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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Book Review: The Visitor (Graveyard Queen #4) by Amanda Stevens


by Amanda Stevens
March 29th 2016 by MIRA
Kindle Edition, 400 pages
My name is Amelia Gray. I'm the Graveyard Queen.

Restoring lost and abandoned cemeteries is my profession, but I'm starting to believe that my true calling is deciphering the riddles of the dead. Legend has it that Kroll Cemetery is a puzzle no one has ever been able to solve. For over half a century, the answer has remained hidden within the strange headstone inscriptions and intricate engravings. Because uncovering the mystery of that tiny, remote graveyard may come at a terrible price.

Years after their mass death, Ezra Kroll's disciples lie unquiet, their tormented souls trapped within the walls of Kroll Cemetery, waiting to be released by someone strong and clever enough to solve the puzzle. For whatever reason, I'm being summoned to that graveyard by both the living and the dead. Every lead I follow, every clue I unravel brings me closer to an unlikely killer and to a destiny that will threaten my sanity and a future with my love, John Devlin.

I have been a fan of Amanda Stevens and her "Graveyard Queen" series since...Well, so far back I can't remember. This issue is soon to be published so, of course, I jumped at the chance to review.

Amelia restores old and/or abandoned graveyard headstones and feels a strong infinity to honoring the departed. They all have a story and there is where the problems always start! Not only is Amelia a gifted artist, she also sees and communicates with her charges. They (ghosts) are drawn to her. They come to her in dreams and in her waking hours. She can see the "haunting" of living beings and can't extricate herself from the driving force to help.

This time Amelia herself is the one being haunted. Someone is trying to give her a personal message that puts Amelia in grave danger. Ignoring almost everything her father taught her about keeping safe from the departed, Amelia finds herself embroiled in a cat and mouse game that could cost her life. Or it could also reveal secrets to her past that she has been desperate to know.

Stevens is a master of creating twists and turns in her stories and this issue is no exception. I love her characters as they come to life on the pages. A smattering of a tumultuous romance and personal danger only add to the mysterious reveal of who and what Amelia really is.

Even though this is the 4th in the series, I believe you can pick this one up and be fine with the information provided. But beware, the story will "haunt" you until you go back and read the 3 previous journeys that are the "Graveyard Queen"!

I give this 4.5 "blindly haunting" sheep!






Jeanie G

About the Author:
Amanda Stevens is the award-winning author of over fifty novels, including the modern gothic series, The Graveyard Queen.  Her books have been described as eerie and atmospheric, “a new take on the classic ghost story.” Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys binge-watching, bike riding and the occasional Horror Night with friends.

5 comments:

  1. Thanks Karen, I am sure you will enjoy! I too am a big fan.

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  2. Love this series and the author! Got my copy just now so off I go to the graveyards~

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    1. Me too, me too! Just glad there are no mazes in front of most graveyards I visit!

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks Joleen. I love reviewing great reads! Well, I really enjoy reviewing all books but Amanda Stevens makes it easy!

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