Lynnie 
contemporary romance, magical realism
I decided to request the galley of Caitlin Moss' Mourner for Hire, because I was intrigued by the book's unique main character. Vada Daughtry is a professional mourner; people hire her to attend their future funerals. Sometimes she is there simply so the deceased won't be alone, but other times she is there to perform a specific task - maybe to make a family member uncomfortable, maybe to share a previously unknown secret. The possibilities are endless really. Annabelle Dunne, however, has a list of items that she wants Vada to complete after Annabelle's upcoming death. The catch? Vada has been to that community before. Vada actually grew up there for a time (though she doesn't remember any of that) and on her last trip to town to meet with Annabelle, she made a connection with a man who just so happens to be Annabelle's son, and he is now less than thrilled that she has returned to carry out his mother's final wishes.
I decided to request the galley of Caitlin Moss' Mourner for Hire, because I was intrigued by the book's unique main character. Vada Daughtry is a professional mourner; people hire her to attend their future funerals. Sometimes she is there simply so the deceased won't be alone, but other times she is there to perform a specific task - maybe to make a family member uncomfortable, maybe to share a previously unknown secret. The possibilities are endless really. Annabelle Dunne, however, has a list of items that she wants Vada to complete after Annabelle's upcoming death. The catch? Vada has been to that community before. Vada actually grew up there for a time (though she doesn't remember any of that) and on her last trip to town to meet with Annabelle, she made a connection with a man who just so happens to be Annabelle's son, and he is now less than thrilled that she has returned to carry out his mother's final wishes.
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book and the characters. Vada's a fascinating individual and her job as a mourner for hire introduces us to some interesting side characters and unique situations. Dominic is entertaining when he wants to be, but also clearly grieving his parents and the life he left behind. For some reason, he thinks this grief gives him permission to be an absolute ass toward Vada - badmouthing her around town and yelling at her when he sees her. She truly is a saint for putting up with any of it, and it seems that most people in town see his outbursts for the pain that it really is, but my gosh did he act like an immature 12-year old for much of the book. His emotions gave me whiplash and I found myself wondering if, in the real world, anyone would really have as much grace to offer him as Vada seemed to have. Still, I thought they were good for each other, even when they were arguing, and I enjoyed watching the story unfold even though the endgame was obvious from the moment Annabell and Vada met.
I truly enjoyed meeting all the townspeople and getting a glimpse of the sweet town of Shellport and its residents. I would not be surprised to see Moss write more stories based in that community in the future. Bottom line, if you're looking for a quick romance that is not a sports romance, I think you'll enjoy this one. However, if messy emotional baggage and open talk about death and grief bother you, maybe stay away. There are spicy scenes, but only a few and they were quite brief.
This book appears to be self-published by Caitlin Moss, so thank you to Moss and to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on September 9, 2025.
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