I enjoyed most of this book, but you need to know up front that it’s got a problem. As it happens, at the front. You, see, I accepted the book for review on the promise that it was about a girl who dies, and what happens after that (Hence the title). The tone seemed light-hearted, for a spook story. Sort of Cozy Horror, if you can picture that. The originality appealed to me.

Instead, the first seven chapters tell the realistic story of a girl who becomes a paraplegic. There’s nothing wrong with the writing. It’s a good story, in itself. But it’s definitely not light, and nothing to do with the afterlife. Quite a downer, in fact. I have often said that bad reviews come from unfulfilled expectations. This one is a classic.

But that’s only the first tenth of the book. After that the girl dies, as promised, and the story builds beautifully from there. It’s that sort of humour.

The main character is nicely presented and develops realistically through the story, so when she comes up with an almost happily-ever-after solution, we understand and agree heartily. The secondary characters are also well portrayed and interesting, and the rest of the hotel guests are appropriately bizarre.  

The internal conflicts provide the basic interest in the story and keep us involved. The horror sections manage to be pretty horrific and provide tension and a contrasting setting to the positive viewpoint without spoiling the tone.

A minor cavil: this author has a rather loose control of point of view. I understand that Andrew, the love interest, needs some time with the readers, but a secondary character called The Bellboy keeps slipping in with details of his inner thoughts.

Don’t get me wrong. The paraplegic part at the beginning is essential in a tale about getting the most joy out of life, no matter what. But two chapters max, please.

Nine-tenths of a really good story, which will appeal to young adults and fans of lighter present-day occult. Don’t let the opening chapters put you off; it’s worth the read.

(4 / 5)

This review was originally written for Reedsy Discovery.