What do you think?
Rate this book
Grave Girl #1
Grave Girl
When Sam Marker ran away from her old life, all she needed was a job and somewhere to live. Anything would do. And then, one fateful day, she saw that the town of Rippon was looking for a new gardener...
Unfortunately for Sam, the 'garden' is actually a cemetery, and it just so happens to contain the deadliest grave in the world. As she tries to adjust to her new life in the sleepy little town, Sam finds herself increasingly drawn into a strange double life. Dark forces are gathering in Rippon, seeking access to the Devil's grave, and soon she finds herself trapped in the middle of a struggle that could decide the fate of the world.
Unfortunately for Sam, the 'garden' is actually a cemetery, and it just so happens to contain the deadliest grave in the world. As she tries to adjust to her new life in the sleepy little town, Sam finds herself increasingly drawn into a strange double life. Dark forces are gathering in Rippon, seeking access to the Devil's grave, and soon she finds herself trapped in the middle of a struggle that could decide the fate of the world.
402 pages, ebook
First published August 10, 2013
244 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
662 books1,676 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 24, 2018
This is the first book in a trilogy. The town of Rappon, cannot keep a regular gardener for the cemetery. Some disappear and some of them quit. Mayor Winters, is desperate to find somebody to fill that position. Winters hires Sam Marker for the position. Little did Winters know, that Sam, was really Samantha. Once Winters found out that Sam was a young lady, he tired to discourage her from taking the job. The mayor showed Sam her living quarters. It is a small cottage that is located within the cemetery. When Sam saw the cottage, it looked like no one had lived there in years. Sam is a non believer of ghosts and ghouls. The mayor comes to tell Sam, that he has a job for her. He said that Mrs. Mayberry was found dead in her bedroom, and a grave has to be dug. The town of Rappon, has no fancy equipment to dig this grave with. So Sam will have to dig the six foot deep grave, with a shovel. He also tells her, that it must be ready for the next day. Sam is not going to buckle under pressure. She will have the grave ready for the next day. While digging the grave, a little old lady comes up to Sam, and ask her about Mrs. Mayberry funeral. The little old lady, tells Sam that she is doing a good job. Soon Sam will realize that Rippon, is no ordinary town and the cemetery is everything but peaceful. I enjoyed reading the first book in this series. The author did a very good job of developing her characters. This help to make the story even stronger. I plan on reading book 2, in the near future
September 12, 2017
I found this book to be a fun read. The pace was quick and the supernatural events creative in parts and derivative in others. I had a blast throughout. I probably would have given it five stars if it had a decent editor. It's riddled with forgotten events, typos and eye rolling dialogue. For most books, that would be enough for me to toss it, but the author has an amazing sense of pace and can spin a really good yarn. This book deserves a better score but the reader also deserves a better editor.
November 14, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.
Really enjoyed this book and have now downloaded the other 2 books in the series.
Really enjoyed this book and have now downloaded the other 2 books in the series.
November 27, 2015
Another great read from this talented storyteller.
This fast-paced story is about a journey, one where a young girl/woman called Sam is on her way to a job, one which she hopes will give her a fresh start away from...we gradually find out what.
However, the job is not at all what she expected.
Overall, a bizarre and original tale that is both creepy and funny, psychological and deep, while dealing with very real issues that can plague the human soul. It certainly kept my interest throughout.
I love the writing style of this author (despite the typos) and look forward to more.
This fast-paced story is about a journey, one where a young girl/woman called Sam is on her way to a job, one which she hopes will give her a fresh start away from...we gradually find out what.
However, the job is not at all what she expected.
Overall, a bizarre and original tale that is both creepy and funny, psychological and deep, while dealing with very real issues that can plague the human soul. It certainly kept my interest throughout.
I love the writing style of this author (despite the typos) and look forward to more.
February 22, 2020
2020 reading challenge ( graveyard on cover)
I loved Sam ( the main character) by the end of the first chapter. I think she is the reason I liked this book so much. She , as a character, made this story
Let's recap... Unsuspecting girl takes a gardening job, which is actually a cemetery. And not your normal one.
This is a solid story. I like Amy Cross. She has a great imagination. I wish there was more blood and guts to this book, but it's not that kind of read.
The ending summed everything up perfectly, but still I thought backwards trying to make sense of a few things that I wasnt quite sure of. Anyways, it's a good book with an entertaining storyline.
Even though I loved Sam, I tired of reading about her past. That got kinda boring. At least those parts were short
I loved Sam ( the main character) by the end of the first chapter. I think she is the reason I liked this book so much. She , as a character, made this story
Let's recap... Unsuspecting girl takes a gardening job, which is actually a cemetery. And not your normal one.
This is a solid story. I like Amy Cross. She has a great imagination. I wish there was more blood and guts to this book, but it's not that kind of read.
The ending summed everything up perfectly, but still I thought backwards trying to make sense of a few things that I wasnt quite sure of. Anyways, it's a good book with an entertaining storyline.
Even though I loved Sam, I tired of reading about her past. That got kinda boring. At least those parts were short
May 31, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. I didn't know it was a series when I first got it (think it may have been a free promo?), but glad I found it. It doesn't hurry along, the pace is fairly sedate but it sucks you into the story. Very atmospheric! I'm going to get the next in the series for sure.
December 18, 2014
Decent ghost /supernatural read
This book long. It seemed like a bunch of books of short stories that just kept picking up where one left off the way the chapters kept starting over.
The story itself was on, different and kind of interesting. Although I noticed a lot of repeated sentencing.
Sam's a Leeds girl who wants to get away from her old life, turn it around and go somewhere no one knows her as Sam the Slag, or slut. She's really screwed up drinking all the time amount another big secret she is holding in. She runs to a small odd town to work as a gardener that she has no idea means she's going to be taking care of a cemetery. She's a caretaker. She doesn't really mind the work since its keeping her from being stupid and doing stupid things. Her past us behind her. Then a bunch of strange things start to happen. Well they did from the beginning but she would shrug them off as it was a truck of her eyes or she was tired. The Sparky a statue reveals himself as a old caretaker, warrior actually and kinda freaks her out, a dead girl who's come back to life, kind of, Anna, who they don't no why but maybe she's special for some reason ,and she's still rotting away as she lives in the cottage with Sam. Then there's threw death who comes to life off and on ,another statue. And the evil Fenwick who's trying to wake the devil who's harried under the town. This all gets crazy and sams secret is revealed, a lot if her responsibilities to come and of course living with live statues .I don't want to tell more but this book is very weird.
It did hold my interest. The end wasn't too bad and theirs a next book. Will only read it. Probably.I like Amy Cross . She has some really great books . This is ok at least the 4star I gave it. Probably would've went 5 had I not noticed errors and too much repeating.
But I would say it's worth reading if you want to read something truly different in the ghost, evil people, the devil, death, live statues, people raising from their graves, some evil things also raising trying to kill Sam. It's just odd. But it is long so if you start know that.
This book long. It seemed like a bunch of books of short stories that just kept picking up where one left off the way the chapters kept starting over.
The story itself was on, different and kind of interesting. Although I noticed a lot of repeated sentencing.
Sam's a Leeds girl who wants to get away from her old life, turn it around and go somewhere no one knows her as Sam the Slag, or slut. She's really screwed up drinking all the time amount another big secret she is holding in. She runs to a small odd town to work as a gardener that she has no idea means she's going to be taking care of a cemetery. She's a caretaker. She doesn't really mind the work since its keeping her from being stupid and doing stupid things. Her past us behind her. Then a bunch of strange things start to happen. Well they did from the beginning but she would shrug them off as it was a truck of her eyes or she was tired. The Sparky a statue reveals himself as a old caretaker, warrior actually and kinda freaks her out, a dead girl who's come back to life, kind of, Anna, who they don't no why but maybe she's special for some reason ,and she's still rotting away as she lives in the cottage with Sam. Then there's threw death who comes to life off and on ,another statue. And the evil Fenwick who's trying to wake the devil who's harried under the town. This all gets crazy and sams secret is revealed, a lot if her responsibilities to come and of course living with live statues .I don't want to tell more but this book is very weird.
It did hold my interest. The end wasn't too bad and theirs a next book. Will only read it. Probably.I like Amy Cross . She has some really great books . This is ok at least the 4star I gave it. Probably would've went 5 had I not noticed errors and too much repeating.
But I would say it's worth reading if you want to read something truly different in the ghost, evil people, the devil, death, live statues, people raising from their graves, some evil things also raising trying to kill Sam. It's just odd. But it is long so if you start know that.
October 31, 2018
I think I'm in love with Sparky. 😍
What's not to love about him?! He listened, never argue and definitely swoon-worthy.
Anyway, how should I review this without spoiling anything?! I just can't. So, I'm sharing what I dislike instead.
First, the cover. It's horrible. Second, the snail pace flashback of Sam's past. Okay, I get it. She wasn't an angel (not like my darling Sparky that is) and she had her moment but, the flashback build up was annoying.
And I'm off to read the second book. 😄
BEWARE of SPOILER
What's not to love about him?! He listened, never argue and definitely swoon-worthy.
Anyway, how should I review this without spoiling anything?! I just can't. So, I'm sharing what I dislike instead.
First, the cover. It's horrible. Second, the snail pace flashback of Sam's past. Okay, I get it. She wasn't an angel (not like my darling Sparky that is) and she had her moment but, the flashback build up was annoying.
And I'm off to read the second book. 😄
BEWARE of SPOILER
January 26, 2019
I ended up liking this book way more than I thought I would. The first in a trilogy, Sam takes a job as a Gardner of the town cemetery. a job that entails more than it would seem. Monsters, zombies, angels, and the devil.
Some standard tropes that actually work along with interesting characters; some deeper than others. a pretty fast paced book with the standard Cross horror stylings.
Some standard tropes that actually work along with interesting characters; some deeper than others. a pretty fast paced book with the standard Cross horror stylings.
February 2, 2017
"I'll find the right man for you.... I'll find the toughest son of a bitch who ever walked the land."
Mayor Guffington Winters is determined to find the right "man" to tend to the cemetery in his home town, Rippon. Sam Marker answers the ad (for a "gardener") and, via email, is offered the job on a trial basis. Mayor Winters is shocked to discover that Sam is short for Samantha, not Samuel. Well, sometimes the best man for the job is a woman!
Sam is equally shocked to find out that the "garden" is actually a cemetery. In desperate need of employment and a fresh start, she resolves to show Mayor Winters that she can handle the job no matter what it entails. But soon Sam realizes that Rippon is no ordinary town and the cemetary is everything but peaceful.
I've been reading plenty of books by Amy Cross and I have to say, this one is way up there as one of my favorites. It is brilliantly written and has such unique, well-developed characters. The storyline is creative and the pacing is perfect. Though this book contains scenes that shift from past to present, it is executed flawlessly so that it doesn't disrupt the flow of the story. Rather, in my opinion, it enhances it, as readers are given a glimpse into the main character's background.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Amy Cross is an exceptional author and has the ability to not only get readers completely immersed in her stories, but also experience what her characters are feeling.
There's just one problem I have with this story: It ended! I can't wait for the second book in this incredible series.
Mayor Guffington Winters is determined to find the right "man" to tend to the cemetery in his home town, Rippon. Sam Marker answers the ad (for a "gardener") and, via email, is offered the job on a trial basis. Mayor Winters is shocked to discover that Sam is short for Samantha, not Samuel. Well, sometimes the best man for the job is a woman!
Sam is equally shocked to find out that the "garden" is actually a cemetery. In desperate need of employment and a fresh start, she resolves to show Mayor Winters that she can handle the job no matter what it entails. But soon Sam realizes that Rippon is no ordinary town and the cemetary is everything but peaceful.
I've been reading plenty of books by Amy Cross and I have to say, this one is way up there as one of my favorites. It is brilliantly written and has such unique, well-developed characters. The storyline is creative and the pacing is perfect. Though this book contains scenes that shift from past to present, it is executed flawlessly so that it doesn't disrupt the flow of the story. Rather, in my opinion, it enhances it, as readers are given a glimpse into the main character's background.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Amy Cross is an exceptional author and has the ability to not only get readers completely immersed in her stories, but also experience what her characters are feeling.
There's just one problem I have with this story: It ended! I can't wait for the second book in this incredible series.
June 28, 2016
It's like the editor gave up 2/3 the way through the book
Overall it was an entertaining read. It was not scary by any means but, again, entertaining and for this it earned two stars. I'm not sure what happened but I think the editor stop reading and editing the book a little over half way through and it got progressively worse as the chapters went by. The grammatical errors became distracting along with Sam being referred to as "Mr.", "he", and "his". As pointed out in the book "Sam" is short for "Samantha". Also, in some of the more intense (intense used loosely here) scenes, it was rather frustrating to read how Sam is arguing with Anna and turns and looks at herself ("Sam"). If you can overlook stupid editing errors such as these, it is a decent, entertaining, quick, thoughtless read.
Overall it was an entertaining read. It was not scary by any means but, again, entertaining and for this it earned two stars. I'm not sure what happened but I think the editor stop reading and editing the book a little over half way through and it got progressively worse as the chapters went by. The grammatical errors became distracting along with Sam being referred to as "Mr.", "he", and "his". As pointed out in the book "Sam" is short for "Samantha". Also, in some of the more intense (intense used loosely here) scenes, it was rather frustrating to read how Sam is arguing with Anna and turns and looks at herself ("Sam"). If you can overlook stupid editing errors such as these, it is a decent, entertaining, quick, thoughtless read.
August 30, 2018
Well, that was different!
If you suspend all thoughts of logic and reality and just go with the flow, then you will enjoy this book. The literals and bad editing were annoying but did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. What the inhabitants of the very real and pleasant town of Ripon, in Yorkshire, would make of this depiction of their home just doesn't bear thinking about.
If you suspend all thoughts of logic and reality and just go with the flow, then you will enjoy this book. The literals and bad editing were annoying but did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. What the inhabitants of the very real and pleasant town of Ripon, in Yorkshire, would make of this depiction of their home just doesn't bear thinking about.
June 4, 2017
A completely different kind of storyine
I have read many books but grave girl was in a way quite refreshing. I have never read something like thus and really enjoyed reading something different. Amy cross really does have a talent for writing some different storylines and as ever I lived reading it. Look forward to the next one.
I have read many books but grave girl was in a way quite refreshing. I have never read something like thus and really enjoyed reading something different. Amy cross really does have a talent for writing some different storylines and as ever I lived reading it. Look forward to the next one.
February 22, 2016
Loved it
I couldn't put it down! It's a one of a kind horror story. Amy Cross is becoming my new favorite author. I can't wait for the next book.
I couldn't put it down! It's a one of a kind horror story. Amy Cross is becoming my new favorite author. I can't wait for the next book.
September 16, 2021
Amy Cross is one of my favorite authors now! If Grave Girl is merely a taste of her writing skills, then I want the full meal! It never got boring and I never got the sense that the story was dragging. However, I still have a few criticisms.
First, the start of the story. The mayor and this other old guy (I forgot his exact role was but it was, but maybe he was the editor of their local newspaper) said that the gardeners of their cemetery kept dying or disappearing and they were hinting that the "angels" are hungry. That wasn't really explained why they came to the conclusion that the angels were at fault. Maybe they assumed since some people have noticed the angels to be moving?
As for the death of the woman who allegedly killed her own husband, Mrs. Mayberry. She saw the stone angel, Sparky (who was really named Luke Martello), at her door and then her cause of death was having stone dust in her lungs. I mean, at that point I was like, okay so the stone angels are murderous and they all want to kill people. But then it turned out that Sparky was one of the good guys of the story so what was that about? Was it someone impersonating a stone angel?
Then the other deaths, like the priest and the eventual demise of the mayor. Who orchestrated it? At first, I thought it was Gabriel Fenroc because it was showed early on that he was up to no good. But then, why is he exactly so powerful? It was said that he made a deal with the devil but THE DEVIL WAS BURIED UNDERNEATH THE TOWN. That was not well-explained and I don't know why the mayor had to die? Was it still Fenroc's doing? Was there a curse in the town that once you get in, you cannot go out?
Also, why didn't the other gardeners who turned into stone angels help Sam and the others? What was special about Anna?
But maybe all of this will be explained in the second book. I already have it, so I may start on that one.
What I do like about the book is the heroine, Samantha Marker. I love her determination to change herself. She was very flawed. She was an alcoholic, promiscuous, and when she got pregnant, she abandoned her baby. I liked how it was not immediately revealed that Henry was not a lover but was actually her baby that she had to let go so he will have a better future.
I felt for Sam. I think like many people, she started out good but because of bad influences like Nadia, she got derailed. Gosh, I hated Nadia! Whenever she was in the chapter, I get really made. I wanted her to get lost and leave Sam alone.
I am curious on how the story will develop, especially now that Sam has that knife down her head. Is she now a zombie herself?
First, the start of the story. The mayor and this other old guy (I forgot his exact role was but it was, but maybe he was the editor of their local newspaper) said that the gardeners of their cemetery kept dying or disappearing and they were hinting that the "angels" are hungry. That wasn't really explained why they came to the conclusion that the angels were at fault. Maybe they assumed since some people have noticed the angels to be moving?
As for the death of the woman who allegedly killed her own husband, Mrs. Mayberry. She saw the stone angel, Sparky (who was really named Luke Martello), at her door and then her cause of death was having stone dust in her lungs. I mean, at that point I was like, okay so the stone angels are murderous and they all want to kill people. But then it turned out that Sparky was one of the good guys of the story so what was that about? Was it someone impersonating a stone angel?
Then the other deaths, like the priest and the eventual demise of the mayor. Who orchestrated it? At first, I thought it was Gabriel Fenroc because it was showed early on that he was up to no good. But then, why is he exactly so powerful? It was said that he made a deal with the devil but THE DEVIL WAS BURIED UNDERNEATH THE TOWN. That was not well-explained and I don't know why the mayor had to die? Was it still Fenroc's doing? Was there a curse in the town that once you get in, you cannot go out?
Also, why didn't the other gardeners who turned into stone angels help Sam and the others? What was special about Anna?
But maybe all of this will be explained in the second book. I already have it, so I may start on that one.
What I do like about the book is the heroine, Samantha Marker. I love her determination to change herself. She was very flawed. She was an alcoholic, promiscuous, and when she got pregnant, she abandoned her baby. I liked how it was not immediately revealed that Henry was not a lover but was actually her baby that she had to let go so he will have a better future.
I felt for Sam. I think like many people, she started out good but because of bad influences like Nadia, she got derailed. Gosh, I hated Nadia! Whenever she was in the chapter, I get really made. I wanted her to get lost and leave Sam alone.
I am curious on how the story will develop, especially now that Sam has that knife down her head. Is she now a zombie herself?
July 7, 2022
I think it would've gotten 70% satisfaction rate (inside joke XD).
A cemetery, that too build on the hilltop town of Rippon. Almost estranged from the whole world, Rippon holds its own secrets. And dumb people of course. The thriller part of the book ate. It was thrilling, spine chilling at times and really emotionally wrecking at some pages. So yeah, tissues, toilet paper and loads of gulping.
The protagonist is yeah, your usual not-so-perfect-but-horror-novel-worthy. But in this book the protagonist Sam was shown as a girl who was deeply trapped in the vicious circle of booze and bad company. I love how Sam was portrayed, her character depth was wonderful. I also loved the tiny but profound parts of friendship in the later parts.
But I was anticipating a lot of things from the mausoleum. Kind of disappointing how the full family's death secret wasn't enclosed. Also Mrs. Mayberry's husband and the woman who was sitting on the bench after her funeral and burial, I think she gave off dark vibes but not sure, like could se be something? But yeah ok, I momentarily forget the fact that it's the first book in the series so there's more story to pretty much everything, I guess.
A cemetery, that too build on the hilltop town of Rippon. Almost estranged from the whole world, Rippon holds its own secrets. And dumb people of course. The thriller part of the book ate. It was thrilling, spine chilling at times and really emotionally wrecking at some pages. So yeah, tissues, toilet paper and loads of gulping.
The protagonist is yeah, your usual not-so-perfect-but-horror-novel-worthy. But in this book the protagonist Sam was shown as a girl who was deeply trapped in the vicious circle of booze and bad company. I love how Sam was portrayed, her character depth was wonderful. I also loved the tiny but profound parts of friendship in the later parts.
But I was anticipating a lot of things from the mausoleum. Kind of disappointing how the full family's death secret wasn't enclosed. Also Mrs. Mayberry's husband and the woman who was sitting on the bench after her funeral and burial, I think she gave off dark vibes but not sure, like could se be something? But yeah ok, I momentarily forget the fact that it's the first book in the series so there's more story to pretty much everything, I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2019
Grave Girl Rocks!
Horror, comedy, comedy, compassion, and mystery make for a wonderful read in Grave Girl. Sam is looking to start a new life, she doesn't even have money for bus fare and limps into town on bloody blistered feet to start her new job as a "Gardener" in the small village of Rippon. Her reception isn't quite what she expected. The mayor (and the townspeople) are mortified that she's a small young woman. They expected a strong man. Sam is short for Samantha. Of course the job isn't quite what she expected either. The position is to be the Gardener and live in groundskeeper for the village cemetery. It's a tough job to be sure. Since the previous Gardeners have all disappeared or departed in unsavory ways.
However, not knowing this, Sam sets out to repair the cemetery grounds and the huge mausoleum in the center. As we start to glimpse back into pieces of Sam's life from a year ago, then nine months, six months, then three and one. We start to see what young Sam has been running from. Equal parts horrifying, poignant, funny, and a sure page turner. Grave Girl wins your heart by the end.
Horror, comedy, comedy, compassion, and mystery make for a wonderful read in Grave Girl. Sam is looking to start a new life, she doesn't even have money for bus fare and limps into town on bloody blistered feet to start her new job as a "Gardener" in the small village of Rippon. Her reception isn't quite what she expected. The mayor (and the townspeople) are mortified that she's a small young woman. They expected a strong man. Sam is short for Samantha. Of course the job isn't quite what she expected either. The position is to be the Gardener and live in groundskeeper for the village cemetery. It's a tough job to be sure. Since the previous Gardeners have all disappeared or departed in unsavory ways.
However, not knowing this, Sam sets out to repair the cemetery grounds and the huge mausoleum in the center. As we start to glimpse back into pieces of Sam's life from a year ago, then nine months, six months, then three and one. We start to see what young Sam has been running from. Equal parts horrifying, poignant, funny, and a sure page turner. Grave Girl wins your heart by the end.
June 29, 2018
I think I'm on an Amy Cross kick - this is the second book by this author I've read this month, and I'm starting to like her style more and more. Yes, this book could use a really good editor for grammar and continuity issues, and yes, there are some scenes that are just laughable as hell (Sam walking on the Devil's giant, hairy chest is a scene I can't quite 'unsee'), but in terms of imagination and storytelling, author Cross has got it down.
