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The Grave Report #3
Grave Dealings
"His stuff is badass!" – New York Times bestselling author, Hugo-nominee, and two-time Dragon Award-winner, Larry Correia.
Don't make deals with the paranormal. They're better at it than you, and they never play fair.
Paranormal investigator and soul without a body, Vincent Graves, did just that—a deal made in desperation. Now it's coming back to bite him in the middle of a case. He has 57 hours to investigate a string of deaths involving people who've made some devilish bargains. Too bad devils don't deal in good faith. It'd be easy enough, if he didn't have to deal with things such as:
-Being hunted through the streets of Queens by a dark elf with a motorcycle fetish.
-Ending up the target of a supernatural hit.
-An old acquaintance dragging him to a paranormal ball where he could end up on the menu.
-And having one of his closest guarded secrets brought to light...
Not great for a tight clock, because if he doesn't get to the bottom of this case in time, Vincent and company might just lose their souls.
Dirty deals are never done dirt cheap. And the supernatural always collect—big!
Click buy now to dive into this paranormal investigator thriller!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is The Grave Report?
A: The Grave Report is a paranormal investigator series inspired by Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and the show, Quantum Leap. It follows Vincent Graves, a soul murdered by the paranormal and forced to inhabit the bodies of others killed by monsters. He's tasked with using their minds, memories, and bodies to find the monsters responsible and gank them. The series focuses heavily on creative twists on well-known and more obscure mythologies. For fans of a monster of the week vibe, this is for you.
Q: How should I read these case files?
A: Each novel in The Grave Report is written both to progress a series meta plot as well as serve as a standalone monster of the week read if you want. The series order is listed below, but you can read them however you want. Jump in and enjoy.
-Grave Beginnings
-Grave Measures
-Grave Dealings
Q: Will I enjoy this series?
A: If you love things like Supernatural, myths, magic, monsters, and investigator novels full of wit and charm, yes. You'll have a blast reading these. The series placed as a finalist in the 2016 Inaugural DragonCon Dragon Awards under Best Fantasy (Paranormal) alongside urban fantasy authors, Jim Butcher, and Larry Correia.
Click buy now to dive into book three of the Dragon Award-nominated urban fantasy series!
Don't make deals with the paranormal. They're better at it than you, and they never play fair.
Paranormal investigator and soul without a body, Vincent Graves, did just that—a deal made in desperation. Now it's coming back to bite him in the middle of a case. He has 57 hours to investigate a string of deaths involving people who've made some devilish bargains. Too bad devils don't deal in good faith. It'd be easy enough, if he didn't have to deal with things such as:
-Being hunted through the streets of Queens by a dark elf with a motorcycle fetish.
-Ending up the target of a supernatural hit.
-An old acquaintance dragging him to a paranormal ball where he could end up on the menu.
-And having one of his closest guarded secrets brought to light...
Not great for a tight clock, because if he doesn't get to the bottom of this case in time, Vincent and company might just lose their souls.
Dirty deals are never done dirt cheap. And the supernatural always collect—big!
Click buy now to dive into this paranormal investigator thriller!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is The Grave Report?
A: The Grave Report is a paranormal investigator series inspired by Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and the show, Quantum Leap. It follows Vincent Graves, a soul murdered by the paranormal and forced to inhabit the bodies of others killed by monsters. He's tasked with using their minds, memories, and bodies to find the monsters responsible and gank them. The series focuses heavily on creative twists on well-known and more obscure mythologies. For fans of a monster of the week vibe, this is for you.
Q: How should I read these case files?
A: Each novel in The Grave Report is written both to progress a series meta plot as well as serve as a standalone monster of the week read if you want. The series order is listed below, but you can read them however you want. Jump in and enjoy.
-Grave Beginnings
-Grave Measures
-Grave Dealings
Q: Will I enjoy this series?
A: If you love things like Supernatural, myths, magic, monsters, and investigator novels full of wit and charm, yes. You'll have a blast reading these. The series placed as a finalist in the 2016 Inaugural DragonCon Dragon Awards under Best Fantasy (Paranormal) alongside urban fantasy authors, Jim Butcher, and Larry Correia.
Click buy now to dive into book three of the Dragon Award-nominated urban fantasy series!
473 pages, ebook
Published November 13, 2017
25 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
R.R. Virdi
26 books768 followersR.R. Virdi is a USA Today Bestselling author, two-time Dragon Award finalist, and a Nebula Award finalist. He is the author of two urban fantasy series, The Grave Report, and The Books of Winter. The author of the LitRPG/portal fantasy series, Monster Slayer Online. And the author of a space western/sci fi series, Shepherd of Light. He has worked in the automotive industry as a mechanic, retail, and in the custom gaming computer world. He's an avid car nut with a special love for American classics.
The hardest challenge for him up to this point has been fooling most of society into believing he's a completely sane member of the general public.
The hardest challenge for him up to this point has been fooling most of society into believing he's a completely sane member of the general public.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 12, 2020
I so love these books!
Grave Dealings by R.R. Virdi is book 3 in the series. This time Vincent comes back in a dead body that has been thrown in the sea with weights. Fortunately he doesn't drown while trying to get loose. To find his supernatural killer he has to face many foes! Its quite a mystery and he encounters Ortiz again. She has helped him out in each book.
These books must be read in order. Lots of great fantasy action, A terrific imagination, snarky wit, giggles and sadness. Love it all! Can't wait for the next book!
Grave Dealings by R.R. Virdi is book 3 in the series. This time Vincent comes back in a dead body that has been thrown in the sea with weights. Fortunately he doesn't drown while trying to get loose. To find his supernatural killer he has to face many foes! Its quite a mystery and he encounters Ortiz again. She has helped him out in each book.
These books must be read in order. Lots of great fantasy action, A terrific imagination, snarky wit, giggles and sadness. Love it all! Can't wait for the next book!
November 14, 2017
I have got to find a different place to read the next Grave Report book. Seriously. The edge of my seat is so worn down that I’m sure I’d keep falling on the floor going through another action-packed story from the Grave Report. Grave Dealings lives up to, no surpasses the standards of excellence that Virdi has established in “Grave Beginnings” and “Grave Measures,” as Vincent Graves comes back for another amazing case.
For those of you not familiar with the basic concept, Vincent Graves is a paranormal detective with a bit of a twist. He’s dead. Graves isn’t even really his name. He doesn’t know what his name is. He comes back to life in the body of the victim of a paranormal crime with the responsibility to bring the paranormal criminal to justice – which is a gentle way of saying he has to kill them. He arrives in the most unusual circumstances, depending on how the dearly departed was disposed of. In Grave Dealings, Graves wakes up sinking into a watery grave. He has to extricate himself from his bindings, swim back to the surface, and then quickly find the nearest church where he meets his contact, Church, who gives Graves all kinds of information, as long as it isn’t about him or the case. In this episode, though, Graves is hounded by another monster who tries to kill him even before the case starts. And the fun begins.
(Note: there may be spoilers from here on out. Be forewarned)
While Graves is trying to solve his body’s murder, other forces are seeking to kill him. Along the way he runs into an old friend who apparently had feelings for the person who used to inhabit the body Graves is using now. This makes for some awkward relationship issues along the way. We’re introduced to a new character who brings Graves and company into the 21st century with her computer hacking and blogging skills.
Graves and his old friend outwit the monsters trying to kill him, and discover who had put the hit out on him only to realize that this was part of an old deal comes back to haunt him, and he gets dragged to a paranormal ball in the Neravene. Be careful who you deal with, it will come back to haunt you. During the ball, his services become a highly valued gift, when he proves himself in a life or death match and his “date” to the ball causes all sorts of trouble in what was a “coming out” party.
Meanwhile, the case goes on and the time Graves has left keeps dropping. Graves puts it all together when he notices how many friends of the meat skin he’s using seem to have been unduly successful, and yet, still were dying. In the end, Graves takes on the monsters killing Daniel Kim and his friends off and crushes them, solving the case so that he can say good bye to friends old and new and get ready to move onto the next case.
As you read through this book, you’ll realize that Virdi is holding a mirror up to society, and to each of us. What are our dreams? What are our ambitions? What would we do to accomplish those dreams? What kind of deals would we cut to gain success. You cannot read this book without reflecting on those questions, and the answers might scare you. Still Virdi does this in such a skillful manner that you don’t realize that you’ve done it until after you’ve finished reading the book.
For those of you not familiar with the basic concept, Vincent Graves is a paranormal detective with a bit of a twist. He’s dead. Graves isn’t even really his name. He doesn’t know what his name is. He comes back to life in the body of the victim of a paranormal crime with the responsibility to bring the paranormal criminal to justice – which is a gentle way of saying he has to kill them. He arrives in the most unusual circumstances, depending on how the dearly departed was disposed of. In Grave Dealings, Graves wakes up sinking into a watery grave. He has to extricate himself from his bindings, swim back to the surface, and then quickly find the nearest church where he meets his contact, Church, who gives Graves all kinds of information, as long as it isn’t about him or the case. In this episode, though, Graves is hounded by another monster who tries to kill him even before the case starts. And the fun begins.
(Note: there may be spoilers from here on out. Be forewarned)
While Graves is trying to solve his body’s murder, other forces are seeking to kill him. Along the way he runs into an old friend who apparently had feelings for the person who used to inhabit the body Graves is using now. This makes for some awkward relationship issues along the way. We’re introduced to a new character who brings Graves and company into the 21st century with her computer hacking and blogging skills.
Graves and his old friend outwit the monsters trying to kill him, and discover who had put the hit out on him only to realize that this was part of an old deal comes back to haunt him, and he gets dragged to a paranormal ball in the Neravene. Be careful who you deal with, it will come back to haunt you. During the ball, his services become a highly valued gift, when he proves himself in a life or death match and his “date” to the ball causes all sorts of trouble in what was a “coming out” party.
Meanwhile, the case goes on and the time Graves has left keeps dropping. Graves puts it all together when he notices how many friends of the meat skin he’s using seem to have been unduly successful, and yet, still were dying. In the end, Graves takes on the monsters killing Daniel Kim and his friends off and crushes them, solving the case so that he can say good bye to friends old and new and get ready to move onto the next case.
As you read through this book, you’ll realize that Virdi is holding a mirror up to society, and to each of us. What are our dreams? What are our ambitions? What would we do to accomplish those dreams? What kind of deals would we cut to gain success. You cannot read this book without reflecting on those questions, and the answers might scare you. Still Virdi does this in such a skillful manner that you don’t realize that you’ve done it until after you’ve finished reading the book.
December 18, 2017
Vincent Graves is a wiseass. He's also a bit of a badass.
But aside from that... who is Vincent Graves? I mean, really?
Grave Dealings, the third entry in R.R. Virdi's supernatural mystery series, doesn't answer that question. It doesn't even come close. But it lays out the proverbial bread crumbs in an incredibly satisfying way, tying the larger question of our protagonist's identity into the larger narrative -- one that not only finds him trying to solve another murder, but also navigate his way through hired guns and manipulative creatures and... a fancy ball?
Yep, a fancy ball.
This is the best entry in the series thus far, bar none -- which is saying something, considering how great Grave Beginnings and Grave Measures were. Virdi's writing is once again intimate, fast-faced, witty, and intense. You'll find yourself flying through the pages not necessarily out of a need to know what happens next, but out of a deep-seeded desire to take the next step of the journey.
And what a journey it is. Dealings is a massive tome -- larger than its predecessors, but not quite the behemoth Dangerous Ways was -- and it succeeds not just as a stock mystery, but also as a meta narrative that begins to plant the seeds of larger truths to come. Not just for Graves, but overall. Grave Dealings asks a doozy of a philosophical life question -- just don't expect a concrete answer.
Because really, where's the fun in that?
Grave Dealings further cements Virdi's status as one of the best urban fantasy authors in the game. This book is a wonderful, intense, engrossing read that peels back the layers, hinting at deeper truths to come. This is a series everyone should have their hands on, whether they're fans of Jim Butcher, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, or they simply enjoy damn good stories.
But aside from that... who is Vincent Graves? I mean, really?
Grave Dealings, the third entry in R.R. Virdi's supernatural mystery series, doesn't answer that question. It doesn't even come close. But it lays out the proverbial bread crumbs in an incredibly satisfying way, tying the larger question of our protagonist's identity into the larger narrative -- one that not only finds him trying to solve another murder, but also navigate his way through hired guns and manipulative creatures and... a fancy ball?
Yep, a fancy ball.
This is the best entry in the series thus far, bar none -- which is saying something, considering how great Grave Beginnings and Grave Measures were. Virdi's writing is once again intimate, fast-faced, witty, and intense. You'll find yourself flying through the pages not necessarily out of a need to know what happens next, but out of a deep-seeded desire to take the next step of the journey.
And what a journey it is. Dealings is a massive tome -- larger than its predecessors, but not quite the behemoth Dangerous Ways was -- and it succeeds not just as a stock mystery, but also as a meta narrative that begins to plant the seeds of larger truths to come. Not just for Graves, but overall. Grave Dealings asks a doozy of a philosophical life question -- just don't expect a concrete answer.
Because really, where's the fun in that?
Grave Dealings further cements Virdi's status as one of the best urban fantasy authors in the game. This book is a wonderful, intense, engrossing read that peels back the layers, hinting at deeper truths to come. This is a series everyone should have their hands on, whether they're fans of Jim Butcher, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, or they simply enjoy damn good stories.
November 19, 2017
R.R. Virdi's books are incredibly fun, fast-paced, and clever to boot. Now, finally, book 3 is out in the world – and it might just be his best yet.
It’s easy to see why I’m still addicted to R.R. Virdi’s Grave Report series: every single one is better than the last, full of wit and humor and so much ingenuity your head will spin. The premise itself – a soul without a body who wakes up in the body of recently murdered victims and tries to solve their paranormal death – is so fantastic it could hit television any day and I would watch it obsessively.
This time, Vincent Graves is back in New York, and free to roam the city. Which means he’s sure to run into some old allies, as well as make some new ones. It was so great to see Ortiz again! I love her character, she’s so no-nonsense and badass. But I’m head over heels for the new kid – Kelly is ADORABLE. And genius! While Ortiz intimidates me, I wish I could be BFFs with Kelly. She’s savy and smart and altogether fun.
And the villain… oh boy, you’ll never see it coming! Per usual, Virdi makes it seem like you know where the story is heading, then throws you a sudden twist that makes you question everything. Peppered with awesome fight scenes, and with new dealings with the fae, this book is everything you want in Urban Fantasy, and more.
It’s easy to see why I’m still addicted to R.R. Virdi’s Grave Report series: every single one is better than the last, full of wit and humor and so much ingenuity your head will spin. The premise itself – a soul without a body who wakes up in the body of recently murdered victims and tries to solve their paranormal death – is so fantastic it could hit television any day and I would watch it obsessively.
This time, Vincent Graves is back in New York, and free to roam the city. Which means he’s sure to run into some old allies, as well as make some new ones. It was so great to see Ortiz again! I love her character, she’s so no-nonsense and badass. But I’m head over heels for the new kid – Kelly is ADORABLE. And genius! While Ortiz intimidates me, I wish I could be BFFs with Kelly. She’s savy and smart and altogether fun.
And the villain… oh boy, you’ll never see it coming! Per usual, Virdi makes it seem like you know where the story is heading, then throws you a sudden twist that makes you question everything. Peppered with awesome fight scenes, and with new dealings with the fae, this book is everything you want in Urban Fantasy, and more.
November 19, 2017
One of the best urban fantasies I have read. There were parts where I was moved to tears. Other parts where I laughed myself out of my chair. It was a crazy emotional ride with lots of twists and turns. Not only is Graves dealing with a monster who's killing humans in some twisted ways, but an old frenemy returns to complicate everything. Poor Vincent can't catch a break. New creatures get introduced and the world of Vincent graves gets even bigger, and more complicated... fast.
Anyone who likes fast paced paranormal investigator stories will like this series, and this one was the strongest installment yet.
Anyone who likes fast paced paranormal investigator stories will like this series, and this one was the strongest installment yet.
March 11, 2019
Graves needs a hug and a proper nap. People go insane without sleep you know? Even people inhabiting bodies not their own. In this bk3 we get tantalizing glimpses of the deeper threads of crisis.
February 6, 2021
Another Masterly Weaved Tale
R. R. Virdi is an amazing storyteller. Mixing the paranormal and the real world without creating more questions than you answer is a skill that not all authors possess. If you haven't yet dipped your toe into the mesmerizing world of Virdi's Vincent Graves, go pick up Grave Beginnings and I'm sure we'll meet back up here.
R. R. Virdi is an amazing storyteller. Mixing the paranormal and the real world without creating more questions than you answer is a skill that not all authors possess. If you haven't yet dipped your toe into the mesmerizing world of Virdi's Vincent Graves, go pick up Grave Beginnings and I'm sure we'll meet back up here.
August 23, 2021
I'm not sure how to say this, but The Grave Report #3 increases my feeling that R.R. Virdi has drawn heavily from the Dresdenverse for both his story and his characters. It feels like really good fanfic set in an alternate universe where Harry never returned to his body at the end of Cold Days. I still liked it and will probably still read the next one in the series when it comes out, but it just feels...weird. I don't know how to explain it. Curious to hear if others feel the same way.
January 2, 2018
R.R. Virdi is back at it again with a new book in his series, The Grave Report. Filled to the brim with action, snarky humor, and coupled with philosophical tidbits, it will have readers turning the pages until the very end.
Vincent is in over his head. Again. However, that seems to be the natural state of things when Vincent is involved. In each novel, he wakes up in a new body. This particular body had been drowned, and was still in the water. Pulling on past memories, Vincent manages to get himself out of that predicament only to attract some unwanted attention. And that was all before his case even officially started.
While scrambling for clues into what killed the man whose body he is inhabiting, he gets pulled into the Neravene because of a deal he made during a previous case. As if he didn't have enough to deal with, he now has to watch his step, and his mouth, while navigating a paranormal ball.
Mr. Virdi ramped up his story writing skills in his newest book. Every time he releases a new one, it's better than his last. Considering he has a few award nominations and awards under his belt, that's saying something. He is definitely an author who believes in pushing his skills every chance he gets and learns from the previous book. While his skills continue to grow, the style remains consistent.
Mr. Virdi loves his fight scenes, and poor Vincent definitely takes a beating in this book. However, even Vincent acknowledges he's pretty much a paranormal punching bag.
I'm attempting to tiptoe all around this book. I don't want to give anything away. The monster in this book is amazing. The detour to the ball might not seem like something that should happen, yet you can tell it feeds into the overall story arc as well. It flows within the narrative and doesn't feel the least out of place. I don't even want to slip up and tell you any other characters outside of Vincent and Church. In my opinion, a lot of the fun is wondering who, from the previous books, is going to make another appearance.
Speaking of Church... How does he know to give Vincent enough time to deal with the Neravene? That's a question that plagued me during this book. I'm guessing Church knows a heck of a lot more than is ever going to be given the reader. But who knows? Maybe some of the questions surrounding Church will be answered eventually. Like... Who is he working for anyway? Oh, the enigmatic Church.
All I know is I will continue reading every book of this series that releases. No matter how long the books become, they're always an exciting adventure.
Vincent is in over his head. Again. However, that seems to be the natural state of things when Vincent is involved. In each novel, he wakes up in a new body. This particular body had been drowned, and was still in the water. Pulling on past memories, Vincent manages to get himself out of that predicament only to attract some unwanted attention. And that was all before his case even officially started.
While scrambling for clues into what killed the man whose body he is inhabiting, he gets pulled into the Neravene because of a deal he made during a previous case. As if he didn't have enough to deal with, he now has to watch his step, and his mouth, while navigating a paranormal ball.
Mr. Virdi ramped up his story writing skills in his newest book. Every time he releases a new one, it's better than his last. Considering he has a few award nominations and awards under his belt, that's saying something. He is definitely an author who believes in pushing his skills every chance he gets and learns from the previous book. While his skills continue to grow, the style remains consistent.
Mr. Virdi loves his fight scenes, and poor Vincent definitely takes a beating in this book. However, even Vincent acknowledges he's pretty much a paranormal punching bag.
I'm attempting to tiptoe all around this book. I don't want to give anything away. The monster in this book is amazing. The detour to the ball might not seem like something that should happen, yet you can tell it feeds into the overall story arc as well. It flows within the narrative and doesn't feel the least out of place. I don't even want to slip up and tell you any other characters outside of Vincent and Church. In my opinion, a lot of the fun is wondering who, from the previous books, is going to make another appearance.
Speaking of Church... How does he know to give Vincent enough time to deal with the Neravene? That's a question that plagued me during this book. I'm guessing Church knows a heck of a lot more than is ever going to be given the reader. But who knows? Maybe some of the questions surrounding Church will be answered eventually. Like... Who is he working for anyway? Oh, the enigmatic Church.
All I know is I will continue reading every book of this series that releases. No matter how long the books become, they're always an exciting adventure.
April 7, 2018
The third instalment in the Grave Report series is an excellent one. We get treated to a great a deal of follow-up on the events of the past two books but also in a sense to everything Vincent Graves has been doing since before the series began. The author once again brings in a less-used monster as its' antagonist for the book. He doesn't stop there though as events prior to this book as mentioned get followed up on, leading to a secondary conflict that is part of the greater Graves Report story but also ties into the main plot of this specific book.
Church and Ortiz are both back as allies of Graves and we get another appearance by the troublesome Kitsune, Lyshae and the information broker Gnosis - both of whom Graves continues to be in debt to. There are also it seems a great deal more minor characters this time but that has largely to due with the nature of the case this book. It also gives us a chance to see that for all his claims otherwise, Graves can be a pretty decent sociable person.
With Ortiz having had 3 books now in which to get used to the insanity that Graves deals with, and because it doesn't hurt for Graves have to another ally, a new character was introduced who can provide an outsiders view and in a manner different form what Oritiz provides. Given what she adds to the dynamics, Kelly is a pretty neat new addition to the cast.
There is a passing reference to events in Virdi's other series The Books Of Winter (which takes place in the same universe as the Graves Report series) which helps to show a bit more of the connection between the two.
Finally, there is what looks to be a significant change for how Graves will operate going forward if the outcome of this instalment is any indication and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Church and Ortiz are both back as allies of Graves and we get another appearance by the troublesome Kitsune, Lyshae and the information broker Gnosis - both of whom Graves continues to be in debt to. There are also it seems a great deal more minor characters this time but that has largely to due with the nature of the case this book. It also gives us a chance to see that for all his claims otherwise, Graves can be a pretty decent sociable person.
With Ortiz having had 3 books now in which to get used to the insanity that Graves deals with, and because it doesn't hurt for Graves have to another ally, a new character was introduced who can provide an outsiders view and in a manner different form what Oritiz provides. Given what she adds to the dynamics, Kelly is a pretty neat new addition to the cast.
There is a passing reference to events in Virdi's other series The Books Of Winter (which takes place in the same universe as the Graves Report series) which helps to show a bit more of the connection between the two.
Finally, there is what looks to be a significant change for how Graves will operate going forward if the outcome of this instalment is any indication and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
October 24, 2018
Wow! R.R. Virdi never disappoints with this series!
I love this series with Vincent Graves! You never know who he is going to be and what paranormal monster is a part of his case. The beginning mystery sets the tone for the best parts to come. Then the end with Church and their little conversations, I usually learn something from them.
Lyshae opened up a whole new can of warms with taking Vincent, Ortiz and Kelly to a Queens Ball. Kelly? She is a technical geek with research and blogs. Any way, they went into the Neravene to go to this high end fancy ball. As they are standing there in a field changing into ball gowns and tuxedo there is something approaching. Meet the Bakeneko, cat like people who think they own the land, but Lyshae has other ideas.
So after their little scrap with the Bakeneko, they head to the castle for the ball. All the guests are paranormal creatures, oh crap! So the Queen makes an announcement that Lyshae is the new owner of the fields from earlier and now Lyshae has to offer the Queen a gift. You will never guess what this gift is and it makes for another book in this series. I can’t wait!
Vincent was after a paranormal creature that can shift into a human. What they do is trade favors for souls and are hard to kill. He, or they, with Ortiz and Kelly helping, had to rid or kill this creature some how. You had a lot of action with the fights, you had a touch of romance with a women in love with the body Vincent is in, you had tons of mystery and in parts I laughed out loud. All of this put together make for a very exciting book and makes for more books to come, Yay!
I love this series with Vincent Graves! You never know who he is going to be and what paranormal monster is a part of his case. The beginning mystery sets the tone for the best parts to come. Then the end with Church and their little conversations, I usually learn something from them.
Lyshae opened up a whole new can of warms with taking Vincent, Ortiz and Kelly to a Queens Ball. Kelly? She is a technical geek with research and blogs. Any way, they went into the Neravene to go to this high end fancy ball. As they are standing there in a field changing into ball gowns and tuxedo there is something approaching. Meet the Bakeneko, cat like people who think they own the land, but Lyshae has other ideas.
So after their little scrap with the Bakeneko, they head to the castle for the ball. All the guests are paranormal creatures, oh crap! So the Queen makes an announcement that Lyshae is the new owner of the fields from earlier and now Lyshae has to offer the Queen a gift. You will never guess what this gift is and it makes for another book in this series. I can’t wait!
Vincent was after a paranormal creature that can shift into a human. What they do is trade favors for souls and are hard to kill. He, or they, with Ortiz and Kelly helping, had to rid or kill this creature some how. You had a lot of action with the fights, you had a touch of romance with a women in love with the body Vincent is in, you had tons of mystery and in parts I laughed out loud. All of this put together make for a very exciting book and makes for more books to come, Yay!
December 16, 2017
R.R. Virdi is back with the latest installment of The Grave Report, turning this series officially into a trilogy! Now to write a review with no spoilers...
I don't even know where to begin with reviewing this book. Vincent Graves is back (and rather wet) to solve the case of Daniel Kim. But before he can really even start, he's already getting his butt kicked for reasons he doesn't even know. To top if off, when he finally gets to Church and gets his time, Church being his all mysterious self basically tells Graves that he will need every moment.
And boy does he.
Like the first two books, Virdi weaves together an amazing supernatural world that's running around hidden in the streets of New York City. Every book, we get the chance to delve further into the delicate balance of the supernatural world, and this one is the greatest look yet. It's a page turner that leaves you wondering what is coming next, especially as we break into the world of favors and souls. The rules aren't quite what Graves had thought, and with his clock ticking he starts to realise there is a very real possibility of not finishing a case....
Our favorite veteran characters join him, along with some great new people that I foresee sticking around in later books. I hope. if you have read the first two, you need to continue the series. If you haven't read any of them yet...I have no idea what is wrong with you. This is a MUST HAVE urban fantasy series.
I don't even know where to begin with reviewing this book. Vincent Graves is back (and rather wet) to solve the case of Daniel Kim. But before he can really even start, he's already getting his butt kicked for reasons he doesn't even know. To top if off, when he finally gets to Church and gets his time, Church being his all mysterious self basically tells Graves that he will need every moment.
And boy does he.
Like the first two books, Virdi weaves together an amazing supernatural world that's running around hidden in the streets of New York City. Every book, we get the chance to delve further into the delicate balance of the supernatural world, and this one is the greatest look yet. It's a page turner that leaves you wondering what is coming next, especially as we break into the world of favors and souls. The rules aren't quite what Graves had thought, and with his clock ticking he starts to realise there is a very real possibility of not finishing a case....
Our favorite veteran characters join him, along with some great new people that I foresee sticking around in later books. I hope. if you have read the first two, you need to continue the series. If you haven't read any of them yet...I have no idea what is wrong with you. This is a MUST HAVE urban fantasy series.
March 31, 2018
kindle unlimited but after reading first one {either free or ku} stopped and bought the 3 {4th one supposed to be due sometime}, couple of areas either unusual wording or else maybe not English speaker, and some no idea what they meant, and does drag here and there but overall liked, just always seems somewhat like quantum leap stories but not quite as well put together, more a 4 1/2 or something.
Don't make deals with the paranormal. They're better at it than you, and they never play fair.
Paranormal investigator and soul without a body, Vincent Graves, did just that—a deal made in desperation. Now it's coming back to bite him in the middle of a case. He has 57 hours to investigate a string of deaths involving people who've made some devilish bargains. Too bad devils don't deal in good faith. It'd be easy enough, if he didn't have to deal with things such as:
-Being hunted through the streets of Queens by a dark elf with a motorcycle fetish.
-Ending up the target of a supernatural hit.
-An old acquaintance dragging him to a paranormal ball where he could end up on the menu.
-And having one of his closest guarded secrets brought to light...
Not great for a tight clock, because if he doesn't get to the bottom of this case in time, Vincent and company might just lose their souls.
Dirty deals are never done dirt cheap. And the supernatural always collect—big!
Grave Beginnings
Grave Measures
Grave Dealings
Book Four TBA
Don't make deals with the paranormal. They're better at it than you, and they never play fair.
Paranormal investigator and soul without a body, Vincent Graves, did just that—a deal made in desperation. Now it's coming back to bite him in the middle of a case. He has 57 hours to investigate a string of deaths involving people who've made some devilish bargains. Too bad devils don't deal in good faith. It'd be easy enough, if he didn't have to deal with things such as:
-Being hunted through the streets of Queens by a dark elf with a motorcycle fetish.
-Ending up the target of a supernatural hit.
-An old acquaintance dragging him to a paranormal ball where he could end up on the menu.
-And having one of his closest guarded secrets brought to light...
Not great for a tight clock, because if he doesn't get to the bottom of this case in time, Vincent and company might just lose their souls.
Dirty deals are never done dirt cheap. And the supernatural always collect—big!
Grave Beginnings
Grave Measures
Grave Dealings
Book Four TBA
August 3, 2024
This is a series I am really enjoying. The concept is really cool, a cross between Quantum Leap and Supernatural. Vincent Graves wakes up in a recently deceased body, generally needs to save himself from whatever killed said body, then figure out who killed him. Inevitably, there are some kind of supernatural monsters running around. Guided by his enigmatic handler Church and his own journals, which Church gives him back at the start of each case, Vincent has a deadline to solve the murder, indicated by a tattoo on his forearm that counts down the hours remaining.
After waking up underwater, with plenty of evidence it wasn't an accidental drowning, Vincent has to untangle the complicated relationships his new "host" has with other tenants in his building, and even Ortiz, the one person Vincent seems to keep bumping into from case to case and body to body. This time Ortiz brings more than just firepower and a kickass attitude as she introduces Vincent to Kelly, a talented computer hacker with a unique take on what she thinks Vincent is.
Things get really complicated as the investigation continues, and our hero has to avoid his own temptations as the mystery of what he really is gets dangled in front of him several times.
A very enjoyable read from a highly talented author.
After waking up underwater, with plenty of evidence it wasn't an accidental drowning, Vincent has to untangle the complicated relationships his new "host" has with other tenants in his building, and even Ortiz, the one person Vincent seems to keep bumping into from case to case and body to body. This time Ortiz brings more than just firepower and a kickass attitude as she introduces Vincent to Kelly, a talented computer hacker with a unique take on what she thinks Vincent is.
Things get really complicated as the investigation continues, and our hero has to avoid his own temptations as the mystery of what he really is gets dangled in front of him several times.
A very enjoyable read from a highly talented author.
October 22, 2023
I am reviewing the series as a whole and give it 4 stars. It is certainly better than most stuff out there. I may reread it someday, but I'm not entirely sure.
My biggest gripe is just that what started as a brilliant concept became a bit too formulaic by book 3. The structures of all 3 books in the series are extremely similar. I thought the villains were weaker than they could have been, just in terms of personality and characteristics.
I got tired of one particular character, Ortiz. We get it, Vincent and Ortiz have a love hate relationship and are both smartasses who like to troll each other. It is good for revealing how much they really care for one another, and how unique their relationship is, but the trolling just got a little too extreme. They couldn't have a single normal conversation without someone making a wise crack.
Having said that, the concepts behind the books are very interesting. Church is the best character by far, even though we see precious little of him. Each book has twist endings that genuinely surprised me. I really like that in a book. I would definitely recommend a read for most urban fantasy fans out there. I'm a bit unclear on whether or not this truly is the last book of the series however...
My biggest gripe is just that what started as a brilliant concept became a bit too formulaic by book 3. The structures of all 3 books in the series are extremely similar. I thought the villains were weaker than they could have been, just in terms of personality and characteristics.
I got tired of one particular character, Ortiz. We get it, Vincent and Ortiz have a love hate relationship and are both smartasses who like to troll each other. It is good for revealing how much they really care for one another, and how unique their relationship is, but the trolling just got a little too extreme. They couldn't have a single normal conversation without someone making a wise crack.
Having said that, the concepts behind the books are very interesting. Church is the best character by far, even though we see precious little of him. Each book has twist endings that genuinely surprised me. I really like that in a book. I would definitely recommend a read for most urban fantasy fans out there. I'm a bit unclear on whether or not this truly is the last book of the series however...
November 24, 2017
OH MY STARS. I cannot get over how incredibly amazing this book was! Usually, in a series, an author might tend to fall into a rhythm by book 3, and you’ll start being able to predict what “stage” of the story comes next.
Not here. GRAVE BEGINNINGS and GRAVE MEASURES were equal parts hilarious and nerdy and fun and fast-paced action.
GRAVE DEALINGS will mess you up if you get too deep.
Where the other books were intent on building up the lore and getting us acquainted with Vince’s world and the pre-established way of things, GRAVE DEALINGS gives the most sense of a “long game”, and readers are treated to the deep-down nitty-gritty of all the characters. It’s a lot more deep-thinking and introspection than light-hearted sarcasm, the peril is more dire, Vince’s latest “victim-host” has a lot more at stake.
Nothing, absolutely nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to reading this book. If you’ve made it this far, you best buckle in because it’s shaping up to be a long ride that will compel you to take notice and start taking everybody’s favorite “wandering soul” a LOT more seriously!
Not here. GRAVE BEGINNINGS and GRAVE MEASURES were equal parts hilarious and nerdy and fun and fast-paced action.
GRAVE DEALINGS will mess you up if you get too deep.
Where the other books were intent on building up the lore and getting us acquainted with Vince’s world and the pre-established way of things, GRAVE DEALINGS gives the most sense of a “long game”, and readers are treated to the deep-down nitty-gritty of all the characters. It’s a lot more deep-thinking and introspection than light-hearted sarcasm, the peril is more dire, Vince’s latest “victim-host” has a lot more at stake.
Nothing, absolutely nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to reading this book. If you’ve made it this far, you best buckle in because it’s shaping up to be a long ride that will compel you to take notice and start taking everybody’s favorite “wandering soul” a LOT more seriously!
July 4, 2018
This is a series review so far of The Grave Report. If I could, I'd give it 11/10. It's superb, and one of the best written works out there in the urban fantasy genre and can stand by Simon R. Green's Nightside books and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. It's unique, unlike the other two except in genre, and that's why it belongs up there as well as the masterful writing.
Vincent Graves is endearing, clever, witty, tough, sympathetic, and an a-hole when has to be. Hilarious at the right...and wrong moments. The premise is clever blending a bodiless soul and borrowed bodies, making this like Quantum Leap, MacGuyver, Dresden, and Sherlock Holmes.
If you're on the fence, get off it and read the series.
I'm reading the spin-off series, The Books of Winter, now. :)
Vincent Graves is endearing, clever, witty, tough, sympathetic, and an a-hole when has to be. Hilarious at the right...and wrong moments. The premise is clever blending a bodiless soul and borrowed bodies, making this like Quantum Leap, MacGuyver, Dresden, and Sherlock Holmes.
If you're on the fence, get off it and read the series.
I'm reading the spin-off series, The Books of Winter, now. :)
March 25, 2019
A quick look into a deeper world
With book 3 of this series, I find myself curious ever the more as to just who and what Vincent Graves is. Sure he's a soul for hire by the "good guys", but the events as to how he got this way is piquing my interest! I can't wait to learn more about both Graves, as well as the urban paranormal world he operates in!
That was my favorite part about the third installment of the Grave Report series; that I'm seeing just ever the slightest change in the characters surrounding Vincent's uncharmed "afterlife". I got to see Gnosis crack, and confess to not knowing something, and Church the Mentor become standoffish for the very first time!
I'll continue to look forward to my next time with my favorite displaced detective.
Thank you R.R. Virdi!
With book 3 of this series, I find myself curious ever the more as to just who and what Vincent Graves is. Sure he's a soul for hire by the "good guys", but the events as to how he got this way is piquing my interest! I can't wait to learn more about both Graves, as well as the urban paranormal world he operates in!
That was my favorite part about the third installment of the Grave Report series; that I'm seeing just ever the slightest change in the characters surrounding Vincent's uncharmed "afterlife". I got to see Gnosis crack, and confess to not knowing something, and Church the Mentor become standoffish for the very first time!
I'll continue to look forward to my next time with my favorite displaced detective.
Thank you R.R. Virdi!
January 28, 2023
So, this is an epic book - both in the audio time (over 10 hours?) and in the story. It tied up few loose ends and left a bunch of new ones. Love the narrator, he's very good at the voices of the different characters - particularly Vincent and of course - the monsters! I find that I laugh out loud at least once per chapter. If I had a complaint, just a small one - it would be that on occasion he gets pretty verbose on the fights/beatings... but hey, it's part of the story.
I see that this one was published in 2017 and it's now 2023. I'm hoping that there will be a #4, because this really is a rocking, rollicking, really fun paranormal series.
I see that this one was published in 2017 and it's now 2023. I'm hoping that there will be a #4, because this really is a rocking, rollicking, really fun paranormal series.
July 5, 2023
Again, I listened to the audio, but not on a CD. Maybe, one day, Goodreads will trust us to be grownups again and add new editions. Since they haven't yet, I am writing this review here. I again had the problem of not knowing if the main character went from one adventure to the next directly, or if there were others in between. Also, "smiling wolfishly" or having a "wolfish smile" occurred so frequently it became a bit of a distraction. Still a lot of action. One of the aspects of these books I like the best is I seemingly get to the main climax of the book only to find out the BIG climax is still coming. Seeing how he would continue to heighten the stakes made all the wolfishness bearable.
December 3, 2017
Wow--just wow!
Virdi has done it again! This third book in the series is even better than the first two. Vincent Graves is still snarky and tells bad jokes, but he is getting better at sharing with others. Sharing his world is a bit dangerous, but pays off because it sure isn't boring or ordinary. After all, it isn't everyday you get to go to a party with creatures that want to consume your soul. Read this book and, while you do, think very carefully about what choices you make and what those choices could cost.
Virdi has done it again! This third book in the series is even better than the first two. Vincent Graves is still snarky and tells bad jokes, but he is getting better at sharing with others. Sharing his world is a bit dangerous, but pays off because it sure isn't boring or ordinary. After all, it isn't everyday you get to go to a party with creatures that want to consume your soul. Read this book and, while you do, think very carefully about what choices you make and what those choices could cost.
February 6, 2018
Its a fun read but i am sad to see that it still shows greenhorn mistakes. Starting with simple errors in the sentence structure or doubling sentences because of rewriting. Over cutting some lengths and checking up on plausibility over to helping with weak spots in the storyline. i really dont understand why it needed 2 endbosses with the same fight. the second time around it added nothing to the story but lenght. It needs a more and stricter editing. ist still enjoyable enough but i hope there is some growing in the next book.
June 9, 2018
This is a review of the series so far. It's freaking awesome. It's a cool blend of mystery/noir/urban-fantasy/thriller. The pacing is great, fast openings to a hard-hitting concrete investigator series following or dredging up clues, avoiding or confronting the paranormal, sometimes when Vincent doesn't want to. But he does it. It really has a The Dresden Files vibe without being a carbon copy. I think that's why I really like it. It's familiar, but different. It has the heart and feelings, but it's new.
One of my new favorite series. 5/5
One of my new favorite series. 5/5
February 27, 2021
I've read the first three books now and WOW. By the third book virdi has a huge jump in skill and it feels like reading Jim Butcher writing a different series/style, but the strength of voice and skill is there. I'm almost itching for them both to co-write an urban fantasy together.
Book three opens up and expands Vincent's and Virdi's world even larger to show us what's going on. Higher stakes, more characters, and the way ahead has more roads now for us to go down. Very interested to see where he takes us and book four.
Book three opens up and expands Vincent's and Virdi's world even larger to show us what's going on. Higher stakes, more characters, and the way ahead has more roads now for us to go down. Very interested to see where he takes us and book four.
December 31, 2017
The author is extremely improving in craft, storytelling, and the worldbuilding in this series. This seems like what the first two novels were really building up to. A huge fairy tale modern investigator monster story. A magical and dangerous ball filled with all sorts of mythology creatures, gods, and other things. A great retelling of a famous myth/story. Detective work. Good action. Personal drama and growth. Brilliant.
February 7, 2018
Loved the writing. Virdi has really grown between books. A more complex story, more twists and turns and I didn't see the finale coming. There were some heart wrenching moments over the previous two books, but this one takes it. A lot of pain, guilt, and triumph all together. It's well-written and is only growing better as a series. I can't wait to find out the implications behind the monster of this novel and what it was doing and how it plays into the overall series plot.
February 8, 2018
Loved it. Virdi has really grown and book three shows masterful plot twists and turns, making the tension higher than ever before and finally answering some questions I've had about certain characters/moments I've been dying for. This book is noticeably larger than the last two. It's worth it in the new size. Lots of things are building up and promise more problems...and fun for the future. Best book in the series.
January 3, 2024
(3.45 Stars)
I think this was my least favorite book of the three... with that being said, I still enjoyed it a lot.
Expertly narrated by Travis Baldree and very well paced. The book ended like there will be a fourth in the series, but also did not leave many loose ends.
If you like Richard Kadrey or Stephen Blackmoore you should like this series. Personally I think it is better than Eric Carter, but not as good as Sandman Slim.
I think this was my least favorite book of the three... with that being said, I still enjoyed it a lot.
Expertly narrated by Travis Baldree and very well paced. The book ended like there will be a fourth in the series, but also did not leave many loose ends.
If you like Richard Kadrey or Stephen Blackmoore you should like this series. Personally I think it is better than Eric Carter, but not as good as Sandman Slim.
March 15, 2018
Another stunning R.R. Virdi book
I love reading the grave reports, this is one of my favorite series. I love that as a reader I can start to put the pieces together on my own, but it takes new discoveries that Vincent makes to get the whole picture. Each book adds layers of complexity both to the mystery at hand and over arching story and I eagerly await book 4
I love reading the grave reports, this is one of my favorite series. I love that as a reader I can start to put the pieces together on my own, but it takes new discoveries that Vincent makes to get the whole picture. Each book adds layers of complexity both to the mystery at hand and over arching story and I eagerly await book 4
December 12, 2018
It's not only Graves and Ortiz, you meet Kelly in this one.
Unfortunately, Graves comes back as a friend and possible lover of Ortiz 's. During the time Graves has been gone, Ortiz met a hacker named Kelly who is part of the people watching him fight for justice. We also meet monsters called Fausts. They are really, really bad monsters.
Read and enjoy.
Unfortunately, Graves comes back as a friend and possible lover of Ortiz 's. During the time Graves has been gone, Ortiz met a hacker named Kelly who is part of the people watching him fight for justice. We also meet monsters called Fausts. They are really, really bad monsters.
Read and enjoy.
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