amy b. scher's

the unexpected afterlife of
salon rose

a coming-of-age while dead story

She survived her death. Now she has to figure out who didn’t want her to survive her life.

Inspired by a true crime and featuring authentic LGBTQ+ representation, this YA novel is equal parts murder mystery and bittersweet coming of age story.

A darkly funny, touching, suspenseful, and relatable story about moving on, forgiving ourselves, and finding hope in the future, this book is perfect for fans of Gabrielle Zevin’s Elsewhere and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.

Tiny Ghost Press | Release Date: August 4th 2026

pre-order now
(available in print, ebook, and audiobook)

about the book

How do you come of age when you’re dead?

17-year-old Salon Rose arrives to the Nowhere in Between, a way-station between life and death—where she learns she’s been murdered.

Returning to the life she had before is not an option, but before Salon can move on, she is determined to discover who was responsible for her death.

With the help of her new friends––all recently deceased-–and maybe even a fresh crush, Salon must learn to let go if she has any hope of getting out of there. Even if it means confronting some hard to swallow truths.

The UNEXPECTED AFTERLIFE OF SALON ROSE will have you hooked from page one. It's got everything: murder, mystery, new friends, new romance, not to mention one of the funniest voices I've read in ages. Who knew a book about death could be so hilarious and full of heart? This debut is not to be missed!

Told with true heart, this incredible novel covers love, death, and everything in between. I couldn’t put it down!

“An accurate portrayal of what happens behind the yellow tape… and to those left behind. Like looking into a mirror on my own cases. A must-read.”

about the author

Amy B. Scher is the bestselling author of five non-fiction books, translated into more than 20 languages.

The Unexpected Afterlife of Salon Rose was born in Amy’s heart in 2011—when in the same week—her dad died and her 22-year-old cousin was murdered.

She survived her grief by listening to true crime podcasts, carrying her dad’s ashes around in the toothpick holder he stored his weed, and writing this book to try to find meaning in it all. 15 years later, her pain became this book.

Amy’s work is featured in Oprah Daily, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, CBS, Cosmopolitan, and more.

She lives with her wife in New York City where they spend most of their time planning their next meals, next adventures, or watching the next episode of The Golden Girls for the thousandth time.

You can find her at amybscher.com / @amybscher on Instagram.