A review by haley_b
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 Graveyard Shift is a mystery novella that follows a cast of five late shift workers who discover a freshly dug grave in the disused graveyard where they typically cross paths in the course of their jobs. 

I read If We Were Villains in the year or so after it came out, and I liked it enough that when I saw the author had a spooky novella coming out, I was very interested. Graveyard Shift carries over a lot of the same elements from its novel predecessor; namely a large main cast and dark academia vibes. 

However, these elements don’t translate well into the shorter format. There are too many main characters given its length; readers don’t really get to know any of them, and none of them particularly compelling on the surface. The atmospheric elements also came across as surface-level because of the pace. Within the first chapter or two we’ve already checked boxes on a graveyard, a creepy statue, mushrooms, rats, and moody cigarette-smoking protagonists. The ending comes along just as abruptly, the final scene feeling climactic in its events and imagery but lacking the narrative backup to make it the haunting cliff-hanger it could be. 

I definitely recommend reading/listening to this in one sitting as recommended in the author’s note. The full-cast audiobook provided some additional immersion, and I think listening for longer stretches would’ve helped even more. Immersed readers will appreciate mystery and atmosphere shining through the breakneck pace.

Graveyard Shift will fit the season perfectly when it comes out in September, and thank you to NetGalley for the eARC audiobook!