What do you think?
Rate this book
Raking up the Dead #3
The Groundskeeper: My Ghoul
Chloe Brandt got more than she bargained for when she took on the groundskeeper and caretaker position at the old cemetery of Belleview. Chloe is still learning just what her job duties at the big cemetery are, and how far they will take her. Just what mysteries are her responsibility? When the ghoul asks for help, she's willing to try...
A novella
A novella
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2023
13 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Cedar Sanderson
128 books61 followersAuthor, illustrator, perennially inquisitive. Urban fantasy with pixies, cozy supernatural sleuthing, & sci-fi twists. Books & art at http://cedarwrites.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 5, 2023
This story released just before Halloween and I picked it up and began reading it immediately. It is an excellent story in a wonderful series. And a series that I hope will have many more volumes.
What an excellent story. I have eagerly awaited other stories in this world since I read the first, Raking Up the Dead, the first story in this series was the first standalone work of Sanderson that I read. And not only did we get this volume but also The Hoodoo That You Do. Since then I have read stories in anthologies, novella’s and novels. This is an amazing story! I love the characters, the world building, the concept and the execution.
I first encountered the works of Cedar in Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories, and after reading her piece there knew I had to track down and read something else from her pen. And to date I have not been disappointed in anything I have read from her. I was intrigued by this series from when I first heard it mentioned. The description of this volume states:
“Chloe Brandt got more than she bargained for when she took on the groundskeeper and caretaker position at the old cemetery of Belleview. Chloe is still learning just what her job duties at the big cemetery are, and how far they will take her. Just what mysteries are her responsibility? When the ghoul asks for help, she's willing to try...”
As soon as I finished this I put all three available in the series back in my ‘to be read’ pile, and plan to reread them back to back over my Christmas holidays.
In Raking Up the Dead, we follow Chloe as she is begins working at the Belleview Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. The job description was for a caretaker and to inquire within. Chloe was up for the job but soon found out that the description was a little nebulous and her responsibilities are constantly growing. She is determined to get the grounds in order. To clear the overgrowth, trim the verge, and clear the paths. What she had not expected was to be providing care for the residents. And her life has become a balancing act between the physical upkeep and the supernatural needs. And some of the residents are very needy. In The Hoodoo That You Do part of her work role shifts to research and support. In this volume things take an all new twist. First Chloe brings a ghost home to the Cemetery with her to give him a place to rest. Second Benny the local ghoul sends an invite and Chloe and Mr. Cruor accept the invite, and the resulting investigation leads to more than a few surprises. When you add in a mysterious pile of clippings from a former teacher of Chloe’s and the research around them It all adds up to a more than a bit of excitement, and Chloe’s roles and training being expanded yet again. Mr. Cruor plans for physical training as well as book learning. I would love to know the titles of the books he pulled from his library to add to her further education. Even just a hint other than the one he asked about by name.
Those who have read the first story will recall she has a friend in the authorized section of the library, Mark. And a two cats that makes appearances from time to time. Esmerelda and Kung a monster black tomcat. We spend some time back there early in the story, but Chloe has a long list of questions for Mark the next time she sees him.
This story is masterfully written. The characters both alive and dead are great. It is a fun story and yet with a serious edge. And as the series progresses we learn more about Chloe, Mr. Cruor, and other of the residence at the cemetary, and the nearby surroundings. I really hope it is the continuation of what will become a long series because I want to know what else happens to Chloe and the residents we have encountered and those we have yet to meet at Belleview Cemetery. Or who are brought in to cross their path. It is a place I hope we can return to in other stories again and again. Another amazing read from Sanderson’s pen. I highly recommend both the book and the whole The Groundskeeper series!
What an excellent story. I have eagerly awaited other stories in this world since I read the first, Raking Up the Dead, the first story in this series was the first standalone work of Sanderson that I read. And not only did we get this volume but also The Hoodoo That You Do. Since then I have read stories in anthologies, novella’s and novels. This is an amazing story! I love the characters, the world building, the concept and the execution.
I first encountered the works of Cedar in Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories, and after reading her piece there knew I had to track down and read something else from her pen. And to date I have not been disappointed in anything I have read from her. I was intrigued by this series from when I first heard it mentioned. The description of this volume states:
“Chloe Brandt got more than she bargained for when she took on the groundskeeper and caretaker position at the old cemetery of Belleview. Chloe is still learning just what her job duties at the big cemetery are, and how far they will take her. Just what mysteries are her responsibility? When the ghoul asks for help, she's willing to try...”
As soon as I finished this I put all three available in the series back in my ‘to be read’ pile, and plan to reread them back to back over my Christmas holidays.
In Raking Up the Dead, we follow Chloe as she is begins working at the Belleview Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. The job description was for a caretaker and to inquire within. Chloe was up for the job but soon found out that the description was a little nebulous and her responsibilities are constantly growing. She is determined to get the grounds in order. To clear the overgrowth, trim the verge, and clear the paths. What she had not expected was to be providing care for the residents. And her life has become a balancing act between the physical upkeep and the supernatural needs. And some of the residents are very needy. In The Hoodoo That You Do part of her work role shifts to research and support. In this volume things take an all new twist. First Chloe brings a ghost home to the Cemetery with her to give him a place to rest. Second Benny the local ghoul sends an invite and Chloe and Mr. Cruor accept the invite, and the resulting investigation leads to more than a few surprises. When you add in a mysterious pile of clippings from a former teacher of Chloe’s and the research around them It all adds up to a more than a bit of excitement, and Chloe’s roles and training being expanded yet again. Mr. Cruor plans for physical training as well as book learning. I would love to know the titles of the books he pulled from his library to add to her further education. Even just a hint other than the one he asked about by name.
Those who have read the first story will recall she has a friend in the authorized section of the library, Mark. And a two cats that makes appearances from time to time. Esmerelda and Kung a monster black tomcat. We spend some time back there early in the story, but Chloe has a long list of questions for Mark the next time she sees him.
This story is masterfully written. The characters both alive and dead are great. It is a fun story and yet with a serious edge. And as the series progresses we learn more about Chloe, Mr. Cruor, and other of the residence at the cemetary, and the nearby surroundings. I really hope it is the continuation of what will become a long series because I want to know what else happens to Chloe and the residents we have encountered and those we have yet to meet at Belleview Cemetery. Or who are brought in to cross their path. It is a place I hope we can return to in other stories again and again. Another amazing read from Sanderson’s pen. I highly recommend both the book and the whole The Groundskeeper series!
November 11, 2025
As this series progresses, the length of the books are getting longer, going from short stories to now a novella, this the third in the series. The strength of the character is that she is open to seeing the unexpected, is is therefore able to see ghosts, where others don't. From the book: "Much of life has no immediate meaning and purpose. We make those things as we look backward, not in the moment. In the moment, we simply try to do our job and survive. It's only later the ramifications become apparent."
One thing that I like in the series, that story lines are never completely closed off but are left for a resolution in the future, outside of the story. The characters also are fun with the main characters being Chloe, her boss Mr. Crour, the house keeper, Della [a skelton] and Trunk, a troll.
One thing that I like in the series, that story lines are never completely closed off but are left for a resolution in the future, outside of the story. The characters also are fun with the main characters being Chloe, her boss Mr. Crour, the house keeper, Della [a skelton] and Trunk, a troll.
November 28, 2024
Oh, I wish there were more!
The adventures Chloe encounters are thrilling, and her friends and employer endearing. I loved the honorable mention of Sir Terry Pratchett in the third book, and agree with Mr. Cruor Chloe could learn much from the witches.
Very well done, and I can't wait to read more of Ms. Cedar's work.
I only wish I could follow Chloe into more encounters.
The adventures Chloe encounters are thrilling, and her friends and employer endearing. I loved the honorable mention of Sir Terry Pratchett in the third book, and agree with Mr. Cruor Chloe could learn much from the witches.
Very well done, and I can't wait to read more of Ms. Cedar's work.
I only wish I could follow Chloe into more encounters.
