Prah, Constantine and Baryeh Reviews: The Afterlife Coach by Susan E. Paul

It's October, and we probably should have chosen a Halloween themed book so readers could adjust their TBR list, but we chose a paranormal story, which I think works for the season: The Aferlife Coach by Susan E. Paul.

Here's the blurb:
Imagine waking up to find Napoleon Bonaparte, Janis Joplin and Count Dracula in your kitchen eating Froot Loops. For Claire Anderson, this crosses the line. To make matters worse, they’re on the lam and can’t be returned to sender until In Between, the afterlife way station, can arrange transportation to pick them up. In the meantime, Claire tries to contain this motley crew, hoping to stave off an international incident. How do they manage to walk among us? Will Claire succeed in repatriating them? And at what cost? The Afterlife Coach is a humorous tale of second chances, self-awareness and, for those among us who make bad choices, demonstrates just how hard it is to die happily ever after.

My Review
The first thing that caught my attention was author's writing style, which weaves in a sense of humour I discovered I liked. With the story written in first person (usually not my favourite), the humour adds to the protagonist's persona and brings a definite realness to her.

The premise of the story is very interesting - a person who not only sees the dead but has the task of helping them make amends and find peace. THe protragonist, Claire Anderson, has recently lost her husband and is in that place of simple existence.
The very nature of the plot made it a necessity for the characters to grow over the course of the story and Ms Paul does it effortlessly. In the process of helping the dead find their rightful places in the after-life, Claire unwittingly embarks on a journey of self re-discover and finds her own purpose again.

The Afterlife Coach is an easy read, which gives more than a few laughs along the way. Ms Paul gives us likeable characters that we come to care about as the story progresses; and is able to address all my questions and wishes, leaving no loose ends.

Don't forget to hop over to see reviews by Nana Prah and Cathrina Constantine.