The book starts strong with an intriguing premise and a compelling protagonist, but loses steam in the middle, with awkward romantic subplots and a rushed, melodramatic conclusion. The use of dowsing for solving crimes is unique and well-integrated.
A Grave Calling by Wendy Roberts is a mystery thriller that begins with a captivating hook. The story revolves around Julie Hall, a woman with the unique ability to locate the deceased using dowsing rods. FBI Agent Garrett Pierce seeks her help to find three missing girls, leading to a tense and intriguing investigation. The initial setup is excellent, with a well-developed protagonist and an interesting concept that adds a fresh twist to the mystery genre. However, the middle of the book falters. The romantic subplot between Julie and Garrett feels forced and lacks chemistry, and the introduction of jealousy and conflict through another agent seems unnecessary. The pacing also becomes uneven, with the story losing momentum as it progresses. The reveal of the villain is overly melodramatic and rushed, leaving the reader with more questions than answers. Despite these flaws, the integration of dowsing into the narrative is well-executed, providing an interesting backdrop for the mystery.
Quick quotes
Fear can make you do crazy stuff.
The beginning hooks you effortlessly.
The halfway mark is where the story begins to lose it steam and stumble around.