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The Cemetery Spot

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When April arrived at her sister’s house, she didn’t expect to find a dead man…

Auggie has stabbed her abusive husband, Roy. Afraid of the cops due to Roy’s ties with the police force, Auggie convinces April to help her get rid of the body. April agrees because she owes a debt to her sister and wants to keep her out of prison. The two sisters bury Roy in the woods, near an old cemetery.

But someone is watching.

As the investigation into Roy’s disappearance looms closer to the truth, the sisters don’t know who to trust—including each other. The bond that held them together all these years threatens to break. Blood isn’t thicker than water when a life sentence is on the line.

Will the sisters keep this secret buried forever? Or will they surrender to outside forces before destroying each other?

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2024

37 people are currently reading
3900 people want to read

About the author

Jenna Moquin

18 books177 followers
Jenna Moquin's short stories and poetry have appeared in The Literary Hatchet, Asylum Ink, Heater, 34 Orchard, PARABNORMAL Magazine, Das Gift, and Wicked Sick. In 2016 she released a collection of dark tales, Safe: New and Selected Stories. In 2021, she compiled a charity anthology featuring 1980s-themed horror stories by the New England Horror Writers.

In 2024, her debut thriller STALKS was released, and her follow-up thriller THE CEMETERY SPOT was published 6 months later. She is a proud aunt to 6 nieces and nephews, and currently resides in Las Vegas with her Devil's Ivy plants while working on her latest story.

Upcoming Book Releases:

EYELAND: A Psychological Thriller
February 3, 2026

THE RED POSSESSION: A Horror Novel
May 1, 2026

https://www.jennamoquin.com/

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5 stars
83 (27%)
4 stars
111 (36%)
3 stars
76 (25%)
2 stars
26 (8%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Heathers_readss.
858 reviews169 followers
August 13, 2024
“The cemetery spot” drops you in the deep end on the first page as we read the thoughts of somebody who is driving with a dead body in the trunk of their car.

Rewind a little and we find out that these somebodies are sisters August and April. When April decides to drop in unannounced (as usual) at her sisters home, the last thing she expects is to find her standing over her husband’s dead body.

This book is a testament to how far we will go for the people we love, up to and including helping them bury a dead body.

The sisters have a very unusual relationship which we get deeper insight to via flashbacks to their childhood, i found Augusts intentions very unclear throughout the book which I think was done purposefully to keep the reader on their toes, on the opposite spectrum I found April to be very naive, too caring for her own good which results in her finding herself in tricky situations.

The entire book reads like a fever dream with characters making absolutely terrible decisions left right and centre, sometimes I wanted to throw my kindle at the book and yell “THIS IS NOT HOW YOU COVER UP A MURDED!!”.

The author does a great job of keeping you nervous *bites nails” as you anxiously keep turning page after page to see if it all goes to sh*t or if there is hope for the sisters.

I liked Eugene’s character he was enjoyably quirky and despite the last we hear from him I hope he fairs well. I also liked the open ending in regards to Benny. I couldn’t tell the dynamic between the two characters, at some point I was picking up romantic vibes but in the last part of the book April kept mentioning brotherly feelings.

This would make a fun book to do as a buddy read so you can discuss with your friend every time you get stressed with the events and twists unfolding 🤣🤣.

Thank you to the author for thinking of me for an advanced copy, I had a lot of fun reading this rollercoaster thriller!


Profile Image for Horror Reads.
912 reviews325 followers
August 9, 2024
This is an excellent horror/thriller about murder, family, and the ties that bind them together.

A woman goes to visit her sister one day and is met with a gruesome scene. Her sister's abusive husband is dead on the kitchen floor and her sister is freaking out. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the body and not get caught.

But things are going to go wrong almost from the beginning. Her nephew wants to know where his father is and the sisters have to stick to the story they've come up with. The same story they tell the police, the nosy neighbour, and the deceased man's brother who suspects something.

But what happens next with the body and these characters is the great edge of your seat stuff you want in a book. Lots of strange things happen, red herrings, and a few twists along the way really make this novel shine. Definitely a book you'll want to read and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Profile Image for Curt Dunnam.
171 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2024
"The Cemetery Spot" by Jenna Moquin is a fast-paced, 3-star read. April and August are sisters who find themselves in increasingly difficult situations. The book starts off with a bang, with someone driving around with a dead body in their vehicle.

Overall, the idea behind the story is very interesting. However, there were many repetitive parts, especially involving Auggie, that dragged the story along. The flashbacks to 1989 offer a glimpse into the sisters' lives as young girls, which adds depth to their characters. Some chapters are narrated by a surprise character, which brings a unique perspective to the story, but the horror aspect felt a bit forced in those sections. The ending features a big twist, but it didn’t quite work for me. While this wasn’t the best book for me, I would still be interested in reading another by Jenna Moquin.

Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Jenna Moquin, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
Profile Image for Matt Ferenczy.
171 reviews28 followers
October 28, 2024
Thinking about what makes me do reading this book, I finally remembered that Freida McFadden had recommended it and, yes girl, if you liked it, I definitely would like to experience it too.

Primarily I have to say that it is not a perfect book because the facts are so concise and brief, that maybe a few pages are obsolete. The plot is truly trite: two sisters need to get away with murder, and blabla. But the atmosphere and the gruesome facts are well described, and this is the merit of this short story, the details, and the invitation to share the guilt and maybe remorse of the characters.

To put it more briefly, is a nice story if you like the cemeteries atmosphere and all that spooky things.
Profile Image for Jill McGill .
255 reviews179 followers
September 8, 2024
Wow... talk about a roller coaster ride!

The Cemetery Spot starts out with a bang and then spirals into twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. I loved the writing style and the fast-paced flow of the story. This was my first Jenna Moquin book, and it definitely won't be my last.

This book is perfect for all the Freida Mcfadden fans.

*Many thanks to NetGalley, Jenna Moquin, and Victory Editing for my ARC.
Profile Image for ashlee b..
172 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2024
4.5 ⭐️! What a juicy and delicious popcorn thriller! The book starts immediately with a bang, and pulls you right in and never lets you go. It’s fast-paced with enough twists to keep you guessing. I devoured it in one sitting and have zero regrets.

August and April are a sister duo that get themselves into some muddy waters. April arrives to her sister’s house finding her brother-in-law stabbed to death and August convinces her to hide the body. If you are a Freida Reader, you will definitely love this book, too. I loved the acknowledgements at the end as well. 🥰

A huge thank you to Netgalley, Jenna Moquin, and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! This publishes on August 13, 2024.
Profile Image for Jess.
48 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2024
April, known as Ape, becomes entangled in a web of deception after being entrusted with the task of concealing her brother-in-law's death. However, upon realizing they were watched, April begins to doubt the loyalty of those around her. The pivotal question: can she truly trust her sister, August?

The story captivates from the prologue onward, maintaining a compelling pace. It is primarily told from the viewpoint of insomniac April, weaving together present events with the backstory of her sister, August.

Unfortunately, and completely personal preference, the nicknames Auggie and Ape proved distracting. It was challenging to connect deeply with the characters due to these monikers, which occasionally undermined the seriousness of certain scenes.

The narrative could benefit from further exploration of character depth, particularly regarding who else might have witnessed the sisters' late-night actions and what repercussions await them.

Despite this, the book was an enjoyable and straightforward read, filled with unexpected twists. Readers are led to believe they have unraveled the mystery, only to be surprised by the final revelations.
Profile Image for Macy Young.
138 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2024
Did I figure out the twist in the first 20% of this book? Yes, yes, I did. Did I still enjoy reading it and finish it all in one day on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Also, Yes. I picked up this book because one of my favorite Authors Freida McFadden recommended it. This book is the perfect example of what a good thriller should be: creepy, mysterious, fun. I enjoyed all the characters and was engaged the entire time I was reading. I do think the aunt doth protest too much which kind of gave away the twist early on but other than that I really enjoyed it!



Thank you, Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda Moldy.
121 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2024
Idk maybe 2.5/5. I feel like the plot was dumb and I saw the “plot twist” coming from a mile away. But it was a quick and easy read so yeehaw for that I ‘spose
25 reviews
August 17, 2024
Definitely a book you want to read and will certainly keep you guessing. You can’t figure out if the sisters trust each other or if they don’t. Who is the real culprit. Keeps you on your toes for sure. Excellent read!
Profile Image for Amy Connor.
32 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2024
Frieda McFadden had the recommendation for this book on her Facebook page. It didn’t not disappoint. It was an excellent read. I did not want to put it down.
Profile Image for Aja.
7 reviews
August 30, 2024
This book was almost like being on a haunted house ride, you never knew what was going to be lurking, ready to pounce on the next page. It kept me guessing and anxiously awaiting the next page.

It's such a good story with unexpected twists and turns. I loved watching the characters developing throughout the book.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book before its release. My opinion is that of my own
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
630 reviews11 followers
August 30, 2024
Wow! Fans of Freida will love this book! This was suspenseful and thrilling with twists and turns and it was even humorous. I really enjoyed this one, it was hard put it down.
Profile Image for Devyn Nadeau.
81 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2024
Meh. This wasn't bad, a popcorn thriller, entertaining but left a lot to be desired.
Profile Image for Summer.
8 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2024
I learned about this book from a recommendation by Freida McFadden. I was able to obtain an ARC from NetGalley. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read something that was recommended by one of my favorite authors. I found the plot to be very engaging. I began reading it this morning, and finished it just before midnight. The book had several twists some I didn’t expect and a few I did. My prediction turned out to be correct in the end but it was still an enjoyable story.

“The Cemetery Spot” is mostly told from the point of view of April (who is nicknamed “Ape”). April arrives at her sister Auggie’s house to hang out one night and discovers that her abusive brother-in-law has been stabbed in the back and is lying in a pool of blood, deceased. Auggie is in a panic and begs Ape to help her dispose of the body once she realizes she cannot do it alone. Ape is fiercely loyal to her sister, (especially after an incident that occurred when they were teenagers), so she agrees to help Auggie out. The sisters quickly hatch a plan and get to work. After a bit of research, April thinks she found the perfect spot to bury the body. But someone else saw them. Will the sisters be able to keep the secret? You’ll have to read to find out!
Profile Image for Heather Burks.
147 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC.

I saw this was a Freida McFadden recommended book and with the spooky cover I knew I wanted to check it out. It was billed as a horror thriller too.

Unfortunately this fell flat and was a normal thriller with no real spooky vibes like the covered conveyed.

It wasn't an awful story and I didn't guess the twist. However I only didn't guess the twist because I wasn't trying. I was too busy yelling at the characters and their silly mistakes they kept making. Like the DUMBEST mistakes.

Plus, I just didn't get the sisters! I get I am an only child so maybe that's why. But the sisters weren't close at all but we're close enough to literally bury a body? Very confusing.

So many details were fleshed out and made no sense. The flashback was pointless, Benny didn't make sense including (though was one of the best characters), Eugene didn't really have a point. It seemed like way too much was trying to be done and none of it was fleshed out.

It wasn't the worst thing I've read, it was a fast read & a run of the mill thriller. However I wouldn't suggest this over countless others. Honestly the Epilogue was the best blip of the whole story.

2.5/5.00
Profile Image for Lisa.
220 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley and Victory Editing for my ARC copy!

When I saw this was recommended by Freida McFadden I knew I would like it and I did! This one certainly kept me guessing all the way! It was a quick read but one full of twists. The author did a great job of keeping you interested and wondering is it this one or that one? Sometimes it even had me saying out loud, "you've got to be kidding me, really?" or "no way, stop it!" and a few other things along the way.

The characters keep you wondering if they're good, bad, somewhere in the middle, but I question if any were really very smart but would any of us really be very smart in this situation? I often read at lunch time and let's just say I think I was late punching in a few days (sorry boss). It's an easy read but it's definitely a good read. In fact I could really see this moving into a series... (hint, hint Jenna Moquin - please?). The ending was just fine and could stop there, but wow, would I like to know more about some of these characters and the other stories they could tell. This is my first by this author and I want more!

Overall a great, nail-biting, keep you guessing read.
Profile Image for Krystelle.
1,102 reviews46 followers
September 5, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I was really interested in reading this one based on the premise. I thought it would have more horror elements than it did, but it read as more of a thriller than anything else. The premise was interesting, and the family dynamics were certainly interesting as the story took twists and explored the relationships that played out.

I did think the plot had a lot of potential too, but unfortunately it wasn't quite what I had hoped, and it did end up a little convoluted which I was disappointed with.

I found the end of the book wrapped up really quickly and didn't really go where I would have expected. While I guessed the twist, the ending felt a little rushed, so that was a bit disappointing. I also found that there were some parts of this book that felt really repetitive, which didn't gel well with me. I didn't find that I connected well with the main characters either, so that was a shame - there was the definite suggestion that they deserved to be rooted for, but I just didn't get a huge sense of follow-through.
Profile Image for Liz Pearce.
135 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2024

If you walked in on your sister standing over her husband with a knife in his back, how far would you go to help her? April decides to visit her sister one night and finds Auggie her sister standing over her abusive husband’s dead body. The sisters hatch a plan to cover up the murder and bury the body. April finds a remote abandoned cemetery and they bury him late at night. But somebody is watching. Will the sister’s secret stay buried and who knows the truth?

“The Cemetery Spot “ starts out like whiplash. I was quickly drawn in but I felt it lose momentum for a bit but then picked right back up. The backstory of the sisters being woven throughout the plot helps you understand the sister relationship dynamics. There were excellent twists throughout. The author did such a great job of putting you in the scene that I felt chills run down my spine at certain points. The author leaves small bread crumb clues throughout, so pay attention! The story does get gruesome at some points so definitely not for faint of heart. The last entry from Eugene is the chef’s kiss to the ending!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Jenna Moquin and Victory Editing for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. This book publishes on August 13, 2024.
Profile Image for Nicole.
72 reviews
August 20, 2024
How far would you go to protect your sister? Does your loyalty have its limits? April is finding out just that when she stops by to visit her sister - August (Auggie). Instead of visiting, April finds Auggie fretful with her brother-in-law, Roy, dead on the floor with a knife in his back. Of course, April is there to help in any way she can. As the book progressed, we found out that April feels in debt to Auggie and that she needs to do this.

I devoured this book in less than a day. It was such a great read that I wish I was reading with my older sister. The way Jenna Moquin sprinkles hints and red herons throughout is perfectly executed. I was hooked from the first page right up until the end. I can't wait to read more from this author!

A special thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for this advanced copy. It was such a wonderful read.
2 reviews
August 5, 2024
I don't read fast in general but finished The Cemetery Spot in two days! It was just so much fun and so suspenseful throughout. The characters are relatable. The plot is smart. I especially loved the way the author weaved the past story between the two sisters with the present one. I loved every twist and turn. I highly recommend it and wouldn't hesitate to read it again because of how much fun I had reading it the first time.
Profile Image for Adam Allen.
243 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2024
A twisty and turny thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Starts with a bang, as two sisters suddenly find themselves having to dispose of a dead body. From there, things go from bad to worse, as guilt and fear of being caught cause all kinds of chaos. Culminates in a great surprise ending.

ARC provided in return for honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon Louise.
106 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2024
A delicious buttery popcorn thriller for fans of Freida McFadden.

Page 1 throws readers right into the deep end as we read the thoughts of somebody who is driving with a dead body in the trunk of their car.

It was a true page-turner with some genuinely spooky moments. Overall, it you enjoy thrillers that combine fast-paced action with psychological intrigue, The Cemetery Spot is well worth your time.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenna Moquin and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sabra Halen.
12 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2025
This book was alright, fast paced from the start. something about the writing threw me off from the first few pages and into the whole book. so many exclamation marks. 🤣 it felt like i was watching a kids cartoon where they speak to the screen so the kids can answer while in a trance. Idk. Strangeeeee but on to the next
Profile Image for Dee Kendall.
537 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2024
Holy cow! This book starts out with action, that is non stop. Guarantee you won't want to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of this author, even though it's a thriller, I giggled a few times. Jenna's writing style is almost poetic at times, for lack of a better word.
Thanks Jenna Moquin for the chance to read an advanced copy of your wonderful book.
Profile Image for Ashly.
118 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2024

Another spooky read just in time to get those halloween vibes flowing! This book is action packed and there was never a second that i was bored. It gave page turner (or scrolling) a whole other meaning. If you love thrillers then you don’t want to miss out on this one by Jenna Moquin. Thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Betsy Satchell.
60 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley at the recommendation from Freida McFadden.

The Cemetery Spot is that book that will have you thinking you’ve solved it from the very beginning. The story is told from April - known as Ape. It’s a book you will want to finish in one sitting as the plot keeps getting better.

It is a great read and deserves its 5 stars
57 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2024
I decided to give this book a chance since I like stalks so much, and let me tell you, you will not be disappointed. I thought because August did so many messed up things in the past she was going to pin the murder of her husband on Ape, but boy was I wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lydia Johnston.
170 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2024
Thanks NetGalley and Jenna Moquin for letting me to read this ARC!
Wow! What a wild ride Jenna takes you on! It’s the usual tale of two sisters, one dead body and secrets that get revealed! Jenna throws you right into the chaos during the prologue and the mayhem continues from there! I could not put this down! It’s fast paced, suspenseful and a dang good read!
Profile Image for Anna.
3 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2024
The twist towards the end was not what I expected to be. My jaw dropped and had me in awe. This is a really great book. It left me speechless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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