Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author for my arc copy of The Twisted Dead by Darcy Coates for an honest review.
Release date: 2. 7. 2023
SPOILER FREE
The Twisted Dead is the third instalment in the Gravekeeper series, and it is my understanding that there will be five books in total for this series. So another two to look forward to! 👀
The third book obviously follows the lead character Keira and her friends in and out of the town of Blighty. I love the entire concept of communicating with ghosts and enjoy the fiction books I come across with this concept in it.
I enjoyed the third book the most out of the three as I feel that it reveals more about Keira, her gift and her past. I didn’t want this book to finish, and had trouble putting it down. I read this in two days.
The authors writing is really easy to read, doesn’t waffle on, and still manages to be detailed at the same time. The characters are diverse and show growth.
I cannot wait for the next book in the Gravekeeper series to be released so I can find out what happens next.
Release date: 2. 7. 2023
SPOILER FREE
The Twisted Dead is the third instalment in the Gravekeeper series, and it is my understanding that there will be five books in total for this series. So another two to look forward to! 👀
The third book obviously follows the lead character Keira and her friends in and out of the town of Blighty. I love the entire concept of communicating with ghosts and enjoy the fiction books I come across with this concept in it.
I enjoyed the third book the most out of the three as I feel that it reveals more about Keira, her gift and her past. I didn’t want this book to finish, and had trouble putting it down. I read this in two days.
The authors writing is really easy to read, doesn’t waffle on, and still manages to be detailed at the same time. The characters are diverse and show growth.
I cannot wait for the next book in the Gravekeeper series to be released so I can find out what happens next.
In this instalment the tone gets significantly grittier, we still have the same cast of offbeat characters and action packed chapters but things are getting darker somehow.
What I loved:
There's a mini redemption arc in there, we love those. The "goth kid" is getting a little bit more of a chance to shine, we love that too. The conspiracy theorist get his moment of being sort of right, it has so happen sometimes and we can all enjoy some vicarious vindication. Plenty of bad ghosts getting their comeuppance, very satisfying.
What I didn't love:
It starts off strong and while this book is as non-stop as the first 2 instalments in the series if has more slow feeling moments, though I will admit it might have felt that way because I went through the entire series in less than 24 hours, yes I did not realize that this was the 3rd book in the series when I requested this ARC. I have no regrets and I would happily do it again.
What I loved:
There's a mini redemption arc in there, we love those. The "goth kid" is getting a little bit more of a chance to shine, we love that too. The conspiracy theorist get his moment of being sort of right, it has so happen sometimes and we can all enjoy some vicarious vindication. Plenty of bad ghosts getting their comeuppance, very satisfying.
What I didn't love:
It starts off strong and while this book is as non-stop as the first 2 instalments in the series if has more slow feeling moments, though I will admit it might have felt that way because I went through the entire series in less than 24 hours, yes I did not realize that this was the 3rd book in the series when I requested this ARC. I have no regrets and I would happily do it again.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Review: 3.5 stars
I have thoroughly enjoyed this gravekeeper series and was excited for this next installment by Darcy Coates.
The storyline starts strong and introduces us to Crispin Manor, where the last living descendant of the family line asks Keira and her friends, Zoe and Mason for help. Something about his home has always felt off, and he wonders if there are ghosts who have yet to pass on. Once Keira looks through the veil and into the ether, what she sees horrified her — every Crispin who has passed is leeching of Dale and his life force.
As her and her friend search for answer on how to help Dale, this is where I feel the storyline takes a turn. While I enjoyed more backstory into Mason and Keira, it shifts the storyline in a direction that takes the focus away from the potential of exploring deeper into Crispin Manor.
The second half of this book, feels like it could be its own story. It almost forgets about Crispin Manor all together and opens up to a whole new story and setting, that has a different feeling from the first half. While I enjoyed it and it’s an easy read, the ending felt rushed as it tried to come full circle to bring the two storylines together. This is probably my least favorite of the gravekeeper series to date but, the sprinkles of information and backstory in the second half that were revealed were enough to ensure that if there is a fourth installment I will continue on with the gravekeeper series.
I do look forward to exploring more of the core backstory for Keira in a fourth installment that gives more insight on who and what exactly she got involved in before she came to town with no memories from her past.
I would recommend this for those who are Darcy Coates fans or into YA gothic horror, ghost stories, paranormal thrillers. Noting, that while this is the third installment of series you don’t need to read the first two to understand book three but would recommend checking out the entire series if you started with this one!
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC, courtesy of NetGalley. Publication date for The Twisted Dead is Feb 7, 2023.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I came across Twisted Dead on Netgalley and noticing that it's by Darcy Coates I had to request it. (I only recently read my first book by her called Gallows Hill and really enjoyed it so I knew I had to read more of her books. Shortly after that I realized that Twisted Dead was actually a 3rd book in the gravekeeper series so naturally I ran to amazon and downloaded the previous two books to my kindle, The Whispering Dead and The Ravenous Dead to catch up. I really liked all 3 books, 4 star rating across the board for the series.
Lets talk about The Twisted Dead. Keira and her friends are still trying to find the truth about her past while still doing some ghost banishing. I would call this a cozy fast paced horror mystery (very light on the horror.) I really love the over the top characters like Zoe and Harry, I think Harry has become my favourite now and I really hope to see even more of him in the future books. Overall, it's just a really fun and easy to read book that I could not put down. I'm so ready for book # 4.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Darcy Coates for sharing the digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my authentic review.
Lets talk about The Twisted Dead. Keira and her friends are still trying to find the truth about her past while still doing some ghost banishing. I would call this a cozy fast paced horror mystery (very light on the horror.) I really love the over the top characters like Zoe and Harry, I think Harry has become my favourite now and I really hope to see even more of him in the future books. Overall, it's just a really fun and easy to read book that I could not put down. I'm so ready for book # 4.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Darcy Coates for sharing the digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my authentic review.
Another great installment to the Gravekeeper series, Keira, Zoe, and Mason are on another quest to help lingering spirits, except this time it is very personal. Additionally, the reclusive Crispin heir has asked them to his home for dinner, but is it a trap? Discoveries are made concerning Keira’s past, and family members are reunited while new problems arise need resolution.
This is another stellar novel by Darcy Coates. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it’s characters. The description that goes into settings and scenes in enthralling. Being a stickler for small details myself, Darcy never disappoints. Whenever I think I’ve found a plot hole, she always fills it, bringing a smile to my face. Her writing is brilliant! I can’t wait for the next story with Keira and friends.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I received an ARC of this title from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Darcy Coates and I missed it was the third book in a series. Fortunately, the author did a great job imparting the needed information. I never felt there was a missing puzzle piece.
For those who've read the first 2 books -- imagine that -- Keira can see ghosts, but can't remember her past. She has a cat that seems to have more going on than meets the eye. She's a caretaker at a cemetery -- Keira, not the cat. Although, I don't know. The cat is clearly up to something.
I wanted the book to be more what the synopsis set it up to be -- an invitation to dinner by the town recluse, him begging our main character Keira for help, a dilapidated mansion. Ghosts. As that portion was unspooled I settled in for a great read. It was spooky, and filled with pathos, and I love an old mansion.
And it turned out to be a very small portion of the story.
Most of the book involved a road trip, a furthering of the greater central mystery of Keira's identity -- she has amnesia -- and the sinister people and/or organization that wants to find her. A portion of the story also concerned her friend. Mason, and a tragic incident in his past.
The events of the road trip are interesting and well-written. I enjoyed all of this, and really do want to know how the storyline continues going forward. Still, I can't lie and say I wasn't a bit disappointed that the thing that made me request an arc book-ended the story more than it was the story. The events, however, did help Keira resolve that story as well. And there was a very horrifying scene at a cemetery other than, you know, the one Keira lives at.
The author is both funny and brings the pathos, and I'm into that. Maybe that's why I missed the story I thought I was getting as much as I did. She gave the man needing help, Dane Crispin, a truly horrifying and tragic predicament, and I kept imagining him waiting for help.
Keira spends most of the story with Mason and Zoe. Mason has dropped out of medical school, and in this installment we get his backstory. He's kind and a little unintentionally funny. I like him.
Zoe can be hysterically funny. Also really grating. The author definitely likes over-the-top characters. In the case of this emo kid, as much as I rolled my eyes at the cliches, it wasn't so bad. We spend a lot of time with Zoe though.
A lot of time with Zoe.
I thought we could maybe feed her to a shade -- a malevolent spirit.
I laughed out loud on occasion. There's something about someone saying wildly inappropriate things in serious situations that can be funny. When I tell you that she never stopped, though. The soundtrack to the road trip was really bad music she wouldn't turn off, and yet she wasn't left at the side of the road.
"Zo?" Mason raised one of the books she'd passed to him. "This one's on werewolves."
"Yeah. I got a bit carried away. But, hey, ghosts are real. Which means, statistically. we have a really good chance of encountering a werewolf in our lifetime."
"That's very much not how statistics work."
"Agree to disagree."
She also has a great riff about only one bed, and enemies to lovers.
The funniest quote is "Crimson," Keira said. "Uh, ka-kaw?" But you had to be there.
As a minor aside, there's a plot point about wanting to burn white sage for protection. That's considered a closed practice from Indigenous cultures, one they were forbidden to practice.
Anyhow, I enjoyed the story and think I'll continue on to see the payoff for the storylines that are being set up. I wish I could find more good ghost stories that are written as if that were good enough.
This is my first Darcy Coates and I missed it was the third book in a series. Fortunately, the author did a great job imparting the needed information. I never felt there was a missing puzzle piece.
For those who've read the first 2 books -- imagine that -- Keira can see ghosts, but can't remember her past. She has a cat that seems to have more going on than meets the eye. She's a caretaker at a cemetery -- Keira, not the cat. Although, I don't know. The cat is clearly up to something.
I wanted the book to be more what the synopsis set it up to be -- an invitation to dinner by the town recluse, him begging our main character Keira for help, a dilapidated mansion. Ghosts. As that portion was unspooled I settled in for a great read. It was spooky, and filled with pathos, and I love an old mansion.
And it turned out to be a very small portion of the story.
Most of the book involved a road trip, a furthering of the greater central mystery of Keira's identity -- she has amnesia -- and the sinister people and/or organization that wants to find her. A portion of the story also concerned her friend. Mason, and a tragic incident in his past.
The events of the road trip are interesting and well-written. I enjoyed all of this, and really do want to know how the storyline continues going forward. Still, I can't lie and say I wasn't a bit disappointed that the thing that made me request an arc book-ended the story more than it was the story. The events, however, did help Keira resolve that story as well. And there was a very horrifying scene at a cemetery other than, you know, the one Keira lives at.
The author is both funny and brings the pathos, and I'm into that. Maybe that's why I missed the story I thought I was getting as much as I did. She gave the man needing help, Dane Crispin, a truly horrifying and tragic predicament, and I kept imagining him waiting for help.
Keira spends most of the story with Mason and Zoe. Mason has dropped out of medical school, and in this installment we get his backstory. He's kind and a little unintentionally funny. I like him.
Zoe can be hysterically funny. Also really grating. The author definitely likes over-the-top characters. In the case of this emo kid, as much as I rolled my eyes at the cliches, it wasn't so bad. We spend a lot of time with Zoe though.
A lot of time with Zoe.
I thought we could maybe feed her to a shade -- a malevolent spirit.
I laughed out loud on occasion. There's something about someone saying wildly inappropriate things in serious situations that can be funny. When I tell you that she never stopped, though. The soundtrack to the road trip was really bad music she wouldn't turn off, and yet she wasn't left at the side of the road.
"Zo?" Mason raised one of the books she'd passed to him. "This one's on werewolves."
"Yeah. I got a bit carried away. But, hey, ghosts are real. Which means, statistically. we have a really good chance of encountering a werewolf in our lifetime."
"That's very much not how statistics work."
"Agree to disagree."
She also has a great riff about only one bed, and enemies to lovers.
The funniest quote is "Crimson," Keira said. "Uh, ka-kaw?" But you had to be there.
As a minor aside, there's a plot point about wanting to burn white sage for protection. That's considered a closed practice from Indigenous cultures, one they were forbidden to practice.
Anyhow, I enjoyed the story and think I'll continue on to see the payoff for the storylines that are being set up. I wish I could find more good ghost stories that are written as if that were good enough.
I think this is my favorite so far! The story is great and we finally get to find out a little more information about who Keira is. I’m really hoping the next book will find Keira and Mason exploring a relationship, you can feel the spark between them!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No