Grave Birds

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Synopsis

Grave birds haunt the cemeteries of Hawthorne, South Carolina, where Spanish moss drips from the trees and Southern charm is imbued with lies. Hollis Sutherland never knew these unique birds existed, not until she died and was brought back to life. The ghostly birds are manifestations of the dead’s unfinished business, and they know Hollis and her uncanny gift can set them free.

When a mysterious, charming bachelor wanders into their small town, bizarre events begin to plague its wealthiest citizens—like blood dripping from dogwood blossoms, flocks of birds crashing into windows of their homes, and faces in paintings morphing into distortion. Hollis knows these are the omens her grandfather warned about, announcing the devil’s return. Despite Cain Landry’s eerie presence and the plague that has followed him, his handsome face and wicked charm win over the townsfolk. Even Hollis falls under his spell as they grow closer.

That is, until lies about the town’s past start to surface. The grave birds begin to show Hollis the dead’s ugly past from some twenty-five years ago. And she learns all about the horrible things these noble families did to gain their wealth. Hollis can’t decide if Cain is some immortal hand of God, there to expose their sins. Or if he’s a devil there to ruin them all. Either way, she’s determined to save her town and the people in it, whatever she has to do.

Synopsis source: StoryGraph

Review

Genre(s): Paranormal, Horror, Gothic, Magical Realism
HB&W Rating: 4 stars
View on StoryGraph | Goodreads
Buy on Barnes & Noble, Amazon

I’m not a big horror fan due to my overactive imagination and the ensuing nightmares, but I love a good dark and atmospheric read and this is more like horror-light. I saw another reviewer (Paige – TheBookandtheBoston) call for a subgenre of horror called cozy horror, I and I have to say I agree that Elmendorf’s books would suit that description perfectly.

I really enjoyed In the Hour of Crows and was so excited for Grave Birds. It did not disappoint. It was haunting and eerie in all the best ways. The twists were so good and kept me guessing. I loved the dash of romance, though I wouldn’t have said no to a bit more of it because Cain was ticking all my boxes!

I loved the concept of grave birds as the dead’s biggest regret manifested in the ghostly form of a bird. The other paranormal elements throughout lent a spooky quality to the story and the atmospheric writing brought it all to life.

If you enjoy slightly spooky paranormal stories that give you all the creepy vibes but don’t give you nightmares, or if you read In the Hour of Crows and liked it, you’ll enjoy this.

Thank you to Mira and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Until next time,

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