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The Gravedigger's Handbook
Lucien Morel’s quiet life at St Aubin’s Rest unravels when a young man begins appearing among the stones after a burial that should have ended in silence.
As caretaker of a forgotten cemetery above Pontarçon, Lucien is accustomed to solitude. But the arrival of a troubled artist—carrying secrets he barely understands—pulls Lucien into a fragile connection that stirs the mercy he rarely offers himself. Within the graveyard’s crumbling walls, memories linger, the past refuses to settle, and the bond between them becomes both solace and reckoning.
For readers who like queer gothic intimacyFor readers who like emotional slow burnFor readers who like haunted-place mysteriesFor readers who like atmospheric rural settingsFor readers who like tenderness shaped by grief
As caretaker of a forgotten cemetery above Pontarçon, Lucien is accustomed to solitude. But the arrival of a troubled artist—carrying secrets he barely understands—pulls Lucien into a fragile connection that stirs the mercy he rarely offers himself. Within the graveyard’s crumbling walls, memories linger, the past refuses to settle, and the bond between them becomes both solace and reckoning.
For readers who like queer gothic intimacyFor readers who like emotional slow burnFor readers who like haunted-place mysteriesFor readers who like atmospheric rural settingsFor readers who like tenderness shaped by grief
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Jern Tonkoi
18 books6 followersJern Tonkoi writes introspective LGBTQ+ fiction that spans genres but shares one emotional core: stories of longing, identity, and the quiet ache of becoming. Her work often explores queer lives caught between worlds—geographical, cultural, or internal—and the fragile beauty of connection across time.
Split between Thailand and the UK, she writes with a cross-cultural eye and a lyrical touch. Her novels offer intimate portraits of love, friendship, and the spaces between people that make us human.
Split between Thailand and the UK, she writes with a cross-cultural eye and a lyrical touch. Her novels offer intimate portraits of love, friendship, and the spaces between people that make us human.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 31, 2025
I'd like to start by saying this book was beautifully written. The author is very talented in that area. The storyline , without giving it away … I will say that I have NEVER seen this done before and I read over 200 books a year. This is quite impressive . I'd think you'd have to be extremely clever and talented to come up with an actual fresh new idea. I will say that I actually saw the twist coming very early on, however, that's not against the author. I just read a lot of books and have learned how to predict extremely well.
The way these two men slowly fell in love was so natural and beautiful. Their tragedies were beautifully written. The Old Chap was something that tugged at my heart in particular. A soldier waiting for orders that would never cry I think is something that would give any stoneheart a little tug.
I was pleased with the ending. It's the ending that needed to happen regardless of what we (readers) wanted. It was perfectly rounded to the story.
I gave this four stars . There's a couple things that could have made this 5 stars for me. The first is that , while the poetic prose was nicely done and didn't feel forced….it was bit too abundant for me.
The second is the overdescribing of the scenes. There's only so many times you should describe in detail what the sun is doing, what the air smells like, what the soil smells/looks like. It was too much. The word "air" is in the book 240 times and it's a 202 page book , if you get what I mean. It was a bit exhausting.
And lastly , it felt like the barrow and the lantern were main characters in the story. Lamp/lantern was mentioned 90 times. Like I said about describing the air , it's just a bit much for a 200 page book.
All that being said , overall the story was beautiful . Tragedy often is in a way. I wish I could write how it made me feel without spoiling it for others but their relationship was so organic and gorgeous. The way Nat made Lucien finally see himself , it was just glorious. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The way these two men slowly fell in love was so natural and beautiful. Their tragedies were beautifully written. The Old Chap was something that tugged at my heart in particular. A soldier waiting for orders that would never cry I think is something that would give any stoneheart a little tug.
I was pleased with the ending. It's the ending that needed to happen regardless of what we (readers) wanted. It was perfectly rounded to the story.
I gave this four stars . There's a couple things that could have made this 5 stars for me. The first is that , while the poetic prose was nicely done and didn't feel forced….it was bit too abundant for me.
The second is the overdescribing of the scenes. There's only so many times you should describe in detail what the sun is doing, what the air smells like, what the soil smells/looks like. It was too much. The word "air" is in the book 240 times and it's a 202 page book , if you get what I mean. It was a bit exhausting.
And lastly , it felt like the barrow and the lantern were main characters in the story. Lamp/lantern was mentioned 90 times. Like I said about describing the air , it's just a bit much for a 200 page book.
All that being said , overall the story was beautiful . Tragedy often is in a way. I wish I could write how it made me feel without spoiling it for others but their relationship was so organic and gorgeous. The way Nat made Lucien finally see himself , it was just glorious. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens for sending me an eARC of this book!
This was so quietly beautiful, a story that cuts straight through the bone before you even notice you're bleeding. There is something about this writing, this gentle prose, that resonates with me so deeply, it made my heart ache as I read it. From almost the very beginning, this felt like a clear five-star read. And even though none of the revelations truly surprised me, the emotional weight still crept in slowly and stayed with me until I found myself sobbing through the final pages.
A haunting, tender read, I imagine, will linger long after it ends.
This was so quietly beautiful, a story that cuts straight through the bone before you even notice you're bleeding. There is something about this writing, this gentle prose, that resonates with me so deeply, it made my heart ache as I read it. From almost the very beginning, this felt like a clear five-star read. And even though none of the revelations truly surprised me, the emotional weight still crept in slowly and stayed with me until I found myself sobbing through the final pages.
A haunting, tender read, I imagine, will linger long after it ends.
December 22, 2025
I received this book and am writing a voluntary book review.
The Grave Digger’s Handbook, by Jean Tonkoi, is a gothic, paranormal romance about learning to cope with grief and how to accept Death’s embrace, no matter how painful it may be.
Lucien is a gravekeeper for St. Aubin’s rest. After a horrific freight train accident that left him mutilated, scarred, and abandoned, he found his home in the cemetery and has been its caretaker ever since. One day, he meets a strange entity named Nat, the ghost of an artist who doesn’t realize he’s died. Fascinated by Lucian, Nat requests that he draw Lucien as a way to help him mourn his brother’s death, Jonathan. Believing that it would help Nat pass on, Lucien acquiesces, only to stumble upon a world full of life, insecurity, and love.
I loved Odette. She’s an embodiment of one of my greatest fears if my husband should ever die first. I absolutely love roses, black ones, to be specific, and though my husband is rather terrified of my aesthetics and desires, he tries to make do. When we’re shopping for oddities, he’s the one who would point out whether or not a skull is real or fake. He’s taken an interest in different independent bookstores, and will actively search with me for literary tomes to fill our ever-growing library. He’s a good man, even though his hyperfixations are a bit of an issue sometimes. I see a lot of myself in Odette, and I fear how grief will warp my mind. The book that Lucien carries around only emphasizes the inevitability of the end, that the longer time passes, the less likely you'll become.
The relationship between Lucien and Nat was also special to me, reminding me of a more intimate version of Dante and his muse, Beatrice. It’s much less creepy, with Lucien and Nat actually having meaningful conversations. The fact that Nat immortalized Lucien so that he wouldn’t be another forgotten soul in the cemetery illustrates the strength of the bond these two possess. I wish they spent more time together, though.
The atmosphere carries an elegant, mournful feel that carries the characters’ weight. I enjoyed the cast and how they intertwine with the plot. Although I would’ve liked there to be more development between Lucien and Nat, especially with the romantic scenes, I liked this book. As of now, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy gothic romances such as The Gift of Youby Chloe York and Lamb, Stag, and Wolf by Airic Fenn.
The Grave Digger’s Handbook, by Jean Tonkoi, is a gothic, paranormal romance about learning to cope with grief and how to accept Death’s embrace, no matter how painful it may be.
Lucien is a gravekeeper for St. Aubin’s rest. After a horrific freight train accident that left him mutilated, scarred, and abandoned, he found his home in the cemetery and has been its caretaker ever since. One day, he meets a strange entity named Nat, the ghost of an artist who doesn’t realize he’s died. Fascinated by Lucian, Nat requests that he draw Lucien as a way to help him mourn his brother’s death, Jonathan. Believing that it would help Nat pass on, Lucien acquiesces, only to stumble upon a world full of life, insecurity, and love.
I loved Odette. She’s an embodiment of one of my greatest fears if my husband should ever die first. I absolutely love roses, black ones, to be specific, and though my husband is rather terrified of my aesthetics and desires, he tries to make do. When we’re shopping for oddities, he’s the one who would point out whether or not a skull is real or fake. He’s taken an interest in different independent bookstores, and will actively search with me for literary tomes to fill our ever-growing library. He’s a good man, even though his hyperfixations are a bit of an issue sometimes. I see a lot of myself in Odette, and I fear how grief will warp my mind. The book that Lucien carries around only emphasizes the inevitability of the end, that the longer time passes, the less likely you'll become.
The relationship between Lucien and Nat was also special to me, reminding me of a more intimate version of Dante and his muse, Beatrice. It’s much less creepy, with Lucien and Nat actually having meaningful conversations. The fact that Nat immortalized Lucien so that he wouldn’t be another forgotten soul in the cemetery illustrates the strength of the bond these two possess. I wish they spent more time together, though.
The atmosphere carries an elegant, mournful feel that carries the characters’ weight. I enjoyed the cast and how they intertwine with the plot. Although I would’ve liked there to be more development between Lucien and Nat, especially with the romantic scenes, I liked this book. As of now, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy gothic romances such as The Gift of Youby Chloe York and Lamb, Stag, and Wolf by Airic Fenn.
December 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🫑
full review - with spoilers- here: https://literarystitchsociety.blogspo...
The Gravedigger’s Handbook is one of those quiet, haunting stories that slips under your skin before you even notice. Set almost entirely in an old cemetery above Pontarçon, it somehow manages to feel weightless—following the rhythm of the seasons, the hush of the graves, and the slow pulse of life returning where you least expect it.
Lucien’s solitude is drawn in delicate strokes, and the same goes for the characters who cross his path: just a few lines, a handful of moments, and yet they leave you with the exact impression they would leave in the world—fleeting, wind-touched, unforgettable in their own fragile way. Even the ghosts drift in and out like memories you’re not sure you dreamed.
I genuinely didn’t see the twist coming, and when everything unfolded… it hit hard. There’s this beautiful, heartbreaking idea running under the whole book: the dead helping the living find a way forward, and in doing so, finding peace themselves. The ending is bittersweet in the best possible way—sad, tender, and strangely uplifting. The kind of conclusion that leaves you crying with a small smile on your face.
If you’re in the mood for queer gothic intimacy, emotional slow burn, atmospheric rural settings, and a nostalgic, immersive story that wraps around you like fog… this is absolutely the one to pick up. Not a traditional HEA, but a quiet, non-conventional one that feels exactly right for these characters.
Spice: 🫑
full review - with spoilers- here: https://literarystitchsociety.blogspo...
The Gravedigger’s Handbook is one of those quiet, haunting stories that slips under your skin before you even notice. Set almost entirely in an old cemetery above Pontarçon, it somehow manages to feel weightless—following the rhythm of the seasons, the hush of the graves, and the slow pulse of life returning where you least expect it.
Lucien’s solitude is drawn in delicate strokes, and the same goes for the characters who cross his path: just a few lines, a handful of moments, and yet they leave you with the exact impression they would leave in the world—fleeting, wind-touched, unforgettable in their own fragile way. Even the ghosts drift in and out like memories you’re not sure you dreamed.
I genuinely didn’t see the twist coming, and when everything unfolded… it hit hard. There’s this beautiful, heartbreaking idea running under the whole book: the dead helping the living find a way forward, and in doing so, finding peace themselves. The ending is bittersweet in the best possible way—sad, tender, and strangely uplifting. The kind of conclusion that leaves you crying with a small smile on your face.
If you’re in the mood for queer gothic intimacy, emotional slow burn, atmospheric rural settings, and a nostalgic, immersive story that wraps around you like fog… this is absolutely the one to pick up. Not a traditional HEA, but a quiet, non-conventional one that feels exactly right for these characters.
January 17, 2026
Lucien Morel is the only living resident at St. Aubin’s Rest. His work at St. Aubin’s is very important to him. The office is at the end of the lane just inside the main gate. He works with a very kind and quiet lady by the name of Odette. There are times when Odette has hired casual labor and they don’t stay long. Lucien calls them “strangers to the dead.” He often keeps watch on the work that they do and he believes they are not very good. St. Aubin’s is a very beautiful place to Lucien, he knows every inch of the place and anyone who is there. Some of the graves are very eroded, but this is Lucien’s heart. In the eyes of Lucien he is very dedicated to this place.
I praise Jern Tonkoi for her writing and deep descriptions of St. Aubin’s Rest and those that are a big part of the this beautiful and tragic place. There is also a wonderful line-up of characters besides Lucien: Jonathan Graye, Odette, Old Chap, Mrs. Arnaud, Lads that wait for war and others.
In all, the author will spring a twist on the reader, to bring to light a beautiful and tragic story of Lucien and Jonathan. There is also Lucy and Nat that progress with a special relationship throughout the story.
“Gravediggers Handbook” is a novel that will surely immerse readers to a new dimension and is worth reading again.
I praise Jern Tonkoi for her writing and deep descriptions of St. Aubin’s Rest and those that are a big part of the this beautiful and tragic place. There is also a wonderful line-up of characters besides Lucien: Jonathan Graye, Odette, Old Chap, Mrs. Arnaud, Lads that wait for war and others.
In all, the author will spring a twist on the reader, to bring to light a beautiful and tragic story of Lucien and Jonathan. There is also Lucy and Nat that progress with a special relationship throughout the story.
“Gravediggers Handbook” is a novel that will surely immerse readers to a new dimension and is worth reading again.
January 10, 2026
I really thought the writing here was lovely. It isn't a bubbly read by any means, and I found I had a nervous energy while reading it. There are a couple of twists that I thought I knew were coming, but they unfolded in a way I did not expect them to. The main characters' dynamic was really cautious and sincere. I really enjoyed the dynamic the carer taker had with the dead. It does read like a novella where a lot is left unexplained throughout the book and you kind of have to read it with that in mind and decide to be comfortable with it. In that sense, it feels like you are sort of floating along the surface of the book. There is a potential for this to have been fleshed out and twice as long with more explanation. But, as far as reader experience, maybe that would not have allowed the unsettling feeling I had reading it. Overall, I enjoyed it. I did leave the book feeling sad and had to start an idiots-to-lovers to recover. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2026
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review and I am so glad that I asked to read it.
Firstly, the story was beautiful but it was the atmosphere of the book which turned it into a five star review. For me the whole thing was magic. It is basically set in a graveyard and there are some incredible characters who appear and disappear. I don't want to say too much because I am hoping that if you read the book you will feel the same as me. I was surprised at the end to say the least but I am not going to say any more about this.
The book is short and you wont want to put it down until you read it.
I loved it.
Firstly, the story was beautiful but it was the atmosphere of the book which turned it into a five star review. For me the whole thing was magic. It is basically set in a graveyard and there are some incredible characters who appear and disappear. I don't want to say too much because I am hoping that if you read the book you will feel the same as me. I was surprised at the end to say the least but I am not going to say any more about this.
The book is short and you wont want to put it down until you read it.
I loved it.
December 13, 2025
This book had my heart from the first few pages. The characters are so sweet and the writing style and descriptions are gorgeous. I loved Lucy and Nat so much; the way their relationship progressed was so sweet to see, and getting to see their personal growth over the course of the story was wonderful. They made my heart so soft. I’m glad I got the chance to read this book; it was touching and poignant and exactly what I needed. I will for sure be reading this again. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
January 6, 2026
3.7/5
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a light read, but it’s generally not my cup of tea. There are many things I didn’t enjoy about the book, and I still can’t wrap my head around it. I struggled to get into it, and throughout the book, I still didn’t. It's great work, though. I appreciate the writing, but that’s just it.
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a light read, but it’s generally not my cup of tea. There are many things I didn’t enjoy about the book, and I still can’t wrap my head around it. I struggled to get into it, and throughout the book, I still didn’t. It's great work, though. I appreciate the writing, but that’s just it.
January 2, 2026
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young caretaker of a graveyard can see ghosts and spends more time trying to understand the dead than the living. When a young man is buried, they wind up connecting as tlboth try to work through their pain.
This story deals in grief and unresolved traumas, the complexity of family and the inability to move forward. Our two main characters each have issues they need to work through as we move through the story, with some surprises along the way. What we get by the end is a bittersweet queer love story and two young men who learn to accept the difficult emotions that rule their lives.
My biggest complaint here is that the story was so short and I would have enjoyed a bit more development in the characters. I also felt some scenes, particularly when Lucien went about his daily work, felt repetitive. 4.25/5 stars.
A young caretaker of a graveyard can see ghosts and spends more time trying to understand the dead than the living. When a young man is buried, they wind up connecting as tlboth try to work through their pain.
This story deals in grief and unresolved traumas, the complexity of family and the inability to move forward. Our two main characters each have issues they need to work through as we move through the story, with some surprises along the way. What we get by the end is a bittersweet queer love story and two young men who learn to accept the difficult emotions that rule their lives.
My biggest complaint here is that the story was so short and I would have enjoyed a bit more development in the characters. I also felt some scenes, particularly when Lucien went about his daily work, felt repetitive. 4.25/5 stars.
December 28, 2025
It's both a ghost story and a love story with a couple of plot twists that I didn't expect.
The writing style is really beautiful and the setting, a graveyard, almost magical. I also loved the wounded, flawed but still kindhearted characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing style is really beautiful and the setting, a graveyard, almost magical. I also loved the wounded, flawed but still kindhearted characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews