Book Review: Graveminder, by Melissa Marr

Graveminder is one of the most unique paranormal books I have ever read. The creative plot kept me entertained most of the time, and a bit confused as well.

At first, there is much information, and it doesn’t immediately make sense. Maylene, and elderly lady, is murdered, and in the course of dealing with her death, the reader is introduced to many characters, some dead, some who have moved away, and some local. I had a hard time keeping track. The plot is also confusing. It is obvious that Maylene was different, but we aren’t sure in what way. Was she just eccentric? It also seems that many of the townspeople are in on a secret, but some aren’t, and it isn’t clear what this secret is.

Marr exposes the plot very slowly, and this is deliberate. I don’t really want to say too much about the specific premise, but it has to do with keeping the dead people dead. So, there’s kind of a zombie presence, for those dead that return, but it isn’t just a zombie book. The plot is complex and we learn more and more details as we read.

There’s a bit of romance between the main characters, Rebekkah and Byron. They have been close in the past, until Rebekkah moved away, and now when she comes back for the funeral, we see whether anything is left between these two.

The characters were interesting enough to keep me engaged. There’s a mystery as to why so many dead are coming back. There’s a unique setting – the underworld – that is very creative.

The book definitely kept me interested. It wasn’t the best paranormal I’ve read, but I would still recommend it. The resolution of the mystery wasn’t much, as far as tension, but was satisfying. This is an adult book, but is certainly appropriate for teens who are interested in the paranormal.

Published by William Morrow, May 17, 2011

Personally purchased copy

324 pages

Rating: 3/5

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