A dark comedy about how to live your best life, even when you’re dead.
Stacey was trying to live her best life, but now she’s dead. But why hasn’t she passed on? Could it be her fatal car accident was actually murder?
Detectives Ed Beaufontaine and Rosie Garafino certainly think so. They have a long list of suspects, chief among them Stacey’s fiancé, Liam. His business dealings and new relationship with Emily Jackson are raising a few eyebrows. As the detectives dig deeper, so does Stacey. With nothing but time on her hands, she forensically examines her past relationships – her pathological ex, unreliable father, controlling psychologist, and toxic girlfriends – realising she might have been better off without them. She’s hoping she can steer the detectives in the right direction before she’s doomed to wander for eternity. Because in the city of angels and 12-step programs, even the dead need a little help from time to time.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Who knew a murder mystery with a haunting ghost could be so fun and entertaining! Sarah Smith’s Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death is somewhat ironically a breath of fresh air and a highlight of my reading year so far. Original and quirky, this novel is a delightful whodunit. Highly recommend and look forward to more great reading from Sarah Smith. Imogen, VIC, 5 Stars
A fabulous dark comedic twist on the mystery thriller genre. The reader quickly becomes absorbed when they discover the main character is dead. Stacey’s ghostly journey tackles important themes of guilt, betrayal and grief, and the reader becomes absorbed with trying to discover what actually happened to Stacey. A quirky and enjoyable read, and one that I highly recommend. Genene, SA, 5 Stars
Mysteries aren’t part of my typical reading but this book was funny, enjoyable and an easy-to-read new favourite! Emma, QLD, 5 Stars
Such a unique novel. Wonderfully written with some fantastic characters that you would expect to find in Los Angeles. There were plenty of twists and unexpected turns that kept me reading. It was just the right balance of real life and the supernatural. I loved the unique and page-turning approach to a detective story. It is a story of friendship, regrets, guilt, forgiveness and leaves you questioning, what things would I do differently? How do we define happiness and does it come from within or do we rely on others around us? How would we be looking at our lives from the outside; would we still make the same choices if we knew the outcomes? Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death is a compelling read. I really did want to find out the truth and get some resolution for Stacey. Highly recommend. I loved it. Michelle, QLD, 5 Stars
A modern twist on the classic ‘whodunit’ that will haunt you till the end. Set in bustling, glamorous LA where a happy, successful life is based on how much money you have and who you know; Smith manages to capture the superficial vibe effortlessly. On meeting Stacey you are immediately drawn into her world where she is struggling to live her best life. Between juggling her engagement, maintaining friendships with overly dramatic or superficial friends, struggling to create momentum in her business, and working on her inner demons, Stacey is very relatable. As quickly as you meet Stacey, she dies! The narrative then switches between alive and dead Stacey as she follows Detectives Ed Beaufontaine (who oozes southern charm and a laid-back air) and Rosie Garafine (a rough and ready, fast-paced New Yorker) as they delve into the last few months of Stacey life to discover if any events or relationship could’ve lead to her death. Smith seeemlessly transitions between time periods and each main character’s personal stories in a way that creates an ease of flow. Truly an interesting and enthralling mystery! Jamye, VIC, 5 Stars
It’s hard to say a lot about this one without giving too much away. But it was brilliant! Best described as a light-hearted thriller. Written from a third-person point of view, but it was easy to tell who was narrating it. There’s a little back and forward between different time periods, but it’s very clear and concise, and not at all difficult to follow. Beautifully written, and such a unique story concept – there’s something cathartic about the idea of solving your own murder. Danae, TAS, 5 Stars
As Stacey’s murder is investigated, she examines her life, past decisions and relationships. I really enjoyed reading this and recommend this read. Luciana, WA, 5 Stars
What a great read! A mystery without being a heavy story. Light-hearted and funny in places. I loved it. Couldn’t put it down. Kay, QLD, 5 Stars
A great ‘who done it’ but from the perspective of who it was done to! Never thought a mystery story could be so well delivered from the murder victim themselves. With a long list of suspects, even Stacey has a hard time remembering who was to blame for her demise. But other stories interwoven add insight to characters and even some reason behind why things happened the way they did. A whodunnit that will keep you reading way past bedtime. Tess, TAS, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death by Sarah Smith. The title grabbed me and I was not disappointed. This is an easy read with a quirky protagonist who happens to be dead! With lots of other different but very relatable characters (who are all still alive) this book kept me captivated and was a welcome distraction from the everyday. Ruth, NSW, 5 Stars
A story that flows along nicely with intertwined ante and post-mortem events. The descriptive way the character’s personalities are portrayed had me invested in the story and kept me guessing who done it right until the last minute. It has me questioning if there is a continuation of existence after death. Do souls exist? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the author’s next one. I highly recommend others to read this! Tracey, QLD, 5 Stars
This was such an easy read and I really enjoyed finding out what had happened to Stacey, not just in her death but also throughout her life. She has an interesting support network, and it was only after she had died that she started to see the people in her life for who they really were. This book was quirky, funny and also a bit dark and sad. It had lots of plot twists and turns and any one of the characters could have been responsible for her death. This one kept me guessing right until the end! Belinda, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book and was invested from page one. A twist on your traditional ‘ghost’ story, I found main character Stacey very relatable with her fears and insecurities – who in your life can you really trust and are your friends really your friends? Throw in a blasé fiancé, a physco ex, and dysfunctional parents and you have a recipe for a wild and wacky look at how things in your life really are when viewed from ‘the other side’. It was part revenge, part Ghost the movie and part soul searching as she attempts to uncover why she is trapped between this life and the next. Who was involved in her demise, and more importantly, why? Watching Stacey sort through the meaning of her life was thoroughly entertaining, and well worth reading. Recommended for your next holiday novel. Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved this book! A really different take on a traditional murder mystery (which is my favourite genre of escapist reading). Stacey is an intriguing character – both in life and in death. There were twists and turns right up until the end of the book, which kept me turning the pages right up until the end. Highly recommended! Nicola, NSW, 5 Stars
Such a good book! It has something for everyone – ghost story, murder mystery, romance, and a satisfying twist at the end. There’s a quirky range of characters from the creepy ex to the very unethical psychologist, and a bunch of odd girlfriends. Throw in some arson and a sad detective and you have a great read. Highly recommended. Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
Twelve Steps To A Long And Fulfilling Death is a clever thriller set in Los Angeles. There is a cast of interesting characters and many possible suspects. I haven’t read a thriller before where the protagonist is caught between death and the afterlife and it was good to see resolution for Stacey as she works hard to solve why she was murdered. I would recommend the book and it would make a great book for travelling. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
This was a great page-turning whodunnit that switches between now and then to help solve the case. I really enjoyed the story. The characters were believable and switching between the now and then helped to show their true characters and how they fit into the case. It was really interesting to read the relationships between characters develop and how they fit into the story. As characters came out of the woodwork and their part in the story developed, I enjoyed reading the story not only from the detective’s point of view, but also the victim’s. The storyline was easy to follow and engaging and as parts of the case were solved, little twists kept my interest going and had me reassessing the options. A really enjoyable read, and while the ending was nicely tied up, it fit with the story and didn’t feel contrived. Jodie, WA, 5 Stars
I could not put this book down. It’s a dark comedy slash murder mystery as Stacey tries to solve the problem of why she hasn’t passed to the other side but instead remains as a ghost. Great plot twists that will keep the reader hooked until the end. Nektaria, VIC, 5 Stars
Who’d have thought there’d be a dark comedy about how to live your best life, even when you’re dead! Now that IS a novel written from a different perspective. A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery, comedy ghost story! Loved it. Nell, NSW, 5 Stars
A very enjoyable book. I particularly liked the combination of the spiritual world helping detectives solve a murder. The story evolves at a steady pace and just when you think you know who the murderer is another suspect is revealed. Pamela, NSW, 5 Stars
This was an interesting book! An easy read with well-defined characters. Enjoyable and thought-provoking! Lina, VIC, 5 Stars
How very clever of author Sarah Smith, to have the idea of the spirit of a murder victim being involved in solving the mystery of her death. The author successfully combined the confusion of a new spirit not only accepting her death but looking back at the clues of her life that led her to this point. The author had me hooked from the beginning. I had no idea “whodunnit” until the end. Christine, WA, 5 Stars
A cracker of a book! Stacey dies and remains a ghost looking for who murdered her. This book is a great read. Fast-paced, keeps you intrigued with lots of breath-gasping moments that you don’t see coming. Light-hearted and would be great as a summer read. Can’t wait to read the next book from this author. Katarzyna, VIC, 5 Stars
I am so very grateful to have been given the opportunity to review Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death by Sarah Smith. The first novel by Sarah Smith is a rollercoaster of a ride; however, with the pedigree Sarah has as a TV drama writer; was there ever any doubt? This book has it all; it’s part homicide investigation, part thriller, part ghost story (so it certainly covers off a few genres) and because of this, it is very hard to put down. I devoured it in one sitting.Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for providing me with a copy of this wonderful book to review. Toni, SA, 5 Stars
Written by Australian author Sarah Smith, who it turns out has also written some of my favourite Australian TV shows, including Love Child, McLeod’s Daughters and Rescue: Special Ops, among others. I was expecting this book to be a cheesy comedy (which was fine with me!) but it turned out to be so much more. It was an engaging and easy read and it kept my attention all the way through. It is a unique twist on your traditional murder mystery, in that the murder victim is the one delving into those close to her to work out whodunnit and help the homicide detectives work it out too. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, an element of the supernatural (obviously), but done in a light-hearted and somewhat funny/amusing way. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and is perfect for those wanting a fast page-turner. Bree, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved this book with all its twists and turns of whodunnit right to the very end. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
Twelve Steps To A Long And Fulfilling Death by Sarah Smith is such a fun mystery to read. It is quirky, entertaining and a real twist on a normal murder mystery. Like most crime books, the police are trying to solve the possible murder of Stacey. However, they are not the only ones – so is Stacey, who hasn’t actually passed on. While the police are looking at the facts, Stacey is going over her past relationships to see the impact they have had on her. Stacey is also learning that even though most of us think it would be great to be invisible and watch the people you love, sometimes you learn some truths you wish you didn’t know. The characters were well written and I especially liked the relationship between the two detectives. I also liked how we learned about Detective Beaufontaine’s personal life. It was a lovely side story. There are so many twists in this story that it will keep you guessing to the end. It was hard to put down, there were great scenes in it and I highly recommend it. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
What a beautifully written, engaging, dark comedy by Sarah Smith. From the first sentence, I was engaged and interested in how Stacey’s story unfolded over time. I am one of those people who grew up watching Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer. This kind of story of communicating with a ghost with issues to solve really appeals to my soul! This is a book that you finish and then want to start all over again. Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
Even though Stacey knows something is a little different, she’s shocked to find out she’s dead, and absolutely stunned to realise she was murdered. Having no memory of what happened, and her fiancé, her friends and her psychotic ex at the top of the list of suspects, she’s determined to somehow help solve her own murder. Gripping, sensitive and thought-provoking, just how well do you know the people you love, can they be trusted?? Sarah Smith’s first book had me turning pages at a rapid rate to get my answers. Stacey starts as shallow and slightly annoying, but by the final page I was cheering her on. Beautifully written, with lots of unexpected twists and a real insight into what makes people tick. I can’t wait to see what Sarah Smith does next. And I’m really going to miss Stacey! Libby, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, so intriguing, so many twists and turns, so cleverly written. The more I read it the more I couldn’t put it down. Loved it. Martina, SA, 5 Stars
From the first to the last page, I was HOOKED. Stacey is stuck; she’s been killed but she can’t move on until she’s found peace and found out what happened to her. This novel had me constantly guessing who the killer might be right until the end. It was a book I couldn’t put down. Tayla, VIC, 5 Stars
This book was not what I had expected it to be. Lots of twists and turns with some humour, especially before Stacey knows she is dead. I truly loved this book and couldn’t put it down I’m sure others will enjoy it too. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this witty ghost story/whodunnit as the twists kept on coming. I do think a better title might make it more appealing, as I don’t think I would have read this if I had seen it on the shelf. But even if the title doesn’t grab you, I’d encourage readers to try it for a fun literary escape. Alice, NSW, 5 Stars
Great title. Great book! Stacey doesn’t understand at first that she’s dead. But once she does, she realises that the Detective investigating her death is right: someone murdered her. As she explores her ghostly abilities, her memories, and her family, friends and fiance, she discovers that everyone is hiding secrets—even her! From the fantastic opening line to the final scene, this book had me completely enthralled. The writing was witty and the story had enough suspects and secrets to keep me engaged. I particularly enjoyed the Detective’s POV and Stacey’s “ante-mortem” chapters which grounded the story and provided a nice contrast to Stacey’s post-mortem confusion and ghostly shenanigans. Critiques? There was a brief mention of a character having borderline personality disorder that was equated with sociopathy. I felt this was unnecessary and stigmatizes a poorly understood condition. BUT I commend the author for great representation of another character who experienced significant trauma and finds that event tainting other aspects of their life. This was beautifully written. Finally, there are multiple car-related fatalities in the story, so if this is an issue for you, please check the content warnings before reading. Lisa, QLD, 4 Stars
Stacey couldn’t understand why her friends were ignoring her and why all electronic devices refused to work for her – until she came to the surprising realisation that she was dead! While caught between the Earthly world and the ‘other’ world, she was privy to conversations that she would normally have missed. When her death is ruled as suspicious, Stacey becomes just a eager as the detectives to find out what happened to her. As she flits between her friends, fiance and her therapist, she begins to wonder if anyone is telling the truth! I thought the story was a little slow at the start but it picked up pace as the mystery deepened. Stacey is an entertaining and amusing narrator. Her indignation and comedic responses to what she hears from her ghostly investigation regularly brought a smile to my face. There are a few sobering truths to be dealt with but overall it was fun to imagine being able to secretly listen to conversations, like Stacey. Julie, NSW, 4 Stars
Stacey has died in a car accident, but her spirit doesn’t realise she is dead yet. Why? Is it because she was really murdered or is there some other reason? Part supernatural ghost story and part murder investigation, this is a quirky and entertaining novel with lots of surprising plot twists to throw you off the scent. Once you get going you won’t be able to stop turning the pages! Lee, VIC, 4 Stars
Stacey’s life has not gone to plan: unlucky in her relationships, not always making the right life choices. After her tragic death, she finally gets some answers but not what she expected. Sad, unfortunate Stacey, with friends like yours, it’s hard to know who the enemy is. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy crime by debut author Sarah Smith. Joanna, VIC, 4 Stars
Stacey has died, but it takes a while for her to realise she is dead and not able to interact with her fiancé and the other significant people in her life. She is following the investigation of her death by two detectives who are focused on solving the mystery – was Stacey in an unfortunate accident or was she actually murdered? The book is well written and engaging. Stacey does not recall how she died and watches the way the people who have influenced her life react to her death. From the standpoint of “a ghost” she is able to evaluate those relationships in a different way. Did she actually trust any of them? Each key person has their own different personality and way of coping with her death. The insights she makes are enlightening and as more is revealed about their possible motives for her death she tries to guide the detectives into solving the complex mystery. There are some revealing insights that Stacey gains that I found pertinent to my own life. It got me thinking about how key people would react if I suddenly died. I asked myself questions as I reflected on my past and mortality. Am I hiding secrets that are affecting the choices and relationships that I choose? Do I have regrets about decisions I have made? This book was definitely a very good cosy crime read. Christina, VIC, 4 Stars
A great debut murder mystery by Sarah Smith. Set in LA, it is well-written and rather quirky with many suspects. Was her death murder or just a car accident? I found the book to be well-paced and had me guessing to the end. Marg, VIC, 4 Stars
Not a book I would normally lean towards reading but what a totally enjoyable book. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. Shirley, VIC, 4 Stars
The story of Stacey narrating who may or may not be responsible for her death is clever and compelling. There are plenty of twists to look forward to as she reflects upon those surrounding her who were her nearest and dearest. I wanted to love the characters but they seemed a bit two-dimensional and lacked depth. However, I think this may have been intentional to keep the story light and upbeat while addressing the subject of death. Overall, it was an easy read with a well-constructed plot. A good choice if you’re looking for something to read that’s not too heavy. Kim, ACT, 4 Stars
A contemporary murder mystery with a supernatural element, this debut novel explores relationships in all its guises: family, friends, lovers, professional… and how they may not always be as they seem. Not quite like anything I’ve read. Sarah’s character is a unique one: she is all-seeing and yet still has the human quality of occasionally misunderstanding (or completely missing!) what she is hearing/seeing. The reader has the bonus of seeing her life both prior to and after death, but the twists along the way ensure we aren’t privy to all of it either. The reader, too, goes along on the ride of uncovering secrets, discovering the truth, and striving for answers to all of the developments that arise in the investigation. With the insights that dark humour brings to the table, this is a great read. Sueanne, QLD, 4 Stars
From the very first page, Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death kept me hooked and immersed. Many of us can relate to Stacey and the feeling of not being good enough. Loved the unpredictable twists and turns and multiple suspects. All Stacey wanted was a meaningful life. Detective Ed Beaufontaine’s personal battles were intertwined within the story, clearly a stand-out character I enjoyed. Well-written story by Sarah Smith, her talent shines through. I eagerly await her next book. This book makes you wonder, what happens when we do expire… and what lies beyond…? Sharron, QLD, 4 Stars
A fun take on a mystery/ghost story. It had me really barracking for Stacey and every time I thought I knew who did it, there was a shift and I’d change my mind, so it kept me guessing right up until the end. I really enjoyed it. A great first novel and well worth reading. Nadina, NSW, 4 Stars
I must confess I don’t often read murder mysteries but this was a fun and light read. The bright book cover and the title had me in from the start. Stacey was trying to live ‘her best life’ and then suddenly dies. But was her death an accident or murder? Stacey assists those investigating her death to come to a conclusion, with lots of interesting twists and turns along the way. I can’t wait to see what Sarah Smith comes up with in her second novel. Renate, VIC, 4 Stars
An all-consuming and digestible read. A unique way to tell a whodunnit and keep the reader guessing. I loved the two narratives of pre and post-mortem. I could see this playing out on the small screen so wasn’t surprised to learn the author is a screenwriter. A great debut novel with a real unique edge. Solid, enjoyable read. Dan, VIC, 4 Stars
Fantastic debut release! The best way I can describe it is The Closer x Ghost Whisperer, and I was enthralled! Perfect one-sitting mystery to spend the day with. Claudia, QLD, 4 Stars
We meet the central character Stacey, who is having some relationship troubles with her fiancé, mostly due to her jealousy over a ‘work colleague’ who he is spending a lot of time with. Quickly it is revealed that Stacey is dead, and after this realisation she finds herself stuck between this world and the next, trying to piece together who killed her. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, it was highly original with its kooky, supernatural themes and also quite humorous in parts. This story has all the elements of a typical ‘whodunnit’ mystery, page-turning, wanting to keep reading, and a bunch of characters that kept you guessing. Honestly, with friends like these who needs enemies? The characters were mostly unlikeable people all with secrets of their own to hide, which added to the mystery up until we learn the true killer’s identity. All in all, an enjoyable, well-paced read and debut novel from this author. Melissa, VIC, 4 Stars
What a twisty little murder mystery! I was kept guessing with this one right up to the end. Poor Stacey discovers she is dead, but still watching the lives of her so-called loved ones and friends. With a range of characters, most with possible motives. You follow along with Stacey as she sees the truth her friends, family, fiancé and ex-boyfriend have been hiding from her and her attempts to work out who killed her, while pointing the detectives in the right direction too. Definitely a page-turner, and easy to get lost reading this one. Emma, NSW, 4 Stars
I really liked this book. With the ghost aspect and murder mystery mixed, it was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed Stacey’s chapters and had a few giggles at the things she did from the other side to people. There are a lot of characters to dislike, whom you wish were the culprit. Madison, SA, 4 Stars
This was such a fun and unique read. Even though the main theme was a murder/death, it was still a light read. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep my internet and a satisfying ending. A great read. Susan, NSW, 4 Stars
Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death was for me both great and a welcome twist to the murder mystery genre. To avoid spoilers, Stacey who lives in LA finds herself dead and with a touch of “the sixth sense” She’s not sure how it happened. A cast of pretty forgettable characters are offset by a great detective (Beaufontaine ) that I felt was better developed than any other character. For a first novel, this has a good pace and never overstays its welcome. Novels that take the hard route of a standard LA murder mystery without 99% of the time following either Police or detectives was a unique setup that should be commended and recommended to anyone wanting a unique “who did it” read. Dylan, QLD, 4 Stars
Stacey was killed in a fatal car accident. But was it an accident or murder? Detective Beaufontaine and Garafino are on the case with a list of suspects – all with motives. Stacey has come back as a ghost, and she is helping the Detectives to put the pieces together for closure and to be able to move on. I really enjoyed this mystery. Especially the clues that unraveled through the course of the book, and it was right to the last couple of chapters for the identity of the culprit to be revealed. Annette, NSW, 4 Stars
Easy read, different storyline which I found really interesting. Main character is a ghost, but not in a spooky way, in a way where you hope that’s what happens to you when you die. Her personality annoyed me a bit, but I think that was the aim of the writer. My favorite character was the male detective, the story definitely needed him. Good for that weekend when you haven’t got anything on and you want to smash a book in two days. Jen, NSW, 4 Stars
I was hooked by this book. I read it over a weekend. Easy, enjoyable read. Skye, QLD, 4 Stars
If you like your easy fun reads combined with a murder mystery and ghost story, then this is the book for you! It was a pleasant surprise to find Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death had a unique take on all of the above genres, and the author Sarah Smith wrapped each one comfortably together within a modern setting. Like all good murder mysteries, I was taken on an adventure of red herrings, side trails and the potential of almost all the characters to have motive and opportunity. The detective duo of Beaufontaine and Garafino were delightfully rounded characters that slowly pulled the pieces of the puzzle together. While many of the characters are flawed humans of various degrees, it is the main character Stacey who keeps the narrative flowing onward. Her story arc is satisfyingly one of personal growth and understanding, despite the fact that this happens following her unfortunate demise. Lisa, QLD, 4 Stars
What a debut! Twelve Steps To A Long And Fulfilling Death is a fast-paced and funny dark comedy/mystery story. I loved the droll character of Stacey who was just trying to live her best life and winds up dead. Surely it was just a car accident? As Stacey is stuck for now, she decides to help the two detectives who are not convinced that there wasn’t foul play. But whodunnit? This one will have you racing through the pages and guessing until the end. A terrific, witty debut from Sarah Smith. Michelle, QLD, 4 Stars
I was excited to receive this ARC from Better Reading recently as the story sounded like nothing I’ve read before, and once I started to delve into the tale that is Stacey’s death, I found myself really enjoying it and intrigued to see where it would go. It opens with Stacey not realising that she is dead, which in itself gives way to a little dark humour, but when she is aware and starts to experiment and discover her ghostly powers along the way, now that is fun. Everyone is trying to find out how Stacey died, including Stacey, and who might be responsible, so delving into the past is a must and boy how things change the more that is revealed, with a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes. A varied cast including a suspicious acting fiancé, traitorous bestie, psychopathic ex, leggy consultant, determined detectives, and of course one dead leading lady, makes sure there is never a dull moment and an abundance of suspects. This was an enjoyable and interesting story that is well worth grabbing for a read. Nerelle, NSW, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s not the kind of book I’d usually go for but it had me totally hooked. Great book if you’re into mystery/thriller books. Julia, WA, 4 Stars
I felt like I was with Stacey for the journey, trying to figure out what happened with her death. I enjoyed the interesting side story of the police detective Beaufontaine. I felt like the end was rushed and I would have liked it to be longer. I enjoyed the ante- and post-mortem chapters. It took a while for me to get into the story but overall I enjoyed the read. Tara, WA, 4 Stars
Agreat read. The main character, Stacey, was curious regarding the circumstances of her death. Fortunately, two detectives, Beaufontaine and Garafino, were on hand to help solve the mystery. Like Mullholland Drive, there were many twists and turns in the story! KJ, QLD, 4 Stars
A unique concept that keeps you engaged, relates well, and looks back upon past issues and new relationships, examining what went wrong and how to correct life choices. Found this to be a real page-turner and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Absorbing read. Julie, NSW, 4 Stars
Stacey is in a bind: her life was cut short when her body was retrieved from a cliffside, but the problem is that her spirit hasn’t quite made the journey. She’s lost halfway between life and death. Although confused, Stacey learns to somehow accept her fate and makes the most of her freedom and invisibility to learn the truth about the events that lead to her death. There are some memorable characters in this book. While there are some heavy paranormal events, themes of deception, loss and selfish acts made by some characters, Sarah has cleverly balanced the narrative with humour and a light-hearted look at the social expectations of people living in LA. Priscilla, ACT, 4 Stars
Is it a thriller, a ghost story, a comedy or a crime mystery – the answer is all of them in an intriguing novel based on the main character who is dead through an accidental car crash. Or was she murdered? While some readers might find it slow to start, once you are engaged (and you will be), strap yourself in for an intriguing ride as the plot unravels. Geoff, WA, 4 Stars
A quirky and interesting book that takes you through the complicated relationships of our time… No spoilers here! Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars
This book was a complete surprise from beginning to end. Right from the opening line you know Stacey is doomed. It’s all the whys and wherefores that make this twisty-turny tale addictive. At times quite dark, other times using black humour, the book’s compelling to read; you really do want to find out the truth about Stacey’s death. Quite a page-turner as you start to put the clues together. Malvina, NSW, 4 Stars
I really liked this book. I think it was well-written and the concept different. Half thriller and half ghost story. It was narrated by the victim Stacey who has not passed on and it takes her some time to realise that she is dead. It is a bit confusing sometimes because it jumps from before and after death. Good read. Vivien, ACT, 4 Stars
This book was very bingeable. I finished it in a day and definitely didn’t predict any of the twists! A great debut and I look forward to reading more from this author. Kate, QLD, 4 Stars
This was a unique take on the murder mystery genre. I loved how the woman who was murdered is floating through the whole story. It keeps you guessing right until the very end. I would recommend this book. Daneka, QLD, 4 Stars
Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death is a fun premise that is pretty much what it says on the tin. Stacey is dead. She’s not sure how it happened, but the police think it’s murder. At first, you think perhaps that Stacey was chasing drama in her life, but after a while, as you get to know her friends, family, and her life in Los Angeles, you start to wonder if there was anyone she could actually trust while alive. I enjoyed how realistic this ghost story managed to feel, with the glitzy grimy Los Angeles backdrop and a cast of skeptics. This had a cracking good pace, using ante- and post-mortem chapters to add to the story, though it was inconvenient that Stacey just couldn’t remember what had happened. It was interesting to learn how she had grown into a life so fraught with insecurity. This debut was fun, unique, and had the kind of satisfying plot twists that titillate rather irritate. Kia, NSW, 4 Stars
Stacey is a self-absorbed 28-year-old who finds herself a ghost after being murdered. She has ghost amnesia and can’t remember who killed her and why. In life, Stacey was engaged to the super handsome Liam whom Stacey believed was cheating on her. Her friends Justine and Tamara are little better; they’re toxic and competitive both in death and life. As Stacey watches her family and friends the days and weeks after her death she finally sees things as they truly are and realises there are a few suspects in her death. Stacey and her friends are an unlikable bunch of characters but as the plot unfolds you start to feel for Stacey as she has a sadness and vulnerability she had managed to hide. This is an original story, well written, witty in parts, although the characters were very unlikable. Belinda, QLD, 4 Stars
Absolutely brilliant. A great read from start to finish. Stacey is the main character living in LA. An accident happens, but is it an accident or murder? Lots of twists and turns in this book but the truth comes out in the end (no spoilers). Deborah NSW 4 Stars
I stayed awake to the late hours of the night, because this story was just too good! I loved the comedy within this book. It was a page-turner. I highly recommend it. Sarah, VIC, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am an avid reader and read many genres and found it a very easy read. The characters were intriguing, there was a bit of mystery with a twist at the end and it kept you guessing all the way through. Great debut novel. Karen, NSW, 4 Stars
Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death by Australian author Sarah Smith is a fun mystery thriller. Ever thought about checking out of your life and then watching the not-so-pleasant aftermath from the sidelines like a spectator sport? That is exactly what happens to Stacey. She has it all, living in LA with a great business, nice house, good friends, and her beloved fiancé. But then she dies in a car accident, or was it? As Detectives Ed Beaufontaine and Rose Garafino go through the list of suspects, Stacey’s fiancé, Liam is one of them. She gets to see everything unravel as she watches from above. The author hits the ground running. It is a fast-paced mystery with plenty of humour and a sense of realism through her first-person narrative. Smith writes with ease and a style that demonstrates her talent to the fullest, and the maturity of her writing skills shines through. This book was an amazing read. On the surface, it seems straightforward and even simple, but once you truly dig into the meat of the book, you find yourself trapped in the web of a complex story. This is the first book by Sarah Smith that I have read, but I know it will not be the last. She is a skilled storyteller who has created an absorbing book you will devour. I highly recommend for fans of this genre. Melissa, SA, 4 Stars
This is a fun whodunnit with a unique narrator. Stacey is killed in a car accident – or was it murder? She is stuck in the in-between and follows the police, her family and so-called friends as they try to explain the cause of her death. With a lot of not very nice characters, it is hard to decide who you want to be the bad guy in this one. Jane, VIC, 3 Stars
Not my normal genre, I found it very hard to get into. It is part comedy, part detective, and a little dark at times. Narrated in an interesting way by Stacey, it talks of Stacey’s life and death. Very quirky and funny at times – I will be interested to see what other readers think! Stacey, NSW, 3 Stars
One look at the book cover, title and first sentence and I was hooked. I knew I was in for a different kind of read. Sarah Smith has included all the elements I love—a murder mystery, unexpected twists, and a cast of suspects with plenty of motives. However, I wasn’t expecting murder victim and now ghost, Stacey, to be investigating her own death alongside Detectives Beaufontaine and Garafino. (All three did a better job identifying the killer than I did.) Once Stacey gets used to her new supernatural abilities, she spends her time eavesdropping and following those closest to her in an effort to solve her own death. I found Sarah Smith’s debut novel to be both intriguing and an easy, entertaining read—perfect to pack for a holiday. Leigh, QLD, 3 Stars
This was a very easy read. Smashed it out over a weekend. I found Stacey to be an annoying ‘dead person’ whose suspicion and jealousy towards her partner Liam was unfounded, at least for the first part of the book. I did like the characters of the two detectives, Beaufontaine and Garafino, especially how Beaufontaine was psychically linked to Stacey. This would be a fun book to ‘dissect’ in a book club. Julie, WA, 3 Stars
I loved the opening sentence of this murder mystery introducing us to Stacey the protagonist who at 28yrs was dead and who “might have done things differently had she known.” I didn’t really engage with the rather selfish self-absorbed characters although the male detective’s relationship with his wife produces touching moments. Stacey’s ghost also wields certain powers over electrical objects. Motives of various characters are investigated. The pace goes back and forth as new theories and clues emerge. Stacey must remain an unhappy ghost till unfinished business is sorted. The plot pace quickens in the final chapters as a prime suspect is initially blamed but then ruled out until the killer is finally revealed, allowing closure for the little girl ghost and Stacey’s fate. Fran, VIC, 3 Stars
Twelve Steps is the debut novel of an Australian author, so I was a bit disappointed to find it set in Los Angeles (Australian books are so great when they have a vivid Australian sense of place, and to be the Los Angeles backdrop was just… anonymous random city.) Stacey takes a little while to realise that she is dead, and then watches the aftermath of her death with a sense of disbelief, as her death forces her to confront the realities of her life. An entertaining read and competently written, but I found the writing very workmanlike and not particularly engaging. At times it was frustrating to read along in the head of a narrator who is clearly deceiving herself about her own life. Celia, QLD, 3 Stars
I really loved the premise of this book. I thought it was clever and pretty unique, although it did remind me of The Lovely Bones. The novel started strong and hooked me from the beginning, and I was really intrigued by the story. However, I found myself enjoying it a little less as it progressed. My biggest issue was that the characters are almost universally unlikeable, apart from the police detective who I did like. Whenever I dislike a main character in a book, it becomes harder to be invested in their story. However, even though I found the characters unlikable, I thought they were all pretty well-developed and I had a good sense of each character’s personality. I also found the setting incongruent – it read like an Australian book even before I knew the author was Australian, so the LA setting didn’t feel genuine. Overall though, it was a pretty easy read with a few twists and turns, and I did enjoy it overall. I would recommend this book for mystery lovers, as well as fans of more quirky and unusual novels. Aimee, VIC, 3 Stars
This book was a light, easy, fast-paced read with a somewhat darker underbelly of themes involving murder, betrayal and domestic violence. A spooky modern mystery with a relatably flawed protagonist and an interesting array of supporting characters and suspects, I particularly enjoyed that the narrative was told from the ghostly victim’s perspective. The story really zooms along, and kept me pondering and puzzling, through several harrowing twists and turns. Alongside Stacey, the book’s disoriented, recently-departed protagonist—who hasn’t quite moved on—as well as Los Angeles Police Detectives, Ed Beaufontaine and Rose Garafino, readers must put together the pieces of what happened to Stacey on a fateful night along a dark, winding stretch of Mullholland Drive in the hills of Southern California. We learn that beneath the gloss of Stacey’s attractive LA lifestyle, lurk unsteady relationships, toxic connections and dark secrets, all of which set her slightly off-balance, making it impossible for her to keep it all together. While Stacey may be a ghost now, trying to hone her supernatural powers, we discover it is her own haunting past that needs to be confronted if she is to ever make peace with her life—and her death. Kris, QLD, 3 Stars
Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death by Sarah Smith was an interesting murder mystery. It was full of dark humour and a cast of unlikeable characters. The detectives investigating the case were the most developed and interesting of all the characters. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot but by the end I couldn’t have cared less about who murdered Stacey. Janelle, NSW, 3 Stars
Part ghost story, part mystery, part relationship/romance story. It’s good for people who like mixed-genre stories. The story is told from the point of view of Stacey, who is a ghost. It’s an interesting idea and it’s treated with more of a light touch for those who like cosy mysteries rather than a dark and dirty atmosphere. For a story that involved themes like death (through ghosts and mystery) and romance and relationships, I expected that a stronger emotional attachment would be built up to Stacey’s story but it didn’t come. Competent and easy-to-read writing style though. Rebecca, NSW, 3 Stars
At first, Stacey doesn’t realise she is dead. Switching between the past and the present, we get to learn more about Stacey’s friends, family and fiancé, all with their own personal agendas. A whodunnit crossed with a ghost story, Stacey and the detectives assigned to the case piece together what really happened. With flawed characters and a good sprinkling of uncommon words to keep me on my toes, I liked the pace of the story, found it easy to read, and finished it in no time. Jodi, QLD, 3 Stars
An enjoyable read combining a homicide investigation with the spirit of the dead also actively engaged in solving the crime. Stacey’s life looks good on paper but she is troubled. Her marriage is faltering, her friendships are waning, her ex is causing grief and her conscience is bringing up past misdeeds. When she is found dead the police are suspicious. Who benefits from her death? Stacey also needs answers to move into the afterlife. As the investigation progresses the police find that more than one person is a suspect. There are twists to the plot as her past is slowly revealed and her insecurities are deemed real and not imagination. There is humour subtly woven into this interesting tale. As Stacey increases her supernatural abilities to influence the outcome of the investigations and reach an ending to the case, the reader is totally rapt in the story. A very good debut novel. Annette, ACT, 3 Stars
Buy a copy of Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death here.
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