Summary:
At the request of anthropology professor Clyde Nunley, Harper Connelly and her stepbrother Tolliver come to Memphis to demonstrate Harper's unique talent---in an old cemetery. Nunley is skeptical, even after Harper senses---and finds---two bodies in the grave beneath her feet. One of a man centuries dead. The other, a young girl, recently deceased, whom Harper had once tried, and failed, to locate. But Harper's new investigation into the crime yields yet another surprise: the next morning, a third body is found---in the very same grave...
Review:This was a lot better than the first Harper book (Grave Sight). I enjoyed the plot of Grave Suprise much more than Grave Sight. Of course, there are very few series in which the first book is as good as the subsequent books. Exceptions to the rule of the first book being a little slow are Vampire Academy and The Hunger Games, and also Twilight.
Okay, I've been thinking. About halfway through this book I realized that Harper loves Tolliver. Now, they are not related by blood, just by marriage (her mother and his father) and her mother is now dead. I know it's not illegal for two previous step-siblings to marry, but it just seems weird. It is socially unacceptable and morally questionable. One wonders if Charlaine Harris will take the plunge, so to speak, and develop a romantic relationship between Harper and Tolliver. I could tell in the first book that Tolliver has been thinking about it, but Harper didn't get on board until Grave Surprise. I'll be interested to read further along in this series to see what happens on that front.
Boy, Charlaine Harris sure likes to surprise her readers. Just when you start thinking a character is pretty refined, they start throwing the f-word into their casual conversations. Whoa!
Just One Gripe:
The relationships between the characters got a little confusing at times. I had to read the part explaining who was who's parents twice to get the characters down straight.
The Best Thing About This Book:
I liked the plot twists.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
No---there is inappropriate language, sexual innuendos, dead people, and ghosts in this book.
Score:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting/Imagery: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Total Score: 20/25
Read First:
You have so many reviews posted. I love that! I was introduced to your site via the email you sent through book blogs. I'm following you now so I can keep up with what's going on via your reviews. I looked through your blog and read about books I've heard of, but haven't had the time to check out. I appreciate you putting this info out there. Thanks and I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, I will have to look up the first book.
ReplyDeleteThank you June! I have so many reviews posted because I've kind of been on a reading bender lately. I've been home sick from work quite a bit and have had lots of time to read. I hope you enjoy the site!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy the Harper series, Ladystorm. Grave Sight is not as good as the next two books, so don't stop reading the series if the first book doesn't grab you right away.
ReplyDelete