Last year, The House in the Cerulean Sea was a delight to read so I was really looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed. It is quirky in a different way and the tone is a little darker (several of the main characters are dead) but a great book. Excellent characters and the right amount of sweetness and humor make this a fun read.

Wallace is not a nice person. He is a lawyer who basically lives for his job and terrifies those who work for him. Wallace is working one weekend and has a heart attack and dies. Suddenly, he is met at his own funeral by Mei, a Reaper. She brings him to a tea shop in the country to meet the ferryman, Hugo. Hugo's job is to help ferry the dead to "the door" that will let them continue on their journey. The interactions between Wallace, Hugo, Mei, and the other inhabitants of the tea shop will change all of their lives.

I am trying to think of more adjectives for this book but cozy comes to mind. Comfort food reading. Quirky and sweet and highly recommended.

*ARC provided by Netgalley* This book took my breath away. It made me feel so so many different emotions when reading it. TJ Klune continues to amaze with this book. The writing style Klune uses is one I like a lot.
This book made me really take a moment to pause and think. It makes you really think about life and death and what it means to live your life to the fullest. The storytelling was done masterfully. The relationships between all of the characters and the bonds are so beautiful and amazingly written. I fell in love with all of the characters. The setting of the book made me want to wrap up in a blanket and sit down with a nice cup of tea as I read about Hugo and Wallace and the tea shop in the woods. Compared to other TJ Klune books I’ve read, this one just felt a lot more personal. Because it makes you think about yourself. The plot didn’t have a particularly fast or slow pace. It was in the middle and room, it's time on the parts that needed to be expanded upon and didn’t dwell on the not as necessary parts.
Overall I have this book a five out of five stars because it just took my breath away. I can’t wait for you guys to get this book in your hands and to be able to read it.

TW: death, panic attacks, and suicide

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Tor Books for giving me this eARC to review! I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to review it! And thank you to T.J Klune for writing another one of my favorite books!

It’s kind of hard to explain how much I enjoyed this book. I was kind of nervous picking it up because I myself am not comfortable with death. I fear the unknown and loss of if. While the main theme in this book is death, it still keeps a light and hopeful voice throughout the story while still being blunt about it. Death is discussed in a serious yet light hearted way that didn’t feel like I was being dragged down or saddened by it. I thought the author did a good job about being sensitive to death and how it could impact those reading the book.

I enjoyed the writing of this book very much. It was as easy and humorous to read as The House In The Cerulean Sea and just as engaging. I found myself falling in love with every character and even relating to the main character, Wallace. T.J Klune is extremely talented at creating characters who are very realistic and who the reader can see themself in. I also loved the plot. I have a feeling that readers may think that the plot itself was stagnant and didn’t go anywhere, but I think it went exactly where it needed to go!

I definitely recommend this book to those who loved The House In The Cerulean Sea, or anybody who wants to read T.J Klune for the first time. This will be an author whos books I’ll always pick up!

Excellent book. It was one of my favorite books from this year. TJ Klune has a way of building relationship with his characters that is warm and charming.

I loved House in the Cerulean Sea so much, I was almost afraid to read Under the Whispering Door for fear it wouldn't live up to my expectations. Not only did I enjoy it, but I actually think it is Klune's best work to date. He has a talent for creating characters we can't help but love. It is a joyful and effortless read, that will soften even the stoniest of hearts.

Klune's ability to capture the intricacies of chosen family and the chaos that surrounds blossoming romantic love is unparalled. You feel Wallace's complexities like your own, you cringe with him at his stumbles, and ultimately root for him to find his happy ending. Keep the kleenex handy - it's an emotional rollercoaster!

(This is an unbiased review of an ARC received from Macmillan Tor-Forge.)

Even though it is a book about the afterlife, or what happens to people who have not yet crossed over, it was lovely. You would expect it to be heavier (there were moments) but this book was comforting in a way, like when it's my time it's going to be okay. And really, if there's a man waiting for me who will have the perfect cup of tea tailored to my preferences and life memories then it can’t be that bad.

Wallace is a man who was important, busy and wholly consumed by his career and money status. Naturally when you die, you have none of those things so you can imagine how lost, confused, and angry he was. Kline brings his signature wit and humour into the book and it creates an afterlife that you almost can't wait to be a part of.

5 Stars! This was my second TJ Klune novel. The House in the Cerulean Sea was my favorite book of 2020, so I was so excited when, Under the Whispering Door, was announced! I knew I had to get my grubby hands on it. Honestly, I waited a while to read it. Do you know the feeling when you know something is going to be so good, so you put it off so you can savor the anticipation and treat yourself to it later? No? Just me? Well, that's what happened here.

But let me tell you, when I read Under the Whispering Door, I FLEW through it. It was just effortless. The writing, the story, the characters, all of it. Effortless. That isn't something I say lightly, this book deals with death, love, anger, acceptance and grief but shows that everything is so nuanced.

This story made me laugh, gasp, cry, snort, giggle and everything in between. It was one of the best books I've read in 2021 and has cemented TJ Klune as one of my favorite authors ever.

I keep trying to read this book and can not get past 50%. It is just so slow and nothing is happening. It is just not a book for me. I will update this review if I’m able to finish it at a later time.

Do you ever read a book that leaves you speechless at the end and also wanting 300 more pages? That was me with Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune. Having read many of Klune's books before and really enjoyed them, I did have elevated expectations, and he absolutely exceeded them. Thank you Tor Books for providing an early copy of this book ahead of its publication on September 21.

The novel opens with the death of Wallace Price, but Wallace's story does not end there. A Reaper shows up at his funeral to take him to the next stop on his journey: a tea shop. The proprietor of the tea shop, Hugo, is a ferryman, helping souls cross over. Wallace has to come to terms with a life that was unfulfilled and see if he can still experience growth in the afterlife.

I thought that this book tackled a lot of key topics well, including grief, love, queerness, found family, and more. It also raised some interesting philosophical questions about life and death, especially with the introduction of The Manager character, "a curious and powerful being" who oversees much of the afterlife. I recommend everyone go out and find a copy of this book as soon as its published to experience the adventure.

TJ Klune does it again. This book has a similar feel to House on the Cerulean Sea but still felt wholly original. The romance was slow, real, and just so heart warming. This cozy type of fantasy book is quickly becoming my favorite.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me this ARC! TJ Klune is one of my favorite authors and you have no idea how ecstatic I was to receive a copy of this.

As I experienced when reading his other book "The House in the Cerulean Sea," I am absolutely in love with TJ Klune's writing style. He has a way of writing simply yet elegantly, making it easy to read and touching to the soul. There are so many heartwarming moments that make me go back to his books as they become my comfort reads.

I loved the depth of Wallace Price's character because I felt that I could often relate to him in the beginning- as a student, it's so easy to sacrifice your friendships, relationships, and time to yourself for success. I would prioritize securing my next internship and studies at the cost of my friendships; sometimes, I would act rashly because of stress and not consider the impact of my actions until later.

Given that Wallace Price wasn't the best or nicest man in the beginning, I think that this book taught me a very important lesson on learning how to live. Although Wallace learned how to live after his death, I think that it just underscored how it's never too late to live life a little and enjoy it. I'm glad that Wallace was able to grow to accept himself and his death, and build relationships with those around him.

A really lovely book about loss and queer love. I don't typically read fantasy novels, but this is a very special read.

I liked The House In The Cerulean Sea so much last year that I was worried whether a subsequent novel wouldn’t have to be a disappointment. But TJ Klune did it, Under the Whispering Door is a worthy follow up to last year’s favorite.

Wallace Price, a successful but arrogant and selfish attorney who lives only to work, finds himself dead at his own quite lame funeral, after a mid-life heart attack. A R
reaper, Mei, has come to collect him and take him to a tea shop in a little village where Hugo the Ferryman waits to help him cross to the next stage. Wallace is still angry not ready to go, but he is given time to reflect on the life he barely enjoyed and accept his death.
At the heart this book is a beautiful love story on how love means life. Wallace and Hugo are two very different people, but with Hugo’s help, Wallace begins to learn how to be a better person or ghost but the friendship and love that develops between these two is notthe sole focus in this heartwarming story. Other forms of love are celebrated, too: the love between a grandparent and grandchild, between two best friends, and between a human and their dog. It’s truly wonderful.
As with House in the Cerulean Sea, Klune’s warmth and wit shine through. Hugo, Mei, the reaper, Hugo‘s grandfather Nelson and Apollo the dog are delightful characters. Although the plot is about death and grief and is a little gloomy in places, it is given a thoughtful treatment so the result is heartwarming and hopeful and, ultimately more about living a good life while accepting life’s finality than about dying.

Under the Whispering Door is a book that many people are going to resonate with. This book is unique and original in its own way. It will make you cry, laugh and cry but leave you hopeful.

I have previously read TJ Klune's House in the Cerulean Sea and was so excited to receive a digital review copy of his latest novel, Under the Whispering Door. His previous book sucked me right in from the beginning and I was eager to get my hands on his next book.

Under the Whispering Door was an imagining of what comes next. What happens when we die? Following the death of Wallace Price, an uncaring, unsympathetic lawyer who cares about nothing and no one other than himself coming to terms with his death and figuring out what really is important in life. Wallace has to come to terms with everything he missed out on and that death is only part of the journey.

While imaginative, I found the first half of the novel slow. Strange things were happening, some explained, some not. I just didn't feel pulled through the story. TBH, I set the book down for a while and had to come back to it.

But the second half was redemptive. Really much more what I had been expecting from the author. The ending was very well done, which is always important to me. A good ending always feels like I've invested my time wisely in a book.

Forever waiting for more TJ Klune.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Books, and TJ Klune for the digital review copy in exchange for a review.

TJ Klune is back with another heartfelt novel that is sure to stun, especially after a year and a half of a pandemic where so many are struggling with grief.

As the synopsis says, Under the Whispering Door is about Wallace, a corporate lawyer whose only priority in his life is his job, and his journey after death. Wallace isn't a good person, but when he meets the people who are supposed to usher him into the afterlife, he begins to question his life choices and what it truly means to be happy and a good person.

Overall, Under the Whispering Door is a solid novel and I can see a lot of people really loving this. Klune really manages to capture the complexities of human life and what it means to live a life well-lived. There were several moments while reading this where Klune pulled strongly on my heartstrings. It often wasn't even the "big" moments, but the more subtle ones, that had my emotions going. Klune really shines in his ability to time a scene. What I mean by that is that in his plot sequences, Klune knows exactly what he needs to write in order to make the plot flow and move appropriately. This especially shows with his comedic timing. While this is a sadder, more contemplative novel, there were also several moments where I found myself laughing (cackling) out loud.

There were definitely moments throughout the novel, especially in some of the earlier middle chapters, that felt slow and redundant to me. There was a lot of dialogue between characters where they literally debated what it meant to be alive. These scenes slowed the novel down for me personally as I preferred the scenes where the meaning of the book was more subtle and less directly pushed. However, I can see people dealing more directly with grief than I am relating to those scenes.

Fans of The House in The Cerulean Sea will find a lot of the same wit and charisma that they so loved in Under the Whispering Door, but they should also be prepared for a wholly different novel that I am sure they will love all the same.

Thank you so much to TJ Klune and his publishers for granting me a copy of this novel for review through Netgalley.

📚Book 41 of 2021: Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune

🙏🏻Big thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for the E-Arc!

❗️Trigger Warning: discussion of suicide, murder, loss of a child

💬Reader’s Digest Version: Wallace, a curmudgeonly lawyer, is not known for his sense of humor or generosity. Ruthless in life, Wallace suddenly finds himself vulnerable in death after a sudden heart attack. Wallace finds himself in the care of two complete strangers. Hugo and Mei are the ferryman and reaper. Their job is to help Wallace reckon with his own death and help him cross over to the other side. Reluctant to their care at first, Wallace eventually melts under the genuine kindness of Hugo and Mei. Eventually, Wallace finds himself on a journey bigger than grappling with his own life and death.

🏃🏻‍♀️My Take: Damn. This book was a gut punch to my soul. I found it a little hard to get into it in the beginning. The story dragged along and seemed, at first, to be a little predictable. Then, shit got real. Really real for me. Having lost someone I love this year, this book made me uncomfortable and at times sick to my stomach, but not in a bad way. Under the Whispering Door resonates with the truth of how little time we really have. How attached we are to earthly things, and how letting go of these things can lead to our ultimate freedom. Being a mom, there was one particular part of this story that had me sobbing uncontrollably. I wont give away the details, but it made me realize how fiercely much I love my children and the incomprehensible devastation that losing a child would bring. This book made me think about things I don’t like to think about. I almost quit reading it. It was too hard and too close to home for me, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Under the Whispering Door will haunt me for a very long time.

Under the Whispering Door comes out September 21st..make sure you check it out!

My Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Thank you NetGalley, Tor, and TJ Klune for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of Under the Whispering Door.

This is arguably one of the most highly anticipated books of 2021 for readers everywhere, and it's not hard to see why. TJ Klune once again beautifully creates a world with such astonishing characters that make you feel all the things. Wallace's character development from beginning to end was so well-written and emotional, without question it was my favorite element of the book.

If you're going into this one expecting the same vibe as The House in the Cerulean Sea, be warned, this book is far heavier. Klune explores the topics of death and grieving extensively, and I was in constant tears for the last 25% of the book. Any novel that evokes such emotion from me gets an easy 5 stars. I strongly recommend having tissues ready and waiting while reading this one.

Under the Whispering Door is on sale September 21, 2021!

Firstly, the synopsis. Wallace Price is a selfish lawyer who dies suddenly. What follows is a spiritual journey as he finds himself stuck in limbo under the careful watch of a Reaper named Mei, a Ferryman named Hugo, and a few other spirits who all play important roles in helping him discover that it’s never too late to become the best version of yourself.

I cried a lot during this book. It is one I will return to as I experience hard deaths in my future. Just as in his previous book, The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune takes a hard subject and writes with wit and beautiful character development.

Which brings me to a messier but necessary conversation. I read the House before I learned of the controversy surrounding Klune’s inspiration for it. As a behavior specialist, my heart was full of love for the “unloveable” characters, especially Lucy. When I learned that Klune’s narrative was directly harmful to indigenous groups because of his inspiration from Canada’s residential schools and his lack of discussion or willingness to be open and learn, I was really disappointed. An author has a unique platform, and I think while everyone, even authors and other elevated people, can make mistakes, they also have the responsibility to grow as we all do.

Which brings me to my conclusions I have learned in life that oftentimes, multiple truths exist at once. And so I hold two truths about this. TJ Klune has a gift to take hard subjects and lessons and create magical narrative around them to help others. He also has used his gift in a way that is harmful to some, as any gift has the potential to build or tear down, and I hope that he can come to a place where reconciliation, humility, and learning is his priority.

"It's never enough, is it? Time. We always think we have so much of it, but when it really counts, we don't have enough at all."

This is now the third time I have sat down to write a review for this book. I honestly don't know if I was ready to have this book in my life, but I am thankful to have read it. Under the Whispering Door is a charming and warm, fuzzy blanket of a book that wraps itself around you and makes you feel safe. This is a book about dealing with grief and loss, a very tough topic in and of itself. It makes you look inward. Have I lived the best life I could until now? At a soul deep level, am I truly a good person? If I had to do it all again, what would I have done different? There are no easy answers to these types of questions. I don't know if I ever would have asked myself them at all if I had not read this book.

Though there are moments in this book that were hard to read, ( mind the trigger warnings my friends) the entire book contains an underlying message of hope . Hope that there is still time to live one's best life. Hope that once we've overstayed our welcome on this Earth, that there is something more, something wonderful and magical still to come. Our loved ones we've lost may not be here anymore, but they still left behind their impact on us. They live on in our memories, never truly lost, and hopefully they are also in that better place we like to imagine when we think about what comes after.

T.J. Klune wrote this book while he was grieving the loss of someone dear to him. You can see it in the pages, in Wallace asking all his questions and moving through the 5 stages of grief. Before you even begin the book, there is a dedication that already starts tugging on your heart strings. I had tears at numerous points in this book, but fans all know TJ's gift is that in between torturing your heart, he always makes it smile. I don't know whom the target audience was for this book exactly, but I think the message it leaves us with is needed in times like these. It would be a welcome read for both adults and young adults alike. After all, who couldn't use a little more hope in their lives?

If I wouldn't have known about the Cerulean sea, the cover of Under the whispering door would have done it for me. And if the cover would have been plain black,the synopsis would have been enough to make me want to read this immediately. Thank you so much, Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read the arc, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Funny, sad, heartbreaking and heartwarming, Wallace Price gets another shot at Life after dying of a heartache. And he needs it. So does Hugo, who might be more lonely than he realised. Add an adorable dog, a grumpy but oh so loving grandpa and a feisty reaper with a heart as big as a planet...and make most of them ghosts... And there you go. You won't want to put this down. Have a box of tissues ready. I sure needed them