One star. Look, I know Darcy Coates has a dedicated fanbase, and this is probably a wildly unpopular opinion, but The Twisted Dead just didn't work for me. At all. I really wanted to like it, I enjoy a good haunted house story, and the premise sounded promising. Unfortunately, I found the pacing glacial, the characters flat, and the "twists" predictable. I DNF'd at 50 percent, which is something I rarely do. It felt like I was slogging through mud, and the supposed scares were just...not scary. Maybe it picks up in the second half, but I wasn't willing to endure any more.
I also read this as a standalone, which might have contributed to my difficulties. I've seen some reviews mention that the series builds on itself, and perhaps I would have been more invested if I had read the earlier books. That said, I still think the writing was lacking for my taste. If you're a die-hard Coates fan, or if you've read the series in order, you'll probably disagree, and that's fine. But for me, this was a hard pass.

"The Twisted Dead" by Darcy Coates is the third installment in her captivating Gravekeeper series, following protagonist Keira's supernatural adventures. Published on February 7, 2023, this paranormal mystery/horror novel continues to blend lighthearted moments with genuinely creepy elements.

The story centers on Keira, who possesses the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, as she receives an invitation to dinner at the ancestral estate of Dane Crispin, a man who previously attempted to kill her. Upon entering the mansion, Keira senses the presence of restless spirits and discovers that Dane needs her help.

Coates excels at creating a suspenseful atmosphere, drawing readers into the haunted world of the Crispin estate. The author's skill in balancing humor with horror keeps the narrative engaging and fast-paced. Character development shines, particularly for Keira, as more of her mysterious past is revealed.

The introduction of parasitic ghosts and the enigmatic Artec corporation adds depth to the series' mythology, hinting at a larger conspiracy that ties into Keira's forgotten history. This element elevates the story beyond a simple ghost tale, introducing corporate intrigue and a deeper mystery for readers to unravel.

While part of a series, "The Twisted Dead" works well as a standalone novel, making it accessible to new readers while continuing the overarching plot for fans of the series. Coates' writing style is praised for its ability to keep readers on edge, with unexpected twists that challenge initial perceptions.

The novel's pacing is generally well-executed, though some readers might find certain sections in the middle slightly slower. However, the intense ending more than makes up for any lulls in the story.

"The Twisted Dead" is a solid addition to the paranormal mystery genre, offering a compelling blend of suspense, character development, and supernatural elements. It's recommended for readers who enjoy ghost stories with a mix of humor and horror, and is suitable for adult readers, though the characters are likely in their early to mid-twenties.

In conclusion, Darcy Coates delivers another entertaining entry in the Gravekeeper series with "The Twisted Dead," cementing her reputation as a talented author in the paranormal genre.

3.5 overall!

I absolutely love the Gravekeeper series and seeing what Kira and the gang get up to next! I really enjoy how each book has its own thing that it focuses on, but still connects with the previous ones and leaves you hanging on to what’s going to happen next. Although this wasn’t my favorite in the series, I did enjoy discovering more about Mason’s past and figuring out more about the group that’s after Kira. I definitely can’t wait to dive into the next one and see what that one has in store!

The characters are easy to connect with, and you’ll find yourself wondering what will happen to them next. The pacing is just right, with enough twists and surprises to keep you hooked.

While the story is similar to other haunted house tales, the eerie vibe makes it stand out. If you love spooky stories, this is a great pick!

Rating: 4/5 stars. A must-read for fans of haunted house horror.

Book 3 in the series finds Keira getting closer to her lost memories when she runs into some mysterious men who seem to want her dead.

This series is as addicting as potato chips and I have to admit I'm hooked.

They are fun and the story line is interesting enough with just a woman with amnesia who can see the dead as a focal point. Add in the mystery of who she is and why she's being hunted and you have a heck of a series.

Recommended

Thanks to @netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Keira and her friends are invited to the Crispin house. Upon entering, Keira is aware of several ghosts that are basically sucking the life from Dane crispin. And they have no intention of leaving!

This series is so fun! I love the dynamic between Keira and her friends! It’s spooky without it being too scary. It’s engaging and funny! I really enjoy this series!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Darcy Coates is always a good time. I have purchases a physical copy for my personal library and given it as a gift as well.

'The Twisted Dead' by Darcy Coates is part of the Gravekeeper series. If you enjoyed the others this one will be equally captivating.

Kiera and her friends have found another mystery to solve while being surrounded by ghosts and a mysterious group that wants to silence her forever. I enjoyed this book as we uncover more about Kiera's past and her powers to help/hinder ghosts. These books are a good mix of mystery, horror, and friendship. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

I didn't realize going in that this was part of a series. I will now have to read the other books associated with this one.

Although it is in a series, I was still able to read and enjoy this one as a semi-standalone. Yes, there were some parts I couldn't quite connect, but it was still a fun, paranormal mystery read with some great spooky atmospheric moments.

Darcy Coates does a great job of writing thriller/horror/mystery that is accessible to readers who want a little bit of scare, but not gore or too much darkness.

I love this series. I love Darcy Coates 😍 Always manages to Create such a spooky and chilling atmosphere. Would highly recommend not just this book but all Darcy Coates books.

This gives cozy horror vibes. Don’t think that’s a thing? Read this series! It’s like British Ghost Whisperer. I eat this series up and this third installment just makes it even better.

Another excellent installment in this series. I really enjoyed the characters, plot, and pacing. Cannot wait for more from Coates, who is one of my favorite paranormal authors.

A good continuation of the series! I love the spooky vibe and how we're slowly uncovering more of Keira's story. I get a little frustrated sometimes because I want MORE now, but I can appreciate a slow burn, too. Love the other characters, too, and the way Coates writes everyone is fun and keeps the story going. If you liked the first two, you'll probably enjoy this 3rd installment!

Another eerie horror novel that centers around, Keira, who has the ability to communicate with the dead. She is called to a small town plagued by mysterious and terrifying occurrences. As she investigates, Keira discovers that the town's history is steeped in dark secrets and malevolent forces that refuse to stay buried. The plot thickens as Keira encounters restless spirits and uncovers the horrifying truth behind the town's seemingly serene facade. Her journey is fraught with danger as she battles both supernatural and human threats to uncover the source of the evil that haunts the town. The Twisted Dead's eerie atmosphere, suspenseful pacing, and Coates' ability to create a sense of dread, permeates the novel. The combination of a strong, resourceful main character and a deeply unsettling mystery makes it a compelling read for horror enthusiasts.

I didn’t realize it was part of a series but I did enjoy it. I will be reading the others and I have bought a couple of her others. Great atmosphere and I like her writing style

Love this series!
I'm a big fan of Darcy Coates and when I saw this series I soaked it up in two days. These characters are relatable the ghost adventures keep you engaged. I highly recommend this series. It's fun, creepy and thriller till the end.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Darcy Coates

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

I loved it so much. I have been reading this series since the first book. This series is in my opinion, Coates' best work so far. I can't wait for the next book. Zoey is by far my favorite character and I desperately need a best friend just like her.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!