Listening Still

Bookseller recommendation

“A family of Irish undertakers can speak with the dead, and Jeanie Masterson isn't sure if it is a gift or a curse. With all of the humor and heartbreak you might expect from hearing the final thoughts of strangers, this is ultimately a story about living well. Listening Still is beautifully narrated by the fabulous Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls, Bridgerton). You'll hang on every lilting word."”

— Meghan • River Bend Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A quirky and fulfilling story of a young English woman with an amazing gift to speak with the recently dead-- but wait, before you turn away after reading that--it's a warm and hopeful telling of how she navigates her own identity and family relationships while also not letting down the people only she can help. A touch of magical realism makes this book sparkle, and the audiobook is very well done!”

— Jamie • Flyleaf Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I could not step away from this book. The narration was lovely, and the story was compelling, with more than few surprises along the way. The premise is a good one: At a family-owned and operated funeral home in Ireland, there are a few employees with a special gift -- the ability to speak with the dead. Unlike most stories where select people are able to speak with the dead and constantly hear voices in graveyards and receive unwanted messages, the characters in this story can only speak with the dead for a few minutes until they fully pass on. Gifted with this ability from a very young age, Jeanie Masterson grows into her profession as an undertaker and allows it to guide her future and her choices. As the story progresses, she begins to question what she really wants, and whether or not she should let her ability determine her path in life or follow her own heart.”

— Molly • Scrawl Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Jeanie Masterson talks with the dead, a gift she shares with her mortician father in their village of Kilcross, Ireland. Nicola Coughlin reads Anne Griffin's second novel (following the popular When All Is Said) with the Irish inflection that captures Jeanie's sweet nature as well as an endearing supporting cast of family and friends. At 32, Jeanie is debating giving up her career in the funeral home, leaving the dead with nobody to talk to when Dad retires. How might she be true to herself and her husband Niall, while answering the calls of the recently departed? This delightful, fast-paced novel never becomes maudlin or sad, but is steeped in love.”

— Cheryl • Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza