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43 Old Cemetery Road #6
Greetings from the Graveyard
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
If a ghost can write books,
Why not greeting cards, too?
The bestselling trio from Spence Mansion are launching a greeting card company called Greetings from the Graveyard.
But what kind of card do you send to an ex-girlfriend who threatens to publish the love letters of Ignatius B. Grumply? And what do you send when the town of Ghastly is rocked by its first crime wave and two escaped convicts are on the loose?
If you’re Olive C. Spence, you send for your old butler, T. Leeves, who arrives just in time for tea—and trouble!
Told in generously illustrated letters and newspaper articles, these books are a visual feast perfect for kids who love series like Big Nate and the Dork Diaries but with a ghostly twist.
Violets are blue.
If a ghost can write books,
Why not greeting cards, too?
The bestselling trio from Spence Mansion are launching a greeting card company called Greetings from the Graveyard.
But what kind of card do you send to an ex-girlfriend who threatens to publish the love letters of Ignatius B. Grumply? And what do you send when the town of Ghastly is rocked by its first crime wave and two escaped convicts are on the loose?
If you’re Olive C. Spence, you send for your old butler, T. Leeves, who arrives just in time for tea—and trouble!
Told in generously illustrated letters and newspaper articles, these books are a visual feast perfect for kids who love series like Big Nate and the Dork Diaries but with a ghostly twist.
137 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Kate Klise
68 books346 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.
Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 29, 2019
This is my first read from the '43 Old Cemetery Road' series, but I'm instantly a hardcore fan. The plot is told almost entirely through letters, newspaper clippings, text messages, illustration, and other unique forms. The writing is witty, hilarious, and full of originality. There's plenty of humor that both children and adults will enjoy. Every character is delightfully well-drawn and the plot moves at an even pace. Masterfully done, considering the unique style of storytelling. I devoured it all in one breathless sitting.
Since I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I can't comment on how it compares. If they're all this good, however, I think I've found my new favorite kids lit series.
Since I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I can't comment on how it compares. If they're all this good, however, I think I've found my new favorite kids lit series.
December 15, 2022
Need a greeting card when times are hard? The trio at 43 Old Cemetery Road will illustrate a custom card just for you AND mail it. Sounds like a great deal and it keeps them busy in this latest installment. This one is chock full of action Art Smart comes to town to give the residents value estimates on their treasures. The most valuable thing in town is the portrait of Olive in the dining room on Old Cemetery Road. With two escaped convicts on the loose (Rob Z. Lott and his wife Liza Lott) and an old girlfriend of Iggy's in town (Nadia S. Richenov), the portrait will be subjected to a tug-of-war as shenanigans are afoot. Through it all our favorite little family perseveres and keeps on writing their chapters for the masses.
February 13, 2016
4.5 stars. I wish these books would come out in paperback faster. I just love these books and fly through them, and then have to wait another year or so before I can read/buy the next one.
This one was yet again a fun book, once again most of the story is told through dialogue/written words/letters, which I still love as a format. Of course, it works perfect for this book, but I am not sure if it would work for all books. The story in this one was really fun, we have a greeting card business (for those cards that aren't common, things like saying goodbye to your love or hiring someone), we have an ex passing by, and we also have 2 criminals!
I just wish the greeting card business was done better, it was such a fun idea, but I felt it was short and just added here and there, I wish there had been more of it.
I am wondering how no one but one character noticed the criminals. It is amazing how adults work in books. It is always kids that notice that thing, and it never seems to be the adults.
I didn't particularly like the ex, she was highly annoying and I wish she would have just gotten the hint. I did like her name though, it fitted her character really well.
That brings me to the names, a lot of characters have names that are a pun and I was just laughing and telling my boyfriend them all, causing him to laugh aloud as well. It is really creatively done, some I knew directly what the pun was, but others took me a bit and I had to say them aloud.
The whole criminal part? I loved it, the conversations between the criminals were funny and interesting to read. It was funny to see how they thought about Olive and later Leeves.
I didn't like how Grumply was acting towards Leeves, I thought it was just plain rude and I just wanted to tell him to be kind and to be happy that he has a person like that around him.
The illustrations in this book were once again really great and really brought an extra spark to the story.
All in all, I would recommend this book/series to everyone. Be sure to read all the books in order, as there are events happening that come back in the later books.
As for me? I will be waiting for the next book to come out in paperback.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This one was yet again a fun book, once again most of the story is told through dialogue/written words/letters, which I still love as a format. Of course, it works perfect for this book, but I am not sure if it would work for all books. The story in this one was really fun, we have a greeting card business (for those cards that aren't common, things like saying goodbye to your love or hiring someone), we have an ex passing by, and we also have 2 criminals!
I just wish the greeting card business was done better, it was such a fun idea, but I felt it was short and just added here and there, I wish there had been more of it.
I am wondering how no one but one character noticed the criminals. It is amazing how adults work in books. It is always kids that notice that thing, and it never seems to be the adults.
I didn't particularly like the ex, she was highly annoying and I wish she would have just gotten the hint. I did like her name though, it fitted her character really well.
That brings me to the names, a lot of characters have names that are a pun and I was just laughing and telling my boyfriend them all, causing him to laugh aloud as well. It is really creatively done, some I knew directly what the pun was, but others took me a bit and I had to say them aloud.
The whole criminal part? I loved it, the conversations between the criminals were funny and interesting to read. It was funny to see how they thought about Olive and later Leeves.
I didn't like how Grumply was acting towards Leeves, I thought it was just plain rude and I just wanted to tell him to be kind and to be happy that he has a person like that around him.
The illustrations in this book were once again really great and really brought an extra spark to the story.
All in all, I would recommend this book/series to everyone. Be sure to read all the books in order, as there are events happening that come back in the later books.
As for me? I will be waiting for the next book to come out in paperback.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 19, 2015
She's such a clever writer.
No matter what,
This book is great!
Such a book
I'll never hate.
No matter what,
This book is great!
Such a book
I'll never hate.
May 25, 2019
Illustrated middle grade series told in epistolary style, using an exchange of letters with a few newspaper articles in the mix. In this sixth title of the series, the fictional best-selling creators of 43 Old Cemetery Road start a greeting card company. Meanwhile, only Seymour knows the true identity of Ghastly's newest residents, and no one will take him seriously. As Iggy's old fiancé blackmails him, Olive can't help getting jealous. To combat the crime wave sweeping through Ghastly, Olive sends for the ghost of her former butler. Does Iggy have something to be jealous about too, or is he too busy keeping track of all the fake portraits? All these plot threads may seem jumbled, but the Klise sisters weave them together with finesse.
December 23, 2021
+ Ahh, the nostalgia!
+ Suuuper quick read, but, I mean...it's not supposed to be long.
+/- Puns are a hit or miss
+ Wait, no, puns are always appreciated here!
+ Love me an epistolary novel and cute family
- Even if the plot and resolution are juvenile and silly...
+ But it's supposed to be!
+ Suuuper quick read, but, I mean...it's not supposed to be long.
+/- Puns are a hit or miss
+ Wait, no, puns are always appreciated here!
+ Love me an epistolary novel and cute family
- Even if the plot and resolution are juvenile and silly...
+ But it's supposed to be!
March 16, 2015
The idea for this book was hysterical! Greeting cards for times that are hard. Seymour's family began a greeting card business that was very popular in Ghastly. The cards were used to fob off an old girl friend, bolster moral, and to fire the butler. They were such fun.
Notable (no pun intended) during the course of this series, the Klise's have enlarged the scope of written communication. At first, the book was written through letters and the newspaper; now, this book contained letters, court transcriptions, greeting cards, the newspaper, telephone messages, text messages, advertisements, utility bills/notices, mailing labels, kidnapper's notes, and to do lists. The characters' names continue to be interesting. There was Mike Ondolences, Ben and Mia Bizzy (aliases for Rob Z. Lott and Liza Lott) and many more. Figuring out the names is perhaps the best part of reading this series.
On to the next book...
Notable (no pun intended) during the course of this series, the Klise's have enlarged the scope of written communication. At first, the book was written through letters and the newspaper; now, this book contained letters, court transcriptions, greeting cards, the newspaper, telephone messages, text messages, advertisements, utility bills/notices, mailing labels, kidnapper's notes, and to do lists. The characters' names continue to be interesting. There was Mike Ondolences, Ben and Mia Bizzy (aliases for Rob Z. Lott and Liza Lott) and many more. Figuring out the names is perhaps the best part of reading this series.
On to the next book...
October 20, 2025
I have liked these but haven't loved them. I wanted to get this one down because it seemed appropriate to October, but the whole series does to be honest. This one is following our ghost, Olive, and Grumply and Semour with a good twist of criminals. I liked the way those criminals tricked people in the town and I think young ones would too. I think one more and I'm done with the series. I'll try to keep them on my shelves until the grandkid says yea or nea on it. Could be a few years.
September 26, 2020
This one was better than the last! I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the ending. How the butler made another painting and hid it in the dining room and no one knew! That was clever and I didn’t see it coming! I am going to be finishing the series this weekend. They have been fun!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
I absolutely loved this book- it is so cute and well-illustrated. Though in some parts keeping track of names does get a bit hard overall the book is great. It is funny and so creative, I am also wanting to read the others.
December 26, 2018
Another book on the series, another new twist and adventure for the Spence family. Also new ghosts to liven things up!
January 1, 2019
I really enjoy this series.
May 11, 2019
You get to know secrets that are being kept from others. For example parent to parent, kid to parents.
June 21, 2020
Fun cast of characters!!! This series makes me want to think about writing letters or making cards just to send for fun!!
March 7, 2021
Like the 4th book, this one sadly was one of the lows of the series, but still held tight to the silly charm of the Grumply-Spence-Hope family.
March 23, 2022
I liked how they had the paintingof olive be like a million dollers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
Back to being cute and pun-y without being preachy.
January 3, 2026
As alway, I adored this installment as I have the others.
August 16, 2019
This plot seemed a bit more convoluted than most of these others. The elements did come together, but didn't mesh as well as I'd have wanted.
September 26, 2016
Another enjoyable book from the 43 Cemetery Road series. Just love all the puns.
September 2, 2016
For such a short book in such a wonderful series, this one has a lot going on.
Summary:
The residents of Spence Mansion are back and this time they are writing greeting cards. Olive, Iggy's ghostwriter wife, wants to launch a line of greeting cards for those awkward situations where you don't really know what to say. Lucky for Olive, there are about to be several. Iggy's ex-girlfriend has popped up. Nadia has popped back up after 21 years of not speaking to him. This throws Olive off. After all, Nadia was the one that he was going to marry before Olive. Shouldn't she have the right to be a little upset? Also, there are convicts loose. This brings in a few new house guests. Two to help with a security system, a butler from Olive's past, and of course the publisher of eh Graveyard series. With a house full of guests and a whole new line of writing to complete, 43 Cemetery Road is bursting at the scenes with fun, laughter, and a touch of mystery.
My thoughts:
This series never disappoints. The characters are a lot of fun. Olive is stubborn and strong willed. She is exactly what everyone would want in a ghost. She speaks her mind and definitely lets the audience know where she stands on things. At the same time, the new characters add new life into the series. there are always new faces to meet and their reactions to gauge. I particularly liked T. Leeves who butlered his way into everything. There is a lot that happens in this relatively short book. For me, it took about an hour to finish, but I can't wait to pass it off to the younger students who will most definitely spend a longer time enjoying the illustrations and not see the twists coming. If you haven't read this series, I would recommend you scoop the others up and spend the summer crashed out with your child flipping through the Graveyard.
Summary:
The residents of Spence Mansion are back and this time they are writing greeting cards. Olive, Iggy's ghostwriter wife, wants to launch a line of greeting cards for those awkward situations where you don't really know what to say. Lucky for Olive, there are about to be several. Iggy's ex-girlfriend has popped up. Nadia has popped back up after 21 years of not speaking to him. This throws Olive off. After all, Nadia was the one that he was going to marry before Olive. Shouldn't she have the right to be a little upset? Also, there are convicts loose. This brings in a few new house guests. Two to help with a security system, a butler from Olive's past, and of course the publisher of eh Graveyard series. With a house full of guests and a whole new line of writing to complete, 43 Cemetery Road is bursting at the scenes with fun, laughter, and a touch of mystery.
My thoughts:
This series never disappoints. The characters are a lot of fun. Olive is stubborn and strong willed. She is exactly what everyone would want in a ghost. She speaks her mind and definitely lets the audience know where she stands on things. At the same time, the new characters add new life into the series. there are always new faces to meet and their reactions to gauge. I particularly liked T. Leeves who butlered his way into everything. There is a lot that happens in this relatively short book. For me, it took about an hour to finish, but I can't wait to pass it off to the younger students who will most definitely spend a longer time enjoying the illustrations and not see the twists coming. If you haven't read this series, I would recommend you scoop the others up and spend the summer crashed out with your child flipping through the Graveyard.
April 7, 2016
In the latest installment in the 43 Cemetery Road series, an old flame of Iggy's who dumped him for not having enough money has learned that he's now a famous author, and is determined to marry him whether he wants to or not (it's not). Iggy's new love interest, Olive, a ghost, is jealous even so. Meanwhile two crooks have escaped from jail and a new couple has set up a security firm in Ghastly--just in time for a string of robberies. Seymour, Iggy and Olive's adopted son, has a lot on his plate, what with worrying about Iggy and Olive, worrying about the thefts, worrying how to get money to buy a Father's Day gift for Iggy, and then working hard on illustrations to help him make some money. Iggy meanwhile is worried about security, since Olive's portrait has just been valued at five million, so Olive recalls her old butler, Leeves, from his grave to help out. Thus the scene is set for terrible puns, useless crooks, lots of double-crossing and miscommunication, and fun.
I love this series of documentary novels, since I love stories told in unusual ways, and I'm partial to terrible puns. The stories are silly and entertaining and you never worry whether they're going to end up okay--though you always want to find out how they do it. I'd recommend this to mystery loving kids who like cleverly bad jokes.
I love this series of documentary novels, since I love stories told in unusual ways, and I'm partial to terrible puns. The stories are silly and entertaining and you never worry whether they're going to end up okay--though you always want to find out how they do it. I'd recommend this to mystery loving kids who like cleverly bad jokes.
December 22, 2014
The residents of Spence Mansion are going into the greeting card business. Ghost Olive C. Spence writes the cards and young Seymour Hope illustrates them. The new business came about because author Ignatius B. Grumply started getting letters from an old love who wouldn't take no for an answer. Nadia S. Richenov is determined to get Ignatius back now that he is a successful author and she is having money troubles. Then there are the two escaped criminals who look a lot like the new couple in town offering home security systems. There is a rash of burglaries but no one will listen when Seymour tries to tell them the truth. Olive brings back her old butler, also a ghost, to act as security at the mansion, but he just drives Ignatius crazy. The book is told through letters, greeting cards, newspaper articles, text messages and notes. I'm not a huge fan of this format as I think it doesn't do a great job of telling the complete story. However, the book was a fun, quick read with a nice light mystery.
September 13, 2016
Ah, the trio are up to their "old" tricks, wait a minute, no they're not, they are having to fight off the new "tricksters".
Ignatius, Olive and Seymour have decided to launch their very own greeting card company - otherwise known as "Greetings from the Graveyard" cards for every happy or sad occasion.
Bumping right along, enter some really "shady" characters, Rob Z. Lott and Lisa Lott - escaped convicts, husband and wife team out to "clean" out the bank accounts and homes of Ghastly, Illinois' residents.
Enter Nadia S. Richenov, Ignatius' former girl friend from YEARS ago - who turned down his marriage proposal (pretty much the reason he became so "grumpy"), who has now decided she wants to marry him - uh oh! - and publish the "love letters" from him - double uh oh!
Olive is pretty fed up with Nadia, so she "calls" up her butler T. Leeves (he hasn't fully passed over yet, and is need of doing a good deed).
Once again, the trio outwit the "bad guys".
Ignatius, Olive and Seymour have decided to launch their very own greeting card company - otherwise known as "Greetings from the Graveyard" cards for every happy or sad occasion.
Bumping right along, enter some really "shady" characters, Rob Z. Lott and Lisa Lott - escaped convicts, husband and wife team out to "clean" out the bank accounts and homes of Ghastly, Illinois' residents.
Enter Nadia S. Richenov, Ignatius' former girl friend from YEARS ago - who turned down his marriage proposal (pretty much the reason he became so "grumpy"), who has now decided she wants to marry him - uh oh! - and publish the "love letters" from him - double uh oh!
Olive is pretty fed up with Nadia, so she "calls" up her butler T. Leeves (he hasn't fully passed over yet, and is need of doing a good deed).
Once again, the trio outwit the "bad guys".
September 10, 2014
Spence Mansion’s residents, Iggy, Spencer and Olive, are back and decide to start a greeting card company for unhappy occasions because Iggy’s ex-girlfriend, Nadia, wants to re-kindle their relationship and he does not. When the buzz-off card doesn’t work, Nadia comes to town and plans to blackmail Iggy; she threatens to publish their love letters in a tell-all book. Add to this the drama of two escaped convicts who move to town to make some quick cash and you have an entertaining read that has lots of action and scheming. The amusing story is told in illustrated letters, newspaper clippings, and notes and cards sent among the characters. Lots of wordplay with names will keep clever readers entertained. This title of the series does not disappoint and would be a quick read for able students.
November 18, 2016
Greetings from the Graveyard was very interesting. Iggy had an ex fiancé that just couldn't let go once she found out he was rich. From then things went down hill. Iggy was about to not only have his love letters published but also have his five million dollar painting stolen. Thankfully Leeves saved the day!
1. If you were Iggy what would you have done if your ex fiancé wanted to get back together with you after she denied to marry you?
2. Would you fire Leeves? Why or why not?
3. Before finding out Leeves saved the painting what did you think happened to it?
4. Why do you think so many people in this book were more concerned about money than doing whats right?
5. If you could change anything about the book what would you change and why?
Klise, K. (2014). Greetings from the Graveyard. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
1. If you were Iggy what would you have done if your ex fiancé wanted to get back together with you after she denied to marry you?
2. Would you fire Leeves? Why or why not?
3. Before finding out Leeves saved the painting what did you think happened to it?
4. Why do you think so many people in this book were more concerned about money than doing whats right?
5. If you could change anything about the book what would you change and why?
Klise, K. (2014). Greetings from the Graveyard. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
April 9, 2014
This installment in the series focuses on art: specifically the art of making greeting cards and oil paintings, and the stealing of priceless pieces.
Iggy's ex-fiancée tries to walk back into his life now that he's achieved fame and glory due to the success of the 43 Old Cemetery Road series he helps author with the help of Olive and Seymour.
Meanwhile, escaped convicts set their sights on Ghastly and develop a surefire plan to steal the portrait of Olive that's valued at $5 millions dollars.
Delightfully complex plot twists, charming rhymes for trying times, and artists around every bend, this book in letters is highly recommended for grades 3-5.
Iggy's ex-fiancée tries to walk back into his life now that he's achieved fame and glory due to the success of the 43 Old Cemetery Road series he helps author with the help of Olive and Seymour.
Meanwhile, escaped convicts set their sights on Ghastly and develop a surefire plan to steal the portrait of Olive that's valued at $5 millions dollars.
Delightfully complex plot twists, charming rhymes for trying times, and artists around every bend, this book in letters is highly recommended for grades 3-5.
June 2, 2015
I must admit that I thoroughly enjoy these books by the Klise sisters. I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's the silly, punny names of the characters (Liza Lott and Rob Z. Lott for the escaped convicts). Maybe it's the unusual family: a boy, a grumpy former children's book author who doesn't like children, and a hundred-year old ghost, none of whom are actually related. But I think what I especially like is the format which involves letters, paintings, newspaper articles, and memos to tell the story. For some reason I really like this. The series is fun and appealing, especially to readers who enjoy word play and plenty of silliness.
July 29, 2014
The Spence Mansion occupants- Ignatius B. Grumply, Olive C. Spence, and Seymour Hope - have launched a greeting card business specializing in cards that deal with unusual topics. Book six in the series has proven to be as amusing and fast-paced as the other volumes in this series. The story is told in illustrated letters, court transcripts, and newspaper clippings which will keep the reader engaged in the plot. There is plenty of tongue in cheek humor so take your time reading through the chapters. Fans of the series will enjoy this new installment while first time readers will be able to settle in relatively early in the book and enjoy the hi-junks of the ghostly trio.
February 9, 2017
These are great books to read with kids. They love all the different voices I use :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews