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Raking up the Dead #1
The Groundskeeper: Raking Up the Dead
The ghouls, wraiths, and ghosties had not been part of the job description. Or maybe they had, just not in so many words. The neatly printed sign next to the ornate gates had simply read “Cemetery groundskeeper and caretaker needed. Inquire within."
Now Chloe's trying to calm an irascible ghoul, help a lost ghost find his way back to his grave, and get the mowing done before she needs to break out the bush hog instead... Who knew being a groundskeeper meant trying to keep things in the ground?
Now Chloe's trying to calm an irascible ghoul, help a lost ghost find his way back to his grave, and get the mowing done before she needs to break out the bush hog instead... Who knew being a groundskeeper meant trying to keep things in the ground?
57 pages, ebook
Published October 23, 2020
44 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Cedar Sanderson
130 books62 followersAuthor, illustrator, perennially inquisitive. Urban fantasy with pixies, cozy supernatural sleuthing, & sci-fi twists. Books & art at http://cedarwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 11, 2025
I first came across Cedar Sanderson through her illustrations, which have graced a number of anthologies that I have read, particularly from Raconteur Press. While reading these anthologies, I discovered that she also wrote enjoyable stories.
I thought I'd check out Raking Up the Dead, a short story, in the urban fantasy realm. it is lighthearted, and fun. The main character is a teenaged lavender goth, that chose not to go to college, but found a job as a caretaker to a cemetery. She soon discovers that caretaking involves more than mowing the lawn. Nice start to a series which develops slowly. The book reads like a loving tribute to the main character.
I thought I'd check out Raking Up the Dead, a short story, in the urban fantasy realm. it is lighthearted, and fun. The main character is a teenaged lavender goth, that chose not to go to college, but found a job as a caretaker to a cemetery. She soon discovers that caretaking involves more than mowing the lawn. Nice start to a series which develops slowly. The book reads like a loving tribute to the main character.
November 4, 2023
I first encountered the works of Cedar in Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories, and after reading her piece there knew I had to track down and read something else from her pen. And this one came out just as I was looking to pick something of hers up to read. I was intrigued by this story from when I first heard it mentioned. Sanderson states:
“This book is dedicated to the Junior Mad Scientist, my pastel goth. May you find your happy place, dear heart.”
Written and dedicated to her own daughter the story is spun off from a chance real life event. The story is well written. It was a humorous read with a very dark twist. The story really grabs your attention and keeps you hooked. The book was released a week before Halloween, and it is a great story for that time of year. It is a quick read and leaves you desperate for more.
The story follows Chloe as she is working at the Belleview Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. The job description was for a caretaker and to inquire within. Chloe was up for the job but soon found out that the description was a little nebulous and her responsibilities are constantly growing. She is determined to get the grounds in order. To clear the overgrowth, trim the verge, and clear the paths. What she had not expected was to be providing care for the residents. And her life has become a balancing act between the physical upkeep and the supernatural needs. And some of the residents are very needy.
The story starts when Benny the resident ghoul comes looking for some help. He cannot sleep because of the residents is crying all the time. And thus, begins our adventure.
“The ghouls, wraiths, and ghosties had not been part of the job description. Or maybe they had, just not in so many words. The neatly printed sign next to the ornate gates had simply read: “Cemetery groundskeeper and caretaker needed. Inquire within.””
But back to Benny, he needs Chloe to help a lost crying green ghost. So he can rest a little more peacefully. And soon she is playing a Gothic Nancy Drew to help find out where the lost ghost belongs. After a trip to the library, a lesson on microfiche, an encounter with a ghost at the library and the resident animals there. Chloe seeks help from her boss Mr. Cruor. And his assistance proves more valuable than she could ever have imagined. But to find out how, you will need to read this excellent little novella.
This story is well written. Great characters both alive and dead ones. Fun and het with a serious edge. I really hope it is the beginning of a series because I want to know what else happens to Chloe and the residents we have encountered and those we have yet to meet at Belleview Cemetery. It is a place I hope we can return to in other stories again and again.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and contributed to by Cedar Sanderson.
“This book is dedicated to the Junior Mad Scientist, my pastel goth. May you find your happy place, dear heart.”
Written and dedicated to her own daughter the story is spun off from a chance real life event. The story is well written. It was a humorous read with a very dark twist. The story really grabs your attention and keeps you hooked. The book was released a week before Halloween, and it is a great story for that time of year. It is a quick read and leaves you desperate for more.
The story follows Chloe as she is working at the Belleview Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. The job description was for a caretaker and to inquire within. Chloe was up for the job but soon found out that the description was a little nebulous and her responsibilities are constantly growing. She is determined to get the grounds in order. To clear the overgrowth, trim the verge, and clear the paths. What she had not expected was to be providing care for the residents. And her life has become a balancing act between the physical upkeep and the supernatural needs. And some of the residents are very needy.
The story starts when Benny the resident ghoul comes looking for some help. He cannot sleep because of the residents is crying all the time. And thus, begins our adventure.
“The ghouls, wraiths, and ghosties had not been part of the job description. Or maybe they had, just not in so many words. The neatly printed sign next to the ornate gates had simply read: “Cemetery groundskeeper and caretaker needed. Inquire within.””
But back to Benny, he needs Chloe to help a lost crying green ghost. So he can rest a little more peacefully. And soon she is playing a Gothic Nancy Drew to help find out where the lost ghost belongs. After a trip to the library, a lesson on microfiche, an encounter with a ghost at the library and the resident animals there. Chloe seeks help from her boss Mr. Cruor. And his assistance proves more valuable than she could ever have imagined. But to find out how, you will need to read this excellent little novella.
This story is well written. Great characters both alive and dead ones. Fun and het with a serious edge. I really hope it is the beginning of a series because I want to know what else happens to Chloe and the residents we have encountered and those we have yet to meet at Belleview Cemetery. It is a place I hope we can return to in other stories again and again.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and contributed to by Cedar Sanderson.
August 8, 2023
Those of you who know me also know that (among other things) I DON'T do horror. It's not because of any ethical principle; it's because I'm a crybaby who hides behind the couch when the scary part comes on the TV.
You would therefore predict there's no way I would read something about raking up the dead, right? If the author was anyone else than Cedar Sanderson, you'd be absolutely correct. However, in 9 years of reading her work, I've discovered that she reserves her truly nightmare tales for happy stories about children's balloons, and that sort of thing. Even if I didn't have THAT knowledge, just look at the cover (which is also her work). See the happy little golf-cart looking thing, bouncing across the purple landscape? Nobody writes scary stories with a golf-cart on the cover.
When Chloe applied for the job as caretaker at Belleview Cemetery, she anticipated quiet days cutting grass and trimming hedges. Because it had obviously been a LONG time since that form of care had been applied, she did expect to have some difficulty in the beginning. She imagined that difficulty would involve cutting brush and pruning trees; that happened not to be the case.
The word 'caretaker' can have SO MANY different meanings! Fortunately, Chloe is resilient; she is also gifted with a gift of humor. That allowed her to turn the first attempt by a formerly-living cemetery resident to scare her into the world's oldest knock-knock joke, which both ended any immediate threat, and set the stage for her interactions with all the other needy beings.
In addition to her resilience and sense of humor, Chloe is smart enough to know that blindly believing everything that non-humans tell her is likely to have a bad outcome.
That doesn't mean they can't be friends, though. They just do what they do, and Chloe just does what she does. But, who's taking care of the Caretaker Chole, while the caretaker's busy taking care? Man, oh gosh, oh gee; that's what's worrying me. (Actually, that's not true. I don't worry about anything. I just felt like a riff of the song "Caretaker's Daughter" was in order.)
Once again, I'm left with the impression that Cedar actually LIKES her characters, even those who might do socially unacceptable things. Whether that is her gift, or her gift to us, I could not say. However, for the moment, I'm embracing the power of 'and'.
You would therefore predict there's no way I would read something about raking up the dead, right? If the author was anyone else than Cedar Sanderson, you'd be absolutely correct. However, in 9 years of reading her work, I've discovered that she reserves her truly nightmare tales for happy stories about children's balloons, and that sort of thing. Even if I didn't have THAT knowledge, just look at the cover (which is also her work). See the happy little golf-cart looking thing, bouncing across the purple landscape? Nobody writes scary stories with a golf-cart on the cover.
When Chloe applied for the job as caretaker at Belleview Cemetery, she anticipated quiet days cutting grass and trimming hedges. Because it had obviously been a LONG time since that form of care had been applied, she did expect to have some difficulty in the beginning. She imagined that difficulty would involve cutting brush and pruning trees; that happened not to be the case.
The word 'caretaker' can have SO MANY different meanings! Fortunately, Chloe is resilient; she is also gifted with a gift of humor. That allowed her to turn the first attempt by a formerly-living cemetery resident to scare her into the world's oldest knock-knock joke, which both ended any immediate threat, and set the stage for her interactions with all the other needy beings.
In addition to her resilience and sense of humor, Chloe is smart enough to know that blindly believing everything that non-humans tell her is likely to have a bad outcome.
That doesn't mean they can't be friends, though. They just do what they do, and Chloe just does what she does. But, who's taking care of the Caretaker Chole, while the caretaker's busy taking care? Man, oh gosh, oh gee; that's what's worrying me. (Actually, that's not true. I don't worry about anything. I just felt like a riff of the song "Caretaker's Daughter" was in order.)
Once again, I'm left with the impression that Cedar actually LIKES her characters, even those who might do socially unacceptable things. Whether that is her gift, or her gift to us, I could not say. However, for the moment, I'm embracing the power of 'and'.
May 28, 2025
I think this falls under cozy horror. Hard to believe that exists, but here we are.
Chloe is the caretaker of a very old cemetery. When a weeping ghosts disturbs the peace of the resident ghoul, it's up to Chloe to solve the problem.
The story feels quiet and laid back, and explores Chloe's character, as well as the haunted cemetery. Something creepy happens, but you'll have to read to find out.
Chloe is the caretaker of a very old cemetery. When a weeping ghosts disturbs the peace of the resident ghoul, it's up to Chloe to solve the problem.
The story feels quiet and laid back, and explores Chloe's character, as well as the haunted cemetery. Something creepy happens, but you'll have to read to find out.
October 26, 2020
I inhaled it! This story was so much fun. I only wished there was more of it. I loved Chloe! And the whole idea of a cemetery caretaker actually taking care of the undead residents of the cemetery is brilliant. I hope the author writes more stories about this character.
January 3, 2021
Fun, and unexpected, short story
I was looking for a quick short story, and this fit the bill. It was interesting, with several unexpected twists that I didn't see coming. I enjoyed the concept and the storytelling.
I was looking for a quick short story, and this fit the bill. It was interesting, with several unexpected twists that I didn't see coming. I enjoyed the concept and the storytelling.
November 1, 2020
Perfect little novel
After finishing this cozy mystery set in a haunted (how not?) cemetery, the reader will be left with one thought: More, please! Right now!
After finishing this cozy mystery set in a haunted (how not?) cemetery, the reader will be left with one thought: More, please! Right now!
December 1, 2020
Short but fun.
In this case, taking care of the cemetery also means helping nonhuman inhabitants and unliving ones. This may include her boss who seems to be quite old.
In this case, taking care of the cemetery also means helping nonhuman inhabitants and unliving ones. This may include her boss who seems to be quite old.
December 5, 2020
A fun short story, a little bit of mystery and lots of strange creatures.
January 27, 2021
Fun Read
Nice short story with some unexpected twists. I wish it was a bit longer. Perhaps the author will write more with this character.
Nice short story with some unexpected twists. I wish it was a bit longer. Perhaps the author will write more with this character.
April 20, 2024
A fun little ghost story
Not your typical tale of the genre, but still a fun romp through the supernatural.
Not sure what else to say about it.
Not your typical tale of the genre, but still a fun romp through the supernatural.
Not sure what else to say about it.
April 21, 2024
Seems like a straightforward story at first, even though it's definitely an unusual one. The "twist" takes it from light-hearted fun to something a bit more meaningful.
April 22, 2024
Most enjoyable
I enjoyed how the author builder her characters, and gave a different look to them. This was a pleasant read.
I enjoyed how the author builder her characters, and gave a different look to them. This was a pleasant read.
June 21, 2024
Charming Gothic
Believable characters, sympathetic protagonist, a haunted graveyard, and cats. What’s not to like? My kind of short read. Novella? Looking forward to the next one.
Believable characters, sympathetic protagonist, a haunted graveyard, and cats. What’s not to like? My kind of short read. Novella? Looking forward to the next one.
February 17, 2025
An interesting novella. I wish it had been longer and expounded more.
March 28, 2025
Loved it. Very fun read with a little cozy spookiness and a very dark twist at the end.
March 22, 2024
How I read this: eBook
So the reason I wanted to read "The Groundskeeper: Raking Up The Dead" was because it was one of the books that was available on a December stuff your kindle day. The story is a very short story and I thought I'd sit down and read it before bed as it was only about 40 pages. I thought it'd be a nice little light hearted read and boy was I wrong. In all honesty, most of the book was boring and it genuinely felt like it was slogging on for more than 40 pages. I couldn't get into it and had to keep re-reading parts as I felt like I was missing something that just wasn't there. From what I've seen there are a bunch of people who loved this book but it just wasn't my cup of tea. The redeeming thing about this book however that made it go from a 2 star to a 3 star book for me was the twist at the end. I just wasn't expecting it and it really did take me by surprise. I don't think I'll be continuing the series but if you want a short book to read for bedtime and you're into ghost stories I'd probably recommend this for you.
My favourite character:
- Chloe: Chloe is our main character and genuinely seems to care about her job as well as the spooky ongoings that happen with it. As much as I didn't enjoy the book I did find her a good character.
My least favourite character:
- Bartholomew: Bartholomew was just far too whiny for my liking throughout the book. If I have to pick a least favourite character from this book it is definitely him.
(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)
So the reason I wanted to read "The Groundskeeper: Raking Up The Dead" was because it was one of the books that was available on a December stuff your kindle day. The story is a very short story and I thought I'd sit down and read it before bed as it was only about 40 pages. I thought it'd be a nice little light hearted read and boy was I wrong. In all honesty, most of the book was boring and it genuinely felt like it was slogging on for more than 40 pages. I couldn't get into it and had to keep re-reading parts as I felt like I was missing something that just wasn't there. From what I've seen there are a bunch of people who loved this book but it just wasn't my cup of tea. The redeeming thing about this book however that made it go from a 2 star to a 3 star book for me was the twist at the end. I just wasn't expecting it and it really did take me by surprise. I don't think I'll be continuing the series but if you want a short book to read for bedtime and you're into ghost stories I'd probably recommend this for you.
My favourite character:
- Chloe: Chloe is our main character and genuinely seems to care about her job as well as the spooky ongoings that happen with it. As much as I didn't enjoy the book I did find her a good character.
My least favourite character:
- Bartholomew: Bartholomew was just far too whiny for my liking throughout the book. If I have to pick a least favourite character from this book it is definitely him.
(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews