Okay I'm bumping up my original rating to a solid four stars. I re-read via audio and this is just a very special book, and the vibes are just immaculate. I still dislike the "You've Got Mail" aspects and the secrets, and how DARE i have to think poor Hart is gone for THAT LONG (playing my emotions like a fiddle), but this will be a re-read fav for sure for years to come.

Cannot wait for the next book!

Actual rating - ⭐⭐⭐.5

I've been struggling to write this review, as my initial read was very swept up and emotional but became a bit more complicated after some parsing and chats with other readers.

Firstly, the "you've got mail" aspect of it all, especially what happened before and after the reveal, I did not love that. I adored the letters themselves, I just really wish how Mercy & Hart began their relationship was ... different.

Secondly, speaking as a white reader, I'm not positive where all of the funerary traditions and mythology was being drawn from, but it feels very inspired by Egyptian mythology and perhaps some Viking mythology, and I'm not sure I can determine how appropriative this story is. I very much responded to the awe and care the author took with honoring the dead and those who are gone, that was honestly my favorite part even over the romance. So I'm conflicted, and I will be looking for other reviews to explore my thoughts.

Also, Hart is a cop. And well, even though it is mostly against "drudges" or "zombies," he's still the law. And I had to set aside my personal feelings to enjoy the story and I know many readers will not be able to do that, and that is okay. I really disliked the secondary character (Mercy's ex) who was also a cop, and while sort of redeemed at the end, was still