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The Graveyard Club: The Death of Diamond Slim

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The Graveyard Club, a tale of magic, danger, and the power of friendship.

In the dark world of 19th century Newald, Besa Melponte is the fourteen-year-old daughter of Pierre Melponte, the only Necromancer in the city. But while her father is a renowned and feared figure, he keeps Besa at a distance, refusing to expose his only child to the dangers of his craft. That is, until one fateful night when he agrees to take her to an enchantment ceremony.

But their evening takes a perilous turn when the angry Bishop Delacroix interrupts the ceremony and steals Pierre's enchantment book. In the chaos that ensues, the bishop is nearly killed by the book's powerful Taafli entity, and Pierre is arrested for the attack.

Alone and heartbroken, Besa decides to take up her father's legacy and continue his work. Along with her three friends, they begin to open tombs and try to raise the dead. But they soon realize they are in over their heads as dark and dangerous entities start to target them.

As if that wasn't enough, the angry bishop and his followers, known as the Shadows seek revenge against Besa and her friends. When one of their own is kidnapped, Besa and the rest of The Graveyard Club make a plan to save their friend and stop the bishop's ultimate revenge.

For fans of magic, mystery, and the strength of friendships, comes this thrilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo, or “Lockwood & Co” by Jonathan Stroud, then you'll love "The Graveyard Club." Buy now and join the adventure!




402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2025

1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

K.M. Harrell

4 books69 followers


Author bio:

K.M. Harrell is the eldest of five siblings. Four girls and himself. They were and are a close-knit southern family. He spent his time playing with, protecting and sometimes totally harassing his charge of sisters. Trust me they have grown much much taller than he is now and have gotten him back (Just kidding! He is totally still the man!) Sorry. Anyway. He has written most of his life and even had a few things published in small magazines. This is his first novel.


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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
89 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC copy. I was given the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honestly review ☺️

I was really excited to read this, I loved the sound of the vibe and the themes. When I was looking at the premise I was so intrigued.

I’ve had to give it 3 stars as it just didn’t end up gelling with me in the way I’d hoped.
I felt a lot of scenes were underdeveloped and were just briefly mentioned to push a story along, which often left me with more questions.

The writing style wasn’t amazing for me, but there were some parts that did make me laugh or did sit with me throughout my read. I think Dickey is actually my favourite character, I too love food, and no I will not expand on this 😌

The ending itself was extremely abrupt and lacklustre and I’d have loved to have had a more thought out ending. It felt like the author was worried about writing a long book, and basically cut a large novel in half.

The storyline focuses on Besa and an incident surrounding her father, and while she has her adventures with the intent on her father returning, there isn’t really any movement in that regard so it felt like a forgotten plot point sometimes.

In regards to the magic system it felt a bit confusing and wasn’t explained much at all, some people are magic and it’s fine but some people are magic and it isn’t, and the limitations for each person and style of magic isn’t explored at all so it ends up feeling very confusing and flat. I think more of a developed explanation into the magical system would’ve helped a lot in this story. There were lots of cool scenes where magic was used as part of the plot or a battle and it’s brushed over, and while the scenes are really fun to read and were super interesting, that development of the magic use would’ve really taken it up a notch and made it more immersive!

There are a lot of moving parts and characters in this story, and it jumps between perspectives a lot, so If you struggle with that, it may not be the ideal book for you.

I could see myself reading a sequel, because overall I did enjoy the storyline and I do enjoy the main characters of the Graveyard Club and I’d be happy to watch them develop more and see if Besa can find what she’s looking for
Profile Image for ems_booknook.
445 reviews19 followers
April 22, 2025
I would say for me this one was just average. I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would considering how keen I was from the synopsis and the gripping cover.

I think my issue is that the writing style was too “historical fiction” vibe for me, it’s not a style I particularly enjoy myself but I feel if you do love that style and are interested in books revolving around different types of magic in a fantasy setting with lots of twists and turns and action, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
Profile Image for Kennedy Freeman.
13 reviews
June 10, 2025
It was a cute little witchy mystery. I really liked it and wish I could have read it when I wasn’t busy.
502 reviews16 followers
April 28, 2025
K.M. Harrell’s The Graveyard Club is an enthralling adventure set against the eerie backdrop of 19th century Newald, where magic, danger, and deep bonds of friendship collide in a tale that is both thrilling and heartfelt.

At its core, the novel follows Besa Melponte, a fourteen-year-old girl grappling with grief, isolation, and an unexpected inheritance of power after her father—the city’s only necromancer—is imprisoned under tragic circumstances. Harrell skillfully brings Besa’s emotional turmoil to life, painting a poignant portrait of a girl forced to grow up too soon in a world that fears and misunderstands magic.

The true magic of The Graveyard Club, however, lies in its vibrant cast of supporting characters. Besa’s loyal friends form the titular club, and together they stumble, scheme, and battle their way through a series of increasingly dangerous encounters. Harrell captures the awkwardness, courage, and fierce loyalty of adolescence with striking authenticity, making the stakes feel all the more real when the Shadows, led by the menacing Bishop Delacroix, come for them.

Harrell’s worldbuilding is another standout. Newald is a city steeped in gothic atmosphere, and the dark rituals, ancient tomes, and lurking supernatural threats lend the story a rich, textured backdrop that is at once chilling and enchanting. The pacing is brisk, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked without ever feeling rushed.

Themes of legacy, responsibility, and the fight against corruption give the story deeper resonance. While the magic system is imaginative and occasionally mysterious, it’s the emotional heart of the story—Besa’s struggle to honor her father’s legacy while forging her own path—that makes this novel memorable.

The Graveyard Club is a perfect read for fans of dark fantasy, found family narratives, and coming-of-age adventures. Harrell deftly balances spooky thrills with moments of warmth and hope, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kay Brown - Idaho Belle.
99 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2025
**Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this eARC**

**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**

The Graveyard Club by Harrell offers an intriguing blend of historical fiction, dark fantasy, and coming-of-age adventure. Set against a gothic, atmospheric backdrop, the story follows Besa and her friends, Margaret and Dickey, who each possess unique magical abilities. Together, they form a group known as The Graveyard Club, navigating perilous situations and unraveling mysteries after Besa's father is accused of harming a bishop.

While the novel provides engaging friendship dynamics and portrays adolescence authentically, the narrative's pacing and structure might be challenging for some readers. At times, the story felt disjointed, with abrupt interruptions during conversations and shifts between past and present that were somewhat confusing. Additionally, the inclusion of frequent racial slurs, though historically contextual, might feel excessive or uncomfortable for some readers, especially given the book's YA target audience.

The necromancy elements and magical themes are intriguing, but occasionally overshadowed by a heavier emphasis on historical fiction aspects, which may not resonate with readers expecting more consistent supernatural elements. Besa’s internal journey to honor her father while finding her own identity provides emotional depth, even though the plot occasionally stalls with slower scenes like sleepovers or casual gatherings.

Despite these challenges, Harrell excels in worldbuilding, vividly painting the eerie city of Newald filled with ancient magic and dark secrets. The supporting characters are vibrant and memorable, making the stakes genuinely feel high when faced with threats like Bishop Delacroix and his sinister agents.

Overall, The Graveyard Club will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate historical fiction woven with dark fantasy, complex themes of legacy, and found-family dynamics. Harrell crafts a narrative with moments of suspense, warmth, and genuine camaraderie that leaves an impact beyond the final page.
371 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2025
This was a roller-coaster of a ride!

The action and events start from almost the first page at a frantic pace and after that, it never lets up. This feels like multiple books in one, with the characters experiencing adventure after adventure and barely getting to breathe in-between. But they do have lots of cake. The characters by and large are entertaining and enjoyable, albeit not always consistent in their behaviours.

I loved the world but I was a little confused by the relationship between those who had magic and the church - the bishop and many non magic people treat them as heretics and yet in the same pages we find the magic school is run by a 'sister' and that one of the main characters, Margaret, a witch, has a deeply religious mother without any conflict between her family and her faith.

The magic that is sprinkled throughout this book is a true joy to read, the sheer range, the uses in which they are shown. Highly enjoyable.

My main compliant was the ending - in that there isn't really one? The story kind of stops part way without any real resolution or answers to the main story threads that had been laced throughout. I'm not sure if there is going to be a book two, but I really hope so, as there are so many questions left hanging and I am invested in these characters, I want to see what happens next.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Profile Image for Rachael Hamilton.
512 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2025
My Rating: 4*

For this book, I am 90% certain I am in some alternate version of New Orleans. Honestly, I feel the author could have situated it in the heart of The Big Easy and it would have still made perfect sense. This has the vibes of a magic school mixed with trying to fix a circumstance which took Besa’s father from her.

Besa and her friends, Dickey and Margaret, met each other at their school for magist. Margaret seems to be generally skilled in most things regarding the magist craft, while Dickey can grow to about 15 or 20 feet tall and Besa and her family are skilled in Necromancy. Once Besa’s father is blamed for maiming a bishop, Besa begins dabbling in her father’s work and soon forms The Graveyard club with her friends.

However, the bishop and his hired goons are after the kids and a book they have in their possession. Besa is also out for revenge and, if possible, the release of her father. I think my issue with this book is that it feels a bit disjointed and the story isn’t as smooth as I hoped. I feel like we do quite a bit of nothing at times such as having cake and sleepovers. However, it is a YA book and still has some great friendship moments and teamwork. There’s lots of mystery and adventure to be explored in these pages.
Profile Image for Angela Brannon.
152 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2025
This book is really a collection of stories about The Graveyard Club running consecutively. Each vignette covers a case The Graveyard Club handles. I really liked the plot which is set in an alternate history of New Orleans. The main character, Besa, is the daughter of a necromancer. When he is arrested, she is determined to carry on his legacy and learn to be a necromancer herself. The book is a set of stories about her attempts and experiences raising the dead to solve mysteries.

I really enjoyed the book even though there are numerous editing and typo errors. The children were fun to read about and the stories clever and engrossing. I think the book needs to be marketed as a collection of short stories so reluctant readers will not be scared away by the length of the manuscript.

I will definitely recommend this to juvenile readers who love (somewhat) scary stories about ghosts and ghouls.
Profile Image for Britney Ettinger.
11 reviews
May 19, 2025
The Graveyard Club by K.M. Harrell is a deliciously cute spooky, whimsical ride through a magic-soaked, gothic atmosphere. It’s the kind of book that wraps you in candlelight and shadow, full of wild necromancy, clever kids, ghostly danger, and a whole lot of heart.

There’s an old-soul charm here—rich prose, atmospheric detail, and a magical world that feels strange, untamed, and brimming with hidden rules. The friendships are the heartbeat of the story, grounding all the dark enchantments with warmth, humor, and loyalty.

Perfect for fans of Lockwood & Co. or anyone who craves found family, haunting mystery, and a dash of danger with their magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #ARC #TheGraveyardClub #KMHarrell #SpookyReads #FoundFamily #DarkFantasy #GothicMagic #LockwoodAndCoVibes #WitchyReads #YAAdventure #NecromancerTales #BookReview
Profile Image for Chevy.
356 reviews
May 1, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The story had potential but was VERY messy. The beginning was distasteful with a lack of character introduction. The timeline started off very confusing with one case being introduced followed by the backstory of how the graveyard club was established and then additional storyline before continuing with the first case and moving forward. This still could be forgiven as just part of the story but the dialogue is just terrible. These characters are in their early teens yet banter and act like little children. There is too much repetition on themes like name calling and food that do not add to the story but make it immature sounding. There is also too many characters and some being addressed by multiple names/titles.
Profile Image for Tabitha Ormiston-Smith.
Author 54 books59 followers
May 14, 2025
Set in an alternate-history Louisiana, a band of schoolchildren battles the forces of evil, and prevails against overwhelming odds.
I really enjoyed the characters and the interplay between them, particularly those of the monsters ranged on the side of good. Monsters are something Harrell does really, really well, and this is a strength of the instant work. A leaven of humour prevents the action from dragging, and that is another feature I always appreciate.
If I had a criticism of the book, it would be that I felt it could have had a little stronger dramatic tension. The children in the 'graveyard club' are so competent that there was, for me, never that 'all is lost' moment where one despairs of a satisfactory resolution. That aside, the action is fast-paced and held my attention through a long night.
382 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2025
The synopsis of this story along with the cover really drew me into requesting this book although once I started reading it I realised that unfortunately it wasn't in my wheelhouse- whilst I did enjoy the horror and historical aspects to it I felt that the overall plot of the story was overshadowed by the aspect of the historical fiction element.
Secondly, the characters were well written and the settings were both eerie and varied although this wasn't enough to hold my attention whilst reading this book.
Thankyou to both Net Galley as well as Victory Editing Net Galley Co- Op for the early ARC of this book- in exchange for an honest review and all opinions expressed above are my own.
Profile Image for Ash.
106 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2025
Thank you, BookSirens, for the free eARC. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

I want to start by highlighting the characters; each one is unique and well-developed. The various points of view are presented in a way that complements each other, effectively advancing the story. I enjoyed the flow of the prose, which drew me into the world and kept me entertained throughout. I give this book five out of five stars, and I can't wait to read more works by K.M. Harrel.
Profile Image for Quilted.reads.
377 reviews9 followers
April 23, 2025
4.5 I loved this story. The suspense from page one kept my adhd LOCKED IN BOYY. I felt I was on a side quest on a video game that you can’t get enough of. Loved all the characters. I want more books in this universe. I don’t know what is wrong me with me but any dark fantasy where we have a cool necromancer lmao I eat it up.
Profile Image for Boooks with Tokyo.
196 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2025
3/5⭐️ First of all, thank you to NetGalley and BookSirens for an arc of “The graveyard club”. I liked this book, but i would say I didn’t love it as much as I thought i would, considering how intrigued i was after reading the synopsis and seeing the cover. The “necromancy” aspects were very interesting, but the story didn’t gripped me as much as I wanted it to.
16.7k reviews155 followers
May 26, 2025
Besa father keeps her away from his job because he wanted to keep her safe. He will take her to a ceremony where things turn badly and her father is arrested for an attack. She will join her friends to try to save her father but it is not going to be easy see if she can save him
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved it
Profile Image for tre.wandereads.
449 reviews
April 21, 2025
it took me a bit of time to really get immersed in the story. that being said, once it was able to capture my interest, i had a good time delving into it. i loved the mystery and the suspense of it. it was all too fun to figure out the intricacies of the story!
Profile Image for Melissa Dice.
168 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a good read. It had a good tempo and was a quick read.
Profile Image for Mik Wasiak.
390 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2025
A good story but felt rushed in author writing but fun read nonetheless
1,174 reviews35 followers
April 27, 2025
A story of necromancy and magic, humour and friendships set in the 19th century. Perfect fantasy for teenagers and up. At 14 Besa Melponte wants to follow in her father’s footsteps, but he is reluctant to entertain this idea. When he is falsely imprisoned she takes up his mantle to develop and use her skills. She and her friends fight against the Bishop who caused her this grief. A Bishop that is losing himself to selfishly gain power. They find themselves in cases of skulduggery, finding the truth through the mouth’s of those that have suffered. Besa finds she is more than up to the challenge. She has doubts, but often surprises herself with what she can do. Lots of cake is also eaten. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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