I wasn't prepared for the complex web of murder in this book by Charlaine Harris. I've never read something so gripping and full of suspense and vivid imagery. I was literally living the protagonist’s life and trying so hard to feel every damn thing she felt especially in those moments of experiencing the last moments of dead people.
Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris is the first novel in the Harper Connelly series. I haven't read the other series yet as I don't have time to do so now but I believe after my exams I should.
Synopsis (No spoilers)
Harper and her stepbrother, Tolliver makes a living by offering services to those who'd lost their loved ones and needed closure. Harper after being struck by lightning was blessed with the haunting and unique ability of finding dead bodies and experiencing their last moments.
The book begins with Harper and Tolliver being hired to find a missing teenage girl, Teenie Monteen in a small town called Sarne. The girl was assumed to have been murdered by her boyfriend, Dell, but his mother, certain that her son did no such thing, called for the service of Harper.
After the body of the girl was found, it was revealed by Harper that Dell wasn't her killer. Teenie was instead shot twice in the back as well as her boyfriend Dell. Dell was shot twice as well but the sheriff has assumed he shot himself after taking down Teenie. Harper saw teenies last moments and in those moments she saw Teenie running away from someone but two bullets took her down.
After this revelations, secrets and lies begin to unfold as more people keep dying. Harper and her brother become prime suspects and wish they could leave the town but to prove not guilty they stay back in Sarne and what had seemed to be a straight forward job turned out to be a tangled web of secret, lies and murder.
As the protagonist, Harper is the most compelling character in my opinion. I love how she's got flaws but still stand out. She's resilient yet vulnerable. Her ability seems like a curse and also a blessing. Weirdly, while reading this book, there was a heavy downpour and lightnings cutting through the sky, piercing through my window and I found myself wishing for the same ability as Harper's. Lol. Inasmuch as this ability is challenging and dangerous, I'd love it so much as it'd set me apart from the rest of the world.
I also love the character of Tolliver. I like how he lets Harper depend on him and him on her. The relationship he shares with her is beautiful. He provides emotional support to Harper nicely.
Grave Sight, is true to its genre of crime. It is rich with suspense. I also love the plot twist and turns as Harper and her brother uncover secrets that the people of Sarne wished could remain buried forever.
The author did great with her writing style. It's straightforward and engaging. The dialogue is realistic and the pacing kept me hooked from beginning to end. I recommend if you're interested in mystery and crime.
