There had been no attempt to bury the dead girl, naked except for the white ribbon tied to her wrist Twenty-five-year-old Julie Hall has a unique ability: when she takes up a dowsing rod, she finds not water but bodies. To Julie, it’s a curse, not a gift, and one she rarely uses—she prefers her quiet life in a trailer, with her grandfather and her dog for company. But when FBI agent Garrett … company. But when FBI agent Garrett Pierce shows up at her door seeking help with a case, she has no choice but to assist with their search.
Three girls are still missing. The killer is still out there. As bodies are discovered and more girls disappear, the case becomes almost more than Julie can bear. And when the killer turns his sights toward her, even her growing relationship with the protective Agent Garrett may not be enough to save her.
This book is approximately 74,000 words
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I just have to say Oh My God! This book was off the chains good. Wendy Roberts did not disappoint with this new book. I have read another series by Ms. Roberts and it was a great series. When I saw she had this up for preorder I quickly ordered it. I admit, at first I thought this was a continuation of the other series, but nope this is a new series. I am so glad I ordered it.
In this book Julie is a gas station attendant with a checkered past filled with fear and abuse. She meets Garrett and FBI agent, who comes to her for her help. You see Julie has a very unique ability. She can use dowsing rods to find the dead. There is a serial killer on the loose and Garrett is always a few steps behind him. He is hoping with Julie finding the bodies fast, that he will be able to get evidence to point him to the killer before he kills again. Can Garrett find the killer in time before he kills the next girl who has been abducted? Will Julie become his next victim?
I have to say that I am no disappointed in this book. It exceeded my expectations of Wendy. She is an excellent writer. Her story has a great plot, full of surprising twists. I could not put the book down. I was on the edge of my seat. There were moments when I was like “OH MY GOD NO WAY!” I even cried during some scenes. Julie is such a strong woman who has endured a lot of horrible abuse and still pushed on to live her life. She does has some weak moments, drawing into herself. Garrett also has suffered a horrible tragedy and I think that is what draws Julie and him together. I thought that the story was very interesting. I really hope that this is the start of a great new series. #fangirling
this book is one of the best book ever!!!
Serial killer, abusive aunt, this book has that and more. This mystery was a winner for me. The characters were all over the place as far as how I felt about them and even our little diviner Julie had me questioning her good sense with some of the things she did. I am usually one who guesses the killer but sadly I didn’t this time. The story is good and the connection between her and the FBI agent is believable as a stress relief but not much more. Glad I didn’t read for the romance because although there was sex no real romancing was done. I really enjoyed the book and will most definitely be going for the second book in the series to see how she fares with her new business and her FBI guy!! I haven’t read this author before but she has my attention.
Such a good book. A total page turner. Loved the characters.
I haven’t finished reading this book yet but I think it is going to be a new favorite and I have many favorites. Keeps your attention and I think I know who is the bad guy but there may be a surprise. I have to get back to it and find out. Great read! Can’t wait to find out.
94% of the book was engaging. I was vested and interested as the foundation of the story was laid out and events unfolded.
I wish it had ended there, as a segue way to the next installment. Instead, heroine gets hit with the stupids. No guard, loose killer, dousing rods all a twitter. I know, let’s not do something as basic as pick up our phone. Forbid an otherwise useful device be utilized to say, oh, locate your keeper? Have her/him come to you for an update? Forbid, forbid.
I was so with the grandma’s assessment of this protagonist 94% into the story.
The mystery wasn’t that hard to figure out, with all the clues repeatedly emphasized, so couldn’t the protagonist have been just a little bit brighter? Honest to goodness it felt like an episode of Charlie’s Stupid Angel.
Did not expect that ending! I thought I had it figured out. Would have liked a little bit more on the characters and the main couple a stronger connection and a little bit more development but otherwise I really enjoyed this book.
A Grave Calling by Wendy Roberts
Bodies of Evidence #1
Having used a few divination tools with mixed results I was eager to read this book of a woman who dowses for the dead. Watching my husband’s cousin look for water and being told how he does it using the same tools Julie used in this book made it come even more alive for me. I do like things that are not always scientific and don’t come with easy explanations 😉
Julie Hall, born Delma Arsenault, is the once abused but very talented heroine of this book. She has survived her childhood and is doing her best as an adult when along comes FBI Agent Garrett Pierce asking her to do something she has been raised to believe is evil – get her divining rods out and dowse for the bodies left behind by a serial killer. It is tasking for her but with the support of rather silent and quite a bit older Garrett she has success on more than one trip into the field. Before the end of the book she finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer. Since she is not one to follow the rules the FBI finds it a challenge at times to keep her safe.
As the first book in the Bodies of Evidence series I found this interesting and intriguing. It drew me in and kept me turning the pages without taking a break. I liked both Julie and Garrett and felt they brought out the best in one another. I have a feeling that they will make a great team in future books of the series. I liked that the book ended with the case tied up in a bow but with a hint at the direction the series plans to take for book number two. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and other books by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Quirky suspense with dark elements. It’s always a treat to find a new author that writes a unique story.
Julie Hall had a childhood filled with abuse from her grandmother, made worse by the gift she had for finding dead bodies with a pair of dowsing rods. Only returning to the home she grew up in after her grandmother dies, she’s content with just working at a gas station and looking after her Grandfather. She’s helped law enforcement in the past to find missing people but is surprised when the FBI knocks on her door needing help to locate the body of a woman killed by a suspected serial killer. She is just one of 3 recently taken and they need Julie’s help in hopes that finding the bodies they will find clues and evidence against the killer.
Julie had more than her share of bad things happen to her in life and even let them for a while put her on a self medicating path. Her gift was something I’ve never seen used before and held me captivated until the shocking ending.
Looking for a dark, edgy suspense different from the rest – give A Grave Calling a try..