Honest review of Haunted Grave: A Gaslamp Ghost Mystery

by Byrd Nash (Author)

Updated at: 18/01/2025

In Byrd Nash's Haunted Grave: A Gaslamp Ghost Mystery, the fifth installment in the Madame Chalamet series, chaos grips the kingdom. Master criminals are using the undead to target the nobility, forcing Elinor, a sharp-witted investigator reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, to race against time. As she hunts down the culprits, evidence emerges linking her father to a criminal network, threatening to expose uncomfortable truths about those closest to her. Amidst riots, political plots, and murder, Elinor must also navigate Tristan's persistent marriage proposal. This fast-paced, supernatural mystery blends thrilling investigations with a slow-burn romance, perfect for fans of gaslamp fantasy and ghost stories aged 16+.

Haunted Grave: A Gaslamp Ghost Mystery (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries)

4.5 / 129 ratings

Review Haunted Grave

Oh my goodness, Haunted Grave! What a ride. As a longtime fan of the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series, I was practically buzzing with anticipation for this one, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint…mostly. This fifth installment really ramps up the stakes. We're diving headfirst into the political intrigue, the shadowy conspiracies, and the ever-present threat of the undead – all while Elinor juggles her burgeoning relationship with Tristan and the ever-growing mystery surrounding her father's murder.

Byrd Nash masterfully weaves together these different plot threads. The pacing is fantastic; the story keeps you hooked from beginning to end, constantly throwing new twists and turns your way. One moment you’re grappling with the chaotic unrest in the city, and the next you're plunged into the chilling world of the animated dead, battling both literal zombies and subtly sinister individuals cleverly disguised within high society. The blend of gaslamp-era atmosphere and supernatural elements continues to be one of the series' greatest strengths – it's a captivating world that feels both familiar and utterly unique.

The characters, as always, are incredibly well-developed. Elinor continues to be a brilliant, strong-willed protagonist, a truly captivating heroine who's both fiercely independent and wonderfully vulnerable. Her relationship with Tristan is beautifully handled, a slow-burn romance that feels both realistic and utterly swoon-worthy. We see their connection deepen organically, amidst the chaos and danger, and their interactions are a genuine highlight. The supporting cast is equally engaging, with each character adding their own unique flavour to the story.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the cliffhanger. Oh, the cliffhanger! It's a doozy, a real gut punch that left me gasping for air and frantically searching for the next book in the series. While I appreciate a good plot twist, and even acknowledge that it's setting up a thrilling climax in the final book, the abruptness was a little jarring. It felt like the story suddenly slammed on the brakes right when it was building to an incredible crescendo. I found myself rereading the final pages several times, trying to piece together exactly what had happened, and even then, some aspects remain slightly murky. This is my only major criticism – the abrupt ending slightly detracts from the otherwise excellent experience.

Despite the cliffhanger, Haunted Grave is a fantastic addition to the series. It's a thrilling, fast-paced read that keeps you guessing until the very end (even if that end is frustratingly abrupt). If you're a fan of paranormal mysteries with strong female leads and a touch of romance, then you absolutely must read this book. Just be prepared for a wild ride, and have the next book handy! Four and a half stars from me, easily. I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds in the final installment – bring on Ghastly Mistake!

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