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The Visitor
The Visitor
The Visitor
Audiobook10 hours

The Visitor

Written by Amanda Stevens

Narrated by Khristine Hvam

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

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.

Contains mature themes.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 29, 2016
ISBN9781494578800
Author

Amanda Stevens

Amanda Stevens is an award-winning author of over fifty novels. Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas.

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Reviews for The Visitor

Rating: 3.948529411764706 out of 5 stars
4/5

68 ratings13 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    To say I was elated to find this on NetGalley is an understatement. And when I got the email of approval to read this title in exchange for an honest review, I damn near jumped out of my skin with excitement. A little over a year ago, a good friend of mine introduced me to The Graveyard Queen series. I’m so happy she did, as I’ve really enjoyed these novels. And every single book in this series has been a great read . . . but . . . holy-freaking-moley, this one wasn't only great, but freaking awesome. It made the wait of this novel worth it. There is a ton of fantastic story in this. Each book in this series is a building block to a much larger story. Like its former, The Visitor gives you just enough of those blocks to leave you needing more. I mean, that ending freaking line. I was also happy to see that this one, more than the others, had a bit more of thriller bite to it; there were a few moments during the story where I totally blurted, "oh shit," because of the build of something about to happen, or something that happened. I love Amelia Gray. I love this story, and I cannot wait to continue reading The Graveyard Queen as her story flourishes with each book, because every book gets better and better.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Visitor
    Graveyard Queen, Book 4
    By: Amanda Stevens
    Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
    This book has plenty of intrigue, suspense, and secrets from the pasts. There are many levels of mysteries, creepiness, and trust Amelia should have with the characters in this book.
    Great narration! Enjoyed this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Visitor
    4 Stars

    While it has been a while since reading the previous book, Stevens seamlessly incorporates the important points from the earlier books within the narrative, and makes it easy for the reader to re-acquaint themselves with Amelia's world of restless ghosts and gothic romance.

    In this installment, Amelia is drawn into the sad and distressing tale of those interred in Kroll Cemetery who may or may not have committed mass suicide. Following a number of clues apparently provided by an unidentified spirit, Amelia soon learns of her personal connection to the Kroll family and to the events leading to the destruction of an entire community. While the ultimate revelation of the culprit and their motivation is not all that surprising, accompanying Amelia on her quest is entertaining nonetheless.

    Amelia's relationship with John Devlin is also at the forefront of this book as the two struggle with their opposing views of the supernatural. Both Amelia and Devlin keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves, and their lack of communication is one of the most disappointing aspects of the story. That said, their incredible chemistry still sizzles the pages despite Stevens' disturbing tendency toward cutting their intimate moments short, or undermining them with the somewhat grotesque descriptions of malevolent entities.

    Khristine Hvam's narration of the audiobook is fantastic as always. Her soft southern drawl really adds to the spine-tingling creepiness of the atmosphere and the setting.

    In sum, The Visitor is a solid addition to the series and the unanswered questions regarding Devlin's family and whether he and Amelia have a future together make me eager to continue on to the next book.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is the fourth book in the Graveyard Queen series. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and thought the third one was good. I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as the previous ones.

    These books have turned away from the interesting cemetery restoration theme and are now solely focused on Amelia and Devlin and the mysteries behind their families. Some of the scenes were creepy and the mystery was somewhat interesting, but they just weren't as interesting as previous books. I also don’t think Amelia and Devlin have any chemistry together and found the scenes between the two to be awkward and uncomfortable to read.

    I did continue to enjoy Stevens beautiful writing style, she does a great job with description and making you feel like you are in the scenes. However, for the most part I just found the story boring and predictable.

    Overall this was a disappointing continuation of this series. The series has turned away from the nifty graveyard restoration and graveyard mysteries and I miss that. The writing style is still beautifully done but the story has gotten boring and predictable. I won't be continuing on with the series which is a pity because I really do enjoy Stevens style of writing.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    The fourth book in the Graveyard Queen series opens with Ameila being haunted by a spirit which leaves a series of ominous clues. She wonders if she should heed her father's warnings told to her since she discovered her childhood gift (curse):

    1. Never acknowledge the dead.
    2. Never stray too far from hallowed ground.
    3. Keep your distance from those that are haunted.
    4. Never, ever tempt fate.

    Her haunting appears to be linked to Knoll Cemetery, a private graveyard associated with a religious cult. When she is invited to visit the cemetery, she discovers ancestral links to the former residence of a neighboring house.

    I found this novel the least interesting of the four, which may indicate that I'm tiring of it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The books in this series just keep getting better. Don't start this book unless you have time on your hands because you will not want to put it down. The main characters are strong and feed off each other, making their times together captivating.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    With this book, I'm happy to say that the Graveyard Queen series is back on track with me. The previous book was ho-hum, but THE VISITOR captures the intrigue and creepy goodness of the first two books in the series. Yay!

    This time around, Amelia is hired to restore the puzzling Kroll Cemetery. Hidden away on private property for decades, the dilapidated old graveyard is full of headstones with strange inscriptions. What do they mean, and how do they relate to the tragic history of those buried there?

    Amelia is honing her special gifts in this book and learning more about her family history, thanks to a new ghostly presence who's haunting her. Alas, Devlin (Amelia's love interest) continued to annoy me, but he didn't have as big of a presence in this book. Clearly, he has issues that run deep. What is he hiding?

    THE VISITOR is an enjoyable Southern Gothic/spooky mystery. Looking forward to the next book!

    Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book made me very nervous; and that isn't something I usually say. The author just catches you up and doesn't set you down for the length of the book.

    This is the fourth book in the "Graveyard Queen" series and, of course, the first book I picked up. Amelia Gray may be losing it but she's afraid she isn't. Faces peering out of windows in stereoscopes, the smell of death, shadows of tiny, hump-backed people. And she is getting flashbacks of her boyfriend's now-dead wife to boot! What more could a girl ask for? Peace and quiet come to mind.

    This fast-paced novel is filled with characters both very good and horribly evil. They seem to circle around a cemetery on private property which holds terrible secrets involving Amelia's family. A great horror story, with a little romance and a lot of thinking included.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Amid ghosts with unfinished business, goose bump worthy suspense, and a few moviestar-scream-worthy scenes, The Visitor is haunting supernatural mystery at its best! I absolutely loved it!

    I will also sleep with the light on for the next few foreseeable future.

    ***Full review will be up tomorrow...or maybe later tonight...since I probably won't be sleeping. Seriously now...who could sleep after the whole headboard thing?***
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    From my blog

    This has been one of my favourite series but I wasn't able to connect with this one. I have been thinking about it for a week and I think the fact that it has been four years since the last may be the issue. It still has the eerie atmospheric feel that keeps you reading but I found it took to long to get to the mystery.

    The other books in the series were perfectly executed into each other but I felt Amanda Stevens had to give back story to really have you remember even from the beginning regarding the rules Amelia's dad taught her to stay safe.

    Something very strange was happening to and around me. I recognized a supernatural manipulation as surely as I could sense the icy chill of a ghostly presence..... The intrusion from beyond both angered and frightened me, but I couldn't deny a certain fascination. Kindle 31%

    I have been patiently waiting to read more about Amelia and Devlin's relationship and what the connection was but again the carrot was dangled and this was one of the main background stories with a anticlimactic ending, enough to make me want to read the next one, I won't give up on the series.

    I was on the fence also with this one as Amelia seemed very scared, unsure of her gift and at times herself. She has been given a puzzle to solve and there are those that want to keep her out of it. Is it the dead or individuals she has come in contact with for her next job. Amelia has a new gift that she needs to understand and except which adds to the eerie feeling and is visible frightened.

    Death walkers are those rare individuals who have the ability to help souls pass from this world to the next. They serve a unique and powerful purpose in the circle of life. Kindle 37%

    I do like that there are additional family connections for Amelia to learn about. She has also been able to tap into Devlin's history, this was intriguing but a little weird, the point in a relationship where you may want that skill but also know it is wrong.

    Out of all the books in this series, this has been the most odd one, mysterious but not as engaging, it may just not have been what I expected. The Sinner, book 5 is out in September, I do look forward to that one, I need closure with this series now. Amelia also felt she didn't quite understand her role in this book which may be why I was a little put off, it didn't grip me like the others.

    From the prequel to Book 2, amazing series, book 3 and book 4 have been ok for me. I wished they continued on with the covers though, they were stunning.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    "Watch Your Back Graveyard Queen"
    Amelia, is chased, frightened, hurt, tricked, and lied to. Her history is catching up to her faster than she is ready to for, and she is evolving. Everything she thought she knew is about to change forever. Amelia's road is full of darkness and death.
    Cleaning out the storage under her house an item is found that sets her on a journey to find the truth behind an image that looks like her. Her restoration business gives her an in to help solve the mystery of a cult mass suicide and her own history. The family that owns the graveyard are something to see, freaky, creepy and dangerous. One of them has a deep relationship with bees, one with cloves, and the other is just creepy by association. I will never enjoy cloves scented things again, thanks Ms. Stevens.
    There are bugs, nasty ones, mazes, rusted gates, creaking floor boards, tinkling keys and did I tell you about the bugs ? EEEEKKKK ! Okay I have a bit of an exoskeleton phobia and there are plenty in these pages. Wait till you get to the book marker switch !





    Devlin, her man is not the same. If you read the last book you know he had a major event happen, well he's not okay. That isn't all that is up with him, he has a Grandfather who is demanding something of him. Big change here folks, BIG.

    I loved this fourth book in the series, they just get better and better. Instead of following along the same road it had been traveling this one took a wild left snap to the left then spun around and wiggled a bit more. The southern gothic style was amazing as always, the pacing just right with not a dull page in the book. One complaint, I don't have the next book, yet.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It has been a long time in between books 3 and 4 for this series. I was happy to get back to Charleston and see what adventures Amelia Gray would find herself in this time. I was not disappointed as past secrets are revealed and a new mystery threatens not just her romance with John Devlin, but her life as well. Fans of paranormal romances/mysteries will want to pick this one up. Best news is the wait for the next book will be short because the Sinner comes out on September 27!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a dark chapter in this series. As Amanda learns more about her origins she finds that she is changing. Her powers are growing and there may be more to her ghost seeing than she first thought. John Devlin also has some secrets in his family and they are starting to come to light. Will this be the end of Amanda and John or can they stand together and fight the powers that are trying to pull them apart. This book was unsettling. There were so many pieces of it that just gave me the creeps and while all of these books have a creep factor this one really is at the top. If you haven't read the other books in this series you may not enjoy this one as much because the story really does build in each book. This book left you on a bit of a dark and foreboding cliff hanger which already makes me anxious for the next book in this series.