The Restorer

The Graveyard Queen, Book 1

By: Amanda Stevens

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Never acknowledge the dead.
Never stray far from hallowed ground.
Never get close to the haunted.
Never, ever tempt fate.

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to these rules passed down from my father…until now.

Detective John Devlin needs my help to find a killer, but he is haunted by ghosts who shadow his every move. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the headstone symbols lead me closer to truth and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

©2012 Amanda Stevens (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Khristine Hvam draws the listener in with a Charleston twang and a variety of Southern dialects, including Gullah, each slightly and delightfully different. She speaks with a vulnerability that creates an affection for the characters, especially Amelia." ( AudioFile)

I could not put this down

I absolutely love mystery and crime scene oriented plots, so I loved this book. I was a little disappointed at the slow build, but I've grown to appreciate that it leads to more story and more intrigue! The performance is amazing and really brings you into the story. I couldn't put it down and in eagerly starting the second book!

Main character has many Interesting talents

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Though there were parts that ran on a big too slowly in my opinion, I like the premise of the story, the characters and the suspense. It's good as a stand-alone story but easily leads me to look forward to the next book. Certainly got me to thinking what I'd do if I could see ghosts the way she does. Now that would be an interesting super power!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Restorer?

I keep coming back to how she feels so drained of energy when she's been around HIM.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the scene where they are in the tomb and discover the entrance to the hidden room. Now THAT was CREEPY.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

She sees ghosts and they know it.

Any additional comments?

This could easily become an HBO mini-series like True Blood.

Ghost stories!

If you could sum up The Restorer in three words, what would they be?

Creepy Southern Ghosts.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the author brought the beauty of the city to life along with the ghosts.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Driving Miss Daisy this is not.

Any additional comments?

Ms. Hvam did a wonderful job with the accents and narration!

Not krewe of hunter’s

I personally give this a 5, out of 10 . Only because I was hoping for A Book of ghosts working with police/military to solve crimes !!!!

Decent entry to cemetery based mystery series

Loved the setting and the premise: protagonist Amelia Gray working as a cemetery restorer stumbling across a body and aiding mysterious Detective Devlin in the solving the crime.

The writing felt a bit uneven at times. A number of threads were introduced (eg. the mystery of Amelia's fathers past) but not resolved as a clear inducement for the reader to check out the later volumes. The mystery was a bit choppy and some of the scenes and actions unclear. I also never really felt engaged to any of the characters.

However, this was still a fun listen and worth the credit.

Kristine Hvam's narration was fair, although a few of her Southern accents seemed over the top.

Overall, a fun listen and I will probably purchase more books in this series.

Just creepy enough

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was a good, spooky paranormal story with great characters. Overall it's a creepy, gothic ghost story with mysterious deaths, haunted characters with tragic pasts, hopeless love, and scenes that make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.

What other book might you compare The Restorer to and why?

I don't know of other similar books, although I'm sure they're out there. I like a good gothic ghost story, but I haven't actually read many. This one definitely delivers to the point that I've gotten the remaining two books. I grew to care for Amelia and Devlin who were both equally strong and vulnerable. I really want to see what happens with their relationship and how their obstacles will be resolved.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many. Any of the ghost scenes involving contact with Amelia, running their hands through her hair ... oh so creepy. I didn't enjoy the murder mystery as much; it was standard in and of itself, but the paranormal aspects of the story were done really well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely; it only took me a couple of days to get through it. The writing was mature, the prose almost lyrical at times, and the tension and mystery well-developed.

Any additional comments?

Amelia has become one of my favorite characters. I pictured Anna Torv in my mind as I listened; she has such a haunted vulnerable quality which added to my experience of Amelia. I think this series would make a great TV show. Oh, and Khristine Hvam has probably become my favorite narrator. She can do anything.

Fake Drawls Y'all

Narrator Poses as Southerner. The narrator's attempt was heavy-handed and distracting. Is there not one native of SC who would be a narrator?

meh

kind of a blah story. there was lots of angst and repetition and the main character never seemed to want to take charge of her abilities.

SO GOOD

Great story, wonderful characters, excellent narration. Can't wait to hear the next in series. I'm a real fan now!:)

Love this book!!

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Can’t wait to read the next book!!!!