In the aftermath of a devastating tornado, young survivor Dorothy is found alive sleeping in a pumpkin patch, spinning yarns about a magical land, talking animals, and most concerningly, killing & melting a witch.

In the days that follow, however, a curmudgeonly local woman is found dead, her face melted with lye. Rather than dwell in the face of such a horrific act & blight upon their town, the resident elect to blame Dorothy and cart her off to an asylum rather than investigate to preserve the peaceful facade of their town. Until a "nosey" psychologist from the city begins poking around.

For all the historical trappings, and mild Oz inspired backdrop, this book has a distinct perspicacity regarding even the modern state of small town and religious prejudices, and the small town tendency to be overly concerned about appearances in all things.

The book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but nevertheless, it drew me in and kept me engaged with it's believable characters, even long after I had (mostly) figured out the central mystery.

Particular shout to the narrator, who couldn't have been better chosen. Perfect performance across the board.

*ARC provided by NetGalley & Dreamscape Media*

What happened to Dorothy when she returned from Oz? Gordon McAlpine brings you into 1800s Kansas and tells you exactly what Dorothy went through as she returned. Told from two alternating narrators, the story of Dorothy and the small town she lives in unfolds. The mystery of the murder of one of the townspeople and Dorothy's return from Oz slowly mingles together, and an entertaining dark, retelling of the Wizard of Oz is left. I enjoyed this one and thought the audio narrator did such a great job. 3.5. Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audiobook.

After Oz - A Novel by Gordon McAlpine and narrated by Maria Ru-Djen is simply brilliant! I am a huge fan of all incarnations ad interpretations of this literary classic (yes, the film too, I admit it) But this reimagining is a whole different ball gae

Dorothy disappears for two days after an immensely destructive twister has destroyed the community of Summer Bonnet. Dorothy is then found asleep in a field, and upon waking talks of a wonderful land of Witches, Wizards and talking animals. In this deeply religious Mid-West community, this talk is that of a heretic or someone light in the head and as such, Dorothy is consigne to the care of the local Pastor and his wife.

However, when the murder is discovered, Dorothy is blamed due to it reflecting her story of throwing water on the witch and her melting. Without any contradictory evidencce and with Dorothy being the only beneficiary in the neighbours will, it's an open and shut case . Or is it?

McAlpine artfully uses symbols such as yellow brick in houses, the unaliving of a neighbour with Lye, even a file box marked O to Z to create a real world suspicion of Dorthy G's story. The inclusion of Psychologist Dr Evelyn Grace Wilford as the narrator and specifically her dialogues with Dorothy as she is confined in the pastors home and the asylum is genius

The narration is outstanding and matche the narrative perfectly

I love love love this audiobook and yes, I absolutely recommend this dark imagining of what happened when Dorothy got back to Kansas and found that there really was no place like home, Just not in the way it first seems

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the author Gordon McAlpine and narrator Maria Ru-Djen for ths ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

In the Wizard of Oz movie that we all know and love, Dorothy wakes up at the end in Kansas, everyone believes her adventures in Oz were all a dream, they all have a good laugh, and that's that. In the original book by Frank Baum, she wakes up in a field, believes Oz is real, and ends up going back later in the series, even taking Uncle Henry and Auntie Em with her at one point.

But back to the end of the original story: Gordon McAlpine, the late mystery writer, asked the question in the last novel, written before he passed in 2021, what might have actually happened after Dorothy returned from Oz telling tales of witches and wizards and talking animals and animate objects and, well, you know.

The setting being rural Kansas at the end of the 19th century, it's easy to imagine, as McAlpine does, Dorothy being labeled a blasphemer, heretic, and pagan. But when Alvina Clough, a curmudgeonly spinster not all that different than Almira Gulch, who likewise owns half the county, turns up dead in a manner too similar to Dorothy's claim of having melted the wicked witch, a murder mystery kicks in.

The whole premise is quite intriguing and engaging. The contemporary climate in 2020 when McAlpine was writing this book figures indelibly into his portrayal of the conservative religious Kansas town and townsfolk (so says the writer of the afterword), especially in how its women are viewed and treated, including the forward thinking Boston psychologist who takes up Dorothy's cause and solves the murder.

All in all, a great idea well executed, except for one thing: Dorothy and Oz are not really big parts of the story. Oz not at all, except as the object of Dorothy's heresy -- and isn't that a shame when you consider the theory that Baum wrote a political allegory of his era where Oz was a stand-in for Washington DC and all the rest of that jazz. (BTW, Baum himself has a cameo in this book.)

Dorothy, locked away in an insane asylum, appears prominently in the early part of the book, but hardly at all once her psychologist starts to work on the mystery. Likewise, there are no real world counterparts for the other Oz characters, except for Alvina Clough being an analogue for the wicked witch. Oh, practically no Toto either.

But it's a good story nonetheless, well written (if a little too reliant on letter writing), so I can only deduct one star for the dearth of Dorothy and lack of most other things Oz. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an audio edition of this book for review -- on the audio front, I was not too thrilled with the narration, but it was OK and other people seem to have liked it well enough.

3/5 ⭐️
The story of what happens after Dorothy returns from Oz. This is a retelling with a dark twist, I got the opportunity to get a copy of the audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrator, the only thing I would say is that I would have enjoyed hearing more from Dorothy’s POV. You don’t have to wait long to get a copy of it as it comes out on August 6th, 2024

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6672156476

What a unique look at Dorothy After Oz. I have always wondered what happened when she returned to Kansas. Now we have an idea. This is a very enjoyable book and in no way ruined my fond memories of the Wizard of Oz.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited when I read the premise of this book, but found the plotline to move too slowly to entirely suck me into the story. I would have liked to see Dorothy featured more prominently and her tales of Oz described more thoroughly. I will recommend this book to fans of the Wizard of Oz and patrons who enjoy slow burn whodunnit stories.

A re-imagining of Dorothy Gale's post-oz experiences. Suppose she was found sleeping in a field 2 weeks after the twister and returned home, where she initially told people about her adventures, and they all thought she was mad. Backtracking doesn't seem to help, and things are getting worse for Dorothy! Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook.

This one was really entertaining for me considering what a lifelong fan of Wizard of Oz I am. I have to admit, I went into it hoping for something a little darker, similar to the style of American McGee’s Alice, but this wasn’t like that. Instead, it’s a story about what happens after Dorothy gets home and what she very likely would have been put through had she come home to tell people about her tale. Now, there will be two very different schools of thought on this one. It is very clearly a lesson in prejudice and ignorance told through the lens of this beloved story. Some people will love it and some people will not. Although it is clear which side of the line this book leans politically, I think both sides of the line can learn some heavy lessons from this book. But for those who are looking for an entertaining look at what happens to Dorothy after Oz, this is it. I found myself so frustrated on her behalf, and it didn’t end quite how I had hoped, but a great ending nonetheless. It’s a shame the author didn’t get the chance to see it come to fruition.

Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

After Oz
Gordon McAlpine
The Wizard of Oz is a favorite book and movie of mine. After Oz is a sequel to The Wizard of Oz, set in Kansas in1896. The tornado left destruction in its wake including the Gale family farm. Dorothy is missing. Auntie Em can’t be held responsible after all she tried to find Dorothy right before the tornado blew through the town. It is assumed that Dorothy will be found deceased. But alas eleven-year-old Dorothy is found lying in a field. The townspeople are relieved. Dorothy shares in great detail her adventure in Oz. She tells then about the beautiful magic land, the Good Witch, the Bad Witch, the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tinman and the Wizard. The good people in the town are shocked the child must be delusional; it whole story sound downright malicious, pagan and demonic. She even tells the good people about the Wicked Witch and how she melted her with water.
A grouchy spinster is found dead; her face is melted. The good people of the town believe Dorothy is guilty of murder. There was no trial just a sentencing, Dorothy was sent to the Topeka Insane Asylum.
Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford talks with Dororthy; she doesn’t believe Dorothy committed any crime. She begins doing her own investigation. What she finds is shocking all the good people in the town might not be so good. They have secrets that could make a change in Dorothy’s life. The good people are filled with hatred and contempt.
Dorothy is sorry she returned to Kansas.
I enjoyed this read but I do wish Dorothy had played a larger role. I also would have joined Dorothy in returning to Oz if it meant escaping the horrible small town in Kansas.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4 🌟
-
I was never a HUGE fan of "Wizard of Oz," but a creepy retelling that could almost be a sequel. Sign me up! I always want a story of Dorothy after she returns from Oz. After Oz is a highly interesting take on "Wizard of Oz." Kansas 1896, after the tornado, and destroying the Gale's family barn. 11 year old Dorothy goes missing, and when she shows up unharmed four days later, the Gales breathe in a sigh of relief. That is, until Dorothy herself relates her account of the events that took place after her disappearance. In vivid detail, Dorothy describes a fantastical land and its magical inhabitants, from the scarecrow, the tin man, and the cowardly lion to the wizard and the witch. But then a local spinster is found dead, and all the fingers are pointing toward Dorothy.
My only complaint I wish we got MORE of Dorothy's POV.
The narrator did a good job bringing these characters alive and changing her voice to fit different characters. Highly recommend the audiobook.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Aug.6
Thank you, Netgalley, and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook for my honest review.

I would like to thank Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This could be summarized as a dark twisted alternate reality version of The Wizard of Oz! This was a really interesting read! It's outside of anything i would have normally read, but I was intrigued by the summary. Also the first book that I have read by this author! I think almost everyone knows the original story of Wizard of Oz and I really liked that it was a different take on the classic story. It takes a look at a potentially alternate reality of how Dorothy could have been viewed after her visit to OZ by a real small town and its town people. I enjoyed the authors vision for this particular story and his imagination is clearly translated into the story! I liked the mix of the genres that the Author brought into this book. It also brought up so many dynamics between a closed off mind and a more creative take on stories and situations and it was clear to see that the author may have been inspired by some current world situations.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a twisted take on the classic favorite!

“There’s no place like home.”

Or is there? Dorothy might want to click her heals three times and quickly return to Oz! Three days after the tornado hits she is found, accused of murder, and sent to an insane asylum!

After Oz is a clever retelling of The Wizard of Oz, focusing on what might have happened when Dorothy returned home to 19th century Kansas. After explaining that during her adventure in Oz she killed a witch, Dorothy is considered delusional, diabolical, and pagan. Then a local spinster is found dead in Kansas. Could Dorothy actually be responsible for her death?

At the insane asylum, Dorothy is treated by Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford, a psychologist who has taken an interest in her case. She believes Dorothy is telling the truth, however fantastical it may be, and sets off to solve the mystery of who really killed the spinster.

Who isn’t a fan of The Wizard of Oz?! I still love to watch the original movie with Judy Garland. However, I never wondered what would happen once Dorothy returned. Maybe I should have because McAlpine’s reimagining is clever and intriguing. Strangely, Dorothy is not the main character and barely appears in this plot. It’s really a story about the psychologist solving the murder mystery. It is very narrative in structure, and includes many long letters. If monologues are not for you, then this might be bothersome. There is also a very short list of suspects so the actual mystery is not difficult to figure out.

This book is McAlpine’s last before he died in 2021. Since the publisher included an afterwards explaining that he was in a rush to finish it, I will forgive some of the issues that I had with it.

Maria Ru-Djen’s narration of the audiobook is terrific and I highly recommend this format.

3.5/5 stars rounded up

Expected publication date: 8/6/24

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC ofAfter Oz in return for an honest review.

The year is 1896 and in the aftermath of a relentless twister, the folks of Sunbonnet are working to put the pieces of their lives and their farms back together. Shortly before the twister began, young Dorothy Gale was nowhere to be found… When she is discovered miles away four days later, the townspeople—especially Aunt Emily and Uncle Henry—are relieved. Feelings of joy quickly turn to concern when Dorothy regales them with her fantastical tales of the land of Oz.

Believed to be delusional, suffering from sacrilegious hallucinations, and suspected of the recent murder of a townswoman, she is sent to Topeka Insane Asylum. Everyone is convinced that Dorothy is “positively demented”, everyone that is except psychologist Dr. Wilford.

This story is as fascinating as it sounds. I mean, Dorothy accused of being a madwoman plus the unfolding of a small-town mystery? Hell. Yes. My complaint is that a lot of this book—mainly the back half—doesn’t come in to deep contact with Dorothy directly but rather through the townspeople and the psychologist. The book shifts its view away from Dorothy and instead focuses its lens on the murder of the townswoman, merely using Dorothy as a vehicle to get there. It wasn't bad by any means, simply a different path than I was expecting.

I think it is fair to also say that readers will be disappointed if they expect a retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Rather, this is (as the title suggests) a continuation of the story once Dorothy is back home. That said, readers may feel disappointed about the lack of Oz in this novel but still, this “retelling” is engrossing, imaginative, relevant to the time that it is set, and absolutely worth the read.

I read this book via audio with Maria Ru-Djen as the narrator who, I believe, was the perfect fit for the job as her voice really helped bring this story to life.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review! Available 08/06/2024!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I absolutely loved this book. I also have the printed version as well. Both were great.
Well written re telling of Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Parts of it reminded me of the movie Return to Oz. This was well researched and phenomenally written. I loved the psychiatric aspect thrown in and the insight into the time period and how people were treated when they didn’t conform with the rest of society. Also great insight on the judgments a small town can place on one person.
The narrator was phenomenal, great tone, great changes in voice. Overall phenomenal performance.

After a tornado rips through a small town in Kansas, a young girl goes missing. When she mysteriously reappears unharmed, she claims she has travelled to another world with witches, wizards, and flying monkeys. She is then accused of the murder of the town’s most hated woman and committed to psychiatric ward.
Having heard about this case, a young f doctor from New York comes to Kansas to study the case and young Dorothy. She finds herself in the middle of a religious town, where going against the church is highly discouraged.

I really liked the concept of this book and immediately thought of how I felt when I watched Return to Oz as a young child and how pieces fit and didn’t fit with the original movie. It felt like this book weirdly fit in between those two movies, where Dorothy is considered crazy and just wants to go back to Oz.

Overall the story didn’t meet my expectations of the vibes, but I still enjoyed it.

Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape audio for this ARC.

Creepy retelling of what happened to Dorothy after she gets back from Oz.

Ever wondered how Dorothy is reaccepted by her community? What if something awful happened in the time she was in Oz? And what if the small town would do anything to keep up the secret?

This story was so good, with so many aspect of horror and small town cult vibes that I appreciate in thriller books. I listened to it in once setting at work and just needed to know what was happening next.

“Then, through the swirling chaos, Emily thought she saw Dorothy inside the farmhouse, darting recklessly from window to window. ”
Here are reasons to read the Historical Fiction Mystery book:

Retelling - in this retelling of The Wizard of Oz, we follow Dorothy
Tornado - through the aftermath of what takes place after the tornado hits and Dorothy is missing and returns to tell her story,
Dead Woman - She claims she accidentally killed a witch, so when a dead woman is found days later, Dorothy is the one they accuse
Small town - after all this is a small town and who can believe a fantastical tale about another world?

If you are a fan of The Wizard of Oz, Return to Oz, any of the books, or have seen the old tv movie The Dreamer of Oz, this book is for you. It is a compelling mystery, and the ending is so well conceived. I was surprised to learn that this book has been in the writing for a while and the author lost his battle with cancer before it was published. But it is so nostalgic that I couldn’t help but finish it in a day.

What happens after Dorothy returns to Kansas? She comes back from Oz saying she didn't mean to kill the witch. How was she to know that water would melt her?! At first the town just thinks she's insane but after a local woman, known as "the witch", is found dead in her home, Dorothy's story becomes the ramblings of a murder.

I'm slightly biased here because I will probably love any story related to The Wizard Oz -- it's one of my childhood favorites. I liked this dark take on Dorothy's life after Oz. It makes total sense that a small God-fearing town would claim she's insane and send her off to an asylum. There's an alternating POV between the collective town perspective and the psychologist that I think worked well to propel the story forward. The structure of this book reminded me a bit of Dracula, probably because of the use of letter writing to tell the tale.
If you're a fan of Oz, you'll want to read After Oz.


The narrator has a nice voice that is easy to listen to.

3.5

Thankyou to the late Gordon McAlpine for taking me back to the Land of Oz.

The Wizard of Oz has been a lifelong obsession, I played the VHS tape on repeat (much to the disdain of my family), have all the dolls, know all the words and I’m currently re-reading the books again in my mid-thirties. So I was beyond excited to receive this ARC.

I went into this novel blind and didn’t know what to expect, but if something has the word Oz in it, I’m game. I was a little disappointed that we weren’t whisked away to Oz like I had hoped, but something else happened that was equally as satisfying.

I don’t want to give too much away as this is a whole new perspective into the Land of Oz and wouldn’t want to ruin anyone else’s experience.

For a short summary, in this novel, our much beloved Dorothy is on trial for murder. It does start off pretty slowly and I did have my reservations throughout as we predominantly follow a Psychiatrist, Dr Wilford instead of any of the characters we know and love. However towards the end of the book, we get some unexpected twists and turns which makes everything become clear. By the end of the book, I was left with a childhood sense of wonder about the endless possibilities of Oz.

The book is a short, sweet listen and the narration was done very well indeed by Maria Ru-Djen. Thankyou for sharing your Oz imagination with us Gordon McAlpline and thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this fabulous ARC.