Grave Secrets

There is a mystery in this novel, but it is a minor subplot instead of the main feature. Instead, it focuses a lot more on the vampires, their politics, and the current trouble the vampires are in. In fact, I thought the way vampires interact with society and people knowing about their existence to be one of the interesting parts of this novel, but it isn’t a mystery-based plotline.

If you are looking for a novel that has zombies in it, then you might like James’s depiction of them here in this book. For me personally, I find more serious zombie stories to be creepy for some reason. There are only a few that I enjoy and that don’t creep me out. However, this book has a much more friendly and human view of zombies than many other stories I have read or seen in film. It also shows a connection between the zombies and Toni when she raises them. It was another interesting aspect to this novel.

As for the main character of Toni herself, I do have some mixed feelings. Overall, I really did enjoy her. However, sometimes she is a bit of a confusing character despite the close first-person point of view. This really occurs with the romance in this book. There are signs that she has problems with her vampire boyfriend and doubts about if she should be with him throughout the story, but she continues to pursue the relationship and mentions that she thinks he is the best man she’s ever been with. So, as a reader, it can be confusing as to how she really feels about it and why she feels the way she does. I do like, however, how strong she is. Toni Windsor is not a push over and very head strong. She makes her own decisions and doesn’t back down even when she’s scared. She is also a very kind person with a good heart. She seems to be an unlikely heroine at times, but she is pretty likable nonetheless.

I also think James’s writing style is nice and simple and fluid. There is good imagery without being too complex or hard to follow. It is definitely a quick and light read and is obviously supposed to be a fun story. I also like the added touch of the little drawings that are at the top of all of the chapters that depicts its own little story that, in many ways, mirrors the story progression of the novel. I do wonder where the next novel of the series will go, since it seems to have finished the main plot points started in this book.

If you are looking for just something easy and fun to pass your time with and think you might enjoy a tale that includes vampires, zombies, a necromancer realtor, and is located in a small little town in Staffordshire, then this book might just be for you.