Another phenomenal story by TJ Klune! I adored every single thing about this book. The characters were so special and I did not want this book to end. If you're a fan of THE GOOD PLACE or THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY this one is for you.

TJ Klune writes wholesome, sweet stories that are sure to appeal to readers of multiple genres. It is a bit too wholesome and surface level for me, but I could appreciate the easy writing style and characters. If you are looking for a mildly romantic story and discussions for grief, this may be for you

As always, TJ Klune does a fantastic job setting the scenery for the story. Although the subject was tough for me to read at the time, this is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of grief and life after death. Be aware of the content warnings, but the underlying message is brilliant.

I was a huge fan of the house on the Cerulean sea by T.J. Klune and was expecting something similar, this was in some ways but it is definitely a story all to it’s own, one that I still enjoyed.

TJ Klune once again did not disappoint bringing his signature writing style - distinctive characters with voices that bounce off the page - to life. Covering an in-depth conversation on life and death, opening my eyes to the conversation in a different way through his magnificent way with words.

Full of heart and you feel as though you’re meeting with people in your own life, the characters feel that real.

One that has stayed with me since reading and one I enjoy recommending to customers. Thank you for the reading copy in exchange for an honest review!

TJ Klune is a mastermind. Every book he writes is beautifully written, full of complex, important themes and messages. I loved this story of the afterlife and the in between; makes one really think about their own lives and whether or not they are truly living the best life they could be. Wallace, Hugo & Mei are all wonderful characters that I grew to love very quickly, even Wallace!

This was super sweet and just as heartwarming as The House in the Cerulean Sea. I love the A Christmas Carol vibes, and Wallace's character arc throughout the story. TJ Klune is truly a gem in the book world, and even with mile high expectations, this book blew past them!

The story quickly introduces you to Wallace Price - a man that is immediately established as insensitive, distant, and described as cold and calculating. His first action in the story is firing a woman after finding her crying thus taking away her daughter's scholarship in the process. He did so without remorse or an ounce of caring similar to how Ebenezer is first introduced as a cold uncaring man. Then Wallace's life completely changes. It ends. This introduction sets up the man and his death creates a catalyst that pulls you into the story. The story takes place in Wallace's afterlife, caught between life and peace. He's a ghost - neither present in reality nor gone from it. The characters are Klune's typical style of quirky, charming, and funny. It's a relatively small cast of characters which gives you a chance to truly get to know each of them. Each of these characters influences Wallace and brings out his humanity, inspiring him to be better and appreciate life even in his afterlife. There's Hugo the Ferryman, Mei the Reaper, Apollo the amazing ghost dog, and Nelson a fellow ghost. His bond with each of them draws out a piece of his humanity with friendship, love, family, and selflessness. The plot tackles heavy themes such as death, selfishness, humanity, anxiety, and grief in a way that is heartfelt, genuine, and easy to read. "Grief is a catalyst" is a poignant quote that encompasses the essence of the story. It was grief that turned Hugo into a ferryman. It's grief that transforms Wallace by the end in a way that is beautifully written and will hit home for a lot of people. The writing feels as if it comes from a personal place and you can feel the compassion that went into creating this story about life, death, and everything in between.

TJ KLUNE!!!! I feel like everything is writing is magic these days...and not in the sense of magic...but that they are magically amazing! A teacher friend of mine said I HAD to read Under the Whispering Door and she was right in all the praise she gave. Definitely looking for future books by TJ.

This one was very sweet and wholesome, I enjoyed it. It was uplifting and really just an all around cozy read. I really liked the unique premise as well and I normally do not read fantasy very much.

I love TJ Klune's writing, humor, and the inclusion of the best grumpy curmudgeon characters ever. If the story ends here, I'm content. If the story continues, I'm beyond excited!

This review is so late, but I did not want to waste to opportunity to say what a beautiful, gorgeous, funny, sad, important book this is. I was able to listen to the audio version (excellent) and found myself unable to wait for my next commute, so I switched back and forth to the ebook.

The characters are diverse and amazing - I loved them all even when I couldn't stand some of them. The book's ruminations on life and how it might continue are so poignantly done. Just - bravo all around.

Wonderful book. In my top 5 of all time. I love this author. I will revisit this book yearly for a reread. Added to my bookshelf of 5 star reads.

TJ Klune was one of my favorite authors for a while, and when he got signed with TOR I was excited for him. But as my reading tastes have changed, I’ve come to realize that I am not the right reader for Klune’s books. He has interesting ideas and does interesting things with grief stories, but I can’t move past several -isms that sneak into his work and are baked in as preconceived absolutes. Fully a case of me not being the right audience for his books any longer.

Another incredible story by an outstanding author. He writes such lovable characters. I loved everything about this. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Anything TJ Klune writes is simply incredible, whimsical, emotional, and so much fun. This story tore my heart out and stepped on it, but then it gently put it back into place and gave it a hug. I felt so many feeling reading this and can’t wait for a reread.

This book was magical. There's no other word that sums it up better. It's a beautiful warm hug of a novel. I didn't want it to end. The way it covers grief, redemption, friendship, family, responsibility is truly wonderful. I cared deeply for all the characters and wanted nothing more than to visit Hugo's tea shop. I can't recommend this highly enough.

A ghost dog?? Count me in!

If you thought that The House in the Cerulean Sea was a warm hug of a book, then you have to read this. I truly can't pick which book is better because both are so heartwarming. If you loved The Midnight Library, you'll love this.

For some reason I could really imagine this book as a movie. I could see the characters and I feel like it would translate so well to the big screen.

I'm not currently grieving but I feel like this would be awesome for anyone grieving.

A big thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this one!!

I absolutely positively LOVED! this book.

“The first time you share tea, you are a stranger. The second time you share tea, you are an honored guest. And the third time you share tea, you become family.”

I am in love with Klune’s writing. Even if this is only my second book by him I already know I am a forever fan.

Klune has a way in writing beautiful words. He has away of breaking your heart and then put it back together. He also has a way of making you fall in love with all the characters.

Reading this book will give you a new perspective on how you look at life and death.

Don’t be afraid to pick up this book and read it. You will fall in love with every word

Wallace, Hugo, Nelson and Mei will stay with me forever.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor book for the opportunity to read this book.

Klune once again hits it out of the park. Whispering Door may not be quite as outstanding as Cerulean Sea - but that is an awfully high bar to match and this is by no means anything other than an outstanding book. Klune once again explores love in the new book and readers should expect more than a few tugs on the heartstrings. With an easy-to-read writing style, this is the book to pick up and savor over a long weekend.