As the lone mortician of Corona, New Mexico, Don Dupree has seen it all when it comes to funerals.
At least that was the case… until John White’s body arrives with no record of birth or death certificates. Strangest of all is the disoriented next of kin Yuxi, who Don suspects has never even heard of a funeral. After the worst embalming of his career, Don discovers John White is something beyond human, and he is about to host a funeral of intergalactic proportions.
WINNER
2025 Blacklist Unpublished Novel Award
Sci-fi/Fantasy
Reviews
“A highly engaging spin on the “aliens in New Mexico” trope that feels fresh and unique. A fun and incredibly well-crafted read!”
“Cormac McCarthy on acid.”
“The prose is beautiful and creates an incredible sense of ambiance. Throughout the text, Don sees the world through the eyes of a mortician — and the specificity of this narrative voice immerses readers completely in Don’s desert life.”
“An entertaining, sardonic writing style... thought-provoking and meaningful with a lot of depth.”