A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death, Maxie Dara (Review by Skylar Wetzel)

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie Dara was such a fun, quirky, quick read. I hate to admit this, but I related to the female main character, Nora, so deeply as a worrier and type “A” personality, it isn’t even funny. She has such a sarcastic inner monologue, but often plays peacemaker and savior to keep her brother, Charlie, out of literal harm’s way. Nora works in admin for a grim reaper agency that collects souls, and is constantly thinking up ways to die and prevent that death. When her distant twin brother’s file pops up, she has to reconnect their relationship and go on the run to try and save him. If you have ever had a younger, irresponsible, or live by the seat of their pants sibling, then you will immediately understand their relationship. Nora and Charlie couldn’t be any different, and yet there is a deep familial caring between the two that makes it real. The way that Charlie likes to poke fun at Nora had me laughing throughout the book.

Nora and Charlie eventually land in a place shrouded in mystery that makes them question everything they know. As a comedic relief sidekick, they also travel with a pet parrot that strangely showed up on Charlie’s doorstep one day. The book has many unexpected twists and turns that last the whole story, and leave you questioning every side character you meet. While it may seem obvious, don’t overlook the little clues or interactions throughout the book. Maxie Dara has a brilliant way of weaving a fast-paced plot while slowly revealing tidbits of information to keep you guessing where everything is going next. As a reader, you will also feel deeply proud of the growth and character development Nora shows throughout the book, which will leave you a little teary-eyed at the end. I don’t want to spoil anything else, so my advice is to go into the story as blind as possible.

If you want a fast-paced, cozy mystery, then this is the book for you!