Review ~ Don't Fear the Reaper by Michelle Muto

Don't Fear the Reaper

by Michelle Muto

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Haunted by memories of her murdered twin, Keely Morrison is convinced suicide is her only ticket to eternal peace. 
But in death, she discovers the afterlife is nothing like she expected. Instead of peaceful oblivion or a joyful reunion with her sister, Keely is trapped in a netherworld on Earth with only a bounty-hunting reaper and a sarcastic demon to show her the ropes.
When the demon offers Keely her ultimate temptation--revenge on her sister's killer--she must determine who she can trust. Because, as Keely soon learns, the reaper and demon have been keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true--that her every decision changes how, and with whom, she spends eternity. 

My Review:

4 out of 5 stars

Although this is a work of fiction, it touches on a very real life issue......suicide. After losing her twin sister to a brutal murder and missing her terribly, Keely does the unthinkable...she take her own life so she can find her sister.  After her passing, Keely meets up with a reaper named Banning and a demon named Daniel. Because she committed suicide, she is not able to go immediately to Heaven. She must stay in Purgatory and must pass a test in order to go through the Pearly Gates. If she fails, she gets a one-way ticket to Hell. While she waits for her funeral and her test, she finds that taking her own life really affects her loved ones and friends more than she could have ever know.

The characters are so awesome. I fell in love with Banning. You can really tell that he really cared for Keely and would have done anything to make her transition better.  And when I found out when and why he decided to become a reaper, I loved him even more.  Daniel. Oh,Daniel. So much to like about this demon. He is funny, witty and sarcastic.  He really is the comedian in this story. I really wished I could have learned more of Daniel's past and why he became a demon, because really, I don't understand how he landed such a crappy job. Maybe we find out in a sequel?  I really hope so!

This is one of those books that made me laugh and it made me cry. This was such a beautiful well-written story that is very powerful and thought provoking. Ms. Muto really has outdone herself with this novel.  She has really captured the heartbreaking toll that suicide has on the family and friends that are left behind. 

This one is suitable for all age groups.  No sex, no romance, just a really good down-to-earth story that everyone should read!