What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose
Featured on USA Today and inspired by real-life events,
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose
is equal parts thrilling murder mystery and bittersweet coming-of-age story.
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she's been murdered.
Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death.
With the help of her new friends—all recently deceased—and maybe even a fresh crush, Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard-to-swallow truths.
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she's been murdered.
Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death.
With the help of her new friends—all recently deceased—and maybe even a fresh crush, Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard-to-swallow truths.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Amy B. Scher
23 books114 followersAMY B. SCHER is a bestselling and award-winning author of six books translated into over 20 languages. She teaches and writes on the topics of healing, human-ing, and writing.
She's been featured in Oprah Daily, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, CBS, Cosmopolitan, and more.
Amy lives with her wife in New York City where they spend most of their time planning their next meals, next adventures, or watching another episode of The Golden Girls.
If you'd like Amy to speak at your book club, either in person or by video, feel free to reach out to her via her website or social media.
She can be found at www.amybscher.com and on instagram at @amybscher.
She's been featured in Oprah Daily, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, CBS, Cosmopolitan, and more.
Amy lives with her wife in New York City where they spend most of their time planning their next meals, next adventures, or watching another episode of The Golden Girls.
If you'd like Amy to speak at your book club, either in person or by video, feel free to reach out to her via her website or social media.
She can be found at www.amybscher.com and on instagram at @amybscher.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 15, 2026
#ad much love for my PR box @thrillerbookloversthepulse #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🆄🅽🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃🅴🅳 🅰🅵🆃🅴🆁🅻🅸🅵🅴 🅾🅵 🆂🅰🅻🅾🅽 🆁🅾🆂🅴
< @amybscher >
Releases: August 4, 2026
𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰. - Jamie Anderson
𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞…
𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐢’𝐦 𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐲. 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭.
𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗉𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌, 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌. 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗂'𝗆 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆…
-‼️one of my TOP reads of 2026‼️-
iiiight! my favorite type of ghost story and i freaking loved this book so much. it was fun, it was sad, it was funny, it is full of heart and impossible to put down. i’m not sure how i felt about there not being any capital letters - but as soon as i started reading the book, i didn’t give any more thought to it. and it kind of grew on me! the writing and storyline pull you in hook, line, and sinker!
salon rose is only 17 when she finds herself looking down at her body from the morgue. she is dead. only she can’t remember what happened to her. whether it was an accident or murder, she doesn’t know, but she’s about to figure it out.
i knew as soon as i read the blurb for this book that i wanted to read it, but it blew my every expectation right out the window. gotta love when books do that to ya! THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! do not sleep on it.
memorable:
swim shady 🐟🤣 (nice play)
40,000 missed notifications (that’s me🫣)
what i loved most about this book was how it dealt with death, trauma, and grief. it’s raw, relatable, and if you know, you just know. i also loved the journal/notebook entries, they added another of fun and depth to the book.
after reading this book i am hoping the author writes some dark adult mystery/thrillers one day. her writing is phenomenal. i could read her writing everyday, allllll day. the book covers an array of topics - which were each entertaining on their own. it had a literary edge to it that kept me hooked.
the mystery, the conclusion, the writing, and salon herself are just some of the things you’ll love about this book.
want to find out what happened to salon rose? add this to your tbrs — and to the author, my answer is c.
🆃🅷🅴 🆄🅽🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃🅴🅳 🅰🅵🆃🅴🆁🅻🅸🅵🅴 🅾🅵 🆂🅰🅻🅾🅽 🆁🅾🆂🅴
< @amybscher >
Releases: August 4, 2026
𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰. - Jamie Anderson
𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞…
𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐢’𝐦 𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐲. 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭.
𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗉𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌, 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌. 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗂'𝗆 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆…
-‼️one of my TOP reads of 2026‼️-
iiiight! my favorite type of ghost story and i freaking loved this book so much. it was fun, it was sad, it was funny, it is full of heart and impossible to put down. i’m not sure how i felt about there not being any capital letters - but as soon as i started reading the book, i didn’t give any more thought to it. and it kind of grew on me! the writing and storyline pull you in hook, line, and sinker!
salon rose is only 17 when she finds herself looking down at her body from the morgue. she is dead. only she can’t remember what happened to her. whether it was an accident or murder, she doesn’t know, but she’s about to figure it out.
i knew as soon as i read the blurb for this book that i wanted to read it, but it blew my every expectation right out the window. gotta love when books do that to ya! THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! do not sleep on it.
memorable:
swim shady 🐟🤣 (nice play)
40,000 missed notifications (that’s me🫣)
what i loved most about this book was how it dealt with death, trauma, and grief. it’s raw, relatable, and if you know, you just know. i also loved the journal/notebook entries, they added another of fun and depth to the book.
after reading this book i am hoping the author writes some dark adult mystery/thrillers one day. her writing is phenomenal. i could read her writing everyday, allllll day. the book covers an array of topics - which were each entertaining on their own. it had a literary edge to it that kept me hooked.
the mystery, the conclusion, the writing, and salon herself are just some of the things you’ll love about this book.
want to find out what happened to salon rose? add this to your tbrs — and to the author, my answer is c.
August 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The prose flowed without being overly complex or too simple. The pacing was great and I was hooked and engaged the whole time. I was invested in the plot and was given just enough information at just the right time. This is written as young adult fiction, and I feel like it would resonate even more with that age group.
I also listened to this on audiobook. The narrator sounded young, which got perfectly for the FMC. More in a youthful way. The narration was articulate and captured the emotions the FMC was feeling in the story with perfectly timed inflections.
All in all amazing story and narrator partnership in my opinion.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I also listened to this on audiobook. The narrator sounded young, which got perfectly for the FMC. More in a youthful way. The narration was articulate and captured the emotions the FMC was feeling in the story with perfectly timed inflections.
