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Petit Morts #8
One Less Stiff at the Funeral
When he hung his brand new psychology degree on the wall, Jason Harvey had imagined working at one of the many hospitals or clinics in Melbourne. The want ads, however, hadn’t cooperated. Now Jason finds himself facing the newly bereaved across the counselor’s desk of the Newlin Funeral Parlour.
Certainly all people deserve sympathy and patience in their time of loss, but Jason’s current client has him at wit’s end. What’s worse, the deceased has included a bizarre request in her final wishes: that her passing be commemorated…with chocolate.
Things start looking up for Jason when amicable young Fred takes over the funeral coordination duties from his sour aunt, but despite their best efforts to honor the departed in the manner she’s requested, they find the memorial service sliding inexorably out of control….
Certainly all people deserve sympathy and patience in their time of loss, but Jason’s current client has him at wit’s end. What’s worse, the deceased has included a bizarre request in her final wishes: that her passing be commemorated…with chocolate.
Things start looking up for Jason when amicable young Fred takes over the funeral coordination duties from his sour aunt, but despite their best efforts to honor the departed in the manner she’s requested, they find the memorial service sliding inexorably out of control….
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2010
About the author
Sean Kennedy
83 books1,025 followersSean Kennedy lives in the second-most isolated city in the world, thinks there are thylacines still out in the wild, and eagerly awaits the return of Twin Peaks in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 30, 2010
Jason Harvey is a counsellor/funeral arrangement assistant in Melbourne and on his first solo service arrangement, he must deals with the prim and proper Miss Adele Conway, who requests Jason that her mother's funeral includes chocolate display. Thankfully, Adele then points his nephew, Fred, to help Jason -- and he is more relaxed (and of course, more into Jason's since he IS a man :p)
OMG ... Talk about mishaps and mayhems at funeral!! This story is just hilarious. Straight from the beginning. Mainly because of the thoughts that running through Jason head as he's the narrator of this story.
For example ...
Fred hadn’t just skipped his aunt’s brittle manner; he had also escaped her pinched, bird-like features. In fact, he was more like a koala—with a broad, pleasant face and a slight paunch that strained comfortably against the waist of his pants.
Did I really just compare him to a koala?
Anyway, it's delightful and it's funny and it involves one slutty scene in the closet of a morgue (which must tickle your humor bone, trust me), and totally entertaining. Thumbs up!
OMG ... Talk about mishaps and mayhems at funeral!! This story is just hilarious. Straight from the beginning. Mainly because of the thoughts that running through Jason head as he's the narrator of this story.
For example ...
Fred hadn’t just skipped his aunt’s brittle manner; he had also escaped her pinched, bird-like features. In fact, he was more like a koala—with a broad, pleasant face and a slight paunch that strained comfortably against the waist of his pants.
Did I really just compare him to a koala?
Anyway, it's delightful and it's funny and it involves one slutty scene in the closet of a morgue (which must tickle your humor bone, trust me), and totally entertaining. Thumbs up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2011
Jason is a young psychologist graduate, working at a funeral parlour. He has the oh so glamorous job of dealing with bereaved family and trying to arrange tasteful funerals to everyone's expectations. The latest is not going well, but Jason is happily suprised when the unfriendly Aunt lets young handsom nephew Fred take over the funeral arrangements. Jason finds Fred much easier to get along with. And they set about fulfilling the deceased's bizzarre last wish.. to be commemmorated with chocolate.. enter sweets to the sweet.
This is probably the most humorous of the Petit Morts so far, there were some bizarrely random and comical happenings. But overall quite a sweet (haha), romance beginning.
I'd never read anything by Sean Kennedy before now, but I think I'd probably like to read something else of his now, preferably something a bit longer. I'll have to bump up something of his that's on my tbr list.
See my other reviews of the Petit Morts series:
← #7 Sort of Stranger than Fiction | #9 Critic's Choice →
This is probably the most humorous of the Petit Morts so far, there were some bizarrely random and comical happenings. But overall quite a sweet (haha), romance beginning.
I'd never read anything by Sean Kennedy before now, but I think I'd probably like to read something else of his now, preferably something a bit longer. I'll have to bump up something of his that's on my tbr list.
See my other reviews of the Petit Morts series:
← #7 Sort of Stranger than Fiction | #9 Critic's Choice →
October 27, 2011
4.5 stars
This was definitely the most fun I've had reading any of the Petit Morts stories! Sean Kennedy really hit a home run with this funny, delightful story. For the first time, Chance really takes a more active role in this story, not only in his matchmaking, but with his abilities. And what a riot it was to see the changing behavior of the Conway family! I'm looking forward to reading more of SK's stories in this series, for sure.
This was definitely the most fun I've had reading any of the Petit Morts stories! Sean Kennedy really hit a home run with this funny, delightful story. For the first time, Chance really takes a more active role in this story, not only in his matchmaking, but with his abilities. And what a riot it was to see the changing behavior of the Conway family! I'm looking forward to reading more of SK's stories in this series, for sure.
November 1, 2010
It is great that Chance shows up in Australia. Love it.
The best things about this book was the dialogue between the main characters and the inner thoughts of the pov character, Jason, both of which reflected Sean Kennedy's grand sense of timing and (often self-deprecating) humor.
--- Some might consider the next bit spoilerish ---
In this book, Chance's chocolate don't only bring two people together, it breaks down the inhibitions of everyone who partakes, which makes the funeral in question an exciting event. You knew it was coming, but it exceeded expectations!
I liked that while Jason and Frederick had an immediate attraction to each other, they made jokes about not knowing each other well enough yet, etc. Yet you know they will in short course.
The best things about this book was the dialogue between the main characters and the inner thoughts of the pov character, Jason, both of which reflected Sean Kennedy's grand sense of timing and (often self-deprecating) humor.
--- Some might consider the next bit spoilerish ---
In this book, Chance's chocolate don't only bring two people together, it breaks down the inhibitions of everyone who partakes, which makes the funeral in question an exciting event. You knew it was coming, but it exceeded expectations!
I liked that while Jason and Frederick had an immediate attraction to each other, they made jokes about not knowing each other well enough yet, etc. Yet you know they will in short course.
April 2, 2014
Another great story from the Petit Mort series, this time by Sean Kennedy.
Each story is a short tale about some mysterious occurrences which are brought about by the involvement of Chance who is the owner of the mysterious sweet shop 'Sweets to the Sweet'.
In this story chocolate is served and a funeral suddenly becomes rather lively with the funeral director finding love among the mourners.
Each story within this series is rather quirky with a 'Tales of the Unexpected' feel. Strange things happen when Chance (the owner of the sweet shop gets involved).
Chocolate, mystery and a huge hint of weirdness make this a very engaging and enjoyable series.
Each story is a short tale about some mysterious occurrences which are brought about by the involvement of Chance who is the owner of the mysterious sweet shop 'Sweets to the Sweet'.
In this story chocolate is served and a funeral suddenly becomes rather lively with the funeral director finding love among the mourners.
Each story within this series is rather quirky with a 'Tales of the Unexpected' feel. Strange things happen when Chance (the owner of the sweet shop gets involved).
Chocolate, mystery and a huge hint of weirdness make this a very engaging and enjoyable series.
August 14, 2013
This story is very tongue-in-cheek, it has a dark humour to it and the low rating is down to it not resonating with me personally, rather than a reflection on the quality of the story. I'm sure many people will find this a good laugh.
November 25, 2010
Very good short m/m paranormal story about a guy who helps family members plan services for their freshly deceased relatives.
September 5, 2019
Delightfully funny, the author's note left me wanting an Irish funeral :P
July 21, 2011
This author is new to the Petit Morts family and I have to say, he has hit a home run. (*wink wink* See the author’s interview.) It was not only a pleasure to see a story set outside of North America, but I was totally in love with the characters from the start.
Jason doesn’t love his job, but he knows he’s lucky to have one even if dealing with his current difficult client is making his life miserable. However the change in contacts may be just what he needs. Both Fred and Jason are very distinct personalities, it’s not one of those books where you can’t quite remember which guy is which. I loved Fred’s easygoing personality and seeing Jason attempt to be professional in the face of Fred’s irreverent humour about his dead Grandmother was very amusing.
The setting at the funeral home was very vivid for me. I’ve only been to a funeral home once in my life *knock on wood* but I could smell it and imagine what it was like based on the author’s descriptions, along with the contrasting delicious scent of the chocolate shop. The minor characters have their own full personalities and are a joy to read, even if they are annoying stuffy old spinsters. I also thought Chance was an interesting character in this one, a bit more sarcastic and flirty perhaps than in the past, but I liked it.
I have to confess what probably tipped this into the A+ category from an A for me was the author’s use of humour. It wasn’t overdone or forced, but I actually was caught snorting with laughter three times (and others were stifled) while reading this in a room of total strangers during my daughter’s lessons. When an author can make me laugh out loud in public, it endears me to the story forever. Of course my sense of humour might make others wince.
If I had any complaint, it is that I would love to know what went on during the funeral while Jason and Fred were busy in the cleaning cupboard. It seems like it would have been the story that funeral legends are made of. This was a wonderful humorous, sweet outing for Sean’s first addition to the series.
Jason doesn’t love his job, but he knows he’s lucky to have one even if dealing with his current difficult client is making his life miserable. However the change in contacts may be just what he needs. Both Fred and Jason are very distinct personalities, it’s not one of those books where you can’t quite remember which guy is which. I loved Fred’s easygoing personality and seeing Jason attempt to be professional in the face of Fred’s irreverent humour about his dead Grandmother was very amusing.
The setting at the funeral home was very vivid for me. I’ve only been to a funeral home once in my life *knock on wood* but I could smell it and imagine what it was like based on the author’s descriptions, along with the contrasting delicious scent of the chocolate shop. The minor characters have their own full personalities and are a joy to read, even if they are annoying stuffy old spinsters. I also thought Chance was an interesting character in this one, a bit more sarcastic and flirty perhaps than in the past, but I liked it.
I have to confess what probably tipped this into the A+ category from an A for me was the author’s use of humour. It wasn’t overdone or forced, but I actually was caught snorting with laughter three times (and others were stifled) while reading this in a room of total strangers during my daughter’s lessons. When an author can make me laugh out loud in public, it endears me to the story forever. Of course my sense of humour might make others wince.
If I had any complaint, it is that I would love to know what went on during the funeral while Jason and Fred were busy in the cleaning cupboard. It seems like it would have been the story that funeral legends are made of. This was a wonderful humorous, sweet outing for Sean’s first addition to the series.
January 1, 2011
This was more 3.5 stars.
Jason, a new psychologist has landed his first job, at a funeral home. His first client is a difficult women and she decides it would be better if he dealt with her nephew, Fred. Fred and Jason have their first meeting at... you guessed it Sweets for the Sweet, which this time makes it's appearance in Melbourne, Australia. Chance is their weaving his magic with his chocolate. The two men eventually work out the details for the funeral which includes a portrait of the deceased rendered in chocolate- that will be broken up and eaten by the guests at the end of the service.
I think overall the book was funny, I just missed something. I don't know what it is. I guess it's the element of which two men might get together or if the two men will get together. I guess really once they are introduced you know they will get together and in this case there is nothing that Chance did to really make that happen. Sure with his influence it happened a little more unexpected and faster than it might have, but the two men seemed attracted to each other from their first meeting. A meeting that would have happened anyway. Not bad, just as part of this series not my favorite.
Jason, a new psychologist has landed his first job, at a funeral home. His first client is a difficult women and she decides it would be better if he dealt with her nephew, Fred. Fred and Jason have their first meeting at... you guessed it Sweets for the Sweet, which this time makes it's appearance in Melbourne, Australia. Chance is their weaving his magic with his chocolate. The two men eventually work out the details for the funeral which includes a portrait of the deceased rendered in chocolate- that will be broken up and eaten by the guests at the end of the service.
I think overall the book was funny, I just missed something. I don't know what it is. I guess it's the element of which two men might get together or if the two men will get together. I guess really once they are introduced you know they will get together and in this case there is nothing that Chance did to really make that happen. Sure with his influence it happened a little more unexpected and faster than it might have, but the two men seemed attracted to each other from their first meeting. A meeting that would have happened anyway. Not bad, just as part of this series not my favorite.
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December 7, 2012What I liked the most of this novella was the fact that Fred, Jason's love interest, is not some hunky, fall in love at first sight type of guy, but he is instead a sweet and kind guy, with slight paunch and a "koala" resemblance. All of this is even more empathized if you think he is in comparison with chocolatier Chance, who is basically a sex god.
Nor Jason or Fred are extraordinary guys; Jason is a psychology graduated who ended up working in a funeral parlor, not exactly his dream job and totally not a sexy one. Jason is a good guy, but truth be told he is average. When he meets Chance, he of course finds the guy extremely sexy, but like you can admire something in a window well knowing you are not buying it. But with Fred is entirely a different story, and when Chance himself flirts with Fred, Jason is jealous of Fred, not of Chance. Deep down Jason knows Fred can be his right match, and he doesn't want someone like Chance to pouch on his pond.
What I probably regret more of this series, is that all stories have wonderful characters, but we have only a glimpse in their lives. Sometime I'd love to have the chance to spend more time with them.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049H96U0/?...
Nor Jason or Fred are extraordinary guys; Jason is a psychology graduated who ended up working in a funeral parlor, not exactly his dream job and totally not a sexy one. Jason is a good guy, but truth be told he is average. When he meets Chance, he of course finds the guy extremely sexy, but like you can admire something in a window well knowing you are not buying it. But with Fred is entirely a different story, and when Chance himself flirts with Fred, Jason is jealous of Fred, not of Chance. Deep down Jason knows Fred can be his right match, and he doesn't want someone like Chance to pouch on his pond.
What I probably regret more of this series, is that all stories have wonderful characters, but we have only a glimpse in their lives. Sometime I'd love to have the chance to spend more time with them.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049H96U0/?...
May 20, 2015
3.5 stars
For Jason Harvey a job of counsellor at Newlin Funeral Parlour was not his dreamt future when he got his degree at psychology. And dealing with a difficult customer like Adele Conway makes it even worse. Fortunately, Adele gives up and Fred Conway takes charge of organizing Grandma Conway’s funeral. Fred’s arrival, together with the help of Chance’s amazing chocolates, brings about unexpected consequences… And a funeral which is going to be difficult to forget for all the assistants…
This is a really hilarious short story where the funeral of a person not so liked by his family turns into a liberating experience for all the participants, even for Jason, who shares a crazy hook up with Fred in one of the closets. It seems that Chance’s chocolate has something to do with it… After eating a piece of the sinfully delicious stuff inhibitions disappear… with the consequence of a nearly destroyed funeral parlour. Delightful.
For Jason Harvey a job of counsellor at Newlin Funeral Parlour was not his dreamt future when he got his degree at psychology. And dealing with a difficult customer like Adele Conway makes it even worse. Fortunately, Adele gives up and Fred Conway takes charge of organizing Grandma Conway’s funeral. Fred’s arrival, together with the help of Chance’s amazing chocolates, brings about unexpected consequences… And a funeral which is going to be difficult to forget for all the assistants…
This is a really hilarious short story where the funeral of a person not so liked by his family turns into a liberating experience for all the participants, even for Jason, who shares a crazy hook up with Fred in one of the closets. It seems that Chance’s chocolate has something to do with it… After eating a piece of the sinfully delicious stuff inhibitions disappear… with the consequence of a nearly destroyed funeral parlour. Delightful.
December 11, 2010
Sean Kennedy’s first contribution to the series is every bit as good as I would have expected from such a talented writer. I loved the banter between the two heroes, and the opening scene with Jason and the awful aunt really made me chuckle.
Which is why I’m surprised I didn’t love this as much as some of the other Petit Morts stories. I really wanted to, but for some reason it didn’t have that magic something. All I can put it down to is the fact that I didn’t really find it surprising. Maybe this is one of those cases where the blurb did it a disservice in revealing too much of the plot. Also, I really would have enjoyed seeing that funeral descend into chaos rather than just the very beginning and the aftermath.
Worth reading, though. The chemistry between the characters was great.
Which is why I’m surprised I didn’t love this as much as some of the other Petit Morts stories. I really wanted to, but for some reason it didn’t have that magic something. All I can put it down to is the fact that I didn’t really find it surprising. Maybe this is one of those cases where the blurb did it a disservice in revealing too much of the plot. Also, I really would have enjoyed seeing that funeral descend into chaos rather than just the very beginning and the aftermath.
Worth reading, though. The chemistry between the characters was great.
December 2, 2011
The premise behind this series is pretty cute. Chance is some sort of magical man/being and he has a chocolate confectionery called Sweets for the Sweet and seems to be some sort of mystical matchmaker.
Jason works at a funeral parlor as a bereavement counselor and is setting up a funeral service. Initially forced to work with Adele, the deceased's daughter, thinks look up when she hands him off to her nephew Fred to finish the planning. Chance has some of his special chocolate at the service and all hell breaks loose. This was an okay story but it didn't really capture me at all. Jason and Fred were just two characters, but I didn't really connect with either of them in any way.
Jason works at a funeral parlor as a bereavement counselor and is setting up a funeral service. Initially forced to work with Adele, the deceased's daughter, thinks look up when she hands him off to her nephew Fred to finish the planning. Chance has some of his special chocolate at the service and all hell breaks loose. This was an okay story but it didn't really capture me at all. Jason and Fred were just two characters, but I didn't really connect with either of them in any way.
December 9, 2016
I'm not fond of the approach Kennedy took in his first contribution to the series. Also, the characters were flat and unmemorable and I didn't feel any chemistry. Price can write colorful ones, and Lanyon can write a decent mystery, but Kennedy brings nothing to the table so far.
March 19, 2014
I'm a fan of Sean Kennedy sly, sarcastic, and self deprecating humor that is a key note in his books. The latest is no exception. The protagonist is a man working at a funeral home to help provide counseling for grieving families. He's having a really a tough time with this latest client and hilarity occurs. If you enjoy slightly offbeat stories this is a keeper. Four stars
January 21, 2011
Another example of Chance adding more than the normal ingredients to his confections. What happens when inhibitions fall at the funeral of an unpleasant woman? Lots of laughs, that's for sure!!
This was my first story by Sean Kennedy, I enjoyed it and the About This Story section for a glimpse into his life. Would love to hear about Irish weddings, Sean!!
This was my first story by Sean Kennedy, I enjoyed it and the About This Story section for a glimpse into his life. Would love to hear about Irish weddings, Sean!!
July 20, 2011
Ok so the addition of Sean Kennedy was a great choice. This book was so funny and told a crazy story in addition to the hot hook up Chance orchestrates yet again. I even love how Chance gets all flirty in this book. My favorite quote was the term "metaphorical canabalism". That part had me laughing to myself like crazy, a definate read.
June 5, 2012
3.5 stars.
It was good. I liked the protagonists because they were funny and looked like ordinary people. I also like a bit of dark humor. My only complaint is that at the end, as the chocolate was having its effect, it was as if the author lost a bit the reins of the story. I like when Chance is not really nice.
It was good. I liked the protagonists because they were funny and looked like ordinary people. I also like a bit of dark humor. My only complaint is that at the end, as the chocolate was having its effect, it was as if the author lost a bit the reins of the story. I like when Chance is not really nice.
April 15, 2012
Charming and funny. It made me smile from beginning to end. I liked how even two sentence characters had personalities and, especially, flirty Chance. In spite of the setting, the story celebrates life and one can only appreciate that. And, it was set in Australia! One of the best decisions JCP made for this series was to include Kennedy in it.
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July 19, 2018The most comedic installment so far; I really dig Kennedy's sense of humor and low-key characters, and he uses both to great effect in this story. I did feel like I was missing some big emotions here, as well as some indication that this really was a destined pairing, but I enjoyed the fun and the funny.
November 8, 2013
A solid 4.5 stars from me. As with many stories set in Melbourne, from a parochial perspective I loved it. It felt perfectly right and for everyone else, it's simply a fun story.
I'm beginning to get a good idea who Chance is now too, though I won't spoil it for myself by checking. I'll probably feel a little smug if I'm right though. ;) (Nope I was on the wrong continent)
I'm beginning to get a good idea who Chance is now too, though I won't spoil it for myself by checking. I'll probably feel a little smug if I'm right though. ;) (Nope I was on the wrong continent)
December 31, 2011
This had a very different feel from the other books in the series. It was very light and fun, Fred and Jason started out liking each other right away without drama, and there a much stronger magical/mystical presence regarding Chance's chocolates.
January 7, 2015
nononono. This brings down my enjoyment of this series. Beyond the generally poor writing and meh plot, there's the strange characterization of Chance. I'm not sure I've read anything previously by this author, but I won't be looking for any more shorts...outside of finishing this series.
November 3, 2010
Delightful read.
November 7, 2010
a really funny short story and a great addition to Petit Morts Series. Please more...
December 22, 2010
I loved this. You always wonder when funerals go bad, but this was downright amusing, and quirky.
October 23, 2011
Not bad but definitely not on the same level as the JCP or Lanyon stories.
November 16, 2011
Is it just me or does Chance seem to get grumpier as these books go on?
September 20, 2012
Funny and sweet! I am enjoying Sean Kennedy, and looking forward to finding another book of his to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews