A review by fantasticallyfabled
Casket Case by Lauren Evans

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Casket Case is one part exploration of grief, two parts romantic comedy, a dash of self-discovery, and a heavy helping of magical realism. Its unique and intriguing premise captures your attention, but its execution falls short, preventing it from being a higher rated read. Despite its flaws, it has a certain charm that keeps you invested in the story and curious about what comes next.

After her parents' death, Nora reluctantly returns to her teeny tiny hometown of Rabbittown, Alabama, to run Rabbittown Casket Company, her family’s casket business. It's not an easy or glamorous job, but somebody’s got to do it. Being a single 30-something constantly surrounded by death is rough, but Nora's not the type to wallow in her grief. Instead, she tackles it head-on with a mix of humor and vulnerability. Nora's inner monologue is often laugh-out-loud funny, even as she struggles to reconcile her feelings and beliefs about life and death. Her sarcastic wit and relatable struggles make Nora a character you can't help but root for as she navigates the weird—and strangely cutthroat—world of funeral directing.

Things start to look up for Nora when a handsome stranger walks into Rabbittown Casket Company to ask for directions. Enter Garrett, an incredibly charming guy who works in Logistics—for Death. Garrett is both swoony and frustrating. On one hand, he's handsome, mysterious, and brooding, and his chemistry with Nora is undeniable. On the other hand, he's keeping some major secrets and has a job that causes him to travel frequently, work long hours, and late nights. Nora and Garrett’s relationship is sweet and endearing, but at the same time, it sometimes feels rushed and a bit too perfect. 

Casket Case had the potential to be phenomenal, but unfortunately, it missed the mark in several areas. The book's uneven pacing often disrupts the flow of the story. Just as one plot line gains traction, it's abandoned for something new, and this constant shifting makes it difficult to become fully invested in the story. It's like trying to watch a TV show while someone keeps changing the channels. Also, the supporting characters lack depth and feel more like sketches than fully realized people. The lack of secondary character development makes it difficult to connect with anyone other than Nora, and the story ultimately feels a bit hollow because of it. 

Would I recommend it?
Maybe. The unique premise and thoughtful exploration of life, death, and grief set it apart from the typical rom-com. Evans has a knack for finding humor and heart in heavy subjects, and if she improves her pacing and character development, her next novel will be a huge hit. As it stands, Casket Case is a solid three-star read that will appeal to readers who enjoy quirky, offbeat stories or want a rom-com with a bit of a macabre side. Overall, Casket Case was an enjoyable debut novel, and I'm excited to see what Evans does next.
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