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Jo Who Died
Jo Who Died is the funny and bittersweet telling of a mother's life story from the perspective of her recently deceased daughter.
Jenny Knight never intended to call seven of her eight children Jo(e). It's funny how life turns out.
At twenty-six years old, Jo 5 throws herself out of a window with no intention of dying. Nor did she plan for her siblings to be suspects in a murder investigation. Sometimes, that's just the way things go.
As she watches the aftermath of her death unfold from beyond the grave, Jo reflects on her mother's life. The grief and addiction. The many romances with men whose names start with the letter J. The mysterious circumstances of 1995. And, of course, the decades-long friendship with a deeply dissatisfied Finn. The twists and turns that led Jenny, again and again, to naming each of her children Jo(e). Except for the youngest of course, but who cares about her?
Can Jenny find happiness? Will the Detective ever piece together the unusual plan Jo 5 has schemed up? And do hairdressers really care where you've been on your holidays?
All important questions that will be answered by Jo (who died).
Jenny Knight never intended to call seven of her eight children Jo(e). It's funny how life turns out.
At twenty-six years old, Jo 5 throws herself out of a window with no intention of dying. Nor did she plan for her siblings to be suspects in a murder investigation. Sometimes, that's just the way things go.
As she watches the aftermath of her death unfold from beyond the grave, Jo reflects on her mother's life. The grief and addiction. The many romances with men whose names start with the letter J. The mysterious circumstances of 1995. And, of course, the decades-long friendship with a deeply dissatisfied Finn. The twists and turns that led Jenny, again and again, to naming each of her children Jo(e). Except for the youngest of course, but who cares about her?
Can Jenny find happiness? Will the Detective ever piece together the unusual plan Jo 5 has schemed up? And do hairdressers really care where you've been on your holidays?
All important questions that will be answered by Jo (who died).
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
About the author
K. H. Walters
6 books9 followersK. H. Walters is a Yorkshire-born author, currently based in the North-East of England. She lives with her dog, Sam, who is definitely not a serial killer, and her Norwegian fiancé, Einar, who she picked up in the arctic. She writes British humour novels with heart, that will make you laugh and cry.
Get a free copy of her novelette, Julie's in a coma, by signing up to her newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/...
Get a free copy of her novelette, Julie's in a coma, by signing up to her newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 13, 2025
This was a bit of a surprise in several ways. First in getting an offer for a free copy of the audiobook, and I'm not sure how I even got it - but that may just be my memory not working. Anyway, I'm thankful for whoever was responsible for the copy, and I hope to read more from this author.
Anyway, it sounded interesting, so I jumped on it, and started listening. It started out a bit slow, and I almost wanted to stop, but I was a bit curious about what was going to happen. After all, it starts with the narrator purposely falling out a window and dying, but she didn't seem to intend to die. And then, there was her family of about 6 siblings all named Jo or Joe. That was enough to keep me going, and it started getting better. But I should mention that I often love strange books, and I always love British humor and their often clever phrases and outlooks. So, this was right up my alley, but I can see that it's not for everyone.
Since everyone is named Jo/Joe (even one father), they usually referred to specific people as Joe number 1, 2, 3... This got interesting when the first two were one and two years old, giving us phrases like "Joe number 1 was two and Joe number 2 was one". Or a conversation where someone might say "Jo went to the store" and another Jo overhears and says "I did not".
When the mother remarried a man name Joe, he was perturbed because he though people would think he named all his children after himself, even though he didn't name any of them.
Most of the family was pretty crazy, and it got crazier as the book progressed. There were some really funny characters throughout, and the more I read, the more I liked it.
There was a bit of sadness mixed in, but there was also a somewhat hidden love story that progressed throughout the book, and an emotional and happy ending.
I plan to look for more from this author. She has at least one more book that might be interesting; I'll try to get it and find out.
Anyway, it sounded interesting, so I jumped on it, and started listening. It started out a bit slow, and I almost wanted to stop, but I was a bit curious about what was going to happen. After all, it starts with the narrator purposely falling out a window and dying, but she didn't seem to intend to die. And then, there was her family of about 6 siblings all named Jo or Joe. That was enough to keep me going, and it started getting better. But I should mention that I often love strange books, and I always love British humor and their often clever phrases and outlooks. So, this was right up my alley, but I can see that it's not for everyone.
Since everyone is named Jo/Joe (even one father), they usually referred to specific people as Joe number 1, 2, 3... This got interesting when the first two were one and two years old, giving us phrases like "Joe number 1 was two and Joe number 2 was one". Or a conversation where someone might say "Jo went to the store" and another Jo overhears and says "I did not".
When the mother remarried a man name Joe, he was perturbed because he though people would think he named all his children after himself, even though he didn't name any of them.
Most of the family was pretty crazy, and it got crazier as the book progressed. There were some really funny characters throughout, and the more I read, the more I liked it.
There was a bit of sadness mixed in, but there was also a somewhat hidden love story that progressed throughout the book, and an emotional and happy ending.
I plan to look for more from this author. She has at least one more book that might be interesting; I'll try to get it and find out.
October 13, 2024
Loved this book! It kept me awake way too long at night despite me being in dire need of sleep (toddler keeps me on my toes all day and baby keeps me up all night). I just had to know what happened next, it was such a lovely and captivating read. I’m really impressed that the author managed to tackle a bunch of heavy topics—death, drugs, abuse, lost love—yet still made me laugh out loud several times during the short span of the book. 10/10 recommend, and I will definitely reread this!
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Marie, hvis dåkker enda har bokklubb og vil lese ei litt kortere bok så anbefale æ den her. Einar sin forloved som har selvpublisert, den va sjukt fin
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Marie, hvis dåkker enda har bokklubb og vil lese ei litt kortere bok så anbefale æ den her. Einar sin forloved som har selvpublisert, den va sjukt fin
March 2, 2026
I felt all the emotions reading this!! I was shocked, then in tears and ended up happy 🥹🥹
November 10, 2025
This book was an absolute delight. Full, rich characters guided me on this family’s journey of life, love, and loss. Nothing but love for this author and her beautiful writing style!!
September 10, 2024
This was such a beautiful, emotional and amazing story. It really takes you on a journey. I am so grateful to have read this book and I will be coming back to it when I want something to bring me joy while understanding the hardships of life.
December 10, 2024
Beautifully written and a compelling story. Quirky but elegant!
September 3, 2024
Enjoyment level: 5 ⭐
Plot: 5 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
I honestly didn't know what to think going into this. I misread the blurb and thought the Jo who died was 5 (she wasn't, she is Jo 5) and I was nervous, but everything else about the blurb appealed.
Honestly though, I don't have words to describe how utterly beautiful this book is. It packs a real emotional punch, but it is laugh out loud funny. Somehow, a story that is filled with tragedy and pain and misunderstandings is a joyfilled hopeful happy read.
It is very short, so I read it in a few hours and I will go back to it when I'm feeling sad just for the sheer joy of it!
Plot: 5 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
I honestly didn't know what to think going into this. I misread the blurb and thought the Jo who died was 5 (she wasn't, she is Jo 5) and I was nervous, but everything else about the blurb appealed.
Honestly though, I don't have words to describe how utterly beautiful this book is. It packs a real emotional punch, but it is laugh out loud funny. Somehow, a story that is filled with tragedy and pain and misunderstandings is a joyfilled hopeful happy read.
It is very short, so I read it in a few hours and I will go back to it when I'm feeling sad just for the sheer joy of it!
June 16, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. I was not to be disappointed!
Although, I did find it difficult, at times, to keep up with the Jo(e)'s, this book was a challenge totally worth sticking with.
The characters were likeable, even the one who died, with the majority of the story being told by Jo Who Died. It was very much a love conquers all in the end even though it took several twists to get there. I really enjoyed this book.
Although, I did find it difficult, at times, to keep up with the Jo(e)'s, this book was a challenge totally worth sticking with.
The characters were likeable, even the one who died, with the majority of the story being told by Jo Who Died. It was very much a love conquers all in the end even though it took several twists to get there. I really enjoyed this book.
January 9, 2025
PLEASE. Listen to this AWESOME audiobook asap; in my opinion, it is a book you won’t want to miss. “Jo Who Died” is a wonderful combination of miscommunication, love, tenderness, humor, life, death, and more love.
The narrator of this audiobook is a child/sibling who died. It reminded me of the book “The Lovely Bones”, which is narrated by a deceased girl. Only this book thankfully doesn’t have much angst.
I lost a sister in 1986, when she was 30 and I was 27, and this book actually made me feel like even though my sister may be dead, she still is part of my life and knows my joy’s, sorrow’s, and milestones.
I needed a few tissues at the end of this audiobook, not from sadness or grief, it was from an AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, TENDER, FULFILLING ending.
All throughout this book, as the detective was interviewing all the sibling’s, other persons of interest, and the deceased girl’s mom, I didn’t feel sadness or angst. I felt entranced, and enjoyed learning the backgrounds and personalities of all involved. I had a few good chuckles at the well-timed, subtle humor.
K. H. Walters did an EXCEPTIONAL job of giving all the characters such dimension. By the end of this book, I felt like I knew most of the characters intimately, like they were part of my family.
Melanie Crawley, who is the actual human voice that gave life to all the characters, did a tremendous job, and it was a pleasure listening to her.
Whether you listen to this as you clean, exercise, work, drive, or just sit relaxing, you are certain to have an incredible experience. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this audiobook.
The narrator of this audiobook is a child/sibling who died. It reminded me of the book “The Lovely Bones”, which is narrated by a deceased girl. Only this book thankfully doesn’t have much angst.
I lost a sister in 1986, when she was 30 and I was 27, and this book actually made me feel like even though my sister may be dead, she still is part of my life and knows my joy’s, sorrow’s, and milestones.
I needed a few tissues at the end of this audiobook, not from sadness or grief, it was from an AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, TENDER, FULFILLING ending.
All throughout this book, as the detective was interviewing all the sibling’s, other persons of interest, and the deceased girl’s mom, I didn’t feel sadness or angst. I felt entranced, and enjoyed learning the backgrounds and personalities of all involved. I had a few good chuckles at the well-timed, subtle humor.
K. H. Walters did an EXCEPTIONAL job of giving all the characters such dimension. By the end of this book, I felt like I knew most of the characters intimately, like they were part of my family.
Melanie Crawley, who is the actual human voice that gave life to all the characters, did a tremendous job, and it was a pleasure listening to her.
Whether you listen to this as you clean, exercise, work, drive, or just sit relaxing, you are certain to have an incredible experience. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this audiobook.
February 1, 2025
I loved this. It is funny and sad all at the same time. Give it a go if you want a nice easy read written from an unusual perspective.
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Jo Who Died is the funny and bittersweet telling of a mother's life story from the perspective of her recently deceased daughter.
Jenny Knight never intended to call seven of her eight children Jo(e). It's funny how life turns out.
At twenty-six years old, Jo 5 throws herself out of a window with no intention of dying. Nor did she plan for her siblings to be suspects in a murder investigation. Sometimes, that's just the way things go.
As she watches the aftermath of her death unfold from beyond the grave, Jo reflects on her mother's life. The grief and addiction. The many romances with men whose names start with the letter J. The mysterious circumstances of 1995. And, of course, the decades-long friendship with a deeply dissatisfied Finn. The twists and turns that led Jenny, again and again, to naming each of her children Jo(e). Except for the youngest of course, but who cares about her?
Can Jenny find happiness? Will the Detective ever piece together the unusual plan Jo 5 has schemed up? And do hairdressers really care where you've been on your holidays?
All important questions that will be answered by Jo (who died).
*****************************
Jo Who Died is the funny and bittersweet telling of a mother's life story from the perspective of her recently deceased daughter.
Jenny Knight never intended to call seven of her eight children Jo(e). It's funny how life turns out.
At twenty-six years old, Jo 5 throws herself out of a window with no intention of dying. Nor did she plan for her siblings to be suspects in a murder investigation. Sometimes, that's just the way things go.
As she watches the aftermath of her death unfold from beyond the grave, Jo reflects on her mother's life. The grief and addiction. The many romances with men whose names start with the letter J. The mysterious circumstances of 1995. And, of course, the decades-long friendship with a deeply dissatisfied Finn. The twists and turns that led Jenny, again and again, to naming each of her children Jo(e). Except for the youngest of course, but who cares about her?
Can Jenny find happiness? Will the Detective ever piece together the unusual plan Jo 5 has schemed up? And do hairdressers really care where you've been on your holidays?
All important questions that will be answered by Jo (who died).
April 22, 2026
Jo Who Died offers a fascinating perspective by telling its story from beyond the grave, and it’s a concept that works beautifully here. Rather than feeling gimmicky, the narrative choice adds depth and allows the listener to see the characters with a wider, more reflective lens.
What truly stood out to me was how the story focused on the backgrounds and personal histories of the characters, especially Jo’s mother. This is very much a story about relationships — how they form, how they fracture, and how they linger long after life has moved on. I found myself increasingly invested as these connections were revealed and recontextualized.
The pacing felt deliberate and rewarding, and the emotional weight built naturally as more of each character’s past came to light. Melanie Crawley’s narration was excellent, capturing both subtle emotion and clarity, which made it easy to stay immersed in the story.
This audiobook is thoughtful, well‑performed, and quietly powerful. If you enjoy character‑driven stories with an emotional core and a unique narrative voice, this is well worth your time.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
What truly stood out to me was how the story focused on the backgrounds and personal histories of the characters, especially Jo’s mother. This is very much a story about relationships — how they form, how they fracture, and how they linger long after life has moved on. I found myself increasingly invested as these connections were revealed and recontextualized.
The pacing felt deliberate and rewarding, and the emotional weight built naturally as more of each character’s past came to light. Melanie Crawley’s narration was excellent, capturing both subtle emotion and clarity, which made it easy to stay immersed in the story.
This audiobook is thoughtful, well‑performed, and quietly powerful. If you enjoy character‑driven stories with an emotional core and a unique narrative voice, this is well worth your time.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
May 31, 2026
I read this book after I saw it on a ‘funny books written by women’ list written by someone perturbed that the only writers making it onto funny lists were men and consequently failed to make a point.
I reasonably enjoyed reading this book, but I wouldn’t call it funny. It contained some mild wit. I can’t even say that it likely went over my head because I am not Northern, but I am from Yorkshire, so I am exactly the audience it was intending to amuse.
I can definitely recommend this as a light hearted tale you can easily read in a day or two, don’t be put off by any gruesome scenes in death, there are none (that may be good or bad for your interests, I don’t know) the recently deceased is merely used as an omniscient narrator of no determinable character. The mother, who the story is actually about, is heart warming and sympathetic and you will likely find yourself rooting for her. I suppose a lesson to be learned is that people ought to to communicate better. Especially if they are British, and specifically Northern, or maybe just from Yorkshire, because the lot of us are entirely passive aggressive and it must tire other folk out.
Would maybe read something by this author again, but there are a lot of books out there.
I reasonably enjoyed reading this book, but I wouldn’t call it funny. It contained some mild wit. I can’t even say that it likely went over my head because I am not Northern, but I am from Yorkshire, so I am exactly the audience it was intending to amuse.
I can definitely recommend this as a light hearted tale you can easily read in a day or two, don’t be put off by any gruesome scenes in death, there are none (that may be good or bad for your interests, I don’t know) the recently deceased is merely used as an omniscient narrator of no determinable character. The mother, who the story is actually about, is heart warming and sympathetic and you will likely find yourself rooting for her. I suppose a lesson to be learned is that people ought to to communicate better. Especially if they are British, and specifically Northern, or maybe just from Yorkshire, because the lot of us are entirely passive aggressive and it must tire other folk out.
Would maybe read something by this author again, but there are a lot of books out there.
April 14, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and was pleasantly surprised. The narrator did a fantastic job, engaging, entertaining, and perfectly suited for the tone of the story.
At first, I wasn’t sure this book would be for me, but the more I listened, the more I was drawn in. It’s a quirky mix of silly humor, heartwarming moments, a touch of suspense, and a sweet love story that sneaks up on you. What starts off as absurd turns into a surprisingly touching and reflective tale.
Told from the perspective of Jo 5, recently deceased and watching her chaotic family unravel from beyond the grave, the story captures both the ridiculous and the real. Jenny Knight, the mother of eight mostly-named-Jo(e) children, is a fascinating character, flawed, funny, and painfully human.
There are mystery elements, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments throughout. The unusual premise somehow works perfectly, and by the end, I genuinely loved the book.
If you enjoy witty, offbeat stories with heart, Jo Who Died is definitely worth a listen.
At first, I wasn’t sure this book would be for me, but the more I listened, the more I was drawn in. It’s a quirky mix of silly humor, heartwarming moments, a touch of suspense, and a sweet love story that sneaks up on you. What starts off as absurd turns into a surprisingly touching and reflective tale.
Told from the perspective of Jo 5, recently deceased and watching her chaotic family unravel from beyond the grave, the story captures both the ridiculous and the real. Jenny Knight, the mother of eight mostly-named-Jo(e) children, is a fascinating character, flawed, funny, and painfully human.
There are mystery elements, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments throughout. The unusual premise somehow works perfectly, and by the end, I genuinely loved the book.
If you enjoy witty, offbeat stories with heart, Jo Who Died is definitely worth a listen.
November 26, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with this author's work, and it won't be my last. From the opening until the very end, I was so captivated by this story that I listened to the whole audiobook in one sitting. As soon as I read the blurb, my imagination was intrigued by the creative idea of telling a mother's story through the perspective of a deceased daughter. I was entertained by the originality of the story and the quirkiness of the characters. I thought Melanie Crawley's narration was good, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
December 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I loved the underlying humor throughout, it really enhanced the story. I did not want to put it down. No that it is over, I definitely want more by this author. The title of the book caught my attention, it is unusual. Although death is a dark and heavy topic, this book is light and easy. With death, as the story unfolds there are several tragedies, and painful moments. At the same time, it is told in a light and happy tone. I recommend reading this book! The narration further enhanced the story, well done. I received a free copy of the audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 31, 2024
3 stars
I struggled to stay engaged with this book, unfortunately.
I didn't feel connected to the POV and I didn't really like the story itself. It seemed like a strange way to create this narrative, and for me it didn't really work. There were some bits which I think were supposed to be funny, but it came across a little awkward to me.
I was also really confused by the POV characters decision at the start of the book, it seemed to be a very strange way to deal with how her life was going. It also didn't seem well thought out
I struggled to stay engaged with this book, unfortunately.
I didn't feel connected to the POV and I didn't really like the story itself. It seemed like a strange way to create this narrative, and for me it didn't really work. There were some bits which I think were supposed to be funny, but it came across a little awkward to me.
I was also really confused by the POV characters decision at the start of the book, it seemed to be a very strange way to deal with how her life was going. It also didn't seem well thought out
January 28, 2025
This story is such a unique way of looking at life and death from the perspective of Jo that died. The world building caught me off guard because it was so different from my "regular" reads/listens. The characters, mostly family with some others mixed in, are so different from what you'd expect after a person passes. You need to read/listen to the story yourself just because....
I listened to the audiobook version which I'm sure gives it more character.
I listened to the audiobook version which I'm sure gives it more character.
June 7, 2024
Jo Who Died is an emotional rollercoaster. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry half the time. All the characters were really well thought through and unique in their own way and I loved finding out more about their lives as the story unfolded. As a Rotherham United fan, I particularly enjoyed the references to the Mighty Millers!
November 7, 2024
The best book you'll read this year
How can you review a book that has you so gripped you put your life on pause to read it and ignore everything else? I absolutely adored this book even though it made me cry and laugh far too many times than is humanly decent. I'll shut up now and just say read this book or regret it never being a part of your soul
How can you review a book that has you so gripped you put your life on pause to read it and ignore everything else? I absolutely adored this book even though it made me cry and laugh far too many times than is humanly decent. I'll shut up now and just say read this book or regret it never being a part of your soul
July 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ why did i actually really like this?? so funny and humorous but also made my heart ache 🥹 i literally was getting emotional in like the 3rd chapter or something. such an easy read and the writing was so engaging and beautiful but also entertaining. the love stories in this omg OUCH. a very unique read!!!! for a random kindle unlimited find i am SO impressed
August 18, 2024
A fast paced storyline full of quirky Yorkshire humour that took me straight back to my roots. As I now live in Canada, the accent portrayal was particularly enjoyable. I read this in one sitting on a sunny bank holiday. Highly Recommend.
November 14, 2024
What a beautiful book. I sobbed. And not for the reasons you may think from the title. Kathy has written some absolutely perfect moments and surrounded them with wit, fun and love. Such a gorgeous book.
June 10, 2024
Heartwarming, sweet, sad and funny. Jo who died is a book about hardships, love, loss, and family. A great read that had me bawling my eyes out in parts, highly recommended read!
March 14, 2025
This was such a brilliant book! The writing style was so fun and witty and it was easy to buy in to all of the characters. My only complaint would be I would like to have more of it to read!!
April 8, 2025
Wasn’t sure what to expect from this but thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 12, 2025
Ate that up in just 4 hours.
August 20, 2025
Lovely, easy read. fun concept. enjoyed.
November 13, 2025
3.5 amusing light read
May 21, 2026
Brilliant
This was a brilliant story, contained sadness, laughter and some misunderstanding. I will definitely be reading it again. Thank you!
This was a brilliant story, contained sadness, laughter and some misunderstanding. I will definitely be reading it again. Thank you!
May 28, 2026
Really difficult to follow. Skim read the last few chapters. Just didn't like it at all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews