ARC Review: The Funeral CrashersBy Joanna Nell Expected publication: 29 October 2025

I was so thankful to receive a digital advance copy of The Funeral Crashers from the author, the publisher, and NetGalley—huge thanks to all involved.

This novel is everything I love about Joanna Nell’s writing—heartfelt, quietly funny, and full of charm. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the lives of Grace and Martin, two characters whose paths cross in the most unexpected of places: a funeral service at All Souls Church. What unfolds is a gently woven story about connection, companionship, and the surprising ways life can bring people together when they need it most.

The idea of “funeral crashing” might sound a little odd at first, but in Nell’s capable hands, it becomes something quite moving and original. Rather than being morbid, it’s handled with care, humour, and grace (no pun intended). The story is filled with warmth and that signature Joanna Nell blend of humour and poignancy that leaves you smiling one minute and deeply touched the next.

I adored the cast of characters. Grace is recently bereaved and trying to make sense of a new phase in her life. Martin, a retired academic, is juggling romantic hopes and the chaos of caring for his wonderfully eccentric mother, Edwina. Then there’s Rhondda, a psychic medium with her energetic son Hudson, who added such a great spark to the story. Each of them felt real, and their personalities brought a delightful variety to the narrative.

I also loved the setting of All Souls Church. There was something very comforting about the routines and rituals it offered the characters—reminding me of my own childhood weekends spent in church. I’m not religious now, but the familiarity really added a layer of nostalgia to the reading experience.

The Funeral Crashers is a warm, cozy read with a clever concept and a lot of heart. It’s a story about finding friendship, unexpected beginnings, and the ways in which people can lift one another up—often in the most unlikeliest of circumstances.

If you’re a fan of Joanna Nell, you’ll absolutely love this one. And if you’ve never read her before, this would be a beautiful place to start. It’s uplifting, tender, and quietly thought-provoking in all the right ways.