Monday, March 28, 2016

The Visitor by Amanda Stevens

Series: Graveyard Queen #4
400 p.
Published: 3/29/16
Publisher: MIRA
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
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.
My thoughts:

I've noticed that reading horror is so much easier on me in book format. Not all movies scare me but the thinking after does. I think the book just engages me so much that I don't always make my own horror after it. There are a few exceptions. This is one of them and it did make me think about sleeping with the lights on. :) Yea, the big dog is worthless here. LOL

I have loved the previous books in this series. If you haven't started reading them, do pick them up. While it is creeptastic, they are so good even if you don't like horror, you will enjoy this series. It was a long time since the last book so if you are reading these for the first time you won't struggle like I did at the beginning to remembering what had happened in the past. It did come back eventually however. Still, you may want to reread the last book before this one. The next book is set to come out later this year so we won't have as long to wait between books. That makes me so happy.

In this one the mystery twists and turns and you are often left dangling without purchase for anything solid. While this is frustrating in most novels, it makes sense here since most of our answers hide in the ghostly realms. Things slowly come together and the graveyard information interspersed into the storyline really helps the atmosphere in the book. We get our answers, but find new ones to lead us to the next book.

My biggest problems in the story came from Devlin. Oh he frustrated me in this book. I know there is more to come, but dude... stop it. I do get it was a set up for the arc in the series so it didn't overwhelm me in irritation. I also wanted more with Angus the dog we got to know. There is just a small part with him in it. I would also love to have had more information about Micah and am hoping for more dimension within the character. Still, these are small problems and I know some of it is setting me up for more goodness in the series.

I give this book 4 stars. My only real horrid complaint about this book is that it took several years to get it. :) I enjoy this series and highly recommend it to those that enjoy a good ghostly mystery.

31 comments:

  1. Yeah, movies don't scare me, but reading a good horror can creep me out. I think it's something to do with being there in my head, ya know? I do wish I would've at least skimmed the previous book before reading this, but I was still able to get into, thankfully.

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    1. See it is typically the opposite for me, with a few exceptions. The part about it being in your head. I think the visual nature of it makes me visualize it more. LOL Oh yea, this one should be read in order to get the most out of it.

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  2. Yeah I'm definitely too big of a wuss especially now that there's no pup in the house. If I have to take my trash out after dark and have read a scary read...eeps! lol Glad you enjoyed it though :)

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    1. Well, depends on the dog. LOL Trash can be taken out in the morning. ;) LOL

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  3. I really enjoyed this one as well but I thought it was maybe not as good as the others

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    1. I agree, but I also think introducing a new arc can slow things up a bit.

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  4. I'm definitely not a huge fan of horror movies but I can get through this medium in book form pretty easily. I'm excited to start this series--thanks for putting it on my radar, Melissa!

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  5. Their relationship was a bit frustrating at times, especially towards the end. I know it has to do with his grandfather but what I don't understand is why not tell her already? He knows she will find out, she always does.

    Glad you did like this, I really did as well and can't wait for the next book.

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    1. GAH! He frustrated me so much. I hate that kind of trope, but I also have a feeling I will see his need for it in the coming book/s. We need the next! :D

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  6. I am a little afraid that it might be too scary for me but if I read during the day maybe I'll be okay. I guess I have read plenty of scary things so it just kind of depends on how it's done. It does help that books don't include the creepy music, I think for movies that's half of the scare. I have been wanting to read this series. So hopefully soon!

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    1. Hm... I donno... it freaked me out more than I thought it would. :) But I'm a wimp. :D Gah I know about that music. I never understand why people don't get OUT of the water when they hear those first notes. I never saw the movie and I know to leave. LOL

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  7. Review twins today, fist bump. We even had many of the same thoughts. I was really frustrated by Devlin and I too wanted more Angus.

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  8. Yes Devlin. We all had issues, but you are right it is part of the bigger picture and I cannot wait to know more!

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    1. I agree. I hoping this means that they will end up stronger.

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  9. Rereading The Prophet, I've forgetting most of the details. I thought reading The Visitor will jog my memory but nope.

    I'll take note of your "warnings", hopefully it won't turn me off as much.

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  10. I read the first book with Christy, then didn't continue since I don't have the second book. I really should. I like the creepy factor of the first book and it sounds like it sustained that factor throughout the books at least.

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  11. Horror books and movies rarely scare me - even though I do enjoy them. Only if they're based in some kind of reality - like serial killers - do I freak out.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  12. I don't do a lot of horror, but glad that you enjoyed

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    1. Actually, I don't either, but it seems like the genre has been making it to my tbr pile for some reason. LOL

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  13. This is a series that I really need to try. It looks really good. I don't know how it hasn't been on radar before now. Thanks for sharing.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads

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  14. Is this horror or more towards urban fantasy?

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  15. I have heard great things about this one. Love me some good horror.

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  16. OMG Devlin annoyed the crap out of me. His lack of communication and his constant denial of anything paranormal. I know he saw things!!! I can't wait to find out more about that secret society and what is up with his grandfather. Very cool to find out about Amelia's abilities.

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  17. I'm not one to read horror books, but I'm glad you are enjoying it.

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