Our eponymous heroine, the Grave Girl, is Sam Marker, running away from an alcoholic wasted youth and its intended consequences, to a live-in job as a gardener for a cemetery in an out-of-the-way town in England. The town holds dark secrets, however, and Sam discovers that she's signed up for much more than a gardening job. This book was a lot of fun to read - kudos to the author!
Our eponymous heroine, the Grave Girl, is Sam Marker, running away from an alcoholic wasted youth and its intended consequences, to a live-in job as a gardener for a cemetery in an out-of-the-way town in England. The town holds dark secrets, however, and Sam discovers that she's signed up for much more than a gardening job. This book was a lot of fun to read - kudos to the author!
January 11, 2025
Good morning Goodreads family, I gave this book 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ which is the first book in 2025 that I am giving 5 stars 🌟 to!!! This type of book is definitely not the type of book that I normally read but I’ll tell you this, after this book 📕 I am definitely a fan!! I happen to just pick this book randomly and I LOVE ❤️ IT!! The main character is Sam!! I love her!! She has made mistakes in her life but there is 1 person in particular that she loves.. Love is a big word and she will do what it takes for that 1 love ❤️. I will leave it at that although that is just a small fraction of what she is and this book is really about. I guess you’ll just have to read the 📖 book so you can see what I mean…….. ✝️
October 22, 2018
Fresh idea, kind and very nice story!
Becoming a “gardener” in an abandoned cemetery as a teenager or almost as a teen surrounded by strange existence and Death itself is an interesting beginning. I flew for it immediatelly, and now as l have finished l am not disappointed at all! Sam as an alcolhol and party addict is a bit shocking as abilities for a main heroe but it worked out. Her new life at the new location called Rippon is like a fairy tale for adults. I liked how she became stronger and followed her heart. The part where Sparky and the renewed version of Anna appears is a bit strange but l enjoyed the story and as l am not doing this very often, l would suggest it as a to-read.
Becoming a “gardener” in an abandoned cemetery as a teenager or almost as a teen surrounded by strange existence and Death itself is an interesting beginning. I flew for it immediatelly, and now as l have finished l am not disappointed at all! Sam as an alcolhol and party addict is a bit shocking as abilities for a main heroe but it worked out. Her new life at the new location called Rippon is like a fairy tale for adults. I liked how she became stronger and followed her heart. The part where Sparky and the renewed version of Anna appears is a bit strange but l enjoyed the story and as l am not doing this very often, l would suggest it as a to-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2019
Different
There's no disputing the fact that Amy Cross is an outstanding author . Where she comes up with her ideas is beyond me but she always has something different to write about . However for the first time while reading one of her books I found that I didn't like it . The subject was too bizarre for me to comprehend . That in no way detracts from her ability however . I did notice that there were not nearly as many typing errors as I usually find in her books. All in all, Amy Cross is an exceptional, talented writer.
There's no disputing the fact that Amy Cross is an outstanding author . Where she comes up with her ideas is beyond me but she always has something different to write about . However for the first time while reading one of her books I found that I didn't like it . The subject was too bizarre for me to comprehend . That in no way detracts from her ability however . I did notice that there were not nearly as many typing errors as I usually find in her books. All in all, Amy Cross is an exceptional, talented writer.
April 17, 2020
Premise good, execution needs a little work
Sam turns up in Rippon to take up a position as a gardener. Turns out its a gardener for a cemetery. Not the best cemetery, as the balance between good and evil needs to be maintained. Oh, it also has moving statues and creepy mausoleums.
The premise behind this book was interesting, and not badly written. The book could have done with better proof reading as there were a few mistakes. However, not a bad start for this series and I will pick up the next book. I would have given 3.5 stars, but alas Goodreads.
Sam turns up in Rippon to take up a position as a gardener. Turns out its a gardener for a cemetery. Not the best cemetery, as the balance between good and evil needs to be maintained. Oh, it also has moving statues and creepy mausoleums.
The premise behind this book was interesting, and not badly written. The book could have done with better proof reading as there were a few mistakes. However, not a bad start for this series and I will pick up the next book. I would have given 3.5 stars, but alas Goodreads.
May 16, 2017
A quirky, fun gothic novel with unusual twists on the entities Death, the Devil and stone angel statues that reminded me of episodes from Dr Who (but not the same!).
Well written and strongly developed main characters. Pacing was good. I enjoyed the black humour, but imagine some people will find it macabre instead.
My only concern is the jumping around in time felt awkward occasionally.
I'd like to read the next in the series.
Well written and strongly developed main characters. Pacing was good. I enjoyed the black humour, but imagine some people will find it macabre instead.
My only concern is the jumping around in time felt awkward occasionally.
I'd like to read the next in the series.
March 12, 2017
Grave Girl
Loved this book, excellent story, and well written about a young girl who leaves her rotten life behind for a more simpler life as a "gardener", this turns out to be a guardian of a graveyard with a sinister secret.
Very enjoyable horror story with a good amount of dark humour as well. I will be certainly be looking out for more from this author, Amy Cross.
Loved this book, excellent story, and well written about a young girl who leaves her rotten life behind for a more simpler life as a "gardener", this turns out to be a guardian of a graveyard with a sinister secret.
Very enjoyable horror story with a good amount of dark humour as well. I will be certainly be looking out for more from this author, Amy Cross.
July 6, 2018
Take that Fenroc! Power hungry people do not think about anything beyond what they will get out of the deal. Sam had a job to do and she did it well. I really found myself liking some of the characters in this book. What a better place to live at the end of the world than a cemetery with a stone angel and a half dead girl. What could go wrong?
September 3, 2018
Gripping Read
Once again a very different book by the author
You cannot predict each part of the story line
Chapter after chapter provides so much information and detail
That hooks you completely until they all merge into a ground finally
Great read. Can't wait to read the next book in this series
Once again a very different book by the author
You cannot predict each part of the story line
Chapter after chapter provides so much information and detail
That hooks you completely until they all merge into a ground finally
Great read. Can't wait to read the next book in this series
January 6, 2019
Freaky, but good.
So, Samantha Market takes up a job in a cemetery and thinks she is just a gardener. She is in for a horrific surprise! She meets death, sees dead people, and has one love of her life, her baby boy. Can she save him? Well, I guess since there's a Grave Girl two we will find out.
So, Samantha Market takes up a job in a cemetery and thinks she is just a gardener. She is in for a horrific surprise! She meets death, sees dead people, and has one love of her life, her baby boy. Can she save him? Well, I guess since there's a Grave Girl two we will find out.
April 2, 2019
Another fabulous Amy Cross book. This is the first book of 3 that tell the story. Unfortunately, I read #2 first but it did not dull my pleasure of reading this book. I think you'd enjoy it but be sure to read it first and then the other two. I'm off to read number three. I know it will be just as good...after all, it Amy Cross.
November 24, 2019
I wanted to like it...
It has some quirky characters that enliven a rather obvious story line. One of the final incidents that occurs left me thinking, "Really? That's how she's going to walk around town? And the advice given is to get a hat???" I liked some of the characters, but beyond that it felt ... flat.
It has some quirky characters that enliven a rather obvious story line. One of the final incidents that occurs left me thinking, "Really? That's how she's going to walk around town? And the advice given is to get a hat???" I liked some of the characters, but beyond that it felt ... flat.
October 2, 2017
I can't wait to read the sequel! This book pulled me in and I had such a hard time putting it down! There end up being so many twists in the plot. Its still not too complex that you get confused, but what you thought you knew will fall to pieces.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews