The Restorer (The Graveyard Queen)

THE RESTORER by Amanda Stevens.

This is told in first person. It reminded me of the TV show Murder She Wrote with Angela Lansbury - but a younger heroine. Amelia is 27. Her job is researching and restoring cemeteries. Bodies are found by the police in a cemetery she is restoring. So the detective asks her advice about things in the cemetery. She also gives him copies of the photographs she took. She is curious and asks questions of other people. There are mysteries about multiple bodies. Two were killed years ago, others were killed recently. So what is this book about? Someone who is not a police detective or private investigator who investigates and solves mysteries. In the process she may be in danger as she gets close to figuring things out. By the end one mystery is solved, but there are other mysteries about other characters which I assume will be solved in sequels.

What makes this mystery unique is that Amelia can see ghosts. But she must never let the ghosts know she can see them. If they know they will latch onto her forever. They will be with her and touch her and take energy from her - forever. Another character in the story has ghosts that have latched onto him, and Amelia is worried about it.

It was pretty good. It kept my interest. I think the author has an excellent writing style and a good voice. But I wanted some kind of interesting relationship, even if it were with a friend or coworker. Although there is some lust between Amelia and John, there is no relationship development. This is not a romance.

The ending climax with the bad guy was not well done. Some of his actions did not make sense. I wanted more explanation of things, for example. Why put an external bolt on a door, then leave it open for a victim to escape?

NARRATOR:
The narrator Khristine Hyam was excellent. I enjoyed her southern accent.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Amelia. Unabridged audiobook length: 10 hrs and 52 mins. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 1 briefly referred to, no details. Setting: current day Charleston, S. Carolina. Book copyright: 2011. Genre: fantasy mystery.

Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer and an expert at her job, with a lot of time and patience she is able to restore even the most run down graveyards and bring them back to their former glory. Amelia also has a secret though - she can see ghosts. To avoid unwanted attention from the ghosts she has a set of rules that she lives by, first and foremost is to never, ever acknowledge a ghost but also high on the list is to avoid anyone who is being haunted. That makes things rather difficult when Detective John Devlin, who is haunted by the ghosts of a woman and child, asks her to help him track down a brutal murderer. The bodies are being left in a cemetery that Amelia has been employed to restore and he believes that she may be able to find clues in the symbols around them. Amelia is reluctant to get involved but how can she refuse when a killer is on the loose?

Amelia is a solitary character, her ability hasn't made it easy for her to have a normal life and she spends much of her time alone. It's a fairly lonely life but she doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself and instead immerses herself in her work and in her blog. She has very strict rules that she knows she must live by if she doesn't want the ghosts to pay any attention to her. These aren't your harmless ghosts who just float around looking scary - they are actually more like parasites and will latch on to people to siphon off their life energy so it is very important not to be noticed by them. When Devlin appears on the scene she is immediately drawn to him but she knows she should avoid him and the two ghosts who are never far away from him. In fact her life could depend on keeping away from him but that is easier than it seems when she is drawn deeper and deeper into the murder investigation.

Devlin is an interesting hero to the story, he is very secretive and we only learn a limited amount about what happened in his past so I don't feel like I know him well enough to be attracted to him. However, I do find him intriguing and am curious to find out more about him as the series continues. I'm glad that the story wasn't overtaken by romance, there are plenty of hints at a possible future entanglement between Amelia and Devlin and at one point I was sure things were going to get serious already but we have been left hanging which I have to admit is something I liked. I love a bit of will they / won't they potential in my urban fantasy series!

The Restorer is both a murder mystery and a chilling ghost story and the graveyard setting just adds to the creepy gothic atmosphere. I loved Amanda Stevens writing style, her descriptions are fantastic and I was able to picture the graveyard and headstones perfectly. She has obviously done her research and I found the information about symbols used around cemeteries was fascinating. We are left with a lot of unanswered questions but this was still a fantastic start to the Graveyard Queen series and I can't wait to read the next book!

*NO Spoilers
Amelia has been going to cemeteries ever since she was a little girl and used to help her dad in his caretaker job. At an early age she found out she could see ghosts, but her father gave her a set of rules to keep her safe, as long as she followed them to the letter.

These are not the friendly ghosts we usually read about, but parasitical entities that have the power to drain the life out of you.

Amelia is all grown up now and with a successful career as a Cemetery restorer. In The Restorer, she is working close to home when a series of dead bodies show up on her domain and she ends up helping the local police solve these murders.

The Restorer was delightfully creepy for me. The cemetery setting and way Amanda Stevens constructed the plot had me wishing I had read this book in day light, an that had never happened to me before.

However, that is not to say The Restorer doesn't have its faults. I felt the story to be a bit dry at times and Amelia and Devlin's almost romance to leave a little to be desired. I do hope there are more books in this series and that the author is able to develop these characters more.

Amanda did an incredible job when it came to setting the scene and making me feel like I was right there next to Amelia in such a creepy cemetery. The Restorer is not your run-of-the-mill Urban Fantasy and it should be considered more in the Mystery Thriller genre, a very good one at that.

Originally Posted at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life [...]

This is an extremely difficult book to review. Amelia sees ghosts and they have been a part of her life. However, there are set rules concerning ghosts that her father has instructed her to follow. All of the rules instruct Amelia not to look at the ghosts and to guard against them. Amelia has been successful all her life until now. When she notices Devlin, one of the haunted. This first person view takes the reader through a creepy mystery that seems to include the entire town and local college.

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this book. It is a well-written mystery centered around ghosts. It's a bit creepy but I love the unique story-line. On the other hand, I know almost nothing more about these ghosts than when I started the book. Amelia has these rules but I'm not sure why. It is hard for the reader to tell what is true and what is not. This is quite intentional. Ms. Stevens does a FANTASTIC job setting the tone and mood of this book. While I wasn't completely creeped out, I did feel as if I was one with Amelia and I promise I could feel the coldness of the ghosts...and the uneasiness that comes with that. True story. I just wanted more. I wanted to feel like I was understanding...more. Also, I didn't care about Amelia as much as I would have liked.

I've really been wanting to read a book about ghosts. While this was a good book, it didn't quite satisfy my craving. Read this is if you enjoy paranormal reads. The tone and mood of the book was spot on. I didn't feel like I learned about a new world; I was only introduced to it.

The Restorer is the first book in The Graveyard Queen Series by Amanda Stevens.

Cemetery restorer, Amelia Gray saw her first ghost when she was nine. Since that day she has live by the rules her father indoctrinated in her:

· Never acknowledge the dead.
· Never stray far from hallowed ground.
· Never associate with those who are haunted.
· Never, ever tempt fate.

Her father can also see the dead and knows the repercussions this will have in Amelia's life, for that reason he gave her these rules to protect her.

When the body of a murder victim is found in the cemetery she is restoring; Amelia is asked to collaborate with police. But when she meets the leading detective in the investigation, John Devlin, she starts to break the rules.
Devlin is haunted by the ghosts of his dead wife and daughter. Amelia knows she should keep her distance from him, she knows she shouldn't break the rules; she also knows that being close to Devlin might have dire consequences for her. But circumstances in the investigation and the strong attraction that pulls them together will make this even more difficult for her.

I loved The Restorer, it was a very different book from the books usually found in the market. Mrs. Stevens did an amazing job creating this unique world. I loved how detailed it was, from the textures, to the colors, to the smells, to the senses, it was marvelous. There were pages where I could almost smell the magnolias or jasmines. Or others in which I could almost feel the chill of the ghost touching my arm, I know it sounds creepy, because it was, but at the same time, it was a beautiful-creepy.
I have always found old cemeteries beautiful and interesting, and I loved how Mrs. Stevens incorporates this factor in her book. I also loved how she explained in detailed the symbolism used in the tombs.

The characters in this book are complex and endearing.
Amelia is woman with a difficult and different life. Having the ability to see ghost hasn't make her life any easier, just more complicated. Since she was a child she has been the odd one. Always living by her father rules, rules she repeat daily almost as a mantra.
The book is told in first person from Amelia's point of view; this makes it easier for us to connect with her, also to feel the conflicts and loneliness because of her gift. Amelia is a strong woman, no in the sense of being a kick-ass heroine, but in the sense of living her life as best as possible with the limitations and difficulties she has.

John Devlin is a tortured and broken man, who goes through life without really living it. He is dark, intense and full of secrets. He is a man with a very painful and tragic past, who doesn't think he deserves any happiness. I really ache for him and what he has lived.

The relationship between Amelia and Devlin is tense to say the least. There is an undeniable attraction between them, but first and foremost, Devlin is Amelia's forbidden fruit, while Devlin's pain doesn't let him to move on and be happy.

This book supporting characters are also very interesting; I really loved Regina and Ethan. I also like how the city of Charleston is described, with its quirks and all making it feel almost as another character.

The Restorer has become one of my favorite reads of this year. It's a book with a clever and original plot, with great characters and with a perfect pace for this kind of book. The Restorer has also the ideal mix of suspense and mystery with a (very light) touch of romance. I usually like my books with a HEA but I was very happy with the end of this book. In my opinion Mrs. Stevens ended it how it should have ended. There are things left unsolved and secrets left untold, especially in regard to Amelia's father. But this didn't discomfort me; just let me anxious waiting for November to read the next book in this series, The Kingdom.

I'm usually not a cover person, I read the book without giving a second thought about the cover, but with this book it was different, I really loved its cover.

Amanda Stevens is an author I'll follow closely from now on (without being stalker). And I think you should do the same. Please follow my advice and pick a copy of this book as soon as you can, you won't regret it.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this. This is probably the first paranormal book I've read that creeped me out. I have read plenty of paranormal books but never about ghosts, for me reading about vampires/demons/evil faeries is just on a different plane (I mean, they're truly not real right?). Ghosts on the other hand, that would make me not want to move around in the dark by myself or stare at a window at night for too long. Some of the scenes involving Shani raised the hairs on the back of my neck.

The writing was good. Intriguing story line and great set of characters. I really liked Amelia. Although she has a loving family, her "ability" has really tempered her relationship with people, even her family, that she has felt alone and never really fitting in. She's intelligent, passionate about her work and feels more comfortable with the latter than in a social setting. She's pretty but not someone that really cares about her appearance and throughout the book we see her in a ponytail, no make up with casual tank/baggy cargo pants. I liked her insecurities when she compares herself with Devlin's wife, her complete opposite, a stunning woman who every man fell in love with. She is a vulnerable character but strong at the same time. I think the author did a great job with her, she seemed very real with all her strengths but also her fears, doubts and insecurities.

Devlin, I love tormented characters and he is certainly that. He has a natural magnetism and confidence but haunted by his past and not willing to let go. After reading about what happened, I can barely even imagine the type of pain and guilt that a person can go through, let alone live through.

The chemistry and tension between Amelia and Devlin was written well, it was palpable but also very restrained, which ups the ante even more. The author did an amazing job with creating this chemistry between them and creating Devlin in such a way that Amelia was in a constant struggle with herself to follow the rules she has lived by all her life or break them because of how she feels towards Devlin. Devlin was definitely the type of character you would break rules for.

The story was fast paced and the plot mystery regarding the murders was interesting, though for me it took more of a back seat to unravelling the mysteries of the characters themselves and what was happening between Amelia and Devlin, not just their relationship but the paranormal element resulting from it.

I thought the end was rather rushed, it was mostly a summary than a scene by scene account.

Can't wait to read the rest of this series!

**Reviewed by M.L. Breaux for Book Geeks Unite!
The first line of the book, "I was nine when I saw my first ghost," set off the alarm bells in my mind. I cannot begin to explain the primal and visceral reaction I had to this one. There were times when I literally had to set the book down to shudder and smooth away the goose bumps. It was as if she called all my family and friends and asked them what my phobias were, to a tee. From ghosts to snakes, to spiders, to claustrophobia, to looking out the window at night! But I can 100%, without a doubt tell you that I absolutely loved this book, every moment of it.

The freaky paranormal aspect of this book wasn't the only thing that drew me in, it is rich with Southern traditions, well researched history, and interesting settings. The intriguingly sinister ghosts, that were not your run of the mill misunderstood specters that will go to their rest if you find Grandma's doily for them. Her writing flows so well. I loved that she made use of seldom used words and phrasing, lots of southern colloquialisms and didn't feel the need to over explain the `big' words, because contextually they were unmistakable. She even used phonetic Gullah in some conversations, which added to the vibrancy of the novel.

Amelia is someone I would like to call my friend. She is a cemetery restorer and also has a blog named, "Digging Graves," that were it real, I would totally be stalking. She is a bit odd, reclusive maybe and standoffish with most people, but heck y'all if I were seeing ghosts, you might have already committed me! Because of her, let's call it `talent', she doesn't do relationships well, and when the hot John Devlin shows up, sparks fly, and collide. He is a man with a past, and still hung up on his late wife and child....and they on him. So while there is a romance element to the book , and a pretty smoking smutty scene, it is more of a hum in the background because she knows that she can't be with him. I will leave it for you to discover why.

The murder mystery which Amelia gets drawn into was well done, with lots of twists and turns and you totally don't see the complete picture until the very end and what an ending! While on campus of Emerson University for the restoration of Oak Grove Cemetery, she becomes the target of the murderer, for what the murderer thinks she knows. The murderer taunts her using her blog and using grave stone art and poems found throughout the cemetery as well as the symbolism of Emerson's elite secret society, knowing that she is the only one who will be able to "read" the symbolism in the clues.

I eagerly am looking forward to the next novel, The Kingdom (The Graveyard Queen #2), as I am dying to know more about Amelia and her family, as there were a lot of questions left unanswered about her family, especially her parents. I for one cannot wait to see what kind of mystery Amelia gets dragged into next and what role the cemetery art and symbolism will play.

Amelia Gray can see ghosts. As a cemetery restorer who deals with the dead on a daily basis, she has religiously followed her father’s rules to protect herself from these parasitic entities. However, these rules go out the window when she meets Mr. Tall, Dark and Haunted.

"In spite of his modern trappings, he had an old-world air about him. An intoxicating fusion of Byron, Bronte and Poe with a modern twist. And like the fictional creations of the aforementioned, he had a deadly weakness."

Detective John Devlin is a haunted man. The ghosts of two people who used to be very close to him come to him at dusk every night when the thin barrier between the living and the dead is lifted. They are slowly draining away his life essence and he has no idea. He meets our heroine at the start of a murder investigation which Amelia soon gets embroiled in. Sparks fly between the two but it is a doomed love. Devlin can’t get rid of his ghosts and Amelia can’t risk getting too close to Devlin without attracting the attention of his two companions.

I love the southern, gothic tone Amanda Stevens sets for the series. The novel has an ethereal dream-like air to it.

"Floating down into a deep slumber, I was oblivious to the creak of my garden gate, the howl of my next-door neighbor’s dog and the eyes that gleamed with madness peering in through my bedroom window as I slept."

I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and guessing the identity of the killer. I thought the ghost mythology/world-building was well-done.
No cliff hangers in the end but there were enough loose ends to keep me eager to get my hands on the next installment

5 stars. Loved everything about it. Except for the many unfinished details and the unanswered questions. But this is a series, and by knowing that, it made me appreciate the unresolved aspects. I will get my answers in the books that follow.

I loved the characters, especially Devlin. His story is so heartbreaking and he is a haunted man, literally and figuratively, as his dead wife and daughter cling to him wherever he goes. I liked Amelia, she chooses to be a solitaty creature. Even though that is her choice, you can still get a feeling of utter loneliness and sadness in her self - imposed isolation. She chooses to be this way because she can see ghosts. If she aknowledges them, or interacts with the living who are haunted, those ghosts can then latch on to her.

There is a tiny (minuscule) bit of romance, and I am hoping the relationship is explored further in another book in the series. I would also like to know more about Amelia's father. He was a very intriguing character.

I am so glad I gave this book a chance. I thought that I didn't like the paranormal genre, simply because they always seemed stupid to me. Not so, and now I have a whole world of previously ignored book territory to explore. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.

The Restorer is book one of a series-three books have been released so far. I waited until I read all three books before I decided to write a review. Of the three books that have been released, this book is my favorite. I was intrigued by the premise; I've spent lots of time in cemetaries doing family research with my mom and who doesn't like a creepy ghost story.
What I enjoyed:
-The premise is interesting. I liked Amelia although I'd like her to not be so withdrawn and John Devlin is a distant hero whose story we learn later.
-Writing is good. I read all three books over a long weekend and couldn't put them down.
What needs work:
-I agree that the ending is rushed and I found this in all three books. There's a great build up and then quick action and then "The End". You're left saying"But what about this and what about that?"

I'm eagerly waiting for Book 4 "The Visitor".

I got an eGalley of this book through netgalley(dot)com. I was drawn to it by the haunting cover and the interesting synopsis. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the beautiful writing style, the engaging mystery, the wonderful characters, and the supernatural overtones to the story. My understanding is that this is the first book in a trilogy: Book 2 will be titled The Kingdom (The Graveyard Queen Series) and is scheduled for a Nov 2011 release and book 3 will be titled The Prophet and is scheduled for a May 2012 release. There is also supposed to be a prequel story called "The Abandoned" which I plan on downloading soon.

Amelia restores graveyards for a living and was brought up by her father who was a Graveyard keeper. The only twist is; Amelia can actually see ghosts. Amelia has lived her life by a strict set of rules to prevent the ghosts from taking over her life. All those rules fly out the window during her current graveyard restoration. Amelia is restoring Oak Park Cemetery when a body is found on site; a fresh one. This brings Officer Devlin into Amelia's life. Devlin is mysterious and always accompanied by two mysterious ghosts. As Amelia is asked to act as a consultant for the investigation she is drawn deep into the politics and secrets that surround both the town and the graveyard.

I loved this book. The writing is full of beautiful description and is so lyrical; it was easy to read and created such beautiful imagery. There is a Southern Gothic feel to the story that gives it a unique and endearing flavor.

The characters were also wonderful. Amelia is a pretty down to earth girl, but she has rules she needs to follow and a sense of honor about her work. Devlin is a wonderfully brooding male lead and is shrouded in mystery that really keeps the reader wanting to know more. All of the characters in this book are interesting and well-fleshed out.

The mystery is masterfully woven. Details are slowly revealed and, as the mystery deepens, Amelia finds herself in more and more danger. I love how this plot was put together and how it unfolded. I loved how every clicked together so nicely in the end.

I wasn't sure if reading about a character who restores graveyards would be interesting but it really was. You can tell that Stevens did a lot of research on graveyard restoration and I enjoyed learning about what various symbolism meant on the gravestones and also learning about restoration techniques.

The main story thread is wrapped up neatly but some mysteries are left to be dealt with in the next book. This is my favorite kind of series: I love it when each book has its own story to tell but you also have a greater mystery that spans multiple books.

Overall I absolutely loved this book. I read it straight through, it was very hard to put down. I loved the beautiful descriptions and writing, the heartfelt and mysterious characters, and the masterful way the plot was woven together. I just pretty much loved everything about this book and cannot wait to read the next one in this series.

Oh wow, this was a good read! From beginning to end, I loved everything about it. It's got that easy, sultry, southern vibe; secret societies, occult history, cemetery history; a smart and sensible protagonist; a sexy, haunted detective; an intellectual and entertaining mystery, and it was spooky as hell.

They call her the Graveyard Queen. Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer by day, devoted to preserving history and the resting places of the departed. By night she's a popular blogger and thanks to an interesting video, she's a Youtube sensation. She's a smart, educated, classy southern girl...and she sees dead people. From her experience, that's not a good thing, and her life has been one of discipline, reservation, and isolation, adhering to rules handed down by her father designed to keep her safe and sane:

"Never acknowledge the dead. Don't look at them, don't speak to them, don't let them sense your fear. Even when they touch you. Never stray too far from hallowed ground. Keep your distance from those who are haunted. And never, ever tempt fate."

But all of the rules that have kept her safe her entire life are about to be tested when Detective John Devlin walks out of the mist on a warm Charleston night to tell Amelia that a fresh body has been discovered in the old cemetery she's just begun restoring on a local university campus. The police want her to consult as an expert on the case, and Amelia's life will never be the same.

The back cover copy provides a concise and eloquent plot synopsis, so I won't go into anymore detail here and risk spoiling anything! The Restorer is so well-crafted and so suspenseful--I savored every word, every twist, every revelation. It's a mystery and a thriller, but it's also an immersion for the senses, dripping with atmosphere and sensuality. I could feel the red-hot chemistry and the pull of attraction between Amelia and Devlin; I got goosebumps every time something went thump in the night or appeared in a window; I could feel the fear and urgency growing with each step toward the mystery's heartpounding conclusion. Along the way a few personal mysteries were teased out and the stage was set for future books in the series. Everyone has secrets, and I can't wait to see how they unravel. The Restorer is a new favorite for me--thrilling, evocative, and an excellent start to a new series. If you like history, mystery, and supernatural chills, you're gonna love this one!

Amanda Stevens nimbly weaves a silken trail of mystery and steamy Southern sensuality in her unique romantic suspense series The Restorer. Almost the first in her debut Graveyard Queen series (there is a prequel The Abandoned available as an ebook by the store), Amelia Gray graveyard restorer and reluctant medium, stumbles upon a decades old crime scene on a commissioned job restoring a pre-Civil War cemetery in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Her once tidy and safe life, now disrupted, by the supernatural tendrils that wind through Charleston society, and the desire for a man whose secrets and ghosts could eventually threaten her life, her heart, and her soul.

But the murders are just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to an even greater design that Stevens has in store for her readers. At the root of the murders lies a secret society, The Order of the Coffin and Claw that is reputed to dabble in the occult and ritual sacrifice. Throw in a heroine whose ancestry is a mystery, and powers that have not been fully explored, a detective who is haunted by the ghosts of his dead Gullah wife and child, and the murdered ghost of a cop and root witch who both hint of a shade, a dark prophet on the way and you have an exciting mix of Southern Gothic meets murder mystery meshed with paranormal romance.

Nearly every character that Stevens illuminates in her spider's web has either a secret or an agenda, and each is connected within her sticky threads that will soon span over two more novels. And that makes for a truly unforgettable and insatiable read. The Restorer was full of scheming, seductive mystery, and a purposeful pacing that had vapors of steam billowing from the tresses of each page.

The deadlock that exists between Southern cop John Devlin and Amelia as they collaborate on the murders throbs at the core of Steven's unique story and its presence gives The Restorer an almost eternally restless and hungry tone, especially when they interact. Whether they are combing the depths of the pre-Civil War tunnels beneath the varying hearts of Charleston, or picking through the broken effluvia of forgotten graveyards, Devlin and Amelia are haunted by one another, denying an almost primal attraction.

But the spectral obstacles placed before them could be their undoing.

Amelia has broken all the rules laid down by her father, and engaged in contact with the Otherside. Somehow, somewhere, she broke through the veil and now these entities recognize her. And the sanctuary of the graveyards, her solitary life, even her own desires are now at a cross-roads, intersected with that of Devlin's. For Devlin whose ex-wife Mariama and daughter Anyika linger always, their spirits irrevocably found to his...can he let her go? Will Mariama let him go?

I find myself relentlessly enthralled by Devlin. Stevens has hinted at his paranormal roots with his involvement with the Charleston Institute of Parapsychology Studies, the medallion he wears (that indicates he was a Claw member), and his taking of a Gullah wife who was the daughter of a root witch ensures that his past is unmistakably steeped in magick, both dark and light. What spooked Mariama enough to drive her car through guard rail? What spectre has The Order of the Coffin and Claw unleashed? And how is Devlin involved?

I was positively addled with questions at the end of The Restorer, but that only whipped up an almost ravenous desire to read more. Steven's does not allow Devlin and Amelia to culminate their relationship but their connection is inevitable. She has plans for these two and they are going to meet up again. The Abandoned is out in April, The Restorer is also out in April, followed by The Kingdom (Nov 2011), and lastly The Prophet (May 2012).

The Restorer has managed to place itself firmly at the top of my favorites list, being the most surprisingly unique and engrossing reads that I have read so far this year.

Highly Recommended.

A Fiendishly Bookish Review (and one grumpy cat)

Amelia Gray, the Graveyard Queen, finds herself in the middle of a chilling, intriguing, and addictive Southern mystery. My pursuit of a cemetery-themed series has been going on for years and the answer (finally) couldn't have been better!

Amelia is a cemetery restorer who finds herself caught up in a murder investigation when a body appears in the graveyard she is cleaning. Enter Devlin, a suave police detective Amelia feels immediate attraction to. There's just one problem: seeing ghosts runs in her family but her father's rules have long warned her to stay away from those who are haunted, like Devlin.

The details of Amelia's cemetery work made this one feel more like a cozy mystery, but there was just enough chills, violence, and sex to push it beyond that genre. However, it was still fairly tame and should have broad appeal. I also liked that the cemetery aspect worked naturally into the story instead of being overbearing. There was a good dose of humor that helped propel the story, and I liked the details about Amelia's blog.

I'm definitely excited to move on to the others in the series. It's certainly not pure horror, but the chills are convincing. Fans of mysteries who don't mind supernatural elements should enjoy as well.

**Synopsis** My name is Amelia Gray and I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.

It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard (Oak Grove Cemetery) I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer--and to his other victims--lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

***Review*** Amelia first saw ghosts when she was 9 years old when she and her father were raking in the cemetery which he worked. Her father realized it almost immediately by the way she stared at the ghost in question. He gave Amelia warnings that she needed to pay attention to.
1. Never acknowledge the dead. Don't look at them, don't speak with them. Don't let them sense your fear; even when they touch you.
2. Never stray too far from hallowed ground. (old part of the cemetery for example.)
3. Keep your distance from those who are haunted. If they seek you out, turn away from them, for they constitute a terrible threat and cannot be trusted.
4. Never tempt fate.
**He also warns of shadow creatures that are more dangerous and deadly and who can harm Amelia is she let's them.**

Her father is a caretaker in a cemetary, and has secrets of his own that he doesn't share with Amelia. He claims that the dead want nothing less than a return to this world. If they know you can see them, they will cling to you like the blight. You will never get rid of them, and your life will cease being your own. Ghosts are like vampires. Instead of sucking blood, they feed on humans' warmth and vitality, and sometimes our will to live. They leave nothing behind except for a breathing husk.

Amelia has lived by her fathers rules for 18 years, but now, things are starting to change and she unwittingly becomes a pawn in a deadly game of murder and betrayal at Emerson University and the cemetery is his burial grounds. Amelia has traveled all over the South, cleaning up forgotten and abandoned graveyards and repairing worn and broken headstones. She runs a blog called Digging Graves, where readers and followers exchange information on cemeteries. They are called Taphophiles. Amelia is also known as the Graveyard Queen for her exploits in Samara, Georgia.

This book is set in present day Charleston, South Carolina, and except for New Orleans, I don't believe the setting could have been any better. Ms Stevens does a brilliant job of interweavng the cities history with a fantastic ghost, suspense, and mystery story. Her portrayal of John Devlin, Charleston PD Homicide Detective as a man who is in a lot of pain, and refuses to accept that his wife and child are gone. He never got the chance to say goodbye because of an ill timed fight. Devlin is being haunted by his late wife Mariama and little girl Anyika. A fact that Amelia never tells him which was a good decision on her part especially since Mariama gives off such powerful hate towards her.

