Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
The Restorer
Previous BRs - Authors; Q - T
>
Stevens, Amanda - The Restorer (Graveyard Queen, #1) - Start Date February 12th
message 2:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Feb 12, 2013 01:32PM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.
Participants
Jex
Kristin
Tabitha
Vickilynn
Denice
Christine
Stefani
Sonia
Lára
Courtney
Laura
Lisa Kay
Got my copy today. Early but yay!
I'll read along. It was a free book on nook at one time so I have it. Love when that happens.
Sounds like a good read, I'm gonna hit the libary I work at and see if there's a copy:)
I have this on audio, so I may try to join in.
Great, Denice and Christine. And it is very well narrated, Christine.
Mod
I like the breakdown. But I will probably read a little ahead of the schedule because I have another buddy read starting the 15th, but I'll try to remember to keep my comments on schedule.
I am in for this one, it sounds interesting.
I like the breakdown. Do you need help with the DQ's? (3 in a row, what is wrong with me? *grins*)
February 12th is a great date! It´s enough time for me to finish all the readings for my other book clubs.This books´s been on my list for too long anyway. Can´t wait to read it.
Great, Laura, Christine, Stefani, Sonia, & Lára! Sonia, I have the first two sections done, do you want to do the third?
Yay, I got my copy from overdrive yesterday. My library had two copies for Kindle.
Mod
Mod
slot-and-tab box tombs with the lid intact
Inspiration for the bookcover: (From Wiki) Angel of Grief is an 1894 sculpture by William Wetmore Story which serves as the grave stone of the artist and his wife at the Protestant Cemetery, Rome. The term is now used to describe multiple grave stones throughout the world erected in the style of the Story stone.
Pictures of Oak Grove Cemetary, from Amanda Stevens’s website: www.thegraveyardqueen.com
White Point Gardens at The Battery, Charleston, SC.
[image error]
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.
Mod
1. Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray stared seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?
2. Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?
3. Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?
4. Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?
5. So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?
6. What were you thinking when (view spoiler)
7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? (view spoiler)
8. Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?
9. What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?
Could you add my name to the list? I already "subscribed" myself before but maybe I wasn´t specific enough.I guess I´m taphophilic. Never actually thought about it.
1. Yes, I think age surely make it more ‘conceivable’. Children usually see what others cannot because they´re more open to unusual (not that they know what is usual). Still, I would say maybe her mother had some special abilities, like seeing supernatural stuff (I just hope she wasn´t an angel or nephilim, I prefer if she´s just a human with abilities) so Amelia inherited that from her.
2. I´m not from America and have never been there and I don´t get a sense of the place. The only thing I can picture myself is the graveyard but I see only my local graveyard with some high fence and lots of leaves. Graveyard never creeped me out. I usually take photos of statues and gravestones myself (look at my avatar picture). I like and don´t like author´s voice. It sounds too monotone, at least to me.
3. Oh, I think they are his family. I know I should be more creative or more "open" to other possibilities but who would follow someone just for fun? Especially the child. I vote for: a child and a wife. Maybe I´m wrong, we´ll see. And yes, I´m pretty convinced he knows they follow him. Remember what Amelia said? something about his face saying he´s hunted? Well, I think that´s pretty much a yes.
About Amelia being hyper-aware of him, I´d say they´re both the same: gifted. Maybe from the same "organization". Okay, we don´t know anything about any organization but in almost every book there is some kind of organization that make out the rules, so I believe there has to be one in this book as well and if there isn´t I´d give it one star as a bonus at the end. I´d say that Amelia´s mother is part of this "secret" society and that she wanted Amelia to have normal life so she left (or whatever), John has to be something like Amelia (alone) or he´s sent to find her. Anyhow, I think they feel the same: bounded by that special ability.
4. Hmm. Maybe is the ghost from the restaurant? She said he saw her see him. You know, maybe she´s in the middle of some ghost-human war. Maybe they´re searching for her so they´ve killed to track her. Took the photos to warn her? Maybe her mother has the photos to help Amelia. Or the ghost from the restaurant is the one to blame.
5. Definitely. She´s been hidden by her family so that secret society can´t track her so her father had to teach her some rules so she won´t expose herself.
6. Maybe the ghosts of the gifted hosts (if we are to believe Devlin is gifted) are able to sense other gifted people, since they´re feeding on gifted warmth? I mean, Amelia said ghosts are like vampires, they feed on you. So I guess they can feel at least a part of the things you feel since they´re kind of bounded to you. A ring could be a prove, some kind of warning that John isn´t free to "take". Maybe she wanted Amelia to know that he´s already been marked.
7. I don´t know. I ... can´t remember who he is, sorry. The ghost or the stranger who shared the moment of silence with her outside? Either way, I think he´s a messenger, that´s my theory.
8. Again, I think it´s a warning or a trap. They (organization, I know i know..) found out Amelia is one of the rare ones who researched ... no, no. I know! I´d say that her boss (Mrs. who told Devlin about Amelia) wanted to set Amelia a trap. Why? Because she´s not happy that police is messing with her precious graveyard so she exposed Amelia as the one who know everything about the cemetery so police would think that Amelia is the one who´s killed the woman. Yes. I vote for that theory: Amelia´s boss setting a trap. "Helping" the police to find a killer, and at the same time cleaning the graveyard.
9. Maybe she has obssesive-compusive disorder? I thought of that because I have it and that sounds like something I´d do.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray started seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?
It seems fairly believable that she would be able to see ghosts from an early age. I would be creeped out if I could feel a ghost touching me in any way. I think she will heed her father's advice for a time, but obviously something is going to happen with the ghosts in the story. I bet that her biological mother did have some sort of special gift that we will find out more about later on.
2. Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?
So far I feel like the author has given me a pretty good picture of what the south is like. I have been all around the south (I live in Texas), so I think she has done a good job representing what the south is like. I really like the concept of this book. It feels different from other ghost stories I have read and I like that. So far I have only been creeped out by the way the author describes the ghosts and Amelia's feelings from them.
3. Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?
I think the ghosts are possible relatives of John Devlin and for some reason, I get the sense that he knows they are there. I am wondering if she feels the sense of forboding because he is some sort of ghost whisperer type person. I don't know how else to describe it but I think he does things with spirits. I don't have any other ideas about why she would be having these feelings.
4. Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?
I think that the person is scared of what they might see in the pictures that will reveal clues to the murder.
5. So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?
I am thinking it will. I am assuming she is going to make a promise to a ghost that she will have to uphold.
6. I think that maybe this ghost is more strong than the others or that the ghost is a different type of ghost. It could also be because of who Devlin is.
7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? I am not sure what to think about the stranger. I find it odd that he reminded her so much of Devlin. Why is that? I think he is connected to the killings, but not in the way we are lead to believe.
8. Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?
I think the gravestone facing away from the grave is the key here. I don't see how the symbols, if they were common to that era, would be a clue.
9. What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?
I think it shows who Amelia is as a person. It is obvious that she is nervous around people and certain situations. I think the pictures show a side of her that she doesn't mean for them to show and that Devlin understands them on a deep level.
@ Lara#1- Good point. Children do tend to notice things that adults don't.
#2- Unfortunately, I think it might be hard to get the feel of the South from the author if you haven't been to the area.
#3- I agree with you here. I didn't think of there being some sort of organization, but you are right, there usually is.
I agree with you on all other points and liked hearing your thoughts.
@ Krisin#33- I like the idea of it being a ghost from an unsolved case. It sounds like it could be the case.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1.Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray stared seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?
I think her dad knew what he was exposing her to and wanted to talk to her about it before she found out on her own. She will break some of the rules and get further involved. Her mother definitely plays a part. Maybe she was haunted before?? There has to be something in her dad not wanting her to talk to her mother about seeing ghosts.
2.Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?
I am from South Texas and Louisiana, so North Carolina is different, but the culture is somewhat the same. I like the author's voice and the graveyard settings. I can get creeped out kinda easily, but I am not creeped out yet...
3.Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?
I hadn't given it any thought, but perhaps he can see the ghosts too. Or perhaps he is just weighed down by a murder he hasn't solved. I don't know what to think about how Amelia feels around Devlin (other than she is attracted to him, I see a love story in the making).
4.Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?
Not a clue....
5.So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?
Good foreshadowing. I agree
6.What were you thinking when [Devlin’s ghost child “penetrated” her defenses and showed up at Amelia’s house? How is this possible? And what about the garnet ring? A warning or a message? (hide spoiler)]
SCARY. The ring is a piece of the puzzle, a message.
7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? [Is he the one who broke into her car and took the photos? Or maybe he’s the killer? (hide spoiler)]
I didn't pick him as the person who broke into her car. But I really don't who he is.
8.Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?
It all plays a part. But I can't guess yet.
9.What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?
I think the photographs do elude to her depth. I am not sure if they will show a hidden message, but perhaps.
Mod
Done, Lára. Sorry, not you; totally my mistake.
Gee, I'm only on chapter three! I better get reading!
1) I think that her starting to see ghosts at 9 is about right. That is about thetime that puberty starts so it would be a time girls were already going through changes so an ability showing up is very believeable. Her natural mother must have had some kind of ability or else why wouldn't her father answer the questions about her. Her father's rules would be difficult to follow.2) I have seen loveley old cemetaries where I live. Also have seen one in Virginia which is the farthest south I have been. I love cemetaries. My grandfather was the caretaker at one when I was growing up so we were there every couple of weeks. One of my friends lived right next to one so we played in it all the time. Cemetaries have never creeped me out but I'm not sure I have the reverence for the place either. The only place I was every hit with a feeling of "lost dreams" is the baby land area of the cemetary in my home town. There is no where sadder.
3) I think they are his family. I'm not sure he is aware they are there as entities. His being haunted could be a sense of responsibility for the death of one or both of them. I think somehow Amelia knows she is going to have to break the rules as she is unable to not be involved with him plus there seems to be chemistry. Not a good combination.
4) There has to be something in the pictures. Either about the site or the grave itself that shows up in the picture.
5) Has to or why make the point.6) The ring has some meaning. The fact that the girl could come there means the rules are changing somehow.
7) Not sure about the stranger or if he is even a person. He didn't seem threatening to me so I don't think he is the one who broke into her car.
8) It is all important somehow I just don't see how yet.
9) Every photograph taken has some significance to the photographer. My opinion is photography is an art form and all art comes from the heart or soul of the artist.
sorry about the 2 posts. My phone is being dumb.
@ Lára#1 – Very true about children.
#2 – I’ve been there, so maybe this gives me more of a sense of place. I don’t mind graveyards, I’m very respectful of them.
#3 – Hmmm. I’m not sure he’s aware they haunt him. We’ll see. Yes, organization “conspiracy theory” is used a lot.
#6 – Yes, the ring is a big mystery to me.
#9 – [image error]
@Laura#1 – We so often think alike!
#2 – Yes, I think the author has done a good job of painting the picture of the area. This is a different type of ghost story…can’t quite put my finger on how, though.
#3 – Ah! Interesting.
#4 – Very true.
#5 & #6 – ☺
#8 – Yes, that outward facing gravestone totally pushed a button with me. I tried to find a picture of one, but couldn’t.
#9 – You know, I never thought about it before, but yes, she is nervous around people.
@ Kristin#1 – Ah! I was thinking her adoptive mother knew there was something different about Amelia’s father and was leery that she inherited that ability.
#2 – I agree; it would be a really neat job.
#3 – Ah. See, I only watched the first year. Good guess about an unsolved case.
#5 & #6 – I agree.
#8 – Yes, could be all.
#9 – Again, I agree. She is expressing herself.
@ Courtney#1 – Ah! Interesting.
#2 – Well, that’s good. Unless you want to be creeped out?
#3 – Could be a love story…
#6 & #8 – Oh, really! Interesting.
Come on, Christine!
@ Vickilynn#1 – I hadn’t thought of that (the puberty issue)!
#2 – Neat about your grandfather. Sad about the babies.
#5 & #6 – ☺
#9 – Totally agree with you about photography.
Crap, I got so caught up trying to finish a BR for another group that I totally forgot this one started today. *reads frantically to catch up*
Come on, Stefani!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray stared seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?
Yeah, it does make it seem more likely to me that she can see ghosts since she started seeing them early. I think she will try to heed her father's advice, but I don't think she will succeed because of her connection to Devlin. I do her think her biological mother had the same abilities. I am curious why her mother gave her up.
2. Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?
I have only been to the south once - Louisiana - and that was almost 20 years ago. I like the author's voice though and the way she describes the South. The graveyard scenes kind of creep me out, but I am enjoying the book. I wasn't sure I was going to like a book about graveyards! :)
3. Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?
I don't think he knows they are there, but I wonder if he ever feels strange when they are around. I wonder if they might be family members that have died?
4. Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?
I am thinking that there is a clue to the murderer in those pictures and Amelia and Devlin just haven't found it yet.
5. So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?
I think it will come into play later since it was mentioned. I think her word will make her break her father's rules.
6. What were you thinking when [Devlin’s ghost child “penetrated” her defenses and showed up at Amelia’s house? How is this possible? And what about the garnet ring? A warning or a message? (hide spoiler)]
I thought it was creepy!!! I had to check to make sure my curtains were closed. I think the ring is a message from the ghost to let Amelia though she knows who she is.
7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? [Is he the one who broke into her car and took the photos? Or maybe he’s the killer? (hide spoiler)]
I don't know who he could be, but I don't think he is the killer.
8. Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?
No thoughts on this yet, but I am curious to see what's important about that gravestone and if it was picked for a reason.
9. What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?
I think there probably is a reason she made the pictures that way even if she doesn't realize it.
@ Kim#1 – Yes, a little side mystery about her mother. However, this is a trilogy, so I don’t know if we’ll get that answer in this first book.
#2 – Yes! I felt the same way about the graveyard setting, but a good friend kept telling me to go for it. I’m glad I did, because it is beautifully written. I am very respectful in graveyards, and I find the heroine intriguing because she obviously feels the same way.
#5 – Ah! Interesting!
#6 – Eep!
#9 – Yes, I agree. I don’t think she knows. Here, I think Devlin has more insight into her psyche than she does.
http://amandastevens.com/books/the-gr...Is there going to be more than 3 books? This site had a preview for book 4, but of course I didn't read it. :). The site also said that NBC has bought the television rights.
Kim wrote: "Is there going to be more than 3 books? This site had a preview for book 4..."Looks like, Kim. Though I'd heard rumors about a TV show, I didn't know about the fourth book.
Mod
10. Is there any significance in Devlin being able to sleep in Amelia’s place? Do you like Amelia so far? Do you like the way she interacts with Devlin? What’s with Devlin’s silver medallion he wears? It knocks the wind out of her?
11. Any thoughts on the angles Amelia’s father is restoring: “all fifty-seven with nothing more than patience and a set of vintage masonry tools”? Why is Amelia suddenly seeing the first ghost she ever saw “after all these years”? Is he really only a messenger? If so, is her father right about the ring?
12. Do you think Afton Delacourt’s murder 15 years ago is connected to the current crime spree? Is the Order of the Coffin and the Claw definitely involved? Who could be a member of this secret society? Any suspicions? Or are you like me, and suspect everyone. LOL!
13. Book Quote: (view spoiler) Eep! What a visual! Or was it too cliché for you? Comments.
14. Another character is introduced: Charleston County coroner, Regina Sparks. Comments on her personality? I totally think there is something to the symbols on the gravestones. Are you with me on this?
15. Devlin’s wife was a student of Dr. Rupert Shaw? Interesting. Comments?
16. Book Quote:(view spoiler) Eep! What was this shadowy creature?
17. What do you think about Tom Gerrity? His “gift”? Why did Devlin’s wife back away from that strange – or rather, creepy – ménage à trios immediately when Tom Gerrity’s name was mentioned?
18. Now that you’ve heard Temple Lee’s story (Chapter 12) of Dr. Camille Ashby (who originally recommended Amelia’s services to Devlin), what is your impression of her? To backtrack to the end of Chapter 8, how do you think eavesdropping on Camille’s conversation with Devlin was a “turning point” in Amelia’s relationship with Devlin: by its content or her decision to do so? Or something else?
19. What did you think of Ethan Shaw and Daniel Meakin? Did either of these two stand out to you? One more than the other?
message 45:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Feb 13, 2013 12:49AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
For more pictures of this beautiful B&B,
check out Two Meeting Street Video of Charleston. (5 minutes)
restaurant on Meeting Street with a courtyard
Charleston's Museum Mile on Meeting Street
Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray stared seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?
I keep thinking perhaps she's related to her dad. Could she be his sister's child or a friend's? Very strange they both have the ability and he wasn't surprised by it.
2. Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?
I worked at a company who backed up to a graveyard and at lunch I occasionally roamed the area. It was kind of depressing to see the graves of so many young people there and sort of made you appreciate you were still around. I was never creeped out by it, but them I didn't hang around it at night. Some of the gravestones are quite beautiful.
3. Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?
I was wondering if he lost a wife and child or some other relatives? I find it interesting she seems somewhat attractive to him when everything tells her not to be.
4. Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?
To cover up something. Maybe there's a clue in them?
5. So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?
Probably. Not sure how yet.
6. What were you thinking when (view spoiler)
I'm not sure. Could they have something to do with Amelia too?
7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? (view spoiler)
I thought maybe it was one of Devlin's men.
8. Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?
Could the victim be a witch?
9. What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?
If she said there isn't then I'll go with that.
Finally caught up. I think.Questions for Chapters 1 – 6
1. Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray stared seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?
Most of what I read has paranormal elements, so a character seeing ghosts is just par for the course for me. But for this book I think it's an important element. It gives the main character years to accept the idea and learn how to deal with it. When we meet her as an adult, we understand why she has learned to control her reactions and think carefully before acting. We are treated to a character already fully formed and fairly skilled with her talent, versus going through the sometimes painful learning curve of a character new to the paranormal world in which they live. It allows me, the reader, to accept things I might otherwise question because I have faith this character knows what she is talking about given her years of experience.
She says in the first chapter that she loved her father with every fiber of her nine-year-old body. Because of the intensity of that emotion I think she will heed her father's advice, at least until adulthood. What happens then, is anyone's guess. But I'm betting she won't have a "dull" life because it wouldn't much of a book if she did!
There is definitely something about her biological mother at play, but I'm not quite sure what it is yet.
2. Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?
I think the book has a pretty good sense of place, at least in terms of having an emotional sense of the place. How accurate that sense is to the reality of Charleston, I haven’t a clue.
The author has set a nice tone for me, a slow almost sultry tone that fits my image of the South with it’s heat and humidity and that I think works with the content of ghosts and graveyards. However, there is a quirk to her writing that occasionally irritates me. I've noticed a tendency of the main character to clearly state something that was already made clear by her actions. For example, she'll make a point of mentioning a "sense of foreboding" when it's obvious from physical and emotional reactions she has already described. A small case if telling rather than showing. Or telling to the point of redundancy? Other than that one quirk, I like the tone. And so far it’s not creepy at all to me, just a bit mysterious.
3. Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?
Ooh! Who are those ghosts?! A case he couldn't solve and that literally still haunts him? His wife and their child? Some other personal/familial relation? So far, this is a big question mark for me. The most intriguing mystery.
Her feelings around him may stem from two different places. On one hand, he's haunted and her father always told her to avoid the haunted that they could bring her no good. So a sense of foreboding around him makes sense. But on the other hand, is he haunted because, like her, he can see ghosts? Perhaps part of her recognizes a kindred spirit and that is part of the attraction?
4. Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?
This one I don't know. If you need pictures of the place that badly, why not go take them yourself? Unless of course you have removed something that you don't want to be missed, but that is visible in those photos? But then, why not break into her home and take/destroy her computer as well? Stealing a briefcase full of print outs seems pointless in the digital age. Was there something else in the briefcase? Maybe a copy of her graveyard map that might be handy for something?
5. So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?
I don't have much to say on this one at this point other than I bet it will come into play later in the story. Plus, it shows her commitment to see things through and not give up even when things may become difficult or dangerous. She is not easily scared away.
6. What were you thinking when (view spoiler)
Another good question. Does the connection she feels with Devlin somehow make her more vulnerable to his ghosts? She keeps thinking about him and his ghost. Is this a case where just thinking about them so much gives them power? Are they following Devlin around because he is one of those who refuses to let go and is basically holding them from moving on? My initial thought it that the little girl is trying to get a message to Devlin about letting go and moving on. Or there is some mystery around their deaths that needs to be solved and she’s trying to five a message about that.
I thought it was interesting that she decided to bury the ring in her own yard. I guess her thought is that the objects from hallowed ground will content any negative energy that might be associated with the ring? But what if it gives the child ghost even more power to approach her?
7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? (view spoiler)
I thought it interesting that he so reminded her of Devlin, but with distinct differences. If she had information he needs, why would he not have approached her then when there was no one else around? He could have kidnapped her or threatened her, but he did not. If he were the killer, wouldn’t he be stalking her from the shadows, not showing up right next to her. It’s like he wanted to be seen, but was not quite ready to approach her. Or didn’t think she was ready to be approached. I’m not ready to call him a bad guy yet.
8. Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?
At this point, I can’t see what the clue is about that gravestone. So much could just be pure coincidence or happenstance. But I imagine as the investigation continues and more information is revealed that we will start to see some significance.
9. What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?
The ones with graveyards imposed over cityscapes? I like them. She talks about how Southerner’s are big on their ancestry. Maybe the photos are meant to represent how everything we are is built on the lives of those who came before. That as we move forward and evolved as a society, we should not forget the roots of where we came from. In the stories of the past we can find clues to solve our own futures. So…maybe there is some deep, hidden secret in the past of this town that will come to light as they investigate this new murder?
I like these questions. It’s really made me stop and think about things in the story more than I otherwise might have.
Kim wrote: "http://amandastevens.com/books/the-gr...Is there going to be more than 3 books? This site had a preview for book 4, but of course I didn't read it. :). The site also said that ..."
I think it was maybe originally intended as a trilogy, but as often happens she decided to write more?
Laura's answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 12 10.I am beginning to think that everything Devlin does is some kind of clue as to how he fits in with the ghost world. I like Amelia so far. I think she is appealing because she is different. She isn't perfect, but she isn't annoying either. I don't know how I feel yet about Devlin in regards to her, but I understand why she would be attracted to him. I am wondering if Devlin's medallion is like a talisman of some sort. I am thinking maybe that is why it has the power to knock the breath out of Amelia.
11. I am wondering if the mention of the angels has anything to do with Amelia's current worries. I think it is very cool that the townspeople errected the angels for the orphans who lost their lives. I know that her seeing the first ghost is significant along with the ring, but I am stumped as to what it is yet.
12. I think they are connected. I think it would be a unique plot twist if the Coffin and the Claw are involved in some way, but it seems like it might be a bit to obvious. I am not sure. I am assuming wealthy southern students of high society would be the only ones allowed into such a society to begin with. I tend to hone in on one individual when reading mystery books like this one. I am really feeling Camille for some reason right now, but it is just a thought.
13. It was a bit, cliche but still creepy.
14. I loved Regina! I typically like characters with her type of personality. I agree with you about the symbols. They must mean something.
15. I thought so too. I am wondering if she is somehow related to the secret society and the murders.
16. CREEPY! I don't think I would have been able to ever go back to the cemetary after that. I am thinking it is another type of ghost, but a really evil one.
17. I think Tom Gerrity is more involved than we know right now. I am wondering if he was the detective working on his wife's case?
18. She seems a bit crazy to me. I wonder at the validity of Temple's story though. She seems to be a bit off her rocker as well. I think that Amelia and Devlin's relationship having a turning point has to do with the fact that Amelia chose to listen and alsi with the content. She obviously now knows more about how things are at the University due to overhearing the conversation. She also is having more interaction with Devlin.
19. I don't really dislike or like either one of them. I do think they are both a bit weird. I think Daniel will have a bigger part in the story but I don't know what that part will be.
7 – 12 Too bad to comment. I´m really disappointed, sorry.
Might give up.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Abandoned (other topics)The Visitor (other topics)
The Restorer (other topics)
The Restorer (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Khristine Hvam (other topics)Amanda Stevens (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of The Restorer. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
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's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer--and to his other victims--lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
CHAPTER BREAKDOWN - This works out to be about 17% a day. EXPECT SPOILERS.