Grave Birds: A Southern Gothic Mystery Novel of Full of Sinister Secrets
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 the small town, bizarre events begin to plague its wealthiest citizens--blood drips from dogwood blossoms, flocks of birds crash into houses, fire tornadoes descend from the sky. Hollis knows these are the omens her grandfather warned about, announcing the devil's return. But 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 deeds from some twenty-five years ago and the horrible things some people 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 it takes.
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 the small town, bizarre events begin to plague its wealthiest citizens--blood drips from dogwood blossoms, flocks of birds crash into houses, fire tornadoes descend from the sky. Hollis knows these are the omens her grandfather warned about, announcing the devil's return. But 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 deeds from some twenty-five years ago and the horrible things some people 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 it takes.
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Community Reviews
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the chance to review this advance copy.
Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf is a Southern Gothic tale woven with love, family secrets, and murder. Ever since Hollis died as a child and was brought back to life, she’s had a supernatural gift: when someone dies, a grave bird appears. If Hollis touches it, she relives that person’s final moments as if they were her own.
She’s managed to build a quiet life around this strange ability—until a wealthy, charming bachelor arrives in town and disrupts everything. As Hollis reimagines her future, biblical omens begin appearing, signaling something dark and apocalyptic. Strangely, the newcomer, the signs, and her mysterious new employers all seem linked to a murderous past. Guided by the grave birds and the haunting visions they bring, Hollis sets out to uncover the truth.
While I felt the story could’ve been strengthened with more detail in places, it was still an engaging and enjoyable listen.
Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf is a Southern Gothic tale woven with love, family secrets, and murder. Ever since Hollis died as a child and was brought back to life, she’s had a supernatural gift: when someone dies, a grave bird appears. If Hollis touches it, she relives that person’s final moments as if they were her own.
She’s managed to build a quiet life around this strange ability—until a wealthy, charming bachelor arrives in town and disrupts everything. As Hollis reimagines her future, biblical omens begin appearing, signaling something dark and apocalyptic. Strangely, the newcomer, the signs, and her mysterious new employers all seem linked to a murderous past. Guided by the grave birds and the haunting visions they bring, Hollis sets out to uncover the truth.
While I felt the story could’ve been strengthened with more detail in places, it was still an engaging and enjoyable listen.
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