While the title of the book is relevant enough, it makes the novel sound more like a mystery than it really is. Basically, the story begins with the main character of Kate beginning to deal with the aftermath of the unexpected death of her husband. As a result of her hearing her husband's voice seemingly all around her, she begins to attempt to crawl out of her grief & seek help to find out whether or not she's crazy.

Overall, I liked the plotline. This was a quick & easy read, and it kept me interested enough to zip through it quickly. I did often want to take Kate's shoulders & shake her, and I felt the supporting characters were somewhat shallow (her sister, especially). I would've liked to see a little more development there, as I found myself asking questions that weren't ever answered. ( )

When Kate's husband dies unexpectedly at work, she is plunged into the depths of grief, where she remains for weeks. Living off the floor of her living room and eating only occasionally, she struggles with moving forward and angrily attacks friends and family who try to offer their support. Kate does not see this as concerning, however, until she starts hearing the voice of her husband, Kevin, commenting on her actions. Kate seeks out a number of therapists, a psychiatrist, and a pastor to try to explain how this is possible and each has their own belief about what is occurring with Kate. As the story progresses, Kate begins to remember more about the events preceding Kevin's death that she had chosen to block out and also finds out her husband was hiding some secrets from her. Half grief-stricken chick lit and half mystery, the story sort of plods along until the last third of the novel where it starts to pick up the pace. I thought this was a fair novel that had just enough humor to keep the plot moving but not enough of anything to make it one you want to pass along. Overall, the story was kind of sad as Kate's experience was not one I would want to experience personally. ( )

Talking to the Dead is a well told story about a widow who continues to hear husband's voice after his funeral. The plot is simple enough; however, its presentation makes this book a page turner. I read this book in one evening (and well into the morning). A definitely recommendable book despite some characters who I would only wish upon my enemies. ( )

Kate Davis has a bit of a problem. She’s lost her husband, lost her short-term memory, and is hearing the voice of her dead beloved speaking to her. Before I go further I should clarify that Talking to the Dead isn’t a supernatural-suspense storyline despite the fact that Kate is hearing from the dead, instead it falls into the contemporary women’s fiction genre, with the story leaning towards psychological and emotional healing than it does any encounters with the spiritual world (apart from God of course.)

Mired in grief, Kate finds herself camped out on her living room floor, rarely eating, and even more rarely bathing. Supported by friends, family, and eventually group therapy and a psychiatrist, Kate slowly begins to recover her memories and in the process realizes that the man she has been so longing for was…well….a jerk.

It was a pleasure to read Bonnie Grove’s work. In a story that could easily be emotionally suffocating, she manages to inject enough levity and humor (without sacrificing plausibility) to see readers through to the end. It’s also rather thrilling to find that Grove is a fellow Canadian (no wonder the references to Wee Book Inn and Pigeon Lake!)

This debut novel is pitch-perfect and authentically captures the intense attachment of marriage, the grief following loss, and the bonds of community and grace of God that help move Grove’s characters towards healing.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )

Sometimes we don't see those giant red warning flags because they're just too unbearably painful to deal with. For Kate they turned into gaping holes in her memory in the months leading up to her husbands' untimely death. Seeking help she meets some quirky (& comical) characters, but finds friendship, hope, & love in unexpected places. The gaping holes are slowly filled in, and a painful story of betrayal is revealed. For me this book was about dealing with past hurts, healing the wounds, and starting over fresh. Moving forward to new possibilities & not living & rehashing past pains into our present lives today. This book inspires me & holds a place in my heart. ( )