The Obituary Society by Jessica L. Randall:

4 stars

Lila, having always felt a bit adrift, is searching for her place in the world, starting with her late grandfather’s hometown. As welcoming as Auburn is, though, something isn’t right — something worse than Gourdon the gourd scarecrow.

As a midwestern native, The Obituary Society brought back fond memories of small-town life, fairs, colorful local characters, and creaky old houses. People take their recipes seriously, especially if there’s a blue ribbon or two attached to them. Auburn is a breath of fresh air, the title is perfection (I would have loved more obituary involvement), and Lila is delightfully honest with herself. Ada, Gladys, Matilda, Leona, and Betsy feel just like some of my more nosy, pushy, but well-meaning relatives. Juniper is an absolute treasure.

The evocative style, saturated worldbuilding, subtle and overt themes, and rich character development are where this story shines. It feels like home, albeit a spookier version. The pacing, however, has a few rough patches; Lila isn’t indecisive, but her mind can change faster than the weather. There are one or two overly convenient plot devices, but they’re handled effectively.

The Obituary Society is a delicious mystery with a hearty slice of nostalgia and a thread of supernatural suspense, suitable for a reader looking for a realistic level of cozy with their fictional murders. Enjoy!