A review by allthingseryn
I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney

funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

4.25 stars – A hilariously awkward dive into death, grief, and learning to actually live

I See You’ve Called in Dead follows a wonderfully endearing disaster of a human who stumbles into the oddest job imaginable: writing obituaries… and being absolutely terrible at it. He’s that guy you just know has amazing stories if he could only figure out how to tell them without tripping over his own feet — but somehow, that’s what makes him so weirdly likable.

The tone is exactly what I needed: not too heavy, not trying too hard to be deep. It walks that perfect line between heartfelt and self deprecating humor. The banter is sharp, the dialogue is packed with awkward charm, and instead of dumping loads of backstory, the author breathes life into every character through voice and personality. 

At its core, the book is really about someone working in the business of death who has to figure out how to start living. There’s grief in here — not the loud kind, but the kind that hides in the background, that subtle disengagement we all feel when we’re afraid of really connecting or being hurt. But don’t worry — it’s never overly cerebral. The book delivers emotional weight through quirky, real moments rather than long introspective monologues.

If you love dark humor, socially awkward protagonists, and stories that sneak up on your heart, give this one a shot. 

Thanks to Zibby Publishing for an ARC of this book.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Grief, Suicide attempt