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Gravekeeper #5
The Vengeful Dead
How far will she go to save the damned?
Keira is caught in a deadly battle. Her ability to help ghosts move on from the mortal world has made her a threat to Artec, a powerful corporation intent on trapping the tortured dead for profit. They've been tracking her for years and now, finally, there's nowhere left for her to run.
Artec fears Keira and everything she's capable of. They will stop at nothing to eliminate her―including sending armed men after everyone she holds dear.
Desperate and quickly running out of time, Keira races to hone her abilities as she searches for a way to destroy the twisted organization for good. But at least now she's no longer alone. Her friends have offered to follow wherever she leads, even if that means a direct strike deep into the heart of Artec's central base...and to the certain death waiting for them there.
Keira is caught in a deadly battle. Her ability to help ghosts move on from the mortal world has made her a threat to Artec, a powerful corporation intent on trapping the tortured dead for profit. They've been tracking her for years and now, finally, there's nowhere left for her to run.
Artec fears Keira and everything she's capable of. They will stop at nothing to eliminate her―including sending armed men after everyone she holds dear.
Desperate and quickly running out of time, Keira races to hone her abilities as she searches for a way to destroy the twisted organization for good. But at least now she's no longer alone. Her friends have offered to follow wherever she leads, even if that means a direct strike deep into the heart of Artec's central base...and to the certain death waiting for them there.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2025
251 people are currently reading
4510 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Coates
70 books14.4k followersDarcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
January 26, 2025
What happens when Keira’s ability to help ghosts makes her a threat to powerful Artec, a corporation intent on trapping the dead for profit? You get a paranormal suspense story full of action, emotion, danger, and even a little romance.
Artec will do everything they can to stop Keira, including sending armed men after her and everyone she loves. As she works to sharpen her skills, she searches for a way to put Artec out of business for good. Her friends offer to help, but will that be enough?
Keira can see ghosts and interact with them. She can also free them. With sigils, she can enhance her abilities, but is still learning new ones and what they can do. Her key friends are Zoe, a conspiracy advocate with an extensive network of contacts, and Mason, her boyfriend, who is one year from completing his medical degree. Daisy, the cat, is an unusual character that adds another dimension to the story and Keira.
This is the fifth book in the Gravekeeper series and contains references to events in prior books. Readers who plan to read the entire series should start with book one to get the full picture of what is happening and the backgrounds of the characters.
The author invoked a sense of urgency from the beginning of the novel. Although the book starts with a side story that is a subplot, it immediately pulled me into the novel. Readers learn more about the current situation with Artec as the storyline progresses and the pace increases as well as the danger and action. Zoe provides some humor sprinkled throughout the plot to provide some relief from the tense and dangerous situations the main characters experience.
Overall, this engrossing, tense, and entertaining novel is an excellent addition to the series and brings it to a satisfying end. Featuring a strong, flawed, and capable protagonist, excellent pacing, and a solid plot, the story kept me turning the pages rapidly. I’m looking forward to reading my next novel by this author.
Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025.
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My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Artec will do everything they can to stop Keira, including sending armed men after her and everyone she loves. As she works to sharpen her skills, she searches for a way to put Artec out of business for good. Her friends offer to help, but will that be enough?
Keira can see ghosts and interact with them. She can also free them. With sigils, she can enhance her abilities, but is still learning new ones and what they can do. Her key friends are Zoe, a conspiracy advocate with an extensive network of contacts, and Mason, her boyfriend, who is one year from completing his medical degree. Daisy, the cat, is an unusual character that adds another dimension to the story and Keira.
This is the fifth book in the Gravekeeper series and contains references to events in prior books. Readers who plan to read the entire series should start with book one to get the full picture of what is happening and the backgrounds of the characters.
The author invoked a sense of urgency from the beginning of the novel. Although the book starts with a side story that is a subplot, it immediately pulled me into the novel. Readers learn more about the current situation with Artec as the storyline progresses and the pace increases as well as the danger and action. Zoe provides some humor sprinkled throughout the plot to provide some relief from the tense and dangerous situations the main characters experience.
Overall, this engrossing, tense, and entertaining novel is an excellent addition to the series and brings it to a satisfying end. Featuring a strong, flawed, and capable protagonist, excellent pacing, and a solid plot, the story kept me turning the pages rapidly. I’m looking forward to reading my next novel by this author.
Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025.
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My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
June 29, 2025
If this is truly the end of the series, it was a great way to finish. The story moves quickly, the characters are easy to love, and Zoe’s sass always brings a smile. Even the ghost cat, Daisy, is a fun and charming part of the story.
What I really liked is that the plot stays focused and doesn’t get sidetracked with unnecessary details. To fully enjoy this book, I’d recommend reading the whole series from the start—it really helps everything make sense and feel more meaningful.
Although it's labeled as horror, I don’t think that fits perfectly. Still, it works, and I absolutely love this series. If it’s really over, I’ll miss it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the chance to read and review this ARC!
What I really liked is that the plot stays focused and doesn’t get sidetracked with unnecessary details. To fully enjoy this book, I’d recommend reading the whole series from the start—it really helps everything make sense and feel more meaningful.
Although it's labeled as horror, I don’t think that fits perfectly. Still, it works, and I absolutely love this series. If it’s really over, I’ll miss it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the chance to read and review this ARC!
May 26, 2025
Ghosts, Graveyards & a Sprinkle of Sass
I’m new to Darcy Coates’s The Gravekeeper series, with only the first book (The Whispering Dead) under my belt—not too long ago, actually. I fully intended to read them all in order... but here I am, jumping straight to book #5.
Thankfully, it still worked. The first book gives you a great intro to the found family that’s the heart of the series, and this latest one does a solid job recapping just enough of the backstory. I never felt totally lost.
But should you start at the beginning if this type of story catches your attention?
Absolutely.
A Brew of Ghosts and Grit
Keira, our fearless lead, can see ghosts and helps them untangle the secrets that keep them tied to the living world. Spooky—but make it cozy. Think a mug of pumpkin spice in a haunted library. The paranormal elements are just enough to tingle your spine, add some tension, and keep you fully hooked.
What Makes This Series Magically Different?
It’s the cozy horror vibe for me. You’ve got a quirky small town, found family, humor, and an entertaining mystery. The dynamic between the characters has a charming Scooby-Doo energy—with a loyal, magical cat to boot.
Keira’s got secrets of her own (some she doesn’t even remember), and a heart big enough to help the dead find peace. I found myself cheering her on through every eerie encounter and ghostly twist—she’s a protagonist with real soul.
Read it or Banish it?
Looking for a fun summer haunt full of cozy vibes, spooky fun, and binge-worthy chapters? The Gravekeeper has you covered. It’s light enough to fly through on a sunny afternoon, but with just the right amount of shadowy twists to keep you on your toes.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
I’m new to Darcy Coates’s The Gravekeeper series, with only the first book (The Whispering Dead) under my belt—not too long ago, actually. I fully intended to read them all in order... but here I am, jumping straight to book #5.
Thankfully, it still worked. The first book gives you a great intro to the found family that’s the heart of the series, and this latest one does a solid job recapping just enough of the backstory. I never felt totally lost.
But should you start at the beginning if this type of story catches your attention?
Absolutely.
A Brew of Ghosts and Grit
Keira, our fearless lead, can see ghosts and helps them untangle the secrets that keep them tied to the living world. Spooky—but make it cozy. Think a mug of pumpkin spice in a haunted library. The paranormal elements are just enough to tingle your spine, add some tension, and keep you fully hooked.
What Makes This Series Magically Different?
It’s the cozy horror vibe for me. You’ve got a quirky small town, found family, humor, and an entertaining mystery. The dynamic between the characters has a charming Scooby-Doo energy—with a loyal, magical cat to boot.
Keira’s got secrets of her own (some she doesn’t even remember), and a heart big enough to help the dead find peace. I found myself cheering her on through every eerie encounter and ghostly twist—she’s a protagonist with real soul.
Read it or Banish it?
Looking for a fun summer haunt full of cozy vibes, spooky fun, and binge-worthy chapters? The Gravekeeper has you covered. It’s light enough to fly through on a sunny afternoon, but with just the right amount of shadowy twists to keep you on your toes.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
November 14, 2024
What an amazing way to end this 5 book series! The author made us fall in love with not only the characters, but the town as well! If anyone from Netflix or HBO is out there - These books would make one heck of a movie. Lastly, if Darcy Coates ever sees this, we need a spinoff book about Zoe! She won us all over! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
February 10, 2025
There’s nothing better than receiving an ARC from a favorite author!! And when it’s also a book from a favorite series—wow, that’s like opening up that one birthday present you’ve been hoping to get!! The fifth installment in Darcy Coates’s Gravekeeper Series, THE VENGEFUL DEAD, was everything I expected and so much more! Darcy Coates never, ever, ever disappoints me! And her newest novel was no exception!
Darcy skillfully reminds the reader where we left off after THE HOLLOW DEAD, giving us a summary of important plot points from the previous books. The novel follows Keira, an incredibly likable, selfless, and courageous protagonist who has survived countless terrifying encounters with Artec and its nefarious activities. And in this most recent installment, the stakes have never been higher.
We are once again thrust into the dangers of Keira’s world, but by her side once again are Zoe and Mason, sweet and endearing Daisy (I’ve never loved a fictional cat so much), as well as other friends we have met along the way—friends who are ever-faithful and unequaled in their loyalty to Keira and her cause. As you read late into the night, coming closer to the final battle of good versus evil and the end of this fantastic series, you find yourself rooting for Keira and her friends with all of your heart!
The tension and suspense Darcy is able to build with her writing—the ability she has to have you, as the reader, holding your breath and waiting for that jump scare— well, it is unparalleled. The novel’s pacing is perfect, balancing super intense moments of ghostly encounters with heartfelt interactions that make Keira’s journey all the more compelling and poignant. Knowing this is the last book in the series fills me with so much sadness to be honest, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this wonderful cast of characters I have truly grown to love.
With THE VENGEFUL DEAD, Darcy Coates once again shines and shows why she’s a master of atmospheric ghost stories and haunted fiction. I cannot recommend this book, nor this series, more!!
I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley, Darcy Coates, and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me the ARC of THE VENGEFUL DEAD! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read this novel before publication in February.
Darcy skillfully reminds the reader where we left off after THE HOLLOW DEAD, giving us a summary of important plot points from the previous books. The novel follows Keira, an incredibly likable, selfless, and courageous protagonist who has survived countless terrifying encounters with Artec and its nefarious activities. And in this most recent installment, the stakes have never been higher.
We are once again thrust into the dangers of Keira’s world, but by her side once again are Zoe and Mason, sweet and endearing Daisy (I’ve never loved a fictional cat so much), as well as other friends we have met along the way—friends who are ever-faithful and unequaled in their loyalty to Keira and her cause. As you read late into the night, coming closer to the final battle of good versus evil and the end of this fantastic series, you find yourself rooting for Keira and her friends with all of your heart!
The tension and suspense Darcy is able to build with her writing—the ability she has to have you, as the reader, holding your breath and waiting for that jump scare— well, it is unparalleled. The novel’s pacing is perfect, balancing super intense moments of ghostly encounters with heartfelt interactions that make Keira’s journey all the more compelling and poignant. Knowing this is the last book in the series fills me with so much sadness to be honest, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this wonderful cast of characters I have truly grown to love.
With THE VENGEFUL DEAD, Darcy Coates once again shines and shows why she’s a master of atmospheric ghost stories and haunted fiction. I cannot recommend this book, nor this series, more!!
I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley, Darcy Coates, and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me the ARC of THE VENGEFUL DEAD! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read this novel before publication in February.
March 26, 2025
The fifth book of the Gravekeeper, the story of Keira and her black cat, Daisey, who lives in the groundskeeper's cottage at Blighty Cemetery, continues to unfold.
Keira has a gift of seeing spirits, so she tries to help them resolve their unfinished business on Earth before they can move on.
This time, the story focuses on revenge after revealing most of the secrets of her past.
I used to say that each book in this series functions as an individual story, with Keira and her two inseparable companions, Zoe and Mason, solving another ghostly mystery. However, in the last two books, especially The Vengeful Dead, the storyline appears to come to a conclusion. So, I suggest reading the books in order. It seems this might be the end of the series unless we begin to see new stories, possibly this time as individuals with a fresh start.
My important question this time is: Where was Harry? Why was he in shadow? And why wasn't there dialogue: "Mother. I may not return. Or if I do, I will likely forever be changed."?!
Huge thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley for giving me a chance of reading The Vengeful Dead (Gravekeeper #5) by Darcy Coates, I have given my honest review.
Keira has a gift of seeing spirits, so she tries to help them resolve their unfinished business on Earth before they can move on.
This time, the story focuses on revenge after revealing most of the secrets of her past.
I used to say that each book in this series functions as an individual story, with Keira and her two inseparable companions, Zoe and Mason, solving another ghostly mystery. However, in the last two books, especially The Vengeful Dead, the storyline appears to come to a conclusion. So, I suggest reading the books in order. It seems this might be the end of the series unless we begin to see new stories, possibly this time as individuals with a fresh start.
My important question this time is: Where was Harry? Why was he in shadow? And why wasn't there dialogue: "Mother. I may not return. Or if I do, I will likely forever be changed."?!
Huge thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley for giving me a chance of reading The Vengeful Dead (Gravekeeper #5) by Darcy Coates, I have given my honest review.
November 13, 2024
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book! From the very first page of the series, I fell in love with these characters and their world, so getting an early peek at the latest installment was an absolute delight. This book feels like a finale, which made finishing it a bittersweet experience. I'll miss Keira and her wonderfully eccentric gang of friends, but I loved every moment of their journey.
This book packs a punch in a way that few series conclusions manage to. Often, final books feel rushed as they scramble to tie up every loose end, but that wasn't the case here. The pacing remains as steady and captivating as in the previous four books, but with much higher stakes, which made this last installment especially thrilling.
Darcy Coates is, hands down, my favorite horror author, and I’ll eagerly read anything she writes. Her ghost stories, in particular, showcase her strengths, and I hope she continues to lean into what she does best.
This book packs a punch in a way that few series conclusions manage to. Often, final books feel rushed as they scramble to tie up every loose end, but that wasn't the case here. The pacing remains as steady and captivating as in the previous four books, but with much higher stakes, which made this last installment especially thrilling.
Darcy Coates is, hands down, my favorite horror author, and I’ll eagerly read anything she writes. Her ghost stories, in particular, showcase her strengths, and I hope she continues to lean into what she does best.
July 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
I could've read 5 more books in this series ngl. I love these characters so much😭
I could've read 5 more books in this series ngl. I love these characters so much😭
April 23, 2025
What an absolutely spooky, fun series to read! The sleepy little town of Blighty will never be the same. The atmosphere is so rich that you can feel it. Darcy Coates brought to life an indelible group of characters! EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. I'm sad to see it end. Five is not enough!
I won't stop reading her books until I've devoured them all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I won't stop reading her books until I've devoured them all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 10, 2024
This was such an excellent series! It had all the elements that make me adore Darcy Coates. In particular, the closeness of the friend group and those strong characters and relationships always solidify the plot for me. Fellow animal lovers can rejoice! I loved the use of the cat throughout the storyline. She was a large part of the plot. The pacing of this final book of the series was good. It kept up a steady increasing beat until the final explosion of activity. I did think the ending could have been a bit more conclusive with the main character’s nemesis. I highly recommend this series!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2025
This was the perfect ending to a fun and thrilling series. I grew to love the friendships between Keira, Mason, and Zoe. And Harry! He was probably my favorite.
The Gravekeeper series is the perfect blend of mystery, haunting ghost stories, humor, and a sweet romance. I just loved it!
The Gravekeeper series is the perfect blend of mystery, haunting ghost stories, humor, and a sweet romance. I just loved it!
December 20, 2024
The Graveskeeper Series by Darcy Coates is one of my favorite series. The Vengeful Dead is the fifth and final piece of this story and what an ending. 👏
Kiera and her found family take a last stand against the evil energy corporation Artec that has been hunting her since book 1. There is also a side story where Kiera helps ghostly victims at an old Tuberculosis house called The Home.
Things I especially loved:
🩶 The imagery of a dying shopping mall was perfect.
🩶 Kiera learning by trial and error what runes can do, with the help of her cemetery ghosts.
🩶 Supernatural action reminiscent of the Netflix series Stranger Things.
Quotable: "𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚'𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦."
Kiera and her found family take a last stand against the evil energy corporation Artec that has been hunting her since book 1. There is also a side story where Kiera helps ghostly victims at an old Tuberculosis house called The Home.
Things I especially loved:
🩶 The imagery of a dying shopping mall was perfect.
🩶 Kiera learning by trial and error what runes can do, with the help of her cemetery ghosts.
🩶 Supernatural action reminiscent of the Netflix series Stranger Things.
Quotable: "𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚'𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦."
August 5, 2024
This was the perfect finish to this series! It stayed true to the characters I have come to love (Zoe is still the best!) and showed how much several of the smaller characters have come to care for Keira as well as her cause. The story was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were several times that I felt like I forgot to breathe until Keira and the team prevailed in that particular moment.
May 25, 2025
the author may want to make some notes of events she had happen in previous books because she had the dental record discovery of Gavin and a funeral in the previous book and yet in this one acts like it never happened and he is missing. the amount of editorial mistakes between the last book and this one are pretty large as well. I'm not sure what the deal was but the event mistake is too huge to be ignored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
This perfectly spooky series and these characters have my whole heart ❤️ I could’ve read about the paranormal adventures of Keira, Zoe, Mason, Daisy 🐈⬛ and friends forever, but this was a great ending 🥹
A comforting and forever favorite series!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my copy 🫶🏼
A comforting and forever favorite series!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my copy 🫶🏼
July 21, 2025
And i am so sad this series is over! 😭
These were such amazing books!
the story line kept it interesting, I love all the characters,
the Ghost parts are just so good,
there was soo much action in this one!
Keira is a badass!
I loved it so much.
I finished all five books in like less than 3 weeks and that is crazy for me im normally such a slow reader.
I love the writing style so will definitely be looking at her other work.
These were such amazing books!
the story line kept it interesting, I love all the characters,
the Ghost parts are just so good,
there was soo much action in this one!
Keira is a badass!
I loved it so much.
I finished all five books in like less than 3 weeks and that is crazy for me im normally such a slow reader.
I love the writing style so will definitely be looking at her other work.
March 27, 2025
This is the year of disappointing series finales of books. I’ve never expected much from this series. Just a quick fun read. This book didn’t even deliver on that small expectation. It felt long and was boring. Kiera’s constant inner monologues bemoaning the deaths of serial killers was maddening. If someone is actively trying to kill me I am not going to get all wishy washy about the morality of defending myself. It was ridiculous.
The action scenes were dumb. A group of armed men enter a room where their targets are standing directly across from them. What do they do? Mow them down in a hail of bullets? That would make sense,so NO! Instead they shoot out the lights and attempt to pick off Kiera and the gang one by one. Giving her enough time to save everyone from imminent death.
There were a lot of plot holes and mistakes.
1. What ever happened to the men in black with the flaky skin? Was that cleared up at some point or did they just turn into fully human mercenaries?
2. Aren’t Marlene and Polly sisters? Their stores even have names that play off of one another. Why then is Marlene not Harry’s aunt? It’s said he has no family at the hospital when Marlene is there. He also mentions his Mom is visiting her sister, while he’s in the car with Marlene. What am I missing? What was the point in Marlene even being with the group at the end? She added nothing.
3. The dues ex machina of Kiera’s runic magic.
4. The Stranger Things season 3/ Dan Bell’s Dead Mall series mash up. At least in ST3 the Russians had a reason for building a mall where they did. Artec could have had a secret underground facility anywhere. Why did they need a shopping mall? Stupid.
Kiera and Mason’s romance was really YA and boring. It added nothing to the story. Given that they’re both the worst Mary and Gary Stu’s I shouldn’t have been surprised. The best part was the side quest of “The Home”. The Artec storyline ended up bringing the entire series down. It would have been better if Kiera and her friends just helped ghosts. The series could have even continued on in that vein, but maybe the author was bored with the series.
This is really a 1.5 star read, but I rounded up because I typically like Coates books.
The action scenes were dumb. A group of armed men enter a room where their targets are standing directly across from them. What do they do? Mow them down in a hail of bullets? That would make sense,so NO! Instead they shoot out the lights and attempt to pick off Kiera and the gang one by one. Giving her enough time to save everyone from imminent death.
There were a lot of plot holes and mistakes.
1. What ever happened to the men in black with the flaky skin? Was that cleared up at some point or did they just turn into fully human mercenaries?
2. Aren’t Marlene and Polly sisters? Their stores even have names that play off of one another. Why then is Marlene not Harry’s aunt? It’s said he has no family at the hospital when Marlene is there. He also mentions his Mom is visiting her sister, while he’s in the car with Marlene. What am I missing? What was the point in Marlene even being with the group at the end? She added nothing.
3. The dues ex machina of Kiera’s runic magic.
4. The Stranger Things season 3/ Dan Bell’s Dead Mall series mash up. At least in ST3 the Russians had a reason for building a mall where they did. Artec could have had a secret underground facility anywhere. Why did they need a shopping mall? Stupid.
Kiera and Mason’s romance was really YA and boring. It added nothing to the story. Given that they’re both the worst Mary and Gary Stu’s I shouldn’t have been surprised. The best part was the side quest of “The Home”. The Artec storyline ended up bringing the entire series down. It would have been better if Kiera and her friends just helped ghosts. The series could have even continued on in that vein, but maybe the author was bored with the series.
This is really a 1.5 star read, but I rounded up because I typically like Coates books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
Well. I guess I didn't realize this was the final book of the series. I love this series sooooo much but for some reason this one didn't really hit as much. It read much more YA, and the added romance component was incredibly cheesy and felt forced. I didn't connect with the Artec part of the story at all. Probably because it took away from the ghost hunting. Obviously the storyline needed to be wrapped up and the bad guys needed to be taken down, but that made the book lose a little bit of the charm the others had.
Great found family. Great side characters. Easy read and light on the spooky. I still think it would be a fun tv series
Great found family. Great side characters. Easy read and light on the spooky. I still think it would be a fun tv series
November 6, 2024
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for an early copy in exchange for my honest feedback! I loved the gravekeeper series and this one was the most action packed book of the series.
Further thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFcK8mem/
Further thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFcK8mem/
April 14, 2025
The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates is a paranormal mystery novel, and the fifth (and final book) in the Gravekeeper series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Poisoned Pen Press, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Keira can interact with ghosts, usually helping them to move on. She became the graveskeeper at Blighty Graveyard when she stumbled upon it, with none of her memories intact. She has made friends since then. Adage, the clergyman who hired her; Zoe who is a conspiracy theory nut, Mason, who is supposed to be studying to become a doctor, and Harry, a teenager with dark thoughts. Keira has recently been getting her memories back. Her parents, when working for an organization called Artec, received a massive dose of spectral power and passed it to Keira. Artec wants to use her powers. Keira wants to shut them down. Artec have been keeping the dead chained to this world to use their energy and sell it for hydro-electric power. So, between her powers, and her runes, Keira is going to shut them down.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Keira has been practicing a lot. She needs to develop her runes. She has figured out a few already, and is working on more. She thinks they may need them soon. After they had destroyed one of the cemeteries where Artec was harnessing the power of the ghosts, Keira knows she has left a trail.
Meanwhile, word is getting out around town that Keira can talk to ghosts, and one of the town's most prestigious women has asked for help. Keira discovers that the house beside Agatha's is more of a problem.
When Artec finally sends mercenaries through her town, Keira and her friends have had enough. They target the organization's headquarters, and Keira will have to face Schaeffer head-on. Hopefully her new runes and her ability to draw power from her friends energies will be enough.
My Opinions:
I loved these books. Even though the topic is somewhat dark, they feel like a light, easy read. So they could easily be aimed more at the YA crowd.
The characters are very entertaining, and their comradery is great. The plot is an extension from one book to the next, so I would highly recommend you read the books in order.
Although this is actually a good place to end the series, I'm hoping the author changes her mind and adds more books. I need some light reads in between some of my other, deeper books.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Keira is a wonderful main character who came upon her abilities after being exposed to research involving the dead while in her mother's womb as her parents conducted research for a company called Artec. When Artec's evil intentions became clear, Keira's parents fled to save her life and ended up losing their own. Now Keira is locked in battle with Artec for her survival and to end their horrible torture of the spirits of the dead. The pace was fast and the plotting was intriguing which made for a great reading expereince. Fans of paranormal fiction will enjoy this one.
January 22, 2025
I don’t know what I am going to do without these characters in my life anymore. This feels like the final book in the series but I am not ready for it to end.
This is the final conclusion to Kiera and her friends fight to destroy Artec.
This series is so bingeable. No where in this book it feel bland or rush through out the storyline. I was engaged through out the entire storyline.
Between the FMC and the side characters they brought life through out the action packed plot line. I also loved that it wasn’t just focused on the destroying of Artec but had some side plots through out the storyline.
I am going to miss these characters 😫
Genre: Horror
POV: Third Person
APK: Ebook
Pages: 358
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Book 5 in the Grave Keeper Series
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for a free copy of The Vengeful Dead
This is the final conclusion to Kiera and her friends fight to destroy Artec.
This series is so bingeable. No where in this book it feel bland or rush through out the storyline. I was engaged through out the entire storyline.
Between the FMC and the side characters they brought life through out the action packed plot line. I also loved that it wasn’t just focused on the destroying of Artec but had some side plots through out the storyline.
I am going to miss these characters 😫
Genre: Horror
POV: Third Person
APK: Ebook
Pages: 358
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Book 5 in the Grave Keeper Series
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for a free copy of The Vengeful Dead
January 1, 2025
This was a very satisfying book to wrap up the series.
