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Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #5
Haunted Grave
A fiendish criminal uses the dying to cause mayhem.
The master criminal seems to be behind a gang of the dying causing dangerous riots throughout the city. The target? The nobility and key government officials.
Still, a girl has her own problems to deal with, such as the four sister souls sharing your body, and an apprentice who bears unsettling news. It certainly doesn't help when evidence points to your father being involved with a criminal network right before he was murdered.
The king may lose his kingdom, but what’s a girl to do when the love of your life keeps proposing when you’d prefer a romance without complication?
The fifth in a six-part Gaslamp fantasy ghost mystery series featuring a strong-minded female Sherlock Holmes-like character with a slow burn romance.
_____________________________________________
A quick-paced, fun and compelling read for lovers of the supernatural
#1 Ghost Talker
#2 Delicious Death
#3 Spirit Guide
#4 Gray Lady
#5 Haunted Grave
#6 Ghastly Mistake
_____________________________________________
This book is friendly to ages 16+.
The master criminal seems to be behind a gang of the dying causing dangerous riots throughout the city. The target? The nobility and key government officials.
Still, a girl has her own problems to deal with, such as the four sister souls sharing your body, and an apprentice who bears unsettling news. It certainly doesn't help when evidence points to your father being involved with a criminal network right before he was murdered.
The king may lose his kingdom, but what’s a girl to do when the love of your life keeps proposing when you’d prefer a romance without complication?
The fifth in a six-part Gaslamp fantasy ghost mystery series featuring a strong-minded female Sherlock Holmes-like character with a slow burn romance.
_____________________________________________
A quick-paced, fun and compelling read for lovers of the supernatural
#1 Ghost Talker
#2 Delicious Death
#3 Spirit Guide
#4 Gray Lady
#5 Haunted Grave
#6 Ghastly Mistake
_____________________________________________
This book is friendly to ages 16+.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
59 people are currently reading
1266 people want to read
About the author
Byrd Nash
27 books1,502 followersDiscover fearless women, clever as cats, partnered with men who fall first even if they do have a hidden agenda. Byrd writes riveting characters who are relatable but realistically complex.
Her book series showcase alternate histories with intrigue, fantasy, and the supernatural, while Byrd’s standalone novels are thought-provoking explorations of family dysfunction using contemporary settings and magical realism.
Her book series showcase alternate histories with intrigue, fantasy, and the supernatural, while Byrd’s standalone novels are thought-provoking explorations of family dysfunction using contemporary settings and magical realism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 7, 2024
Oh drat! A cliff hanger!
Haunted Grave
Book #5 in the series
By Byrd Nash
I love this series but this had a cliffhanger! Ugh! I hate those. I love it up until then.
Haunted Grave
Book #5 in the series
By Byrd Nash
I love this series but this had a cliffhanger! Ugh! I hate those. I love it up until then.
February 1, 2024
Madame Elinor Chalamet, the protagonist, paints a detailed colorful world of the royal court and the times with few words. The deception and intrigue is heavy, complicated, and a bit hard to follow if this is the first Madame Chalamet novel for a reader--but it does get better as you go along. The cast of characters and fast pace is reminiscent of (Anne Rice) Charlotte Rampling's books without the sex.
An example of great dialog that functions as philosophy of a sort:
"Should I let him stew or fight it out? If I did not try, would a man as proud as him come to me?"
One of my favorite scenes is a really good description of a mob scene and the intrigue within it as Madame Chalamet was helped to escape through it. Although complicated, everything was clear and propelled the action in a way to enhance the drama. p94 This author excels at writing action scenes so real you have no doubt you’re flying through the streets of Paris with something supernatural nipping at your heels. Also helping the plot and intrigue along are many layers of her family’s history of twisted plots that affect everything she lives through now.
Loved the ending…spinning and spinning and spinning away.
Highly recommended.
An example of great dialog that functions as philosophy of a sort:
"Should I let him stew or fight it out? If I did not try, would a man as proud as him come to me?"
One of my favorite scenes is a really good description of a mob scene and the intrigue within it as Madame Chalamet was helped to escape through it. Although complicated, everything was clear and propelled the action in a way to enhance the drama. p94 This author excels at writing action scenes so real you have no doubt you’re flying through the streets of Paris with something supernatural nipping at your heels. Also helping the plot and intrigue along are many layers of her family’s history of twisted plots that affect everything she lives through now.
Loved the ending…spinning and spinning and spinning away.
Highly recommended.
December 22, 2023
I was very kindly sent an ARC of this book; my review is voluntary and my opinions my own.
It's been some time since I was so excited for the next book in a series (Iron Flame doesn't quite count!). Byrd Nash does not disappoint!
When we last saw Elinor, she was carting four souls about inside her, after successfully unravelling yet another mystery AND securing the affections of our favourite scowly Duke. Now she's back, and things are taking a turn for the worse.
If you're expecting answers ... we get some. Barely (but HA I called it on Dupont). If you're expecting more questions, welcome! Join the party, we have commemorating mugs for our favourite warm beverages.
Because while the first half of this series of novellas explores the world, Elinor's job, and her circle, this second half moves decidedly away from it and focuses solely on the over arching plot of what's happening in the kingdom, Elinor's personal connection to various people, the murder of her father, and how this mystery might get resolved.
Have no fear though! Elinor is in top form, with a much more human description in contrast to her previous almost-clinical assessment as Ghost Whisperer. She admits her fears and weaknesses, and seeing her open up to Tristan is beautiful.
And Tristan! He's really stepping it up. From being simply the Duke and then the very randomly commentating "I want this woman" man when it comes to his belle, he's come forward by leaps and bounds. He, too, can now openly express his fears and shows his human side to Elinor, allowing their connection to grow (I mean, when you get to tell the man's secretary you've put him in a better mood ...).
It's a story of pushing this relationship forward, murder mysteries, random undead dead walking around, and our two heroes becoming so strong together even Tristan's sister has come to accept the inevitable!
Who's gonna tell the mom tho 🤣😅
Overall, Haunted Grave is wonderful - but it DOES end on a cliffhanger, so be aware of that. However, it delivers on plot, character development, and angst, and I can't WAIT for the conclusion!
... also, Barbier better not be on De Windt's side, or we riot.
It's been some time since I was so excited for the next book in a series (Iron Flame doesn't quite count!). Byrd Nash does not disappoint!
When we last saw Elinor, she was carting four souls about inside her, after successfully unravelling yet another mystery AND securing the affections of our favourite scowly Duke. Now she's back, and things are taking a turn for the worse.
If you're expecting answers ... we get some. Barely (but HA I called it on Dupont). If you're expecting more questions, welcome! Join the party, we have commemorating mugs for our favourite warm beverages.
Because while the first half of this series of novellas explores the world, Elinor's job, and her circle, this second half moves decidedly away from it and focuses solely on the over arching plot of what's happening in the kingdom, Elinor's personal connection to various people, the murder of her father, and how this mystery might get resolved.
Have no fear though! Elinor is in top form, with a much more human description in contrast to her previous almost-clinical assessment as Ghost Whisperer. She admits her fears and weaknesses, and seeing her open up to Tristan is beautiful.
And Tristan! He's really stepping it up. From being simply the Duke and then the very randomly commentating "I want this woman" man when it comes to his belle, he's come forward by leaps and bounds. He, too, can now openly express his fears and shows his human side to Elinor, allowing their connection to grow (I mean, when you get to tell the man's secretary you've put him in a better mood ...).
It's a story of pushing this relationship forward, murder mysteries, random undead dead walking around, and our two heroes becoming so strong together even Tristan's sister has come to accept the inevitable!
Who's gonna tell the mom tho 🤣😅
Overall, Haunted Grave is wonderful - but it DOES end on a cliffhanger, so be aware of that. However, it delivers on plot, character development, and angst, and I can't WAIT for the conclusion!
... also, Barbier better not be on De Windt's side, or we riot.
December 8, 2023
Things are going “bump” in the night as individuals
who are almost dead appear and as if “puppets” under a spell from someone else, try to create chaos
and disruption in their wake.
Elinor investigates with Tristan and discovers that the
potion developed by her nemesis is what is animating these bodies which should be dead.
In this book three of the four “soul” sisters who are co harboring in Elinor’s body with her depart to save her and take those that should be dead with them into the afterlife.
Twyla informs Elinor she thinks Elinor’s father is a guardian now and as Elinor attempts to reach him she is attacked!
This series has one more book so all the questions I
and others have while reading this series will be answered then! Foremost, who killed Elinor’s father and who is the master criminal behind all the shady dealings throughout this series! I have a feeling one individual may be not who he professes to be throughout so I’m anxious to see if I’m right!
The whodunnit and journeys to the Beyond whet your
appetite for the exciting conclusion when Ghastly
Mistake will be released to answer all our questions!
I have enjoyed and been intrigued by this series as Elinor is able to “ghost talk” to spirits to help them transition to the Afterlife and with others is able to solve mysteries much like a female Sherlock Holmes!
I heartily recommend this series to you as one you’ll enjoy if you like reading paranormal happenings and mysterious deaths and goings on that most people wouldn’t pay any attention to at the time of their occurrence.
Elinor is headstrong and stubborn and totally independent minded and chaffs at being told to
stay out of mysteries she should let others handle!
To enjoy this series you really should get the entire series so you can watch events unfold leading up to
the final reveals in the next book!
I for one look forward eagerly to finding out the answers and if you start this series I believe you’ll
be just eager as I am too to have your questions answered!
who are almost dead appear and as if “puppets” under a spell from someone else, try to create chaos
and disruption in their wake.
Elinor investigates with Tristan and discovers that the
potion developed by her nemesis is what is animating these bodies which should be dead.
In this book three of the four “soul” sisters who are co harboring in Elinor’s body with her depart to save her and take those that should be dead with them into the afterlife.
Twyla informs Elinor she thinks Elinor’s father is a guardian now and as Elinor attempts to reach him she is attacked!
This series has one more book so all the questions I
and others have while reading this series will be answered then! Foremost, who killed Elinor’s father and who is the master criminal behind all the shady dealings throughout this series! I have a feeling one individual may be not who he professes to be throughout so I’m anxious to see if I’m right!
The whodunnit and journeys to the Beyond whet your
appetite for the exciting conclusion when Ghastly
Mistake will be released to answer all our questions!
I have enjoyed and been intrigued by this series as Elinor is able to “ghost talk” to spirits to help them transition to the Afterlife and with others is able to solve mysteries much like a female Sherlock Holmes!
I heartily recommend this series to you as one you’ll enjoy if you like reading paranormal happenings and mysterious deaths and goings on that most people wouldn’t pay any attention to at the time of their occurrence.
Elinor is headstrong and stubborn and totally independent minded and chaffs at being told to
stay out of mysteries she should let others handle!
To enjoy this series you really should get the entire series so you can watch events unfold leading up to
the final reveals in the next book!
I for one look forward eagerly to finding out the answers and if you start this series I believe you’ll
be just eager as I am too to have your questions answered!
December 30, 2023
Oh, Ms. Nash, you do not disappoint! This fifth and penultimate book in series finds our clever and witty Elinor, the Madame Chalamet facing dark forces while still dealing with the aftermath of her time in the Beyond. The slow and steady burn between her and Tristan Fontain, the Duke de Archambeau continues in this delicious story feeding the hope of each of us committed readers.
Such strange happenings are afoot. An evil perpetrator is somehow using the nearly dead to cause mayhem in the kingdom. Plus the commoners are demanding better representation. The aristos, including the king, are in fear for their genteel ways of life. But who's behind all of this and can Elinor and Tristan wrangle the players and bring order back to the fore.
This was a delightful addition to this series. Elinor's empathetic and respectful handling of those of the spirit world as well as those walking on the earthly plane is charming and endearing. The dialogue is terrific, humorous and engaging. The world building is imaginative and cinematic in scope. The slow burn romance is tastefully rendered. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. However, it does end suddenly with quite the cliffhanger. The final book in series, number six, cannot get here soon enough!
I am grateful to the author Byrd Nash, for having provided an advance reader copy of this book. Her generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Rook and Castle Press
Publication Date: December 28, 2023
No. of Pages: 214
ISBN No.: 978-1954811096
Such strange happenings are afoot. An evil perpetrator is somehow using the nearly dead to cause mayhem in the kingdom. Plus the commoners are demanding better representation. The aristos, including the king, are in fear for their genteel ways of life. But who's behind all of this and can Elinor and Tristan wrangle the players and bring order back to the fore.
This was a delightful addition to this series. Elinor's empathetic and respectful handling of those of the spirit world as well as those walking on the earthly plane is charming and endearing. The dialogue is terrific, humorous and engaging. The world building is imaginative and cinematic in scope. The slow burn romance is tastefully rendered. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. However, it does end suddenly with quite the cliffhanger. The final book in series, number six, cannot get here soon enough!
I am grateful to the author Byrd Nash, for having provided an advance reader copy of this book. Her generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Rook and Castle Press
Publication Date: December 28, 2023
No. of Pages: 214
ISBN No.: 978-1954811096
March 20, 2024
Haunted Grave is book 5 in this marvelous series and I throughly enjoyed it. I have become deeply invested in the main characters and have high hopes for them in their undecided romantic relationship. There are many surprising twists and turns and a huge cliffhanger which only makes me book 6 even more. I highly recommend this one but you should definitely read the series in the order written to avoid confusion and missing out on some great moments.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
May 19, 2024
Oh, my! A swiftly changing plot arc with an abrupt cliffhanger! Elinor's dangers have grown increasingly severe during this installment. The investigation by Elinor and the Duke of her father's musty old jeweler's shop was well written by the author. Did they find a key clue? The enemy attacked after distracting the Duke. Subsequent escape, to what should have been the safety of the Duke's residence, but fantasy turned to horror as the enemy struck again. We will have to find the denouement of the mystery in the next (final?) book. Can't wait!
December 13, 2024
I liked this one but not as much as the others.
There were sections that were very long winded that didn't seem to add a lot to the overall story.
It felt like it was just there to fill space to make the book longer.
The MC wasn't as confident in this one and wasn't as likeable.
On to the final book in the series.
There were sections that were very long winded that didn't seem to add a lot to the overall story.
It felt like it was just there to fill space to make the book longer.
The MC wasn't as confident in this one and wasn't as likeable.
On to the final book in the series.
February 5, 2024
Series Info/Source: This is the fifth book in the Madam Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. I bought a copy of this on ebook from my Kindle.
Thoughts: This book picks up shortly after the last book left off. It was an easy read that was entertaining but it ended very abruptly. I had to re-read the last pages a few times to figure out what happened there and I am still not sure I understand.
Chalamet is supposed to be resting after the events in the last book but immediately gets caught up in strange goings on and the protests that are plaguing the city. She is dealing with the ghosts of the strange four girls that are bound to her as well. Her relationship with the Duke continues but discretely. As the story progresses, Chalamet finds out that the events happening may be tied back to the death of her father.
I enjoyed this a lot. The story is well written and easy to read. I continue to really love the characters in here as well. It was fun to see threads of the story start to come together. My only complaint is the ending. It was incredibly abrupt and confusing. I read it a couple of times and then went and read the preview of the next book (which did help a bit) but was still confused by what went on. We went from Chalamet being hypnotized to something completely different and I found it frustrating.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this. I love the characters in this series and enjoy all the ghostly happenings as well. It was fun to see the broader story make some progress here and I am intrigued to see how things wrap up in the sixth and final book. The ending of this book was very abrupt and a bit disappointing but hopefully it will make more sense when I read the sixth book.
Thoughts: This book picks up shortly after the last book left off. It was an easy read that was entertaining but it ended very abruptly. I had to re-read the last pages a few times to figure out what happened there and I am still not sure I understand.
Chalamet is supposed to be resting after the events in the last book but immediately gets caught up in strange goings on and the protests that are plaguing the city. She is dealing with the ghosts of the strange four girls that are bound to her as well. Her relationship with the Duke continues but discretely. As the story progresses, Chalamet finds out that the events happening may be tied back to the death of her father.
I enjoyed this a lot. The story is well written and easy to read. I continue to really love the characters in here as well. It was fun to see threads of the story start to come together. My only complaint is the ending. It was incredibly abrupt and confusing. I read it a couple of times and then went and read the preview of the next book (which did help a bit) but was still confused by what went on. We went from Chalamet being hypnotized to something completely different and I found it frustrating.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this. I love the characters in this series and enjoy all the ghostly happenings as well. It was fun to see the broader story make some progress here and I am intrigued to see how things wrap up in the sixth and final book. The ending of this book was very abrupt and a bit disappointing but hopefully it will make more sense when I read the sixth book.
December 18, 2023
Publication Date: 28th Dec 2023
4.3 Stars
One Liner: The wait has been worth it!
Elinor and Tristan are back in action, dealing with a deadly criminal working from the shadows. The criminal is responsible for almost everything unpleasant and dangerous in the country, right from riots to murders. Of course, they also want Tristan (and Elinor, by extension) out of the way.
As if this isn’t enough, Elinor learns more information about her father and has to decide what to do with Tristan’s marriage proposal. So many decisions to make if they can stay alive long enough.
The story comes in Elinor’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the fifth book in the series and is not a standalone. It won’t make sense if you read it without reading at least the last two books if not all.
Elinor is as headstrong as ever, though she gets too close to danger multiple times and gets help from the other quarters. Tristan has too many things to take care of and not enough time.
Still, the duo has some quality moments together. The big question about their future is left for the next book. But as I said earlier, they have to survive and solve the mysteries before that.
There’s a subplot that eventually ties up with the main thread. Though we have several threads, they are coming together and starting to make sense.
It’s hard to review the book since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for previous works. Let’s say that Twyla makes an appearance, much to my delight. She will have to work hard in the next book.
The other recurring characters do their bit. One of them has a change of heart, a positive development for sure.
The scenes in the other world are always my favorite. And oh, looks like I guessed right about how the potential betrayer is, though we’ll know for sure only in the next book.
The book blends mystery, political intrigue, paranormal, and romance. We have secrets, betrayals, blackmails, murders, and whatnot. The ending is such a cliffhanger (I hope I don’t have to wait long).
To summarize, Haunted Grave is a great addition to the series. It is steady-paced, descriptive, and full of intrigue. It’s a short read, too, something you can finish in a sitting or two.
My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***
P.S.: I love that the author dedicated this book to readers who waited. Life took over (as it always does), and the author had to push the release date by a few months, resulting in an unexpected delay.
4.3 Stars
One Liner: The wait has been worth it!
Elinor and Tristan are back in action, dealing with a deadly criminal working from the shadows. The criminal is responsible for almost everything unpleasant and dangerous in the country, right from riots to murders. Of course, they also want Tristan (and Elinor, by extension) out of the way.
As if this isn’t enough, Elinor learns more information about her father and has to decide what to do with Tristan’s marriage proposal. So many decisions to make if they can stay alive long enough.
The story comes in Elinor’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the fifth book in the series and is not a standalone. It won’t make sense if you read it without reading at least the last two books if not all.
Elinor is as headstrong as ever, though she gets too close to danger multiple times and gets help from the other quarters. Tristan has too many things to take care of and not enough time.
Still, the duo has some quality moments together. The big question about their future is left for the next book. But as I said earlier, they have to survive and solve the mysteries before that.
There’s a subplot that eventually ties up with the main thread. Though we have several threads, they are coming together and starting to make sense.
It’s hard to review the book since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for previous works. Let’s say that Twyla makes an appearance, much to my delight. She will have to work hard in the next book.
The other recurring characters do their bit. One of them has a change of heart, a positive development for sure.
The scenes in the other world are always my favorite. And oh, looks like I guessed right about how the potential betrayer is, though we’ll know for sure only in the next book.
The book blends mystery, political intrigue, paranormal, and romance. We have secrets, betrayals, blackmails, murders, and whatnot. The ending is such a cliffhanger (I hope I don’t have to wait long).
To summarize, Haunted Grave is a great addition to the series. It is steady-paced, descriptive, and full of intrigue. It’s a short read, too, something you can finish in a sitting or two.
My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***
P.S.: I love that the author dedicated this book to readers who waited. Life took over (as it always does), and the author had to push the release date by a few months, resulting in an unexpected delay.
December 30, 2023
Byrd Nash's long awaited Haunted Grave was well worth the wait. I missed Elinor, Tristan, and so many other characters who return in this 5th book in the series. Ms. Nash does a masterful job of weaving past and current events into a revealing portrait in this latest adventure, but while new information comes to light, vital pieces are still missing. Elinor and Tristan struggle to make sense of it all to preserve Sarnesse and their own growing relationship, even as they discover things and people are not all what or who they seem. As the story unfolds, the imagery is vivid, not the least of which is how Elinor's link with the Gold Souls is brought to life, but whether or not that link is sufficient to save her remains only one of many questions left unanswered. This may be the most compelling, yet frustrating, book in the series, to date.
Fair Warning 1: If you have not read the first four books in this series, you will not understand most of this book. Start at the beginning and read sequentially.
Fair Warning 2: If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, you may choose to wait until you can read this and the final book in the series together. The cliffhanger at the close of this book is jarring. I may or may not have groaned out loud at its abruptness, while frantically swiping through pages to see if there was more. So, decide for yourself how desperately you need your Madame Chalamet fix and whether or not you can wait for the rest of the story.
Fair Warning 1: If you have not read the first four books in this series, you will not understand most of this book. Start at the beginning and read sequentially.
Fair Warning 2: If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, you may choose to wait until you can read this and the final book in the series together. The cliffhanger at the close of this book is jarring. I may or may not have groaned out loud at its abruptness, while frantically swiping through pages to see if there was more. So, decide for yourself how desperately you need your Madame Chalamet fix and whether or not you can wait for the rest of the story.
January 15, 2024
Elinor Chalamet is a Ghost Talker, one who can literally speak to the dead and help them cross over. Her talents have found her helping the police on occasion and recently it has drawn her into the world of high stakes politics as well as that of aristocratic society. The plots against the King keep involving Elinor and her lover Tristan Fontaine, the Duke of Archambeau. As if normal political unrest from the working classes was not dangerous enough it appears they are being incited by those who have harnessed an unspeakable ability to animate the dead, some literally mindless zombies but others able to function and seem just a bit eccentric. As Elinor learns more about those behind the plots she is also coming closer to learning who murdered her father, and why.
This is a quick and enjoyable read, the world is both familiar with gaslight, horse drawn carriages and aristocratic high society as well as magical with ghosts and real mediums. The action here takes places immediately following the events of the last book and dashes along to leave us with some resolutions but a new cliff hanger ending. We are building to the climax we are being promised in the last book of the series, Ghastly Mistake. Hopefully we will not have to wait long. Recommended
This is a quick and enjoyable read, the world is both familiar with gaslight, horse drawn carriages and aristocratic high society as well as magical with ghosts and real mediums. The action here takes places immediately following the events of the last book and dashes along to leave us with some resolutions but a new cliff hanger ending. We are building to the climax we are being promised in the last book of the series, Ghastly Mistake. Hopefully we will not have to wait long. Recommended
December 6, 2023
Elinor returns to her home city of Alenbonné in this 5th volume of the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries. The city is experiencing riots and unrest and the master criminal is contributing to the danger and disorder by reanimating corpses and sending them through the city to create havoc.
Elinor is trying to help the crown and Tristan, the Duke de Archambeau, a close advisor to the king, as well as continue to track down the truth of her father’s murder and to stop the master criminal. She’s still recovering from the events in book #3 and even people within her own Morpheus Society are trying to get rid of her.
This is another great addition to the series. Elinor and Tristan are wonderful characters and terrific together. I also enjoy having Charlotte LaRue and Twyla back in this story. There are some great scenes of ghost talking in the book and the gaslamp setting is excellent.
This is a great series! These books should definitely be read in order and be aware that this one ends in a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to book #6!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Elinor is trying to help the crown and Tristan, the Duke de Archambeau, a close advisor to the king, as well as continue to track down the truth of her father’s murder and to stop the master criminal. She’s still recovering from the events in book #3 and even people within her own Morpheus Society are trying to get rid of her.
This is another great addition to the series. Elinor and Tristan are wonderful characters and terrific together. I also enjoy having Charlotte LaRue and Twyla back in this story. There are some great scenes of ghost talking in the book and the gaslamp setting is excellent.
This is a great series! These books should definitely be read in order and be aware that this one ends in a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to book #6!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
January 21, 2024
This is the latest in a series of novellas centered around Elinor Chalamet, ghost talker, murder solver, and gentry intriguer.
The series has clearly been meticulously planned, and with the penultimate book, threads are starting to weave into a satisfying tapestry.
Elinor Chalamet remains a sympathetic, whip-smart, and entertaining protagonist; Tristian Fontaine the glowering love linterest; and Alenbonné a delightful setting which sidesteps turn of the 20th century France.
Like the previous books in the series, Haunted Grave is fast-paced, satisfyingly mysterious, and utterly bingeable. The stories in all the books are intimately interwoven--starting in the middle is inadvisable. However, the series reads quickly, and the episodic nature of the books encourages the reader to relax and finish the whole in one sitting.
I am certainly looking forward to the next (and final) entry to the series.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions are my own
The series has clearly been meticulously planned, and with the penultimate book, threads are starting to weave into a satisfying tapestry.
Elinor Chalamet remains a sympathetic, whip-smart, and entertaining protagonist; Tristian Fontaine the glowering love linterest; and Alenbonné a delightful setting which sidesteps turn of the 20th century France.
Like the previous books in the series, Haunted Grave is fast-paced, satisfyingly mysterious, and utterly bingeable. The stories in all the books are intimately interwoven--starting in the middle is inadvisable. However, the series reads quickly, and the episodic nature of the books encourages the reader to relax and finish the whole in one sitting.
I am certainly looking forward to the next (and final) entry to the series.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions are my own
March 27, 2024
This series gets more intense with each book. I was at the edge of my seat at every twist and turn. My heart is still racing.
I don't want to give anything away, but what I will say is that all the dots are finally connecting as chaos breaks loose across Alenbonné. Dots both magical and mundane. And these dots may just lead to answers Elinor has been searching for since her father's death. Except now Elinor is in trouble and she may not be able to get out of it this time.
Regretably, I do have a distaste for massive cliffhangers. I feel cheated. The author builds up the final pieces to the plot, gets momentum and adrenaline pumping, and then... Time jump, confusing situation, no explanations, and the book comes to a sudden end. I can't wait to find out what happens next, but seriously? There couldn't be a smoother, more natural ending like usual?
Ugh! Why?!
This series remains so amazing, though, that I cannot give less than 4 stars.
I don't want to give anything away, but what I will say is that all the dots are finally connecting as chaos breaks loose across Alenbonné. Dots both magical and mundane. And these dots may just lead to answers Elinor has been searching for since her father's death. Except now Elinor is in trouble and she may not be able to get out of it this time.
Regretably, I do have a distaste for massive cliffhangers. I feel cheated. The author builds up the final pieces to the plot, gets momentum and adrenaline pumping, and then... Time jump, confusing situation, no explanations, and the book comes to a sudden end. I can't wait to find out what happens next, but seriously? There couldn't be a smoother, more natural ending like usual?
Ugh! Why?!
This series remains so amazing, though, that I cannot give less than 4 stars.
December 14, 2023
I really like the Madame Elinor Chalamet series of novellas, this being the 5th one. She is a really interesting character, with the story being set in the city of Alenbonne, in an era when men dominate and women were definitely just there to be seen and not heard. She is a ‘Ghost talker’, but also has visions which leave her drained! She’s fought a number of fights, usually alongside the Duke of Archambeau, Tristan Fontaine, one of Alenbonnes’ upper crust. There’s the will they, won’t they dimension to their relationship as Elinor is definitely not nobility. There’s also the mystery of who killed her father and why, which runs through the whole series. Hopefully the 6th and final instalment will answer all of the questions the readers have. I look forward to being able to read it.
I received an advance review copy from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
I don't even know where to begin after reading the final chapter of Haunted Grave. I need the final installment, now! Once again Bryd Nash has made the world around me fade into nothingness as I immursed myself in Madame Chalamet's life. The plot continued on from the previous book, therefore I don't think this book would be as easy to follow without reading previous books in the series first, but I would totally reccommend doing that, it is worth it. I love Elinor and Tristan's relationship, Nash has made them both so authentic and I don't know how their story will end, but I need to know. I look forward to reading the final instalment soon (I hope). I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 28, 2023
If you have not already made Madame Chalamet's acquaintance I urge you to do so now. This book continues her story- and gives more information about the cultural setting and society that the very talented Byrd Nash has conceived where Madame Chalamet solves mysteries and learns who her friends and enemies are. BUT please read the preceding books- they are entertaining and this one possibly won't make a lot of sense to any reader who has not read them and followed the story to this point. This is a very entertaining gaslamp fantasy series and I cannot wait for the next book! I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and some previous ones in the series and this review is my honest unsolicited opinion.
November 19, 2025
This is the first book in the series that ended on a cliffhanger instead of wrapping up so that the next book could start a new mystery. I wasn't thrilled by that. But the books have also been getting progressively (if only by a little) longer with each one. So, I suppose I get it.
I also didn't happen to like this one as much as the previous one in general. (I mean, I liked it, but not as much.) The FMC and MMC are officially a couple, and, thus, some of the tension has been lost, but I didn't really feel like it was replaced with much of anything. One might expect romance, but it's pretty thin on the ground. Mainly, this felt like a whole lot of running around, rather than clever problem-solving.
I also didn't happen to like this one as much as the previous one in general. (I mean, I liked it, but not as much.) The FMC and MMC are officially a couple, and, thus, some of the tension has been lost, but I didn't really feel like it was replaced with much of anything. One might expect romance, but it's pretty thin on the ground. Mainly, this felt like a whole lot of running around, rather than clever problem-solving.
December 13, 2023
The Madame Chalamet series continues to go from strength to strength in the latest instalment of this mystery series. To fully appreciate the story you need to read the books in order as each subsequent book builds on the previous story.
Haunted Grave is the first of a two-part story, so we had lots of intrigue, mystery, and clever foreshadowing. The story twists and turns, leaving you with as many questions as it gives answers. There is much going on and I can't wait to read the final book to find out how all these seemingly random events are linked together. And how Elinor's father fits into the things.
I loved that we got to see the real Alenbonne, rather than just the gentrified world we've been shown before. I felt that we learned a lot more about it in this book.
Haunted Grave is the first of a two-part story, so we had lots of intrigue, mystery, and clever foreshadowing. The story twists and turns, leaving you with as many questions as it gives answers. There is much going on and I can't wait to read the final book to find out how all these seemingly random events are linked together. And how Elinor's father fits into the things.
I loved that we got to see the real Alenbonne, rather than just the gentrified world we've been shown before. I felt that we learned a lot more about it in this book.
December 13, 2023
Haunted Grave is an excellent addition to the Madame Chalamet series. The previous books all led up to this installment, which starts to dive deep into the intrigue surrounding the uproar in the country, the murder of Elinor’s father, and how they are connected. I continue to find the world building of this alternate early twentieth century Europe and the magical system very intricate and detailed. The characters are likable and interesting. I’m looking forward to the final book in the series to find out who did it and why, and if any of my suspicions are correct.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2023
There was a bit of a wait for this Gaslamp Fantasy next in series, although I must admit this author has previously been very conscientious about putting these installments out in a very timely manner. Saying this, I felt a bit lost in trying to recollect where we were in the story, and unfortunately, I did not have time to re-read the previous book.
But having said that, it was still a very enjoyable romp continuing on with the Ghastleys, the Beyond and hints as to future possible dangers/developments ahead for Elinor and Tristan.
As there are six books in this series, I must say that I'm a bit sad to see closure with the next entry...however, I'm also looking forward to it.
But having said that, it was still a very enjoyable romp continuing on with the Ghastleys, the Beyond and hints as to future possible dangers/developments ahead for Elinor and Tristan.
As there are six books in this series, I must say that I'm a bit sad to see closure with the next entry...however, I'm also looking forward to it.
December 28, 2023
Another exciting instalment in the series. It's a very quick read and I flew through it as I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Things heat up between Elinor and the Duke and progress is made in Elinor's search for the truth behind her father's murder. There are still a lot of questions that need answering as all is not clear yet. Will Elinor eventually accept the Duke's proposal?
I'm looking forward to reading the next book and having all my questions answered.
This series needs to be read in order but it's worth it.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book and having all my questions answered.
This series needs to be read in order but it's worth it.
February 9, 2025
This is a very well written story, despite my title complaints. It proposes the existence of Ghost Talkers, people able to animate the dead long enough for the dead to tell them how they died. The plot is straightforward and easily followed and the premise is the overall series theme of finding out who killed the main character's father and why. In this segment, someone very powerful and quite evil is causing groups of people to riot in the streets causing the gendarmes and the royals to react violently against the rioters. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
December 5, 2023
I cannot say enough about the author's development of her characters. Elinor and Tristan become more and more real with each book in this series, with their lives entwining personally and professionally more and more. The mysteries which our heroes are investigating are becoming more and more perplexing, generating more questions (and bodies) than answers. I NEED the next book; NEED I do.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2023
Lots of action and mystery. Very action packed. Elinor goes from one mishap after another and loses some of her special guardians, one at a time, as they protect her. The plots surrounding her father’s murder and those involved with government insurrection continue to thicken. Who is the mastermind, who is trying to kill Elinor, and can someone really come back from the Afterlife to become a guardian? And there is a cliffhanger, which I don’t like!
October 28, 2024
Spooky
Brilliant read and the plots and characters are excellent I am excited and sad that these books have almost come to an end , I'm excited to start the next book as they are my guilty secret and I'm so sad that when I come to the end of the very end of the series I will not have any more to read please Byrd please write more , a very well deserved 5 stars , I highly recommend these books
Brilliant read and the plots and characters are excellent I am excited and sad that these books have almost come to an end , I'm excited to start the next book as they are my guilty secret and I'm so sad that when I come to the end of the very end of the series I will not have any more to read please Byrd please write more , a very well deserved 5 stars , I highly recommend these books
October 21, 2025
1. This was actually my least favourite book in the series because nothing new happened here.
2. However, the main case of the master criminal, Elinor's father and the Alenbonne political system. There are new evidences too
3. Elinor and Tristan are officially a 'thing'
4. There might have been no new cases, but this prepared a solid background for the next book.
5. Morpheus society is also involved
2. However, the main case of the master criminal, Elinor's father and the Alenbonne political system. There are new evidences too
3. Elinor and Tristan are officially a 'thing'
4. There might have been no new cases, but this prepared a solid background for the next book.
5. Morpheus society is also involved
January 8, 2024
really liked it but..
Took away a star for the cliffhanger.. I HATE cliffhangers and have always felt they were a cheap trick to get the reader interested in the next book. And there are definitely better ways to do that without leaving a book incomplete. Other than that it was as amazing as the rest of the series!
Took away a star for the cliffhanger.. I HATE cliffhangers and have always felt they were a cheap trick to get the reader interested in the next book. And there are definitely better ways to do that without leaving a book incomplete. Other than that it was as amazing as the rest of the series!
June 12, 2024
Oh my goodness! This novel was so good and absolutely so much happened, I cannot even describe it! The ending though....that was cruel. I am glad the 6th novel is out and I want to read it immediately! I am sad to see this series end, but I have absolutely adored it and enjoyed it so very much! I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
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