All in all amazing story and narrator partnership in my opinion.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25/5
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse and Amy B. Scher for this gifted copy. This is my honest opinion. This was such a unique premise that my curiosity got the best of me and I jumped at the chance to read it. A coming of age story, sadly told from the afterlife in Salon’s point of view, I found her to be smart, funny, curious, dedicated and determined. The story grabbed me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Interspersed with her journal entries, Salon tries to come to term with her past, present and future. Her talks with her mom and friends give you all the feels. Yes this book has sad subject matter but it’s so much more…hopeful, thought provoking. Classified as Young Adult but, the way it’s written, adults will appreciate it also.
Based on a true life event, and beautifully written, the author examines grief, healing, courage and acceptance. This is a new author to me and I look forward to reading her again.
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse and Amy B. Scher for this gifted copy. This is my honest opinion. This was such a unique premise that my curiosity got the best of me and I jumped at the chance to read it. A coming of age story, sadly told from the afterlife in Salon’s point of view, I found her to be smart, funny, curious, dedicated and determined. The story grabbed me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Interspersed with her journal entries, Salon tries to come to term with her past, present and future. Her talks with her mom and friends give you all the feels. Yes this book has sad subject matter but it’s so much more…hopeful, thought provoking. Classified as Young Adult but, the way it’s written, adults will appreciate it also.
Based on a true life event, and beautifully written, the author examines grief, healing, courage and acceptance. This is a new author to me and I look forward to reading her again.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Tiny Ghost Press, and the author herself for this gifted ARC and packet of bookish goodies...this is my honest review.
📖 The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose 📖
Author: Amy B. Scher
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Tiny Ghost Press
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautifully written and inspired by real-life events, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose from debut author Amy B. Scher, combined a whodunit mystery and coming-of-age YA novel -- and it all took place in the afterlife. This book had so much heart that it almost seemed to leap out from the pages and envelop me into a cozy hug, yet its twisty mystery also kept me on my toes from start to finish. This was a wonderfully-depicted journey through grief, perfect for anyone who has ever grieved the loss of someone they love (so basically, everyone).
It didn't take long for this book to completely pull me into its story...By the end of the first chapter, I was captivated, and I couldn't put the book down. I laughed out loud, I cried (a lot more than I expected to), I cheered, I pondered.
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she's been murdered. Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death. With the help of her new friends -- all recently deceased -- Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard to swallow truths.
"maybe instead of trying so hard for everything to make perfect sense, life is just an experiment of contradictions, confusions, and messy truths, and we're not supposed to fight them but let them be...maybe you don't always get 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 everything that's happened in your life -- you just learn to take it with you instead?"
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose is an ode to grief and to love and to the beautiful mess they create when they come together. If the afterlife is anything like what's portrayed in these pages, I feel like we just might be okay.
I predict you're going to fall as head over heels in love with the journey of Salon Rose as I did! This is the kind of book that makes you want to pick up the phone and call someone you love. It's the kind of book you want to shout about from rooftops. And it's the kind of book you won't stop thinking about for a long time to come. Trust me when I tell you that Scher's masterful debut is not to be missed. One of my favorite books of 2026 -- five breathtaking stars!
#TheUnexpectedAfterlifeOfSalonRose #AmyBScher #TinyGhostPress #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #YAmysteries #YAreads #comingofagemystery #whodunitmystery #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
📖 The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose 📖
Author: Amy B. Scher
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Tiny Ghost Press
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautifully written and inspired by real-life events, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose from debut author Amy B. Scher, combined a whodunit mystery and coming-of-age YA novel -- and it all took place in the afterlife. This book had so much heart that it almost seemed to leap out from the pages and envelop me into a cozy hug, yet its twisty mystery also kept me on my toes from start to finish. This was a wonderfully-depicted journey through grief, perfect for anyone who has ever grieved the loss of someone they love (so basically, everyone).
It didn't take long for this book to completely pull me into its story...By the end of the first chapter, I was captivated, and I couldn't put the book down. I laughed out loud, I cried (a lot more than I expected to), I cheered, I pondered.
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she's been murdered. Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death. With the help of her new friends -- all recently deceased -- Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard to swallow truths.
"maybe instead of trying so hard for everything to make perfect sense, life is just an experiment of contradictions, confusions, and messy truths, and we're not supposed to fight them but let them be...maybe you don't always get 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 everything that's happened in your life -- you just learn to take it with you instead?"
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose is an ode to grief and to love and to the beautiful mess they create when they come together. If the afterlife is anything like what's portrayed in these pages, I feel like we just might be okay.
I predict you're going to fall as head over heels in love with the journey of Salon Rose as I did! This is the kind of book that makes you want to pick up the phone and call someone you love. It's the kind of book you want to shout about from rooftops. And it's the kind of book you won't stop thinking about for a long time to come. Trust me when I tell you that Scher's masterful debut is not to be missed. One of my favorite books of 2026 -- five breathtaking stars!
#TheUnexpectedAfterlifeOfSalonRose #AmyBScher #TinyGhostPress #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #YAmysteries #YAreads #comingofagemystery #whodunitmystery #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
June 6, 2026
ARC review!!
Wow. I really don’t know what else to say about this upcoming thriller that I got the amazing opportunity to read before it is released in August of this year. This was an emotional read and I was crying all the way through this book. It’s definitely an emotional read that will get you deep in your feels (especially if you’ve experienced the loss of someone close to you and haven’t quite come to peace with it yet.) but at the same time gives you thinking points and tools towards dealing with it.
Salon Rose is a 17 year old with two of the best friends a girl could ever ask for, a boyfriend who is always there, and a mom who wants nothing more for her daughter than to be safe and happy. One night after a party, Salon wakes up in a place that she has no idea how she got to. She is greeted by Olivia, another girl her age, and is told that she has died and is now in the In Between (NIB). This is where she meets other kids around her age who have passed on and are working towards going to The Big IF (The Big Infinite Forever). Salon then gets opportunities to work on herself, deal with her sudden passing, and solve who killed her.
There is so much that happens in this book that really makes you think about how you are living your life at the moment. As someone who lost her older brother unexpectedly and never quite recovered from it, this was a hard book for me at times. But in the best possible way. I loved this book! I will definitely read this book more than once and always recommend it. However, with that said..take breaks. I wanted to read this in one sitting! I made myself take some mental and emotional breaks from this book so I could not only digest what I was reading, but to also feel my feelings without going dark. Thank you so much @amybscher for writing this book, and I’m sorry for your loss as well. Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the opportunity to read this book early.
#bookreviews #arcreader #kindle #emotionalread #fivestarread
Wow. I really don’t know what else to say about this upcoming thriller that I got the amazing opportunity to read before it is released in August of this year. This was an emotional read and I was crying all the way through this book. It’s definitely an emotional read that will get you deep in your feels (especially if you’ve experienced the loss of someone close to you and haven’t quite come to peace with it yet.) but at the same time gives you thinking points and tools towards dealing with it.
Salon Rose is a 17 year old with two of the best friends a girl could ever ask for, a boyfriend who is always there, and a mom who wants nothing more for her daughter than to be safe and happy. One night after a party, Salon wakes up in a place that she has no idea how she got to. She is greeted by Olivia, another girl her age, and is told that she has died and is now in the In Between (NIB). This is where she meets other kids around her age who have passed on and are working towards going to The Big IF (The Big Infinite Forever). Salon then gets opportunities to work on herself, deal with her sudden passing, and solve who killed her.
There is so much that happens in this book that really makes you think about how you are living your life at the moment. As someone who lost her older brother unexpectedly and never quite recovered from it, this was a hard book for me at times. But in the best possible way. I loved this book! I will definitely read this book more than once and always recommend it. However, with that said..take breaks. I wanted to read this in one sitting! I made myself take some mental and emotional breaks from this book so I could not only digest what I was reading, but to also feel my feelings without going dark. Thank you so much @amybscher for writing this book, and I’m sorry for your loss as well. Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the opportunity to read this book early.
#bookreviews #arcreader #kindle #emotionalread #fivestarread
Review of advance copy received from Author
My friends at The Pulse have been enjoying this real-life inspired upcoming new release!
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she’s been murdered. Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death.
With the help of her new friends, all recently deceased, and maybe even a fresh crush, Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard to swallow truths.
I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading this book. However, the author took a dark and heavy subject matter and turned it into an emotional story of reflection self discovery. It brought out a few different emotions for me…First, I was sad for Salon as she was helplessly looking down at the family and friends that she left behind. I wanted so badly for her to return to them. On the other hand, I thought the whole premise of her solving her own murder in the afterlife was so intriguing. This book is a combination of an emotional journey and a murder mystery with a little added humor, all wrapped up in one. Her journal entries added an extra interesting touch. While it’s considered a YA read, you don’t have to be a young adult to enjoy it. It’s a touching story, and it is clear that the author put her whole heart into writing it!
Thank you to Amy B. Scher for this gifted advance reader copy!
August 17, 2026
Part mystery, part healing journey, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose is a tender, moving reminder that closure isn’t necessarily about putting the past behind you—it’s about learning how to be present while making room for what comes next.
Reading this brought me back to so many of the misconceptions and beliefs I carried from childhood into adulthood, and to the slow, sometimes uncomfortable process of unlearning them and building something steadier in their place.
Grief can be a strange thing. There were moments that made my eyes well up, but more than anything, this story left me feeling a sense of relief and tenderness. Amy writes with such clarity and warmth that it often felt like she was gently walking me back to myself, with some laughs along the way. That kind of care is rare. At times, Salon Rose felt less like something I was reading and more like something I was being held through.
Knowing that the story was inspired by true events within Amy’s own family adds another layer of emotional truth to the novel, making its exploration of grief and healing feel especially intimate.
Above all, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose beautifully captures the importance of friendship, community, self-awareness, and self-respect. It understands that healing isn't a destination you suddenly arrive at. It's a process—a journey—and this novel honors that beautifully.
Reading this brought me back to so many of the misconceptions and beliefs I carried from childhood into adulthood, and to the slow, sometimes uncomfortable process of unlearning them and building something steadier in their place.
Grief can be a strange thing. There were moments that made my eyes well up, but more than anything, this story left me feeling a sense of relief and tenderness. Amy writes with such clarity and warmth that it often felt like she was gently walking me back to myself, with some laughs along the way. That kind of care is rare. At times, Salon Rose felt less like something I was reading and more like something I was being held through.
Knowing that the story was inspired by true events within Amy’s own family adds another layer of emotional truth to the novel, making its exploration of grief and healing feel especially intimate.
Above all, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose beautifully captures the importance of friendship, community, self-awareness, and self-respect. It understands that healing isn't a destination you suddenly arrive at. It's a process—a journey—and this novel honors that beautifully.
August 13, 2026
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose
🎧Audiobook review🎧
I’d had my eye on this title, then seeing esteemed reviewer and friend Nikki Miracle include it in her twenty favourite books list convinced me I had to try it. I’d thank Noelle W. Ihli too, ever since Ask For Andrea I’ve been seeking out spirit limbo, dead characters and afterlife novels of all varieties.
College hopeful Salon Rose is recently deceased. She finds in the Nowhere In Between, a way-station in between life, death and whatever comes next. She’ll meet new friends and find a mentor who’ll help her comes to terms with her situation.
Eager for answers on how and why she died, it’s part m*rder mystery, part teen drama and part therapy through the interactions, the questions she’s asked and the things she learns.
There’s an unexpected warmth to it, it’s very moving in parts. This could easily be a new genre-expanding gateway read, especially for the YA audience. If you’ve enjoyed Ask For Andrea, Not Quite Dead Yet, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, The Storytellers (Caron McKinlay) or The Five People You Meet In Heaven you should enjoy this one too.
The narration by Sarah Welborn is excellent, with a laid back chilled delivery that made for a relaxing and meditative listen.
Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media
🎧Audiobook review🎧
I’d had my eye on this title, then seeing esteemed reviewer and friend Nikki Miracle include it in her twenty favourite books list convinced me I had to try it. I’d thank Noelle W. Ihli too, ever since Ask For Andrea I’ve been seeking out spirit limbo, dead characters and afterlife novels of all varieties.
College hopeful Salon Rose is recently deceased. She finds in the Nowhere In Between, a way-station in between life, death and whatever comes next. She’ll meet new friends and find a mentor who’ll help her comes to terms with her situation.
Eager for answers on how and why she died, it’s part m*rder mystery, part teen drama and part therapy through the interactions, the questions she’s asked and the things she learns.
There’s an unexpected warmth to it, it’s very moving in parts. This could easily be a new genre-expanding gateway read, especially for the YA audience. If you’ve enjoyed Ask For Andrea, Not Quite Dead Yet, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, The Storytellers (Caron McKinlay) or The Five People You Meet In Heaven you should enjoy this one too.
The narration by Sarah Welborn is excellent, with a laid back chilled delivery that made for a relaxing and meditative listen.
Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media
Review of advance copy received from Author
When seventeen year old Salon Rose wakes up in a mysterious place between life and death, she's shocked to learn one thing: she was murdered. With no memory of how she died, Salon refuses to move on until she uncovers the truth. As she navigates the strange rules of the afterlife, forms unexpected friendships, and reflects on the life she left behind, every clue brings her closer to a killer she never saw coming.
This wasn't the afterlife story that I was expecting, and that's exactly why it worked for me! I went in thinking I was getting a regular murder mystery but I found so much more! Beneath the mystery is a heartfelt story about grief, healing, forgiveness and learning how to let go. The concept of trying to solve your own murder from the afterlife was so unique and I love slowly uncovering the truth alongside Salon. The pacing leans more emotional than suspenseful, so if you're expecting a non-stop thriller, this isn't it. But if you enjoy character driven stories with a touch of mystery, romance and plenty of heart this one is absolutely worth picking up!
Thank you so much to Amy Scher and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for both this awesome pr package and early copy!!
This wasn't the afterlife story that I was expecting, and that's exactly why it worked for me! I went in thinking I was getting a regular murder mystery but I found so much more! Beneath the mystery is a heartfelt story about grief, healing, forgiveness and learning how to let go. The concept of trying to solve your own murder from the afterlife was so unique and I love slowly uncovering the truth alongside Salon. The pacing leans more emotional than suspenseful, so if you're expecting a non-stop thriller, this isn't it. But if you enjoy character driven stories with a touch of mystery, romance and plenty of heart this one is absolutely worth picking up!
Thank you so much to Amy Scher and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for both this awesome pr package and early copy!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a funny, heartfelt and deeply thought provoking coming of age novel that imagines what happens when a young woman unexpectedly finds herself in the afterlife. Blending wit, mystery and emotion, it offers a unique exploration of grief, loss, and what it truly means to let go. I was captivated from the very first page and completely invested until the very end.
Salon doesn’t remember dying. Determined to uncover who killed her, she must also navigate the mysterious “Nowhere in Between”, a place where souls are given the opportunity to reflect before moving on to the Big Infinite Forever. Alongside the others in her group, Salon is challenged to confront her regrets, the choices she’s made, and the relationships she’s left behind. As the mystery surrounding her death unfolds, so too does her journey of self-discovery.
Inspired by the author’s own losses, this novel explores the many aspects of grief with honesty and compassion. Through Salon, the author examines healing, forgiveness, acceptance and the courage it takes to move forward even when letting go feels impossible.
Although marketed as Young Adult, it’s definitely a book that adult readers will find rewarding and poignant.
Salon doesn’t remember dying. Determined to uncover who killed her, she must also navigate the mysterious “Nowhere in Between”, a place where souls are given the opportunity to reflect before moving on to the Big Infinite Forever. Alongside the others in her group, Salon is challenged to confront her regrets, the choices she’s made, and the relationships she’s left behind. As the mystery surrounding her death unfolds, so too does her journey of self-discovery.
Inspired by the author’s own losses, this novel explores the many aspects of grief with honesty and compassion. Through Salon, the author examines healing, forgiveness, acceptance and the courage it takes to move forward even when letting go feels impossible.
Although marketed as Young Adult, it’s definitely a book that adult readers will find rewarding and poignant.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👻 believe in an afterlife
🔍 would do anything to find your killer
💭 love books that make you think about the harder questions
📖 enjoy YA
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she's been murdered.Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death.
With the help of her new friends--all recently deceased--and maybe even a fresh crush, Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard to swallow truths.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such an incredible book! Not only is it fresh and new, it’s based off true events, making it even more haunting and reflective! I absolutely loved Salon’s character. She was strong and determined to find her killer and to understand her past. I liked watching her make friends and navigate “life” in this afterlife between worlds. The story moves a bit slowly as it definitely has a lot of reflective moments, but I enjoyed that. It’s part murder mystery, part coming of age, and the author did a great job blending the two. I highly recommend this one!
👻 believe in an afterlife
🔍 would do anything to find your killer
💭 love books that make you think about the harder questions
📖 enjoy YA
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
College hopeful Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death, only to learn she's been murdered.Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death.
With the help of her new friends--all recently deceased--and maybe even a fresh crush, Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard to swallow truths.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such an incredible book! Not only is it fresh and new, it’s based off true events, making it even more haunting and reflective! I absolutely loved Salon’s character. She was strong and determined to find her killer and to understand her past. I liked watching her make friends and navigate “life” in this afterlife between worlds. The story moves a bit slowly as it definitely has a lot of reflective moments, but I enjoyed that. It’s part murder mystery, part coming of age, and the author did a great job blending the two. I highly recommend this one!
August 13, 2026
~Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of the Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose~
This book will work for YA readers looking for a coming of age story (especially looking forward to transitioning to life after high school) that's heavy on themes of believing in and accepting yourself.
It's a unique look at the afterlife where everyone has the chance to reflect on who they were in life featuring a campy school psychologist to lead them all in intense group therapy. It's a cute story, a cozy sort of murder mystery investigation via this afterlife when all along the important truth isn't the whodunnit, but the truths of self.
The narrator in the book was engaging and full of personality. I admit at times I didn't really like that personality, but Salon Rose is certainly a protagonist with realistic flaws like a teenage girl would have. She did things that made me cringe or made me mad 😅 Then I remembered she's only a teenager, and so those decisions fit.
I think the themes were sometimes a bit heavy-handed. Teen readers are smart enough to pick up on important points without them being quite so in your face about it.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read and heartwarming.
This book will work for YA readers looking for a coming of age story (especially looking forward to transitioning to life after high school) that's heavy on themes of believing in and accepting yourself.
It's a unique look at the afterlife where everyone has the chance to reflect on who they were in life featuring a campy school psychologist to lead them all in intense group therapy. It's a cute story, a cozy sort of murder mystery investigation via this afterlife when all along the important truth isn't the whodunnit, but the truths of self.
The narrator in the book was engaging and full of personality. I admit at times I didn't really like that personality, but Salon Rose is certainly a protagonist with realistic flaws like a teenage girl would have. She did things that made me cringe or made me mad 😅 Then I remembered she's only a teenager, and so those decisions fit.
I think the themes were sometimes a bit heavy-handed. Teen readers are smart enough to pick up on important points without them being quite so in your face about it.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read and heartwarming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book immediately gave me Beetlejuice vibes mixed with the book Not Quite Dead Yet—and I was here for it!
This YA novel follows 17-year-old Salon Rose, who finds herself caught in the space between life and death after she’s apparently murdered. As she navigates this strange in-between world, she’s determined to uncover the truth about what happened to her. And let me tell you, the mystery had me completely hooked. I had to know who killed her.
But this story is so much more than a murder mystery though. It explores grief, forgiveness, healing, and self-awareness in a way that feels both thoughtful and emotionally impactful. Watching Salon come to terms with her life, her relationships, and the things left unsaid added so much depth to the story.
What made this book even more meaningful is knowing that, although it’s fictional, it was inspired by real-life events.
This was a unique and heartfelt YA read that blends mystery, the supernatural, and important life lessons into one compelling story. If you enjoy books that make you think just as much as they keep you guessing, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
This YA novel follows 17-year-old Salon Rose, who finds herself caught in the space between life and death after she’s apparently murdered. As she navigates this strange in-between world, she’s determined to uncover the truth about what happened to her. And let me tell you, the mystery had me completely hooked. I had to know who killed her.
But this story is so much more than a murder mystery though. It explores grief, forgiveness, healing, and self-awareness in a way that feels both thoughtful and emotionally impactful. Watching Salon come to terms with her life, her relationships, and the things left unsaid added so much depth to the story.
What made this book even more meaningful is knowing that, although it’s fictional, it was inspired by real-life events.
This was a unique and heartfelt YA read that blends mystery, the supernatural, and important life lessons into one compelling story. If you enjoy books that make you think just as much as they keep you guessing, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
July 22, 2026
Thank you to Tiny Teen Ghost and Amy B. Scher for the ARC!
Salon Rose is looking forward to college and the future ahead of her…until she wakes up in the "Nowhere in Between" and learns she’s been murdered. Unable to return to her life, Salon becomes determined to solve her own murder before moving on. Alongside a group of newly departed friends, she begins uncovering the truth—not only about her death, but about herself.
This book grabbed my heart from the very first pages and never let go🥹❤️ While it definitely leans more into magical realism than my usual thriller picks, at its heart this is a beautiful coming-of-age story that just so happens to take place in the afterlife. It was emotional and hopeful, despite the heavy subject matter. Not to mention there was a mystery to solve too!
I especially loved the journal entries interspersed throughout the story - that was a unique way to keep track of Salon’s investigation ❤️ this has been a big hit at The Pulse - heartfelt and so engrossing.
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose releases August 4, 2026. This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Salon Rose is looking forward to college and the future ahead of her…until she wakes up in the "Nowhere in Between" and learns she’s been murdered. Unable to return to her life, Salon becomes determined to solve her own murder before moving on. Alongside a group of newly departed friends, she begins uncovering the truth—not only about her death, but about herself.
This book grabbed my heart from the very first pages and never let go🥹❤️ While it definitely leans more into magical realism than my usual thriller picks, at its heart this is a beautiful coming-of-age story that just so happens to take place in the afterlife. It was emotional and hopeful, despite the heavy subject matter. Not to mention there was a mystery to solve too!
I especially loved the journal entries interspersed throughout the story - that was a unique way to keep track of Salon’s investigation ❤️ this has been a big hit at The Pulse - heartfelt and so engrossing.
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose releases August 4, 2026. This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
The last thing seventeen-year-old Salon can remember doing is going to a high school costume party. The next thing she knows, she's looking down over her body in a morgue, stuck in the afterlife. It took me a good while to compose myself and write this review. This book is a very emotional read. You follow Salon as she navigates her way through the afterlife, while she also checks in on her mom and friends to see how they are coping with her loss. She's also trying to solve her own murder at the same time and the murder of Olivia, one of the girls in the afterlife group with her. I loved the little creative touches of Salon's written journal entries in here; it made this even more personal. This book hits hard, even for me as an adult. I can't even imagine being a teen reading this book. If you've ever experienced loss before, this would be an excellent book to add to your TBR.
Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @amybscher for my complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @amybscher for my complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2026
This was an interesting book. I enjoyed the discussions of grief, loss, identity, and moving forward. There were parts that I found myself relating to in ways that I didn't expect, and the world building was enjoyable. Salon Rose is a beautifully written character. I experienced the audiobook, so I can't comment on the style of the print format, but I can say that the audiobook narrator seemed to capture the character well.
The downside for me was the question of Salon's death. This story was portrayed as being, amongst other things, a mystery - a deceased girl trying to solve her murder from the beyond - but I felt little interest in the mystery since the killer seemed clear to me fairly early on in the book. That aspect was a letdown for me. The writing around the topic could be good for teenagers in ways that I won't get into (spoilers!) and the lead character's emotional journey is definitely the highlight of this work.
There's someone out there that this book is going to be perfect for, and I hope that each of those people find a copy.
The downside for me was the question of Salon's death. This story was portrayed as being, amongst other things, a mystery - a deceased girl trying to solve her murder from the beyond - but I felt little interest in the mystery since the killer seemed clear to me fairly early on in the book. That aspect was a letdown for me. The writing around the topic could be good for teenagers in ways that I won't get into (spoilers!) and the lead character's emotional journey is definitely the highlight of this work.
There's someone out there that this book is going to be perfect for, and I hope that each of those people find a copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a unique read. I’ve read a lot of books and this is very different from anything I’ve read. A very emotional read as it touches on some tough topics. Salon is stuck in “the in between” & trying to solve her murder & the murder of another girl stuck in the afterlife.
This book really gets into the emotions we feel when we lose someone we love & the grieving process afterwards. Everyone grieves differently. The author does such a good job of showing the raw emotions felt after a loss.
Salon’s journal entries were some of my favorite parts of this book. The entire book is well written and really is a roller coaster of emotions. It makes you really think about your life & your losses & the important people who care about you.
The story was easy to follow and the characters were all well developed. I really loved this and the concept of it & I’m so happy I have discovered a new author!
This was a fantastic read & is sure to be loved by all who read it.
This book really gets into the emotions we feel when we lose someone we love & the grieving process afterwards. Everyone grieves differently. The author does such a good job of showing the raw emotions felt after a loss.
Salon’s journal entries were some of my favorite parts of this book. The entire book is well written and really is a roller coaster of emotions. It makes you really think about your life & your losses & the important people who care about you.
The story was easy to follow and the characters were all well developed. I really loved this and the concept of it & I’m so happy I have discovered a new author!
This was a fantastic read & is sure to be loved by all who read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book completely surprised me in the best way. By the time I reached the ending, I was absolutely sobbing. It was such a touching, emotional, and unique story that stayed with me long after I finished.
One of my favorite aspects was the character development. Every character felt fully realized, and I genuinely cared about each of them. There wasn't a single character that annoyed me or felt underdeveloped.
The ending was everything I hoped it would be. It wrapped up the story beautifully while leaving me incredibly excited for what's to come. It felt satisfying and complete, yet I already can't stop imagining where the sequel will take these characters.
If you're looking for an emotional read with memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and a conclusion that will leave you feeling all the emotions, I highly recommend picking this one up!
This book completely surprised me in the best way. By the time I reached the ending, I was absolutely sobbing. It was such a touching, emotional, and unique story that stayed with me long after I finished.
One of my favorite aspects was the character development. Every character felt fully realized, and I genuinely cared about each of them. There wasn't a single character that annoyed me or felt underdeveloped.
The ending was everything I hoped it would be. It wrapped up the story beautifully while leaving me incredibly excited for what's to come. It felt satisfying and complete, yet I already can't stop imagining where the sequel will take these characters.
If you're looking for an emotional read with memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and a conclusion that will leave you feeling all the emotions, I highly recommend picking this one up!
July 1, 2026
Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @amybscher for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Inspired by real-life events, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose is equal parts thrilling murder mystery and bittersweet coming of age story.
This is a touching, sometimes hard-to-read story about a young teenager who suddenly finds herself navigating the afterlife, while attempting to solve her own murder. The story unfolds through the first person perspective of Salon Rose and includes excerpts from her journal. Salon grapples with her own grief as she realizes that she didn’t get to say goodbye to her mother and her friends, including her boyfriend. She also experiences regret as she watches from afar as her loved ones grieve.
The story includes a group of teenagers each trying to come to terms with their own death. There are touching moments, often mixed with humor. I enjoyed this read and recommend it for anyone who has experienced grief.
The author wrote this story as a way of dealing with her own grief.
Inspired by real-life events, The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose is equal parts thrilling murder mystery and bittersweet coming of age story.
This is a touching, sometimes hard-to-read story about a young teenager who suddenly finds herself navigating the afterlife, while attempting to solve her own murder. The story unfolds through the first person perspective of Salon Rose and includes excerpts from her journal. Salon grapples with her own grief as she realizes that she didn’t get to say goodbye to her mother and her friends, including her boyfriend. She also experiences regret as she watches from afar as her loved ones grieve.
The story includes a group of teenagers each trying to come to terms with their own death. There are touching moments, often mixed with humor. I enjoyed this read and recommend it for anyone who has experienced grief.
The author wrote this story as a way of dealing with her own grief.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose is an unexpectedly excellent read! Part murder mystery, part poignant coming of age (while dead) story, this emotional YA story hits all the right notes of suspense, grief, acceptance, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
In a story inspired by real-life events, this unusual novel finds a newly deceased Salon Rose in the Nowhere in Between (NIB, a kind of purgatory), unable to move on until she can uncover the truth about who killed her and learn to accept her death. Beautifully written with tons of heart, lots of touching moments, and sprinkles of humor, I loved getting to know Salon, her friends and family, and the other teens in the NIB. Salon’s journal pages were an extra special touch that really brought her character to life (or maybe afterlife? – haha!).
Highly recommended for both YA and adult readers, and fans of Noelle W. Ihli’s Ask for Andrea and Forget You Saw Her.
In a story inspired by real-life events, this unusual novel finds a newly deceased Salon Rose in the Nowhere in Between (NIB, a kind of purgatory), unable to move on until she can uncover the truth about who killed her and learn to accept her death. Beautifully written with tons of heart, lots of touching moments, and sprinkles of humor, I loved getting to know Salon, her friends and family, and the other teens in the NIB. Salon’s journal pages were an extra special touch that really brought her character to life (or maybe afterlife? – haha!).
Highly recommended for both YA and adult readers, and fans of Noelle W. Ihli’s Ask for Andrea and Forget You Saw Her.
July 18, 2026
" because I realize closure isn't just about putting your past behind you; it's about making sure you dont out your future first and forget about the present."
This quote really resonated with me along with the rest of the book. Because it's the truth along with all the lessons that Salon and her friends was thought in the "NIb". I truly respected how the author tackled the heavy subject of Grief and lost throughout the book as Grief isn't a easy process to go through. But during the journey you find more of yourself and truly feel the love for the loved one lost even after the goodbyes. This book will hit you directly in the gut with all the feels throughout the storyline and can be tough especially if you've lost someone close. Enjoy this book and truly take your time reading it to truly understand the message of the book and when it feels heavy just remember its okay to step away for a moment and always okay to ask for help.
This quote really resonated with me along with the rest of the book. Because it's the truth along with all the lessons that Salon and her friends was thought in the "NIb". I truly respected how the author tackled the heavy subject of Grief and lost throughout the book as Grief isn't a easy process to go through. But during the journey you find more of yourself and truly feel the love for the loved one lost even after the goodbyes. This book will hit you directly in the gut with all the feels throughout the storyline and can be tough especially if you've lost someone close. Enjoy this book and truly take your time reading it to truly understand the message of the book and when it feels heavy just remember its okay to step away for a moment and always okay to ask for help.
July 3, 2026
A YA book about Salon who, in the first page of the book, finds out she is dead. It’s quite a shock as I imagine it would be. She’s now living in NIB (The Nowhere InBetween) until she is ready to move on to The Big IF (The Big Infinite Forever).
There are several others in the same space and it’s a very emotional book. They talk about their fears and what they want to know about their families and friends still living. It makes you think what questions you would have in the same situation. Salon does not know what happened to her but is determined to find out.
This book surprised me. I don’t know what I expected going into it but this book far exceeded everything. The author does not write in capital letters very often but quickly got used to it. This is an amazing read about loss, grief, friendship, mystery, emotions, and making the best out of any situation.
There are several others in the same space and it’s a very emotional book. They talk about their fears and what they want to know about their families and friends still living. It makes you think what questions you would have in the same situation. Salon does not know what happened to her but is determined to find out.
This book surprised me. I don’t know what I expected going into it but this book far exceeded everything. The author does not write in capital letters very often but quickly got used to it. This is an amazing read about loss, grief, friendship, mystery, emotions, and making the best out of any situation.
July 7, 2026
Not often that I pick up YA, but I was so intrigued by the blurb of this one that I couldn’t help but get my hands on it. It was so hard for me to put down too. It was like a unique, gentle, at times heart wrenching, super beautifully well written reminder that life is short and we never know when our time is around the corner, what impact we’ll have on people once we are gone and also what impact and feeling we have when losing someone close to us. I had a very close knit friend group growing up that was more like family and it put me back in our young shoes on how CRAZY painful it would have been to lose one of us anytime but especially those years. This one pulled on my heart strings a lotta bit! Had me shedding some tears and thinking what I can do now to make the most of my life and relationships! Great novel!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this not knowing it was YA which I can be pretty picky about but I’m glad that this lived up to my expectations!
In The Unexpected Aferlife of Salon Rose we have a teenaged girl who wakes up in the afterlife and she finds out she’s been murdered. She doesn’t have any recollection of what happened to her or who killed her and is determined to find out who did this to her.
This was much deeper than I was expecting and I loved it. She was such a great character.
We get to see her go through her life prior to her murder, make new friends, and we watch her navigate her new reality.
This story was an exploration of so many things with grief and letting go being at the center. There was the mystery of who killed her but this book was a very emotional read with a unique plot and I loved it!
In The Unexpected Aferlife of Salon Rose we have a teenaged girl who wakes up in the afterlife and she finds out she’s been murdered. She doesn’t have any recollection of what happened to her or who killed her and is determined to find out who did this to her.
This was much deeper than I was expecting and I loved it. She was such a great character.
We get to see her go through her life prior to her murder, make new friends, and we watch her navigate her new reality.
This story was an exploration of so many things with grief and letting go being at the center. There was the mystery of who killed her but this book was a very emotional read with a unique plot and I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose
By: Amy B. Scher
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Tiny Ghost Teen
Imagine not being able to move on after death! Salon Rose is in an alternate state known as "Nowhere and Between" which is between life and death. She is looking for answers and what she will find out might shake her to the core. After all, she was murdered. She can’t move forward until she accepts her death.
Now she has new “friends” helping her find out what happened. Her new friends are not traditional friends! What do they have in common? Are their cases related?
Grief, forgiveness, healing and learning how to let go of the past make this one emotional.
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers THE PULSE for a chance to read this thought-provoking and unique novel inspired by the authors’ real-life events.
By: Amy B. Scher
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Tiny Ghost Teen
Imagine not being able to move on after death! Salon Rose is in an alternate state known as "Nowhere and Between" which is between life and death. She is looking for answers and what she will find out might shake her to the core. After all, she was murdered. She can’t move forward until she accepts her death.
Now she has new “friends” helping her find out what happened. Her new friends are not traditional friends! What do they have in common? Are their cases related?
Grief, forgiveness, healing and learning how to let go of the past make this one emotional.
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers THE PULSE for a chance to read this thought-provoking and unique novel inspired by the authors’ real-life events.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The premise of this novel sounded interesting to me, so I'm glad I had a chance to check it out recently. While it's geared toward young adults, there is a lot for adults to appreciate in the story, as well. It reminded me a lot of The Good Place, which I finally watched this past year.
There's definitely a mystery involved, as Salon finds out that she was murdered early on in the story. She uses a notebook to try to figure out who could have possibly done it, and has access to the LOL (Land of Living) to find out more information. However, her obsessive quest to resolve her own death is causing problems for her in the afterlife, especially with someone with whom she's hoping to form more of a connection.
While I was able to guess at the mystery (which I'm almost never able to do), there were a lot of game changers making me question my guess at every turn. There were other surprises throughout the novel, as well. Salon is not perfect by any means, but that makes her a genuine teenager and someone I even found relatable.
There's also sadness to this story, as people's lives had ended before they really got to have new experiences and go off on their own. I wouldn't say I cried at all, but I felt the weight of their sorrow.
Overall, a really well told story that I already passed along to my teenager who likes true crime. The fact that it's personal to the author adds that much more impact to the story, as well.
(Trigger warnings below. May contain spoilers.)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TW: Toxic relationship, suicide, deadly car accident, chronic illness, loss of money
There's definitely a mystery involved, as Salon finds out that she was murdered early on in the story. She uses a notebook to try to figure out who could have possibly done it, and has access to the LOL (Land of Living) to find out more information. However, her obsessive quest to resolve her own death is causing problems for her in the afterlife, especially with someone with whom she's hoping to form more of a connection.
While I was able to guess at the mystery (which I'm almost never able to do), there were a lot of game changers making me question my guess at every turn. There were other surprises throughout the novel, as well. Salon is not perfect by any means, but that makes her a genuine teenager and someone I even found relatable.
There's also sadness to this story, as people's lives had ended before they really got to have new experiences and go off on their own. I wouldn't say I cried at all, but I felt the weight of their sorrow.
Overall, a really well told story that I already passed along to my teenager who likes true crime. The fact that it's personal to the author adds that much more impact to the story, as well.
(Trigger warnings below. May contain spoilers.)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TW: Toxic relationship, suicide, deadly car accident, chronic illness, loss of money
Review of advance copy received from Author
You guys...⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again I am blown away by a debut novel. This uniquely written murder mystery is sadly based on true events, but what a beautiful story!
salon rose wakes up in an "afterlife support group" with no idea on how she ended up there. she has to process her life and work to solve what led to her end.
I felt all the emotions with this one. I was fully invested in figuring out what happened to Salon. I'd recommend this one for anyone in high school and up.
the unexpected afterlife of salon rose by Amy B. Scher will be available August 4th!
Thank you so much for this advanced copy!
Once again I am blown away by a debut novel. This uniquely written murder mystery is sadly based on true events, but what a beautiful story!
salon rose wakes up in an "afterlife support group" with no idea on how she ended up there. she has to process her life and work to solve what led to her end.
I felt all the emotions with this one. I was fully invested in figuring out what happened to Salon. I'd recommend this one for anyone in high school and up.
the unexpected afterlife of salon rose by Amy B. Scher will be available August 4th!
Thank you so much for this advanced copy!
August 7, 2026
I read this amazing book in almost one sitting--I just couldn't put it town. THE UNEXPECTED AFTERLIFE OF SALON ROSE is a fascinating book with such a whimsical--and hopeful--premise: after we die, we get to continue our personal growth. The imaginal world for a premise like this had to be very specific and relatable while also conveying a magical non-material realm. The author truly delivers on that (really satisfying) world-building. She's also created such true-to-life, and lovable, characters. I adored following each of their journeys. That the author also turned this tale into a page-turning murder mystery is truly masterful. I highly recommend this book.
August 11, 2026
The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose by Amy B. Scher started off strong but ultimately went in a generic direction. Because it’s a story for teens and young adults, the secrets Salon Rose held were very juvenile. This murder mystery fizzled out for me. It wasn’t the coming of age while dead story that I was expecting. I think the teen audience will appreciate the true blue friendships and motherly love that Salon Rose had. ALC was provided by Dreamscape Media via NetGalley. I received an audiobook listening copy for free and I am leaving this feedback voluntarily.
This is a review of the audiobook.
This is a review of the audiobook.
August 15, 2026
Emotional, captivating, and completely absorbing! The character development and arcs were spot on, making it so easy to become invested in each character and their journey. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story pulled me in another direction.
And let me warn you now… get the tissues ready! 🥺 This one brings the emotions while delivering a seriously compelling murder mystery. If you love a mystery that keeps you guessing while also giving you characters you genuinely care about, this is definitely a treat.
Come for the murder mystery, stay for the emotional roller coaster. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And let me warn you now… get the tissues ready! 🥺 This one brings the emotions while delivering a seriously compelling murder mystery. If you love a mystery that keeps you guessing while also giving you characters you genuinely care about, this is definitely a treat.
Come for the murder mystery, stay for the emotional roller coaster. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews