Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC.

I enjoyed this second book in Coates' Gravekeeper Series much more than I did the first book. Coates expanded the development of the characters and actually got a bit darker with the plot. Keira, Mason and Zoe must tackle a long dead serial killer who is tormenting the other spirits in the cemetary.

Darcy Coates has really impressed me with her ability to describe creepy elements to invoke fear in the reader. Incidents involving humans and ghosts are expertly woven. I lose myself in those sections. Interactions between humans could be developed more. In my opinion the Gravekeeper series should be marketed as a NA (new adult) horror. I think it would appeal to high school to college age readers. The characters of Mason, Zoe and Keira often speak in simplistic terms like a new adult with even a reference to having a "pizza party".

I appreciated the fact that the quirky commentary from the character of Zoe was toned down in this second novel. I found her banter in the first book to be annoying. Here Zoe comes across as being more mature and her friendship with Keira develops into a stronger team of three. (Keira, Zoe and Mason)

Readers who enjoy short, novellas will enjoy this book. It was an easy read and fast paced.

“You know your life has gone off the rails when you start differentiating between normal ghosts and weird ghosts.”

This is unlike the other novels I’ve read by the author. While there are ghosts and a cemetery, there are also good friends and someone tracking down Freida, the star of the book. I really liked the balance between the ongoing series mystery and the stand alone mystery. I liked Freida, her friends Zoe and Mason and Daisy the cat, but I might be a little biased there as one of my cats is also named Daisy and is a little quirky too.

I love horror but am not totally sure I believe in ghosts and I think the author does a great job of having ghosts in a story that I am not rolling my eyes at. I read this one in a day and if I was the type of person who could sit still for many hours, it would have been in just one sitting.

While this is book 2 in the series, it isn’t necessary to have read book 1. Anyone that loves ghost stories, friends and small town vibes should check this one out.

Thank you to the publishers at Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this ARC of The Ravenous Dead!

The Ravenous Dead is book two in Darcy Coates Gravekeeper series. While I haven’t read the first book, this can be easily be read as a standalone. Coates does a great job of giving us the relevant information needed to understand what happened to Keira in book one.

Keira can see and speak to ghosts. Hired by Adage, the local parishioner, to help ghosts move on, Keira is thankful for the job and the little cottage she now calls home. Keira can’t only speak to ghosts, she’s also lost her memory. While running through the forest from men armed with weapons, she somehow forgot everything about herself.

In the small town of Blighty, which she now calls home, her friends Mason and Zoe are all she really has right now. One morning while out on her stroll through the cemetery, she encounters a ghost with no face and therefore no way to communicate with her. Below him lies an unmarked grave, so naturally Keira sets out to discover his identity so he can be fully laid to rest. But when she stumbles upon a restless spirit one night, a shade, Kiera wonders if maybe she’s in over her head. After all, who can help her when she’s the only one who can see these ghostly figures?

I really enjoyed this story. As someone who loves anything and everything ghostly, this story had me engaged immediately. Darcy is also amazing when it comes to twists, as I didn’t see any of them coming, especially the last one. I loved it, and can’t wait to see what happens in her next installment of this series!

Read this if:
👻 you love ghost stories
🪦 you enjoy fast paced books
🔮 you love mystery mixed with horror
🍁 you like series more than standalones

I love Darcy Coates’ books! I call them comfy horror, because they’re spooky, but not so spooky that I can’t read them before bed. Her main characters are always women (or at least they are in all of her books I’ve read so far) which also helps me enjoy them more.

That being said, this one was not one of my favorites. It felt like the first chapter was missing. I kept going back to the beginning, thinking I’d missed a few pages because it felt like things were missing. I know the author was trying to let the details unravel as the story was told, but a few too many important details were missing for me to really understand what was going on for a lot of the story. That being said, the story flowed really well, and I loved the friendship between Keira, Mason, and Zoe- I want to be friends with the three of them in my life! I loved the town they lived in and all of the unique characters in it. Although this wasn’t my favorite Darcy Coates read, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others who enjoy “comfy horror.”

I’ve read several Darcy Coates novels and always feel a thrill of excitement when I see one come up for review on NetGalley. Of course I snagged this one – what a cover!

As with all Coates books I’ve read, an eerie atmosphere cloaks the story along with some goosebump-worthy moments that may make you leery of graveyards at night. Keira has the power to see and speak to ghosts. While trying to figure out who she is (because of amnesia), she takes a job as a groundskeeper at a cemetery. Part of her job description includes helping the lingering spirits to move on. Some of the ghosts she encounters are amusing (one man insists on being proudly naked), others are confused about what happened to them, and some have unfinished business. But one is extremely violent and a danger not only to Keira, but also to the spirits she’s trying to help. He was a serial killer when alive and isn’t finished claiming victims.

Along with new friends Mason and Zoe, the three of them set out to learn about the killer’s past so Keira can send him away from this plane for good. They’re assisted by someone smarter than the three of them put together – Daisy the cat (don’t all cats assume they’re smarter than humans?). She seems to understand what’s going on around her and helps Keira out of sticky situations more than once. She also knows ways to get in and out of the house without being seen. Made me wonder if she had some kind of supernatural power herself.

Nothing on NetGalley indicated this was the second book in a series. When I started reading it, I felt like I’d walked into a room in the middle of a conversation and missed some important information. Upon checking Goodreads, I learned this was book two. Backstory is mentioned, but I never felt like I really knew these characters very well. I prefer to read a series in order – that’s just me – but other reviewers have mentioned these can be standalones. It all depends on your preference.

Although it’s not my favorite book by this author, I still enjoyed the read, and it’s sure to give horror and paranormal fans thrills and chills.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Ravenous Dead is such a great book, Darcy Coates is a master at building intensely creepy events in her writing. I feel this book stands out among some of Coates other books as Zoe’s character continues to develop and adds some humor into the story. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out so I can see what adventures Keira and her friends embark on next, I’m also curious to see if Keira and Mason’s friendship stays plutonic or slowly grows into something more.

What a fantastic continuation of the Gravekeeper series! I can't say too much about this one without spoiling what happened in the first book but I will say that Keira and her friends quickly became some of my favorite characters, and I was desperate to read more about their continued mission in Blighty. This book was so eerie and stunningly atmospheric that I could really picture myself right there in the foggy graveyard with them.

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for my ARC!

This is the second book in the Gravekeeper series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I love the friendship between Keira, Zoe and Mason. Harry is also an interesting and humorous character. I hope we see more of him.

I didn't feel this was a scary book, more of a creepy mystery with a small town vibe. I am excited to go back and read book one and looking forward to book 3.

Overall a fun quick read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates for an advanced copy of The Ravenous Dead in exchange for my honest review!

The Ravenous Dead will be on US bookshelves March 15, 2022.

The Ravenous Dead is the follow up to Darcy Coates’s The Whispering Dead. We’re following up on Keira- a ghost whispering mystery woman new to the town of Blighty.

See, the thing is- Keira doesn’t know much about herself. What she does know is that she’s being hunted by a mysterious group involving flaky skin, skull masks, and dogs. Beyond that? Clueless.

This is another book I’d categorize is New Adult Horror in the way the characters are written and the story flows. You’ve got your classic occult manic pixie chick and a gentle and pining love interest for best friends- oh, and an adorable derpy black cat.

The writing is snappy and quick making for a fast, but tense read.

Fresh from solving one ghostly mystery, Keira is now hunted by a dark specter in the woods that calls to her. As its strength grows she must find a way to not only save herself, but the souls that have not yet moved on to the afterlife.

Overall, I found that I really enjoyed this book as I read both the Whispering Dead and the Ravenous Dead within the same day. TRD is a longer and more fleshed out story that pretty much picks off exactly where book one started.

My main issue with this book is character development and dialogue in that the characters often speak the same and could’ve been more well rounded.

Still, the story is quite intriguing with plenty of comedic relief and was very enjoyable to read! 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful arc!

This book and this series has such a great vibe to it. I feel so at home reading this horror, murder/mystery style book. It's the perfect series to curl up with at night and enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea or whatever! Your beverage of choice, ya'll.

The small town fills with gossip as Keira becomes more well known, for better or worse (but mostly better). She is living in a cabin by the graveyard and trying to use her abilities to help the ghosts pass on. Things quickly escalate when not only does she find an evil ghostly presence near the graveyard, but also when her past comes back to haunt her threatening to take away her new life.

I love the friendship between Keira, Zoe and Mason. Zoe cracks me up with her conspiracy theories and Mason is endearing with his calm and caring attitude. This book gave me everything I need; thrills, chills and laughs and love. I definitely recommend this series!

Out March 15th!

I adore Darcy Coates books. I appreciate a good ghost story without tons of violence and sexual situations. In this second book of the series Kiera finally tells her friends Mason and Zoe that she can see ghosts. They are more than willing to help her in any way they can to rid the graveyard of the ghost of a serial killer. And it now seems that one of the townspeople want to rid the graveyard of Keira.

Earlier, During a trip to a near by town with Adage, Keira is once running for her life when a ghost at the hospital points her to the direction of a black van with a mysterious symbol on it. The driver recognizes her and the chance begins. We don’t know yet why they are after her but now the friends have a hint to go on.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Darcy Coates and Poisoned Pen Press for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't realize that this was the second book in a series, but that didn't really affect how I felt about this one. You have the background you need for the most part, but I also think you can go back and read the first one without already knowing whats happening. I really enjoyed the main character and the friends that she has made. THis one was really quick paced and I loved her skills. So unique and interesting! Loved it.

📖ARC Review📖
The Ravenous Dead by Darcy Coates
This story is about a young girl named Keira, she is hired to work in a graveyard where she soon learns she can see and hear the spirits of the dead. She learns there is a malevolent spirit and with the help of her newly acquainted friends she begins her mission to find out how she can help this spirit move on from this world to the next. Although this is the second book in a series, I didn’t feel lost.
The town had the atmosphere of Stars Hollow, with small quaint shops and nosy neighbors. The friendships were reminiscent of those in 90’s shows such as Buffy and Charmed.
Overall this was an entertaining read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Couldn't put this book down. The author created a great page turner with this book. Looking forward to reading more of this series.

Darcy Coates is one of my all-time favorite authors and this book didn’t disappoint however I did feel like I was missing a part of the story while reading it. This is book two in her Gravekeeper series so that could explain it. I hadn’t read book 1.

This book is about Keira who gets hired as the grounds keeper of an old church cemetery. Keira can see ghost and with the help of two friends solve a mystery of what has the cemetery residents all upset. In the meantime, there is a group of men trying to find Keira.

I enjoyed this book and the characters were very relatable. I fell in love with Keira’s cat, Daisy.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

*Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Darcy Coates, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/the-ravenous-dead/

“Now I know what a ghost is. Unfinished business, that’s what.”

― Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses

I’ve been a fan of Darcy Coates since her very first book. She started with true ghost stories and is now more of a cozy ghost mystery writer. Her books aren’t dark or gory but more like reading a Nancy Drew novel, with Mason and Zoe as her trusty sidekicks. Having read the first book in this series, The Whispering Dead, I am thrilled to be able to read and review the sequel.

Keira is a young woman without a past. She believes Keira is her real name, but she can’t remember who she was when she woke up cold and alone in the small town of Blighty. Keira realized almost immediately that she could talk to ghosts and have them communicate with her. She does not understand how her clairvoyance works, not knowing if she has been like that in the past. She also struggles to understand why these “flaky men” are trying to find her. Now living in a groundskeeper cottage, outside a graveyard, she is able to help the spirits move on that seem to linger around the cemetery.

In The Ravenous Dead, Keira, along with main characters; Pastor Adage, Zoe, and Mason try to take on a malevolent spirit, Gerald Barge, the most popular guy in town in 1892, before he died, and they discovered he was a serial killer. When she learns his ghost is tearing apart the spirits living in her graveyard, she must find out why his spirit is lingering and try to send him on his way. And let’s not forget about Daisy, the mysterious cat, who seems to appear randomly through closed doors and windows to comfort Keira.

Darcy Coates has created interesting, clean characters that are relatable. Keira and her gang will appeal to all ages, from teens to any age. There is no ‘horror’ or ‘gore’. There are just fun characters and wonderful friendships, with some good scares but not ‘keep your light on all night’ horror. This series is a brilliant choice because it is a fun, easy series to read, without too many complications. In my opinion, this should be read as a series and not as a standalone, as it is hard to read book two without knowing why Keira is the way she is. It became clear really early on that this series was not a duet like I had expected. In The Ravenous Dead, Keira’s relationships grow and she gets to know more of the townspeople of Blighty, including Harry, the goth son of the town florist. This is a very fun read!

This book was amazing. I loved every part of it.had me wanting more.i need more from this series asap.and i need more from Darcy Coates. Ive been reading every single book.by her this year and each one is phenomenal this one though is a must.

I was really excited to read my first Darcy Coates novel. Unfortunately, while i thought the characters were mildly interesting, I didn't feel like they were enough to keep my attention in this story.

I absolutely love Darcy Coates. She never fails to deliver a spooky, atmospheric read. After reading the first in this series I was thrilled to receive this as an ARC! It could easily be read as a stand-alone if you haven’t read the first one, The Whispering Dead.

A story about murder, revenge, and a girl who can see the ghosts of the dead. Keira has a special gift, she is a medium. Her goal is to help lost spirits cross over to their peaceful resting place. She is the grounds keeper at the Blightly Graveyard. Kiera might have met her match when she crosses paths with the spirit of a former serial killer and must figure out why he is still lingering.

This book was creepy but not too scary. I loved the creepy, unsettling atmospheric vibes. There are some twists and turns, and the characters are quirky and loveable! Overall, a fun quick read but nothing too scary!

Thankyou to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Ravenous Dead will be on US bookshelves March 15, 2022!

Though this was clearly a sequel, I felt myself enjoying it nonetheless. The story follows a young woman who, having lost her memory, ends up as someone talking to and trying to save the ghosts in a graveyard by finding what is holding them here and handling their unfinished business. However, in the process of doing this, she not only makes friends with a few locals, but also happens to make some very serious enemies. A “shade” in the graveyard to be precise. This book has everything. Weird secret societies, serial killers, the power of second sight, a psychic cat. I highly recommend this if you want a creepy read. And I promise, you don’t have to have read the previous book to get into the story. I swear! This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.