Review: Grave Birds - Dana Elmendorf

Review: Grave Birds - Dana Elmendorf - July 2025

You know that feeling when you pick up a book without high expectations, and it ends up surprising you in the best way? That was Grave Birds for me. I'll be honest , I wasn't sure this would be up my alley. Supernatural thrillers can be hit or miss for me, but Dana Elmendorf crafted something that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime.

The premise hooked me immediately: Hollis has the ability to hear the stories of the dead, specifically those with unfinished business. But here's where it gets interesting these restless spirits leave behind Grave Birds, ethereal creatures that serve as messengers from beyond. When Hollis touches one, she's transported into the dying person's final moments, experiencing their death firsthand. It's a unique supernatural element that feels fresh rather than recycled, and Dana Elmendorf uses it brilliantly to build tension throughout the story.

Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business (or thinks they do), the story takes a dark turn when newcomers Cain and Paloma arrive. Hollis immediately senses something sinister brewing, and her instincts prove devastatingly accurate. At the heart of the town's rot are the Hawthornes, the wealthy elite who've perfected the art of looking pristine while their hands are soaked in blood. Covering up murders? Just another Tuesday for this family.

What I appreciated most was how Dana Elmendorf peeled back the layers of small-town corruption. The Hawthornes aren't cartoonishly evil , they're calculated, protected by money and influence, and utterly believable. Watching Hollis navigate this dangerous game of exposure while trying to stay alive created genuine suspense. There's something deeply satisfying about watching powerful people face consequences, and this book delivers on that promise as the Hawthorne empire begins its inevitable crumble from the top down.

The supernatural elements never overshadow the thriller aspects, which is a delicate balance many authors struggle with. Instead, Hollis's gift becomes the tool that unravels decades of carefully buried secrets. The pacing kept me engaged, and while I predicted a few twists, several genuinely caught me off guard.

If you're looking for a supernatural thriller that combines ghostly mystery with small-town secrets and corporate corruption, Grave Birds is absolutely worth your time. Dana Elmendorf has created a compelling world I'd happily revisit.

Thanks to HTP Tours for providing an ARC copy for review.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qk11Td