Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired discussion

The Visitor (Graveyard Queen #4), by Amanda Stevens

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm the Graveyard Queen.

Restoring lost and abandoned cemeteries is my profession, but I'm starting to believe that my true calling is deciphering the riddles of the dead. Legend has it that Kroll Cemetery is a puzzle no one has ever been able to solve. For over half a century, the answer has remained hidden within the strange headstone inscriptions and intricate engravings. Because uncovering the mystery of that tiny, remote graveyard may come at a terrible price.

Years after their mass death, Ezra Kroll's disciples lie unquiet, their tormented souls trapped within the walls of Kroll Cemetery, waiting to be released by someone strong and clever enough to solve the puzzle. For whatever reason, I'm being summoned to that graveyard by both the living and the dead. Every lead I follow, every clue I unravel brings me closer to an unlikely killer and to a destiny that will threaten my sanity and a future with my love, John Devlin.

✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤ ✣ ✤

Please feel free to join us. As always expect spoilers .

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters		PPDQs*
April 1 	Chp.01 – 18		 Nichole
April 2 	Chp.19 – 32		 ShoSho 
April 3 	Chp.33 – 51		 Lisa Kay

*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions

Reserved.

I'm in. Saying that I'm off to pre order my audiobook!

I'm in! However, I'm listening to the book and may not be done as quickly as the rest of you.

Jonetta wrote: "I'm in! However, I'm listening to the book and may not be done as quickly as the rest of you."

Me too .

I think LK is in and she will be listening too.

I might join in. It depends on whether or not it fits into my SRC challenge.

Lauren wrote: "I might join in. It depends on whether or not it fits into my SRC challenge."

I hope it fits your challenge, it's been a long since we've done a buddy read together.

ShoSho wrote: "I hope it fits your challenge, it

Yes, it has ShoSho. I loved our buddy reads :0)

Yes, I'm definitely in. :o)

Of course, I'll have company then...

Yay!!! Hey, ladies! I LOVE this series and I've had this on Pre-Order since November! I'm definitely in!

Did you all get your books? I did but I haven't downloaded it yet.

Mine is here. I can start whenever.

I have about an hour left on my audiobook , I'll start this one in the afternoon if I get the time. Otherwise tomorrow morning which is my 1st of April :)

I'm hoping to get in touch with Apple Support first thing in the morning about the iBooks program on my iPad and iPhone. It's been crashing since the March 22nd update. There was another update today and it still hasn't fixed the problem. I can read this book on my computer, but only in small increments...that's a big time migraine trigger for me...don't know what the difference is. Maybe it's the distance to the screen or something? *shrugs*

I wish iBooks allowed access to the epub. They used to put the epub in your iTunes library, but not anymore. Needless to say, I can't shift my books into another app (like Overdrive) and read it there when there crappy app is on the fritz. BOO!

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "I'm hoping to get in touch with Apple Support first thing in the morning about the iBooks program on my iPad and iPhone. It's been crashing since the March 22nd update. There was another update tod..."

That sucks! I hope you can sort it out soon.

I wish I had reread the previous books, I don't remember much. Can someone sum up what happens in the last book?

It's been a long time for me, too. I remember that Devlin's wife's ghost came back with a vengeance and I think it left of with a cliffhanger? There was also more info about the ghost Amelia saw at the bottom of the lake in book 2. He's some guardian of the realms between the living and the dead...if I'm remembering correctly. I'm going to re-read the last 3 chapters this morning and refresh my memory, then start The Visitor later tonight. That will be close enough to the 1st for me! : )

I spent 2 hours on chat with Apple support and have ebooks up and running. FINALLY!!! That was just...crazy.

I can do that for you! I just re-read all 3 of them.

1. Darius was trying to trick Amelia into getting stuck in the ghost place so that Miriama could possess her body and come back so to speak.

2. Mariama was having an affair with Robert Fremont. He thought he was hanging around to find out his killer but he was actually just waiting for his daughter- Shaini. John doesn't know that Shaini isn't his or what Miriama did. He did know about her affair though.

3. Mariama didn't mean to die, She was just trying to kill Shaini. She wanted to run off to Africa with Robert but he didn't want her or Shaini. He didn't know that Shaini was his until they reunited in the ghostworld.

4. Umm, Ethan Shaw was a big time murderer. He was in love with Miriama too. Let's see, he killed his mother even though it was looking like his father might have. He killed Robert Fremont with John's gun and then Rhapsody hid it because she thought her father, Darius, killed him. He killed Tom Gerrity. He shot John and almost killed him. Amelia saw him in the ghost place while she was helping Shaini and Robert before she came back. He was still recovering when the book ended. And Amelia shot and killed Ethan.

5. Darius helped bring Devlin back from death- She asked him to help her and he said "There are always unintended consequences when you bring back the dead." If that isn't ominous!

Okay, I think those were the main things. Anything else you can think of?

Oh, and I think I'll be joining you!

Nichole wrote: "I can do that for you! I just re-read all 3 of them.

1. Darius was trying to trick Amelia into getting stuck in the ghost place so that Miriama could possess her body and come back so to speak.

2..."

This is fantastic. Thanks so much!
Who's Darius?

Nichole wrote: "Oh, and I think I'll be joining you!"

Great :)

Darius is Mariama's cousin. They were raised together and really close. He's also Rhapsody's dad. He just got back from Africa where he trained with a shaman and became a tagati.

Tagati- In South African English, a wizard, witch, or a spiteful person who operates in secret to harm others or who uses poisons and familiar spirits to carry out harmful deeds.

Sorry if I spelled names wrong! I listened to the audio...

Has anyone started yet? I'll be starting this afternoon.

Nichole wrote: "Has anyone started yet? I'll be starting this afternoon."

I did i listened to the first chapter but because i couldn't remember much i have to listen again.

Nichole wrote: "Darius is Mariama's cousin. They were raised together and really close. He's also Rhapsody's dad. He just got back from Africa where he trained with a shaman and became a tagati.

Tagati- In South ..."

Thanks

Nichole wrote: "I can do that for you! I just re-read all 3 of them.

1. Darius was trying to trick Amelia into getting stuck in the ghost place so that Miriama could possess her body and come back so to speak.

2..."

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Awesome recap, Nicole! It's amazing that I forgot so much, especially with it being such a good book, but it all comes back with a little nudge. : )

Now that I have some background info, I can start this afternoon, too!

I can do the first set up DQ's unless someone else was already planning to do them?

Nichole wrote: "I can do the first set up DQ's unless someone else was already planning to do them?"

No you go ahead Nichole. Thanks :)

Okay!

This is my first time so *shrugs*. I discovered that I'm not very good at writing actual discussion questions, lol. Feel free to add anything that I might have skipped!

Discussion Questions for Ch. 1-18

I put them under a spoiler because I wasn't sure if anyone has actually started yet.

(view spoiler)[
"What you are, I once was. What I am, you will someday become."

That was a nice and creepy start to the book! She came across her own ghost while she was on the Other side in the last book and her specter said those words to her then also.

1. But what does that mean exactly? That she will be a ghost that haunts the living? Or is it more than that?

2. She has no eyes. Is that significant? And how can her own ghost be haunting her if she's still alive?

"The key. It’s your only salvation. Find it!"

The Cellar~

Look who's back, it's her neighbor Macon and he just happens to be cleaning out the cellar. The cellar! Because that's not a creepy place to hang out. Then they find the old stereogram...

3. Macon didn't notice the woman in the window but she did. How would you react to seeing your own face in an old picture? I find it interesting that it was found in the cellar where she stays. Has this ghost always been directing her to this place?

"The odor was so fleeting and indistinct it might well have been a remnant of my dream. I wasn’t frightened. Not then. Not until I heard breathing. The rhythmic sawing was low and croaky. Human but not human."

4. What the hell was making that noise and the breathing? Right behind her bed!!!! Would you have been brave enough to investigate like Amelia does? Going so far as peeking through the keyhole? She is one very brave woman!

5. What do you think the significance of the Cicada shell is? Obviously, the ghost or being is trying to communicate with her but was that a warning or a clue?

The Intruder!

6. What do you think the intruder was looking for? Who do you think it was?

7. Amelia has met with Rupert Shaw and they've been discussing things. Did anyone else find it odd that they're still consulting each other after what happened with Ethan?

Another strange coincidence- Louvenia and Nelda show up and invite Amelia out to Kroll Cemetery not long after Amelia and Dr. Shaw were discussing them. At least she was able to learn a few things from Neddy.

8. Who do you think this Rose person is to Amelia? She was named after her. Will she ever get answers from her father?!?

9.What happened to the twin? Do you think she's still there attached to Neddy? Eew!

10. The nephew seems like a sinister character. Do you think he was the intruder?

The Key~

“Remember what I told you, child. Take nothing, leave nothing behind.”

11. Is this the key that she needs to find? Who do you think left it for her? Do you think there is any connection to this key and the one she took as a child?

Devlin~

I saved him for the last because he's there but not. He's acting very strange and I can feel the chasm between them.

12. John and Amelia-discuss. LOL! I don't really have any questions other than what is he hiding? And what's going on with his Grandpa? He's always been very hard for me to read. I believe they have a strong connection but they both have so many secrets between them that I don't feel it. I want to! But I just have a bad feeling, especially after the ominous words that Darius said before he brought him back. (hide spoiler)]

Yessss I just saw that my elibrary has the ebook!!! Now I can reread the parts that need a closer look!

Nichole wrote: "This is my first time so *shrugs*. I discovered that I'm not very good at writing actual discussion questions, lol. Feel free to add anything that I might have skipped!

Discussion Questions for Ch..."

They are great, Nichole.Thanks

Finished chapter 18, this is very creepy! Off to answer the Qs.

AHHH! I kinda like creepy. The Kingdom was that way and I had goosebumps for a week!

I have to get started! I'm really excited about this one, but I keep getting distracted with other stuff! Appointments, horses needing attention, the painter, the lawn guy, the dog's obsessive need to roll in fresh cut grass so I can brush her out...over and over...

Hopefully I'll get a few chapters knocked out tonight.

Answers to Nichole questions chapter1-18

(view spoiler)[

1. But what does that mean exactly? That she will be a ghost that haunts the living? Or is it more than that?
Before that photo with the woman in the windows I thought it was Amelia's ghost somehow back from the future. Now I'm not so sure. I think she's an ancestor now. Her grandmother maybe?

2. She has no eyes. Is that significant? And how can her own ghost be haunting her if she's still alive?
maybe it's symbolic, she doesn't know something or blind to some truth. I'm not sure


3. Macon didn't notice the woman in the window but she did. How would you react to seeing your own face in an old picture? I find it interesting that it was found in the cellar where she stays. Has this ghost always been directing her to this place?
I'd freak out! I don't think it had been there for long. It was placed there so she can find it.


4. What the hell was making that noise and the breathing? Right behind her bed!!!! Would you have been brave enough to investigate like Amelia does? Going so far as peeking through the keyhole? She is one very brave woman!
too creepy. No I'm not brave, if hear something at night when I'm alone. I'll go under the blanket hoping for daylight

5. What do you think the significance of the Cicada shell is? Obviously, the ghost or being is trying to communicate with her but was that a warning or a clue?

The thing she saw in the cemetery was making the same sound so it definitely has some significance. I'm think it was a clue.

6. What do you think the intruder was looking for? Who do you think it was?

At first I thought it was the shop keeper but now I'm pretty sure it was Micah but his eyes were familiar? I have no idea.

7. Amelia has met with Rupert Shaw and they've been discussing things. Did anyone else find it odd that they're still consulting each other after what happened with Ethan?
I was shocked at first. She killed her son after all. But maybe he doesn't know. Or doesn't care

Another strange coincidence- Louvenia and Nelda show up and invite Amelia out to Kroll Cemetery not long after Amelia and Dr. Shaw were discussing them. At least she was able to learn a few things from Neddy.

Nothing is a coincidence here

8. Who do you think this Rose person is to Amelia? She was named after her. Will she ever get answers from her father?!?
I'm thinking her father's mother. I hope she does, I'm curious.

9.What happened to the twin? Do you think she's still there attached to Neddy? Eew!
Not bodily but I think her spirit is still connected. Maybe she's hunting her sister

10. The nephew seems like a sinister character. Do you think he was the intruder?
Yep

The Key~

“Remember what I told you, child. Take nothing, leave nothing behind.”

11. Is this the key that she needs to find? Who do you think left it for her? Do you think there is any connection to this key and the one she took as a child?
It might have been the same key and powers from beyond have been trying so she can find the key. But I have no idea what it can open.

Devlin~

I saved him for the last because he's there but not. He's acting very strange and I can feel the chasm between them.

12. John and Amelia-discuss. LOL! I don't really have any questions other than what is he hiding? And what's going on with his Grandpa? He's always been very hard for me to read. I believe they have a strong connection but they both have so many secrets between them that I don't feel it. I want to! But I just have a bad feeling, especially after the ominous words that Darius said before he brought him back.

He's acting strange. I have suspicious he's remembering more than he's letting on.
I have a bad feeling there! The secrets they are keeping from each other are so huge that I see a good future for their relationship. (hide spoiler)]

Man-oh-man! I have toooooooo many books to read. Can't believe it is April!!!! But thank you for a fantastic recap, Nichole. It helps tons and tons. I'll start tonight. (Which means I won't start Blood Magick.)

Lisa Kay wrote: "Man-oh-man! I have toooooooo many books to read. Can't believe it is April!!!! But thank you for a fantastic recap, Nichole. It helps tons and tons. I'll start tonight. (Which means I won't start [..."

Yes Read this one first!

Eeep chapter 22 and 23!

I started last night and while I didn't get far, I'm reminded of how much I've missed the author's fantastic prose! It's a delight to read some of these sentences...like fluid poetry. It feels like I'm pulled into the scene with Amelia. That doesn't happen very often, at least not to this degree.

This is my priority book today, so if I can keep things calm around here, I should catch up a bit!

I had to set this aside to finish a challenge book. I'll be picking it back up today though.

ShoSho wrote: "Answers to Nichole questions chapter1-18"

(view spoiler)[
1. I thought it was Amelia's ghost at this point in the book too. Especially because she met her own ghost in the last book. Or a ghost that looked like her and said her name was Amelia Gray. But now, knowing about Rose, I think it's her grandmother too. Or I guess it would be great-grandmother.

2. I was thinking it had to do with her seeing ghosts. Like she's a Seer of sorts. But what do I know!

3. I hope so! That makes much more sense than being steered to that house by the dead.

4. I would have peed myself! I'm 40 years old and afraid of the dark- don't judge me, lol. I don't think I would have been able to get back in that bed though. Nope.

5. Yeah, the insect noise! Eeeew, I hate bugs!!

6. The intruder bit threw me for a loop. Honestly, at first I thought it was Devlin. He's been acting so cagey lately. But then when he kept going after her and not saying anything, I thought it was maybe Owen, the shopkeeper. Especially when she said she recognized the gleam in his eyes. And then yes, after meeting Micah, I thought it could have been him. I'm torn! I just don't know who it was.

7. I had to go back and read the last bit about Ethan's funeral. I guess he's just blocking it? I don't know but it was really weird for me.

I had gone only to pay my respects to Dr. Shaw. His health was deteriorating rapidly, his mind slipping into a place that couldn’t process the reality of what his son had done. I thought that might be for the best, but I would miss his counsel.

That's all it says.

8. A lot has happened to Amelia over these books and I really wish that her father would freaking talk to her about it!!! And now with Rose, she needs some answers and some family history. She needs the knowledge so that she can help herself. This is one of the things that drives me crazy about this series.

11. I'm thinking it opens some kind of door on Kroll Cemetery. Or a maybe a hidden door at the Kroll's house? A place that is hiding Rose and Mott's remains.

12. Me too! They're both hiding too much and have so many secrets that I think "this can't end good". And I also agree that he remembers more than he's letting on. Or that he's accepting. Maybe he remembers his time in the veil but is thinking it was a dream so he won't accept it as real? I wonder what happened to him while he was there. (hide spoiler)]

Nichole's Discussion Questions & Lisa Kay's Answers for Chapters 1-18
(view spoiler)[
"What you are, I once was. What I am, you will someday become."

That was a nice and creepy start to the book! She came across her own ghost while she was on the Other side in the last book and her specter said those words to her then also.

1. But what does that mean exactly? That she will be a ghost that haunts the living? Or is it more than that?
It was pretty freaky, and I'll admit I wondered if it was her "future self" - but only very briefly. I figure it is a relative of some kind.

2. She has no eyes. Is that significant? And how can her own ghost be haunting her if she's still alive? "The key. It’s your only salvation. Find it!"
The ghost having no eyes is pretty freaky. Or rather creepy. Significance? I hadn't thought of it, but it could be she can't see - as in see what will really happen to Amelia...that her prediction is wrong. I don't know about the key... could it be the one she lost as a little kid, the one she found on the headstone and said was from her Aunt Lynrose?

The Cellar~

Look who's back, it's her neighbor Macon and he just happens to be cleaning out the cellar. The cellar! Because that's not a creepy place to hang out. Then they find the old stereogram...

3. Macon didn't notice the woman in the window but she did. How would you react to seeing your own face in an old picture? I find it interesting that it was found in the cellar where she stays. Has this ghost always been directing her to this place?
That was my thought! How did it end up there - or rather how did Amelia?

"The odor was so fleeting and indistinct it might well have been a remnant of my dream. I wasn’t frightened. Not then. Not until I heard breathing. The rhythmic sawing was low and croaky. Human but not human."

4. What the hell was making that noise and the breathing? Right behind her bed!!!! Would you have been brave enough to investigate like Amelia does? Going so far as peeking through the keyhole? She is one very brave woman!
Nope. I'm a BIG scaredy-cat.

5. What do you think the significance of the Cicada shell is? Obviously, the ghost or being is trying to communicate with her but was that a warning or a clue?
Definitely one or the other.. but not a clue as to what or why.

The Intruder!

6. What do you think the intruder was looking for? Who do you think it was?
I think it was Owen Dowling - and he was looking for stereoscope. Could be Nelda's great-nephew Micah Durant.

7. Amelia has met with Rupert Shaw and they've been discussing things. Did anyone else find it odd that they're still consulting each other after what happened with Ethan?
Yeah, some. Surely he knows she shot Ethan, right?

Another strange coincidence - Louvenia and Nelda show up and invite Amelia out to Kroll Cemetery not long after Amelia and Dr. Shaw were discussing them. At least she was able to learn a few things from Neddy.
I don't think it is a coincidence. I think they sought her out.

8. Who do you think this Rose person is to Amelia? She was named after her. Will she ever get answers from her father?!?
I haven't a clue.

9.What happened to the twin? Do you think she's still there attached to Neddy? Eew!
I think she could be! Eeep! If so, "eew" and "eeep" don't cover it.

10. The nephew seems like a sinister character. Do you think he was the intruder?
Yup.

The Key~

“Remember what I told you, child. Take nothing, leave nothing behind.”
Good advice.

11. Is this the key that she needs to find? Who do you think left it for her? Do you think there is any connection to this key and the one she took as a child?
Could be the same key.

Devlin~

I saved him for the last because he's there but not. He's acting very strange and I can feel the chasm between them.

12. John and Amelia-discuss. LOL! I don't really have any questions other than what is he hiding? And what's going on with his Grandpa? He's always been very hard for me to read. I believe they have a strong connection but they both have so many secrets between them that I don't feel it. I want to! But I just have a bad feeling, especially after the ominous words that Darius said before he brought him back.
Ditto on everything you said. I was thinking his grandfather still wants he to be a lawyer and maybe he doesn't like him with Amelia. I also think he's seeing things from the other side, but keeping this from Amelia. (hide spoiler)]

@ ShoSho

#2 - Yes, I think she is blind to some truth. Excellent way to put it.

#4 - **chuckles** I'm with you on this one!

#8 - Ahhhhhhh!

#9 - Yes, she's definitely haunting her.

#12 - I think his memory is coming back.

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "...I'm reminded of how much I've missed the author's fantastic prose! It's a delight to read some of these sentences...like fluid poetry."

I concur!

I'm up to Chapter Ten and...

Beware...speculation ahead...(view spoiler)[I'm wondering if the entity in the cellar isn't a friendly ghost trying to help Amelia? Could the bookmark with the crystals be the key the intruders are looking for? (hide spoiler)]

Don't tell me! I just HAD to share that! ; )

Back to the book!

Who can do questions for chapters 18-32?

@Nichole

#6. I thought it could be Devlin for a second but not for long. I'm still thinking Micah.

#12 he's probably in denial.