“This improbably lighthearted mystery, told from Daralynn's entertainingly candid perspective, deals with death and its aftermath in a straightforward style that puts the ‘fun back in funeral.'” —Horn Book Magazine

“Klise (the 43 Old Cemetery Road series) spins an insightful story about loss and family, set in the tiny town of Digginsville, Mo., told from the plainspoken perspective of 12-year-old Daralynn Oakland. ...Balancing Daralynn's family tragedy with gentle humor and an evocative late-1960s setting, Klise's writing is refreshingly matter-of-fact and studded with simple, powerful images and memorable, entertaining characters.” —Publishers Weekly

“In the sentimental end, this salty-sweet, nut-sprinkled novel underscores the ‘grounding' that comes with caring for people, whether it's flashy-trashy Aunt Josie and her boardinghouse gentlemen, senile Mamaw poignantly nurturing her dolls or, most powerfully of all, Daralynn and her mother finding their way back to each other.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This quiet story illuminates and celebrates the human need for connection beyond the grave.” —Booklist

“While her subject matter is serious, author Kate Klise brings humor and warmth to this heartfelt story of healing and hope.” —BookPage