4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you Dana Elmendorf, HTP, The Hive, Mira, & Harlequin Audio for the gifted copies!

Grave Birds
Dana Elmendorf
Publishing Date: July 1, 2025

🎧 Narrator: Brittany Pressley 🎧

I really loved Dana’s debut novel, In the Hour of Crows, and think Dana is just an awesome human. So when the opportunity to receive a PR box for this book came up I was so excited!

This novel is so beautifully haunting and atmospheric. It’s spooky without being too scary. I absolutely love magical realism and it is done to perfection here. The southern gothic vibes are on point. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. And there was even a dash of romance.

Hollis Sutherland had a near death experience as a child and has been touched by death ever since. She has the ability to see Grave Birds and when she touches one she is swept away into the mind of the deceased where she can see the events leading up to their death.

With this sophomore novel Dana Elmendorf has proven herself a consistently strong writer, a beautiful storyteller, and a master at creating haunting, gothic, atmospheric vibes. She was already an auto-buy author for me, and this second book just further proves why.

🎧 I read this one with my ears because how can you not when Brittany Pressley is narrating? It is no surprise that she is absolutely flawless here. There are a handful of narrators that if I see they are doing a book it’s an automatic audio for me, and she’s one of them!

Grave birds haunt the cemeteries of Hawthorne, South Carolina, where Spanish moss drips from the trees and Southern charm is imbued with lies. Hollis Sutherland never knew these unique birds existed, not until she died and was brought back to life. The ghostly birds are manifestations of the dead’s unfinished business, and they know Hollis and her uncanny gift can set them free.

These grave birds are not holding anything back. They are determined to make sure their story is told. And this is sending Hollis on a quest that will change the way her whole town thinks.

I love a story which has a bit of the supernatural in it. And good goobly goop…this one is definitely full of that. Add in the drama surrounding all the deceptions and this is a story you will think about for days to come!

Another unique tale by Dana Elmendorf! I read In The Hour Of The Crows a while back and I found it a fascinating read. And this novel is right up there with it. It is creepy, eerie and mysterious all rolled into one.

Need a story about lies and deceptions with a mystical aspect thrown in…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

A delicious southern Gothic thriller, featuring strong characters, an engaging premise, a generational mystery, conflict and romance, and plenty of twists and turns. Hollis Sutherland nearly drowned, and gained an unusual "gift"--she sees grave birds that tell the stories of the deceased. And the birds are insistent that she get to the bottom of a small-town secret...

Elmendorf creates a fantastic tone--Carolina isn't just the setting for the story, but is deeply infused in it. Hollis is an excellent protagonist; she's sassy, sweet, vulnerable, and strong. Dark, handsome, and coolly reserved Cain Landry makes the perfect "love-him-or-hate-him" counterpoint. The plot unfolds bit-by-bit, and has that elusive element of a good mystery: all the pieces are there in retrospect, but I didn't see the solution coming.

Thanks to Dana Elmendorf, MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Four plus stars for this wonderful, modern-but-Southern-Gothic tale. While one reads and recognizes the importance of family to Hollis, the main character, it’s the twisty family secrets of some of the town notables that propel the story. Toss in the bachelor “devil” who comes to town with secrets and projects of his own, and you have a delicious atmospheric book that I would have completed in one sitting except for the day job.

This is truly a hard to describe story, combining the ability to see the “grave birds” who carry the unfinished business of the deceased (which gives a dose of mystical) with small town secrets and tradition.

Loved it.

Dana Elmendorf does paranormal southern mystery very well. I enjoyed In The Hour of Crows very much, and it was a much darker atmospheric read than Grave Birds, which was not in the mountains. It was a quick, engrossing read that I enjoyed. I am not someone who tries to solve the mystery before the ending, and I was deeply invested in how the mystery was revealed in this story. I enjoyed the almost Biblical supernatural elements and the vengeance being meted out. I could have spent more time with these characters and gotten to know them better, which would have been nice. I recommend this book, and I hope this author keeps writing her stories, as I enjoy them.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the eArc. These opinions are mine.

Elmendorf’s specialty is creating vivid southern gothic settings for her mysterious plots and remarkable characters who possess magical abilities. In this new release set in a small South Carolina town, Hollis Sutherland, can see Grave Birds or ghostly birds that are manifestations of the dead’s unfinished business. When a charming mysterious bachelor, Cain, arrives bringing a plague and the devil with him, the grave birds begin to show Hollis the dead’s ugly past from some twenty-five years ago. As she learns more about the town’s corruption, she can’t decide if Cain is some immortal hand of God, sent to expose their sins, or if he’s a devil there to ruin them all. Either way, she’s determined to save her town and the people in it, whatever she has to do.

💙amazing gothic vibes, including renovating a historic estate for a gala
🪶magical visions, cryptic dreams, and ghost encounters
💙propulsive murder mystery plotline
🪶secret identities, town secrets, and unresolved conflicts
💙charming protagonist, and a blend of suspense and romance

There is mystery, unique magic, romance, sisterhood/ friendship, family secrets, and revenge weaved into a beautifully written novel that I devoured almost in two sittings.
I LOVED it!! If you enjoyed Crawdads, June Farrow, or Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, be sure to check out Grave Birds ASAP!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a free digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Please be advised this book contains content that may be triggering to some readers including, but not limited to:
- Violence/Murder
- Implication of SA (past)
- Car Accident (past)
- Grief/Guilt
This story deals heavily with death, past and present. Please protect your peace if these topics are too heavy.

Marketed as Southern Gothic Literature, Dana Elmendorf’s: ‘Grave Birds’ is easily one of the most consumable novels I’ve read this year.

We follow our main character Hollis, as she navigates the challenging maze of establishing her business in her rural southern hometown, while simultaneously is embroiled in a decades long mystery featuring the wealthiest family and namesakes of Hawthorne, SC.

While not a widely diverse cast of characters, we do exclusively follow Hollis’ perspective which graces us with brief histories of the most prominent figures in her life. With that being said, I didn’t feel there was a richness from our cast of characters. Nor were the rest well fleshed out, particularly our MMC, Cain. The author hinted that Cain may have similar senses as Hollis but there was no exploration, which was disappointing because I felt it would have really made his character stand out, or at least actually have something in common with our main character.

But where the characters seemed lacking, the plot and suspense made up for it.
Dana Elmendorf has a clear talent in just feeding enough information to keep you hooked but not giving too much as to spoil to story too early. It’s frustrating in a good way to be forcibly on the cusp of gaining ground in the investigation for it to be teasingly yanked away. I absolutely loved it. I had inklings throughout but none so concrete that it made the ending worthwhile.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book. The atmosphere is charming but creepy, the mystery completely engrossing, and enough of a supernatural twist to keep the reader engaged.

Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf publishes July 1st, 2025.

This was an eerie, atmospheric, and spooky read! I loved the setting and the characters! The plot twists were incredible as well!! I could not put this down! This is one of those books where you want a stormy night and some candles going.

Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf is a wonderfully creepy Southern Gothic paranormal mystery, packed with a charming small-town vibe, Lazarus syndrome, family secrets that could kill, omens, plagues, ghostly visions, all wrapped up in a cozy horror package. It gave me nostalgic feelings of Skeleton Key, The Gift, and Hope Floats rolled into one.

I’m sitting in the middle about this one. Did I enjoy it? I did and if I hadn’t nodded off a few times, I probably could’ve finished it in one go. But I wouldn’t say I loved every moment.

From the start, I was hooked by Grave Bird’s unique concept and intriguing premise. The reason I stuck around, though, was because of the author’s writing style. She created such a charming, atmospheric world with a haunting Southern feel that really drew me in. There were moments where her words made me feel a sense of unease—that spine-tingling kind of creepy—and I loved that. It was a little disappointing, though, when some parts—like the transitions, plot points, and dialogue—felt a bit choppy or disconnected compared to the smoothness of her writing.

There’s a lot going on in this story, but the author does a fantastic job keeping the pacing just right. I enjoyed getting to know a bunch of interesting characters, especially the female protagonist and her fierce determination. One of my favorite things, was how she’d flash a sweet smile but then spew sass and snark at people who didn’t deserve her kindness—shades of strength and sass that I appreciated.

The other characters added some nice layers, but honestly, I didn’t feel super connected to them. They almost felt like background noise at times, so their impact was a little less than I think the author intended.

But the real stars for me were Louisa, the talking cockatiel, and Paloma, the MMC’s godmother—outside of the FMC, they kept things interesting and added some fun and mystery to the story.
I loved the breadcrumbs the author sprinkled throughout—enough to keep me guessing without giving everything away too soon. Sure, I could sense a twist coming, but it wasn’t always what I expected, which kept me on my toes. I do wish the big reveal had been a bit longer so everything could have fully unfolded, especially because I really enjoyed that everything came full circle and the symbolism used through this scene.

if you’re expecting full blown romance and moments of spice, Grave Birds is not that. The romance is closed door and takes back seat to the plot and mystery, none of this bothered me much but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

All in all, I had a good time reading this and if a book two ever came out I would give it a read.

RELEASE DATE: 07/01/2025

Thanks to Netgalley & Dana Elmendorf for the gifted ARC.

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollinsca for the early digital copy in exchange for an honest review

🌿✨ Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf is the perfect gothic escape with just the right touch of magic and mystery.

Set in a sleepy Southern town brimming with secrets, this story hooked me from the very first page. I couldn’t get enough of the atmospheric writing, haunting family curses, and the fierce, relatable heroine determined to uncover the truth.

Elmendorf’s blend of eerie folklore and heartfelt emotion creates a story that completely sweeps you away. A must-read for fans of dark, enchanting tales! 🖤🌙

Publication Date: July 1, 2025

This author's last book, In the Hour of Crows, enthralled me with its prose, exceptional character development, and Appalachian setting, and I hoped this novel would be the same. It was better.

Having lived in South Carolina for many years, I can say Elmendorf captures its spirit perfectly. Her descriptions of humid, lazy summer days, Southern comfort food, and cultural richness are spot on. Hollis's plan for her event planning business is unexpectedly knocked off course when Cain buys the house she assumed would be hers to transform into the perfect venue. But she doesn't let that stop her, and I liked that she's resourceful and able to rebound when obstacles are tossed in her path. It comes as no surprise that a romance develops between them, but I admit to being puzzled at Cain's abrupt personality change from a rude, wealthy newcomer to town to the charming guy he is for most of the story.

Hollis's ability to see grave birds and receive their visions of the dead's unfinished business is an original concept. Over the course of the story these visions make the secrets and mysteries of the small town of Hawthorne even more intriguing. Although I had a few theories, I was nowhere close to solving anything.

I'm always here for paranormal/supernatural aspects, and the ghostly appearances in this story may send chills down your spine. The immersive writing drew me into these otherworldly scenes, and the vivid imagery made me feel as if I was at Hollis's side experiencing everything with her.

Grave Birds is the type of book to read lounging on your porch or patio while sipping your beverage of choice. It should come with a warning label that hours will pass without notice because you'll be so absorbed in the story. After two novels, I'm a confirmed fan of this author. Recommended for readers who enjoy small town drama and mysteries, cursing parrots (Louisa is a hoot), and outstanding characterization.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The protagonist is complex and deeply human. You can feel their struggles and fears in every scene, and their journey is both heartbreaking and hopeful. I loved how the story handled themes of loss, identity, and transformation without ever feeling heavy-handed. 4.5 Stars

Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf is a refreshingly original Southern gothic fantasy with a haunting premise and vivid atmosphere. Set in South Carolina, the story introduces us to Hollis Sutherland, who discovers the existence of grave birds, ghostly creatures that haunt cemeteries, born from the unfinished business of the dead, after she dies and is brought back to life. These spectral birds recognize her rare gift and draw Hollis into their world, hoping she can help set them free.

The concept of the grave birds was imaginative and compelling, and I loved how Hollis was drawn to them. Each time the birds transported her back in time to witness a spirit’s unresolved past, I was eager to uncover the truth alongside her. The novel’s pacing was quick, making it an easy and engaging read. However, I did find myself wishing for deeper character development, particularly with Cain. His backstory and his connection with Hollis had the potential to be something truly special, but it felt underexplored.

While the story held strong potential, the ending felt rushed and left me somewhat unsatisfied. I kept hoping for a darker, more emotionally resonant twist that never quite arrived. Overall, I gave this one 4 stars. It's an intriguing read with a unique concept, but it didn’t fully deliver on the emotional depth or tension I was hoping for. Still, a worthwhile read for fans of atmospheric, Southern-set fantasy with a ghostly edge.

Thank you, NetGalley, Dana Elmendorf, and MIRA Books for sharing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc!

As a South Carolinion, I always think it's so fun when books are set here, and I really loved the concept of those who have returned from the dead were able to see the grave birds.. Overall, while I did find Grave Birds enjoyable and thought this was a interesting take on Southern Gothic, the pacing was a bit too slow for my tastes and the flashbacks a bit too much.

Ever since she died and came back, Hollis has been able to see the ghostly manifestation of birds as the sign of the undead's unfinished business. When a new stranger comes into town and strange events begin to happen, Holiis knows its connected to him for some reason and it doesn't help that there are a flock of birds that surround the house he movs into. Hollis wants to find out what is happening but that mans uncovering the dark secrets that lie in the town's past... and figuring out whether this handsome charming new stranger is the devil himself. This was a slow burning gothic mystery with a very light romance in it. I do think if you enjoy slow burn gothic reads this would be perfect for you. The story has a slow pace and the mystery takes a bit of time to unravel but overall if thats your vibe, this would be a great book for you.

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Grave Birds
Dana Elmendorf
UK release date 1st July

This has been really difficult for me to review as I both liked and disliked this book in equal measure. A Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampire's meets Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this is a fresh and unique take on the Southern Gothic. The premise of this story really intrigued me but if I'm honest I did find myself confused and a bit lost for most of the story. The writing is beautiful, almost poetic at times. It's atmospheric, a bit chilling at times and filled with a foreboding sense of the Uncanny.

I loved The idea of only those who had died before and been bought back to life could see the grave birds and it does have the makings of being a really good paranormal Gothic tale but it just felt a bit disjointed and clunky. I found it really hard to keep up with the flashbacks - especially at the beginning when they didn't really make much sense. The flashbacks towards the end of the novel were far easier to understand and felt like they fit with the story.

There were parts I loved - the dark, domestic drama and all the twists and turns that come with secrets, lies and revenge. I also enjoyed some of the more paranormal aspects, however, I would describe this more as a cosy horror meets psychological thriller if I'm honest. I maybe think I'm not the correct audience for this book as it did read a little like a YA novel and it does take a hell of a lot to scare me ... Overall I did enjoy but it wasn't what i expected 🌟🌟🌟

Dana does it again! She writes incredible descriptive atmospheric Southern gothic stories and this one did not disappoint. A paranormal mystery with some truly chilling scenes, Dana got me with the mystery plot twist this time! Small town, bright side FMC, mysterious MMC, and a crew of corrupt characters on a scale of biblical proportions! The paranormal plot steals the show while the grave birds break your heart. I'd recommend this to any fans of Grady Hendrix and/or Alex E. Harrow's Starling House!

Dana Elmendorf’s writing somehow manages to be both haunting and comforting at the same time: the lush Southern gothic atmosphere filled with unnerving elements and lovely details to lose yourself in.

As a young girl Hollis drowned, crossing over into a blissful afterlife for minutes before she was brought back to life. Since then, she has had the ability to see grave birds, manifestations of a dead person’s unfinished business. These birds begin to show her hints of a powerful family’s nefarious deeds, somehow tied to the appearance of a mysterious and handsome stranger’s arrival in town.

This was such an enjoyable read, with just enough tension to keep the reader captivated without being stressful! If you like this one I highly recommend the author’s earlier work, The Hour of Crows; it has the same spooky southern gothic atmosphere.

Thank you so much to Mira Books for this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf is everything I love about Southern Gothic fiction, haunting, atmospheric, and brimming with charm and mystery. From the very first page, I was completely hooked by the small-town secrets, the creeping sense of unease, and the perfect blend of the eerie and the tender.

What absolutely stole my heart was the cat and the talking bird—two wonderfully crafted characters that added so much personality, magic, and even humor to the story. I found myself completely invested in their interactions and the way they deepened the emotional threads of the book.

Elmendorf’s writing is lush and immersive, the setting feels alive, and the gothic undertones are just the right balance of spooky and soulful. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this gem early. I adored every moment of it. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

An unusual blend of horror, paranormal and Gothic. Hollis almost died when she was eleven. Now an adult she can touch a gravebird and know the regrets of a person. It's a curse in some ways but it also allows her insight into the town of Hawthorne which is filled with secrets. The arrival of Cain (seriously?) brings a host of troubles to the town and to Hollis. He's also incredibly appealing to her. I admit to struggling a bit with this, largely because it's different from my usual reads. That said, the writing is good and the whole thing is deeply atmospheric especially vis a vis the small town. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Over to others.