Death by Roses

by Vivian R. Probst

For the first time in nearly thirty years of marriage, Art McElroy Sr. buys his headstrong, disapproving wife a dozen yellow roses. Hours later he discovers her lifeless body seated on the toilet. Mae Rose McElroy's sudden death leaves a void in her family and in the entire Midwestern farming community of Fairview. It's a void Mae Rose will attempt to fill, herself, from the hereafter by meddling directly in earthly affairs.

Mae Rose's meddling leads to her spiritual expulsion from heaven, and she winds up in the body of Mary Lee Broadmoor (Scary Mary), a crusty writer and director of exquisite horror movies. Mary Lee refuses to succumb to stage-4 pancreatic cancer until she gets one final shot at an elusive Oscar. Like Mae Rose, who argues with God for a return to earth, Mary Lee pleads, from her Hollywood deathbed, for more time to complete her work, as her hospice nurse, Gertie Morgan, looks on.

The two women's spirits work together, and Mae Rose provides her host with a new script idea: a love story, based on her life! The script earns Mary Lee her coveted Academy Award, but the movie's release shocks and disturbs Mae Rose's family. They set out to find, and confront, the woman who has somehow co-opted, and publicly revealed, their personal tragedy.

Along the way, new love emerges as the reader meets a caste of crazy, eccentric, but highly memorable characters. "Death by Roses" suggests that relationships don't end at death, but continue until their ultimate purpose is achieved. The universe has every resource at its disposal to get the job done. It also has an amazing sense of humor

Genres: Book Club

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sheetal Maurya - Godse (Halo of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you define love? How many time do you express your love to your partner? Have you ever cared to those who has lived for you? ‘Death by Roses’ is one of such book which makes you ask these question to yourself. I am thankful to the author for providing me a copy of this book.

Read more such Book review on my blog Halo of Books| Book Reviews

Plot summary:

Mae Rose is a hot headed, stubborn woman who lives with his husband Art McElroy and two sons John and Art Jr. The marriage which was based on pure love gets affected gradually. Art had an extramarital affair and which made them both away from each other. To made up the thing at the best, after the 30 years of marriage for the first time Art purchases a bunch of yellow roses for Mae Rose. However in between some events occurred which spoil everything and Mae Rose was found death on the toilet seat.

Once in the heaven, Mae meets to her mother and get the boon of viewing pane with the condition of no interference in the life of humans. Through this, she used to watch over her family and unfortunately did interfere.

On the other side, Mary Lee Broadmoor aka ‘Scary Mary’ a renowned name in the horror movie segment is struggling to deadly cancer. She has just one wish that to win the Oscar before death.
What happens next is truly amazing, as the soul of Mae Rose and Mary Lee get accumulated in the body of Mary Lee. Mae Rose makes her write a story about her love life with Art. Apparently, this movie won the Oscar.

After watching the movie, a family of Mae Rose was wondered that how the person living in another part of the country got the story of their family?

In this ups and down, the love start blooming in Art Jr. and Mary Lee’s daughter Allie, Gertie (Hospice nurse) and Gene (Doctor of Mary Lee).

There is also an important character of Nita and Cheryl who make the story bind together.

How will the McElroy family handle this situation? Will Art find out that Mae Rose is living in Mary Lee? Does Mae Rose get regretted to serve her family secret in public? Read this book to know the answers.

Writing Style:

The language is pretty easy and will help you to read in pace. However, the storytelling could have been much better as some places the story starts from nowhere and restricts the reading speed. The characters are truly amazing and well-developed.

My perception:

I simply loved this book! This book will leave you spellbound. ‘Love’ is an enchanting power which can never end in spite of the death. In this book, the author has explored the life beyond death. The death of Mae Rose made Art a different person and he starts seeing the life in a different way. The author has creatively imagined the heaven and the concept of viewing pane. This book could be a great movie which you can enjoy with your partner! This book gives one message that keeps aside your ego and starts loving each other otherwise who knows that on the next day you will lose your loved ones! The story was so beautiful that I don’t want to end it. You should not miss this book!

[Roger Corea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, it now occupies the most conspicuous location on my bookshelf. Each time I walk by, I am reminded of how much I enjoyed reading it. Vivian Probst weaved such depth, excitement, and humor into her characters, I couldn't wait to discover which one would cause my next fit of laughter. Her story telling skill is refreshing and immediately captures and sustains your attention. This is a must read book! Hilarious, soul-stirring, and even provocative, Vivian Probst has created a comic masterpiece!
- Roger Corea, NY

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most times we never really appreciate our loved ones until they are gone from our lives forever. Art McElroy would discover this painful truth the day he lost his wife, Mae Rose and when the reality of him not being able to tell her how much he loved her hit him. 

When I chose to read this book, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The author was new to me and this was her first novel, but the blurb drew me in and I agreed to read this title and provide my honest and unbiased opinion. 

Death by Roses is one of those stories that is likely to have a lasting impression on its readers. It certainly did so for me. There are times when you see a title for a book and you are at a lost as to how it fits in with the story. Well, this story left no doubt in my mind as the title fitted the story perfectly.

This story had me laughing and crying at intervals, has I followed the characters on their journey of self-discovery. My favourite characters were Mae Rose McElroy and Mary Lee Broadmoor aka ‘Scary Mary”. She was given that nickname due to her penchant for writing horror stories. They were both determined women who were not afraid to speak their minds and would stop at nothing to achieve their desired goals. They started out being unlikable, but by the end of the story I could not help but love them both. I enjoyed watching them after much introspection, tried to right their wrongs which at times were humorous yet poignant.

I enjoyed the author’s exploration of life after death and her unique concept of heaven. The story resonated with me, having experienced the loss of loved ones. It was a stark reminder of how precious life is and should not be wasted. It made me realise that life is too short to be harbouring unforgiveness in our hearts. We should try to be kind and forgiving to our loved ones as we never know when they will suddenly be taken away from us.

Verdict

This was a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and healing. It kept me hooked until the very end. To be honest, I didn’t want it to end. If you enjoy stories with quirky characters that will not only make you laugh, but cry as well and touch your heart in a profound way, then you will enjoy "Death by Ro ses".

FAVOURITE QUOTES

“And it could have been so different. It would have been so easy if only I’d realized while she was living that I loved Mae Rose and that she often loved me with such a force that I couldn’t stand it. I can argue that Mae Rose was hard to live with, and I don’t think anyone here would disagree. She could see everything that was wrong, which she was quick to point out but only so that it could be made right. What I know now is that Mae Rose was full of love with a large dose of humanness thrown in. If I’d loved her then the way I know I do now, if I’d known then what I do now . . . ”

“That’s all I want to say except that if any of you here feel about your marriages the way I felt about mine, let me just say that if one of you dies, regret will become a constant companion to whoever is left behind. Every day you will think of what you could have done to make it different. That’s all. Do whatever it is you think you’ll do someday now— right now. Don’t question it, and don’t reason it away, because in the end, it’s what you didn’t do that you could have that will haunt you, and what you did do that you wish you hadn’t that will break your heart. And, just so we all remember, love itself doesn’t cost anything at all.”  

[Susan Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death by Roses" is fun, profound, and wonderful. Probst's characters are a little bit villain, a little more hero, and entirely human, even when they aren't any more. "Roses" is an incredibly enjoyable and insightful read.

[Melissa Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer was generously provided with ARC in exchange for my honest review. This wasn’t the typical smutty romance I usually read, but the plot was really intriguing!

The protagonist, Mae Rose, has met her end on the seat of her commode…a fact I came to appreciate even more as I got to know her character. As deaths ago, that's definitely not the way anyone wants to go out.



Mae Rose is meddlesome, sharp-tongued, and a bit annoying, even after death. If I’m being honest, she’s not my favorite character of the book going in, but I like that she was never insisted upon as such. She had one job: don’t interfere in the lives of the living. Can she do that? Absolutely not. So she gets the boot back to the realm of the living.



Now she must share the body of another woman, Mary Lee, a director who just wants another shot at recognition before she succumbs to her own health issues. The two women have to work together to help Mary Lee realize her vision and get that Oscar.

For the record, if I die, someone help me get a RITA?

The storyline is pretty golden, most of the time. It’s funny, it’s dramatic, sometimes a bit of both. I liked the morbidity of the circumstances, just sort of hanging over everything like a giant ironic rain cloud. After a while I started to read this almost in the same tone as Steel Magnolias. My mind made Mae Rose into Ouiser. And then I really started to like her.

Probst gives a lot of attention to each of her characters, which is great but it can get overwhelming at times. POV transitions between several characters, which was necessary for this sort of plot, but I think it could have been scaled back a bit. Occasionally got confused between Mary Lee and Mae Rose.



What I liked most about this story was the honesty. Think of your most annoying relative at Thanksgiving dinner. Now, when they pass, think of the choices they might make, about their personality and their nature. Picture them arguing with God. Probst’s writing tackles death in an often humorous way, but also reminds us that our flaws are not something that have to be glossed over just because we’ve passed onto the other side. Even after death, we can continue to grow. For me, that’s the good stuff.

[Judy]

Extremely enjoy able...ordinary people in ordinary situations, with extraordinary twists. Highly
recommend. The story of a husband who loses his wife to death on the first day of a long marriage he
brings her flowers. Why did he bring her flowers? How does her family react to her death? Who wrote the movie that mirrors her life?

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is memorable. All I can say is that it got me thinking so much about the people I love that I hugged and kissed my son and granddaughter three times on the way to the door when he picked her up from babysitting! Ok, this would make a good movie.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This book is so awesome! This is the first book that I read this year. Not going to ruin it for anyone by giving any details but it will make you laugh and cry! Loved it!

[Anne Wondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully fun way to look at (and play with) our afterlife... and this life. A good read.

[Shirley Wagand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read! If you liked the show Drop Dead Diva, you will like this book,

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death By Roses was not quite what I thought it was going to be. Im not sure why I assumed that it would be something else, but I just did. Maybe it is because of my preconceived ideas that I didn't enjoy the book as much as I had hoped.

I was expecting more of a comedic book. Possibly a funny story about a murder (I know, that sounds weird... a funny murder?!) or something along those lines. That is not what this book is.

I was wondering if I was alone in my feelings of this book, so I read some reviews from other readers. One reviewer said it well when they described it as more of a life after death style book with very little humor.

The way Mae Rose died, the fact that Art and Mae Rose had such a disappointing relationship with each other, and the pettiness and bitterness she had made Death By Roses just simply not that enjoyable to read. I feel somewhat bad about writing a "not-so-great" review, but this is how I feel about it. I don't think that I would have even finished it if I hadn't been reading it to complete a certain challenge in a read-a-thon that I was participating in.

It honestly wasn't the worst book that U have ever read, but it wasn't the best book either. Like I stated before, I did go into this book with the wrong idea of what it was going to be about. So, with that being said, I may have enjoyed it a little more if I wasn't expecting something else. And, just because it wasn't my cup of tea, it doesn't mean that someone else might really enjoy it.

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Roses is a masterful blend of humor, heart, and the supernatural. Vivian R. Probst has crafted a story that is as unpredictable as it is engaging, taking readers on a journey that is equal parts comedic and emotional. The premise is immediately compelling: Mae Rose McElroy dies suddenly, yet her spirit refuses to let go, meddling from the afterlife and eventually joining forces with Mary Lee Broadmoor, a dying Hollywood screenwriter.

The book’s charm lies in its characters. Mae Rose is witty, determined, and endlessly relatable, while Mary Lee’s gruff determination provides a perfect foil. Their collaboration is a clever narrative device, allowing for a unique exploration of themes like ambition, legacy, and the enduring power of love and family. Probst also populates her story with a wonderfully eccentric supporting cast, each adding layers of humor and humanity.

Probst’s writing style is sharp, engaging, and full of wit. The story seamlessly balances suspense, comedy, and heartfelt moments, never losing its momentum. The idea of a script based on Mae Rose’s life, earning an Academy Award while simultaneously unsettling her family, is both ingenious and emotionally resonant.

Ultimately, Death by Roses is a novel that entertains, moves, and surprises. It reminds readers that life’s connections do not end with death and that the universe has its own playful ways of ensuring unfinished business is addressed. A truly remarkable and memorable read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

[Rebekah Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book really resonated with me. It was a real eye opener about how sour relationships can turn in the future if you don’t take care of them now. I was rooting for both Mae Rose and Art and hoped it would somehow work out for them, even through death.

Vivian was able to create three-dimensional characters that weren’t always likable, and were sometimes downright icky, but that made them all the more realistic and entertaining. The characters in this community were rich and each had their own backstory, but I wasn’t sure in the middle of the book where the story was headed or what the connection was between the McElroys and Gertie, Ali, and Mary Lee. Even if some of the side storylines were juicy (and they definitely were!), I found myself wondering what the McElroys were up to when we were in someone else’s POV.

As the lives of all these interesting characters began to weave together, I was very curious how things were going to wrap up, and if everyone would get their happily ever afters.

Then, the end delivered completely and wrapped up everything just like I hoped it would.

But I can’t resist saying: we get it, Gertie is plump.

[Terri Enghofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it's been a while since you've read anything that tickled your bones, Death by Roses is a MUST! The premise and concept of the story is a HOOT, and trust me, the next time you hear a toilet flush you'll remember what a good time you had reading this romantic comedy. (That'll make more sense once you've read the story!) Great character development, steady movement from page to page, chapter to chapter, and lots of emotions are tapped into as you walk with the McElroy family. Thank you, Ms. Probst, for sharing this literary gem!
-- Terri Enghofer, author of A Lump in the Road, a Memoir.

[Cleonard9outlook.Com · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book having heard the author interviewed on public radio. It sounded like a really fun book. I fought hard to keep engaged and even harder to finish. I just kept feeling like it was written by a teenager (not meant to insult teenagers, I'm sure there are very talented teen-aged authors), it just seemed immature and not well developed. It's been a long time since I read it but if memory serves, there were a lot of phrases or ideas that kept repeating. It was a fun idea but not for me, I guess.

[Jessica Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across Death by Roses on Goodreads Listopia, and I immediately saw why it belonged there. The premise is one of a kind: a wife’s sudden death, her meddling from beyond, and her unexpected return through the body of a horror director fighting cancer. It blends humor, spirituality, and heartfelt emotion in a way that feels bold and refreshing. This is the kind of novel Listopia is meant to spotlight quirky, original, and unforgettable.

[Emily Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

While browsing Listopia categories, this novel leapt out at me. It’s not every day you find a story where the afterlife, love, comedy, and artistic ambition collide so brilliantly. Mae Rose’s stubborn spirit and Mary Lee’s determination create a narrative that is equal parts laughter and reflection. Listopia was the perfect place to encounter it, and it shows the value of that platform in uncovering fresh, imaginative fiction.

[Matteo Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always drawn to stories that deal with death through humor and light rather than gloom, and this one seems to do exactly that. I saw it listed under “Heartwarming Books About the Afterlife,” and the synopsis made me smile.
The fact that Mae Rose keeps meddling from the other side and actually gets kicked out of heaven! feels both funny and deeply human. It sounds like the kind of book that can make you laugh and reflect at the same time.

[Khaled Saleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Roses has one of those titles that just stays with you. I found it while scrolling through a Listopia on “Quirky Books About Death,” and the setup sounds unlike anything else: a stubborn wife, an afterlife bureaucracy, and a body-swap with a dying filmmaker.
It feels like a love letter to second chances and creativity, and I can already imagine how vivid the characters must be. Definitely sounds like something worth discovering.

[José Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This popped up on my Listopia feed for “Books That Make You Believe in the Afterlife,” and I was intrigued immediately. The description reads like a fable wrapped in comedy: heaven, Hollywood, and small-town grief all tangled together.
I love that it doesn’t seem afraid to be both ridiculous and sincere. There’s something refreshing about a story that treats the afterlife not as an ending, but a continuation with unfinished business and maybe a good laugh along the way.

[Gabrielle Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this while browsing “Feel-Good Stories About Second Chances,” and the blurb made me pause. A man buys his wife roses after 30 years, she dies, and somehow her spirit ends up helping a horror director win an Oscar? It’s absurd and touching at the same time.
It sounds like one of those rare books that mixes heart, humor, and the supernatural without losing its sincerity. Adding it to my shelf for when I need something uplifting and a little strange.

[Beatriz Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one practically glowed when I saw it in a Listopia about “Life-Affirming Stories.” The setup is funny, but there’s heart behind it the idea of a woman still trying to fix things from beyond the grave.
It sounds like it carries the same gentle humor and humanity that I loved in The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I haven’t even opened it yet, and I already feel like it’s going to leave me smiling through tears

[Jessica Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrolling through Listopia led me to this gem, and it’s impossible not to be intrigued. Death by Roses doesn’t just tell a story about grief; it reinvents what a story about grief can look like. It is eccentric, funny, deeply emotional, and packed with memorable characters. It’s rare to find something that feels this different, and Listopia was the perfect gateway to discover it.

[Jason Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Listopia introduced me to this title, and I can honestly say it stands out for all the right reasons. The humor is sharp, the premise is wildly inventive, and the emotional depth is surprising. Mae Rose and Mary Lee’s intertwined fates make for a narrative that’s as entertaining as it is thought provoking. I’m glad Listopia exists to shine a light on stories this unique.

[Jennifer Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Roses caught my attention while browsing Listopia, and it struck me immediately as a story that refuses to be ordinary. The mix of small town heartache, heavenly mischief, and Hollywood ambition is so unusual, yet it feels completely natural in the author’s hands. This is the kind of creative, risk taking fiction that deserves recognition, and Listopia gave it just the right platform.

[Matthew Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering this novel on Goodreads Listopia was a pleasant surprise. The description alone is captivating grief, comedy, spirituality, and even the pursuit of an Oscar all rolled into one. It proves that a story can be hilarious without losing its emotional core. Listopia helps highlight books with a voice this original, and I’m grateful I stumbled across it there.

[Megan Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Roses is the kind of novel that makes Listopia browsing worthwhile. I stumbled across it while exploring recommendations and was instantly hooked by its originality. It’s rare to find a story that can be so funny and yet so heartfelt, weaving comedy, tragedy, and even Hollywood dreams into one seamless tale. I’m glad Listopia gave me the chance to discover it.

[Sarah Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book first came to my attention on Goodreads Listopia, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that discovery. The premise alone life after death with a mischievous twist sets it apart from anything else I’ve come across. The author has taken a bold idea and turned it into something that feels both moving and entertaining. Listopia shines when it highlights works like this.

[Jacob Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Death by Roses thanks to Goodreads Listopia, and the story’s originality immediately grabbed me. It’s irreverent, heartfelt, and full of eccentric characters that promise both humor and meaning. The blend of tragedy and comedy is striking, making this exactly the sort of book that deserves attention on curated lists.

[Nur Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this while scrolling through a Listopia of “Books That Make You Laugh, Then Think.” The premise alone is enough to catch anyone’s attention death, resurrection, and a spiritual bureaucracy with a sense of humor.
There’s something charming about a story that starts in a Midwest town and ends in Hollywood with a soul-swapping twist. It sounds bizarrely beautiful.