The Grave Winner by Lindsey R. Loucks  New Release from Crescent Moon Press

I was thoroughly entertained by The Grave Winner from start to finish. Ms. Loucks is a talented author and I appreciate her sense of humor and unique style. Although The Grave Winner is a dark story about teenaged, Leigh, losing her mother, and then becoming afraid she will rise from her grave, I found myself laughing out loud many times. I was totally amused by Leigh’s interpretation of the world and how she handles it — sometimes with her fist.  There were other moments of heartbreaking anguish as Leigh tries to cope with the enormous changes to her family that left me feeling empathetic for her loss.

So, Leigh Baxton’s world gets turned upside down when the dead begin rising from their graves and undead sorceresses attempt to kidnap her and make her their number 3. And, as if that weren’t enough, an unbelievably hot mystery guy keeps showing up every time she visits her mother’s grave at the cemetery.

Leigh’s relationship with her little sister was sweet, well written, and believable. I really liked Leigh’s best friend, Jo. They do everything together from talking about guys to challenging the undead. I also enjoyed reading about Jo’s older brother, Callum. The beginnings of a love triangle starting between Leigh, the mystery guy, and Callum had me intrigued and curiously turning pages as fast as I could.

Overall, the book is a great mix of paranormal, young love, and zombies that come together for a thrill ride in “Krapper, Kansas”. The Grave Winner is a bit twisted, dark, and delightful. I highly recommend it. Five stars.

I have to throw in that I love the cover art too!!!!

You can buy a copy here Amazon

Back Cover Blurb:

Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead — just like the prom queen did.

While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

She should have listened.

Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

About the author

Lindsey R. Loucks works as a school librarian in rural Kansas. When she’s not discussing books with anyone who will listen, she’s dreaming up her own stories. Eventually her brain gives out, and she’ll play hide and seek with her cat, put herself in a chocolate induced coma, or watch scary movies alone in the dark to reenergize.

She’s been with her significant other for almost two decades.

Where to find Lindsey and her books:

Add The Grave Winner to Goodreads.

Check out Lindsey’s website.

Follow Lindsey on Facebook.

Follow Lindsey on Twitter.