The Book of Love, by Kelly Link

Teens Laura, Daniel and Mo have been missing, presumed dead for almost a year, leaving their families desolate. They have been held in some sort of limbo by a menacing presence until their music teacher somehow reanimates them, along with another shadowy being they have named Bowie. But their time back in the world will be limited, with only two of them able to stay while two will have to return, with mysterious magical tasks to complete to determine the ‘winners’. Dark supernatural forces are at the root of their dilemma. Susannah is Laura’s sister, Daniel’s lover and Mo’s friend – does she hold the key to how to handle it? This is quite literally a life or death matter for some, if not all, of them and their actions will have a profound effect on their small town and its inhabitants. It takes a very long time to get into this story, which is bogged down in detail for much of its 600+ pages. The characters are just about interesting enough to make sticking with it pay off and a dark, wry humour adds a touch of spice.