Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf

 

My thoughts

This is my second book by this author. It was good. I liked this one even better than In The Hour Of Crows. Still about death and things that happen after death. 

This is a kind of strange story. Or at least it was for me. I liked it very much. It's a bit goth and southern charm. A bit of a mystery and thriller. Also a few murders thrown in for good measure. And a handsome stranger who causes a big stir when he strolls into town like he owns the place. Taking the women by surprise. Many of course wanting to get to know him better. 

The story is quite lyrical and haunting. Hollis sees the "Grave Birds" and has what must be visions of what happened to the deceased person. Especially the four whose deaths may be related. Hollis is an events planner and has the towns most prominent family's big event scheduled. She also has uncovered quite a bit of darkness about this family. Many secrets. She doesn't know exactly what to do with this information but can't just sit on it. Or can she?

Cain came to town with purpose. He strode in and bought the big house that was promised to Hollis. They start off not so great. But Hollis learns that Cain can also see the "Grave Birds." Hollis knows the reason she sees them is because she dies once. Could Cain have died also? Is he responsible for all the strange things going on in this town? Can they become friends and find out what is happening? Or is he to sinister?

This book will keep you wanting to find out who did what to whom and why. How certain people died. What is causing some of the crazy things going on. You'll want to find out what can come between Hollis and Cain. If anything. 

Well written and a good story. This book was fun, intriguing, and edge of your seat in a few places. Some characters are awful. You'll hate them. But most are good. Some are even dead. Telling their stories through "Grave Birds."

Thank you #HarlequinTradePublishing, #MIRA, #HarlequinAudio, for this ARC. 

About

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires meets Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil in this twisty, fresh take on a Southern gothic that follows a mysterious, charming bachelor as he makes his way into a small town, bringing a plague and the devil with him, from GMA Buzz Pick author Dana Elmendorf.

Grave birds haunt the cemeteries of Hawthorne, South Carolina, where Spanish moss drips from the trees and Southern charm is imbued with lies. Hollis Sutherland never knew these unique birds existed, not until she died and was brought back to life. The ghostly birds are manifestations of the dead’s unfinished business, and they know Hollis and her uncanny gift can set them free.

When a mysterious, charming bachelor wanders into their small town, bizarre events begin to plague its wealthiest citizens. Like blood dripping from dogwood blossoms, flocks of birds crashing into windows of their homes, and faces in paintings morphing into distortion. Hollis knows these are the omens her grandfather warned about, announcing the devil’s return. Despite Cain Landry’s eerie presence and the plague that has followed him, his handsome face and wicked charm win over the townsfolk. Even Hollis falls under his spell as they grow closer.

That is, until lies about the town’s past start to surface. The grave birds begin to show Hollis the dead’s ugly past from some twenty-five years ago. And she learns all about the horrible things these noble families did to gain their wealth. Hollis can’t decide if Cain is some immortal hand of God, there to expose their sins. Or if he’s a devil there to ruin them all. Either way, she’s determined to save her town and the people in it, whatever she has to do.