And He Walked a Crooked Mile

The House of Graves #5

by M.M. Crumley

The final battle between Tessa Graves and the Patron has come...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Family, Paranormal

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2024

About the author

Click 'FOLLOW' Beside the Author Name So You Don't Miss Release Updates From This Amazon #1 Bestselling Author!
(M.M. Boulder is the penname of M.M. Crumley) https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Hi, I'm M.M. Crumley Your Author Extraordinaire (Also Known as M.M. Boulder)

As M.M. Crumley I write Urban Fantasy books full of supernatural action, nail-biting-mystery and; laugh-out-loud humor. Why? Because stories, myths, and legends have always been a huge part of my life... As a child, I liked nothing better than to lose myself in a world where magic and heroes were part of the fabric of existence.

As my pen name M.M. Boulder I write psychological thrillers and murder mysteries that bring the darker impulses we may not feel completely comfortable with into the light. My stories are full of lies and deaths, but there is always justice. A type of justice that's not afraid to get its hands dirty. I write morally ambiguous characters who are pushed to their limits and take matters into their own hands. In my world getting away with murder has never been so much fun!

No matter what I write every one of my characters are real to me. They exist. They are three-dimensional beings who demand that their stories be told. If I were to turn away from them, they would haunt me; and so I don't. Instead I chase after them and write down everything they say!

I have several series to help you scratch your itch for adventure:
THE HOUSE OF GRAVES Series
THE IMMORTAL DOC HOLLIDAY Series
THE LEGEND OF ANDREW RUFUS Series
JANEY FALKE: SAINT KILLER Series (Coming Soon)
Five Deliciously Dark Psychological Thriller Novels
And More...

To learn more or to just make friends come play with me at the sites below. And be sure to click 'Follow' everywhere to stay in touch! You rock!

My website: www.mmcrumley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoneGhostPub...

Amazon M.M. Crumley: https://www.amazon.com/stores/M.M.-Cr...
Amazon M.M. Boulder: https://www.amazon.com/stores/M.M.-Bo...

Bookbub M.M. Crumley: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-m-c...
Bookbub M.M. Boulder: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-m-b...

Goodreads M.M. Crumley: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Goodreads M.M. Boulder: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

And get your FREE Doc eBook at mmcrumley. com

Read and Listen to THE IMMORTAL DOC HOLLIDAY On-going Series Titles
Book 1: HIDDEN
Book 2: COUP D'ÉTAT
Book 3: RUTHLESS
Book 4: INSTINCT
Book 5: ROGUES
Book 6: EMPIRE
Book 7: OMENS
Book 8: CHASM
Book 9: FERAL
Book 10: OBLIVION
Book 11: RELENTLESS
Book 12: REQUIEM
Book 13: HELLION
Book 14: SHADOWS
Book 15: INDEBTED
Book 16: FATHOM
& More Coming Soon...

Read and Listen to THE HOUSE OF GRAVES Five Book Series
Book 1: THREE LITTLE GRAVES & THE BIG BAD WOLF
Book 2: OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS
Book 3: FIRE BURN & CAULDRON BUBBLE
Book 4: A HUNTING, A HUNTING WE WILL GO
Book 5: AND HE WALKED A CROOKED MILE

Also read and listen to THE LEGEND OF ANDREW RUFUS Complete Seven Book Series
Book 1: DARK AWAKENING
Book 2: BONE DEEP
Book 3: BLOOD STAINED
Book 4: BURIAL GROUND
Book 5: DEATH SONG
Book 6: FUNERAL MARCH
Book 7: WARPATH

And try my deliciously dark psychological thrillers (Writing as M.M. Boulder)
THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT
MY BETTER HALF
THE LAST DOOR
MY ONE AND ONLY
WE ALL FALL DOWN

lastly, for the Young Reader in Your Life—Available Now!
RUTHIE & THE TROUBLE WITH BEING TEN

FREE GIFT eBook and more @ mmcrumley.com

Reviews

[James Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic conclusion!

Well dear friends, this is it. The end of the line for this series. While I am slightly disappointed, because I love them, I have hope. The end gives us hope and I know our intrepid author wouldn't deny us these wonderful characters making appearances in future Doc novels and beyond.
Tessa is at the finish line. She knows who the Patron is and she knows she must end him. The how is the problem. It's not going to be easy, by any stretch of the imagination. Fear not though, the gang makes it through many trials and depths of emotion and, well, just read.
I do want to touch on a small part of the book, but one I think is extremely important, not just to the story, but to us as people. Tessa poses a question about emotions and if they are worth the hassle. I'm paraphrasing, it's a little more involved. She struggles with this throughout the book. The answer from the bartender though, it spoke to me. We can go through life tamping our emotions down, living in a gray mist, no light, no shadow, no ups or downs. Just existing. However, our emotions, our living our lives, allows us to see the brightness of the sun after a rain, to smell the ozone tang, to hear the birds, to experience the depth of colors that abound on rain kissed grass and flowers. Our emotions truly let us live. This is an important lesson for Tessa and for all of us. Despair happens, but live for the joys, do not let it rule you. Embrace life. That is what this book taught. Love.
I can not recommend this book, or this author enough. She is a master of her craft and a good person as well. She writes wonderfully and teaches us at the same time in a way that is enjoyable.
Do yourself a favor and check out this series and all the rest.

[Helen Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see it end, although it had to

I shed tears over the angst. Much left unsaid and unknown so hopefully we'll meet tessa and Co. in Doc's stories?? Fast paced and gore galore, wonder who will rise ro rule the hidden now? Or will the fallout be for the positive? Hmmmm

[eileenhardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Graves.

I have rarely read a series that was as interesting and different as The House of Graves. The books are so involved that it is difficult to describe, however, they in essence tell the story of a loving family torn apart by an ancient evil witch who ruled by terrorising and controlling the heroine of the books to commit detective work to meet his wish to control millions of others through blackmail or coercion. There are witches, ogres, elves, imps , and other fantasy characters as well as humans such as the heroine of the story.
The story tell how with the help of her family and friends she fought back. The ending is explosive and it's only in the last chapter you know that she was triumphant.
I am old and was therefore free to read all 5 books in the series in a week. They are hard to put down. I
I recommend the series to anyone who enjoys fantasy .
I found them excellent.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unexpectedly impressed with this series. We are told that Tessa, the youngest Graves, is our protagonist; during the first couple of books, I was unconvinced. I suppose this was written to allow for a "growth arc" which screams "coming of age" (yuck) to me....but it wasn't. Rather than the young, strong (theoretically) heroine with a couple of older relative sidekicks/comic relief/moral support characters, what we have here is really a wonderful ensemble cast. Every one adds equally to the story. It is really well-done. At a 5-book story arc, it was just long enough to really come to care about the characters, but not so long as to feel artificially dragged out. I cared enough about the MC that I did not really want to read the last book because it was clear something awful was coming, and I was not going to like it. Thank heavens the author believes in happy endings. I only wish that the chosen narrator for the audio version had not rubbed me the wrong way.

[Susan Kost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for all five books not just this one. The first book was a little slow but I was curious enough to try book number two. After that I was completely hooked. I loved the concept of this story and the characters all had depth and great personalities. Often when I read a series, I find there is a great deal of what I call descriptive filler, that I will usually skim over. In this series, I didn’t skim at all, I read every word. I laughed, I raged and I cried. I loved how strong Tessa was and how hard she fought. I loved her friendship with Curtis (who wouldn’t love a troll that turns into a hunk of a man lol) and her blooming love with Julian although I would have liked to know a little more about him. Her aunt and grandmother were also great characters and I loved the insertion of the romance novel readings. It made it that much more fun. I am now addicted and off to read the Doc Holliday series!!

[TigiOma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa Graves of Graves, Nash, Graves and Graves has a plan to end The Patron. She’s shared a censored version of the plan with Ollie, Gisele and Julian. Doc and Jury are part of the plan as well but again, they have the “public” version. Only she and Curtis know the full extent of the plan’s risk.

If they succeed in killing The Patron, most likely Tessa will also die. Tessa has Curtis’ vow that even if it means her death, that he will kill The Patron no matter what. She knows The Patron’s end will end his control over scores, maybe hundreds or thousands of others. Tessa knows freedom restored to the many outweighs the life…or death…of the one.

Her plan is in motion and even if it means sacrificing her life, The Patron will be no more and the Hidden will be free.

[Susan1566 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending to the series.
Tessa is suffering but she has a plan. She knows who the patron is and is determined to finish him.
All of her friends and family are there to help but she’s keeping a lot away from them.
There are plans within plans, twists and turns, suspense and surprises, drama and humour. I loved this book.
Tessa is so stubborn and determined and she keeps going despite the debilitating pain she is constantly in with a few exceptional times.
This shows many sides to many of the characters.
This is one of the best series I have read and I highly recommend it.
There is one book left about the Graves family that is separate from this series but I don’t want to leave these characters yet.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing series draws to its conclusion

I have loved every book in this series, despite all the sadness and heartache beyond baring, which are balanced with love, loyalty, affection and strength beyond imagination. This author cannot put a foot wrong with me - just so long as Doc’s stories keep flowing!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series ever

I really liked that this series finished in such a satisfying way. The desire for Doc Holiday to enter and save the day was an ongoing desire. Kudos to the author for the wonderful cast of characters whose talents combined so well for this five book series.
Thank you,
D. Moorman

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

This is my first series from M.M. Crumley and all I can say is Spectacular, so much mystery and adventure in the story. The determination from Tessa her courage strength and conviction left me breathless with the need to continue through to the end. The Graves family are all truly extraordinary. I am left only with this the grading is for mature reader’s only.

[JAMES V SOUSAE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly satisfying!

I love when the “good people” win:) This series has doesn’t take itself too seriously and I do enjoy the humor. The Hidden world was created with some familiar creatures but also with some new and interesting ones that caught my imagination. I believe many other fantasy readers would enjoy this series.

[m.elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this series!!

What a ride! MM Crumley takes a handful of people and creates a story where all of them grow and bloom. It was such an honor to be a part of this journey. I laughed, cried, commiserated, rallied - and more. Jump in on book one and I promise you won’t be disappointed. ( actually my only disappointment is that there isn’t a book six! ). Enjoy!!

[Lisa Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy ending

Well so nice that all who should do and those who shouldn't dont. Great group of characters, one would hope to have more books bout family Graves to read. I am all in as I am sure anyone else who have read this series will be since I had to stay up half night to read the ending I will sign off with Good job dear author good job. Thank you

[Jeff W Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read!!

Every book I’ve read from Ms Crumley is amazing. Her characters are are so well developed I really can’t put the book down till I’ve read it all and then, I’m disappointed that there isn’t more. Please keep them coming!!

[Sonya Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series

The Graves women are fantastic. I enjoyed these books thoroughly & although I will miss the characters, I think the series was wrapped up terrifically. Thank you M.M. Crumley

[pam turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so wonderful. Keep wandering around the house, doing the ' heavy sigh' of contentment.

Rarely do reviews. But, I really liked this book. Thank you for the gift of a well-written series.
🐾
Pam Turner

[Jane Exum · Rating 5 out of 5]

impossibly good

I don’t know how she does it, but every book and all of the series and I read them all they’re all better than the one before they pull you in you cry, you laugh you love the people

[Jkelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

great end or beginning to the series

I’m not sure why but my eye caught the over use of “furthermore” by all the characters to the point that I made it a game.

Great story and I can’t wait for Doc’s next book so that we can see why Jury was so upset and what happens next.

[Alyssa Fujimoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book to this series had me all over the place! This book was amazing & the outcome was a surprise! I can’t wait to read the Doc series to answer some of my questions lol.

This is a must read! This whole series had me on my toes!

[mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Doc Holiday service

Well written, I cared about the characters. They came to life on the page. I have told many of my book friends that these series were worth the read.

[suzan folletz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really--5 Stars

This entire series is wonderfully weird. The characters are so oddly more than human. They are weak and strong and conflicted. Grumpy, cheerful, demanding and wanting and they could be my relatives.
Enjoy!

[elizabeth ann wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I've just binge read these books over the last three days. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Right from the start I found myself invested in the characters and the over arching plot.

[Linda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Graves Book 5

And He Walked A Crooked Mile By M. M. Crumbley. What an awesome series. This is one of the thousands of book series that I have read. I put it in the top ten.

[Allan Tisdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable

Another great read by a talented author. My only criticism is that we never did
find out what happened in the Highland romance that Gisele was reading to them. Did rewrap his upper thigh? Did they find a linen closet to consummate their love?

[Andrea Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Series

This series made me cry... The build of the characters and the Hidden sucked me right in. I loved the romantic novels, the way each character developed and how Tessa fought against all odds. Please write more!!! *****

[Susan E Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never thought I would willingly be reading a series of 5 books consecutively, but here I am.
Was thoroughly entertained throughout the series - story line kept you engaged the whole time. Thank you for a great read (in its entirety)

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Detectives in a world of magic hidden within that of the "norms." One evil family patriarch believing he must & can control it all with blackmail, pain and fear. Except he doesn't believe one great-great granddaughter has the strength, love and talent to stop him!

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling with a big cast of female characters

Another exciting book in a high quality series! The three dimensional characters are all well written, the dialogue sounds natural, and the storytelling is quite the rollercoaster.

[Carrie Anna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story!

OMG! Please tell me there's another book in the works! I have so many questions! This has been the most Incredible story!

[Rita Spriggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This series was so good. Loved it all. Very well written and a great story line. Enough heat and lots of action.