There is somewhat of a romantic story to this as well, and it revolves around Amelia's feelings towards Devlin. In the end, nothing is truly resolved and left for another story.

I'm trying not spoil the story for those who haven't read this yet. The book comes on on the 26th of this month, and I definitely recommend it to all my friends on goodreads, and other places as well. Ms Stevens does more than an adequate job in not leaking who the killer is until the very last pages of the book. I am grateful for that fact since it's a temptation to reveal said killer and spoil the fun.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and hopefully some answers about her father and The Order of Coffin and Claw which was mentioned throughout this book and has come interesting members on it's roles.

Received ARC from Harlequin via Netgalley. Pub Date: 04/26/2011

The Graveyard Queen Series:

Prequel: The Abandoned (April 2011)

Book I: The Restorer (May 2011)

Book II: The Kingdom (November 2011)

Book III: The Prophet (May 2012)

Synopsis:

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.

It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer--and to his other victims--lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

My thoughts:

Wow. It has been a really long time since I have read a book that is so gripping, creepy, and enthralling. Amanda Stevens did an incredible job at melding all these different aspects together into a well-rounded novel. The main character, Amelia Gray, has a bit of an issue with seeing ghosts, but there are four rules surrounding this ability that she abides by to live a peaceful life.

I absolutely loved Amelia's character. She knows right from wrong, she trusts her instincts, and she knows her limits. I could really relate to this character, because she is so passionate about what she does, almost to the point that it's solely for the sheer love of it. I never would have thought that restoring cemetery's as a fascinating career path, but I can honestly see how at peace she feels when she is in amongst the graves. She also develops a connection to Devlin, the cop investigating the murders that Amelia is advising on. The majority of women can definitely relate to how it feels when you meet someone new, and wanting to know everything about them. The fact that Devlin is haunted, should slap a big `DANGER' sticker across him, but as Amelia becomes even more involved with him, that warning starts to seriously fade away, despite the rules that she lives by.

Each character in this book has their own secrets and stories to tell, and I loved the way that Amanda Stevens interrelated and weaved everything seamlessly together. The romantic notions could have been seriously banked on throughout this book, but I was more than impressed that the author didn't do that. She stuck to the script, and fulfilled my expectations of a wonderful story. But, there is much more to this story, and to be honest - I did not want this to end. You can only imagine my delight when I found out that there are more books to this series The Graveyard Queen to come.

I would seriously recommend this book, whether you like thrillers, ghost stories, or even romance. Personally, I can't wait to buy a hard copy, and place it proudly on my bookshelf.

Well, I'm dazzled, stunned, shocked and yes haunted. This is an amazing book, the best I've read so far in 2011. I don't feel like picking another book right now, my mind's stuck there with Amelia, Devlin and their ghosts. And for a book that does not belong in the romance genre, the attraction between them was a very powerful and vivid thing.

Many people have described the plot, but I find it difficult to explain to someone who hasn't read the book. In short, there are some gruesome murders, John Devlin is the detective in the case and Amelia is the restorer of the graveyard where the bodies are turning up. It would be a typical mystery book if Amelia wasn't able to see ghosts but tried to ignore them following her father's advice, Devlin didn't have two of his own following him around and an old fraternity who likes to delve in the occult wasn't involved. As it is, this is one complicated and highly addictive mystery that I couldn't put down until the final page. The fact that it's spiced with a lot of PNR elements and some romance doesn't hurt at all!

The writing was superb. There is no other way to put it. I've never been to Charleston or anywhere near the South, but I felt I was there, smelled the jasmines, the honeysuckle, the shrimps and even the dampness in the hot air. I just loved the way Ms Stevens pulled me in her world. And I loved how she had me sitting in the edge of my seat the whole time while Amelia went looking for clues in the graveyard and met with people who I couldn't tell if they were friends or psychopaths. Finally, I loved the palpable attraction between her and Devlin, the sizzle of electricity between them and also her fear whenever he came too near; I just couldn't get enough of their scenes together. These are two lonely and haunted people that definitely belong together, if only Devlin could escape his past.

I feel like I'm rambling instead of writing a review, so I'll just wrap it up. I loved the book (obviously) and can't wait to read the next one to find out more about Amelia, her father, Tom Garrick and of course Devlin and his ghosts. Not everything is answered by the end of the book, but at least the who-dunnit is fully explained and resolved. If you like mystery & suspense stories, this is a book you absolutely must read!

Ever since the day she saw her first ghost at the age of nine, Amelia has lived by a very strict set of rules. Never look at them, stay away from the haunted, the list goes on. However all her rules and walls come crashing down when she crosses paths with the sexy police detective Devlin, as he is one of the haunted. He needs her help to solve a case about bodies turning up in the cemetery she was hired to restore. She wants to warn him of the ghosts that are leeching away his life, but to do so would only transfer them to her. She knows she should stay away, but finds her inexplicably drawn to him, pulling her further down the rabbit hole than she ever wanted to be.

This book caught me off guard as I was expecting an urban fantasy that involved ghosts. It actually turned out to be a very chilling mystery full of creepiness and that "something is behind you" feeling. The descriptions are so vivid that you literally feel everything that is happening to Amelia and you continually count your lucky stars that while it may feel realistic, it isn't actually happening to you. It amazes me the self discipline Amelia must have had in order to train herself not to react to such terrifying presences. Of all the supernatural abilities to have, I think I would least like to have her's as I would have long crumbled under the pressure of my life always being at stake. Her nerves must be made of steel. Sure she gets scared plenty, but what is important is that she never once crumbles under the pressure.

There is some major mojo going on between Devlin and Amelia. For someone as sensible as Amelia, it should seem odd that she should be so "foolish" when it came to decisions involving him. However, you can really feel the magnetism that seems to pull them together, and as she has never felt so drawn to anyone it is no wonder she can't stay away. While it wasn't specifically stated in the book, part of me wonders if the ghost of his wife is somehow largely responsible for this pull. I sense somehow in the future more will come about in just how much she is able to influence Amelia, and what she actually wants. To be honest, the wife's ghost creeped me out more than anything else that happened, as I got the sense that whatever her end game was, it would be all consuming.

I am not usually a big fan of horror books, or well anything scary for that matter. However, that being said this book was the perfect blend of suspense and creepiness to keep me utterly enthralled without wanting to run for the hills. It never once stepped over that edge of biting my nails to something too overwhelmingly scary. Granted I did read this in the middle of the day, so I can't say I would have fared so well at night while home alone. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense that will suck you in and and not let go until the very end. Definitely a compelling and chilling read that you will not want to miss.

Amelia Gray is known as "the graveyard queen". She restores cemeteries, writes a blog about cemeteries and cemetery restoration and, oh yeah, she sees ghosts. Except nobody but her father knows that tidbit, because he sees them too and has warned her about the hazards of ghosts. These ghosts are not like the ghosts we see in much of popular culture today. According to her father, these ghosts aren't malevolent or friendly by choice; they are dangerous by their very nature. They crave the warmth and energy of living people and draw it out of those they latch onto. Acknowleding that she can see them would invite them to latch onto her.

For years she's been successful ignoring their existence until she meets Detective John Devlin (who incidentally has two ghosts of his own). He draws her into a murder investigation as an expert consultant when a body that's not supposed to be there is discovered half-buried in the cemetery Amelia is currently restoring. The investigation, and Devlin, change her life in ways she never expected.

"The Restorer" is written in first person, but unlike many first person narratives I've read recently, Amelia isn't snarky, sarcastic or tough. She is strong and independent, yet also reserved and introspective, which gives an almost poetic tone to some of the narrative. The pace of the first third or so of the book is what I'd call leisurely. That is not to say that it is boring or slow. Quite the contrary. The narrative flows quite smoothly and I breezed through it, howver, it is not action-packed. We get background on Amelia's "gift" of seeing ghosts and also on cemeteries, restoration, grave markers and burial traditions. Ms. Stevens obviously did a tremendous amount of research to write this book. However, this information is woven into the story and revealed naturally so that you never feel like you are reading a textbook or being lectured.

The action really starts to pick up somewhere between one-third and halfway through the book and from there I was completely sucked in. The pace of the story really gains momentum as the mystery develops more fully and Devlin's history begins to be revealed.

While this book is part of a new series, the mystery in this story was resolved to my satisfication and did not leave any cliff-hangers. However, you can tell that relationships between various characters will continue to be developed in future books. I highly recommend "The Restorer" and am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

*This book was received as an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley.*

My summary:
Rule #1 - Never acknowledge their presence.
27 year old Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. Amelia has followed her fathers strict rules all her life, rules meant to keep her safe from the ghosts.One dark evening Amelia notices a man following her, he introduces himself as a police detective. From that moment on Amelia's life is about to change forever, she is soon in way over her head in a murder case and a hunted cop.

Want to read a novel that is creepiliciously good? If so The Restorer is just the novel you have been looking for. Also a big plus that author Amanda Stevens', Amelia, main character is a fellow blogger.

My thoughts:
I've just got back from a trip to the graveyard with Amelia, who knew such a peaceful place could be the scene for such horrible crimes? The Restorer has been an addictive read from start to finish. I barely had time to rise to the surface for air. Author Amanda Stevens has succeeded in creating that eerie feeling, it stays with you throughout the whole novel, and I regretted reading it in bed after everyone else had fallen to sleep.

The main character Amelia felt like a friend, I loved her and at times I felt so sorry for her. I guess I'm not spoiling anything by telling you that there is some serious chemistry in the air between Amelia and the police detective John Devlin.

No cliffhanger ending in this first book but the author leaves enough loose ends for you to start craving the second book the minute you've closed this first one. Thankfully the next installment, The Kingdom, will be out in October.

One more thing, I just found out there will be a tv-series based on these books. How great is that?!

Cover:
It is both creepy and beautiful - very much like the feeling of the story.

My rating:
4.5 stars out of 5 - I loved it.

FIRST SENTENCE: I was nine when I saw my first ghost.

Amanda Stevens is a 27-year-old cemetery restorer who can see ghosts. Her father, a cemetery caretaker who also sees ghosts, gave her rules to follow. One rule is to never acknowledge the ghost. Another is to keep your distance from those who are haunted.

While restoring Oak Grove Cemetery at Emerson University, Amanda receives a call that a body has been unearthed. A murder has been committed, and someone used Oak Grove as their dumping ground. The police detective on the case, John Devlin, is not only handsome, but has an odd magnetism that makes Amanda want to know more about him. Too bad he is accompanied by his own ghosts - a woman and a child.

Amanda finds out that this is not the first murder victim discovered at the cemetery, and when another body shows up, Amanda is drawn into a plot involving secret societies and people in the highest social circles, a private detective who really isn't, and a child ghost that won't leave her alone.

This is a great, kind of creepy, mystery mixed with a touch of romance. Amanda is my kind of girl - feisty and strong, but smart enough to be creeped out when she encounters a new breed of ghosts called the Others - black and malignant. And the ending pretty much rocks .. really .. it's weird, but not TOO. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to seeing what Amanda gets up to next.

Sensitive Reader: Read the quote below; that's as steamy as it gets.

QUOTE (from a galley; may be different in final copy):

They were all around us. Drawn by the heat and energy of our lovemaking. Drawn to the most elemental act of life . . . of what they could never experience again.
Hungry and covetous, they watched us. Leering from the darkest corners. Crouching like gargoyles atop the bedpost. Touching diaphanous body parts in grotesque parody.

Book Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Amelia Gray restores graveyards, having spent her whole life in cemeteries as her father is a caretaker of them. And, she sees ghosts and has since she was nine-years old. Her father sees them, too, and he's taught her the rules to follow to protect herself, one of them being to never let ghosts know she can see them. Amelia has also never told anyone else about her gift.

Amelia is on an assignment in Charleston, restoring an old cemetery associated with a university and gets embroiled in a murder mystery when a body is discovered there. She finds herself connected in odd and mysterious ways to the tortured, handsome and sexy detective assigned to the case, John Devlin, as well the investigation.

This was a fantastically written story, capturing the essence of old Charleston, the creepy but ethereal beauty of the ancient cemetery and the assembly of odd characters connected with the case. Amelia and John's relationship is in the background mostly but sets the tone for this captivating story. While the murder mystery is resolved, there are so many issues remaining to uncover and explore. It's great storytelling and the next book is calling!

It's always a treat when you end up liking a book more than you expect to. And this was definitely the case here for me...

Amelia can see ghosts. But she has known from a young age that she should never acknowledge them. She must live on holy ground and avoid people who are haunted. Her father's rules have served her well. But now, she finds herself in circumstances where the rules have gone out the window.

Amelia restores old cemeteries for a living. She is working on one in Charleston, when the body of a murder victim is found there. She gets drawn into the investigation, at first because of the detailed pictures she had of the site, but later, her knowledge of cemeteries and their symbolism becomes relevant as well.

The cop in charge of the investigation, John Devlin, strikes a major chord with Amelia. He's charismatic, dark and sexy. She fights her attraction to him because he is haunted by the ghosts of his wife and child. But her feelings for him grow faster than she can push them down. Devlin is a man broken by the loss of his family, but that is changing with Amelia in his life. I loved watching their relationship develop. There is great sexual tension between these two! Devlin's past and present are all tied in with the murder mystery... which grows more complicated as more bodies are found.

I became completely immersed in the murder case. I am a romance fan at heart, so usually I find myself wading through most stories just to get to the big relationship developments. But not here. I was just as wrapped up in the murders and the ghosts plaguing Amelia as I was in her pseudo-relationship with Devlin. There was intrigue, mystery, horror, and strong characters.

We do get a resolution to the murder arc, but many threads are left hanging as the book draws to a close... plenty of material to kick off the sequel. I can't wait to learn more about her family history and her future with Devlin. I just wish I didn't have to wait to find out what happens next! Almost 5 stars.

I didn't expect much from this little known UF series. So when I finished book #1, The Restorer, and was anxious for more, I was entirely taken by surprise. The book is well written-edited-researched and very engaging, although I could see it being perceived as sometimes slow & predictable for some. For me, the story was a gripping on the edge of your seat thriller, that was both spooky and unnerving, to say the least. I also learned more about cemeteries and superstitious cultures, than I ever thought possible. There is some romance as well, with a promise for more, hopefully in the subsequent books. This series is definitely now on my watch list. The Prequel, The Abandoned, does not contain the same main characters. And word of warning for those that hate unanswered questions left at the end, because there seems to be quite a few left open for the rest of the series to answer.

Those that enjoyed First Grave on the Right or Grave Witch, will probably like this one.

Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect herself from the parasitic nature of the dead, she always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered her world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept her safe.

0-The Abandoned
1-The Restorer
2-The Kingdom (Oct 18, 2011)
3-The Prophet (May 2012)

"I was nine when I saw my first ghost."

It's rare that an opening line grabs me as this one did. In that one sentence, I was sucked in for the rest of the book. It's also not often that I love a book so much I want to shove it into the hands of the first (possibly unwilling) pair of hands I see and yell, "read this read this READ THIS!" The Passage by Justin Cronin was one of them, The Fever Series by Karen Moning another. It was that good. It kept me up at night, turning pages. I was distracted while helping a friend paint, because all I could think was "I want to get back to my book." In the end, it took me just over a full 24 hours to read it. I simply could not put it down. It has become a member of "The Measuring Stick Books" - books by which I measure all others:

Friend: OMG have you read such-and-such by so-and-so?!
Me: Is it as good as The Passage/Fever/The Restorer?
Friend: Well...
Me: Bottom of the TBR pile.

It made me anxious for its characters, envious of the town's residents, intrigued by the secrecy, frightened by the apparitions and ultimately, wanting to know who the "bad guy" was. Each time I was sure I knew, I found out how incredibly wrong I was. That's how I judge a spectacular author: make me live your book and I'm going to love you, slobber at your feet and ache for your recognition. Stevens incorporated strong characters (both primary and secondary), smooth plot lines and twists so staggering, they made you dizzy. The first-person narrative ('cause you know how I love my first-person) was exceptionally well written, the plot was intriguing and it was entirely a heart-palpitating read. Stevens deftly wrapped together all these wonderful components of a novel and just delivered it to our feet with a big ol' bow. Merry Christmas! I don't care if it's April.
I can't wait for the follow-up to this absolutely fantastic book. Amanda Stevens, you rock!

GO READ IT NOW.

Amelia Gray has known that ghosts were real since she was nine years old when she saw one with her very own eyes. Her father (who could also see ghosts) told her the rules back then and for the most part she followed those rules to the letter. Living by her father's guidelines had been pretty simple, until Detective John Devlin entered her life one faithful night - life as she knew it would never be the same again.

The Restorer does not disappoint. The plot thickens with the turning of each page. Amelia Gray is a highly likable character. I felt pangs of sadness for her solitary lifestyle and wanted to badly for her to gain a bit of normalcy. She is so obviously hot for Devlin, but of course he becomes her "unicorn" in the sense that his haunted status makes him off limits to someone like her.

The Restorer is the first book in The Graveyard Queen series. The ending was highly climactic and I can hardly wait to see what's next for Amelia Gray.

I strongly recommend reading the prequel "The Abandoned," which provides a great intro the series and is captivating (to say the least).

I received a free review copy of The Restorer from Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Amanda Gray is a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. All her life, she has been taught to ignore the ghosts, and avoid anyone who is haunted by them in order to preserve her own life.

This all changes when a girl is found murdered in the graveyard Amanda is currently restoring, and the policeman leading the investigation is haunted by two ghosts. Can Amanda resist becoming involved, or will she break her rules for the first time in her life?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a paranormal novel for adults, not the usual YA story that is so popular right now. I found it scary, intriguing, and hard to put down. I did not like the ending, as it wasn't really an ending, just a cliff-hanger leading to the next in the series. Personally, I like my books to end, not just stop.

When I was younger, I thought cemerteries were cool. Headstones are very interesting, and full of symbolism. This story did a great job incorporating that into the plot. I learned some facts about headstone meanings, without having it shoved in my face. It was just a natural part of the story.

I didn't quite believe the ease in which Amanda was let into the investigation. It just didn't seem realistic, and yes, I see the irony in talking about realism within a paranormal story. There are certain things I am willing to suspend belief on, but this didn't seem like one area. Not only did Amanda seem obsessed with the investigiation before she was important to it, but everyone just let her stick her nose in, and then answered all her questions. For that reason, I can't give a 5 star review, it must settle for 4 stars.

I liked this one a lot. It really drew me in quickly, and though it has many elements common in my usual UF reads (a killer, ghosts/paranormal element, potential love interest, family secrets) it still stood out.

Amelia is not a fighter. She is physically fit given her work, but that's it. No martial arts or weaponry to be found. Amelia is a cemetery restorer who can also see ghosts. The ghosts in this world remind me of some of the Fae series where people with "the Sight" know there are Fae, but try to live like they can't see them to avoid unwanted attention. Such is Amelia's life - she avoids ghosts and haunted people because if the ghosts knew she could see them, they would latch on to her, leeching her warmth and life. She lives according to her father's rules. Her only security is hallowed ground, where ghosts don't cross, which is why she loves restoring cemeteries as they are usually on consecrated ground.

A dead body is found at her latest project, bringing Amelia into the case and introducing her to Devlin, a cop she is attracted to but who is also haunted.

The romance is more of a slow burn and I'm glad that not everything is tied up. We get a resolution to the main case, but there is still a lot to be answered. Looking forward to book 2.

NEVER ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEAD.
NEVER STRAY FROM HALLOWED GROUND.
NEVER GET CLOSE TO THE HAUNTED.
NEVER, EVER TEMPT FATE.
My father's rules.
I've never broken them...until now

Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer. She also sees ghosts. Since she discovered her ability when she was nine, she's never broken her father's rules. The rules have kept her safe. But when the body of a murdered young woman is found in the graveyard she's restoring, the dangerously attractive Detective John Devlin comes looking for her for help.

Unfortunately he's haunted and Amelia is attracted to him like no man she's ever known. As the bodies pile up, Amelia is drawn into the investigation and closer to the man she knows she should stay away from. Add a secret society, shadows in the night, a cyber-stalker and, of course, Devlin's ghosts and you have a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat from page one to The End.

Amanda Stevens has an amazing talent for writing intriguing gothic mysteries set in the South--in this case Charleston. Her characters are full of quirks and eccentricities, charm and secrets. Amelia is the perpetual outsider who unravels just enough secrets to reveal a darker mystery that underlies the series. Devlin is reminiscent of the great tortured heroes of the classics--REBBECCA's Maxim de Winter, JANE EYRE's Rochester, and even the haunted Heathcliff--and, like them, the reader isn't sure if he's the hero or the villain. And neither is Amelia. I loved this book and had only one complaint--that it ended and I have to wait for the next in the series to get more!

This was a great spooky mystery. Amelia is used to ignoring the ghosts she sees around her. But when murdered girls start showing up in the cemetery she is restoring and the detective assigned is accompanied by the ghosts of his dead wife and daughter, Amelia has trouble following the rules she has lived by since she was nine.

This story was rich in Southern traditions. The cemetery is Oak Grove Cemetery and it is on the campus of Emerson in Charleston, South Carolina. As Amelia gets involved in the case she finds that so many of the players were Emerson graduates - her boss when she worked for the State Anthropologist, the detective in charge of the case, a former teacher who is now a paranormal investigator. The secrets and traditions of the school keep popping up as Amelia investigates.

I liked the spookiness of the various ghosts who appear. I liked the Gullah traditions. I liked the sort of tentative romance that developed between John Devlin, the police investigator, and Amelia. Both had major stumbling blocks. Amelia has spent her life avoiding those who are haunted and John isn't ready to let go of the memories of his wife and daughter.

The mystery has clues and red herrings aplenty. There were lots of twists and turns in the story. I can't wait to read the sequel -- but I have to wait until November.

I've read some of Stevens' other works, so when I saw this book on NetGalley I have to admit that I was intrigued. If I were to describe the plot of some of her works to someone they'd say that her books are incredibly similar to other works out in the literary world. (Not a bad thing- all books are similar at one point or another.) Yet what makes Stevens' books so different is that she doesn't try to make them fit into the mold that so many other suspense or thriller books fill. They're wonderfully & beautifully different, which is what makes her books so much fun to read.

I have to admit that although this book started off a little on the slow side, once the excitement started I was pretty hooked. I loved Amelia's attention to detail & her curiosity over everything despite her father's rules. The intense draw between her & Devlin is pretty tangible, yet understated at the same time. Stevens takes her time with this pairing, which works well considering all of the elements & story details divulged throughout the story. (No spoilers!)

The only drawback is that at times the story seemed to be a little overly slow, so some readers might get a little frustrated at the slow buildup. Stick with it because the payoff at the end of this novel is pretty fulfilling, although I'll give you a warning. This is the first in a series so not all of the questions will be answered in this book.

Then again, after the creepy imagery at the end of the book, most readers won't really care. They'll be too busy shivering & demanding more.

(ARC provided by NetGalley)

Review provided by My Shelf Confessions

he Restorer begins with 9 year old Amelia Gray raking leaves at Rosehill cemetery with her father who's the caretaker of the property. As she's raking she spots a man staring at her from under an oak tree and her father sharply forbids her to look at him. In that moment her life changes forever; she becomes acutely aware of the rules he warns her to follow in order to keep the ghosts at bay. One of the most important rules he gives her is to "keep your distance from those who are haunted."

Flash forward several years later, Amelia is now a cemetery restorer, choosing to care for the resting places of the departed as her father does. She brings forgotten cemeteries back to life by fixing broken headstones and doing other preservation and restoration work. As she's taking an after dinner stroll through town she's approached by John Devlin, a police officer who is haunted by a woman and a young girl. He informs her that they've found a homicide victim in the cemetery she's been working in all day and asks her to join the investigation as a consultant to prevent any grave desecration. Amelia finds herself agreeing and bending her father's rules for the first time in her life. Little does she know that she'll soon be caught in the web of a serial killer and that that small choice may have life-altering consequences. Will it be worth it?

Confession:
I absolutely LOVED this book. Completely and utterly AMAZINGTASTIC. Not only was the plot gripping but the language was hauntingly beautiful. I found myself so fascinated by Amelia's knowledge of headstone imagery and meanings. I loved stumbling on words that were new to me: taphophile, pareidolia, egregore.
Amanda Stevens takes all of the "normal" ingredients that go into a paranormal mystery and like chef Emeril Lagasse says, "BAM!" she kicks it up a notch and makes it truly unique. The story is beautiful and creepy, suspenseful and heart-wrenching. In short, it's a book whose cover doesn't disappoint.

I started this with just the intention of flipping through and seeing what it was about. Next thing I know I'm so into the writing, that I put this one on hold, found and read the prequel The Abandoned (Graveyard Queen #0.5) and then dove back into this one. review for The Abandoned

While the prequel is a paranormal romance, this one is definitely more of an Urban Fantasy. The writing is spooky, and vivid, and dark. But I liked it. It's hard not to get drawn into this tale.

Amelia is an archaeologist and a cemetery restorer. She is very good at what she does, and gets called in to work on a cemetery near the university in Charleston. She begins by taking photographs of the cemetery and creating a site map. But unfortunately someone dumps a body there and Amelia's photographs may have caught something.

Oh, and did I mention that Amelia sees dead people? No? Well, she does.

When she was 9, she saw her first ghost, and her father (who is her adopted father) sees them too. He taught her how to get by without giving away that you see them. See, what they want is attention. They are drawn to the living and want our energy and our heat. Most go away if they can't get that attention, but if one attaches itself to you? It's like an energy vampire-it will drain you dry until you're a walking husk of your former self.

Amelia's father gave her rules to live by. But the detective in this investigation has her breaking rules left and right. Devlin is haunted. Literally. The ghosts of his dead wife and daughter never leave him. And he's looking worse for the wear.

Meanwhile, Amelia is trying to just get by without the ghosts noticing that she can see them, when something...different...finds her. Not a ghost, this is much more sinister, and this scares the crap out of Amelia. Her father calls it "Other" but why hasn't he ever told her any of this before? He knows a lot more than he's letting on.

The murders begin to pile up, some new, some old. Amelia's blog Grave Digging seems to be how the murderer is communicating his intentions, and it's scaring Amelia more than the ghosts! btw I was wrong on the actual killer. It's a good mystery. Very good.

I don't think we've seen the last of Devlin, nor of his ghosts. And I think Amelia will be drawn again and again to that cemetery. But not in the next book, because I'm already reading that one, and it's in a different place.

A very well-written (if slow at times) book that I am so intrigued by that I'll be finishing the series as fast as I can.

Dark and spooky, seductive and ghostly, The Restorer has hooked me and I can't stop reading.

For someone who more or less has a book of rules about what not to do around ghosts, the main character sure has a hard time following them. Breaking one rule after the other Amelia finds herself torn between staying safe and going with her gut instinct, guess which one wins each time.
The main character has no problem walking around graveyards all hours of the day without a care in the world and yet spiders make her scream like a demented banshee. Such is her nature, twofold. The incredibly naive and careless to the point of seeking out danger at every corner. That's what makes her so delightful and surprising as a character.
This solid example of the paranormal genre is quite a nifty read. Stevens brings a dark aura and murky depths to the table. Less action and more atmosphere define this murder mystery mixed with ghosts and otherwordly beings.
There are a few questions left unanswered. Who is Amelia really? What hasn't her father told her? Will she be able to rid Devlin of his ghosts? Looking forward to getting some answers from the sequel.
AVP-UK

WOW! This story was awesome. I really enjoyed The Abandoned, Ms. Stevens' free novella introducing this series, but The Restorer only built on the theme and expanded it until my heart was pounding with excitement and dread. The Restorer brings us the story of Amelia Gray, a woman who has the ability to see and interact with ghosts, but she must live by a set of rules to protect her from the spirits she sees. They want life again even though their time is done, and she must not acknowledge them or they will suck the life out of her. She also must keep herself away from those who are haunted by spirits. Unfortunately, a fresh murder in the cemetery where she's working puts her together with Det. John Devlin, a man haunted by more than just guilt. His dead wife and child hang on him like cloaks. Too bad John is so sexy Amelia can't resist.

There's a whole cast of suspects - er, characters, each stranger than the last, and you're not who to trust. The murder mystery stretches until the last 15 pages of the book. Hints abound, but Ms. Stevens is a master at hiding everything in plain sight. I highly recommend this. I'm excited to read The Kingdom and continue Amelia's and John's journey.

I found myself thoroughly absorbed by the events and setting in this novel. As a young child, I was also drawn to cemetaries and found comfort in them, often spending many happy hours reading in the one that was near to my home. As a result, I found Amelia's job completely fascinating and really loved this novel.

Amelia has spent her life working alongside her father, a cemetary grounds keeper, and it is only natural that she would become a cemetary restorer as she feels completely comfortable in that setting. It is also the perfect setting to hide from the world, as Amelia and her father both have a secret; they can see ghosts and both understand the importance of keeping that secret to themselves. They live by a rigid set of rules that doesn't allow for outsiders, including the ghosts, into their lives. They understand that if they allow people, and their ghosts, into their lives, it can seep their vital life energy away and destroy them.

Amelia, in the midst of a cemetary restoration, walks right into the center of a murder investigation and is needed to help solve the mystery. With a series of clues given to the police that only a cemetary restorer can solve, Amelia slowly breaks her own rules and is drawn into John Devlin's haunted world, something that terrifies and excites her at the same time. As she strips away the barriers and rules she has lived by her whole life, Amelia learns to trust others and herself. She is a heroine I have come to totally admire; I love her courage, her sarcasm, her willingness to help, and her loyalty to her family. And it is here where all the secrets begin as well, and as the story begins to unveil, we learn there are many secrets, many of which are given to us in tantilizing bits. It also makes you begin to question Amelia's family background and exactly what it is they have to hide. We learn Amelia is adopted, but we never learn the origins of that story. Hopefully more will be given to us in future installments as it is so interesting.

The ending has many twists and turns in it, and I really had to pay attention to the many little bits of information that were given as they all played an important role. I was taken by suprise by the ending and I love that that can still happen as I thought I had it all figured out. I also really liked that the romance between Devlin and Amelia wasn't central to the story, but the author kept the mystery central to the story. So often the romance can overpower everything else and that sometimes bothers me.

I absolutely loved the language used in this novel and some of the new terms that came with it. Before this novel, I had no idea the term taphophile existed and I am one of those people who read the dictionary as a child. I love novels that take place in creepier settings, and what gets more creepy than an old cemetary? Combine this with a paranormal aspect and introduce ghosts and other 'creepies' and you've got one hooked reader. And then place this novel in a city such as Charleston, a city I just love to visit, with all of its Southern charm, and all of those secrets and history, and it's a place where charm and history and creepy and secrets just ooze from its walls. It's no wonder I was drawn to this novel.

The Restorer was an entertaining, suspenseful novel that kept a good balance between the living and the dead, and between the romance and the mystery. I thought the author did a brilliant job by giving us just enough tantalizing bits of information to keep us reading frantically to the end, then holding back enough to make us want to read the next book in the series, The Kingdom, released November 2011, right now. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, the characters, and the plot and can't wait to read the next two books in this series.

Amelia Gray was nine years old when she saw her first ghost while raking leaves with her father at the cemetery he was caretaker of. Her dad told her to never look at them. She became a cemetery restorer, but though she could see ghosts, she adhered to her father's strict rules.

Charleston PD Detective John Devlin accompanied by the ghosts of a woman and a little girl approaches Amelia. He is unaware that his late wife and daughter haunt him. The haunted looking Devlin explains Emerson College Dr. Camille Ashby sent him to see her. The cop wants to look at the photos she took last week at Oak Grove Cemetery where the corpse of a battered female was found. The headstone provides clues to the serial killer, but only Amelia can interpret them. However, she does not want to get involved as she knows if she does, she will break a rule and have to deal with the two female family ghosts siphoning his energy to remain anchored here.

This is a great urban fantasy whodunit that makes ghosts feel real because of the heroine. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action that grips the reader from the moment Devlin accosts a reluctant Amelia and never slows until a ring is placed as a thank you. Sub-genre fans will appreciate the first dark yet somehow hopeful Graveyard Queen as everyone will affirm they believe in ghosts.

Harriet Klausner

I think most people who pick up this book expect a ghost story. You will not be disappointed. However, I would say that it is more than that. It is also a very good murder mystery story. And while that doesn't make the ghosts of any less importance, it does make the book lean more toward a thriller than a paranormal book for me. This is not a bad thing as I do enjoy thrillers.

The mystery revolves around a murdered victim found in the cemetery Amelia is in charge of restoring. Using her expertise of the grounds she becomes involved with the case and with Devlin, the detective in charge. The killer is also making sure that Amelia is a part of the case by sending clues to her blog. I won't say much more as I will end up giving too much away.

This ghostly murder mystery thriller (say that 5 times fast) gets 4 stars. I really enjoyed the world Amelia lives and love trying to figure out what is what and who is what. ;) The characters were interesting and I suspect that in the next coming stories in this series we will see them develop even further. I hope so. I think it could become more deliciously creepy if that happens. The murder mystery was solved, but not certain parts of her life in which I have curiosities still left to be satisfied. The next book is The Kingdom.

This was a great book - hard to put down and yet just scary enough that I wished I could close it at times!

Stevens sets the pace nicely early on, along with the spooky atmosphere that pervades the story whenever the ghosts are around. I read this over three evenings and did find myself double checking dark corners of the house once I'd closed the pages for the night.

Amelia is an engaging heroine, not least because she draws her strength from within and not from some supernatural power. The fact she can see ghosts is often more a hinderance than a help at the start of the novel, though this changes as the story progresses.

I would have liked a little more from Devlin as the male lead, but this is the first book in a series and so I hope to get more from his character in the next book if he continues to play a role (as I think he will). The interaction between Devlin and Amelia was good and the idea of his ghosts intervening and the way he seems to sap Amelia's energy was intriguing.

The plot of this book is a real mesh of genres - romance, paranormal, horror and thriller - so there really is something for everyone. The action is well-paced, the descriptions well-presented and there is a great sense of mystery and danger that keeps you reading.

This book is highly recommended and I for one will certainly be keen to see more from this writer.

I received this novel as a free ebook ARC from NetGalley

I read this book in one day, so that in itself speaks to it's appeal. I couldn't put it down. I have the second book ready to read and the third is on its way. While the story was interesting, I too found the Secret Society angle confusing. Lots of time spent on the Secret Society in the book, but no real resolution. That is ok, maybe more to come in future books. Love 'real ghost" stories where it is not explained away as something else, so this hits the mark. A departure from what I regularly read, it was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone. I will be searching out more of Amanda Steven's books in the future (once I finish the Graveyard series!)

Amelia Gray is a 2nd generation graveyard restorer, who also happens to be able to see ghosts. There are rules about this "gift," which she's always held fast to, until she meets Devlin. Because he is haunted by some of those ghosts (but is unaware), Amelia knows she is supposed to stay far away from him. But, he needs her help, both professionally and personally. Together, they must solve a murder after a new body is found in the old graveyard Amelia is restoring. This book is categorized as a "romance", and although there absolutely is romance in the book, I wouldn't say that's the main plot line.
I literally could not sleep while reading this book; both because I didn't want to put it down, and then did not want to turn out the light when I did. The story is fresh and compelling. The chemistry between the main characters is exciting. However, I did feel disappointed that so much was left unanswered at the end. I get it is part of a series, but the sheer number of loose ends in this book is more than a little annoying. Still, I cannot wait to read book #2.

This book was ok but I'm not quite sure what category it fits under. The ghosts and the paranormal aspects are there but almost as an afterthought. In my opinion this is more mystery than it is paranormal or fantasy. And unfortunately there isn't a lot to the mystery. The author gets sidetracked a lot. Like explaining inconsequential things for a few pages and then glazing over the death of one of the characters. Also the way that the author treats ghosts is sad and disturbing. The author treats them as if they are parasites. As if they didn't start out as being human. Overall its an ok book but there are better books about ghosts out there and while I haven't read a mystery in a long time I have a feeling that there are better mysteries out there.

A cemetery restorer. A cop. Charleston. This is not a book I would have picked outright. It was available at my library for the Kindle. I was sucked in from the very begining.

The writing is crisp and real. This is not an alternative universe, or some kind of urban fiction with the fey and witches living among us. Amelia reads clear and honest. She lives a real life with real issues. Her job is fascinating and believable. I mean to google it. Her experiences with ghosts and the rules are well integrated and fit.

Devlin is a tantalizing mystery. Pefect for this story.

I read it in a day. Could not put it down. Immediately check to see if the rest of the books were available at the library. They were out. I cannot wait to see what happened so I went to the store and bought them all. I am looking forward to the next couple of days. If only I did not have to work!!

To show you how much I enjoyed this book, I hate first person books and avoid them like the plague and I was a third of the way through this before I even realized that was the voice! It grabbed me immediately and kept me guessing throughout. I now have to read the next two right away and there are certain outcomes that I am keeping my fingers crossed for, but won't say more than that so as not to be a spoiler. People have gone over the synopsis but I will say it gave me a new way of looking at paranormal than other "ghost" books I have read and it was creepy right up to the point of over the line. Don't read it too late at night!

Great introduction to a new series - and one without vampires/shapeshifters/fairies/etc. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but sometimes a girl just wants a good ghost story.
The setting is great - Charleston, SC, and there's enough detail without bogging down the reader (however, I do wish there was some mention of Spanish moss - especially in all of those cemetery scenes).
Ghosts actually play a very small role in this book, but gives enough support to push this into the paranormal category. Instead, fear and even dread are played up, intermingled with the dead to flesh out the story and back story.
The 'whodunnit' was rather easy to speculate, but there were some great twists as the ending had the reader propelled through crypts underground to its conclusion.
Overall, a fun, and slightly spooky read - and yes, I'm checking out the second book in the series today.

The Restorer is an excellent book with a different take on ghosts that hasn't been around for a while. A lot of the other reviews give the info from the back jacket of the book and the 'rules' that the main charachter, Amelia, has been taught to follow. The majority of ghosts in the book(s) aren't nice, there to help, or some benign entity. Most are described and characterized by draining the life out of the living.

Excellent start to the series -- very atmospheric. You feel the peacefulness of the cemetaries as Amelia sees and experiences them but you also can feel the chills and hair-raising creepiness she describes as she encounters different entities in the book.

Lots of interesting secondary characters and very easy to lose yourself in the story as you try to figure out which pieces of Amelia's conversations, encounters, and activities are relevant to her mysteries.

Excellent read, can't wait to move on to The Kingdom.

"Taphophilia: is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile."

I love books that open my eyes to a whole new world, and in this case it wasn't the things that go bump in the night, demons and the supernatural, but rather the love of cemeteries and the cemetery restoration, a passion I had no idea existed. The premise of The Restorer by Amanda Stevens is truly original and you won't find any tough leather-clad women wielding weapons in this take on the genre.

Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer and celebrity blogger known as the Graveyard Queen, who also has a secret she shares only with her father; she can also see ghosts.

Ms Stevens has created a eerie, subtle, and deliciously tense mystery in the tradition of Southern Gothic writing. She alternates between the lush and the macabre as she peels back the layers of the unseen and secret, in the rules governing Southern society and traditions, as well as the dangers posed by the parasitic ghosts hunting for a way to reconnect with the world they left behind. As the narrator tells us, these are "the kind of secrets that can only fester in the deepest shadows of the south".

Amelia is stuck between worlds, unwilling to be involved with either the living or the dead and finding her peace in old cemeteries that need to be `brought back to life'. She's forced to start interacting with both world when a fresh murder is uncovered in the cemetery she's currently restoring, especially with the haunted (literally) police detective that insists she become a consultant on the case.

The most remarkable aspect of this book is the tension the author builds, in the murders, the developing relationship between Amelia and the detective, and between the living and dead. Nothing is clear and the clues are handed out sparingly. For want of a better phrase, in many ways it is an old-fashioned book. The narration echoes the tone of hard-boiled detective stories of the 1940s and the romantic relationship is restrained (barely), unlike some of the others in this genre. But the author treads the line between the history and modernity well and overall it is an elegant, brilliantly drawn out story.

This is most definitely designed as the first book in the series (Graveyard Queen) and the almost abrupt ending leaves you wanting to pick up the next book as fast as possible. Book Two is due in November 2011.

Disclosure- I received an advanced copy of this book for review.

I don't give many 5 star reviews but this book deserves one! I really loved this book! I have loved gothic novels for many years and this one fits the bill in many ways. It is dark, spooky, intriguing, mysterious and atmosheric. The 'hero' could also be as dangerous as the villain, at least to the heroine's heart. All of the characters have secrets and although some of them are revealed Ms. Stevens keeps enough of them for her readers to continue reading this series.

The Restorer is the first book in her Graveyard Queen series and it is a great start. Readers are introduced to Amelia Gray the heroine and the rules she has always lived by. Ones she starts to break the minute she meets the enigmatic and mysterious John Devlin. She is a graveyard restorer and as such is asked by Devlin (a police detective with a tragic past) to consult on a recent murder. This starts a relationship that is dangerous to both of them. Amelia sees ghosts and Devlin has some hanging around him. You will want to get to know more about both of these people. We are also introduced to several secondary characters with secrets of their own.

The story is told almost like peeling an onion with more and more layers revealed as it moves along at a quick pace.

This book was impossible to put down. It is very spooky especially if you are reading it late at night. Ms. Stevens does a great job of setting the scenes for this story set in Charleston, S.C. I would highly recommend this book and have already purchased the next book--The Kingdom--in this series.

The Restorer is about Amelia, a cemetery restorer who also sees ghosts. She lives by the rules her father, who also sees them, instilled in her since the first time she saw a ghost at the age of nine. When a body is found at Oak Grove, a pre-Civil War cemetery located on the property of Emerson College, she ends up breaking one of the rules she's lived her life by: don't get involved with people who are haunted by ghosts. These people don't see the ghosts that haunt and drain energy from them, but it's dangerous for Amelia to be around them because she can't let them know she sees them or, as her father said, she'll never get rid of them and her life will never be the same again. Unfortunately, the detective in charge of the investigation, John Devlin, is haunted by a woman and a child and Amelia is drawn to him in spite of all of this. Deepening the mystery is the fact that a similar murder occurred 15 years earlier and no one wants to talk about that, possibly because a secret society associated with the university could be involved.

I liked the idea behind this novel and I really liked learning about cemeteries, rituals related to burial and the symbolism represented by decorations on the headstones. There were one or two scenes that were actually pretty creepy and scary. However, I don't know if Stevens was trying to be all gothic or channel classic authors, but I found some of the writing to be really annoying. For example, one woman was having dinner with Amelia and someone else and she described a married couple who was arguing in public like this: They were quite literally the most stunning couple I'd ever laid eyes on. And even though they were in the middle of a heated argument, there was something so primal and hungry about the way he stared down at her...the way their bodies unconsciously strained toward one another as if nothing--not time, not distance, not even death--could ever keep them apart. And here's another gem that Amelia was thinking to herself: Did he sense the stirring of a dark passion that was as foreign to me as it was forbidden? Seriously? There were way too many times this book strayed into totally melodramatic and weird/bodice ripper writing territory for me.

As for Amelia, overall her character was likeable, but, again, Stevens just seemed to go the flowery, melodramatic route with her too much. I've never seen a character shiver, tremble and quiver so much; the slightest thing did it. And she'd imagine things, like a guy touching the back of her neck and touching her face but then open her eyes and he hadn't moved so often that at times it seemed like she had psychological issues. She was much better when talking about cemetery related issues or going through possible clues related to the case. And I didn't get the allure of Devlin, other than he was super handsome. The guy was, understandably, upset about something that happened in his past, but we didn't know a lot more about him and he went from being angry at Amelia for what he felt was prying (it was), to being into her when, though the reader knew her reasons for doing what she did, what he knew about her should've screamed "Stalker!" None of the secondary characters were very fleshed out and it seems that everyone is hiding something; I guess we'll find out more about those things in future books.

I think it's apparent that I did have quite a few issues with The Restorer. I definitely would've enjoyed the book more if there'd been less flowery, weirdly gothic moments/passages and I would've liked to felt a bit more invested in the characters, especially Amelia, but I think that Stevens is a good writer and the story was interesting and original enough that I will give at least the next book in the series a read.

I love The Restorer, this book completely captured my attention. If you love ghosts and supernatural this book is so worth your time. I am looking for the next Amanda Stevens right now. She's an exceptional story teller capturing the slure of the south perfectly.

Originally posted at Libri Ago [...]
I'm a sucker for a good ghost story, even when it scares the schnikeys out of me. The Restorer is one of those creepily good stories that goes for the perfect chilling factor.

Book one in the Graveyard Queen series (doesn't that just sound so awesome?) introduces us to Amelia Gray, a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. These aren't Casper-friendly ghosts, either. These are scary, wet-the-bed nightmarish ghosts, so Amelia has held to her father's edict to never let ghosts know she can see them. She's done a good job--until now.

How could a ghost story get even better? Add in genteel Southerns entrenched in secret societies and sacrificial murders, plus a handsome potential love interest with a mysterious past, and you've got a realistically fright-worthy read.

While this book is published by Harlequin, it focuses more on the mystery than the romance, which I really appreciated in this story. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.

Wow! I was hooked from the first page when Amelia explained how she started seeing ghosts at the age of nine, and her father explained the rules to her about living with ghosts. There were twists and turns in every chapter of this book, and a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. Although I must admit, I knew who the murder was early on in the book. Knowing who the murder was early on did not spoil the book for me because there were so many other mysteries left unsolved such as: what is the father's secret that her mother tried to tell her while she was in the hospital? How are Devlin and Amelia going to work out their relationship? What does the aunt know? All of these unanswered questions can be frustrating to some people, however; I found it quite intriguing, and it kept me turning the pages until the end of the book. I'm sure some of these questions will be answered in the next book, which I am anxiously waiting for!

Single sentence summary: Amelia sees ghosts and lives her life by a set of rules to keep the ghosts at bay, but when she breaks the first of those rules, her life takes a turn and now she is searching for a killer.

I feel sort of silly about this book. When I picked it up, the authors name was familiar but I didn't know why. Then I read this book and still couldn't figure it out. Only when I went to find out more about the author did I realize I've read Amanda Stevens before. I read the Whispering Room last year and really enjoyed it. I shouldn't have been surprised then that I loved this book.

Amelia is a character you can't help but be enchanted by. She lives by the rules her father established when he found out she too could see ghosts. Those rules are:

1. Never acknowledge the dead. If you do, they'll feed off your energy like parasites, slowly draining your life away.
2. Never stray too far from hallowed ground, you're safe there.
3. Keep your distance from people who are haunted. They are a terrible threat and can't be trusted.
4. Never, ever tempt fate.

She has kept those rules her whole life, which is pretty impressive considering she is a graveyard restorer. The day she breaks the first rule things are bound to happen. This factors made Amelia interesting and I was entertained the entire book. The other characters were just as interesting. The lead detective is haunted by his dead wife and child.

The characters weren't the only great component of this book. I was thoroughly engrossed by the mystery. I felt sucked into the history and heat of the graveyard and what had happened there. I loved reading this book and I'm looking forward to see how the series continues. 5 Stars!

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
Mira Books; April 2011
400 pages
ISBN13: 9780778329817

Picture the southern charm of Charleston, SC. The fern covered grounds, the moss hanging from the trees, the trees so full and thick that they form a canopy above you........ Now picture yourself standing in a graveyard staring at a ghost.

1. Never acknowledge the dead
2. Never stray far from hallowed ground
3. Never associate with those who are haunted
4. Never, ever tempt fate.

My father's rules....I've never broken them.....until now.

Now that you know the rules you have to keep them in mind throughout the story. Amelia is 9 when she sees her first ghost. Her father can see them as well. It's a secret between the two of them, even her mother doesn't know.

Amelia has a pretty interesting job in that she is a cemetery restorer. She has a special talent for restoring old deteriorating burial sites. These sites for various reasons have been neglected or forgotten over the years and she brings them back to life and beauty.

The main character is called in to consult on a case when a body is found in a cemetery she is currently restoring. This is where she meets the dark and brooding John Devlin. Devlin has a past that is slowly revealed in pieces throughout the story and it makes him even more intriguing. You wonder what he hides behind his distant eyes, dark circles and what it is about him that immediately pulls Amelia to him but at the same time instills fear in her.

The characters are well developed, introduced and intertwined perfectly, the background stories are brought out in perfect timing, and the details were wonderfully explained. It is very apparent that the author truly did her research on the subjects described. I loved how details of inscriptions on the headstones were explained revealing rituals, beliefs, and symbolism.

The twists and turns involving all the supporting characters were well done as well. Secret organizations, cover-ups, hidden past transgressions, old money, prestigious universities and the charming south. All woven together perfectly.

The creepiness factor is definitely there with the ghosts... staring in through the windows, the bursts of cold air, the feeling of someone touching your arm and the breath you feel on your neck. Trust me, these ghosts are no Casper...

"Just when sun bids farewell and the moon says hello, between day and night- twilight- a veil is lifted, the unrest sprits rise to roam the land of the living once more..."

***I received this book from Mira via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. It in no way influenced my review or opinion of this book.

I was dubious when I started reading this book, because I didn't know the author. However, I have to say she is an excellent writer, and she kept me glued to the book. It does have a rather dark and scary plot line, and I'm not a person who generally reads this kind of book, but I liked her protagonist, and the ensuing tension with a man she knows she shouldn't be attracted to. I enjoyed this book enough that I quickly found the sequel, Kingdom, which I am now reading. Oh, by the way, my daughter read this book before me, and she said she couldn't read it at night in bed. Too spooky!

I was sucked into this book from the first line and the beautiful, mysterious premise paired with the main character kept me enthralled throughout. The writing is atmospheric, gentle, brooding, dark and lush all with a touch of the poetic. I could smell the flowers in the air, feel the fog on my skin and the heat of the sun on the back of my neck. The author created a charming setting in Charleston and the locale, class differences and weather add to the mood. The story is told in Amelia's POV and there is something unique about her voice. It is hushed and quiet like a secret which is one of the themes of this story. Hushed and quiet like the cemeteries she works in. Many of the characters are hiding something. As Amelia unravels these riddles she gets closer to danger, emotionally as with John or her parents, and physically, as she gets closer to the killer. The chapters always end on a note that made me want to turn the page and in between them, there are nice graphics of ivy leaves that lend itself well to the setting and tone of the book.

I like Amelia a lot. She seems so melancholy. She is closed off and used to protecting herself but she is not reclusive. She does have friends and family who she socializes with, and it's a nice balance. The only thing that bothered me, and this is a small complaint, is I felt her fixation on John gets to be a bit redundant, but it did let up as the story progressed and I found it more realistic. Other than that, I feel Amelia is very real. She is not perfect. She makes mistakes, gets reprimanded, is embarrassed, is cowed by her boss and doesn't always know the right thing to say.

I love discovering new things by reading and when it arrives in a work of fiction, the information can come about more seamlessly than in a textbook or article. The Restorer introduced me to Taphophiles and the meaning of pareidolia. The details of the different types of archeological forensics were fascinating as well. I also learned to paint your porch roof blue to keep away wasps as well as spirits and how to read an inscription on a grimy headstone.

The author must have a blog, because her character has one as well and laments that "writing steady and interesting content was both challenging and time consuming." That made me laugh and I thought that the use of a blog a very contemporary addition to the story and it serves various purposes.

The paranormal aspect of the book is very believable, eerie and enchanting all at once. Without it there would probably still be a good mystery, a solid story, but the paranormal is what fuels Amelia's role and is integral to the novel.

The other characters are interesting and worth getting to know as well, especially stoic and sad John Devlin, the detective on the case and Amelia's love interest. He is interesting and has that swoon factor by being nothing more than intense. John has to make a choice between the past and the present and his torment is apparent without being trite. John and Amelia are both haunted in their own way and while it seems at times that if they can get together they will find peace, there is also the feeling that if they get together it may cause chaos.

The Restorer is suspenseful, full of twists and secrets and I couldn't put it down. Lots of thrilling moments full of surprises. There are so many layers that the author lets you uncover, but keeps some secrets yet to be discovered that will hopefully be forthcoming in the next books. I'm not one for series, but I don't feel I was left hanging. The main mystery is wrapped up and the book is self contained, but it leaves a flavor of what is to come and I cannot wait to continue the adventure with Amelia.

I checked this book our of my local library. I saw it recommended by someone on my twitter feed and decided to check it out. I loved it. The characters were well written and likable. It was different than the other "I see dead people" books. It had suspense and twists. I finished the first one after two days and immediately checked the next one in the series out of the library. I am now onto the third book and looking forward to the latest in the series coming out later this year. I highly recommend the series.

I decided to read THE RESTORER by Amanda Stevens because first, because I was intrigued by the cover copy. (Major kudos to the cover artist) and second, I am personally intrigued by old cemeteries. Being primarily a romance reader, this was differently out of my normal reading genre. BUT, OMG, what an incredible read.

THE RESTORER is the first book in a new series by Amanda Stevens...it opens on a quiet scene in a cemetery but that's the last calm moment you will have. I started reading at 9:00 at night, thinking I'd read a few pages and go to bed. It is now 1:34 a.m. I have read the entire book because I could not put it down. It is that good.

It isn't a romance, although there is an undercurrent of attraction between Amelia Gray and John Devlin. It isn't a strong mystery, although there are dead bodies galore. The suspense is intense at times. Psychic vampires. Ghosts. Shadow people. Secrets. Lots and lots of secrets. There were more layers to every character in this book than an onion. I'd get through one layer, only to find another waiting. Ms. Stevens has given us deeply drawn characters, each guarding his/her own secrets.

And while the murder mystery is neatly wrapped up at the end, the story of Amelia Gray--and maybe of John Devlin--isn't. The clues are all there for the reader to solve the mystery, so the ending isn't shocking, and makes sense. But I wasn't ready to leave this world. There are mysteries about Amelia, and her adoptive father who has the same ability to see ghosts, and an adoptive mother and aunt who are keeping their own secrets. Yes, this family has quite a few secrets left to be told and I can't wait to discover them all.

To tell you the truth, the story's ghosts and shadows combined with Ms. Stevens' outstanding story telling ability made me twist in my chair from time to time to make sure nothing was behind me. However, I will be first in line for the next book in this series.

I wouldn't compare this book to anything in the urban fantasy genre. Let's get that straight.

This is a paranormal mystery series. Period. The end.

It was all this talk of Sookie and other urban fantasy heriones that had me picking this up. And BOY... did it take me ages to get through. When I read mysteries I read cozies. This is a serious, straight up, pay attention to detail mystery. No funny. No ha ha. And definitely no cozy.

If I had to give it a second genre I'd pick suspense. And while I've read both hard core mystery and suspense I have to say neither is my preferred genre so I really had to make an effort to finish this book.

The reason I rate this four stars instead of five is because, while I recognize that most mystery hero and heroines spend a lot of time in their heads, Amelia really spend ALL HER TIME in her head. She's an isolated woman with no friends and she can confide in anyone... even her family. That gets old. And it makes reading the middle of this book like walking through molasses. Everyone is a suspect and even her friends are pretty shallow... her most meaningful interaction is with an old woman who speaks very strange Creole dialect and a pre-teen witch. She doesn't have anyone to share her insights with, to confide her observations to, and to just unwind and chat with. It's very limiting as a reader to be shut completely away in a character's mind like that. And I didn't enjoy it.

I think this series would be much improved by Amelia making some real connections... and not the weird one she has going on with Devlin. She needs friends and a support system. It would make her both a more interesting character... and it would make the story more fun to read.

The premise of the Restorer immediately intrigued me, a heroine who works to repair graveyards, scary ghosts and serial murder, a combination I find almost irresistible.
From the first I found Amelia Gray engaging. As the story is told in the first person it creates an immediate intimacy as we are privy to her thoughts and emotions. She is reserved and self contained, a product of her father's rules of protection from the ghosts that linger behind the veil. Her occupation as a graveyard restorer is something unusual and Stevens weaves Amelia's knowledge seamlessly into the storyline. While I have always been fascinated by gravestone epitaph's I had never given much thought to the symbolism that permeates old cemeteries.
Amelia's unconventional relationship with Devlin offers elements of romance without overwhelming the plot. Devlin is handsome, aloof and enigmatic as hero's tend to be but his mysterious background gives him some depth that I expect will be explored in further installments.
Stevens plays up the stereotypes of southern eccentrics and the old monied privileged with several characters but also includes a lesbian colleague and Gullah mystic. The varied cast allows for a wide pool of suspects in the murders.
One of the particular strengths of this book lies in the atmosphere that Steven's creates with lyrical description and a menacing undertone that builds to the climax as Amelia is stalked by both human and ghost. There are moments that gave me goosebumps as I imagined the ghost child swaying slowly on the backyard swing.
Despite a majority of wonderfully well written scenes I was regularly jarred out of the narrative when some desperately melodramatic sentences slipped into the prose. Since I have read a galley I will not quote them, but I found them disruptive.
The Restorer is a solid debut for the Graveyard Queen southern gothic mystery/urban fantasy series. I look forward to continuing the series with The Kingdom due to be released later this year (2011)

I checked this book our of my local library. I saw it recommended by someone on my twitter feed and decided to check it out. I loved it. The characters were well written and likable. It was different than the other "I see dead people" books. It had suspense and twists. I finished the first one after two days and immediately checked the next one in the series out of the library. I am now onto the third book and looking forward to the latest in the series coming out later this year. I highly recommend the series.

Very interesting book! the narrator's southern twang really brought that South Carolina (Charleston) feeling to the book. She also did a great job in differentiating the voices.
Now this is what I was expecting when I read the "In Death" series by J.D. Robb.

This book featured a cemetery restorer & archeologist, Amelia Gray, who had been seeing ghosts since she was 9yrs old. Her father, who also saw ghosts, gave her some guidelines to follow when dealing with these presence. His desire for her safety basically turned her into solitary women with no real attachments and friendships.

When a fresh body was discovered at a cemetery she was restoring, Detective John Devlin sought her out for assistance. Amelia and John got drawn into a complex serial murder's game and they also developed an attraction. When it becomes clear that the serial killer is targeting Amelia, how will they flush this killer out when the killer is always a couple of steps ahead of them?

I wasn't scared like I expected, but I was engrossed in the plot. It was well written, engrossing and the tension was just right. They were a few scenes that were really creepy, *ahem, the bedroom scene* but it's not like I won't be able to sleep tonight.

I thought Amelia would utilize her dad more at the end, but she didn't go that route. Perhaps because her dad would have warned her off Devlin. I didn't suspect the serial killers motive, so it was hard to pinpoint who it was. I choose to see the ending, not as an ending, but a beginning to a new path for Amelia & Devlin. I look forward to see how they respond to this second chance.

I decided to read THE RESTORER by Amanda Stevens because first, because I was intrigued by the cover copy. (Major kudos to the cover artist) and second, I am personally intrigued by old cemeteries. Being primarily a romance reader, this was differently out of my normal reading genre. BUT, OMG, what an incredible read.

THE RESTORER is the first book in a new series by Amanda Stevens...it opens on a quiet scene in a cemetery but that's the last calm moment you will have. I started reading at 9:00 at night, thinking I'd read a few pages and go to bed. It is now 1:34 a.m. I have read the entire book because I could not put it down. It is that good.

It isn't a romance, although there is an undercurrent of attraction between Amelia Gray and John Devlin. It isn't a strong mystery, although there are dead bodies galore. The suspense is intense at times. Psychic vampires. Ghosts. Shadow people. Secrets. Lots and lots of secrets. There were more layers to every character in this book than an onion. I'd get through one layer, only to find another waiting. Ms. Stevens has given us deeply drawn characters, each guarding his/her own secrets.

And while the murder mystery is neatly wrapped up at the end, the story of Amelia Gray--and maybe of John Devlin--isn't. The clues are all there for the reader to solve the mystery, so the ending isn't shocking, and makes sense. But I wasn't ready to leave this world. There are mysteries about Amelia, and her adoptive father who has the same ability to see ghosts, and an adoptive mother and aunt who are keeping their own secrets. Yes, this family has quite a few secrets left to be told and I can't wait to discover them all.

To tell you the truth, the story's ghosts and shadows combined with Ms. Stevens' outstanding story telling ability made me twist in my chair from time to time to make sure nothing was behind me. However, I will be first in line for the next book in this series.

I wouldn't compare this book to anything in the urban fantasy genre. Let's get that straight.

This is a paranormal mystery series. Period. The end.

It was all this talk of Sookie and other urban fantasy heriones that had me picking this up. And BOY... did it take me ages to get through. When I read mysteries I read cozies. This is a serious, straight up, pay attention to detail mystery. No funny. No ha ha. And definitely no cozy.

If I had to give it a second genre I'd pick suspense. And while I've read both hard core mystery and suspense I have to say neither is my preferred genre so I really had to make an effort to finish this book.

The reason I rate this four stars instead of five is because, while I recognize that most mystery hero and heroines spend a lot of time in their heads, Amelia really spend ALL HER TIME in her head. She's an isolated woman with no friends and she can confide in anyone... even her family. That gets old. And it makes reading the middle of this book like walking through molasses. Everyone is a suspect and even her friends are pretty shallow... her most meaningful interaction is with an old woman who speaks very strange Creole dialect and a pre-teen witch. She doesn't have anyone to share her insights with, to confide her observations to, and to just unwind and chat with. It's very limiting as a reader to be shut completely away in a character's mind like that. And I didn't enjoy it.

I think this series would be much improved by Amelia making some real connections... and not the weird one she has going on with Devlin. She needs friends and a support system. It would make her both a more interesting character... and it would make the story more fun to read.

The premise of the Restorer immediately intrigued me, a heroine who works to repair graveyards, scary ghosts and serial murder, a combination I find almost irresistible.
From the first I found Amelia Gray engaging. As the story is told in the first person it creates an immediate intimacy as we are privy to her thoughts and emotions. She is reserved and self contained, a product of her father's rules of protection from the ghosts that linger behind the veil. Her occupation as a graveyard restorer is something unusual and Stevens weaves Amelia's knowledge seamlessly into the storyline. While I have always been fascinated by gravestone epitaph's I had never given much thought to the symbolism that permeates old cemeteries.
Amelia's unconventional relationship with Devlin offers elements of romance without overwhelming the plot. Devlin is handsome, aloof and enigmatic as hero's tend to be but his mysterious background gives him some depth that I expect will be explored in further installments.
Stevens plays up the stereotypes of southern eccentrics and the old monied privileged with several characters but also includes a lesbian colleague and Gullah mystic. The varied cast allows for a wide pool of suspects in the murders.
One of the particular strengths of this book lies in the atmosphere that Steven's creates with lyrical description and a menacing undertone that builds to the climax as Amelia is stalked by both human and ghost. There are moments that gave me goosebumps as I imagined the ghost child swaying slowly on the backyard swing.
Despite a majority of wonderfully well written scenes I was regularly jarred out of the narrative when some desperately melodramatic sentences slipped into the prose. Since I have read a galley I will not quote them, but I found them disruptive.
The Restorer is a solid debut for the Graveyard Queen southern gothic mystery/urban fantasy series. I look forward to continuing the series with The Kingdom due to be released later this year (2011)

There's a certain schizophrenic quality about Amanda Stevens' book Restorer. Part of it is quite a good horror novel involving Amelia Gray a character with the fascinating job of cemetery restorer. Another part of the book is a rather clumsy, but at times intriguing, mystery. The third part is a romance that is not resolved in this volume.

Amelia is hired by an elite college in the city of Charleston South Carolina, to restore an old graveyard owned by the College. Since childhood, Amelia has had the ability to see ghosts. Taught by her father, who also has this ability, she has lived her life under a strict set of rules for dealing with the dead. Then the body of a murdered woman is discovered in the cemetery she is working in and the heroine is drawn into a murky murder investigation run by a detective who appears to be literally haunted by the death of his young wife and child. Amelia is enlisted at the murder scene by a private detective Tom Gerrity to feed information to the detective in charge of the case.

The situation grows more confused as a secret society made up of elite students at the college, a similar murder done 15 years previous, a psychic research society and anonymous messages left on the heroine's blog all crop up. I did have a hard time believing that anyone who wrote a financially successful blog would not have logging turned on and would at least check the source of any creepy messages.

The story is told in first-person. This is quite effective for telling the ghostly parts; however, there is one point when Amelia falls asleep and at the same time knows about events happening outside her window. Not a psychic event, the author just wanted to mention a creaking gate a howling dog and eyes "gleaming with madness".

Unfortunately, the conclusion of the mystery was very rushed (beginning near the end of chapter 39 out of 41 and ultimately unsatisfying. The villain is fairly obvious, even without all of the rather heavy-handed hints that the author drops. A lot of threads are left hanging in order to act as sequel bait.

It is hard to imagine that the reader who enjoys the truly creepy scenes will be taken with the subpar mystery. Anyone who is looking for a romance is probably going to be disappointed. There are also some effective gruesome descriptions in the story. However, I really liked bits of the book so I'm going to give the sequel a try. I hope that the next book will be allowed to run long enough to make a satisfying read.

Fast paced, well thought out and just kept you coming back. I cannot wait to read more and figure out what is her dad's problem and more on Amelia's story. If you like ghost stories, murder mysteries, and even a bit of romance, you'll like it.

Called the Graveyard Queen, Amelia Grey has been working alongside her father, the local cemetery grounds keeper since she was a child. All grown up, she is now a renowned historian and restorer of cemeteries but being able to care for the hollowed land is not the only thing she can do, both Amelia and her father can see the dead.

"I was twenty-seven years old and I'd never had a best friend, never had a real confidant and had never once fallen in love. From the time I was nine years old, the dead that walk among us had isolated me from the living. With that first sighting, my life had been changed forever. Like my father, I'd learned to live with my secret, had even come to embrace the solitude, but there were times, like tonight, when I wondered if madness might not also wait for me behind the veil"

There are very strict rules when it comes to having this gift; one is never to make contact. Second, do not let them know that you can see them or they will attach to you and you will never get away. The third is to never get close to a person who has a ghost attached to them." That one is a bit harder for Amelia since she has feelings for John Devlin, a police detective, assigned to investigate the recent body that has turned up in the cemetery after a storm. Of course, it cannot be as simple as a washed up casket; this is definitely a newly deceased person who did not have a proper burial. But of course, that isn't the only body in this story. Just when you think you have all the creepiness tied up Tom Gerrity, an ex-police officer who wants to torment Devlin shows up with some information of his own. Who is the Prophet and why does it set John Devlin off?

What does bother me about this story is that both Amelia and her father have the same ability, but yet Amelia is adopted. It hit me as strange that two people who are unrelated coincidently have the same gift, but now I am wondering if there is more to this story that will be revealed in future installments. Just one more twist in a very interesting tale.

"We can learn so much from the dead"

The end is quite twisty so be prepared to pay close attention. Things that you think are, aren't, things that didn't make sense are left dangling for the next in this planned trilogy, so be prepared to be left questioning and having to draw your own conclusions until next time.

Amanda Stevens definitely has a series to keep any eye out for.

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written. Characters were well defined and it moved along fast with twists and turns. I will definitely read more of her books. Maybe someone can help me, is there someplace I can find these books in order? I see on the page for this books that others are listed, but without indication of the order (except Book 4 is noted for TWO of them.... ?) (Tried her website, still not clear)
Thanks so much!

It isn't overly dark, but there is the feel of mystery & chilly gloom. Amelia is lonily & intellegent, Devlin is tormented & dark. This book will pull you in & keep you there wanting more even when you have reached the end of the book. Next book 'The Kingdom'.

A fabulous ghost story in the Southern Gothic tradition, Amanda Steven's THE RESTORER also delivers a first-rate murder mystery. The protagonist, Amelia Grey, is a cemetery restorer with a treasure trove of fascinating knowledge about tomb symbology and lore, along with a lonely secret...she can see the dead. Warned never to acknowledge an apparition lest it haunt her forever and to avoid the haunted at all costs, she is drawn into mystery when murder victims beginning turning up at the cemetery where she's working...and into danger when the lead detective on the case, the haunted Devlin, sparks an unwelcome attraction.

Eerie and genuinely spooky, THE RESTORER kept me guessing until the killer was revealed. The first in a series, the book still manages to offer closure, while tempting the reader to check out the next in the series, THE KINGDOM, which will be released next fall.

Very highly recommended!

Well, I must admit I really liked this book a lot. Anything dealing with cemeteries and ghosts and I'm hooked. The only thing that bothered me (and it bothered me quite a bit) was the amount of "shivering" Amelia did. Every single page that girl is shivering! It can be a ghost that makes her shiver, a thought, a man's hand, another thought, I could go on and on. If anyone is about to read this novel, I dare you to make little hash marks on a piece of paper and count how many times she "shivers" or even" suppresses a shiver". Man it got to be annoying.

Sorry, I was ranting. If you can get past all that, the book itself is actually a pretty original idea and as I said before, it's a good read.

What an enthralling read!  A great story of old southern cemeteries, ghosts, murder, suspense, and romance...I'm in love!  A fast paced thrilling story!  The mystery kept me guessing until the end!!  I had no idea!!  I stumbled upon this fabulous author by accident...and I could not put this down!  I loved this!  Picking up the next in this series RIGHT NOW!

This book started off pretty good--and ended up fantastic. It was thrilling, spooky, unique, and even surprisingly sexy. I can't believe I let this sit on my shelf, unread, for so long. I loved the main character, Amelia. She was strong, smart, and believable all throughout the story. I couldn't have asked for a better protagonist. And this was a wonderfully fresh type of paranormal fiction. I greatly enjoyed reading this, especially the last half. I'm immediately going out for the sequel.

Amelia Gray is a professional cemetery restorer and popular blogger, better known to tombstone lovers as the Graveyard Queen. She comes by the work honestly, having grown up in and around the cemeteries her much-loved father has tended all her life. Since Amelia was nine the two have known that they share a disturbing attribute - they see ghosts. Serious ghosts. Ghosts who desperately seek the warm energy of humans and, if they know you can see them, will trail you forever.

Consequently, Amelia lives carefully by her father's strict, admonishing rules: never acknowledge the dead, never stray too far from hallowed ground, and always, ALWAYS keep your distance from those who are haunted.

Having accepted a commission from elite, private Emerson University in Charleston, SC, Amelia sets about the delicate business of restoring the University's long-neglected Oak Grove Cemetery. When the body of a homicide victim is discovered atop one of the old graves in Oak Grove, Charleston police detective John Devlin approaches Amelia for help. Devlin is darkly brooding, charismatic, and dreadfully haunted by the ghosts of his deceased wife and young child who are immediately and inexorably drawn to Amelia.

A gruesome pattern of murders soon emerges within the Emerson ranks, hinting at the involvement of a secret sect. Devlin needs Amelia's ability to interpret tombstone symbols and graveyard topography to help solve the homicidal puzzle. Pushed ever closer to Devlin's magnetic attraction, and to his ghosts, Amelia finds herself mired in the witchy ways of South Carolina's low-country Gullah people, and on a collision course with a methodical killer trying to free himself of the evil spirit that drives him.

Just like the Gullah's tell-tale quilts, Stevens expertly pieces together these dark, yet colorful characters, a down-right chilling plot, and the spirited essence of historic Charleston. Then she stitches them up in eerie, edge-of-your-seat fashion.

The book has it all. Mystery, romance, and paranormal activity. I loved it. The author tells a wonderful story that is easy to follow, but not so easy that I don't have to use my vocabulary function on my kindle. I finished this book in 3 days. I would recommend it for a vacation read... But not if you are going anywhere scary. Some parts of this book made the hair on my arms stand on end.

This wasn't like most books I read. If I had to pick one word to describe The Restorer it would be Haunting. This story is a wonderful combination of ghost story, romance, mystery and education <G>. The tone of the story is dark and mysterious. I was hooked in the first chapter after an exchange between our heroine Amelia and her father when he explained why she couldn't ever let a ghost know she could see them...

"Because what the dead want more than anything is to be a part of our world again. They are like parasites, drawn to your energy, feeding off our warmth. If they know you can see them, they'll cling to you like blight. You'll never be rid of them. And your life will never again be your own."

read the rest of my review: [...]

I was very pleasantly surprised by The Restorer, it was refreshing to read a story that encompassed a perfect blend of mystery and excitement of the atmospheric unknown that seems to surround ghosts and things that go bump in the night. The mystery in this darkly told story never lets up and the atmosphere of the whole book was a constant drum of slow tension, like when you hold your breath while waiting for the final answer to an all important question.

I absolutely loved the mystery that shrouded the darkly handsome and brooding John Devlin throughout the story and how one layer at a time was peeled away to reveal what made him into a lonesome man. That slow reveal and his being a taboo for Amelia, made the romance and tension build up between her and Devlin powerful. Though romance was indeed a slow build up, it's not the story's main attraction, it's the mystery. Every turn in the story reveals another contention point that begs to be explored further.

I would recommend The Restorer to anyone who likes a finely woven mystery and forbidden romances but be prepared to want to read the next book in this trilogy with a huge longing. I know I am!

The Graveyard Queen Trilogy:
Prequel: The Abandoned (The Graveyard Queen)
1 - The Restorer (The Graveyard Queen)
2 - The Kingdom (The Graveyard Queen Series)
3 - The Prophet (The Graveyard Queen)

There are rules.

Never acknowledge them.
Don't look at them.
Don't speak to them.
Don't let them sense your fear, even when they touch you.
Never stray too far from hallowed ground.
Keep your distance from those who are haunted. If they seek you out, turn away from them for they constitute a terrible threat and cannot be trusted.

And never, ever tempt fate.

As is the way of rules, all of them get violated before the close of this paranormal romance. But that's what paranormal romances are for, right?

The Restorer is the first in a planned series of novels focusing on a cemetery restorer who ends up consulting in a police investigation when a murdered woman's body is found shallowly buried in a section of an old graveyard where she has been working. There are a number of ghostly occurrences, a secret society, and a darkly handsome cop with a mysterious past to drive the action along, with some surprising results.

I'm not generally a fan of this genre, and typically run hard and fast from anything with romantic inclinations, so my four stars represent truly high praise.

The author leaves enough loose ends to carry readers into the next book, but I do hope that she doesn't fall into a pattern of doing so.

This was not a bad book, I liked the premise, I disliked the fact that almost nothing is revealed in this first instalment. That's just comercialism. I doubt I'll get the second one as I can see there are more and I suspect nr. 2 will be more of the same, throwing out dark hints, concluding little. It's good story though and if you really like stories about psychics it might grab you. Be prepared to spend money and feel frustrated though.

I was taken by surprise with this book more than once. As someone else said there are definitely holes and a lot left unexplained, and this would usually turn me completely off, but the superior writing and the dark and eerie ambiance of the story just sucked me in. I very much look forward to the story continuing in the next book. This is an author that I'm willing to let take me on a ride.

This is a brilliant beginning to this series! The Restorer is unlike any book I've read before. The settings and characters are creatively written, making you actually feel like you are in the Charleston cemetery with the heroine. While reading this, I heard mumbling that this is going to be turned into a television series. I can't wait!

Could have been an interesting premise, but the book was bogged down by the supposedly sexy chemistry between the main character and the "hero," mainly it was laughable.

Personally, I should have watched a rerun of the Munsters instead of reading this book, I would have enjoyed it more.

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written. Characters were well defined and it moved along fast with twists and turns. I will definitely read more of her books. Maybe someone can help me, is there someplace I can find these books in order? I see on the page for this books that others are listed, but without indication of the order (except Book 4 is noted for TWO of them.... ?) (Tried her website, still not clear)
Thanks so much!

Very interesting book! the narrator's southern twang really brought that South Carolina (Charleston) feeling to the book. She also did a great job in differentiating the voices.
Now this is what I was expecting when I read the "In Death" series by J.D. Robb.

This book featured a cemetery restorer & archeologist, Amelia Gray, who had been seeing ghosts since she was 9yrs old. Her father, who also saw ghosts, gave her some guidelines to follow when dealing with these presence. His desire for her safety basically turned her into solitary women with no real attachments and friendships.

When a fresh body was discovered at a cemetery she was restoring, Detective John Devlin sought her out for assistance. Amelia and John got drawn into a complex serial murder's game and they also developed an attraction. When it becomes clear that the serial killer is targeting Amelia, how will they flush this killer out when the killer is always a couple of steps ahead of them?

I wasn't scared like I expected, but I was engrossed in the plot. It was well written, engrossing and the tension was just right. They were a few scenes that were really creepy, *ahem, the bedroom scene* but it's not like I won't be able to sleep tonight.

I thought Amelia would utilize her dad more at the end, but she didn't go that route. Perhaps because her dad would have warned her off Devlin. I didn't suspect the serial killers motive, so it was hard to pinpoint who it was. I choose to see the ending, not as an ending, but a beginning to a new path for Amelia & Devlin. I look forward to see how they respond to this second chance.

It feels like such a betrayal to read a book, get invested in the story and/or characters and then not have the story resolved.

I don't know if it's the author, editor or publisher who is trying to rope you into buying the next book by ending with a cliff hanger but it feels really bad to me. So, no matter how much I liked the writing or plot, I do not chance the same thing happening again!

The Restorer had a main plot and two subplots, only one of the subplots had a satisfying ending. However, the last page of the book said, "But this was not to be a final goodbye. Our story was not yet finished." Basically saying, Buy The Next Book To Finish This Story! I find that to be so frustrating. I can not recommend this book.

If the story were good and satisfying I automatically would read the author again. You don't have to trick me into it.

Amelia restores cemeteries and also sees ghosts. There is a murder and a body is found at the cemetery that Amelia was working at so she has been asked by the Detective to help find the killer. The detective is being haunted and Amelia was taught by her father to never acknowledge ghosts for her own safety. There is a really good murder mystery and a good supernatural mystery. I liked these characters a lot. The story line is very intriguing, enough that it keeps you reading.

This is a book/series with promise--maybe--that is the best I can say. The obvious set up for a trilogy with no warning on the cover was really aggravating. I have no desire to buy one third of a book, which is apparently what this is.
The writing is better than average; though the editing is pretty poor --first typo on page 9 for crying out loud, but it was the construction/plot that really let me down. Since everyone else gave the rundown and the 'rules' here are my issues (spoilers included)
*Amelia sees ghosts, Dad sees ghosts, yet she never goes to him for help when things get dicey because he will disapprove. Please.
*Parents have been married for eons but Mom doenst know Dad sees ghosts?! or that her kid does? "You must not tell your mother--she doesnt believe in ghosts." Are you kidding me???
*Dad has deep dark secret...left unexplained.
*Mom has deep dark secret and MUST tell Amelia in case she dies in surgery--or not. This too...left unexplained
*Favorite aunt knows multiple secrets, including something about Amelia's adoption but wont tell. Wouldn't be MY fav aunt.
*Psycho teen ghost...stupid...and what is the deal that you cant get rid of ghosts? This was, you guessed it...left unexplained.
*Devlin's ghosts are still around...romance dropped because "it's not our time"--why not? ... both issues left unexplained.
*Cop ghost...random...and left unexplained.
*Devlin's amulet, old guy's ring ...left unexplained.
*Old college murder makes Temple snappy and nervous ...left unexplained.
*Oh and she dreams--repeatedly-- that she and a friend are watching the man she is interested have sex, in a crypt, with his dead wife--who knows they are watching. This wasnt creepy--it was gross--and pointless.
I really wanted to like it--there were some really good moments and sometimes I did, but the holes were distracting and like I said, I felt I had bought 1/3 a book, and was not amused.

I really enjoyed this series by Amanda Stevens. After reading through dozens of paranormal series, I found the plot to be fresh and inventive. There is enough action to keep the pages turning and as I finished one book, I quickly bought the next and read it. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the books for many of my relatives as gifts. I look forward to the next installment.

A fabulous ghost story in the Southern Gothic tradition, Amanda Steven's THE RESTORER also delivers a first-rate murder mystery. The protagonist, Amelia Grey, is a cemetery restorer with a treasure trove of fascinating knowledge about tomb symbology and lore, along with a lonely secret...she can see the dead. Warned never to acknowledge an apparition lest it haunt her forever and to avoid the haunted at all costs, she is drawn into mystery when murder victims beginning turning up at the cemetery where she's working...and into danger when the lead detective on the case, the haunted Devlin, sparks an unwelcome attraction.

Eerie and genuinely spooky, THE RESTORER kept me guessing until the killer was revealed. The first in a series, the book still manages to offer closure, while tempting the reader to check out the next in the series, THE KINGDOM, which will be released next fall.

Very highly recommended!

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed learning about the different symbols on the gravestones. I am a person that enjoys visiting old cemeteries and seeing the different headstones. I have a great respect for the departed. I wanted to know who could be behind the murders and what it all meant along with Amelia. I was also drawn to Devlin the more I learned of his tragedy the more I wanted Amelia to help him. I want to know more about Amelia and her Fathers secrets, the who the what the when the why of it all... I want to know if Devlin is able to move on, if they become more... I guess I have to read book two to find that out.