TJ Klune is definitely a writer that is making his name known. I really enjoyed "The House in the Cerulean Sea" and this one didn't disappoint either. We find Wallace who has died and is a ghost and trying to figure out if he wants to cross over yet.
I really enjoy Klune's quirky characters. I liked that there were trigger warnings stated at the beginning. And this book does deal with a lot of death and grief, but it is also funny and hopeful.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This book had all the whimsy, imagination, gentle queer love, and found family goodness I've come to expect from TJ Klune. The first few chapters grabbed me, then everything slowed down for a while in the middle and I found myself getting impatient. However, the last third or so was terrific. I'll definitely recommend it.

Another amazing book from TJ Klune!

For those wondering, this is not similar to THOTCS, even if the cover art is similar. Although there is a small nod towards Klune's previous adult title, they ultimately exist as separate entities and they do not hit the same story or emotional beats, so please read this one with an open mind!

In Under the Whispering Door, we meet Wallace Price. For lack of a better term, Wallace Price is a huge ASSHOLE. He's your Scrooge type; friendless, bitter, lonely, and focused on the bottom line at his law firm over anything else. Not long after we meet Wallace, he dies from a heart attack, and when he comes to, he's at his incredibly empty funeral save for five people and a stranger he's never seen. That stranger is the Reaper Mei, who guides Wallace to the next stop on his journey to the afterlife: a tea shop on the outskirts of town, home to a ferryman named Hugo who tries to help Wallace accept his fate and find his way to the afterlife. But along the way, Wallace begins to discover that while he may have lived his life all wrong, his afterlife could be different.

This story has a lot of Klune's humor and heart mixed in with some serious musings on death, the afterlife, and the legacy of the lives we live. Klune does a wonderful job navigating a character who's going through grief over his own life, and it plays out in really interesting and creative ways. It's not an easy story to imagine, and I think Klune absolutely should be applauded for what he managed to create with UtWD.

Obviously, I'm a huge ghost romance fan, and this one totally delivers. Without spoiling much, we get to see Wallace grow and evolve as a person/ghost, and Hugo is naturally a huge part of that development. Of all the things that remind me most of Cerulean Sea, it's Hugo and Wallace's relationship compared to Arthur and Linus' relationship. There's a similar will-they-won't-they vibe, because in both situations, the characters need to be careful with their hearts since neither situation could possibly be permanent.

(And obviously I won't spoil how this doomed romance wraps up... but I'm satisfied. It's well done, and surprising enough that I didn't find it predictable.)

Other stand-outs are, of course, the supporting characters, which is a true Klune trademark. Mei is especially a delight, but the characters that appear within the tea shop also make for an interesting story!

Overall, I found this book to feel like a warm hug, and to be exactly what I needed right now. I think I read this one much quicker that Cerulean Sea, too, because it's more magical realism than fantasy and does a great job of balancing reality with the afterlife elements. If you're not already, definitely look forward to this title when it comes out later this year!

Well this is my first ever e-ARC and what a way to start. I fell in love with T. J. Klune's writing in The House on the Cerulean Sea, so when I recently re-joined Netgalley and saw Under the Whispering Door available for request, I instantly hit that button and to my utter delight (and shock), I was accepted.

Under the Whispering Door was an absolute delight to read. I literally laughed out loud in parts and couldn't stop crying in others. The characters are simply wonderful, and the relationship between all of them is so very heartwarming.

T. J. Klune has a way of drawing out your emotions without you feeling manipulated by the text. Klune weaves his story and message together with very real feelins and emotion, but does so with a light whimsical touch. It never feels heavy-handed nor manipulative.

Utterly brilliant. I flew through this and I cannot wait to read more stories by this author.

I never thought a book could break me and put me back together. This was so good with so many lessons you can take to heart: ie appreciate what you have, death is another beginning, family isn’t determined by blood.

Klune put a different twist on death and the afterlife that makes it not so scary. Actually something beautiful.

And the ending? *chef’s kiss* So. Good. I will recommend this over and over again.


Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinion.

After reading and ADORING 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' at the beginning of the year, I was so worried that this would fall short of my expectations. Oh boy was I wrong. This has the same wrapped in a warm hug feeling as his previous book, filled with endlessly loveable characters and heartfelt overarching messages.

We follow Wallace, who after suffering a fatal heart attack, finds himself attending his own funeral. Awkward. He is soon informed by an overenthusiastic reaper that he is a ghost, and promptly escorted to a half-way house in order to cross over. At this house, he meets Hugo, a ferryman to the souls that need to pass over. But is Wallace ready to cross? Or is there still a chance to start truly living, even when one is dead?

Filled with Klune's usual charm, this novel tells a beautiful tale of grief and hope. We get to watch Wallace grow so much, and find true value in himself and those around him. The romance was beyond adorable. I laughed and sobbed in equal measure, the telltale sign of a brilliant book.

TJ Klune's "House in the Cerulean Sea" was the voice we needed in 2020. It gave us the insight of a life only halfway lived; of the ability to right-your-wrongs and create your own happiness. Luckily for readers the world over, Klune's pen is back our for 2021 with "Under the Whispering Door".
Wallace Price is an asshole. He knows it and so does everyone one else. So, why should he be surprised that only five people show up to his funeral after his unexpected death? He is shocked momentarily, but quickly distracted when his Reaper shows up in the form of a sweet, small, Asian, 20ish adult. Much to his chagrin she then takes Wallace to the site (tea shop) in which he will officially cross to the afterlife. It is, however, over the next few weeks at the tea shop that Wallace finds the meaning he realizes he had been lacking his entire life. That realization comes in them form of a heartwarming cast of characters and Wallace's ability to change.

With his hallmark feel-good story lines and characters you want to invite to a dinner party, Klune has once again given us what we didn't know we needed in the most delightful way.

The beauty of Klune’s storytelling cannot be matched. This is a heart-wrenching, beautiful story of the importance of recognizing all that life has to offer and what matters most. This is a book that will stick with readers for a lifetime.

Having read The House in the Cerulean Sea (which I loved) and now Under the Whispering Door, I’ve noticed a certain Pixar-esque sensibility to T.J. Klune’s writing – there’s a dynamic premise, a gentle touch, a colorful cast of characters, and a thoughtful message. The tone borders right on the edge of being too syrupy sweet, but Klune injects enough turmoil and heft into the proceedings to never cross over into cloyingness.

I did have some difficulty getting behind Wallace’s redemption arc here, as his introduction paints him in such a vile light that it made it hard to believe his personality could undergo such a 180 in such a short time. As such, I did not find this book to be as effective or affecting as The House in the Cerulean Sea, but it is still well worth your time. I really enjoy Klune’s writing and I look forward to reading whatever he pens next.

★★★½

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am once again thankful that I work at a library and no one looks at me funny for crying over a book in the break room.

I need so much more quiet fantasy like this with a sweet romance at the center. TJ Klune is a master. This is like chicken soup and a warm sweater in book form, even with the heavier topics. I really appreciated the author's note at the beginning to take care while reading this book and the content warnings.

These characters stole my heart. Wallace's growth was beautiful to behold. Nelson is the king of Dad (grandad?) jokes and terrible puns. Mei is exactly who I'd want as a Reaper. And Hugo--sweet, selfless, wonderful, empathetic Hugo and his stinkin' adorable and perfect tea shop in the woods. All the side characters--Desdemona, Nancy, The Health Inspector, the Manager, Allan, Cameron--are beautiful in their own ways and so well down. This book is a masterclass in creating memorable secondary characters who further the story. The pacing was perfect, and I loved the characters so much I would've been find with nothing happening.

The ending was bittersweet, but perfect. I cried. I'm still not okay. I may never be okay even tough it's almost exactly what I thought would happen in such a gently book about death and the afterlife.

A heart breaking and heart warming and affirming book about life, who we love, who loves us, and what comes after.

This book is about death, grief, acceptance, and love. If you liked The House in the Cerulean Sea you will probably like this book as well. I enjoyed this book very much but like other reviewers I thought that it lagged a bit in the beginning. It was well worth the read in the end. I would recommend this for readers who like to feel good about the characters they read about. If you are a more cynical reader, this book probably isn't for you.

TJ Klune really has a way of writing his way into one’s heart. Much like 2020’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door is full of charmingly quirky characters that you can’t help but fall for. This book was whimsical and hilarious, but was also somber and knew how to tug at the heart strings.

** spoiler alert ** Here's the deal. This book, much like House in the Cerulean Sea, doesn't take itself seriously and certainly doesn't abide by trad literary rules of subtlety. If you can't handle the didactic, can't stomach almost-saccharine characters and plots, than this book isn't for you. It seems Klune found a formula in Cerulean Sea, and used it again for Whispering Door - they very much feel like the same world, and there's even a hint that they are. A reader who enjoys whimsy and playfulness without overthinking the details will love this book. There were many parts that made me laugh, and a couple that made me cry, but in between seemed a bit slow for my taste. There are some things I question, like Wallace's quick transformation from jerk manager to gentle & caring friend. And the Manager's kindnesses at the end, which I didn't quite believe after all the build-up & mystery to his character. Ultimately, good book, the ride was a fun one, and I'm happy I took it. Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC. <3

I’ll often end a review by mentioning if it made me cry—the good books always do that to me. And I read this one slowly, because I think I knew from the beginning that it would make me cry too.

This is a book about dying, and grief, and how little we know about what comes after. Be gentle with yourself if you read it. But know that you are in good hands, and that these tender subjects are treated with care.

But also, this book is beautiful and messy and hopeful, and a little bit ridiculous. Like life itself.

(I cried.)

Wait, wait, there's something in my eye.

Klune does it again with this charming and heartwarming story of life after death, and a chance of redemption. I can't adequately express how charming this book is. All of the characters are so real, well described and filled with idiosyncrasies.. This story really shines as an ensemble cast. Everyone, and I mean even The Manager who isn't in the story that much, is so well crafted it's as if I could see them roaming the tea shop, milling around the living.

I love everything. The slow growing romance and mutual respect between Wallace and Hugo. The friendships Wallace didn't know he needed. The mounting regrets finally realized and how he can make amends.
I am not gonna lie.
I cried at the end. The epilogue almost killed me.

It's such a perfect package. We follow Wallace as he reassesses his life, and his mostly selfish choices, and with the help of new friends, realizes that he doesn't have to be alone. That he can be good and helpful and heal. The message is powerful, that with love and acceptance and understanding, even those who are the most lost can find peace and grow. Cameron, who I won't talk about too much, was a really deep and personal journey for me to read about after knowing friends who have also struggled with the same challenges.

Klune writes with compassion and love and most of all, hope.
That even for some who are lost, there is no reason to give up.

While I didn't love this novel as much as I loved The House on the Cerulean Sea, it's only because that was a perfect novel start to finish, and this one had parts in the first half of the novel that lagged.

Although, I will say that I did love the cameo of the House itself being set in a picture that the main character walked past early on.

Wallace Price is dead. Oh, we get a first chapter of him alive, but by the next time we see him it's his funeral and there is one person there who both sees him and isn't someone that Wallace recognises. He's rather rude to her to start with, but that's just kind of how he is with everyone.

After a dynamic first chapter, the process of his finding himself to be dead and dealing with the new reality around him does have a bit of a drag before the plot picks up again. He is brought to a tea house run by Hugo, who is the person who will sit and talk with Wallace, slowly getting him to move on.

Except, that's not really how it happens. Largely because there is still stuff from Hugo's past assignments that needs to be resolved, and in the process Wallace needs to become a much better person before we can like him well enough to let go of him.

This novel is written in the same signature irreverent style that we've seen from him before. The mythology and surroundings of the book were superb and all side characters were very enjoyable and distinct.

Under the Whispering Door definitely has some of the TJ Klune magic we’ve all fallen in love with. A strong found family trope, quirky loveable and flawed characters, LGBTQIA+ rep and some deep, philosophical quotes sprinkled throughout that really catch your eye.

However, the pacing of this one was just not for me. The entire first half of the book feels like exposition. For at least 150 or so pages I felt like we were seeing the same conversation happen over and over just with minor differences, granted they be important ones like boundaries and respect, but it felt very repetitive. It wasn’t until a certain event just past the halfway point that the book finally had some momentum, which it kept up with for the second half. I just wish the whole book had moved at this pace because it would have deemed a higher rating from me.

I will also say that Under the Whispering Door specifically sets out to make you feel something. Sadly, that forced nature just wasn’t for me but it could be for you!

“Under the Whispering Door” is a beautiful story of life and the afterlife, grief and growth.

It took me a few chapters to fully get into the story, but once I did, I was enraptured. Klune’s world building and presentation of the afterlife and the in between was beautiful. The characters are complicated, but I grew to love them all by the end. This is the first of Klune’s works I have read and I absolutely plan on reading more.

If The House in the Cerulean Sea is like Good Omens, Under the Whispering Door is like the show Pushing Daisies in both the feel of this book, in the similar themes, and just the vibes. And I loved every second of it.

Under the Whispering Door follows Wallace, a lawyer who isn’t exactly anyone’s favorite person, or even someone anyone likes. The first chapter is literally him firing one of his employees while she’s telling him the hell she’s been going through lately. And then, Wallace has a heart attack and dies. He finds himself at his own funeral and watches as very few people show up and those who do don’t have a single good thing to say about him and he doesn’t understand why. Thankfully, Mei, the reaper who has come to take him to what's next for him gets him out of there. And that’s when Wallace finds himself at Charron’s Crossing, a tea shop owned by Hugo the ferryman who will be helping Wallace prepare to cross. But what Wallace and the other’s didn’t expect to happen was for them was not only did Wallace change, but they all fell in love with each other. Wallace and Hugo have this amazing chemistry that made Wallace actually stop and think about his actions and do better and in turn be a better person. Mei is amazing and by far my favorite character in this book, in part because I understand a lot of how she feels and the fact she has abandonment issues with her family for being the person she is. Then there’s Nelson, Hugo’s grandfather who’s honestly great. Apollo is Hugo’s dog who has passed and is just a joy. There’s so much pure goodness in this book and the jokes were great. It’s so weird how it’s very much like The House in the Cerulean Sea and yet not at all. I think it’s that warm feeling that this book gives you, a sense of comfort and belonging that really leaves you loving it. I honestly hope to read more by this author as soon as possible because I’m learning his books are very much my comfort books. They simply fill me with joy and happiness which is honestly big for this time.

I honestly think my only complaint is the synopsis of this book. It’s completely wrong. It says it’s about Hugo helping Wallace live his life in seven days. This book so much more than this and it’s very misleading. I kept reading and being like “Okay so that’s not happening?” and was utterly confused until the last 20% of this book, where that sort of happens but in a completely different way than how you expect. I think it should focus on the fact Wallace is learning to be a better person and when the Manager feels he’s overstayed his welcome, he gives Wallace seven last days before he must pass over. Wallace must work through the grief of his life and righting wrongs he either directly caused or wishes to see fixed before he leaves and with Hugo, Mei, Nelson, and Apollo, they set to work doing just that. But what happens when Wallace stumbles upon a way to help those known as husks before he leaves and fights to be allowed to give them a second chance just as he’s supposed to cross himself?

I highly recommend this book. It’s fun, it talks about grief in a comforting and realistic way. Hopefully this becomes as much as a cult classic as The House in the Cerulean Sea because it completely deserves it.

Absolutely exquisite. There was so much love and life in this book about death. Klune's writing is beautiful and the story was so well done. Each character, including the ghost dog, was so well written. I sobbed like a baby.