I’ve read the first two books in this three part “Gravedigger” series by Darcy Coates, so I was extremely eager to find out how everything wrapped up. Once again, the descriptive writing made it so easy to imagine every detail in the story. Keira and her friends find themselves on a road trip to figure out what exactly led her to the town of Blighty with little to no memory of who she really was or how she wound up there. She has the ability to see the spirit world of those who haven’t been able to move on and while some of them she attempts to help, she discovers there are some not willing to move on. I had many of my questions answered from the progression of the first two books with this wrap up, however, I was still left wondering about some things that seemed important to the trilogy.

Twister Dead is the third entry in the Gravekeeper series by horror bestseller Darcy Coates. While a series, this book can be read as standalone and I personally read this one without reading the others. I have read Darcy Coates before and have really enjoyed her books. I didnt even hesitate to grab this book, I didnt even read the blurb. This one had the expected chills and thrills, however it was a little slower paced than is my preference. The characters are likeable and there is humor sprinkled throughout which gives this chilling story a bit of light heartedness. There are some very creepy moments that will stick with me. Darcy Coates is a talented author and I can see why her books are recommended in many groups I'm part of.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this book despite not knowing the backstory. The Twisted Dead is the third book in the Gravekeeper series. The main characters are very appealing, as are the secondary characters. There are secrets, danger, the supernatural, and longing. This is a very satisfying story!

I love the author so didn't realize this was part of a series. While I loved the writing style and it was easy to follow the plot, I suppose the added backstory from the first two books would have made the characters more realistic

The damp leaves coated the ground, filling the air with a must that only a graveyard could create. The stones were in disarray, some toppled over, others cracked through, and others covered in a slimy moss. She made her way through the resting places of each resident and talked to the ones who would acknowledge her, because she could do that you know… see the ghosts.

The Twisted Dead continues following Keira, who can see ghosts with a second vision she’s been gifted with. I won’t go into much detail of the plot of this one because it would spoil some things from the first two books of this series.

I was drawn right back into Keira’s story as this book picks up where book two left. A new plot intertwining with an ongoing plot with lots of ghost adventures. While this is classified as a horror novel, I’d put it more in the “cozy horror” category as it’s not a gory, scary type of book. The middle of this one did drag a bit for me as it took a little side journey that didn’t interest me, but the two main plot points definitely had me invested. Also, Keira’s friend Zoe is the best side character and reminds me so much of Phoebe from Friends.
I’m hoping there is a book four coming out because this story is not over!

If you’re looking for a spooky ghost tale with sinister undertones that aren’t too scary, then I recommend checking out this series by Darcy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author for my arc copy of The Twisted Dead by Darcy Coates for an honest review.

Release date: 2. 7. 2023

SPOILER FREE

The Twisted Dead is the third instalment in the Gravekeeper series, and it is my understanding that there will be five books in total for this series. So another two to look forward to! 👀

The third book obviously follows the lead character Keira and her friends in and out of the town of Blighty. I love the entire concept of communicating with ghosts and enjoy the fiction books I come across with this concept in it.

I enjoyed the third book the most out of the three as I feel that it reveals more about Keira, her gift and her past. I didn’t want this book to finish, and had trouble putting it down. I read this in two days.

The authors writing is really easy to read, doesn’t waffle on, and still manages to be detailed at the same time. The characters are diverse and show growth.

I cannot wait for the next book in the Gravekeeper series to be released so I can find out what happens next.

I stupidly requested this book without realizing it was a part of a series. I got caught up with the cover and who the author was that I didn’t even bother to read what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was easy to follow along despite not reading the first two in the series and now I plan on going back to catch up because I really enjoy this authors writing style

This one is part of a series and I don't want to start in the middle. I really wish the series was noted better in the title so it would be easier to not even request something I wasn't ready to read. I'll grab the first in the series and make my way to this one when I can.

3/5 stars - This was an enjoyable read about friends, ghosts, and some nefarious company trying to do bad things to people and ghosts alike. I had not read the previous two in this series, but I had no problems jumping right into this one. I'm sure I'd have more backstory about Kiera had I read the others, but I enjoyed it even on its own. Loved the humor that Zoe and Kiera bring to the dialog, laughed out loud several times. I'll look forward to more, for sure!

Oh, how I miss Keira, Mason, and Zoe already.

I thought a lot about the rating on this one because I've been very picky with the scoring lately, but there's no reason why I wouldn't rate this one a five.

Keira is a very likable character, as well are Mason and Zoe. Now, we're adding Harry and Dane to the mix, and they're all so different, yet awesome.

I had some issues going into this third book, especially because of the second one, where there is a mention of Zoe's mom and more details about Mason's decision to give up college. And I thought Keira, although reasonably, is very selfish because she doesn't really ask more about her friends' lives. Well, the third book truly solved that for me, and I am GRATEFUL.

It's not as scary as the second book, unfortunately, but the Gravekeeper series isn't as much about horror as other books written by the author, so it's fine.

The slow-burn romance between Keira and Mason is KILLING me, but at the same time, I LOVE IT. They're not jumping into something unknown, because, let's face it, the entire action happens in the span of like, a month?

My only complaint is that I miss them already and there are no details about the next book yet. Please, Darcy, I need it.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a free arc in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this one.

I have not read the other books in this series. When I got an advanced copy of this, I didn’t know it was the 3rd book in the series. I didn’t want to read the other books. But I feel like I missed a lot by not reading them. I do like this author. But I didn’t like this book.

A well plotted and highly entertaining ghost stories. it kept me hooked and on the edge till the end.
Darcy Coates delivers a well plotted Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine story with a well developed world building and fleshed out characters.

Another great installment to the Gravekeeper series, Keira, Zoe, and Mason are on another quest to help lingering spirits, except this time it is very personal. Additionally, the reclusive Crispin heir has asked them to his home for dinner, but is it a trap? Discoveries are made concerning Keira’s past, and family members are reunited while new problems arise needing resolution.

This is another stellar novel by Darcy Coates. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it’s characters. The description that goes into settings and scenes in enthralling. Being a stickler for small details myself, Darcy never disappoints. Whenever I think I’ve found a plot hole, she always fills it, bringing a smile to my face. Her writing is brilliant! I can’t wait for the next story with Keira and friends.

This is one of the most unusual books I've ever read. I loved it! If you like books that are different, then you will love this one. It's the 3rd in the gravekeeper series, but you don't have to read the first 2. I was able to get enough back story to know what generally happened in the first 2 books. It's centered around Keira and her 2 friends Zoe and Mason. Keira can see the dead and she tries to help them move on. I love all three main characters in the book, but my favorite is Zoe. She's funny and different. I'm not sure if I should thank Darcy Coates or be irritated, because now I have to keep an eye out for the next book in the series. My list of tbr is long enough. I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I think the 180 wacky turn this took is exactly what I was waiting for. I love this story and really wish this series could last forever. I am so proud to have had a chance to read this one so early. Darcy is well deserving of all the success she has.

This was a fun book to read! Although I haven’t read the other two books prior (unaware this was a book in a series), I don’t think I ever felt lost with the characters. An engaging plot and interesting characters. I’m interested in reading the other books in the series after reading this one.

This is the 3rd book of Gravekeeper series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good.  I little bit lost because suddenly talk about being haunting without backstory from previous book. I love the detail in any kind of ghosts and author describe it well. The parasite kind so creapy and disgusted. Then harvesting energy from Shade kind..let them rest in peace! Oh my god.. I really enjoy this book and love all the character even Harry lol! I cant wait for the next book! Release The Shade!! Destroy Artec!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#TheTwistedDead #Gravekeeper #DarcyCoates #PoisonedPenPress #NetGalley #ARC

"Keira must decide if she should use her ability to contact ghosts to help the man who once tried to kill her.

Hunted and haunted, all she wants is to put her mysterious past behind her and move forward with her new friends as Blighty Graveyard's groundskeeper. But then she receives an invitation to dinner at the local recluse's crumbling ancestral estate. The mansion is steeped in history that is equal parts complicated and bloody - and at its center is the man who once tried to kill her, now begging for her help.

Dane Crispin believes his home is haunted - and that the unquiet dead clawing through the ancient house are after him. Unnerved but intrigued, Keira opens her second sight and discovers he's right: resentful specters cling to Dane…and if she can't find a way to stop them, threaten to consume everything in their path.

There's something dark happening in the world beyond most peoples' vision, and if Keira isn't able to sever the ties between the living and the dead, the chained spirits may not be the only things twisted beyond saving."

If it wasn't a "fate of the world" situation I'd let the ghosts have him!

Review: 3.5 stars

I have thoroughly enjoyed this gravekeeper series and was excited for this next installment by Darcy Coates.

The storyline starts strong and introduces us to Crispin Manor, where the last living descendant of the family line asks Keira and her friends, Zoe and Mason for help. Something about his home has always felt off, and he wonders if there are ghosts who have yet to pass on. Once Keira looks through the veil and into the ether, what she sees horrified her — every Crispin who has passed is leeching of Dale and his life force.

As her and her friend search for answer on how to help Dale, this is where I feel the storyline takes a turn. While I enjoyed more backstory into Mason and Keira, it shifts the storyline in a direction that takes the focus away from the potential of exploring deeper into Crispin Manor.

The second half of this book, feels like it could be its own story. It almost forgets about Crispin Manor all together and opens up to a whole new story and setting, that has a different feeling from the first half. While I enjoyed it and it’s an easy read, the ending felt rushed as it tried to come full circle to bring the two storylines together. This is probably my least favorite of the gravekeeper series to date but, the sprinkles of information and backstory in the second half that were revealed were enough to ensure that if there is a fourth installment I will continue on with the gravekeeper series.

I do look forward to exploring more of the core backstory for Keira in a fourth installment that gives more insight on who and what exactly she got involved in before she came to town with no memories from her past.

I would recommend this for those who are Darcy Coates fans or into YA gothic horror, ghost stories, paranormal thrillers. Noting, that while this is the third installment of series you don’t need to read the first two to understand book three but would recommend checking out the entire series if you started with this one!

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC, courtesy of NetGalley. Publication date for The Twisted Dead is Feb 7, 2023.

*rounded up for Goodreads purposes.

The Twisted Dead
By Darcy Coates
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The third book in the “Gravekeeper” series picks up right where the previous left off.

Things are as complex as ever for protagonist Keira, as she struggles to discover more about her murky (and increasingly dangerous) past while balancing her growing ghostly abilities.
She’ll need the help of her friends more than ever as her mysterious enemies from the past loom closer while she works to free Dane Crispin from the clutches of some truly diabolical ghosts.

An overall solid entry, with a few spooky moments, though this was more mystery than ghost story.
While I still enjoy the story and writing style, as well as Keira’s growing confidence in her powers, I would’ve liked to see more character development in her peers. While none of the books in this series have been long, it felt a bit unfinished—too many questions posed without tying up loose ends. However, I will absolutely be continuing the series—fingers crossed for stronger plot and character development.

Thanks to Netgalley and Black Owl Books for this early edition in exchange for an honest review.