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Gravediggers
Seventeen-year-old Billy thinks his father’s murder will never be solved—until he stumbles across an old ammo box while digging a grave in his small-town Tennessee cemetery.
What he finds leads him to question everything he knows, and his search for answers will uncover more than he bargained lies, secrets, and conspiracies—and behind them all, a dangerous truth.
What he finds leads him to question everything he knows, and his search for answers will uncover more than he bargained lies, secrets, and conspiracies—and behind them all, a dangerous truth.
ebook
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Cindy M. Hogan
43 books297 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Cindy M. Hogan is the author of edge of your seat, young adult suspense novels that always have a dash of romance, because every book should have hot guys and girls in them. Her first series, the Watched Series, skyrocketed her to number one bestselling author and she hasn’t let up since with over 20 novels to her name.
She never sits down to write, instead, she walks and talks into a recorder and lets her computer transcribe her words. Editing is her enemy, but she loves the final results, so she’ll always dig in.
Her one dream is to own and bake in a German style bakery with a cute to-go window for Gelato. In the meantime, she’ll continue to do the thousand other things she loves like teaching, all things outdoors, painting, and gardening—she’s never met a flower, tree, bush or vegetable she doesn’t like—except maybe okra and beets. As long as she’s got a book playing in her ear, she even enjoys weeding. She may be deranged.
She loves to create, but can’t seem to sit still for long, even to read a book. Instead, she listens to books so she can read and create at the same time. She’s a non-stop worker and enjoys every minute of it.
Her most loved creation is her two amazing daughters and wishes they were teens again. She loves to be home, but her husband is a traveler and drags her family around the world, where she finds an endless supply of story ideas, characters, settings, and more often than not, walks away with a suntan or ends up in a cool castle. She is also inspired by the unpredictable teens she teaches. If she is not creating things other than books, you’ll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a movie or planning their next party.
Most of all, she loves to laugh.
To stay up to date on all things Cindy M. Hogan, join her book group HERE.
http://www.subscribepage.com/sweptawa...
She never sits down to write, instead, she walks and talks into a recorder and lets her computer transcribe her words. Editing is her enemy, but she loves the final results, so she’ll always dig in.
Her one dream is to own and bake in a German style bakery with a cute to-go window for Gelato. In the meantime, she’ll continue to do the thousand other things she loves like teaching, all things outdoors, painting, and gardening—she’s never met a flower, tree, bush or vegetable she doesn’t like—except maybe okra and beets. As long as she’s got a book playing in her ear, she even enjoys weeding. She may be deranged.
She loves to create, but can’t seem to sit still for long, even to read a book. Instead, she listens to books so she can read and create at the same time. She’s a non-stop worker and enjoys every minute of it.
Her most loved creation is her two amazing daughters and wishes they were teens again. She loves to be home, but her husband is a traveler and drags her family around the world, where she finds an endless supply of story ideas, characters, settings, and more often than not, walks away with a suntan or ends up in a cool castle. She is also inspired by the unpredictable teens she teaches. If she is not creating things other than books, you’ll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a movie or planning their next party.
Most of all, she loves to laugh.
To stay up to date on all things Cindy M. Hogan, join her book group HERE.
http://www.subscribepage.com/sweptawa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 7, 2015
I have really enjoyed everything I've read by this author, but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. Was Ms. Hogan a teenage boy in a former life? I was amazed at how well she was able to write the feelings of a young man.
Billy is a very hardworking, mature, Southern boy with excellent manners. I only wish I could get my kids to be as obedient as Billy. His father was killed when he was young, but Billy is learning that there's more to the accident than he thought. He and his best friend, Henry, work as gravediggers in the local cemetery and the discovery of an old ammo box holds clues that lead to a lot of unanswered questions.
Henry is a very big support to Billy. I loved the camaraderie these two share--they have their ups and downs, but they are loyal. When Henry's cousin, Amanda, comes for the summer, she adds a new dimension to the friendship and to the unofficial investigation, bringing up things they'd never thought of.
Billy is a great character and I've mentioned some qualities before. I really enjoyed watching him mature even more and put the pieces to this puzzle together. The emotions that he went through-- dealing with his dad's death, unraveling secrets, discovering truths he never would have guessed, and his new romantic feelings--were very real and engaging. I liked Henry and Amanda, too.
This one is a fun, suspenseful, mystery with some romance thrown in.
Content: 2-3 mild cuss words; murders, death, one fight, but nothing is too graphic; mild romance; very mild references to religion. Clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Billy is a very hardworking, mature, Southern boy with excellent manners. I only wish I could get my kids to be as obedient as Billy. His father was killed when he was young, but Billy is learning that there's more to the accident than he thought. He and his best friend, Henry, work as gravediggers in the local cemetery and the discovery of an old ammo box holds clues that lead to a lot of unanswered questions.
Henry is a very big support to Billy. I loved the camaraderie these two share--they have their ups and downs, but they are loyal. When Henry's cousin, Amanda, comes for the summer, she adds a new dimension to the friendship and to the unofficial investigation, bringing up things they'd never thought of.
Billy is a great character and I've mentioned some qualities before. I really enjoyed watching him mature even more and put the pieces to this puzzle together. The emotions that he went through-- dealing with his dad's death, unraveling secrets, discovering truths he never would have guessed, and his new romantic feelings--were very real and engaging. I liked Henry and Amanda, too.
This one is a fun, suspenseful, mystery with some romance thrown in.
Content: 2-3 mild cuss words; murders, death, one fight, but nothing is too graphic; mild romance; very mild references to religion. Clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
January 26, 2015
Billy is seventeen and has unanswered questions from his father's death 10 year earlier. His goal is to become an FBI agent and solve the case, bringing justice for his father.
When he finds a ammo box full of jewels and cash while digging a grave his timetable to solve the case transforms. While investigating the case, he uncovers clues that put him in pursuit of the killer. He is joined by his best friend, Henry, and Henry's cousin visiting for the summer.
I enjoyed reading about the process of uncovering clues and eliminating useless information. Billy, Henry, and Amanda make a great team. For Billy's part, it doesn't hurt that Amanda is attractive and fun to be with. She's smart and helps turn the investigation in the right direction.
Billy learns about letting go of the past and what it truly means to love and forgive. He has faced countless trials because of his father's death. They have made him a stronger person, he now faces his biggest challenge.
The emotions that he goes through can be a little tough to read. His grief and longing for his father are understandable and relate-able. A strong part in the story for me is that he is a good kids. He is likable.
This book contains some violence at the end. I would caution readers who are sensitive to other's emotions in reading this book. Billy has an unchecked sense of vengeance at the end that is tough to read.
When he finds a ammo box full of jewels and cash while digging a grave his timetable to solve the case transforms. While investigating the case, he uncovers clues that put him in pursuit of the killer. He is joined by his best friend, Henry, and Henry's cousin visiting for the summer.
I enjoyed reading about the process of uncovering clues and eliminating useless information. Billy, Henry, and Amanda make a great team. For Billy's part, it doesn't hurt that Amanda is attractive and fun to be with. She's smart and helps turn the investigation in the right direction.
Billy learns about letting go of the past and what it truly means to love and forgive. He has faced countless trials because of his father's death. They have made him a stronger person, he now faces his biggest challenge.
The emotions that he goes through can be a little tough to read. His grief and longing for his father are understandable and relate-able. A strong part in the story for me is that he is a good kids. He is likable.
This book contains some violence at the end. I would caution readers who are sensitive to other's emotions in reading this book. Billy has an unchecked sense of vengeance at the end that is tough to read.
January 12, 2015
Ten years ago Billy’s father was killed by a hit and run driver. He has always wanted to know who did it. So, he is working to get into college so he can join the FBI to figure out what happened to his dad and to help others like him. While digging a grave he stumbles upon an old ammo box. He decides that he is going to research the box to figure out more about the contents and he hopes to help figure out who killed his father.
I really liked this story. I felt for Billy loosing a father and not having any closure. I really like the mystery of the ammo box and I think the story wrapped up well. I kind of had an idea of who did it but was not completely sure.
The one thing I really liked about the story was how realistic Billy was. Although he was 17 years old there are times that he seems more childish. He ranges in emotions from loss to revenge, hate and forgiveness. It makes this story so much more and just a simple young adult mystery.
This is a great story that I think any age would like.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story. I felt for Billy loosing a father and not having any closure. I really like the mystery of the ammo box and I think the story wrapped up well. I kind of had an idea of who did it but was not completely sure.
The one thing I really liked about the story was how realistic Billy was. Although he was 17 years old there are times that he seems more childish. He ranges in emotions from loss to revenge, hate and forgiveness. It makes this story so much more and just a simple young adult mystery.
This is a great story that I think any age would like.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2015
Billy's dad was killed in a hit and run accident 10 years ago that was never solved. Billy is left with a lot of unresolved anger and is unable to move on with his life like his mom wants him to. Then while Billy and his friend are digging a grave for a funeral, Billy discovers an old ammo box. The contents inside the box cause Billy to investigate another unresolved death. As Billy searches for the truth, will he continue on the path of seeking revenge for his father's death or will he finally learn the meaning of forgiveness? This is a good young adult mystery.
August 20, 2014
This was an amazing story.
Join Billy, his best friend Henry and Henry's cousin,Amanda on a quest that started because Billy and Henry started there job of digging graves in the wrong spot.
Great characters.
There is mystery,betrayal,friendship love and forgiveness .
Join Billy, his best friend Henry and Henry's cousin,Amanda on a quest that started because Billy and Henry started there job of digging graves in the wrong spot.
Great characters.
There is mystery,betrayal,friendship love and forgiveness .
February 15, 2014
An excellent YA mystery with a side of romance!
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 4, 2018
This book was such a disappointment. Honestly. There really isn't much more I can say about it. It fell flat. The story was a bore. Predictable. I could've told you the ending from the get-go. The characters were not much better. Billy was annoying, especially by the end of the book. Henry was pathetic, and the whole Sarah Ann drama was unnecessary. What was the girl character's name again? Let me look it up quickly. Oh, Amanda, right. Well, do I need to say anything more if I couldn't even remember her name?
I also hated the fact these characters were so judgemental. Billy constantly made sexist comments about how beautiful girls were shallow, giggly, "high-maintenance", among other things. Amanda called Sarah Ann a skank for making out with one boy. Henry tells Billy to "man up" and figure out his dad's death - as if finding out the murder of his father affects his masculinity? Billy is surprised when Amanda is said to have "morals" - because he pretty girls are normally stupid. And plenty more...
While I loved that this was set somewhere a little different - in small town Tennessee - I found it odd how the locals held their southern culture to such a high esteem. Billy and Henry got weirdly angry that Amanda (who is from Florida) doesn't say "y'all". They actually tell her not to say "you all" because it was too "weird". Why does it even matter? Also, the character's Christian rambles were so contradictory it drove me insane. I don't understand how Billy wasn't allowed to ask his own mother about his father's death - because it was being too "gossipy" - and how drinking is said to be oh-so-evil, yet they let their kids go to the shooting range and hunt animals? Surely murdering innocent woodland creatures is more harmful than idle gossip? Hmmm?
Sorry for this short, choppy and rather terrible review but this book put me in a bad mood and I'm tired. This will have to do for now. I am disappointing that this book did nothing for me so I doubt I'll be picking up any more of the author's work. I wouldn't recommend this.
Review copy provided by the author via Ebooks for Review for an honest review.
I also hated the fact these characters were so judgemental. Billy constantly made sexist comments about how beautiful girls were shallow, giggly, "high-maintenance", among other things. Amanda called Sarah Ann a skank for making out with one boy. Henry tells Billy to "man up" and figure out his dad's death - as if finding out the murder of his father affects his masculinity? Billy is surprised when Amanda is said to have "morals" - because he pretty girls are normally stupid. And plenty more...
While I loved that this was set somewhere a little different - in small town Tennessee - I found it odd how the locals held their southern culture to such a high esteem. Billy and Henry got weirdly angry that Amanda (who is from Florida) doesn't say "y'all". They actually tell her not to say "you all" because it was too "weird". Why does it even matter? Also, the character's Christian rambles were so contradictory it drove me insane. I don't understand how Billy wasn't allowed to ask his own mother about his father's death - because it was being too "gossipy" - and how drinking is said to be oh-so-evil, yet they let their kids go to the shooting range and hunt animals? Surely murdering innocent woodland creatures is more harmful than idle gossip? Hmmm?
Sorry for this short, choppy and rather terrible review but this book put me in a bad mood and I'm tired. This will have to do for now. I am disappointing that this book did nothing for me so I doubt I'll be picking up any more of the author's work. I wouldn't recommend this.
Review copy provided by the author via Ebooks for Review for an honest review.
April 9, 2020
Gravediggers by Cindy M. Hogan
Oddly, this one was a slow read for me. I can't explain it. I loved the story, and the characters. It was really well written with so very many mysteries to unravel. There were a few editing errors, but that doesn't explain it.
Anyway, I really enjoyed it and will recommend it.
Oddly, this one was a slow read for me. I can't explain it. I loved the story, and the characters. It was really well written with so very many mysteries to unravel. There were a few editing errors, but that doesn't explain it.
Anyway, I really enjoyed it and will recommend it.
January 9, 2022
This is the best YA mystery I've read. So many twists and turns in the plot, and the sadness at the end as Billy learned the truth he'd been searching so hard for, and accepted the forgiveness he'd never thought he could made me cry. Brilliantly written. You'll love it.
January 16, 2025
It is a very good book. So far I have found a lot of mystery and it keeps you interested for a long time. It also constantly lives little cliff hangers and slowly is solving a problem. And it also makes you keep reading to wait for the big like problem solver.
February 28, 2019
Good, clean teen book. Some action
April 3, 2023
The mystery itself is good but the characters are pretty cheesy including the little romance between two of them.
December 23, 2014
I really liked Gravediggers the writing was well thought out and the plot was very good, just when I thought I knew what going happen next Ms Hogan put in a roadblock.. which meant that I had to keep right on reading until the conclusion!
Cindy Hogan's Gravediggers is a totally different style of writing to the other book that I read by her, Adrenaline Rush, this book starts off slowly setting the background of what is going on in Halls, Tennessee.. it starts off slow and builds up momentum until the climax of the story and has a few surprises!!
Gravediggers is aimed at the Young Adult reader especially the guys but girls will like it too! As will older readers like me, I found the book to be a very emotional read, full of enough twists and turns to keep you thoroughly entertained throughout it!
Gravediggers is all about Billy Howard, his mother and his best friend Henry and his cousin, Amanda up to spend the summer.
Billy Howard,17, lost his father in a hit and run accident 10 years ago but it still haunts him, so much so he is studying extra hard and saving up for college so that he can join the FBI.
Billy earns extra money by digging graves, not very profitable.. While Billy and Henry,who wants to be a baseball player, are digging a grave Billy's shovel hits a rock and as he is digging it out he see a tattered old Army duffle and inside is an ammo box. Just when he is getting the dirt from around it the Pastor comes running over saying to fill in the site because he has told them the wrong location.. so it gets filled in!
That night Billy cannot get to sleep thinking about what could be in the ammo box,so he gets up in the middle of the night to dig up the box but it's not there!Where is it? Who dug it up?and why? Billy goes home but has to get up at dawn to dig the new grave and is not finished until 7a.m. and the funeral is at 9a.m.. When Billy goes into the church to clean up he sees the open ammo box behind the pulpit full of jewelry, $5000 in cash, 2 keys and an old newspaper article about the Pastor's wife" who died 9 years ago, 1 year after his fathers and he wonders if the two are connected?
As Billy, Henry and Amanda investigate the clues, Billy and Amanda get close together, making a little romance there! Billy changes a great deal throughout this story becoming to the point where he is getting very angry, distrustful and does not recognize friends from enemies at times. In this case should he give up and let his father's killer get away?is he capable of forgiveness?or does he want revenge, no matter what the cost?
The mystery of both deaths waits until the end of the book!!
Cindy Hogan did a very good job with this story and the more she writes in this,the mystery genre the better she will get! Her characters reacted as older teens,just like they were supposed to do. The story was different from previous work but I really liked the build up to the climax of the story, nicely done. A nice young adult mystery that clearly proves that she, Cindy Hogan can write more than romance books very well done, Bravo! I look forward to more young adult mysteries by her.
4 Stars for a very good mystery
I received this copy from the author for an honest review
Cindy Hogan's Gravediggers is a totally different style of writing to the other book that I read by her, Adrenaline Rush, this book starts off slowly setting the background of what is going on in Halls, Tennessee.. it starts off slow and builds up momentum until the climax of the story and has a few surprises!!
Gravediggers is aimed at the Young Adult reader especially the guys but girls will like it too! As will older readers like me, I found the book to be a very emotional read, full of enough twists and turns to keep you thoroughly entertained throughout it!
Gravediggers is all about Billy Howard, his mother and his best friend Henry and his cousin, Amanda up to spend the summer.
Billy Howard,17, lost his father in a hit and run accident 10 years ago but it still haunts him, so much so he is studying extra hard and saving up for college so that he can join the FBI.
Billy earns extra money by digging graves, not very profitable.. While Billy and Henry,who wants to be a baseball player, are digging a grave Billy's shovel hits a rock and as he is digging it out he see a tattered old Army duffle and inside is an ammo box. Just when he is getting the dirt from around it the Pastor comes running over saying to fill in the site because he has told them the wrong location.. so it gets filled in!
That night Billy cannot get to sleep thinking about what could be in the ammo box,so he gets up in the middle of the night to dig up the box but it's not there!Where is it? Who dug it up?and why? Billy goes home but has to get up at dawn to dig the new grave and is not finished until 7a.m. and the funeral is at 9a.m.. When Billy goes into the church to clean up he sees the open ammo box behind the pulpit full of jewelry, $5000 in cash, 2 keys and an old newspaper article about the Pastor's wife" who died 9 years ago, 1 year after his fathers and he wonders if the two are connected?
As Billy, Henry and Amanda investigate the clues, Billy and Amanda get close together, making a little romance there! Billy changes a great deal throughout this story becoming to the point where he is getting very angry, distrustful and does not recognize friends from enemies at times. In this case should he give up and let his father's killer get away?is he capable of forgiveness?or does he want revenge, no matter what the cost?
The mystery of both deaths waits until the end of the book!!
Cindy Hogan did a very good job with this story and the more she writes in this,the mystery genre the better she will get! Her characters reacted as older teens,just like they were supposed to do. The story was different from previous work but I really liked the build up to the climax of the story, nicely done. A nice young adult mystery that clearly proves that she, Cindy Hogan can write more than romance books very well done, Bravo! I look forward to more young adult mysteries by her.
4 Stars for a very good mystery
I received this copy from the author for an honest review
December 5, 2014
17 year old Billy, lost his dad nearly ten years ago in a hit and run accident outside his home. While working one summer afternoon (one of his many) odd and end grave digging job, Billy discovers what appears to be an old army box hidden beneath pastor Higsby's favorite tree, Ol' May. Reluctantly Billy leaves and recovers the box with dirt after pastor Higby tells him and his friend Henry, they are digging the grave underneath the wrong tree.
After finding the box later again in the pulpit at Church, the journey begins as Billy, along Henry and Henry's cousin Amanda, unravel the mysteries hidden within the small town of Halls.
I honestly have mixed feelings about this book.
To begin, I'm not sure this was a good book choice for me, as it seems a bit more focused for teen YA readers. I'm not really sure why I think it is geared more toward the pre-YA readers, but it just takes me back in the day, (about sixth grade, when I was one of top accelerated reader in my grade) when I was reading the box car children and babysitter club books.
So as an adult, this book did not keep my attention the way I think it could have. It seems as though it dragged on and on. Nothing against the writing, I just think it is being marketed to the wrong crowd.
Anyway, with all that said, once I reached the final few chapters, the book did finally grabbed my attention. I personally was not surprised by the ending like many others claimed to have been, though.
This book was portrayed as a YA Mystery/Thriller/Romance.. I would not call it a romance at all. Not sure I could even call it young love.. I mean no 17 year old boys ever acted like that when I was growing up. (And I grew up in a small town)
Courtship sounds a bit more appropriate. The boys are very inexperienced dater, hold vehicle doors, spend two days planning a date to surprise the girls... that is more courting a girl to me.
Which is exactly how this book is based to me... In a different time period.. some small Tennessee town many years ago. They just so happened to have kids with Iphones.
Overall I think this was a decent read. I would recommend it to teen readers, or YA readers who like clean mysteries. I would also recommend it to Christian readers, who can over look the slight bit of language (maybe four or five words).
I am giving this book 3.5 stars.
**I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
After finding the box later again in the pulpit at Church, the journey begins as Billy, along Henry and Henry's cousin Amanda, unravel the mysteries hidden within the small town of Halls.
I honestly have mixed feelings about this book.
To begin, I'm not sure this was a good book choice for me, as it seems a bit more focused for teen YA readers. I'm not really sure why I think it is geared more toward the pre-YA readers, but it just takes me back in the day, (about sixth grade, when I was one of top accelerated reader in my grade) when I was reading the box car children and babysitter club books.
So as an adult, this book did not keep my attention the way I think it could have. It seems as though it dragged on and on. Nothing against the writing, I just think it is being marketed to the wrong crowd.
Anyway, with all that said, once I reached the final few chapters, the book did finally grabbed my attention. I personally was not surprised by the ending like many others claimed to have been, though.
This book was portrayed as a YA Mystery/Thriller/Romance.. I would not call it a romance at all. Not sure I could even call it young love.. I mean no 17 year old boys ever acted like that when I was growing up. (And I grew up in a small town)
Courtship sounds a bit more appropriate. The boys are very inexperienced dater, hold vehicle doors, spend two days planning a date to surprise the girls... that is more courting a girl to me.
Which is exactly how this book is based to me... In a different time period.. some small Tennessee town many years ago. They just so happened to have kids with Iphones.
Overall I think this was a decent read. I would recommend it to teen readers, or YA readers who like clean mysteries. I would also recommend it to Christian readers, who can over look the slight bit of language (maybe four or five words).
I am giving this book 3.5 stars.
**I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
February 2, 2015
Received in exchange for a honest review.
I enjoyed this book. We get to see what can happen when something builds up and you allow anger to cloud your judgement. Billy was misled from the truth by so many that he got frustrated in the end. It wasn't until he saw the impact of things on one person that he was able to finally let go of all the anger and frustration.
The writing was powerful in how it kept you swayed and wondering what would be uncovered next as Billy tried to find closure by finding out who harmed his dad. When he finds the truth about things his life changes. He keeps running to roadblocks and deception along the way that frustrates him and makes him feel that he had no one to trust.
His friend Henry and Henry's cousin Amanda were there trying to help him figure things out but sometimes Billy felt alone. When people would open up to them and not him because they were asked not to really hurt Billy. The actions of adults he trusted and loved that made him feel hurt and betrayed really messed with Billy's mind. He didn't know where to turn. He had a crush on Amanda but she turned him down at first which hurt him and helped to spurn on his anger and frustration. Henry got mad at him and that didn't help Billy either. He felt like an island and didn't know where to turn or who to trust.
What started out as finding out the truth behind his dad's death turned into finding so many secrets and lies. So many mysteries to look at and solve and they all lead to one thing: GREED and FEAR. For the old pastor guilt and sadness was seen. It wasn't until Billy truly saw the man and what he suffered all those years that he was able to let go of his anger and be able to forgive everything around him. Forgive his mom for lying to protect him out of fear he would become angry and bitter, forgive the police chief for his lies and accept him into his world again openly and lovingly, forgive the mayor for his deception and cover ups and forgive the ones responsible for him losing his dad. He forgave Amanda for being afraid and they were able to go on and become more. He was able to find peace again.
A great twisting mystery that leads to revealing many secrets and deception but also shows us what can happen when we allow anger to take over.
I enjoyed this book. We get to see what can happen when something builds up and you allow anger to cloud your judgement. Billy was misled from the truth by so many that he got frustrated in the end. It wasn't until he saw the impact of things on one person that he was able to finally let go of all the anger and frustration.
The writing was powerful in how it kept you swayed and wondering what would be uncovered next as Billy tried to find closure by finding out who harmed his dad. When he finds the truth about things his life changes. He keeps running to roadblocks and deception along the way that frustrates him and makes him feel that he had no one to trust.
His friend Henry and Henry's cousin Amanda were there trying to help him figure things out but sometimes Billy felt alone. When people would open up to them and not him because they were asked not to really hurt Billy. The actions of adults he trusted and loved that made him feel hurt and betrayed really messed with Billy's mind. He didn't know where to turn. He had a crush on Amanda but she turned him down at first which hurt him and helped to spurn on his anger and frustration. Henry got mad at him and that didn't help Billy either. He felt like an island and didn't know where to turn or who to trust.
What started out as finding out the truth behind his dad's death turned into finding so many secrets and lies. So many mysteries to look at and solve and they all lead to one thing: GREED and FEAR. For the old pastor guilt and sadness was seen. It wasn't until Billy truly saw the man and what he suffered all those years that he was able to let go of his anger and be able to forgive everything around him. Forgive his mom for lying to protect him out of fear he would become angry and bitter, forgive the police chief for his lies and accept him into his world again openly and lovingly, forgive the mayor for his deception and cover ups and forgive the ones responsible for him losing his dad. He forgave Amanda for being afraid and they were able to go on and become more. He was able to find peace again.
A great twisting mystery that leads to revealing many secrets and deception but also shows us what can happen when we allow anger to take over.
December 19, 2014
Billy Howard is a 17 year old boy that digs graves with his best friend Henry to earn extra money for his college savings. After a hit and run accident, they are asked to dig a grave under a tree in the cemetery. As they are digging, Billy’s shovel hits something hard. Thinking it is a rock, Billy works to unearth it but it appears to be an old ammo box. Just as he is about to completely unearth it, the Pastor rushes from the church yelling at the boys to stop digging immediately. They are digging under the wrong tree. The boys fill in the mistaken hole while the Pastor stakes out the proper place for them to dig. It is too late in the day to dig the new grave that night but once Billy is in bed, his curiosity gets the better of him and he goes back to the original site to unearth the ammo box. Unfortunately for Billy, the box is GONE! He returns to the cemetery near dawn the following morning to get the grave dug before the funeral starts at 9. When he is finished, Billy enters the church to clean up and change his clothes so he can attend the funeral and finds the ammo box behind the pulpit. He opens it to find it filled with precious jewels, over $5000 in cash, two keys, and a brittle copy of a newspaper article about the death of the Pastors wife, 9 years previously. Since Billy’s own father was killed in a hit and run accident exactly 10 years before, he feels driven to find out who hit his father and find justice for him. Billy, Henry and his beautiful cousin Amanda who comes to Halls Tennessee to spend the summer with Henry set out to solve the mystery of who killed Billy’s father and why an article about the Pastor’s wife is in an old ammo box filled with valuables. This is a Christian book. The characters are likeable and it was well written.
***I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
***I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
November 25, 2014
I bought this for my boys as a Christmas gift and I'm happy with it. (I was very careful with the spine, pages, etc. when reading it.) The author describes it as a bit slower than other books she's written and says you just have to keep reading and follow the clues. I haven't read any other of Cindy Hogan's books but I didn't find this slow at all. I was immediately interested in Billy and his best friend Henry as they work together hand digging a grave in the local cemetery as requested by the church pastor.
Billy's father was killed in a hit and run when he was 7 years old and now that he's 17, he is passionate about trying to find out who did this. Was it really an accident? If yes, then why didn't someone come forward? Billy's quest for answers has him planning on going to college and joining the FBI so he can solve crimes for other families and hopefully, be able to answer his own. However, for now, he is busy trying to be a good son to his mom, save money for college, enjoy the summer before his senior year of high school. When he uncovers a buried box while digging the grave, the contents push all of his questions to the forefront and Billy and Henry set about trying to solve the mystery now.
I enjoyed trying to figure out what the clues were pointing to. I liked Billy's character and that he had strengths, but also impulsiveness, weaknesses and stupidity at times too. It made him real. This story gives a good look at justice, revenge, compassion, integrity and friendship. I think my boys will like it as much as I did.
Billy's father was killed in a hit and run when he was 7 years old and now that he's 17, he is passionate about trying to find out who did this. Was it really an accident? If yes, then why didn't someone come forward? Billy's quest for answers has him planning on going to college and joining the FBI so he can solve crimes for other families and hopefully, be able to answer his own. However, for now, he is busy trying to be a good son to his mom, save money for college, enjoy the summer before his senior year of high school. When he uncovers a buried box while digging the grave, the contents push all of his questions to the forefront and Billy and Henry set about trying to solve the mystery now.
I enjoyed trying to figure out what the clues were pointing to. I liked Billy's character and that he had strengths, but also impulsiveness, weaknesses and stupidity at times too. It made him real. This story gives a good look at justice, revenge, compassion, integrity and friendship. I think my boys will like it as much as I did.
January 18, 2015
This was such a great book to read. Billy is the kid from the "poor" side of town. He lives in a very small town where everyone knows everyone.
Billy and his best friend Henry work for Pastor Higby digging graves. When Billy and Henry were out digging a grave one hot afternoon, Pastor Higby runs out towards them yelling and screaming that they were digging in the wrong spot.
While digging in the wrong spot Billy comes across a camo box, but didn't figure taking it out of the spot would be a good idea. This box began to weigh on Billy's mind. It seemed super intriguing.
Little did Billy know that when he found this box it would open a whole other Pandora's box for him. Things start to get a little strange.
Billy's father had been killed 10 years earlier in a hit and run. Billy had decided he wanted to work for the FBI so that one day he would have the power to ask questions about his fathers death and find out who actually hit him. Billy finds out that there is more to his fathers accident than any one is willing to share.
This story was so interesting. I had no idea it would get so twisted and complicated. It was fantastic. So many great characters, and the mystery was awesome. So much happens at the end of this book, and things begin to connect that it was hard for me to put down.
This book kept me interested and excited. I kept thinking I knew who the bad guy was, and then come to find out that they are just "misunderstood" ;). Really a great mystery.
Billy and his best friend Henry work for Pastor Higby digging graves. When Billy and Henry were out digging a grave one hot afternoon, Pastor Higby runs out towards them yelling and screaming that they were digging in the wrong spot.
While digging in the wrong spot Billy comes across a camo box, but didn't figure taking it out of the spot would be a good idea. This box began to weigh on Billy's mind. It seemed super intriguing.
Little did Billy know that when he found this box it would open a whole other Pandora's box for him. Things start to get a little strange.
Billy's father had been killed 10 years earlier in a hit and run. Billy had decided he wanted to work for the FBI so that one day he would have the power to ask questions about his fathers death and find out who actually hit him. Billy finds out that there is more to his fathers accident than any one is willing to share.
This story was so interesting. I had no idea it would get so twisted and complicated. It was fantastic. So many great characters, and the mystery was awesome. So much happens at the end of this book, and things begin to connect that it was hard for me to put down.
This book kept me interested and excited. I kept thinking I knew who the bad guy was, and then come to find out that they are just "misunderstood" ;). Really a great mystery.
February 2, 2015
As the 10 year anniversary of the hit and run murder of his father draws near, 17 year old Billy uncovers an old buried ammo box while digging a grave. As his young curious mind runs wild, he devises a plan to return to retrieve it. Along with finding the ammo box with mysterious items in it, he overhears the town Mayor and the Chief of Police talking about his fathers "accident". His fathers case was never solved due to lack of evidence. The Chief of Police, whom Billy looked to as a father figure, ruled it an unfortunate accident but now Billy overhears that the driver was someone from town. This takes Billy, his best friend Henry and Henry's very attractive cousin Amanda who is visiting from Florida for the summer all over town talking to members of the community to see what they remember.
While "investigating" his dad's death they come across evidence of another unsolved murder, the ministers wife, that was ruled an unfortunate accident.
As Billy is planning on going to school to be an FBI agent, he cannot stop digging around his small town until he finds justice for these 2 murders and brings peace to the deceased so they may finally have closure and rest in peace.
As you read this amazing story by Cindy M. Hogan, you will find yourself reading faster as you get lost in the words. And once you do get to the end you may find it hard to continue reading through the tears escaping your eyes.....
While "investigating" his dad's death they come across evidence of another unsolved murder, the ministers wife, that was ruled an unfortunate accident.
As Billy is planning on going to school to be an FBI agent, he cannot stop digging around his small town until he finds justice for these 2 murders and brings peace to the deceased so they may finally have closure and rest in peace.
As you read this amazing story by Cindy M. Hogan, you will find yourself reading faster as you get lost in the words. And once you do get to the end you may find it hard to continue reading through the tears escaping your eyes.....
February 1, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot! It was entertaining, and I liked reading about the characters, and I really liked the ending!
*Full Review from Blog*
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a lot different from the other book that I read about digging graves, seeing as that, the mystery revolved around the character that did the digging. This time, it revolved around the digger's dad.
You have to feel bad for Billy, his dad was killed in a hit and run. I have no personal experience, but honestly, of the 2 parts, the run part is the worse. If it was just a hit, then it's possible that the person can be saved. Well, it can't be just a run, but with them combined, it's less likely that the person will live, which has been demonstrated in fiction before, and now by Billy's dad.
Billy had a good team with his best friend, Henry, and Henry's cousin, Amanda. They worked well together, their strengths balanced the group out, and they were really interesting to read about. They are investigating a death, after all!
Billy gets darker and darker as the book goes on. And that's to be expected, seeing what they were investigating and all. If it wasn't a book, then I'd wish that Billy had some outlets for his feelings, something to let that out, but since it is a book, him keeping that it was conflict!
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was entertaining, and good, and I really enjoyed reading about these characters, and solving this!
*Full Review from Blog*
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a lot different from the other book that I read about digging graves, seeing as that, the mystery revolved around the character that did the digging. This time, it revolved around the digger's dad.
You have to feel bad for Billy, his dad was killed in a hit and run. I have no personal experience, but honestly, of the 2 parts, the run part is the worse. If it was just a hit, then it's possible that the person can be saved. Well, it can't be just a run, but with them combined, it's less likely that the person will live, which has been demonstrated in fiction before, and now by Billy's dad.
Billy had a good team with his best friend, Henry, and Henry's cousin, Amanda. They worked well together, their strengths balanced the group out, and they were really interesting to read about. They are investigating a death, after all!
Billy gets darker and darker as the book goes on. And that's to be expected, seeing what they were investigating and all. If it wasn't a book, then I'd wish that Billy had some outlets for his feelings, something to let that out, but since it is a book, him keeping that it was conflict!
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was entertaining, and good, and I really enjoyed reading about these characters, and solving this!
October 26, 2015
I just finished another great read by Cindy M. Hogan. This time it was Gravediggers, a story about a 17-year-old boy name Billy who works digging graves the old fashioned way—with a shovel and lots of elbow grease. It’s a murder mystery filled with suspense, conspiracy, trials of friendship, teen-romance, tons of good southern humor, and most of all: relatable-believable-EMOTION! Cindy M. Hogan has this ability to capture the teenage voice is such a way you become the character—it’s rather brilliant and one day I hope to have just a little bit of that in my own writing. This is what makes all of her books so captivating; the characters have such real, raw emotions that they can’t help but leap from the page and turn to life before your eyes. This book would make a great film! (Anyone know any filmmakers?)
I’d love to see Billy’s story continue. He had such aspirations that I’d like to see them fulfilled. Any chance we could get a sequel, Cindy? Maybe see him solving more mysteries before he becomes an FBI agent? I can always tell when I have finished a good book when I long to keep reading after the last page. This book certainly left me that way, wanting to know more, see more, experience MORE. Note: there isn’t anything lacking in this book so the more I am referring to is me wanting another book with these fantastic characters—even the setting was its own character! Awesome job, Cindy! I’ll enjoy my sleep until the next book you release.
I’d love to see Billy’s story continue. He had such aspirations that I’d like to see them fulfilled. Any chance we could get a sequel, Cindy? Maybe see him solving more mysteries before he becomes an FBI agent? I can always tell when I have finished a good book when I long to keep reading after the last page. This book certainly left me that way, wanting to know more, see more, experience MORE. Note: there isn’t anything lacking in this book so the more I am referring to is me wanting another book with these fantastic characters—even the setting was its own character! Awesome job, Cindy! I’ll enjoy my sleep until the next book you release.
December 29, 2014
Seventeen-year-old Billy thinks his father’s murder will never be solved—until he stumbles across an old ammo box while digging a grave in his small-town Tennessee cemetery.
What he finds leads him to question everything he knows, and his search for answers will uncover more than he bargained for: lies, secrets, and conspiracies—and behind them all, a dangerous truth.
This was a fun youth fiction read. It was pretty well written & the story flowed well. I guessed at the ending--it wasn't much of a jaw-dropping mystery, but most aren't! There were enough options that it wasn't a glaringly obvious answer--I read too many books for them to sneak the bad guy past me!
The relationship between Henry and Billy was a fun one to read about. They really rang true as characters. I love the way the Henry broke into a sweat and started acting like an idiot any time the girl he liked came anywhere near him! It was so true to life that it was funny!
The story is clean enough that I am ok with my teens reading it, but engaging enough that I think my son will actually want to read it--which is saying a lot for a 14 year old!
language: clean, heat level: mild
What he finds leads him to question everything he knows, and his search for answers will uncover more than he bargained for: lies, secrets, and conspiracies—and behind them all, a dangerous truth.
This was a fun youth fiction read. It was pretty well written & the story flowed well. I guessed at the ending--it wasn't much of a jaw-dropping mystery, but most aren't! There were enough options that it wasn't a glaringly obvious answer--I read too many books for them to sneak the bad guy past me!
The relationship between Henry and Billy was a fun one to read about. They really rang true as characters. I love the way the Henry broke into a sweat and started acting like an idiot any time the girl he liked came anywhere near him! It was so true to life that it was funny!
The story is clean enough that I am ok with my teens reading it, but engaging enough that I think my son will actually want to read it--which is saying a lot for a 14 year old!
language: clean, heat level: mild
December 31, 2014
This was a fun, exciting mystery that teens would really get into. The title and cover piqued my interest from the beginning. Even though it was primarily written about teens for teens, adults will enjoy it also. It was clean and I wouldn't be embarrassed about my teens reading it. This is a story with a little romance, coming of age, and relationship issues that teens would identify with and adults will remember from their teenage years and be glad they aren't at that awkward point in their lives anymore. The small town feel was both intimate and suffocating. There were a couple swear words, so it might be better for 16 and up. The plot was pretty straight forward with Billy and his friends trying to solve the mystery of his fathers death and the death of a neighbor. Although I knew whodunit early on in the story, I still enjoyed seeing how it all came together and how everyone was involved. Billy went a little crazy toward the end of the story, but I wonder if its a pretty realistic reaction for our day also. I would read this one again. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2015
Seventeen-year-old Billy is haunted by his father's death. Called an accident; everyone has encouraged him to let the past go. A series of events convince Billy that his father's murdered was covered up. Through twists and turns, we help Billy, his best friend Henry, and Henry's cousin Amanda hunt for clues to solve the mystery.
I love this book. I would have loved using this book while I was teaching school. I love the complexity of Gravediggers plot. Ms. Hogan had multiple mysteries and subplots intertwined throughout the book. I know it's a good book when I want to skip to the end to 'just put me out of my misery' and find out the ending. I'm happy to report that I showed great restraint and did not skip. Rather, I read the book in two sittings. I love the complex relationships of the main and secondary characters. The cast is full and each character feels real. Small town humor and Southern manners are plentiful as well. This is an excellent read for all ages. I especially like that it would appeal to the middle school crowd.
I loved it - 5 stars
Content: clean - sweet kisses and one swear word.
Source: ebooksforreview
I love this book. I would have loved using this book while I was teaching school. I love the complexity of Gravediggers plot. Ms. Hogan had multiple mysteries and subplots intertwined throughout the book. I know it's a good book when I want to skip to the end to 'just put me out of my misery' and find out the ending. I'm happy to report that I showed great restraint and did not skip. Rather, I read the book in two sittings. I love the complex relationships of the main and secondary characters. The cast is full and each character feels real. Small town humor and Southern manners are plentiful as well. This is an excellent read for all ages. I especially like that it would appeal to the middle school crowd.
I loved it - 5 stars
Content: clean - sweet kisses and one swear word.
Source: ebooksforreview
December 6, 2014
Gravediggers had the small town-feel type book with a mystery that keeps the teen main characters busy. I liked the story set up and the way the characters interacted. This is definitely a YA. I appreciated the story and mystery and what drove the main character to seek out the truth behind his father’s death. I thought his processing of the clues and the truth at the end were well written. I did predict what had happened early on in the book, but there was enough mystery surrounding the box that it kept me reading to the end. I think that young adults will enjoy this read. The one thing, which is totally personal preference on my part, is I found myself cringing at the way Billy thought about his love interest. I felt almost embarrassed for him, poor teenage boy. But hey, it was commendable that he had a good work ethic and did his chores without complaining. I wouldn’t have any problem with my teen reading this book. I was given a free ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2014
4 STARS
Gravediggers is a exciting mystery that is full of emotional range. It is a mystery, drama, YA, and romance all in one story. I liked the characters. I wanted to help Billy find his answers. Wanted to yell at him at times. and root for him at other times.
Billy is seventeen year old. His father was killed by a hit and run driver when he was only eight years old. Billy wants to be a FBI Agent so he can solve his father's murder. He finds a old ammo box full of mystery. He decides to investigate it with the help of his best friend.
Billy finds himself not trusting anything he has been told or anyone. He gets so full of anger, and wants to get even. He crosses lines little bit at a time.
I wanted more to the book. I was not ready to put the book down. It brought tears to me during reading.
I like reading stories written by Cindy M. Hogan. I want to read more stories from her in the future. I have only read six of her books and have enjoyed all of them.
I was given this ebook to read by author so I could give Gravediggers a honest review.
Gravediggers is a exciting mystery that is full of emotional range. It is a mystery, drama, YA, and romance all in one story. I liked the characters. I wanted to help Billy find his answers. Wanted to yell at him at times. and root for him at other times.
Billy is seventeen year old. His father was killed by a hit and run driver when he was only eight years old. Billy wants to be a FBI Agent so he can solve his father's murder. He finds a old ammo box full of mystery. He decides to investigate it with the help of his best friend.
Billy finds himself not trusting anything he has been told or anyone. He gets so full of anger, and wants to get even. He crosses lines little bit at a time.
I wanted more to the book. I was not ready to put the book down. It brought tears to me during reading.
I like reading stories written by Cindy M. Hogan. I want to read more stories from her in the future. I have only read six of her books and have enjoyed all of them.
I was given this ebook to read by author so I could give Gravediggers a honest review.
December 24, 2014
What an amazing story! Come and join Billy, his best friend Henry and Henry's cousin Amanda in a journey of a lifetime as they try to solve the mystery of Billy's dad's death the hit and run that Billy has always felt was murder. Billy and Henry have jobs as gravediggers. Billy is saving the money for college so he can become an FBI agent and than he will everything to help him solve his dad's murder. One day as they are digging a grave Billy hits what he thinks is a rock but it is a metal ammo tin. As he goes to try and get it out the pastor comes out yelling to stop digging and cover the hole up that they are digging in the wrong spot. Billy decides to come back in the middle of the night to dig the ammo box back up but he cannot find it. The next day he finds it on the shelf under the pulpit and takes it and finds it with jewels and money and a piece of paper. He feels this has something to do with his dad's death. So he enlists Henry and Amanda to help him find out why this tin was buried in the cemetary. This book has so many twists and turns. A very enjoyable read.
January 1, 2015
Gravediggers is a fun book with likable characters and storyline reminiscent of the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew. The writing is simple and the twist was easy to guess from the beginning, yet the characters never once suspected who was responsible or their motivations. Was the reader suppose to be shocked with the big reveal? Set in the south, the dialog and morals in this book were idillic, but not very believable. It was frustrating that these kids who were depicted as all American good kids with determination and intelligence were unable to predict any of what had been happening in their small town. The title alone suggest a more thrilling and edgy story than what was delivered. I feel strongly this book is best suited for a tween or middle school reader rather than a kid in high school even though the characters are high school students. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. In the end, the best thing I can say about Gravediggers is that I enjoyed reading it.
January 11, 2015
Before I start this review I have to mention I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I have to admit Gravediggers took me a little while to get into. I wasn’t hooked instantly within the first few chapters like with some books but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend it. Once I was hooked I couldn’t put the book down. The book itself is aimed at teenagers but that doesn’t necessarily mean that adults won’t enjoy it too. I would however, advice if you’re a parent to be a little careful as the book does contain a couple of swear words.
Gravediggers plot is fairly straight forward. It’s about seventeen year old gravedigger, Billy and his friends trying to solve the mystery of who actually did murder his father. Surprisingly I didn’t have a clue who did actually do it and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it all came together at the end.
The book isn’t my usual type of book but I really enjoyed reading Gravediggers. If you’re a fan of mysteries and want a book containing lots of twists to keep you from guessing then this is the book for you.
Gravediggers plot is fairly straight forward. It’s about seventeen year old gravedigger, Billy and his friends trying to solve the mystery of who actually did murder his father. Surprisingly I didn’t have a clue who did actually do it and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it all came together at the end.
The book isn’t my usual type of book but I really enjoyed reading Gravediggers. If you’re a fan of mysteries and want a book containing lots of twists to keep you from guessing then this is the book for you.
January 1, 2015
* I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review*
I certainly love mystery and romance books. And this book seems to be perfect for that! This book has a perfect mixture of mystery and romance altogether and this is what makes the story very well written. The plot was very engaging and I have to admit that I liked the cover. The author has not disappointed me in this book and I look forward to reading more of her books. I really got attached to the characters and I think she did a great job portraying them. I also like how this book was from a guy's point of view because not many books are like that and so it was a nice change. The beginning of the story totally hooked me in and I couldn't stop reading till the end. The author does a really awesome job keeping the reader engaged throughout the whole book and so I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book deserves a rating of 5
I certainly love mystery and romance books. And this book seems to be perfect for that! This book has a perfect mixture of mystery and romance altogether and this is what makes the story very well written. The plot was very engaging and I have to admit that I liked the cover. The author has not disappointed me in this book and I look forward to reading more of her books. I really got attached to the characters and I think she did a great job portraying them. I also like how this book was from a guy's point of view because not many books are like that and so it was a nice change. The beginning of the story totally hooked me in and I couldn't stop reading till the end. The author does a really awesome job keeping the reader engaged throughout the whole book and so I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book deserves a rating of 5
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