Mary van Amsterdam and the Tragically Dead in Recovery

Mary is no ordinary spirit

Riding her phantom bicycle, Mary soars over lamplit waterways, brick streets, and pavements, through the grim mists of the Amsterdam afterlife. Her mission is to provide solace for the colorful ensemble of dead animal companions. Focused on helping these Tragically Dead in Recovery, she ignores the melancholic memories of her own dark history, but not for long. 

When the past speaks, it demands to be heard.

The tallest house on Herengracht is packed with Mary’s boisterous menagerie of misfit souls—each endeavoring to prevail against the trauma of their untimely deaths. There is no shortage of spirits in need of help. 

While rescuing a mortally wounded raven, Mary encounters a dangerous Soul Reaper. Its relentless pursuit imperils not only her present mission but heralds a disturbing new potential era for the entire afterlife. 


To protect her darling gang of vulnerable companions, Mary must expand her range of mystical powers to confront the menace. Armed with a mystical pendant and guided by her wise afterlife mentor (a charming, deceased canal eel), Mary works tirelessly to protect and inspire each of her companions. Her goal is for them to transcend toward a higher plane of existence, through self-reflection, picnics, sudsy beer and bitterballen! 

Does she have what it takes?

Join Mary and her charming crew on this delightfully grim journey!

Mary van Amsterdam and the Tragically Dead in Recovery is the first book in the spirited Amsterdam Afterlife Series. Peppered with endearing illustrations, international readers are falling in love with the tale’s quirky characters and detailed noir scenery. If you like gloomy darkhorse characters and gothic worlds, you will devour M.P. Wilhelm’s saga of friendship, loss, and mercy.

Take a peek behind the veil to laugh, cry, and root for the innocent band of souls in Mary van Amsterdam and the Tragically Dead in Recovery.


Reviews:

“I was immediately hooked.” - ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“... a delightful and thought-provoking read.” - ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“relatable and lovable characters...” - ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“...characters that latch on to your heartstring.” - ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Heartfelt and Fantastical... It has a sense of charm and heart that warms you long after you’ve finished the story.” - ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Mary van Amsterdam and the Tragically Dead is a heart-rending tale of afterlife care for good-hearted animals and charmingly illustrated with the author’s black and white drawings. Readers can only hope that such a fate awaits humans on their passage.” - A Girl and Her Book Reviews


From Chapter 2:

A glowing green orb sped through the early morning air of central Amsterdam. It pulsed, whizzing above the moonlit system of canals and squares at a time of night when only the most fortified ventured out.

The brilliant sphere banked high around the corner of Herengracht, then veered down close to the undulating surface. Its luminance reflected off the silvery channel as it skimmed close to the water, pulling up a fine spray. The object soared under a small bridge, and rose, ascending through trees and over the brick-paved road. Whisking past windows toward its destination, the orb reached the tops of the houses, weaving through a series of hooks, gables, and spires, darting lively over rooftop crests.

Finally, it jostled to a stop directly above Mary’s home. 

Standing higher than its neighbors, the tall, narrow house featured a gabled roof with three vast skylights.

The orb descended, sinking without resistance through the shingles, wood frame, and plaster. It slowed to a stop, resting directly above its target—the “Guardian of the Tragically Dead in Recovery,” Mary van Amsterdam.