The Funeral Crashers

by Joanna Nell

A delightfully heartwarming story of four or more funerals and at least one wedding, from the bestselling author of Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year

'There are a lot of lonely people in the world, Martin. Especially when you get to our age. This is the one place you can come where nobody judges. Besides, you don't need to have known somebody personally to celebrate their life.'

Retired academic Martin Pottinger's romantic aspirations for the delectable head of his former university's archaeology department, Professor Mary Blake, seem about to be realised. If only he could devise a plan to manage the demands of his eccentric elderly mother, Edwina.

Recently bereaved Grace Cavendish spends her days helping out at All Souls Church, making it her mission to drown out the Reverend Rod's tone-deaf hymn-singing and give each funeral recipient a hearty send-off. Yet the peace she craves remains elusive despite the comforts offered by psychic medium Rhondda and her eight-year-old son, Hudson.

When Martin and Grace meet and bond at an All Souls service, they unwittingly set off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. They become funeral crashers. But who could have predicted that crashing funerals might have such life-changing and life-affirming outcomes?

'A warm, witty and uplifting tale of love in later life . . . I giggled, I was moved, and I now want to join Martin and Grace's choir. This is a story about life in all its mess and glory' CASSIE HAMER

'Delightful and wise, heartfelt, heartbreaking and hilarious . . . a superb reminder that it is never too late in life to rediscover love, joy, redemption and friendship' SARAH CLUTTON

Praise for the beloved novels of Joanna Nell including The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village:

'Takes readers on a sweet journey' AUSTRALIAN
'Tender and funny' WOMAN'S WEEKLY
'Her best yet . . . a wonderful read about growing older and grabbing hold of life' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN
'A delight. Warm characters and observations and great pace' AMANDA HAMPSON
'This heartwarming story about growing old gracefully - and disgracefully . . . is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages' DAILY TELEGRAPH

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Friendship, Audiobook

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Joanna Nell is a UK born writer and doctor. Her short fiction has won multiple awards and has been published in various journals and literary anthologies. In 2016 she was awarded a residency at The Bundanon Trust. Her bestselling debut novel The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village was published by Hachette Australia and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) in 2018.
A former ship's doctor, Joanna now works as a GP with a passion for women's health and care of the elderly. She writes character-driven stories for women in their prime, creating young-at-heart characters who are not afraid to break the rules and defy society's expectations of ageing.
Joanna lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and as the mother of teenagers enjoys long walks with her dog and talking to herself.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: Meeting Grace felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Comfortable, familiar, playful. Unfortunately, there were only so many crustless sandwiches he could eat.
Grace stroked the sides of the sandwich platter with her thumbs. 'Look, Martin. I know we've only just met, but I was wondering if you'd like to join me?'
'Join you for what?'
'To sing a few hymns. At the next funeral.'
Another funeral? The thought tumbled inside his stomach. He swallowed the remains of his sandwich with difficulty. 'Whose funeral?'
'I don't know yet,' Grace said brightly.
'You're inviting me to crash a funeral with you?'
'I suppose I am.' She looked as surprised as him at the impromptu invitation.
Martin could think of a million reasons why not, and yet he barely hesitated. 'Yes, I'd like that very much.'

ABOUT 'THE FUNERAL CRASHERS': Retired academic Martin Pottinger's romantic aspirations for the delectable head of his former university's archaeology department, Professor Mary Blake, seem about to be realised. If only he could devise a plan to manage the demands of his eccentric elderly mother, Edwina.

Recently bereaved Grace Cavendish spends her days helping out at All Souls Church, making it her mission to drown out the Reverend Rod's tone-deaf hymn-singing and give each funeral recipient a hearty send-off. Yet the peace she craves remains elusive despite the comforts offered by psychic medium Rhondda and her eight-year-old son, Hudson.

When Martin and Grace meet and bond at an All Souls service, they unwittingly set off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. They become funeral crashers. But who could have predicted that crashing funerals might have such life-changing and life-affirming outcomes?

MY THOUGHTS: Where do I begin? I read this overnight, always with a smile on my face, snorting and chuckling regularly. Yes, it is a book about death and dying, but also about grief and learning to live and love again. Joana Nell tackles these subjects with sensitivity and just the right amount of humor to keep the reader invested.

There is a lot of wisdom and insightful writing. There is also a lot of fun. Eight-year-old Hudson is the source of a great deal of it.

Nell's characters are always a delight. Grace is still mourning the loss of her adult daughter; Martin the death of the love of his life, the woman he was about to propose to. Martin is a complicated character. He is fluent in deciphering hieroglyphics but finds women impossible to read. He has a Masters in overthinking and procrastination. Grace is lonely and feels invisible and of little use to anyone. All her offers of help are rebuffed, leaving her feeling worthless. Until she meets a little boy called Hudson . . .

Hudson is a wonderful character but I am not going to tell you anything about him, you need to meet him fresh off the page for yourself. Edwina is another delight. Martin's mother almost steals the show. She is obsessed with planning her own funeral . . . just wait 'til you see what she has planned!

The Funeral Crashers is a charming, heartwarming novel about unexpected friendships, embracing life and learning to open your heart again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#TheFuneralCrashers #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: JOANNA NELL is a UK born writer and doctor. A former ship's doctor, Joanna now works as a GP with a passion for women's health and care of the elderly. She writes character-driven stories for women in their prime, creating young-at-heart characters who are not afraid to break the rules and defy society's expectations of ageing.
Joanna lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and as the mother of teenagers enjoys long walks with her dog and talking to herself.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Funeral Crashers by Joanna Nell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin is a retired university professor who has never been married and lives alone. Grace is a retired school teacher who also lives alone. The two meet in All Souls Church and bond over their attempts to drown out the awful singing of the Reverend Rod. Crashing funerals is just the next step in the development of their relationship.

I thought this was a really entertaining and well written book. The author shows she has a very real sense of humour and all the many characters reflect this. Even the minor parts are memorable, including Shirley Temple, the cat. Just take a look at her on the cover and you will know what I mean.
An excellent read which shows so nicely that good things can happen at any age or stage of life.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Pottinger was retired from academic life, and now living again with his mother, caring for her in her last years. Ninety four years of age, and still feisty, Edwina was determined to plan her own funeral with perfection. Martin was ordered, by his mother, to attend a funeral with her. Much against his wishes, he agreed, but it was when he heard the divine singing voice of one of the hymns, that he joined in, his own beautiful voice blending perfectly. Grace Cavendish had recently lost her beloved daughter Melody, and was still grieving. Attending All Souls church gave her a sense of peace for a small amount of time.

Martin & Grace became friends, deciding to "crash" all the funerals in All Souls church, and singing. Together they quietly had fun, loved the singing, until the day they were the only two at a service, apart from a man right at the back. That was the day their lives changed, and not always for the better. Meeting with eight year old Hudson at the school Grace used to teach at, was another eye opening experience. Hudson and his mother Rhondda became special in Grace & Martin's lives as well...

The Funeral Crashers by Aussie author Joanna Nell is a delightful, heart warming novel with many variations of characters involved. Eccentricity, uncertainty, love, Shirley Temple (posed on the cover beautifully!), "out of the mouths of babes" times that made me chuckle - this novel is one I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Hachette AU for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aussie author Joanna Nell is one of my favourite authors and when it comes to writing a book she can do no wrong in my eyes. The Funeral Crashers is a delightful novel that will have you laughing, crying, and, most importantly, having a great time reading it.

With well-thought-out characters and a plot that flows so well that sadly before you know it you’ll be turning the last page.

A memorable story of grief, love, and friendship and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW another totally awesome read from Joanna Nell, I fell into this one from page one and did not want to put it down, come along for a funny, emotional and moving story about an older couple who meet at a funeral that will change their lives.

Martin Pottinger is a retired academic, he has never married although it is something that he had planned in his younger days at Oxford but those days are long gone and he is back in Australia and now his mother Edwina and her cat Shirley Temple are living with him and she can be demanding, he does however have romantic hope for his former head of the Archeology department Mary Blake.

Grace Cavendish is a retired primary school teacher, she is still grieving the loss of her dear daughter a few years ago and spends her days not only weeding the local walkway but loves to help out at her church All Souls, sadly the minister, Hot Rod as he is known has the worst singing voice and Grace does what she can to drown him out, she meets a young local boy Hudson and soon his mother as well physic Rhondda does she really believe that Rhondda can speak to her beloved daughter?

When Martin and Grace meet at a funeral at All Souls after Martin takes Edwina along to, their singing brings them together and before long they are meeting at funerals of strangers becoming funeral crashers and using their voices to bring joy not only to themselves but everyone else, this ends up being life changing for them both, with many fabulous characters to meet along the way, their lives are changing fast there are a few ups and downs along the way that will make you laugh and cry.

This is a brilliant story so very well written with awesome characters, who would have thought that becoming funeral crashers would open up a whole new world for Martin and Grace, truly I laughed, I cried and I smiled throughout this one, I loved the cat, Shirley Temple, I loved Edwina and Hudson they are the best. I do highly recommend this one, it was not put downable a must read, heartwarming and fabulous.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Funeral Crashers is the sixth novel by Australian author, Joanna Nell. An unwilling attendee at the funeral of his mother’s friend, archaeology professor Martin Pottinger fears he may embarrass himself at this first funeral since that of his father, many decades earlier, when a pure soprano voice, overwhelming the tone-deaf minister’s awful rendition of the hymns, saves him. He joins in.

For Grace Cavendish, still deeply mourning her daughter, Melody, singing hymns at volume, and drowning out Reverend Rod’s screech, at the funerals of strangers at All Souls church is a kindness she can bestow. There’s certainly some guilt attached, and maybe an aspect of desensitisation involved. She’s like to do more at the church, but Moira the Martyr steadfastly refuses to relinquish any of her duties.

Instead, Grace spends hours freeing the nearby reserve of weeds so that natural flora can thrive. It’s there she encounters young Hudson, dawdling his way to Parklea Primary School, where Grace taught until she had to give it up. The schoolteacher in her instantly spots a child in need. Is “consulting” his supposedly psychic mother, Rhondda Divine, about Melody, the only way for Grace to help this sweet but troubled eight-year-old?

Although he’s now retired, Martin still has hopes of wooing the attractive new Head of Archaeology, Professor Mary Blake, but having his ninety-four-year-old mother, Edwina, and her cat living with him is rather cramping his style. Dragged by Edwina to another funeral, he’s actually enjoying the pleasure of chatting with that delightful soprano, when her question stops him in his tracks: “You’re inviting me to crash a funeral with you?” Not in his wildest imagination does he predict that agreeing might eventually result the news headline (with accompanying photo) “The Funeral Crashers Strike Again”.

What a wonderful cast of characters Nell gives her reader, putting them into interesting situations that cannot fail to provoke thought and discussion. They face challenges that often, but not exclusively, confront people as they reach advanced years: the loss of friends as they succumb to illness, as well as loneliness and the scarcity of a partner with whom one might connect (grief is a lonely place).

And, of course, susceptibility to those targeting the vulnerable elderly, or the simply naïve, for their life savings: “’We all want to believe that people are basically good, that their motives are genuine,’ Martin added. It was easy for an honest person to assume everyone is playing by the same rules. ‘By the same token, no one wants to be taken advantage of. Nobody likes to be taken for a fool.’”

Martin and Grace aren’t the only ones dealing with grief and guilt in a wonderful tale that also features long-held family secrets and the discovery of a cache of stolen Egyptian artefacts. It describes the unfortunate circumstances that might lead some to funeral crashing, explores the amusing, unexpected, and puzzling things that happen at funerals, and touches on being in denial about the severity of a diagnosis.

Nell gives her characters some wise and insightful comments. On friendship: “‘just friends’. What a curious notion. It implied that friendship held less currency than a romantic relationship”. On perceived bravery: “When the thing you fear most in the world has already happened, there’s nothing left to be afraid of.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is, without doubt, Nell’s best yet.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hachette Australia

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
Joanna’s signature stories about the older generation getting up to mischief, their shenanigans, just wanting to be visible to the world, finding second chance love, being seen and living a life have always been delightful.
But I can now say that The Funeral Crashes is my favourite to date and so very deserving of five shining stars.
An effervescent, heartwarming, humorous tale that has the appeal for all ages.
Retirees, bereaved and kind hearted Grace Cavenish and Martin Pottinger have their own individual issues and situations going on in their everyday life.
But they bond over singing glorious hymns, punctuation and trying to deal with friends and family members.
As they navigate life, love and living they become funeral crashes.
A warm, honest and life affirming narrative that will bring sunshine to your reading world.
Our two leading mature cast are dynamic characters not without their own issues, making them real and genuine.
You can’t get to a certain age and not lived a life of ups and downs.
With a bunch of interesting and unique secondary characters and an amazing plot, this book will be a hit among many.
Joanna’s sixth novel is one not to be missed.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course this was a funny, wise, thoughtful romp..it’s a Joanna Nell; it’s perfect. It had me giggling through tears and planning my next age…I adored everything about it. When retirees Grace and Martin bond over funeral hymns and punctuation of course adventure and funeral crashing ensues..I don’t want to give anything away it isn’t out until the end of the month, but best yet, such a heartfelt, heartwarming novel. Thanks so much Hachette for my arc!

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! Joanna Nell never ceases to amaze and inspire me with her excellent writing and to make me both laugh and cry in equal measures. Her quirky senior characters are always warm, witty, feisty and so relatable. She touches on concerns for the aged and the less-than-fun changes in life. Loneliness for one example. Direct from the lips of character Grace Cavendish and as stated in the publisher’s blurb: ‘'There are a lot of lonely people in the world, Martin. Especially when you get to our age.’

I spent a lot of time hanging out with seniors in my younger years. I found their stories and viewpoints fascinating. Maybe it was (and still is!) my interest in history that pulled me towards them but I also felt great compassion and sympathy for their losses and extreme loneliness. These were some of the reasons I often took my guitar into the senior facilities, played and sang songs for them and listened to their stories. I learned a great deal in the presence of those who had seen numerous changes in their lifetimes. The wisdom I gleaned in those moments never failed me. And now that my own mother is approaching very late years, I know even more how important it is to take time to talk and share experiences.

Joanna has a real gift for shining a revealing light on senior issues. The words of wisdom that drip from the text and dialogue are stellar. So many phrases, expressions, actions and reactions remind me so much of what I learned while sitting with seniors. They imparted their advice and related their experiences to an impressionable teenager at that time. The expressions Joanna uses are familiar so I felt right at home between these pages that are filled with both the delight and agonies of growing older.

Loneliness, grief and social isolation are often common in the later years due to deteriorating health, lessening of social interactions and dramatic loss of long-time friends, family members and spouses who have passed away. Loneliness can lead to bigger issues such as depression, cognitive decline and anxiety. As noted in the novel, seniors can also become a target for scams. This novel, The Funeral Crashers, addresses, exposes and confirms this as Martin’s mom and others discover what it is like to become a victim of those who prey on unsuspecting souls.

But The Funeral Crashers is also about friendship, finding love, learning to let go and second starts. This heart-warming story written from Grace’s and Martin’s viewpoints, is a real gem. Even though a sense of purpose is often lost when people retire or get much older, these two remain active as they still have much to offer their community.

Grace helps out at the All Souls Church. She sings at funerals hoping to give the deceased a pleasant send off (by drowning out the tone deaf minister’s voice!). Martin attends one of the funeral services, meets Grace and they bond. Grace asks him to join her at other funerals to sings hymns, judge carrot cake and have long chats. The funerals become a setting for their social gatherings. Over the course of chapters, we get to know these two quite well: their quirks, habits, foibles and virtues. They are such ‘relatable’ characters, it is easy to care about them and their journeys. These ‘funeral crashers' explore their issues and work our solutions that lead to life-changing events. Especially after they inherit a large sum of money from a strange will request. They each have to decide whether to keep the sudden windfall or share it with charities. This process will teach them new things about themselves.

Martin, is a retired academic with a weakness for archaeology collectibles. These items give him a sense of comfort. But do these things take the place of people? And are they more precious to him than his mother (as she says)? He gets caught up in a bidding war at an auction—in his passion to acquire an item he desires. But the lessons he learns from that and other experiences are more valuable than his precious collection.

Grace has a big heart and has, it seems, unlimited compassion for others. This is one of her virtues but will this get her into trouble? Her love of children, especially ones who need extra attention, is seen in her relationship with eight year old Hudson, son of the psychic medium, Rhonnda. Grace initially speaks to Rhonnda about her late daughter Melody as a way to process her grief. Initially these psychic meetings serve a purpose to appease her guilt and sadness. But as these two women get to know each other, their relationship expands. As a reader, it’s easy to wonder if this woman is a scammer or an authentic struggling single mother as Grace believes? Suspicions run high at times but we do learn the truth eventually.

The title of this novel The Funeral Crashers is so appropriate. Plus the topic of death and planning funerals are in keeping with discussions we have often later in life. Although this a serious topic, Joanna has added priceless humour throughout the novel. It becomes the comic relief we need in dealing with the difficult topics of grief, death, loss and loneliness. Laughter is the best medicine, no matter your age, and it is good for us to laugh at ourselves sometimes (as the characters discover)!

This a brilliant novel in so many ways—it addresses concerns seniors have and sheds light on what is important in life. We are taken on an exhilarating ride through Grace and Martin’s life. We discover who they are, what they learn and most of all, how they grow in new areas. When Martin says Grace is brave for helping the community by singing at all those funerals, she insists she is not. She tells him she has already faced her greatest fear (death of her daughter), and ‘there is nothing left to be afraid of’ now. Fear has lost its sting. Martin apologises for talking about death and cancer and Grace reminds him (and us) how important it is to discuss these things. By doing so, they lose their power over us. Sitting in silence and isolation only weakens us and allows fear to get a grip on our hearts. Being part of a community and sharing is so vital for this activity lightens the burdens, strengthens the heart and fuels hope. Again, that is why everyone, including seniors, and those confined, need social interaction with others.

The Funeral Crashers shines with so many beautiful messages and beloved flawed characters that teach us that working through guilt, regrets and sorrow— paves the way for freedom, thanksgiving and joy. I loved The Funeral Crashers from cover to cover and highly recommend it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy.

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Funeral Crashers” (TFC) is the sixth novel by Australian author Joanna Nell.

Nell writes stories that are feel good while tapping into raw human emotions and, at times, quite deep themes without the reader even knowing it. TFC is no different.

Like Nell’s other books the premise of TFC is quite simple - Grace Cavendish and Martin Pottinger meet at a funeral wake as a result of their very good singing voices during the service. They decide to attend other funeral services to show respect to the dearly departed by way of their vocal performance. After attending one particular funeral their lives are about to become dreadfully complicated with life altering consequences. On the surface it’s a classic story of random acts delivering unintended consequences. But underneath it all, just like Nell’s other books TFC touches on some quite emotional themes including:
* loss and death and regret for things left undone or unspoken
* self forgiveness
* love and relationships
* growing older and experiencing new things
* understanding that things are not always as they seem

Each topic/subplot is explored in a way that adds and not distracts from the main story and provides context to the motive, actions and decisions of the main characters.

Nell’s writing style is free flowing and easy to read but multi-layered too - a quick and enjoyable read or a book that could be explored further raising multiple discussion points. TFC is a book that will make you smile but also potentially make your eyes well up too.

TFC gets 4 stirring renditions of All Things Bright And Beautiful out of 5.

[Nicole West · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, heartfelt novel focusing on life and death.

I always love reading your books as they are so real to life happenings but full of humour at the same time, making you laugh out loud.

It's the meet-cute of two people who can sing, decided that crashing funerals of people they have never met was a good idea. Surprisingly , this brings together a parish and friends in need.

Loved it so much ❤️

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thankful to receive a digital advance copy of The Funeral Crashers from the author, the publisher, and NetGalley—huge thanks to all involved.

This novel is everything I love about Joanna Nell’s writing—heartfelt, quietly funny, and full of charm. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the lives of Grace and Martin, two characters whose paths cross in the most unexpected of places: a funeral service at All Souls Church. What unfolds is a gently woven story about connection, companionship, and the surprising ways life can bring people together when they need it most.

The idea of “funeral crashing” might sound a little odd at first, but in Nell’s capable hands, it becomes something quite moving and original. Rather than being morbid, it’s handled with care, humour, and grace (no pun intended). The story is filled with warmth and that signature Joanna Nell blend of humour and poignancy that leaves you smiling one minute and deeply touched the next.

I adored the cast of characters. Grace is recently bereaved and trying to make sense of a new phase in her life. Martin, a retired academic, is juggling romantic hopes and the chaos of caring for his wonderfully eccentric mother, Edwina. Then there’s Rhondda, a psychic medium with her energetic son Hudson, who added such a great spark to the story. Each of them felt real, and their personalities brought a delightful variety to the narrative.

I also loved the setting of All Souls Church. There was something very comforting about the routines and rituals it offered the characters—reminding me of my own childhood weekends spent in church. I’m not religious now, but the familiarity really added a layer of nostalgia to the reading experience.

The Funeral Crashers is a warm, cozy read with a clever concept and a lot of heart. It’s a story about finding friendship, unexpected beginnings, and the ways in which people can lift one another up—often in the most unlikeliest of circumstances.

If you’re a fan of Joanna Nell, you’ll absolutely love this one. And if you’ve never read her before, this would be a beautiful place to start. It’s uplifting, tender, and quietly thought-provoking in all the right ways.

[Laura Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! has all the feels

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve loved Joanna Nell’s previous novels, get ready to absolutely delight in her latest - The Funeral Crashers, coming October 28! With her signature heart, humour, and insight into the human spirit, Joanna once again delivers a warm, witty, and wonderfully life-affirming story. You’ll laugh, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear.

When recently bereaved Grace finds solace in attending strangers’ funerals, she meets Martin - a lonely academic caring for his eccentric elderly mother. As they form an unexpected bond, the two become unlikely “funeral crashers,” discovering friendship, healing, and the joy of living in the most surprising of places.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. This might just be my favourite Joanna Nell book now.

We follow the story of Martin and Grace. Martin and Grace meet at a funeral and a friendship blossoms. The friendship opens up and we get to learn what they have been dealing with - grief and loneliness to name a few. Grace invites Martin to the next funeral to sing hymns and of course chat afterwards. They decide to attend another funeral together and they both get a massive shock. Especially when they have been advised they are apart of the will of a person they've never met the deceased's solicitor. Is this legit or is this a scam? (Spoiler - you'll have to read the book to find out).

Joanna Nell has written a great novel and one I couldn't put down. It was packed with humour, sad parts and some amazing characters. I really enjoyed the gatecrashing of funerals and of course the rating of the cakes at said funerals. Nell will continue to be an auto read author for me and I recommend reading this one. Grab some popcorn and some tissues.

Thank you Good Reading Magazine and Hachette for gifting me a copy for my honest book review.

[Laurena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a joyful read with likeable characters. Thanks to publisher for ARC.

[Sally906 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Funeral Crashers is the sixth standalone novel by Australian author, Joanna Nell. They’ve all been brilliant books covering all sorts of current social issues against the background of amazing stories; the main characters are mostly older citizens outwitting those who want to write them off as past it.
The Funeral Crashers revolves around a recently retired archaeology professor, Martin, and the retired primary school principal, and recently bereaved, Grace. As the story opens they join forces with their beautiful singing voices to drown out the dreadful singing by Reverend Rod at funerals held at the All Souls Church. They then decide to crash funerals to sing and continue to drown out the vicar so the funeral recipient can have a tuneful send off.

It’s a story about new friendships, second chances, and judging cakes served after the funerals. The supporting characters are all realistically and beautifully portrayed; there is eight-year-old Hudson and his psychic medium mum Rhondda befriended by Grace, and Martin’s infuriating (his opinion) ninety-four-year-old mother, Edwina. Edwina was my favourite character - I want to be just like her when I reach my 90s in a few decades!

Joanna Nell is a GP in Sydney who specialises in women’s health and geriatric care. So she knows her stuff. Her characters are always believable and her storyline’s are always relatable. The Funeral Crashers is moving and heartwarming, funny at times and moving at other times. Lessons learned, friendships forged and a happy ever after. I loved the ending, finding it very fitting.

Thank you to Hatchett Australia & New Zealand for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Joanna Nell, whose specialty is writing heart felt, entertaining and humorous accounts revolving around a cast of senior citizens. She really has a knack of bring these wonderful characters to life, and in this instance Martin and Grace, who I'd say are in the 60's are both very lovable and relatable characters.

Of course both have not had much success in the love department throughout their lives, but there has been plenty of grief. As they grapple with how to deal with loss, elderly relatives, employment, and friendships, they form a unique bond.

Naturally you are rooting for them to explore the romantic side of their friendship, but their journey is very enjoyable. With a cast of well rounded support characters (Martin's mother is a hoot) this is a fun read.

[Hayley Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Nell's books never disappoint. This story was a delight in everyway.

[Jeanette Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable old person read, warm & funny

[Cindy]

A wonderful and heartwarming story! Loved it!

[Nerelle Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, not only for the lighter side, the antics and the one-liners, but also the depth that reaches on a human level.

Told from the dual perspectives of Grace and Martin, who lead very different lives but who are on paths that will intertwine along the way. Grace is a retired teacher that is struggling to fill in her days. Martin is a retired university professor trying to cope with having his mother Edwina living at his house.

The characters are fabulous and have been created so brilliantly that it’s not hard to believe that you could be standing beside any one of them at any given time. An out of tune Reverend, Edwina with her eccentric ways, mischievous and kind-hearted Hudson, the queen of volunteers Moira, songbird Grace and pessimistic Martin….just to name a few.

Many of the scenes are set in and around the local community with All Souls Church as one of the main focal points, and you guessed it, the funerals that take place, or to be exact, the harmonising of the hymns. It’s at one of these funerals that a surprising encounter happens that changes Grace and Martin’s lives forever.

The Funeral Crashers is a funny and witty tale that will have you laughing out loud more than once, but it also touches on the human side, or should I say the sadder side of life and loss as well, but all this is done with a great deal of balance resulting in a very well rounded story that is extremely entertaining.

Do yourself a favour, grab a copy of The Funeral Crashers and enjoy some time with Grace and Martin at All Souls.

#thefuneralcrashers
#joannanell
#unexpectedevents
#hachetteaustralia

[Gaby Meares · Rating 4 out of 5]

At their age, there was no point in beating about the bush.

I confess to being a big fan of Joanna Nell’s books. They are full of heart and empathy. She is particularly interested in revealing the interior lives of older characters, who are often overlooked in popular fiction.

Grace and Martin are two such characters. Grace has lost her only child and Martin still lives with his domineering mother. When they discover their shared love of singing they come up with an unusual plan: to gate-crash funerals at their beloved All Saints church and lead the singing. Who says you need to know the deceased to help celebrate their life?

Things get complicated when they are the only two people present at a funeral, and find themselves the beneficiaries of a very generous Will.

Nell gently tackles themes of grief, loneliness and ageing with positivity., As Martin is an archaeologist, the question of repatriation of museum artefacts is also raised. Martin hopes he has inspired his undergraduate students to be part of the conversation about the ethics of foreign museums displaying the ‘finds’ of previous generations.

Nell gently tackles themes of grief, loneliness and ageing with positivity. Her characters are flawed, but everyone deserves to love, and be loved.

Highly recommended.

[Narelle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew crashing a funeral to sing a hymn or two could led to not only some rather tasty canapes, but also some rather life changing events.
Grace, a retired schoolteacher and grieving mother, and Martin, a retired professor of Egyptian ceramics, forge a friendship after meeting while singing during funerals held at All Souls – funerals of people they really didn’t know. Deciding to crash further funerals to continue their singing ways, they find themselves suddenly in receipt of some rather good fortune. It’s a good fortune that others are keen to cash in on. Choices must be made and beliefs will be challenged.
This is a really delightful story that draws you in and requires you to feel all the feelings. Joanna Nell has created a very real world for Grace and Martin, inhabited by a cast of truly interesting and intriguing characters. There are times when you literally want to shake one of them or, alternatively stand beside them to protect them from harm. I do have a very soft spot for Martin’s mum, Edwina. I think she would be rather fun drinking companion.
Absolutely a book that should be added to the reading pile for summer.
Thank you to Good Reading and the publisher for the chance to be an early reader.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful novel about love, loneliness, friendship and second chances late in life.

Retired archaeology professor Martin Pottinger, has been reluctantly roped in to attend a funeral with his elderly mother Edwina (and her cat), who is living with him while she recovers from a fall. Martin has remained single since he lost the love of his life as a young man and is missing his old job at the university. The vicar conducting the funeral service is tone deaf so Martin, who loves singing hymns, tries to drown him out, accompanied by a beautiful soprano voice. The voice belongs to Grace, who recently lost her daughter and tries to help out at the church, as well as filling her time caring for the nearby nature reserve.

Martin and Grace start attending funerals together so they can sing and continue to drown out the vicar. This eventually leads to an unexpected life changing event that should be welcome but comes with its own problems.

The novel is warm and sprinkled with humour as two lost souls forge a new friendship. All the characters are intriguing and realistically depicted with warmth and empathy. A wonderful, heartwarming novel and my favourite of Joanna Nell’s so far.

With thanks to Hachette Au & NZ via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Mara (readwithmaramiloandmaple) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually stumbled across this ARC in a street library and what an absolute score it turned out to be!

I don’t recall reading this author before, but if this book is anything to go by, I can absolutely see why her style gets so much love. It’s completely up my alley, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of her work.

The Funeral Crashes is a vibrant, heartwarming and funny read with huge appeal. Grace Cavenish and Martin Pottinger are two retirees navigating everyday struggles like grief, loneliness and complicated family moments. They bond over hymns, punctuation and trying to make sense of the chaos around them, and soon enough they find themselves becoming funeral crashers, which is every bit as entertaining as it sounds.

Grace and Martin feel wonderfully genuine. They’ve lived full lives with plenty of ups and downs, and you can’t help but root for them as they rediscover friendship, joy and a spark for truly living.

The side characters are quirky and memorable, and the whole plot is packed with warmth, humour and charm.

A cosy, uplifting, totally delightful read that deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanna Nell really knows how to tell a story full of heart and soul for people of all ages. Grace is a retired teacher and still grieving the death of her young adult daughter. Martin is a retired archaeology professor whose 94 year old mother has moved in with him after a fall.
Grace and Martin meet after a funeral at which they hear each other singing (to cover up the dreadful voice of the minister) and decide to continue visiting funerals to keep singing. Both of them feel a little adrift and alone and forge a friendship based on mutual appreciation of singing, correct spelling and grammar as well as possession of a clean, ironed handkerchief. Their plan comes unstuck when they attend a funeral and find that they are the only guests which leads them down a path they never expected to find themselves on.
Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

[Ann T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hatchette (Australia and NZ ) and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

These are the books we need more of, big tender, warm hugs to remind us of our humanity, of loneliness, friendship and all the messy in-betweens..

Retired Archeology Professor Matin Pottinger and bereaved Mum, Grace join forces to become the “Funeral Crashers”. Perhaps instigated over a love of carrot cake and singing, the Funeral Crashers get more than bargain for when they are the sole guests at one of the funerals.

Joanna Nell wonderfully creates her characters, some of them (I’m looking at you MS Mary) are incredibly unlikable and others, she will have you holding your breath and gently pushing them in the right direction.

A lovely, heartwarming, funny novel on finding your place in the world, second chances and connection.

I can’t wait to read more by Joanna Nell.
Thank you Hatchette and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful, heartwarming and humorous story which really outlined that it's never too late to find harmony and happiness at any stage in life- whether as a young person or later in life. The writing of this novel was so engaging and thoroughly enjoyable and I fell in love with all the characters especially young Hudson and his impact on Graces life as well as the rapport and true friendship leading to budding romance between the two MC's Martin and Grace.
In relation to the setting I felt that it was perfect for the story which was portrayed and it made me rethink my outlook on funerals- (in the sense that they can be a time for reflection and remembrance as well as an event for emotional grieving). I devoured this novel from start to finish and cannot wait to read other works by the author in the future.
A huge thankyou to Net galley, Hachette Australia and New Zealand as well as the very talented author Joanna Nell for an arc of this mesmerizing and enjoyable book.