March 25, 2024
I figured out what this makes this series unique:
It's a series of love letters to Chloe, the main character.
Chloe is a goth, and as far as I know, love letters aren't a part of that convention, but these aren't conventional love letters, either. In each book, the things that separated Chloe from success in the world of the mundanes are celebrated, not criticized. It's the non-conventional about Chloe that makes it possible for her to detect the residents of Belleview, and then to interact with them. Because she is non-standard, but yet has emotional needs, she is able to detect the emotional needs of the clientele.
In this installment, Chloe is given the key to solving a series of crimes going back over a century. Who gives her the key? One of her former instructors; one who recognized that the differences that Chloe hid beneath purple hair and dark clothing really were DIFFERENCES, and not just empty space. He saw that she was grounded, in ways her classmates were not.
That grounding is why Chloe was able to encounter some miscreants without losing touch with the rest of her reality.
If Chloe and her boss were detectives, they would be required to bring problems to an end. That isn't their role, though; instead, they are mediators. They help those who suffer get in touch with those who can correct the damage done, at least in part.
It's a consistent approach: Chloe wants to help those in need. Whether that's a lost soul, or a hog-nose snake, there is room in her heart, and room at Belleview, for the strays that come her way.
Nicely done!
It's a series of love letters to Chloe, the main character.
Chloe is a goth, and as far as I know, love letters aren't a part of that convention, but these aren't conventional love letters, either. In each book, the things that separated Chloe from success in the world of the mundanes are celebrated, not criticized. It's the non-conventional about Chloe that makes it possible for her to detect the residents of Belleview, and then to interact with them. Because she is non-standard, but yet has emotional needs, she is able to detect the emotional needs of the clientele.
In this installment, Chloe is given the key to solving a series of crimes going back over a century. Who gives her the key? One of her former instructors; one who recognized that the differences that Chloe hid beneath purple hair and dark clothing really were DIFFERENCES, and not just empty space. He saw that she was grounded, in ways her classmates were not.
That grounding is why Chloe was able to encounter some miscreants without losing touch with the rest of her reality.
If Chloe and her boss were detectives, they would be required to bring problems to an end. That isn't their role, though; instead, they are mediators. They help those who suffer get in touch with those who can correct the damage done, at least in part.
It's a consistent approach: Chloe wants to help those in need. Whether that's a lost soul, or a hog-nose snake, there is room in her heart, and room at Belleview, for the strays that come her way.
Nicely done!
December 28, 2023
fun novella, I hope more are coming.
It’s an interesting premise, and pretty good character development.
I am interested to see what more awaits. The saga of Bellview Cemetery continues.
It’s an interesting premise, and pretty good character development.
I am interested to see what more awaits. The saga of Bellview Cemetery continues.
February 1, 2024
Excellent Series
Quick review, Girl gets job as groundskeeper at cemetery however does not realize it includes dealing with the ghosts of the cemetery. Great stories and characters . Loved these books,wish they were longer and hopefully there will be more.
Quick review, Girl gets job as groundskeeper at cemetery however does not realize it includes dealing with the ghosts of the cemetery. Great stories and characters . Loved these books,wish they were longer and hopefully there will be more.
November 1, 2023
Great story!
Life lessons are learned more than one way. Chloe’s experiences are slowly bringing her out of her shell, and her desires to help others is
Solving mysteries.
Life lessons are learned more than one way. Chloe’s experiences are slowly bringing her out of her shell, and her desires to help others is
Solving mysteries.
November 25, 2023
It was boring.
January 17, 2024
Enchanting
Short stories for younger folk than me, Tho well written and creepily charming. I would like to see a novel, go a bit deeper.
Well done, would like to read more.
Short stories for younger folk than me, Tho well written and creepily charming. I would like to see a novel, go a bit deeper.
Well done, would like to read more.
October 9, 2024
I'd wager that Cedar has a lot on her plate already, but I want to encourage more Chloe. Loved this.
October 17, 2024
I don't know how better to compliment an author: More, please. Much, much more.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews