The Restorer: The Graveyard Queen, Book 1

Amanda Stevens is a new author for me and I have to admit that the only reason I downloaded this book was because Khristine Hvam narrated it and I am so happy I did! I am now a fan of Amanda Stevens and I am looking forward to downloading other books by her, (even those not narrated by Khristine Hvam)! She has a way with words that made me feel like I had a ghost touching my hair! Goose bumps galore! This is hands down, a 100% "make you FEEL and SEE" story, and an awesome author and narrator combo. I am now hooked! For me, there was a gothic romance feel to "The Graveyard Queen", Amelia, the main character. And the idea of someone who is so passionate about graveyard restoration.......just wow! I NEVER expected it to end the way it did and was surprised by the "who done it". I don't like to give anything of the story away, so all I can suggest is to read the book blurb, listen to the sample offered and just ENJOY. Downloading book 2 now!

Stop everything and read this book. Talk about creepy, hair raising, bone-chilling, endearing, who-done-it awesomeness! Add in a tortured love interest haunted by a tragic past and a fiery, brave heroine that can see ghosts and you have a perfect book.

Set in Charleston, South Carolina the location is as much a character in the book as the complicated people in the story. Amanda Stevens has a real gift painting an image with her words that will linger days after the read. Just be warned that some of the images are quite horrific. I am already half way through the next book but am too much of a weenie to read it alone after dark or I would have finished it already.

I listened to this on audio and have to say that is one of the best narrations I have heard. The southern accents are done beautifully and add a real charm to the book.

Amanda Stevens is an instant favorite of mine and I will read everything she writes. (except maybe, The Dollmaker, just the cover gives me nightmares)

Ms Steven has written two great mystery stories. Both books are fantastic & spooky, Ms. Steven write the kind of stories that will pull you in and not let you go! I purchase the two books without knowing her because of the prior contribution by other reader. I am glad I did take the chance. I am hoping she will write the next book(s) real soon.

About the Narrator, Ms. Hyam, she provided final vocal ingredients to this books. She brought the characters into life. I feel she is in the category of James Master (Destren Files), and Johanna Parker (Sookie Stackhouse).

A great job, Please keep them coming!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

but I wanted an interesting relationship, either romance or friendship, which it did not have.

This is told in first person. It reminded me of the TV show Murder She Wrote with Angela Lansbury - but a younger heroine. Amelia is 27. Her job is researching and restoring cemeteries. Bodies are found by the police in a cemetery she is restoring. So the detective asks her advice about things in the cemetery. She also gives him copies of the photographs she took. She is curious and asks questions of other people. There are mysteries about multiple bodies. Two were killed years ago, others were killed recently. So what is this book about? Someone who is not a police detective or private investigator who investigates and solves mysteries. In the process she may be in danger as she gets close to figuring things out. By the end one mystery is solved, but there are other mysteries about other characters which I assume will be solved in sequels.

What makes this mystery unique is that Amelia can see ghosts. But she must never let the ghosts know she can see them. If they know they will latch onto her forever. They will be with her and touch her and take energy from her - forever. Another character in the story has ghosts that have latched onto him, and Amelia is worried about it.

It was pretty good. It kept my interest. I think the author has an excellent writing style and a good voice. But I wanted some kind of interesting relationship, even if it were with a friend or coworker. Although there is some lust between Amelia and John, there is no relationship development. This is not a romance.

The ending climax with the bad guy was not well done. Some of his actions did not make sense. I wanted more explanation of things, for example. Why put an external bolt on a door, then leave it open for a victim to escape?

NARRATOR:
The narrator Khristine Hyam was excellent. I enjoyed her southern accent.

Genre: fantasy mystery.

Chilling, delicious and sexy

Stranded on the lonely highway at night, someone sitting in a darken car, without the headlights, Amelia without cell phone signal, and twin headlights appearing in the distance the moment she felt the end was unknown. Amelia ran into the streets like her life depended on it, and Detective John Devlin stepped out of his vehicle. That was my shortness of breathe moment.

My favorite scene was when John Devlin stood in the hall way of the restroom. Someone bumped into Amelia, and she landed on his crest. For a moment, she imagined John caressing her lips with feather like touch, and the barest touch to her lips.

My moving moment was when Detective John Devlin jumped down into a completely dark crevasse to protect Amelia when she screamed from unknown forces.

Three rules given to me by my father:
1. Never acknowledge the dead. If you do, they'll feed off your energy like parasites, slowly draining your life away.
2. Never stray too far from hallowed ground, you're safe there.
3. Keep your distance from people who are haunted. They are a terrible threat and can't be trusted.
4. Never, Aver tempt fate.
Simple rules, really. But for Amelia those rules have prevented her from having any kind of a normal life. Still, she finds happiness in her job as a respected cemetery restorer and has made a happy, if isolated, life for herself.
The performer, Khristine Hvam was spur with the southern accent. Made the book more enjoyable.

You never look at grave yards the same ever again. This story makes you believe that it's possible that maybe there are people who talk to the dead. It would be nice to say a few things to a few of my deceased lol. I loved the reader, the story was great and the dead were awesome. While I suppose it's not meant to be scary exactly it does make you look over your shoulder a bit. House sounds, darkness & coincidences suddenly begin to mean a little bit more. Very good book.

The narration was lovely! The story premise was good but a little slow paced for me. I look forward to the next book in hopes that it picks up a bit.

Creepy Southern Ghosts.

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

The ending.

Driving Miss Daisy this is not.

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