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ria_ray's review
4.0
Honestly teared up at the end. It was a lovely book but it was kinda slow at the start ykyk.
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Supernatural "Whodunnit?" for young adults.
Denis was killed five years ago. At least he thinks he was. He definitely died - he's currently roaming the afterlife with his grandfather, and vaguely remembers his death... possibly his murder.
He decides he needs to return to help his suffering family, his 12-year-old twin brother and father who are having trouble letting go and moving on, his silently pained mother. Can he communicate with Matt and work out just how he died and why?
I was reminded of The Lovely Bones listening to this - a story about a dead child, possibly killed, the identity of the killer unknown, and the victim trying to help his grieving family move on. Like that book, this is not for young children, despite being narrated by a pre-teen.
Denis delves into his own death, moving back to the night of his murder and works with his twin to solve it and put himself and his family at peace.
Denis's voice is well-created by the narrator, he sounds young, keen and quite accustomed to his situation. The audio format suits the telling, and it is easy to follow.
The story itself is sad, though I found the plot a little convoluted at times to follow. I was worried about graphic death/murder scenes, but there is nothing that means a mature child/teenage reader couldn't enjoy this, despite the genre and content.
The portrayal of a grieving family is quite heart-rending, and even for someone more than dubious about an afterlife, the rules and vision of Denis's are intriguing and don't detract.
Personally, I think a 9 year old will find this a little much, I would say 11-14 year olds and even adults will connect best with the subject matter and twins.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
Denis was killed five years ago. At least he thinks he was. He definitely died - he's currently roaming the afterlife with his grandfather, and vaguely remembers his death... possibly his murder.
He decides he needs to return to help his suffering family, his 12-year-old twin brother and father who are having trouble letting go and moving on, his silently pained mother. Can he communicate with Matt and work out just how he died and why?
I was reminded of The Lovely Bones listening to this - a story about a dead child, possibly killed, the identity of the killer unknown, and the victim trying to help his grieving family move on. Like that book, this is not for young children, despite being narrated by a pre-teen.
Denis delves into his own death, moving back to the night of his murder and works with his twin to solve it and put himself and his family at peace.
Denis's voice is well-created by the narrator, he sounds young, keen and quite accustomed to his situation. The audio format suits the telling, and it is easy to follow.
The story itself is sad, though I found the plot a little convoluted at times to follow. I was worried about graphic death/murder scenes, but there is nothing that means a mature child/teenage reader couldn't enjoy this, despite the genre and content.
The portrayal of a grieving family is quite heart-rending, and even for someone more than dubious about an afterlife, the rules and vision of Denis's are intriguing and don't detract.
Personally, I think a 9 year old will find this a little much, I would say 11-14 year olds and even adults will connect best with the subject matter and twins.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
goodem9199's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Well-written and had me until the end. The truth behind the mystery seemed too convoluted and random to me. Perfect for upper middle to high school.
elliedevans's review
5.0
Very good but definitely not a good book to read if you currently have 7 year old twins
alittleoverdue's review against another edition
4.0
This book has a totally unique premise and is unlike any middle grade fiction I've encountered. Abbott bites off a lot with this ambitious novel, but it really pays off as far as character development, plot, suspense, and satisfying ending. Definitely a good read for anyone who likes a good mystery or family story.
readsknitsrepeats's review
4.0
I couldn’t put this books down, I read it in one day. Yes, it is dark but it is so gripping. Very interesting take on the afterlife. Amazing mystery as well.
bear_dog's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful mystery book. Matt’s twin brother Denis was murdered 5 years ago. The readers follow Denis as he travels between the afterlife and the human world to help Matt solve his murder.
I loved the author’s creative take on the afterlife and how ghosts communicate with human loved ones. The characters -(mom, dad, and surviving twin)- were realistic and well-done. How the plot unfolded and how they solved the murder was original. And the ending was satisfying.
I recommend this book and I think this book will be nominated for some awards.
I loved the author’s creative take on the afterlife and how ghosts communicate with human loved ones. The characters -(mom, dad, and surviving twin)- were realistic and well-done. How the plot unfolded and how they solved the murder was original. And the ending was satisfying.
I recommend this book and I think this book will be nominated for some awards.
kkierstenn_'s review
3.0
I enjoyed this book but I think that it is a bit too dark and confusing to be a children's novel.
kat10186's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0