I appreciate how the author reminds me of what happened in the prior books. I did not remember a lot of book 4 (apparently) and the author did a great job of giving me the background without it seeming tedious or overdone.
The story was interesting. We have the main plot where Keira and crew are going after the evil Artec. There's also the side plot where she's helping some ghosts get justice. This follows the pattern from the other books, but the author does a great job of keeping it interesting and not feeling formulaic. In each book, the way the ghosts are helped is different. Sometimes she helps the ghosts before the main plot and sometimes after. It's done very well.
Probably my only complaint was the author seems to strongly prefer 2 syllable, 5 letter names. When we were getting the recap, I was so confused about how someone had died in book 4 since I don't remember them dying - no, I was confusing them with a different 2 syllable, 5 letter name. We have: Keira, Mason, Adage, Harry, Polly, Gavin. Then there are the 2 syllable, non-5 letter names: Zoe, Marlene, Schaffer. I think Dane was the only non-2 syllable name in the book? It made me a bit confusing since they all sound similar in my head. (Yes, I know that is such a random thing to be fixated on, but I kept mixing up people and once I figured out why, it was all I could see,)
Overall, this was a great finish for the series and I very much enjoyed the series from beginning to end.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
I appreciate how the author reminds me of what happened in the prior books. I did not remember a lot of book 4 (apparently) and the author did a great job of giving me the background without it seeming tedious or overdone.
The story was interesting. We have the main plot where Keira and crew are going after the evil Artec. There's also the side plot where she's helping some ghosts get justice. This follows the pattern from the other books, but the author does a great job of keeping it interesting and not feeling formulaic. In each book, the way the ghosts are helped is different. Sometimes she helps the ghosts before the main plot and sometimes after. It's done very well.
Probably my only complaint was the author seems to strongly prefer 2 syllable, 5 letter names. When we were getting the recap, I was so confused about how someone had died in book 4 since I don't remember them dying - no, I was confusing them with a different 2 syllable, 5 letter name. We have: Keira, Mason, Adage, Harry, Polly, Gavin. Then there are the 2 syllable, non-5 letter names: Zoe, Marlene, Schaffer. I think Dane was the only non-2 syllable name in the book? It made me a bit confusing since they all sound similar in my head. (Yes, I know that is such a random thing to be fixated on, but I kept mixing up people and once I figured out why, it was all I could see,)
Overall, this was a great finish for the series and I very much enjoyed the series from beginning to end.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
March 9, 2025
The Vengeful Dead, is a fifth book in the gravekeepers series by Darcy Coates, Keira is still in fear of Artec’s and desperately wants to take it in its owner out in the meantime she gets a visit from the president of the Blighty propriety society Ms.Agatha. she tells Keira she knows about her ability to speak to ghost and thinks her home is haunted and of course Keira agrees to help. investigating Miss Agatha‘s home only leads to a much bigger issue. All this while still dodging the mercenaries working for Artect miss Agatha isn’t the only one who knows about Keira and where she lives because she gets a note mailed to the pastor asking for a meeting. The meeting proves things are going to get much worse before they get better but West and Kiara still fine time to have their second “date.“ I don’t wanna give away the whole story so just know this is another great installment with Keira, Zoe and West get ever closer to ruining their enemy not to mention the great mic drop ending with Miss Agatha not a big one but a good one. I love these books and can only hope Keira continues to solve ghostly mysteries I really think I would be lost without having these books to look forward to. Love these guys and of course miss Daisy so much! Darcy Coates is one of my favorite authors whose books I just cannot get enough of and look so forward to more in the future as for this one it is one I absolutely definitely recommend 190%.#NetGalley, #PoisonPenPress, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #DarcyCoats, #TheVengefulDead,#GraveKeeperSeries,
February 6, 2025
What a fun time taking a little trip back to Blighty with our favorite ghost problem solving team!
The nice thing about these books is that, although they’re in a series, the author does a nice little wrap up to help you understand/remind you what’s happened in the past books in a light way to help always feel like you’re moving and learning new aspects. At the end of this book, we are again left hanging with an idea of what’s possibly to come in the next book.
This is a pretty fast-paced, page-turning series that keeps your attention the whole time. Finding new stories/backgrounds for ghosts and others in this little town really shows the multi-faceted nature of unraveling the layers to get to know people. Everyone has their own story, but they are woven together in such a way to help other characters evolve.
It’s definitely a unique spin on the ghost story - new ideas and skills for different people create some unlikely friendships. Now to wait for the next installment…
Thank you so much to the author, Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the eARC of The Vengeful Dead!
The nice thing about these books is that, although they’re in a series, the author does a nice little wrap up to help you understand/remind you what’s happened in the past books in a light way to help always feel like you’re moving and learning new aspects. At the end of this book, we are again left hanging with an idea of what’s possibly to come in the next book.
This is a pretty fast-paced, page-turning series that keeps your attention the whole time. Finding new stories/backgrounds for ghosts and others in this little town really shows the multi-faceted nature of unraveling the layers to get to know people. Everyone has their own story, but they are woven together in such a way to help other characters evolve.
It’s definitely a unique spin on the ghost story - new ideas and skills for different people create some unlikely friendships. Now to wait for the next installment…
Thank you so much to the author, Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the eARC of The Vengeful Dead!
November 12, 2024
The perfect end to an amazing series! All of our favorite characters, and some new ones, came together for this final showdown against Artec. It was dark, bloody, and completely satisfying. I was completely engrossed with this one, biting my nails, just waiting to see what was going to happen. It was action-packed from start to finish. I absolutely loved it but am sad that it is over. I am truly going to miss all of these characters. Coates definitely knows how to write a gripping, atmospheric story, so I look forward to what she comes up with next. I would certainly not be opposed if she continues on with these characters some more!
The Vengeful Dead is book five in the The Gravekeeper series. I highly recommend this series to fans of the paranormal/supernatural genre! You will not be disappointed!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for granting me digital access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
The Vengeful Dead is book five in the The Gravekeeper series. I highly recommend this series to fans of the paranormal/supernatural genre! You will not be disappointed!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for granting me digital access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
March 3, 2025
Starting this series was kind of a complete accident. I was just looking for a horror/thriller author that wasn’t a man and that I hadn’t seen on TikTok (maybe I was just on the wrong side). But I am so glad that I did. This was such a great series and this final book was honestly the best ending I could have hoped for. I love a happy ending, I love an ending where no one dies, and I love an ending where the people I wanted to fall in love actually fall in love. Everything in this book was accounted for and every side story wrapped up, which was perfect in my opinion. I think my only wish was for the epilogue to jump forward a little bit further to show us what life is like for our trio a few years down the road. I would also accept a short story giving us insight into Kiera and Zoe’s new ghost helping business. This was a great series and I’ll recommend it to anyone I can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 👻👻👻👻👻
First and foremost, thank you…Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC of The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates for in return of my honest review. I am grateful to have gotten an early peek at this final book to the series.
I absolutely was drawn into it from the beginning. Darcy Coates writing is impeccable, straightforward, and vivid. I LOVED the characters and enjoyed the plot! Such a spooky horror story, Darcy is by far another favorite author of mines in this genre. A horror and suspenseful story!
If she writes it…I am buying it and reading it!
First and foremost, thank you…Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC of The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates for in return of my honest review. I am grateful to have gotten an early peek at this final book to the series.
I absolutely was drawn into it from the beginning. Darcy Coates writing is impeccable, straightforward, and vivid. I LOVED the characters and enjoyed the plot! Such a spooky horror story, Darcy is by far another favorite author of mines in this genre. A horror and suspenseful story!
If she writes it…I am buying it and reading it!
January 2, 2026
3 1/2 🌟🌟🌟 rounded up
I have really enjoyed this series and I would recommend it to people who want something slightly spooky, but that is not too much. The female main character has always been kind of a "Mary Sue" and I found it kind of annoying in the other books in the series. But in this fifth book it seemed extra glaring and annoying. If a man has killed innocent women and you are in a situation where he is trying to kill you, but you keep questioning whether he deserves to die the answer is always yes 🙄 every decision that should have been crystal clear was this giant moral dilemma and instead of finding her endearing or relatable I just found her increasingly more annoying. Still a really good story!
I have really enjoyed this series and I would recommend it to people who want something slightly spooky, but that is not too much. The female main character has always been kind of a "Mary Sue" and I found it kind of annoying in the other books in the series. But in this fifth book it seemed extra glaring and annoying. If a man has killed innocent women and you are in a situation where he is trying to kill you, but you keep questioning whether he deserves to die the answer is always yes 🙄 every decision that should have been crystal clear was this giant moral dilemma and instead of finding her endearing or relatable I just found her increasingly more annoying. Still a really good story!
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