I loved Klune's previous work (The House in the Cerulean Sea), but I was unfortunately not as infatuated with this as I hoped. It has such an interesting idea, and a quirky cast of characters going for it, but it just...never quite got to the level I expected it to. This book is, essentially, about being alive and reconciling death, and while those are interesting ideas, there isn't really novel about the discussion this book broaches. It feels a bit tired and cliche, for lack of a better word. Don't get me wrong, the writing of this story was beautiful and there were multiple times that the characters or scene made me smile or laugh to myself, but I did find myself skimming a lot just to avoid the repetitive discussion about life and death. It also felt a bit long to not be tackling anything new or engaging. I still highly recommend this novel, especially if you enjoying his previous works, though I wouldn't advise starting with this novel or going into it expecting this moving revelation about what it means to be alive and the afterlife.

This book was so beautiful, I don’t know if I’m ever going to stop thinking about it, honestly. This book is about life and it’s about death. To me, it was showing us that death isn’t really scary - it’s the beginning of something beautiful. This book will break you, then put you back together again and make you feel whole. TJ Klune’s books always have little lessons wrapped up into them and this was no exception.

So full of warmth and grief and humanity -- this might be his best book yet? I understand that it's arguably his most personal book as well, and perhaps that's what elevated it beyond "Cerulean Sea" (which I liked but found a bit too cloying at times). I was shocked by how well this book *clicked* and how it never felt manipulative or even predictable. I cried my eyes out, I loved it.

TJ Klune’s newest title is the epitome of creativity. His charming plot, unique characters and deeply thoughtful message makes this book a must read for all.

Under the Whispering Door tells the story of Wallace, who is visited by a reaper during his own funeral and brought to Charon’s Crossing, a strange tea shop that helps ghosts cross over. Each person, and ghost, living at the tea shop helps Wallace deal with his unexpected death, reflect on his life choices and come to term with whatever comes next.

TJ Klune has created a beautiful and powerful novel with richly detailed characters. Hugo, the owner of the tea shop, must run his business while helping ghosts negotiate the stages of death. Mei, a brand new reaper and shop assistant, is determined to make her first ghost’s transition smooth. Hugo’s grandfather Nelson, and his dog Apollo, ghosts that haven’t crossed over yet, are instrumental in Wallace’s adjustment.

This author’s creativity knows no bounds! I fell in love with each character in the Tea house and didn’t want this novel to end. His gentle and sweet descriptions of death and the afterlife are insightful and thought-provoking. A five star review for this new novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian/Tor-Forge for the opportunity to review this book before its release.

Thank you so much to netgalley and tor books for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely fell in love with the concept of this book. We follow Wallace, a man who has just died, and frankly, is a terrible person. After his death, he meets Hugo, the ferryman who is supposed to guide him into the afterlife. After Wallace becomes a better person, he and Hugo fall in love.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the concept of this book more than the execution. It took more than half the book for me to care about the characters, and the pacing felt off. The middle of this book is pretty repetitive, and I felt that it could have been cut down just a little. I did really love the side characters, particularly Nelson. I enjoyed the ending of the book, however I love sadness, so I can't help but wonder how it would have gone if things had not ultimately worked out.

If you love whimsical, character-driven stories, this is definitely the book for you, it just fell a little flat for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Tor/ Forge for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for a review. After reading and LOVING The House in the Cerulean Sea I was beyond excited to be approved for this book. This book was absolute perfection. That’s it. That’s the review!

Just kidding. But honestly every word and moment was perfect in the kind of way that just made you feel……everything. It was heartbreaking, and hopeful, and just beautiful. These characters are written in a way that not only is there definitely one you identify with, but you know someone who could be any of the other characters, which just makes it that much more relatable. This book was a phenomenal, infinity stars read and totally in the running for my favorite book of the year.

I found this novel entertaining, sweet, and heartwarming.

It was kind of book I enjoyed more and more as time went on, which feels like a great rush of good vibes towards the end.

Probably not something I would reread, but definitely something I would recommend to a friend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. It is no surprise that I loved this one just as much as I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea. The second I saw the cover and read the description, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. TJ Klune writes stories about LGBTQ+ characters in a time where it is desperately lacking in traditional publishing (although I am hopeful the tables are on their way to leveling out). In what could come off as cheesy, unconvincing, and far-fetched (as they are in other stories) Klune creates believable, inspiring, exhilarating characters. These characters felt real in a story filled with magic at its core. These characters are not archetypes of people; they feel real. So this does not turn into a complete gush fest I will say this one took me longer to read than anticipated and is a slow-moving book. It is absolutely character-driven (not to say it isn't backed by a fantastic plot), and, at over 350 pages, the pacing does slow tremendously in parts. I liked the slow pacing but I realize that it will not be for everyone. If you liked The House in the Cerulean Sea, you will most likely enjoy this one as well. Another feel-good book to add to my shelves!

4.5 stars.
There were a lot of important thoughts and ideas in this story. However, it didn't have that all-consuming story feeling that pulls you in until the end.
Really worth the read though.

This is the second book I’ve read from this author, and it was as enjoyable as the first. Death and grief are handled in such a lovely and also humorous manner. TJ Klune is a new favourite author for me.

I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea despite going into it with reservations.. I didn’t think it would live up to the hype and it totally did. So with this book, I was both excited and deeply afraid it would be bad because my expectations for this author are now so high.

I’m so glad to report that Under the Whispering Door was also SO GOOD!

There is something whimsical about the story that, despite all the heaviness of death and grief and humanity and ghosts, it was just so sweet and heartwarming.

I am not really a squishy, emotional, or relatively nice to everyone type of person and sometimes I think books that are supposed to make me feel emotional seem obvious, fake, or otherwise contrived. Whimsical books can often be too over the top for me and I just get aggravated by the cuteness, so when I say that Under the Whispering Door was both whimsical and emotional, I mean it in a good way.. it felt authentically itself, like I was peering into the lives of the beings in the story without feeling like the author was trying to push anything at me like LOOK HOW CUTE THIS IS, FEEL SOMETHING!

The House in the Cerulean Sea was the same way for me, so it must be something about the way this author tells his stories. I don’t know what it is, but I’m here for it! Maybe it’s because I am the grumpy one that I like when grumpy characters can find groups of friends while still being grumpy? I don’t know.

I genuinely enjoyed every characters, from grumpy Wallace to the lovable ghost dog. I loved the mythology and the way things weren’t necessarily how we’d expect. I highly recommend this one and am so glad I purchased the Authentic anniversary box so I can have a physical copy, too.

I loved the Extraordinaries and Flash Fire by TJ Klune, so I was so excited when NetGalley and Tor gave me an eARC of his new book Under the Whispering Door in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, this one missed the mark for me. The book is a about Wallace, who starts out as an asshole who is a horrific caricature of a greedy lawyer. Seriously, it’s like the author’s only experience of what a lawyer is is from the “Single Female Lawyer” show on Futurama. Anyway, Wallace dies, and meets a Reaper and a Ferryman who are supposed to help him move on to the next plain of existence. Then, in an utterly unconvincing manner, Wallace changes his entire character and becomes a good person and also falls in love with the Ferryman. Finally, in a completely unearned development that upends the core premise of the book, Wallace is resurrected to live happily ever after. Of all of the ghosts we encounter or hear of in this book, Wallace is the least deserving of resurrection - what about young Lea?

If this had been a novella, maybe I could’ve been convinced to like it, but this book was incredibly long and drawn out and just draaaaaaged. It was well written, and I like the author a lot, and will totally read his next book, but this one did not work for me. Your mileage may vary.

How could a book about the death of a miserable jerk of a man make me cry so much? I'm not exactly sure, but TJ Klune pulled it off in Under the Whispering Door.

This is the story of Wallace, a lawyer who is a selfish, workaholic who suddenly finds that he has died. Wallace is OUTRAGED that he is dead.

Mei, one of the few people who can see him, collects him from his funeral and takes him to a tea shop owned and operated by Hugo. Hugo is also a ferryman who helps ghosts cross over to the next part of their journey. In the tea shop we also meet Hugo's grandad Nelson, and Hugo's dog Apollo.

The book takes us on Wallace's journey through coming to terms with his death, and his path to what will come next for him.

All the characters were unique, and sweet, and all help Wallace on his road to recognizing his new "life" path. I really enjoyed this book, especially after about the halfway point. I chuckled at some of the scenarios, I actually laughed out loud at one scene that was just so unexpected to me; and yes, I cried, quite a lot for me, toward the end.

4.25 stars for me. :)

Such a wonderful wholesome book, I really enjoyed this and loved the development of the characters throughout as the story progressed. If you want to read something that will make you smile and give you a bit of perspective about life, love and 2nd chances then this is the perfect book to pick up.

Some time ago I began to immerse myself in the world of TJ Klune books and I have to say that, of the books I read by the author, this is my favorite.
"Under the whispering door" is a beautiful book that talks about life and death. It is a paranormal adventure full of love and tenderness, but it also talks about pain and the importance of letting go.
The main characters are two polar opposites. Wallance is rigid, has a difficult personality and a asshole, while Hugo is someone calm, kind, who loves his work, but has a very heavy bourden on his shoulders. Although at first they have problems living together, they will realize that they are not as different as they think.
The supporting characters are a lot of fun with beautiful backstories that you can get attached to right away. I really liked the variety of personalities, although if you have read the author's books, you are probably familiar with his style.
Something I want to highlight is the world that was built around death, it is wonderful how all the fantastic elements intermingle with the real world and how they support the development of Wallance. Also, the way the book is written allows you to connect with it very easily.
If you've read "The house in the cerulean sea" and "Wolfsong" my opinion is that "Under the whispering door" are somewhere between the two. It's sweet and fun, but there's also action and a tough story behind it.
The book, of course, has some details, especially the first chapters in which he gave me the feeling that he could not find the tone, but I loved it. 4.5 / 5.

