The Hollow Dead

Gravekeeper #4

by Darcy Coates

When Keira first woke alone in a strange forest, she remembered only two that she could speak with the dead, helping them move on from the mortal world, and that sinister mask-wearing men were hunting her. She had no idea what she'd done to earn their hatred or what dangerous secrets she may have uncovered.

Until now.

Peeling back layer upon layer of the mystery surrounding her origins, Keira has finally learned that the strange masked men work for Artec, an organization profiting off spectral energy produced by hundreds of chained, tormented souls. Their goal is to spread their macabre cemeteries across the world, using the agony of the dead to extend their power and reach―and only Keira and her loyal group of friends can stop them. But there are still mysteries to uncover in Keira's foggy memories, and as she prepares to fight for the souls of the tormented dead, what she doesn't know about her own past may come back to haunt her.

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Mystery, Ghosts, Thriller, Fiction, Supernatural

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2024

About the author

Darcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.

She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this trio. I need more of this series!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbeknownst to Darcy Coates, finding out I had been approved for the newest installment of her Gravekeeper Series was like a Christmas gift for me!! I absolutely love this series, so I could not wait to continue reading about Keira and her faithful friends, Zoe, Mason, and Harry! And by the way, I loved that Harry played a bigger role in this book, his intriguing, quirky personality adding much of the humor to the storyline. And we must not forget sweet, heroic Daisy, Keira’s enigmatically wonderful cat, who proves animals are the best judges of human character!

Darcy skillfully reminds the reader where we left off after Book 3, deftly summarizing a bit about our protagonists and what’s transpired in previous books. Impeccably written, her words skillfully help the tension and suspense build so that you’re left on the edge of your seat! And as in all of her books, Darcy’s dialogue is fantastic!! Never stilted, always natural and fluid. What I especially love is there is humor throughout, providing levity to life or death situations.

As the story of Artec and Keira’s mysterious past unfold in THE HOLLOW DEAD, we are hit with twists and surprises (not the good kind of surprises) you could never see coming! Shocking revelations will leave you speechless—jaw-dropping, heartbreaking, and so many emotions felt all at once.

Keira’s past, her childhood, her family—all come to light! As a reader, I honestly wasn’t prepared for what she discovered. And little mysteries interspersed throughout the book, tangent to the big mystery, but important and intriguing just the same, add to the suspense of an already fantastic novel.

This is one of the books you can’t read fast enough, but at the same time, you don’t want it to end. Over the course of four books, you really grow to love these characters, feeling as if you know them personally, not wanting to say goodbye. Could there be a Book 5? Goodness, I hope so!! I’m not ready to say farewell to Keira and her endearing friends.

I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley, Darcy Coates, and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me the ARC of this book! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege reading THE HOLLOW DEAD before its release in February!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

In The Hollow Dead the story starts off close to where book three ended and centers around Keira, her past, and her forgotten memories and we finally get some answers (yay) I'm not going to give any details but I think this 4th book is my favourite out of all so far, I really enjoy all the characters. Zoe is hilarious, but Harry is my favourite. We definitely need more Harry (fingers crossed for book 5 and that hell have an even bigger part within the group.)

With all the reveals that happened in this book I really like where the story is going, it's unique and has me on the edge of my seat to see where Darcy Coates will take it in the future books. There was one or two things that had me gasp out loud. I need book 5 immediately LOL!

Read this if you enjoy: cozy horror, supernatural, ghosts, mysteries. I'd call it a fun mashup of ghost whisperer and Scooby-Doo (but with a cat named Daisy)

Many thanks to raincoastbooks for sending me a copy to read, as always opinions are my own

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Gravekeeper, Book 4
Narrated by: Suzanne Elise Freeman
Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

THE HOLLOW DEAD is interesting ghost story. I enjoy the characters and their friendship. Even thought I've read only book 1 in this series, then jumped right to book #4, I don't feel like I'm lost and confused by what is going on. Many things became more clear in book 4 and it could be the end of the series but I think this series will continue.

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Gravekeeper series and it has a zombie-magical-cat-persona.

We finally have some solid answers! In this installment, Keira regains her memories and truly starts taking control of her own destiny. So much happens in this book! It’s fast-paced, emotional, and full of revelations. I can only imagine how wild the final book in the series is going to be!

[denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

[Niko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic continuation to The Gravekeeper series! I actually had expected this to be the last installment but I'm glad it is not. Loved this one and can't wait for more

[Cass V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up right where we left off, Kiera and her Scooby gang are taking on Artec in a bigger way! The plot is quick and there's some great evolution for Kiera as a character. I really enjoy the relationships as they develop between characters and the cozy mystery vibes of the Gravekeeper series. Really looking forward to the next installment!

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading book 4 after rereading the first 3 books. This series is super sweet for a horror book. It has found family and the sweetest heroine. I love it. I feel like we are starting to close around the conclusion. My guess would be 1 or 2 more books before she closes out the series.

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book problem, just a ME problem. I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the prior books but it was still enjoyable! Also I have realized I’m not the biggest fan of ghost stories, maybe? It was really interesting and I was rooting for Kiera to help Zoe and her mom find peace with her passing. I liked the adventure of traveling to the abandoned part of town to find of what Artec was up to. Overall, interesting and entertaining just not a favorite!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one hand I'm getting a bit tired of this series, but on the other hand, they're weirdly entertaining. I always end up enjoying them, even though they're no masterpieces.

And Harry rocks! He's my favorite.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up because ... Daisy deserves it? 🐈‍⬛🤷🏻‍♀️

Not sure how I'm going to rate this book, because I've loved this series up until this point, but most of this 4th book felt like filler material and as if the author wasn't into her work, somehow.

The story was so slow - even in the really intense scenes, like the back of the van with Zoe's mom. Like... Yeez, by all means! Don't hurry or anything! Spend as much time as possible inside Kiera's mind while her internal monologue rambles on, why don't you!?

The book didn't spark into life until after the 80-85% mark, which if you ask me is pretty bad.
Up until that point, I bet I felt just as bored and under-stimulated as Harry did, waiting in the car all that time.

I really love the dynamic between Keira, Mason, and Zoe (even if I sometimes feel like I want to smack Zoe with a keyboard, just a little bit), but they couldn't save the book for me.

It wasn't until Kiera got her memories back that things started happening for real. Everything before that point did not draw me in at all. I was frequently catching myself wanting to switch to another book and I wanted the heck out of Kiera's mind and non-stop inner monologue.

For quite a while I thought this was going to be the last book in the series - which added to my disappointment because this felt like the most un-energetic, slow plodding, last book one could ever imagine - but eventually I realised: This really can't be the last book!
(Because almost nothing got solved.)

I really hope book #5 returns with a vengeance, because as said before: I've enjoyed the previous books - SO MUCH - but this was just ... Not what I've gotten used to, at all.

[Lori Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Darcy Coates (@darcybooks), for another awesome adventure for Keira and crew! This one was especially great because we got to learn more about Keira, Artec, and Daisy! This was so much fun to read (and a little heart-breaking as well). Enjoy the ending all fans of Keira and Mason! 😉 This is another great series to read and enjoy! 😊

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press (@poisonedpenpress) for the chance to read this one.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet! Omg this series is just absolutely incredible. The best cast of characters in any of Darcy’s books. I love each one of them with my whole heart. We got a LOT of answers in this addition to the series: Keira’s memory came back, we learned all about Artec, and we even learned why Daisy seems to be magical! I absolutely loved that the Keira/Mason ship finally sailed I’ve been shipping them for so long 😭😭🙌🏻🙌🏻

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I’ve said it before but it needs to be repeated… These books just keep getting better and better.

Adored every second of this one and I’m so sad there’s only one book left in the series.

[Anke Struik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, this was great! Loved the spirit journey again. Comedic timing was on point, sucked me right in and will cry a bit if this serie ends.

[Whitney Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was definitely my favorite one so far!!
it was so fun to read and i got through it in like 3 days.
I can normally see the plot twists coming but this one genuinely surprised me!
I loved every part of this one so much emotion and action it was great!!

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hollow Dead is the fourth book in the Gravekeeper series. The story picks up shortly after the events in the last book. Things are progressing in Keira's quest to uncover more about the mysterious corporation that wants her dead. When tragedy strikes close to home Keira and friends will set on a direct course of action.

I enjoyed catching up with the cast of characters. They are all fun and loveable. We get to see more of Harry which is nice. On the flipside we get less time with the ghosts in the graveyard. They have always felt like characters and are the soul of the series. There are many more ghosts in other locations than have been seen previously as Keira tracks down Artec but we don't get much interaction with them despite their importance. So The Hollow Dead ends up feeling less ghostly.

That's not the only difference. The characters seem a lot different, from the way they talk to their interactions. They act and talk a lot younger than in the previous books. The dialogue is repetitive and less than interesting at times.

Some scenes and internal thoughts could have been shortened or left out. It makes the story slow down right after something interesting happens. There is a great sequence as the friends search through an abandoned amusement park. It's a fun and creepy setting but then the action shifts to a different location. Despite a lot happening there it's not as fun. It's nice to learn more about Keira's past but some things are.not fully explained. Also there's one part that I have a hard time suspending belief for.

Overall I was left feeling disappointed. The developments in characters and storyline make the The Hollow Dead feel like a different series.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hollow Dead by Darcy Coates is a paranormal mystery novel, and the fourth in the Gravekeeper series.  


Series Background:    (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Keira has no memories of her past, but has discovered she can talk to ghosts -- and she tries to help them move on by trying to figure out why they are still on this plane.  She has made friends since becoming the graves keeper at Blighty Graveyard.  Adage, the clergyman who hired her; Zoe who is a conspiracy theory nut, and Mason, who is supposed to be studying to become a doctor.  They have recently discovered an organization called Artec, who are keeping the dead chained to the world to use their energy and sell it for hydro-electric power.  These people are part of Keira's past, and they want her dead.



My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Keira, Zoe, and Mason are looking into Artec, the company that has been using the energy from the dead spirits/shades to sell electricity to the grid. Keira is determined to release these poor spirits, but has no idea how.

But from her last journey when she found some articles from her previous life, she now saw two newspaper articles about a defunct amusement park.  The trio decide that this would be the perfect place to hide the offices of Artec, and so they are off.

They will all soon find themselves in danger, and Keira's memories will start to return.

Meanwhile, Zoe is dealing with a loss.


My Opinions:
This was another good addition to the series.  The books are a rather light, easy, and fast read, with a deep enough plot to keep them interesting.  I think they are aimed more at young adults, but sometimes that's what an old fogie like me needs!

The characters (in particular Zoe), really make the books.  She is hilarious, even though this one had some sad elements for her character.

The author writes very well, and discretely added reminders from previous books.

Overall, it was another fun read, and I like where the series is headed.



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and book #4 was no exception. It starts off right where the last one ended and almost immediately is action packed. I was so happy to finally get some answers to a lot of the questions I've been left with previously. There were some shocking reveals, which I really liked. I really enjoyed the amusement park and ghost town setting, I thought that was a lot of fun. I FLEW through this book, reading it in just a couple hours. I can't wait to see where this goes next and Keira and Mason fans get ready 😉 Now I am not so patiently waiting for a 5th book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lexy Cabral · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters I’ve grown to adore are back and as great as ever! Such a fun, cozy YA mystery. This book finally gave me the back story I’ve been waiting for!

P.S. This is the 4th book of the series. I do recommend reading books 1-3 first!

[Ericka Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continued adventures of Keira, Zoe and Mason. I love this series and at the end of the book the author had a note stating the conclusion to this story would be in book 5. That bums me out because I’ve gotten so invested and n the characters. Looking forward to the next book but saddened it will be the last.

[Sabrina (witchy.library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read via audiobook!

[Sara Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will there be another? There seem to be a few loose ends.

[Dana Castleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coates does a phenomenal job of bringing you into a world and having you feel like you’ve always been there.
As Keira and her friends try to help the ghosts in her graveyard, her friend, Zoe’s mom also passes away. While helping Zoe’s mom try to pass through, Keira unfolds what will be the friends new adventure.
What is Artec doing with the bodies and spirits of those they take? In their a connection with Keira’s past?

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I didn’t realize this was book four of the series. Usually this doesn’t seem to be a problem, but I think this book would have been way better if I at least read book one. Yes you could read this one on its own, but there is a lot of backstory needed to really enjoy this book. I kind of felt like I popped in the middle of a book and had no clue how the story got to where it was.

This book doesn’t give any backstory/character development since I’m guessing that all happened in book one so I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters. This is not a slam on the author, it is just a problem I had with this book since I joined the series in book four.

I loved the spooky ghosts parts of this book, I just wish there was more of it. That kind of goes with the rest of the book, every time I felt like it was getting good, it paused and went a different direction.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

[miekys.book.addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows on straight after the previous book. There is some great character development with kiera and the story is fast paced. Another great book in the series!

[Shey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! It's a little creepy and mysterious with some suspense

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy Coates, I love you so much. I've been hooked on this series since I read the first book, and ugh, I just continue to love it more and more with each book. The slowburn Keira/Mason romance? The power of friendship? Daisy the cat? I adore all of it, and The Hollow Dead hit everything I wanted from it. Keira gets her memories back, we find out more about Artec and why they're so bad, and the Keira/Mason kiss! THE KISS!!! Pure perfection. Personally, I tend to vibe a bit more with the storylines that take place in Blighty (The Ravenous Dead is my fave of the series) because I love the world building that Darcy Coates has done for Blighty, but I still enjoyed the Artec storyline, which was by far the more prominent storyline.

I can't wait for the next book, and I'm already sad that it's going to be the last one! But I can't wait to see what happens next for Keira, Mason, and Zoe. (Also hoping the next book is chockful of Keira & Mason being obnoxiously cute with each other now that they're a thing!)

[Isabel Pasrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuarta entrega de esta saga y Darcy no decepcionó.
El comienzo fue un buen recordatorio con info acerca de este mundo paranormal, pero también les lanzó un balde de agua fría a los personajes. Al fin tenemos algunas muy esperadas respuestas, vemos nuevos personajes sumarse a las alocadas aventuras del grupo, Keira sale de su cascarón y continúa dando palizas a quienes se lo merecen. Simplemente amé su crecimiento personal. Si bien este libro se cargó un poquito más al scifi, creo que era de esperarse. Y no me parece que la combinación con lo paranormal quede mal.
Este es un libro intenso, emocionante, lleno de acción, pero también divertido y sorprendente. Una lectura totalmente disfrutable.