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Graves' End
A modern-day witch helps an undead detective solve the mystery of his own resurrection in this magical thriller with a touch of classic LA noir!
Los Angeles PI Dexter Graves was pretty sure his life ended back in 1950, after a mysterious femme fatale shot him through the head. When Graves rises from his grave sixty years later, he finds himself drawn to freelance sorceress Lia Flores, who introduces him to an underworld he never could've imagined. Lia sets out to discover the meaning behind Graves' unexpected intrusion into her enchanted life, but neither the witchgirl nor the skeletal detective has any idea they're being set up by an old-school player on the LA scene: mobster/monster Mickey Hardface, also known as Mictlantecuhtli, the ambitious king of the Aztec realm of the dead.
Funny and fast-paced, this genre-bending love letter to the City of Angels blends surreal magical fantasy with the narrative drive of a taut crime story. Epic in scope and rooted in California history, GRAVES' END adds a new chapter to the mythology of the post-Halloween holiday known as el Dia de los Muertos--the Day of the Dead.
Los Angeles PI Dexter Graves was pretty sure his life ended back in 1950, after a mysterious femme fatale shot him through the head. When Graves rises from his grave sixty years later, he finds himself drawn to freelance sorceress Lia Flores, who introduces him to an underworld he never could've imagined. Lia sets out to discover the meaning behind Graves' unexpected intrusion into her enchanted life, but neither the witchgirl nor the skeletal detective has any idea they're being set up by an old-school player on the LA scene: mobster/monster Mickey Hardface, also known as Mictlantecuhtli, the ambitious king of the Aztec realm of the dead.
Funny and fast-paced, this genre-bending love letter to the City of Angels blends surreal magical fantasy with the narrative drive of a taut crime story. Epic in scope and rooted in California history, GRAVES' END adds a new chapter to the mythology of the post-Halloween holiday known as el Dia de los Muertos--the Day of the Dead.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2012
13 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Sean Patrick Traver
11 books15 followersSEAN PATRICK TRAVER is a native of Los Angeles. His writing explores the hidden worlds that lurk behind the sleek facade LA presents to a casual observer. In addition to the traffic jams, the film studios, and the cookie-cutter suburbs, there are opulent courtyards and private gardens high up in the Hills, as well as blank, black-market warehouses crouched down in the Valley below. There are ritual shrines hidden near the hiking trails and secret practitioners who summon the spirits left over from a thousand years of history. Suburban shamans, rogue necromancers, criminal cabals and computer-savvy witches all populate the pages of his fiction. Learn more at seanpatricktraver.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 6, 2023
A Fun and Wild Ride
When the Aztec King of the Dead (known as Mickey Hardface) seeks to enter the living world full time with the help of a young witch and a reanimated skeleton private eye, you know all hell is going to break loose. Luckily his Hollywood office has a few exploitable weaknesses. There is great action, decent fighting, and much humor. Witches, archons, skeletons, ghosts, and other creatures abound. The end is a bit much and goes a little too far too fast, but it does wrap the story up well.
When the Aztec King of the Dead (known as Mickey Hardface) seeks to enter the living world full time with the help of a young witch and a reanimated skeleton private eye, you know all hell is going to break loose. Luckily his Hollywood office has a few exploitable weaknesses. There is great action, decent fighting, and much humor. Witches, archons, skeletons, ghosts, and other creatures abound. The end is a bit much and goes a little too far too fast, but it does wrap the story up well.
October 31, 2014
Fun, Sly, Fast Paced and Entertaining
First, the long description of this book on its jacket and its Amazon page completely, thoroughly and honestly summarizes exactly what this book is about. This remarkably entertaining book is a magical thriller with a touch of classic L.A. noir. It is funny and fast-paced and a real genre bender.
What isn't clear is the fact that the book is witty, full of sly little digs and bits, and cheerfully energetic. I was taken by the first few chapters - they were elegant and creepy. When skeleton detective Dexter Graves was introduced I began to get a bit concerned, because his arrival was a little jokey and a little underwritten. Was this book going to lose its way and sharpness and just peter out or get silly? Nope. My concern was unjustified. Once Graves gets himself established as a central character and hooks up with the heroine, and once we get all of the remaining necessary exposition out of the way, the book really takes off.
But slam-bang action never takes over. The book stays witty, imaginative and, somehow, good humored, right up to the epilogue. I liked the characters. I liked the plot. I liked the treatment of L.A. I mean, what goes better with a noir thriller than a Day of the Dead theme? It helps that all of the magic and myth and spells and otherworldly creatures fit so seamlessly into the plot and the action that it all feels plausible and real.
So, if you want a well-written, tightly crafted classic noir, with horror/myth/magic elements that enhance but don't overwhelm the story, this is worth a serious look.
Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
First, the long description of this book on its jacket and its Amazon page completely, thoroughly and honestly summarizes exactly what this book is about. This remarkably entertaining book is a magical thriller with a touch of classic L.A. noir. It is funny and fast-paced and a real genre bender.
What isn't clear is the fact that the book is witty, full of sly little digs and bits, and cheerfully energetic. I was taken by the first few chapters - they were elegant and creepy. When skeleton detective Dexter Graves was introduced I began to get a bit concerned, because his arrival was a little jokey and a little underwritten. Was this book going to lose its way and sharpness and just peter out or get silly? Nope. My concern was unjustified. Once Graves gets himself established as a central character and hooks up with the heroine, and once we get all of the remaining necessary exposition out of the way, the book really takes off.
But slam-bang action never takes over. The book stays witty, imaginative and, somehow, good humored, right up to the epilogue. I liked the characters. I liked the plot. I liked the treatment of L.A. I mean, what goes better with a noir thriller than a Day of the Dead theme? It helps that all of the magic and myth and spells and otherworldly creatures fit so seamlessly into the plot and the action that it all feels plausible and real.
So, if you want a well-written, tightly crafted classic noir, with horror/myth/magic elements that enhance but don't overwhelm the story, this is worth a serious look.
Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
June 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this book--animated skeletons, witches, and a cat possessed by a long-dead man? Recipe for fun! The book is set in present day, but jumps back occationally to events from teh 1940s. If you're a fan of private detectives and the supernatural, you'll enjoy this book.
November 15, 2012
This story is pure fantasy, from 7 shots fired from a double barreled shotgun to a human being occupying the body of a cat with a lot of Mexican folklore woven around El Día de Los Muertos. This is a fun read all the way, especially around Halloween.
June 1, 2012
I got this one free on Amazon and was pleasantly surprised. It was a fun read.
August 23, 2012
After meeting author Sean Traver a couple of times, I snagged his book for its remarkably low ebook price and dug in. At first it was a little...weird. Traver should be commended for that, actually, because while in the first two or so chapters I was wondering if the book was for me, what I was feeling was the fact that he'd built a very deep and together world. There was a lot going on, a lot under the surface, and I needed time to acclimate.
Then I hit the first chapter with Dexter Graves.
Dex is a 1950s ass-kicking private eye in the best tradition of Marlowe and Spade, and he serves as much of the book's comic relief for reasons I won't outline here. But where most of Graves' End's characters are in on the underlying urban fantasy elements, Dex is as lost as the reader. His situation mirrors ours in more ways than one. It helps that he's both funny and somehow just radiates cool; maybe it's that introductory scene of his in which he just takes apart gangsters with little more than a shotgun, a fedora and a series of dirty looks. After that, I was hooked.
As I mentioned before, the fantasy world here feels alive and breathing, fully formed and beautifully fleshed out. It feels like Traver has done his homework in research, though to be honest I haven't investigated what might be actual mythology and what is invention. That's kind of the point, though -- it all feels grounded and as if it's running on an internal logic. That logic might be unfamiliar and hidden, but it's definitely there; we don't know all the rules, but we're aware that there ARE rules and that they're being followed. Fantasy often invites hand-waving and the ability to ignore fully realizing a world beyond the borders of the story because, you know, magic. Not the case here. The work has been done, and a lot of it, to make those elements much more than just set dressing and convenient literary devices.
At the end, Graves' End was a way fun read. It moves well, it's constantly hitting all the right notes of fantastical and mysterious discovery, but it's light-hearted and often really funny. Recommended.
Then I hit the first chapter with Dexter Graves.
Dex is a 1950s ass-kicking private eye in the best tradition of Marlowe and Spade, and he serves as much of the book's comic relief for reasons I won't outline here. But where most of Graves' End's characters are in on the underlying urban fantasy elements, Dex is as lost as the reader. His situation mirrors ours in more ways than one. It helps that he's both funny and somehow just radiates cool; maybe it's that introductory scene of his in which he just takes apart gangsters with little more than a shotgun, a fedora and a series of dirty looks. After that, I was hooked.
As I mentioned before, the fantasy world here feels alive and breathing, fully formed and beautifully fleshed out. It feels like Traver has done his homework in research, though to be honest I haven't investigated what might be actual mythology and what is invention. That's kind of the point, though -- it all feels grounded and as if it's running on an internal logic. That logic might be unfamiliar and hidden, but it's definitely there; we don't know all the rules, but we're aware that there ARE rules and that they're being followed. Fantasy often invites hand-waving and the ability to ignore fully realizing a world beyond the borders of the story because, you know, magic. Not the case here. The work has been done, and a lot of it, to make those elements much more than just set dressing and convenient literary devices.
At the end, Graves' End was a way fun read. It moves well, it's constantly hitting all the right notes of fantastical and mysterious discovery, but it's light-hearted and often really funny. Recommended.
July 1, 2012
I stumbled across this book on Amazon while checking out my own book’s progress during one of my free promotions. I had seen it a couple of times before and decided to look a little closer. After reading the synopsis, I found it interesting and downloaded it. Being that it was free, I didn’t really feel like I had anything to lose. In hindsight, I can say that it wouldn’t have been a risk anyway because I found it to be a truly delightful read. The whole premise is unique and quirky.
Characters: I absolutely loved Dexter! The whole idea of a skeleton in a trench coat and an Indiana Jones hat was hilarious. When he got pulled over I laughed over the cop’s reaction. The fact that Dexter was a man of the 50’s and talks like it is also entertaining. The story behind the zippo was a good touch as well, and really helped flesh out his character…no pun intended.
Lia and Black Tom’s beginning was very sweet and their almost father/daughter relationship felt very special. I felt that Tom’s backstory was very well done, but Lia’s was almost too little, too late. Her little encounter with Lyssa, while enlightening, didn’t really seem like quite enough for a main character.
I really like Ingrid’s personality and Hannah was adorable. Steb’s outrageousness and flair for the dramatic really cracked me up.
Plot: The book really pulled me in from the beginning and continued to tug my curiosity along all the way until the end. Yes, I saw some of the events coming, but they didn’t necessarily turn out quite how I expected. Traver used some really excellent foreshadowing skills to set it all up and then kind of pulled the rug out from under me at the last minute. This made for an interesting and unexpected ending, which is always a good thing.
This book was a nice departure from the beaten path. It was a nice, quick read, filled with humor, action, a dash of sadness, and a touch of romance. I would highly recommend it to anyone who can appreciate a break from the norm.
Characters: I absolutely loved Dexter! The whole idea of a skeleton in a trench coat and an Indiana Jones hat was hilarious. When he got pulled over I laughed over the cop’s reaction. The fact that Dexter was a man of the 50’s and talks like it is also entertaining. The story behind the zippo was a good touch as well, and really helped flesh out his character…no pun intended.
Lia and Black Tom’s beginning was very sweet and their almost father/daughter relationship felt very special. I felt that Tom’s backstory was very well done, but Lia’s was almost too little, too late. Her little encounter with Lyssa, while enlightening, didn’t really seem like quite enough for a main character.
I really like Ingrid’s personality and Hannah was adorable. Steb’s outrageousness and flair for the dramatic really cracked me up.
Plot: The book really pulled me in from the beginning and continued to tug my curiosity along all the way until the end. Yes, I saw some of the events coming, but they didn’t necessarily turn out quite how I expected. Traver used some really excellent foreshadowing skills to set it all up and then kind of pulled the rug out from under me at the last minute. This made for an interesting and unexpected ending, which is always a good thing.
This book was a nice departure from the beaten path. It was a nice, quick read, filled with humor, action, a dash of sadness, and a touch of romance. I would highly recommend it to anyone who can appreciate a break from the norm.
October 25, 2012
Monthly ebook borrowing is the best perk of my Amazon Prime account, because I'm always surprised. Sometimes the books are embarrassing trash, sometimes they're early glimpses at a raw-but-promising author and sometimes they're really, really good. Graves' End falls into the last category.
The book follows the story of Lia, a witch living in modern day LA, who gets mixed up with Dexter Grave, a skeleton visiting from 1950. Along with Lia extremely unusual cat, they battle bug monsters, cast spells and turn night to day, all in the hopes of thwarting the King of Death's malevolent plans.
If that sounds like a busy and convoluted plot, it assuredly is. But it's also loads of fun and filled with quirky characters. Lia is sweet and deceptively fierce. Dexter has a heart if gold and balls of solid brass. Lia's father/daughter relationship with Tom is adorable.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys The Dresden Files.
November 19, 2012
If Tarantino wrote novels, I could imagine him popping out something like this. Sporting eccentric, sculpted wordplay like "monarchetype" that really sticks in the brain, Traver's prose is always fun, despite the serious and bloody action that gradually builds up toward an insane climax... which works convincingly, in the strangest sort of way, following the author's own brand of supernatural logic. It might benefit from a more evocative title and perhaps cover art, but, still... 5 stars!
October 24, 2012
L'ho preso per sbaglio
pensando fosse un altro libro che avevo già letto in italiano e volevo rileggere in inglese (era gratis su Amazon).
Si è rivelato una gradita sorpresa.
Il libro che avevo in mente io e che rileggerò fra poco era meglio ma ci sono un paio di spunti carini.
Insomma da leggere solo se siete appassionati del genere e volete una lettura leggera.
pensando fosse un altro libro che avevo già letto in italiano e volevo rileggere in inglese (era gratis su Amazon).
Si è rivelato una gradita sorpresa.
Il libro che avevo in mente io e che rileggerò fra poco era meglio ma ci sono un paio di spunti carini.
Insomma da leggere solo se siete appassionati del genere e volete una lettura leggera.
November 24, 2012
I received this book for free from the Googreads first-read giveaway. Well YEEEEE-HAYYYY. Dead skeletons, Witches, and the Aztec King of the Dead. Archons, Familiars, and a great big "Hole in the Sky" Time travel that is explained very well. Super fantastic book.
July 3, 2015
I really liked this book - it was a fun read. First off I liked the main character. She was great and I wish I could read about more of her adventure. Second off I really liked the Aztec connection because you don't read that to often. I would read more by this author.
May 28, 2012
In the end, I liked this book at least a little, but it took reading most of the book for that to happen. I wouldn't really recommend this book.
August 1, 2012
This magical enchanting tale is funny, fast paced and well worth the read. I highly recommend it.
September 6, 2012
I thought I knew about every monster around. Apparently not. What a wild ride!! I hope there's a sequel...
September 10, 2012
A very quirky and unique book, I enjoyed reading this, despite my expectations to the contrary. Its level of violence was a bit high for me, but suited the subject matter.
February 4, 2013
It held my interest.
March 9, 2013
Good story. Really like how it wrapped around on itself.
December 7, 2013
This book was great. It was a fun ride. I love the L.A. setting, the characters, the historical back-and-forth. I am going to read more of this author!
April 25, 2020
Skull's end
Great cover for a great story. I was very impressed by the story and characters. I'd be curious to see if there is a sequel.
Great cover for a great story. I was very impressed by the story and characters. I'd be curious to see if there is a sequel.
October 12, 2012
Started out a little slow, then got quite good midway through. Very crowded and rushed at the end- too many characters, too much going on, complicated plans and mythology not very adequately explained, and a few too many surprise reversals (She's Dead! She's Alive! She's Evil! She's Good!). Did I mention too many characters? Some of them seem only introduced so they can experience a heroic but painful death.
The author has talent but I think he needs to simplify and slow down a bit on the next one.
The author has talent but I think he needs to simplify and slow down a bit on the next one.
January 27, 2016
2 1/2 stars. I guess this might be best described as a paranormal crime noir. And while I generally like both sci fi / fantasy / paranormal and mysteries, I really didn't like this much at all. I spent most of the first half of the book confused about what was going on and wondering what the point was (I guess it did get clarified right at the end, so that's something...), and the last half slogging through it, hoping it would be done soon. Didn't really like any of the characters much, and even when the plot did get clarified somewhat, it never did hook me in.
August 4, 2013
I couldn't get into this book; though I forced myself to finish it. Everything just seemed a little absurd how nicely and conveniently everything fit together. Perhaps I've read too many Christopher Moore books in the past and am comparing this to those - being in the same type of humor/fantasy genre (though I'm nauseated by the cuteness of those reads to). I guess this just wasn't for me.
September 8, 2016
Such silly fun and then such a weak, confused, jumbled ending. It's like the author just ran out of time. But up until the last chapter or so, the book zips right along, filled with wonderful mock-noir and magic.
April 3, 2014
A fun-to-read mashup of detective noir and fantasy. Towards the end the coincidences start piling up a little thickly, but just suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews