And here I was thinking that Darcy's Black Winter series was my favorite...but after finishing the third book in the Gravekeepers series I'm wondering if that is still true. This was such a fantastic continuation of the series and, similar to the Ravenous Dead, I loved getting to know our three main characters even more-which is something I don't say often as I normally prefer more plot focused books. Keira, Mason and Zoe are some of my all-time favorite characters and I genuinely wish I could be part of their friend group.

This book was similar to the first two in the series as it had very creepy graveyard vibes that were horrifying but felt like the very best kind, and different from them in the storylines that were explored. We find out the reason Mason left medical school, why Dane Crispin really locks himself away in his house, and discover more about Keira's mysterious past.

I loved this book and cannot wait for the next installment. Queen Darcy continues her reign. Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my e-book and physical review copies!

3.5 stars. This was an adventure. The stuff with ol’ Crispy was super interesting and creepy and I really wish more of the book focused on him and his home. The harvesting cemetery was also interesting. An entire chapter wasted on trying to figure out a way to get the police after Gavin was the low point of the book. But unresolved so does that mean there’s another book? Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

I’m a relatively new Darcy Coates Fan and adored the first two books in the series so I kinda figured I’d love this one too:)

The characters are cozy to me - like I could totally be friends with them and although the storyline gets pretty creepy, it’s not too hardcore horror - leaning a little towards YA in my opinion.

Kierra has a special gift but isn’t sure where it comes from; she can see spirits who have not yet ‘moved on’ and can’t recall her past because she literally has amnesia. Her heart of gold continues to guide her to help these lost souls, even if it spells danger for herself and her two besties, Zoe & Mason.

While this story picks up directly where book two ended, it could easily be read as a stand alone but I highly suggest the other two stories be read prior or at least soon after this one.

I really enjoyed this read and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series🤞🏼…. Instagram post link to come.

Darcy Coates has been one of my favourite horror writers for a long time. The Gravekeeper series is a venture in a different direction as it not only features ghosts, but also a beautiful friendship between three very different individuals. The Twisted Dead is the third book of the series and as expected it did not disappoint. This book was full of the answers of the questions that came up in the first and second books. Keira's mystery pursuers are finally brought to light. Mason's secret is unearthed and Zoe; well, Zoe is Zoe.
Without a doubt, this is my favourite book of the series, and one of the main reasons is that the book pick up where the second was left off. And that is always a positive in my book. you don't need to wade through a lot of unnecessary background information to get to the point.
Since the whole series is a light hearted horror, I would recommend this to readers who want to venture into horror but are afraid of starting any.
Thank you Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author for the ARC. I had an absoute blast reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Twisted Dead is the third book in the Gravedigger series, continuing the story of Keira, a girl with a gift to commune with the dead.

Keira and her friends receive an unexpected invitation to have dinner at Dane Crispin's manor, where they find him in need of Keira's talents. As Keira explores the edges of her gift in an attempt to help Crispin, her journey takes her closer than ever to her mysterious past.

I really enjoyed this book. The mechanics of Keira's communication with the dead are extremely unique, keeping the book very fresh. The plot was also very compelling.

I would more describe this as a paranormal mystery than a horror book (not a bad thing, but I know some people come to Darcy Coates for more traditional horror).

Overall this was a very fun book. I will absolutely be picking up the rest of this series as it comes out.

Crossposted to Goodreads at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5346081590

The Twisted Dead is the third book in Darcy Coates’ Gravekeeper series. I recently read the first two so I could read this in order, and I do recommend reading in order. This is such an entertaining, wild ride series that I am really enjoying! Keira and her two new best friends get into quite a few hijinks with ghosts, spooky neighbors and tracking down the people who are after Keira. I can’t wait to see what happens next for these three!
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion!

The Twisted Dead
by Darcy Coates

review
As per usual, I didn't know this was part of a series. I was able to read it as a stand alone. It would have been beneficial to read the first 2 books to better understand why Kiera was running and what she was running from. I plan on reading the first 2 books at some point. I thought they were on KU but Darcy Coates' books do not appear to be available on KU anymore. That's a bummer.

Anyway, on to the rest of the review. This is a YA horror/paranormal book. The writing was very easy to read and it was under 300 pages.

IMO it wasn't scary or creepy but I read thrillers all day every day and work as a 911 dispatcher for a living so it takes a lot to scare or creep me out. 😄

I know Kiera was the MFC but to me Zoe stole the show. She was a HOOT! I started to cry I laughed so hard at this quote "Do you kill one person to save many or do you let the train go Clatter Clatter Splatter Splatter?" Another great Zoe quote "Absolutely NOT! I've never stayed somewhere with bedbugs before. I want to know what it's like."  "You have a zest for life that few people could hope to rival." - Mason  He was more serious but he had a few great comebacks.

If youre just getting into paranormal books this might be a good series to check out.