Under the Whispering Door is the story of the events that follow Wallace Price’s death. Wallace attends his funeral, meets his Reaper, Mei, & finds himself at a tea shop to meet the ferryman, Hugo, so will see Wallace to the other side. Initially this makes no sense to Wallace & he refuses. But eventually, Wallace learns to accept his death & live his (after)life to the fullest.

This book started a little slow for me at first, but at about the half way point it seems to pick up a bit as the reader becomes more invested in Wallace and starts to see more of the dynamics at the tea shop.

Klune does an amazing job of illustrating the afterlife process & the importance of living a meaningful life. Klune excels at creating really endearing, nuanced characters. Seeing three separate characters going through the stages of grief at the their own death was specifically interesting to me, and a good example of Klune’s ability to create characters that are so endearing.

But that being said I think it’s important to read this book with the right mindset. I picked up this book amongst a bit of a stressful time for me, so my mind was frazzled and fried for most of this read. I should’ve put it down and picked it up at a later date, but I didn’t. If I had taken more time to process the story while I was reading I think this would’ve been a completely different reading experience for me. But even in my hectic headspace, Klune’s writing shone through and stands out to me as being memorable, colorful, and complex. Would definitely recommend to others!

Overall, I didnt enjoy this one as much as "House in the Cerulean Sea." It became very repetitive, not much happening for a lot of the book, and felt a bit dragging because of this. However, I did really enjoy the concepts of life and death and afterlife in this book - I just wish there had been more transitioning people/spirits rather than so much time spent on just Wallace and Hugo.

When I was eleven and afraid of death, I read C.S. Lewis’s The Final Battle, and that gave me a positive way to look at death. Now, almost fifty years later, I no longer have the faith of that preteen, but TJ Klune’s Under the Whispering Door has given me a comforting book about death and dying which is just as much about how to live, and it is comforting even though I no longer believe in a hereafter.

Klune’s vast gift for empathy and kindness infuses his books with an optimism that does not overlook the pains and perils of life; rather, Klune celebrates the possibilities of change and growth within clearly flawed people, and he’s fast becoming one of my favorite authors. In Under the Whispering Door, Wallace, the protagonist, starts as one of those people you love to hate: a workaholic unmotivated by even the slightest degree of concern for his fellow man (or woman)—the worst kind of lawyer. While the losses in life were insufficient for him to make any changes, the loss of control in death makes him face what kind of person he was.

Don’t get me wrong; there’s no unrealistic, cloyingly sweet arc here. It’s all very grounded in the real world, and there’s a lot of pain felt by various characters that can be achingly familiar. However, it’s a hopeful world, where change is still possible, a wonderful vision in our increasingly polarized society.

Then there’s the view of death and dying itself. While I’m clearly not saying anything Klune propounds in his fantasy is literally true, the ideas behind them often resonate with me, providing a lot of comfort. I particularly like the view of faith, which has nothing to do with the kind of faith preached to me for years, but a more accessible faith that reflects experience.

And, of course, it’s just a damn good story, with love, loss, and longing (hmm—didn’t plan on alliteration, but I’m going to leave it) all written in lucid prose with a pace that made me want to keep reading even when I had other things to do.

TJ Klune is a master of the optimistic fantasy, but never in ways I expect it to be, and never in contexts where I expect optimism, and it’s a gift to every reader, and Under the Whispering Door is a book I expect to reread many times.

To be published later this month at bibliostatic.com

“… in a tea shop so far from everything he’d know, he felt a great wave of sadness for all that he’d had, and all that he’d lost.”

Oh my, Under the Whispering Door is just heart-wrenching and happy making all in one big rainbow of a book!

Because the primary theme is death, it sounds a bit weird to say that this touched me in a happy place but it did and all while giving me a snotty weep a time or two. The characters are so gorgeously developed but especially that of Wallace, who is cold, structured and unemotional. Watching his journey was a thing of beauty; he makes such astounding discoveries about himself, life, love and living – all while learning what it means to be part of something bigger than himself – primarily friendship and family.

As with Klune’s previous work, there is whimsy and enchantment throughout and the world created is magical but not without hardship and lessons. This is probably the shortest review I’ve ever written but I think it’s something a reader/listener needs to experience for themselves. Just know that, for me, Under the Whispering Door will be right next the The House on the Cerulean Sea as one of my favorite books of all time.

I listened to part of Under the Whispering Door and narrator, Kirt Graves does a spectacular job bringing the characters to life. He’s an absolute delight to listen to!

My thanks to @MacMillan.Audio for the #Gifted ALC and to @TorBooks for the DRC.

TJ Klune's "Under the Whispering Door" is a beautifully sad and occasionally funny story about grief and loss.