
Goodreads

**

Cover: Beautiful! It’s whimsical yet evocative, I love it.

Yay!

- Under the Whispering Door is the story of Wallace Price, a freshly departed lawyer who’s meant to transition from life to death to The Big After. Ignoring my inherent fondness for books set in the afterlife, that’s a great hook. The plot is engaging and told in an upbeat style, with no mistakes or logical flaws. I’m mentioning all this because it’s not something to take for granted – believe me, it’s not.

- The characters! They’re so well-crafted I could spend hours waxing poetic about them. Wallace starts his journey as a grade-A asshole, then he grows along the way until you can no longer recognize him. Hugo and Mei read as actual persons—they do—but my favorite is Nelson. He shines through the pages. I don’t like the Manager, but that’s to be expected.

- Desdemona Tripplethorn. The tongue-in-cheek here is delightful. How many times have I encountered characters with improbable names? Too many to keep track of, and I guess Klune is as fed up with them as I am: that name is a mouthful, and it’s spelled out in clear letters. I’m glad she gets to redeem herself, in a way; I’m also glad she reminds everyone that we don’t need any more Ebony Dark’ness Dementia Raven Ways 😛

- The love story is so delicate I wish I could frame it and put it on my walls.

- I cried. Nancy and Lea, they got to my emotional side, which is a feat in itself. It takes huge writing skills to get me to care that much about fictional characters, on account of them being fictional.

Nay!

- Under the Whispering Door is a flawless book. Nothing to see here.

TL;DR

5 stars on GR.

TJ Klune's stories will resonate with people in the world for years to come. There's just something about his stories that dig themselves into your core no matter who you are. Even if you're a disgruntled lawyer, who doesn't want to be dead, but deeply just wants to be loved, or reading about the disgruntled lawyer, it feels as if a little tiny kitten has chosen to curl up in your lap instead of the designer bed you've purchased for it. You can't help but feel pleased and proud that this little creature has chosen you to be close to, even though in theory, there are much more comfortable locales available.

And Under the Whispering Door really does feel like that. I have to admit that when I first started this, I was armed with the knowledge and experience that was The House in the Cerulean Sea being my favourite read of 2020, and somehow expecting to experience the exact same story over again. Which is obviously unfair to the book, the author, and me, as a reader. This is an entirely different story, and will touch the readers in a way that while similar to THITCS, hits different buttons. I didn't like Wallace at first, and in fact, it took me a significant way through the book to even begin to warm up to him. I was much more taken, as I suspect other readers will be, with Hugo and the other tea shop characters. And yet, as the story progressed, I found myself opening up to Wallace, much in the same way he opens up himself. We're all on a similar journey throughout the course of the story, which I think, after reading these two books, is TJ Klune's superpower as an author that always makes you feel part of the narrative.

This book also touches a lot on grief, and lives that could have but were not lived, perhaps unfairly, or before their time. It is also about growth, and progression, and softening the hard shells that we build up around us as humans who are afraid of getting hurt, or even of feeling, in case it leads to getting hurt. I think that instead of describing how the book approaches these topics, it would be the most beneficial to encourage others to read the book and experience its message and story themselves, because much like we see in this story, the topic of grief and sorrow is such an intimate and differing experience for everyone. It would be difficult to describe accurately to someone who has a completely different perspective of their own. I will just say, however, that as much as I accompanied Wallace on his specific journey and perspective and acceptance in his death, my eyes were also opened to just a few of the ways that humans, as humans, process different emotions (did I mention TJ's superpowers????)

This book is going to be just as big as The House in the Cerulean Sea, I'm fairly certain. It makes you feel so many deep emotions, I can see a lot of readers connecting with it and sharing it with others. While I don't know if I could pick between the two of TJ's books that I've read thus far, I can certainly tell you that expecting the same book as one you've previously read is not the way to enter this story. Instead, go into with the knowledge that no matter what, that little kitten will still choose you to sleep on, because you are warm and comfortable, and much more approachable than anything money can buy.

This is one of the most delightful books i have ever read! After House on the Cerulean Sea, I know I needed to read more by Mr. Klune. If you are looking for a funny, sweet, heartwarming story, look no further. You will laugh with ever page turn, and might even shed a few tears, if only for the intense love you will feel for all of these incredible characters! Klune certainly has a knack for creating settings and characters hat you as a reader really want to root for.

To briefly summarize the plot, Wallace has recently found out that, surprise, he's dead! He is gathered by a reaper named Mei who takes him to a tea shop where a ferryman, Hugo, is waiting to help Wallace accept his death and "cross" through the whispering door to the "beyond." Wallace realizes he wasn't very nice in his human life, and learns a lot of life lessons in death, with the help of some friendly ghosts along the way.

Don't miss out on this incredible story!

TJ Klune's storytelling and writing always manages to warm my heart and this story is no different. It's a subtle change to the sunshine feelings of The House in the Cerulean Sea but it's still so comforting even if the vibe is different. Under the Whispering Door feels like a soft knitted blanket with its occasional roughness from the material but still so warm and comforting.

If House in the Cerulean Sea was a cozy blanket, then Under the Whispering Door is the perfect cup of tea and a chair by the fire. This book was wholesome and gentle, yet truthful and powerful.

It is honest in its portrayal of grief, but it never gets preachy. In much the same way Hugo eases souls into the afterlife, so too does this book ease you into big feelings of life, love, death, and grief. I never really knew where Wallace and Hugo were going (and I know they didn't either) but the journey wasn't just for them as characters, but for the reader as well.. TJ Klune has written another fantastic book and I am so excited to see what comes next.

I loved this one. Wallace is dead. But he’s a Very Important Man who doesn’t have time to be dead - he has appointments to keep (ouch, I related to this). Unfortunately, he’s now confined to a whimsical looking tea house with his Reaper, his Ferryman, and a couple other ghosts.

I laughed quite a bit - there's a particularly memorable bit with a Ouija board - and spent much of the last few chapters quietly weeping. It deals with grief and loss, but if this is how the afterlife goes, I’m okay with it.

It’s a love story, too, about finding your person when you least expect it. And learning to savor the moments your have, however you have them.

Just wonderful.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Everyone loses their way at some point, and it's not just because of their mistakes or the decisions they make. It's because they're horribly, wonderfully human. And the one thing I've learned about being human is that we can't do this alone. When we're lost, we need help to try and find our way again."

Oh how much I loved this book. It has Greek mythology references, LGBTQ+ relationships... deep topics like suicide and death in general, grief... topics not to be taken lightly but that are discussed in a "light" way.
I don't know if I liked the ending if I'm being honest, I thought it was going to go one way and even though it would have destroyed me, I think I would have preferred it to the way it actually ended.
It still made me cry, don't get me wrong!
A book I would definitely recommend.

Wallace Price is one of the most reprehensible men I’ve ever read. He’s slimy, he’s self involved, he’s inconsiderate and misogynistic. He’s stuck up and an all around unlikable person; I hated him within the first few paragraphs. And yet, somehow, I grew to sympathize with him in the second chapter and thereafter. Wallace quickly comes to terms with the fact that he is dead and can’t go back. Then he quickly realizes that, maybe he wouldn’t want to go back anyway because he was a terrible person. He had no friends, no partner, no life outside of work. As he grows to know and love Hugo, Mei, and Nelson, the people who are there to help him on the journey to death, he yearns for who he could have been and who he will never be. When he’s given only seven days before he has to move on, to go through the door into the proper afterlife, Wallace has to decide what to do with the time he has left.

I pictured Wallace as an older, balding, fat man in the first chapter. A classic boss who’s only out for himself and his own wealth. He’s revealed to be in his forties, tall and skinny, and quite good looking by all accounts. It was a kind of whiplash to realize this but also revealed how I picture a villainized character with little description. The lack of description was only in regards to specific physical characteristics–I got a good view of who he was as a person and how people reacted to him; what he valued and what he didn’t.

In death, Wallace is just as he was in life, at least at first. Mei greets him and, with her flippant, upbeat attitude, she quickly draws him out of his persona. I love how she balances indifference and respect for the dead and how she draws Wallace out of his shock. Both her and Hugo balance quite well, with Hugo’s quiet strength and her bright and blut personality coming out at different times whenever they are needed. While the plot felt a little formulaic at times, the characters shone, with Klune’s classic humor and well written dialogue. I can’t resist a good slow burn love story, especially if it’s a queer one.

There’s something about Klune’s writing that draws out so much emotion without being overly complicated or verbose. His writing makes the characters feel so real and comfortable. They feel like friends.

I loved the setting of the tea shop, too. Cafes are such a safe place and a tea shop feels even more comfortable because it’s tea rather than coffee. Coffee always feels go go go and tea feels much more relaxed and chill. A good atmosphere to spend your death in and observe and absorb life.

I recommend this book for fans of Klune’s other books. Even though the subject matter can vary wildly, he understands found family and grief in a way I haven’t yet seen in other books. I also recommend it for anyone who wants a slow burn romance with no spice but a ton of emotions and small touches when the love interests literally can’t touch each other. The closeness is emotional rather than physical and is so slow, it’s glacial at times, but still satisfying.

I'm a big fan of TJ Klune and I wanted to love this book but in the end it was just okay for me. However, I seem to be the exception as most my GR friends did love this book. It seems to have everything that I enjoy going for it: quirky characters, humor, and an intriguing plot. I'm not sure what I was expecting from the concept but it wasn't what I got. It just never seemed to hit me with a profound take on death or give me the feels I wanted.

The MC Wallace is very hard to like through the beginning of this book and so his transformation to a good person should have been wonderful. For me it just wasn't and I found myself a bit bored. Not a lot happens as Wallace learns to except his death and change his ways. There are of course some great humorous moments but they come a bit few and far between all the boring bits. Finally the love story comes out of nowhere. The two MC's learn to get along and have a few quiet moments of connection but the love just seems to pop up with no real foundation.

It wasn't bad it just wasn't what I expect from one of my favorite authors. But again, I'm in the minority so I'm sure most fans will love this one too.

I'm truly sad to say I wasn't a fan of this one after loving The House in the Cerulean Sea.

The story follows Wallace after he passes away and is in the process of passing over to some after life/whatever comes after death. During this time he is picked up by a reaper Mei and is brought to Hugo who is a ferryman. He stays with them while he is supposed to be processing his death and is meant to pass through a door to whatever comes next.

This story is very slow moving and is 100% about the development of Wallace. I typically like plot driven books so I knew I would have a harder time with this one but I just couldn't connect. I took a LONG time to read this book and took plenty of breaks. I continued reading to find out what will be behind the door or what would come next for Wallace and we NEVER FIND OUT.

I cannot express the level of excitement I experienced when I was given the opportunity to read this book in advance! Anyone who has asked me for a book recommendation in the last year has surely heard my undying love for the warm hug that is #TheHouseintheCeruleanSea, so my impatience to read this follow up was palatable.

Klune has such a special voice, with the incomparable ability to create quirky, loveable, larger than life characters. Combined with love and positivity and a unique vision of how sparkly and magical our world can be, Klune’s writing always gives me the warm and fuzzies… even when dealing with darker subject matter (like death). Sadly, I just wanted MORE and LESS from this book (if that's somehow possible)... More depth, more joy, more gut-punching. Less drastic and sudden shifts in characters and story arcs-- Wallace's shift from completely abhorrent to glowy-kind-spirit happened with lightning speed. Where did the growth happen?! And the love story seemed to have been tossed in to the mix without giving the reader a chance to believe it.

Is it the perfect book follow up I was dreaming of? No — but it’s sweet and lovely all on its own. (And timed perfectly to coincide with #BiWeek 💗💜💙)

Reader beware: this is NOT another House in the Cerulean Sea. Not at all. Avoid disappointment by comparison!

Thanks to Netgalley and @torbooks for providing me with an ARC in exchange for review.

Having read The House in the Cerulean Sea earlier this year, and loved it, I was so excited to dive into this one. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. T.J. Klune’s writing feels like a big, warm, hug. That’s the best way I can think of to describe it. To know his characters is to feel peace, tranquility and love. How easily he writes inclusivity and normalizes the human experience is not only enjoyable, but also refreshing. His characters are unapologetically themselves, and it’s beautiful.

This book is about grief and death, and it will have you thinking about grief and death. You’ll think about your own afterlife thoughts, you’ll think of those you’ve lost, and you’ll worry about what will happen when you’re gone – and what would happen if that happened sooner than later. That’s a heavy thing, but rest assured Klune will have you feeling at peace with these topics.

Read this book. Hug this book.

I have to say I dont know how I haven't picked up anything by TJ Klune before reading this. But that is going to change cause I love this book so much and want to get a physical copy of it right away. If you haven' read anything by TJ Klune before you need to their books are amazing. I highly recommend this to everyone.

I had never tried a novel by the author and after hearing so much about him, I was curious to discover his pen. And I must say that on this side, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very nice pen.

Wallace Price was an unbearable man when he was alive. The worst of all. So when he dies, no one is really sad about it to his surprise. But when he dies, a chance is offered to him: to spend a week in Hugo’s tea room, a man who helps souls in pain before crossing over. What for? To make Wallace realize what he has missed in his life and that he could have had much more than he has.

I was swept away from the first chapter and was curious to see what would happen. But as soon as Wallace finds himself living with Hugo and the others, I found that the pace of the story slowed down a lot and I had a little more trouble hanging on. That said, it was still an interesting read and I am thrilled to have discovered my first novel by the author. I now know I’ll have to get into the others he’s written that sound just as interesting!

Klune has given a simple life-death concept a heartwarming chef’s touch. The story is beautiful and unique in its own way. It takes talent to make a reader like an unlikeable character. They kind of grow on you and Klune with his natural flair makes us readers understand them. There is a lot of heart to these wholesome characters, they made me laugh and cry! Although the flow changed to medium pace along the middle, this one is enjoyable. The cover might give Cerulean Sea vibes, but this is a totally different story. Quite memorable.

Thank you Tor books via Netgalley for the arc.

5 GOLDEN, SHINING STARS

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this book. Klune has made the subject of death; hilarious, sad, and heartwarming all encompassing. The amount of depth which is written about the characters is immeasurable. Every character is beautifully written.

Another amazing feel good book by TJ Klune that made me smile, laugh out loud, cry, and think. Once again he introduces us to new friends we will want to hold on tight forever. I'm not even sure how to describe this book, because much more important than what this book is about, is how this book makes you feel: like a warm, protective blanket that will keep you safe and warm on the chilliest night. Yes, that sounds very cliche, but it also feels very true...to me anyway!

The story starts with Wallace Price, Attorney-at-Law, who's very self-centered & snobby. Wallace has died and it's at his funeral, which few attended and only out of obligation that he meets Mei, a Reaper. She tells him about a Ferryman named, Hugo, who helps people cross over. But Wallace doesn't have time for any of this. He has important work to do. He can't be dead! He'll just insist they bring him back to the city! Right?

I highly recommend this! Come to Charon's Crossing Tea & Treats and let Hugo pick out your perfect tea. You'll be glad you did.