The book's cover is mysterious, which is also what you'll find inside its pages. Read my full review,
a fun list of the author's favorite suspense stories, and enter to win a copy of your own below...
Girl at the GraveYA Gothic Suspense
Hardcover & ebook, 336 Pages
August 7th 2018 by Tor Teen
Summary
Valentine has spent years trying to outrun her mother's legacy. But small towns have long memories, and when a new string of murders occurs, all signs point to the daughter of a murderer.
Only one person believes Valentine is innocent—Rowan Blackshaw, the son of the man her mother killed all those years ago. Valentine vows to find the real killer, but when she finally uncovers the horrifying truth, she must choose to face her own dark secrets, even if it means losing Rowan in the end.
Praise for GIRL AT THE GRAVE
"With its vibrant, atmospheric setting and lush, captivating prose, Girl at the Grave is a searing Gothic story of love and murder that will burn in readers' hearts and minds long after reading." ―#1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco
“Girl at the Grave kept me up late at night with its non-stop secrets, twists, and scandals. An entertaining homage to classic Gothic romances that will keep readers guessing until the very last chapter.” ―Cat Winters, author of Odd & True
My Review
GIRL AT THE GRAVE is a slowly building Gothic mystery set in a small town with plenty of hidden ghosts for the heroine to find as she tries to uncover her own past. Readers will find Valentine's voice and character easily relatable, with a story that is easy to be swept into. The mystery is slowly unfolded with an unsuspecting villain and a love triangle to provide plenty of twists. Suspense and YA romance fans will have plenty to love here!
As I'm trying to settle my thoughts after falling into this story and coming out the other side... all I can say is it's full of a fabulously Gothic setting and mystery that is constantly fudging the plot with what-ifs and who-done-its and what-did-or-will-happens. There is also a love triangle. I've never been a fan of those, but this one works. I could see how Valentine could be so torn and I was equally torn in my own heart. That alone is a nod to some good writing - to make me feel that way. There was a slue of emotions this story pulled from me - this story really runs the gamut.
Valentine is basically the underdog, mistreated by her classmates and the town her entire life for something that happened when she was six years old. She's smart, tough, and hardworking. Beyond that, she is incredibly kind. She's also vulnerable and has her flaws. Really, just a terrific character.
There are so many other side characters and they all play vital roles in this story. Here I also appreciated how full all the characters felt. There weren't many one-dimensional characters who felt flat.
Then there's a crazy, shocking, fuel-filled, climatic ending. Even here, it isn't all done and over with in one chapter (I really hate it when stories build and build and then in like two pages it's over and you feel disappointingly unsatisfied). The ending is spread out between several things that occur as Valentine figures things out. It was a perfectly marvelous ending!
My one issue, that even really isn't an issue, is that the plot is fairly slow in places. I enjoy slower plots here and there, but for those who are used to page-turners, this might grate a little.
In the end, was it what I wished for? If you're looking for a small-town, Gothic setting with plenty of mystery, an engaging plot, romance, and great characters, then this is your book. I enjoyed it and will be looking to see what this author publishes next.
Content: This did have some innuendo and violence, but it is quite clean, all things considered (also appreciated).
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Jean Book Nerd Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Guest Post
Top Ten Murder/Mystery or Suspense Stories
In no particular order because I love them all. Almost all British! Apparently, there’s a lot of murder going on over there.
1. Book – Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
2. Book – In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
3. Book -- The Flavia de Luce mystery series by Alan Bradley, which starts with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
4. Book -- A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch
5. Book -- A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn which begins a series
6. Book – anything by Agatha Christie
7. TV Series – Shetland (My latest favorite. Set in the Shetland Islands. You get used to the lovely Scottish accent in no time!)
8. TV Series – Endeavor (love so much)
9. TV Series – Grantchester
10. TV Series - Foyle’s War (set in Great Britain during WWII)
About the Author
PHOTO CONTENT FROM TERI BAILEY BLACK
Teri Bailey Black grew up near the beach in Southern California in a large, quirky family with no television or junk food, but an abundance of books and art supplies. She’s happiest when she’s creating things, whether it’s with words, fabric, or digging in the garden. She makes an amazing chocolate cherry cake—frequently. She and her husband have four children and live in Orange County, California. Girl at the Grave is her debut novel.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
- 6 winners will receive a Copy of GIRL AT THE GRAVE by Teri Bailey Black.
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends August 21, 2018
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Did you share any of the author's favorites? Any thoughts on the book or my review?
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