Review - The Visitor by Amanda Stevens

Release Date - March 29, 2016, next week - thanks to Netgalley for this read

Book Summary

Restoring lost and abandoned cemeteries is my profession, but I’m starting to believe that my true calling is deciphering the riddles of the dead. Legend has it that Kroll Cemetery is a puzzle no one has ever been able to solve. For over half a century, the answer has remained hidden within the strange headstone inscriptions and intricate engravings. Because uncovering the mystery of that tiny, remote graveyard may come at a terrible price.

Years after their mass death, Ezra Kroll’s disciples lie unquiet, their tormented souls trapped within the walls of Kroll Cemetery, waiting to be released by someone strong and clever enough to solve the puzzle. For whatever reason, I’m being summoned to that graveyard by both the living and the dead. Every lead I follow, every clue I unravel brings me closer to an unlikely killer and to a destiny that will threaten my sanity and a future with my love, John Devlin.

The Visitor - Book 4 of the Graveyard Queen Series 

My Review - 3

This has been one of my favourite series but I wasn't able to connect with this one.  I have been thinking about it for a week and I think the fact that it has been four years since the last may be the issue. It still has the eerie atmospheric feel that keeps you reading but I found it took to long to get to the mystery.

The other books in the series were perfectly executed into each other but I felt Amanda Stevens had to give back story to really have you remember even from the beginning regarding the rules Amelia's dad taught her to stay safe.

Something very strange was happening to and around me.  I recognized a supernatural manipulation as surely as I could sense the icy chill of a ghostly presence..... The intrusion from beyond both angered and frightened me, but I couldn't deny a certain fascination.  Kindle 31%

I have been patiently waiting to read more about Amelia and Devlin's relationship and what the connection was but again the carrot was dangled and this was one of the main background stories with a anticlimactic ending, enough to make me want to read the next one, I won't give up on the series.

I was on the fence also with this one as Amelia seemed very scared, unsure of her gift and at times herself.   She has been given a puzzle to solve and there are those that want to keep her out of it.  Is it the dead or individuals she has come in contact with for her next job.  Amelia has a new gift that she needs to understand and except which adds to the eerie feeling and is visible frightened.

Death walkers are those rare individuals who have the ability to help souls pass from this world to the next.  They serve a unique and powerful purpose in the circle of life.  Kindle 37%

I do like that there are additional family connections for Amelia to learn about.  She has also been able to tap into Devlin's history, this was intriguing but a little weird, the point in a relationship where you may want that skill but also know it is wrong.

Out of all the books in this series, this has been the most odd one, mysterious but not as engaging, it may just not have been what I expected.  The Sinner, book 5 is out in September, I do look forward to that one, I need closure with this series now.  Amelia also felt she didn't quite understand her role in this book which may be why I was a little put off, it didn't grip me like the others.

From the prequel to Book 2, amazing series, book 3 and book 4 have been ok for me.  I wished they continued on with the covers though, they were stunning.

See below for my reviews if interested.  It was also an honour to have Amanda Stevens give an interview here at Tea Time with Marce, have a read if you have enjoyed her Graveyard Queen series.

My Reviews

 

The Abandoned  Prequel

The Restorer Book 1

The Kingdom Book 2

 The Prophet Book 3

Interview with Amanda Stevens