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The Restorer
(Graveyard Queen #1)
by
My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.
It started with the discovery of a young woman' ...more
It started with the discovery of a young woman' ...more
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Paperback, 376 pages
Published
April 19th 2011
by Mira
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"I was nine when I saw my first ghost." So begins "The Restorer," book one in the seven-book Graveyard Queen series. They're a mixture of paranormal (ghosts, and they're not all friendly), mystery and a bit of romance. It's not a book I'd ever have found or picked up but for a few great reviews from GR friends. I'm not keen on mystery or romance. Ghosts are another story -- and old cemeteries.
I'm, I now know, somewhat of a taphophile. I've always been drawn to old cemeteries for the artistry of ...more
I'm, I now know, somewhat of a taphophile. I've always been drawn to old cemeteries for the artistry of ...more

Mar 23, 2011
Rane
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Rane by:
Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker Queen of the Undead






Like the sultry afternoon, the jasmine gently floating on the breeze, the cool sweat dripping from a glass. Just when sun bids farewell and the moon says hello, between day and night- twilight- a veil is lifted, the unrest sprits rise to roam the land of the living once more…
Amanda Stevens writes poetic and downright spooky novel in The Restorer, set in the old south city in Charleston. Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer, and can see ghosts, but unlike the ghost whisperer, Amelia has been rais ...more

I abandon most paranormal series because they're rather annoying. Most of the ones I've tried to read have contained vampires, werewolves, etc., and a variation of otherworldly politics and conspiracies, one would have to use a great deal of suspension of disbelief to really get into those stories. This series is believable, it's not too out there as far as paranormal activities go. One can be induced to believe that ghosts do exist, and aren't visible to everyone. This book sticks to ghosts, th
...more

Me encantó. Hace tiempo que no leía una novela que durante toda su lectura me mantuviera con el vello erizado. Y es que además de un ritmo muy ágil y un estilo que traspasa la ansiedad de una seguidilla de acontecimientos que te mantienen pendiente del libro en todo momento, la autora logra una historia muy original, combinando en forma muy equilibrada la condición paranormal de la protagonista con el misterio asociado a una serie de asesinatos.
Giros en la trama, más de una sorpresa y unas ganas ...more
Giros en la trama, más de una sorpresa y unas ganas ...more

So beautiful and chilling.
The Restorer was recommended to me by someone I trust implicitly when it comes to books (that someone being my favorite author, Ann Aguirre) so it’s no wonder I didn’t hesitate to pick it up as soon as I found it in my mailbox. My intention was to read a chapter or two to get a feel of the story and then leave it for the night, but I ended up reading it all in one sitting. Let me tell you, reading this book at night, in a dark and silent house wasn’t the smartest move ...more
The Restorer was recommended to me by someone I trust implicitly when it comes to books (that someone being my favorite author, Ann Aguirre) so it’s no wonder I didn’t hesitate to pick it up as soon as I found it in my mailbox. My intention was to read a chapter or two to get a feel of the story and then leave it for the night, but I ended up reading it all in one sitting. Let me tell you, reading this book at night, in a dark and silent house wasn’t the smartest move ...more

2.5 Stars
The Restorer was a mixed bag for me. Let’s start with what I enjoyed:
The creepy vibe. I do love the thrill of wondering what darkness lurks in the shadows. I can’t think of a place I’d feel more tension and an undercurrent of fear than an old cemetery in the South. Ms. Stevens made the setting sound beautiful, but haunting, just the way I love a spooky story! The ghosts were a believable presence upping the scare factor big time.
The mystery unfolding, although it’s one of my complaints ...more
The Restorer was a mixed bag for me. Let’s start with what I enjoyed:
The creepy vibe. I do love the thrill of wondering what darkness lurks in the shadows. I can’t think of a place I’d feel more tension and an undercurrent of fear than an old cemetery in the South. Ms. Stevens made the setting sound beautiful, but haunting, just the way I love a spooky story! The ghosts were a believable presence upping the scare factor big time.
The mystery unfolding, although it’s one of my complaints ...more

Repeat to myself - I do not need another series, I do not need another series.......oh well, I guess I have found another series. I read The Restorer for a challenge (read a book with a grave on the cover - for Hallowe'en). Damn these challenges:)
Anyhow it was a great book. Nice and creepy without being too scary, lovely Southern atmosphere and two very attractive main characters. Amelia can see dead people, which is always good for a start, and Devlin is like a sexy vampire without actually bei ...more
Anyhow it was a great book. Nice and creepy without being too scary, lovely Southern atmosphere and two very attractive main characters. Amelia can see dead people, which is always good for a start, and Devlin is like a sexy vampire without actually bei ...more

Mar 22, 2013
Jonetta
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
urban-fantasy,
paranormal-romance
Amelia Gray restores graveyards, having spent her whole life in cemeteries as her father is a caretaker of them. And, she sees ghosts and has since she was nine-years old. Her father sees them, too, and he's taught her the rules to follow to protect herself, one of them being to never let ghosts know she can see them. Amelia has also never told anyone else about her gift.
Amelia is on an assignment in Charleston, restoring an old cemetery associated with a university and gets embroiled in a murd ...more
Amelia is on an assignment in Charleston, restoring an old cemetery associated with a university and gets embroiled in a murd ...more

Can you say creepy?
Can you say wonderful?
If you love spooky, creepy, darn right oh-my-god-I-just-saw-something-in-the-corner-of-my-room scary type books, this is your book. If you want to be frustrated by a blossoming relationship between two main characters, this is also your book. Let me explain.
I love to be scared. While this book IS scary, it is not the blatant in your face, gory, axe murdering serial killer type of scary.
Instead, it is the hair rising, I cannot see him, but I knew he is be ...more
Can you say wonderful?
If you love spooky, creepy, darn right oh-my-god-I-just-saw-something-in-the-corner-of-my-room scary type books, this is your book. If you want to be frustrated by a blossoming relationship between two main characters, this is also your book. Let me explain.
I love to be scared. While this book IS scary, it is not the blatant in your face, gory, axe murdering serial killer type of scary.
Instead, it is the hair rising, I cannot see him, but I knew he is be ...more

Jan 04, 2014
Robin (Bridge Four)
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
Fans of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Recommended to Robin by:
Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies
Sale Alert: 14Mar18 not sure how long it will hold but right now this is $0.99 on Amazon
3.5 Stars
Forbidden love stories always hook me hard. Add ghosts, murder and a creepy cemetery into the mix and you have my attention.
Amelie sees dead people, she always has as long as she can remember. Rule #1 don’t let them know you see them, Rule #2 never stray to far from hallowed ground and Rule #3 avoid people who have ghosts attached to them never invite them into your life. Rules are made to be broken ...more
3.5 Stars
Forbidden love stories always hook me hard. Add ghosts, murder and a creepy cemetery into the mix and you have my attention.
Amelie sees dead people, she always has as long as she can remember. Rule #1 don’t let them know you see them, Rule #2 never stray to far from hallowed ground and Rule #3 avoid people who have ghosts attached to them never invite them into your life. Rules are made to be broken ...more

I gave this book 5 stars because some day I would love to reread it.
Amelia saw ghosts from the age of Nine. Her father have her rules to follow and she was never to acknowledge a haunted man and to stay far away from one. There were Three rules that she needed to live by and she had broken every rule!
This is a great spooky Gothic mystery. There are several Murders, where keeps you guessing till the end on who was doing it. I love this Game. Ghosts were everywhere. If you love to read paranormal ...more
Amelia saw ghosts from the age of Nine. Her father have her rules to follow and she was never to acknowledge a haunted man and to stay far away from one. There were Three rules that she needed to live by and she had broken every rule!
This is a great spooky Gothic mystery. There are several Murders, where keeps you guessing till the end on who was doing it. I love this Game. Ghosts were everywhere. If you love to read paranormal ...more

It’s 1:35AM, I’m going to sleep...
*****
Okay, it’s 8:30AM.
This book has everything I ever wanted.
Mystery.
Romance.
Ghosts.
Since I picked this book up, I ignored everything else around me and I couldn’t put it down. I was looking at the time and knew I have to go to work the next day, but still I read one more chapter....one more....one more....till I finished it.
Devlin and Amelia are both great and can’t wait to read more about them.
I’m continuing with the series.
*****
Okay, it’s 8:30AM.
This book has everything I ever wanted.
Mystery.
Romance.
Ghosts.
Since I picked this book up, I ignored everything else around me and I couldn’t put it down. I was looking at the time and knew I have to go to work the next day, but still I read one more chapter....one more....one more....till I finished it.
Devlin and Amelia are both great and can’t wait to read more about them.
I’m continuing with the series.

Uf! No me lo esperaba, de verdad. En ningún sentido me lo esperaba. La historia es fascinante, única, original. Y sus personajes... ¿qué se puede decir de ellos: de Amelia y Delvin? Solo que muy pocas veces uno tiene el placer de leer una historia de amor tan intensa y prohibida. Desde luego, un estupendo libro con que empezar el año.

Jan 13, 2012
Lisa Kay
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Lisa Kay by:
Carolyn F.
Pictures of Oak Grove Cemetary, from Amanda Stevens’s website: www.thegraveyardqueen.com


Book Quote:
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Oh, this one is excellent! The first thrilling mystery in the Graveyard Queen series is narrated by the wonderful Khristine Hvam , who is perfect for this first person POV telling of a Southern gothic. She doesn’t miss ...more


Book Quote:
An old live oak guarded the darkest corner of the garden, and a swing hung like a childhood memory from one of the gnarled branches.

★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Oh, this one is excellent! The first thrilling mystery in the Graveyard Queen series is narrated by the wonderful Khristine Hvam , who is perfect for this first person POV telling of a Southern gothic. She doesn’t miss ...more

6 stars
Well, I'm dazzled, stunned, shocked and yes haunted. This is an amazing book, the best I've read so far in 2011. I don't feel like picking another book right now, my mind's stuck there with Amelia, Devlin and their ghosts. And for a book that does not belong in the romance genre, the attraction between them was a very powerful and vivid thing.
Many people have described the plot, but I find it difficult to explain to someone who hasn't read the book. In short, there are some gruesome murde ...more
Well, I'm dazzled, stunned, shocked and yes haunted. This is an amazing book, the best I've read so far in 2011. I don't feel like picking another book right now, my mind's stuck there with Amelia, Devlin and their ghosts. And for a book that does not belong in the romance genre, the attraction between them was a very powerful and vivid thing.
Many people have described the plot, but I find it difficult to explain to someone who hasn't read the book. In short, there are some gruesome murde ...more

2,5 stars
THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED:(30/04/13)
Having already read the second one, I can definitely say that I won't be reading any other books of this series.
I've also removed a star, since on further consideration I've decided that this was just an okay reading.
Yes, there were some aspects that I liked, but in the end, the negative parts surpassed the positives.
Former Review:
It's impossible for me to say that I didn't "like" the book.
I did, it was completely different from what I've been rea ...more
THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED:(30/04/13)
Having already read the second one, I can definitely say that I won't be reading any other books of this series.
I've also removed a star, since on further consideration I've decided that this was just an okay reading.
Yes, there were some aspects that I liked, but in the end, the negative parts surpassed the positives.
Former Review:
It's impossible for me to say that I didn't "like" the book.
I did, it was completely different from what I've been rea ...more

Sencillamente brillante.
La Restauradora es la primera parte de una serie que realmente deja el listón muy alto para sus siguientes continuaciones.
Me ha encantado la trama, el ritmo y sus personajes.
Amelia es una mujer solitaria que dan ganas de achucharla. Y Devlin tiene tanto misterio a su alrededor, que no puedo evitar desconfiar de él.
Amanda Stevens crea una atmósfera espeluznante con la que consigue ponerte los pelos de punta a lo largo de todo el libro.
La parte del misterio junto con los as ...more
La Restauradora es la primera parte de una serie que realmente deja el listón muy alto para sus siguientes continuaciones.
Me ha encantado la trama, el ritmo y sus personajes.
Amelia es una mujer solitaria que dan ganas de achucharla. Y Devlin tiene tanto misterio a su alrededor, que no puedo evitar desconfiar de él.
Amanda Stevens crea una atmósfera espeluznante con la que consigue ponerte los pelos de punta a lo largo de todo el libro.
La parte del misterio junto con los as ...more

Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com.es/20...
Le daría 3.75
Enganchar engancha y está bien escrita.
No creo que se trate de una novela romántica, sino (dado que esa parte no me ha gustado) bajaría de puntuación.
En mi opinión, es un thriller o suspense, o como se llame, pero no romántico y solo por el hecho de no haber averiguado al culpable ya se ha ganado otra estrella.
Por lo demás, muy entretenida y muy visual. Aunque hay muchos momentos repetitivos. Resulta algo cansina cada vez qu ...more
Le daría 3.75
Enganchar engancha y está bien escrita.
No creo que se trate de una novela romántica, sino (dado que esa parte no me ha gustado) bajaría de puntuación.
En mi opinión, es un thriller o suspense, o como se llame, pero no romántico y solo por el hecho de no haber averiguado al culpable ya se ha ganado otra estrella.
Por lo demás, muy entretenida y muy visual. Aunque hay muchos momentos repetitivos. Resulta algo cansina cada vez qu ...more

Sep 16, 2012
Anzu The Great Destroyer
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
creepy crawlers
Keep your distance from those who are haunted.
Long story short
Amelia Gray, a cemetery restorer who can see ghosts, is forced into a police investigation when a body is found in the cemetery she is restoring.
My thoughts
The first thing that made me check out The Restorer was the cover. I absolutely love that sad angel statue. It makes me think of an extremely gloomy story. Which is exactly what The Restorer is. Amanda Stevens nailed the cover, it's perfect for the story. The second thi ...more

Feb 23, 2011
Alisha
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Urban Fantasy fans who like a good ghost story
Rating: 4.5 (After some more thought: A five, really.)
Quick Take: Loved it. Loved. It. Steven's writing style is so easy to get into. To say that I look forward to more of this series is a serious understatement. Highly recommended to all of my ghost-story-friendly urban fantasy peeps. It might give you a fright, but it's well worth the thrill.
Review:
Freaking A, man. What an awesome book this is!
I must confess that, as a scaredy cat and ghost-story wimp, I was hesitant at first to read Amanda St ...more
Quick Take: Loved it. Loved. It. Steven's writing style is so easy to get into. To say that I look forward to more of this series is a serious understatement. Highly recommended to all of my ghost-story-friendly urban fantasy peeps. It might give you a fright, but it's well worth the thrill.
Review:
Freaking A, man. What an awesome book this is!
I must confess that, as a scaredy cat and ghost-story wimp, I was hesitant at first to read Amanda St ...more

The Restorer
The Graveyard Queen, Book 1
By: Amanda Stevens
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Series: Graveyard Queen, Book 1
This is my kind of ghost story! It is creepy, slightly dark, a few mysteries, a couple of men to one woman and she doesn't know who to trust, she can see ghosts, there is something darker out there, and I love this! Amelia restored cemeteries, she started with her dad at a young age. Her and her dad also share another talent, they both can see ghosts. He gives her rules to live by b ...more
The Graveyard Queen, Book 1
By: Amanda Stevens
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Series: Graveyard Queen, Book 1
This is my kind of ghost story! It is creepy, slightly dark, a few mysteries, a couple of men to one woman and she doesn't know who to trust, she can see ghosts, there is something darker out there, and I love this! Amelia restored cemeteries, she started with her dad at a young age. Her and her dad also share another talent, they both can see ghosts. He gives her rules to live by b ...more

This book seemed to drag on and on for me. The main problem was that I didn’t care for the main characters, Amelia and Devlin. Amelia spent most of the book dwelling on her attraction to Devlin to the point of obsession. It didn’t help that Devlin was a dull character without much of a personality. I’d have liked to have learned more about the secondary characters in the book, since I thought they were much more interesting than Amelia and Devlin. There were some good creepy scenes in the book,
...more

On the quest for adult ghost novels, I have become an Amanda Stevens fan! Despite a skewed portrayal of spirituality, I enjoyed her story immensely. The whole atmosphere of “The Restorer” was exciting and suspenseful. It transferred the riveting, taut exhilaration of a movie; captivating our attention in a way that authors accomplish rarely. I genuinely felt reeled into the momentum and emotions of this mystery and could visualize it like a film. It is unfinished and dependent upon this series.
...more

4.5 stars
Eerie, haunting, and definitely spooky, The Restorer is unlike any ghost story I’ve read before. The Restorer is part ghost story, part murder mystery. There’s a touch of voodoo and witchcraft in it along with a mysterious secret order. Add in a pretty eccentric cast of characters and there you have it – a compelling read.
Amelia Gray sees dead people. She’s seen them for most of her life. Amelia follows a strict set of rules to help her cope with her ability so that no ghost will attach ...more
Eerie, haunting, and definitely spooky, The Restorer is unlike any ghost story I’ve read before. The Restorer is part ghost story, part murder mystery. There’s a touch of voodoo and witchcraft in it along with a mysterious secret order. Add in a pretty eccentric cast of characters and there you have it – a compelling read.
Amelia Gray sees dead people. She’s seen them for most of her life. Amelia follows a strict set of rules to help her cope with her ability so that no ghost will attach ...more

4.5
Finally, a great ghost story ! I had good old fashioned goose bumps while reading this wonderful tale. It was scary with a subtle touch, slowly unraveling. I was enchanted, by the characters, the mystery, and the hint of a romance.
The Amelia Grey, a cemetery restorer, loves her job, repairing the forgotten treasures of our ancestors. She is a southern girl, her father a cemetery grounds keeper. She see’s her first ghost at nine years old. Her father warns her and gives her a set or rules sh ...more
Finally, a great ghost story ! I had good old fashioned goose bumps while reading this wonderful tale. It was scary with a subtle touch, slowly unraveling. I was enchanted, by the characters, the mystery, and the hint of a romance.
The Amelia Grey, a cemetery restorer, loves her job, repairing the forgotten treasures of our ancestors. She is a southern girl, her father a cemetery grounds keeper. She see’s her first ghost at nine years old. Her father warns her and gives her a set or rules sh ...more

May 13, 2011
MISS VAIN
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Spooky Ghost Story Lovers with Romance
Recommended to MISS VAIN by:
Cat Russell (Addicted2Heroines)
There was no mistaking her intent.
She knew I was there.
She knew I could see her.
And she was letting me know that she knew.
Lock your doors, check your windows, plug in your night lights, and prepare to be frightened!
This book chilled me to the bone, and I adored every minute of it. I stayed up all night to finish this not just because it was sooooo good (it was) but I was too much of a scardy cat to sleep. Amanda Stevens has made spooky graveyard stories my newest obsession. A woman's body ...more

This book counts towards CG Book Challange June: Read a scary (horror, psychological thriller, ghost story) Book
Audible version.
Just not for me prepare for my rant...
An excruciatingly slow read. The verbose prose was tiresome. The dialogue & its southern formality isn’t to my taste. I wasn’t a fan of the h or the H & felt the author forced the “chemistry” between them. It was very much one-sided for a good portion of the book & when he finally shows interest it doesn’t feel genuine. What little ...more
Audible version.
Just not for me prepare for my rant...
An excruciatingly slow read. The verbose prose was tiresome. The dialogue & its southern formality isn’t to my taste. I wasn’t a fan of the h or the H & felt the author forced the “chemistry” between them. It was very much one-sided for a good portion of the book & when he finally shows interest it doesn’t feel genuine. What little ...more

Jul 20, 2012
Sunny
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
a-1-favorite-series,
reviews
Amelia Gray
John Devlin
Several years ago I visited Charleston, South Carolina in the middle of summer. The weather was hot, the humidity was oppressive and the pace, well, people took their time. I signed up for a graveyard ghost tour, not my normal vacation time activity. But it was Charleston, and being a Southern history fan, I couldn’t resist. This was the center of antebellum South, where the cruelty of slavery and the genteel manners of Southern folks co-existed. I loved my tour and I loved ...more
John Devlin
Several years ago I visited Charleston, South Carolina in the middle of summer. The weather was hot, the humidity was oppressive and the pace, well, people took their time. I signed up for a graveyard ghost tour, not my normal vacation time activity. But it was Charleston, and being a Southern history fan, I couldn’t resist. This was the center of antebellum South, where the cruelty of slavery and the genteel manners of Southern folks co-existed. I loved my tour and I loved ...more

5 Superbly Creepy Stars... Fantastic writing, unique premise, strong historical context, captivating characters, and a terrifying but fascinating supernatural element all dominate this phenomenal read... I was enthralled from the very first page and could not be pulled away until the final page turned; if you love a psychological thriller wrapped in a supernatural blanket that keeps you guessing and your heart racing until the end then you need to pick up this book up, take a deep breath, and ho
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Readers Unbound: Graveyard Queen | 58 | 30 | Nov 17, 2018 04:18PM | |
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Fantasy/Mystery - Book about crime investigator/historian who can see dead? [s] | 5 | 31 | Jan 07, 2018 07:25AM | |
Play Book Tag: The Restorer by Amanda Stevens - 4 stars | 2 | 15 | Apr 29, 2016 02:11PM | |
The Challenge Fac...: Stacey & Nichole - The Restorer | 49 | 21 | Apr 09, 2016 12:18PM | |
Saucy Wenches Boo...: The Restorer | 39 | 16 | Nov 23, 2014 01:13PM |
Amanda Stevens is the award-winning author of over fifty novels, including the modern gothic series, The Graveyard Queen. Her books have been described as eerie and atmospheric, “a new take on the classic ghost story.” Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys binge-watching, bike riding and the occasional Horror Night with friends.
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