On my scale I'm marking this one as a Borrow. It is worth the read and laughs but you might not re-read it in the future.

Read this book if:
👻 you are newer to paranormal books
👻 you want to laugh while reading
👻 you are looking to read a shorter novel

Thank you to Darcey Coates , Poised Press for an eARC of this book. It is OUT NOW!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press as well as Darcy Coates for this ARC.
#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #DarcyCoates #TheTwistedDead #GatekeeperSeries
This book has been a long time coming and it was worth the wait. This is the third installment in Darcy Coates’ Gatekeeper series and easily my favorite. These characters are like old friends at this point. I’ve been rooting for Keira since The Whispering Dead (Book 1).
Keira and her friends have gotten an invitation to dinner at Dane Crispin’s house. What follows is delightful. I feel like this book can stand alone, although it does enhance the experience to have read the previous two.
This book was a quick and fun read that has everything from delightfully creepy ghosts to Daisy the adorable kitty. I love all the characters, particularly Zoe and Harry. Both are good friends to Keira and add a bit of heart as well as comic relief.
I really hope that we haven’t seen the last of these characters and their ghosts.

First a big thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Returning back to Blighty to revisit Keira, Zoe and Mason in the third installment of the Gravekeeper series! This was a most anticipated book I've been excited to dive into and I was not disappointed at all. We learn a lot more of Keira's background in this one and things are beginning to become more nail biting and exhilarating! Zoe's humor was a wonderful highlight and learning more of Mason and his history was a welcome addition. For those who were dropping this series due to not "getting enough" of Keira's previous life should pick them back up and continue because this book had some more answers that were sought over. I felt like things were well paced as far as her history and things are starting to fall into place and make more sense. We have some new characters as well as revisiting some old favorites and an adventure that's heart pounding fun. It had all of the elements I've come to love about Darcy Coates and she has by far become a most anticipated favorite author of mine!! I absolutely loved how the beginning was tied up with the ending and was satisfying enough to close until the next installment of the series. Don't get me wrong, I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting until next year for it! The adventure they faced together this time was one that definitely kept me turning pages hoping it wouldn't end, but alas it did and left me anticipating the next one. This series by far is a fantastic read. I recommend it every chance I have.

Kiera is mulling over the revelation she had in book two about local bully, Gavin. Then, Dane Crispin requests her help with a ghost problem. When Kiera gets a sense of the size of the infestation, she is determined to help Dane, especially once she realizes what is at the root of his misanthropic behaviour.

Kiera works with one of the ghosts in her graveyard to find a way to deal with the nasty ghosts in Crispin manor, but though she has a sense of what is needed, can't provide Dane with any relief.

Meanwhile, Mason finally divulges what sent him away from medical school, and of course Zoe immediately says they must return to the school to deal with the situation there.

And things wouldn't be complete without Artec making an appearance and sending the trio on the run after Kiera discovers some of what Artec is up to and why they want to eliminate her.


So, lots going on in this installment! There is no shortage of danger, malevolent ghosts and people threatening Kiera's tiny bit of safety in Blighty. We get some more funny Harry moments, which are always welcome. And the best part of this series, the friendship amongst Kiera, Zoe and Mason, is on display through
-a tense dinner with Dane, and
-a road trip arguing about what tunes to play and which snacks to eat.
But more critically,
-helping Mason's deal with his shame about why he left school abruptly, and
-evading the clutches of the persistent and well-armed Artec security force.

Between Mason's straight guy persona and willingness to patch up injuries, Zoe's conspiracy theorizing and ebullience, Kiera has two people who believe in her and stick by her, no matter how scared they all are. Then there's dear Daisy, also making sure Kiera is well.

I like Darcy Coates' mix of horror and humour in this series, and looking at how this book ended, I am looking forward to more ghost action and deepening friendship in what I hope is a book four coming.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The Twisted Dead is an exciting, cozy horror novel that features an excellent plot as well as well developed characters. Darcy Coates never seems to disappointed.

The Twisted Dead is the 3rd in the Gravekeeper series. I hadn't read the other two and I definitely kept up.

The Twisted Dead is a thriller/ghost story. I had read Coates' Gallows Hill in September and it terrified me, so I was expecting more of the same. It definitely didn't have the same terror that Gallows Hill did. The ghost story wasn't very scary, but there were elements of the story that were very suspensful. I saw it described as a paranormal cozy mystery and that is a pretty accurate descriptor.

But, I did enjoy it and it definitely kept my interest. The main character, Keira, and her friends Mason and Zoe are a fun cast of characters. The premise was interesting and unique. There were three different connected story lines running throughout the book. Keira was able to use her gift to help someone out and resolve one of the storylines, but the other two remain unresolved, so I am only assuming there will be a book 4 and I'll definitely be looking out for it.

Thank you to NetGalley and poisonedpenpress for an eARC of the Twisted Dead. All my opinions are my own.

Darcy Coates writes wonderful action. She’s even better at writing vivid characters. Within a few sentences, she can paint the personality of a character. For example, in this book I loved Daisy the cat, Dane Crispin and Zoe. All wonderful.

It’s best to start this series from book one. Jumping in at book three did not work well. I also found the storyline scattered and meandering. A bit dull in multiple spots.

I discovered Darcy Coates a few months ago when I read Gallows Hill and I was immediately hooked! That is why I grabbed the chance to read The Twisted Dead and it did not disappoint at all! I love her style of writing and I love the humor that is woven through the story.
I haven't read the previous 2 books in the series and I think it would have been better but I still thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of this read.
Keira's gift, if you can call it that, is to see the dead. She is the caretaker of the Blighty cemetery (a good job if you can see the dead!) She doesn't know where she's from and why people are hunting her so this is a good place to hide. Then she gets a letter inviting her together with her 2 friends Zoe and Mason to Crispin Estate to dine with Dane Crispin. He is a recluse and quite a scary person. What is the motive for this invitation?
Things unravel from here and we see the three going on a road trip, being chased by a mysterious company, hiding in sewers and shades that are chained to their graves! She also finds out a few more things about herself.
What a ride!

I loved it and will look out for more in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

THE TWISTED DEAD, by Darcy Coates, is book 3 in her Gravekeeper series. I seem to be in the minority of this one when it comes to the opinion of whether or not it could be a standalone. Having read both of the previous novels, and then finding new information regarding Kiera's mysterious past in this one, I do not feel that it would be a good book to pick up as a "first". I feel that the enigma of Kiera's ability and amnesia of her past are too much a part of the story to be "glossed over", and should be fully experienced from the start.

That being stated, this third installment really gives a lot more information regarding some of those things--without giving away everything.

While the action was never at a standstill here, it honestly didn't feel "scary" to me in the least. Even the way Kiera talks to the ghosts she can see borders on sarcasm/comedy. The parts that should have felt threatening just didn't quite pull it off. Many readers will be fine with this, but if you're looking for a ghost story that is truly haunting, this one may not be the one.

However, from someone who's read each book in this series, I felt that this one had the most to give in terms of revelations and action.

this third book to the grave-keeper series is full of ghosts and action. I really enjoyed this one and how it’s beginning to tie up some questions that I’ve had since the first book.

characters from the first story are making a bigger appearance in this as you get to learn about their background and how they became to be in this quiet, quirky town.

there is no shortage for ghosts in this book. they are all throughout the book with the different tasks that the group has taken on.

Clean supernatural mystery. Part of a series but reads perfectly as a standalone.

I enjoyed it tho had trouble staying interested about half thru. Probably just me tho as I honestly enjoyed it after I picked it back up.

This title did not disappoint! I enjoyed it and look forward to more work from this author!

4 out of 5!

When I requested this eARC off of NetGalley, I had no idea it was part of a series, let alone the third book. I was worried that would be a huge issue and I’d end up not being able to enjoy the book due to not having that background with the characters and world.

Let me tell y’all that wasn’t the case. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it’s the third in a series, and there’s obviously two whole books ahead of it, I wasn’t thrown all the way in the deep end. There was enough background given, without the other two books being spoiled, for me to follow along.

I loved this book actually. It was great. I fully intend to buy the previous two books because I need to know how it all started.

Now, to the book itself.

The characters were great. I liked our main character and her two friends Zoe and Mason.

Zoe is that excitable, weird friend that never knows when to turn off the jokes and sass. Mason is the tired friend from dealing with the excited friend. He’s also a former med school student and Zoe works at a grocery store.

Keira works at a graveyard as a keeper. She cleans the graves and speaks to the ghosts. I like how her ghost seeing ability was described. A second sight that she had to “pull a muscle” to use. I actually really liked that. Usually it’s just described as a second sight and we keep on going. She strained it, worked it hard, got headaches, all of it was great.

I really enjoyed the characters’ relationships. The growing romance was nice, it wasn’t something I felt like I was missing out on and it wasn’t rushed. Nothing in this book was rushed which I really appreciated.

The only thing about this that really bothered me, aside from the lack of diversity, is a plot point. There was a subplot that essentially took over the story and while reading what became the main plot, I was literally like “but what happened with yadda-yadda” and then it finally got back to that. Although that was wrapped up nicely.

It’s my only really critique with the book and so for this book review, that’s a positive. Plus I love how purple the cover is.

I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to them and the publisher.

When I requested this title, I did not realize that this was the third book in a series. I listened to the first two books in order to read this one, but unfortunately I did not really enjoy the second book and that really ruined this one for me.

I do not mesh with the writing style and I feel like the characters became friends too easily. Because of this I did not manage to get past 20% of the book and DNF'ed it.

I would try other books by this author because the premise sounded very interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.