Boo by Neil Smith [paperback, gift]

This was recommended by my youngest kid, and it did not disappoint. Our protagonist is dead at the beginning of the book, and ends up in a heaven-of-sorts for 13 year olds. Kids who end up there stay in that level of heaven for 50 years, and then disappear, presumably to wherever the next stage of the afterlife is.

There is tremendous worldbuilding and unveiling of the story behind the protagonist’s death in a school shooting. The book tackles some serious topics with a somewhat whimsical tone while managing not to be disrespectful.

Heartily recommend.

Casket Case by Lauren Evans [paperback, Little Shop of Stories]

Rom-Com that I picked up at Little Shop of Stories as a Blind Date with a Book (book wrapped in paper to hide what it was). The only info was the excerpted line: “‘Thank you for calling Death,’ a perky voice announces through the car speakers.”

A fine quick read. It had hints of Christopher Moore, but perhaps more grounded. A woman who works in a small town funeral home meets a man who works as sort of a death concierge.

The Bee Sting <i>by Paul Murray</i> – Hardback, Little Shop of Stories (via Bookshop.org)

This is a masterpiece. The variety of styles incorporated to capture the various narrator’s voices are pitch perfect. It’s a winding, intriguing tale jumping back and forth in time and between narrators. Heartily recommend.

This is a tale of a prosperous family in a downward spiral in a small town, told from the point of view of each family member, each chapter peeling the onion a little bit more.

If I’m completely honest I did not enjoy the last couple pages. But in this case the journey was worth the destination.