This is the first book that I have read by this author. Although this is the 4th book in the series, I was able to read it as a standalone. Enough was explained about the characters and background that I didn’t feel completely lost. One thing I appreciated was that while events that I assume happened in earlier books are alluded to - few details are given, so I could go back to read them without already knowing details like who was the victim, the perpetrator, the twist, etc.

I found the story to be a bit slow at first but then it picked up. One thing I struggled with was that one character was transgender, and those around her would refer to her using ‘he’ or would talk about her using her dead name. I assume this was one way to show transgender people weren’t respected by others in the community. But it still made me uncomfortable at points. There are a lot of heavy topics and while I was very satisfied with the ending and found joy in some of the storylines and plot points, I cried at quite a few points during the book, particularly towards the end.

There is an also a ghost story aspect, which ties in at the end, and I figured it would somehow, but it felt incongruous whenever it was brought up. But for those struggling with those sections - it is worth it for getting the resolution of that story.

Overall it was an enjoyable mystery, albeit heavy. Also - each chapter ends with a drink recipe, some alcoholic some not. While not something I would go for, they sounded interesting and would be fun for someone who likes to try new drinks - particularly bourbon and whiskey based cocktails. I found the recipes a bit distracting since I was listening and couldn’t skip over them, but not so much that it took away from the story.

I found the narrator good, but slow. I generally listen at 1.25 speed and I had to check that it wasn’t down to 1.0 because it was slower than most of what I listen to. So for those who listen at regular speed, it may seem slow and may be worth speeding up the playback speed!

Overall I would give this a 3.5 rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an audio copy of Death From Beyond which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

It’s Halloween in Tranquility but bartender Avalon Nash is feeling anything but tranquil. She’s on the outs with just about everyone she cares about and she’s wandered into the ruins of the town’s supposedly haunted lodge. Avalon finds evidence of all too human activity there, with evidence of murders that have plagued the town for years. When a friend in town for a reunion disappears, it appears that Avalon has stirred up something that would best have been left undisturbed. This is a fun, spooky Halloween story sure to give readers a little thrill