As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

It's no secret Charlaine Harris has been one of my favourite novelists for years. After the captivating Sookie Stackhouse series, and its adaptation on HBO, I find I'm always down for some new material by her. Although Grave Surprise isn't a new release exactly, the graphics featured in this newly republished version are. And boy, do they bring a certain level of fire to this already well-known series.

Really, it gives it a massive kick in the butt and draws in a new sort of excitement for the Harper Connelly series. I'm very fond of the way the mystery unfolds for our favourite psychic and it's a classic Harris release of thrilling edges we get cut on as readers. Sharp, fast paced and full of questions. I don't need to tell this to longtime fans but for those of you who have yet to give Charlaine Harris a chance: this is my call-out to you.

But let's focus more on the new additions to the story: illustrations.


There's a lot to be said about how the artwork really plays on the darkened atmosphere Harris is known so highly for. It's suspenseful just as the series is. You, naturally, need to pick up the first installment to get an understanding at where the story pulls us. Although, this particular series is one of my least favourites by Charlaine Harris (I still enjoy it) the artwork featured ties it all together in a way that's fresh and like reading the novels for the first time. That's not an exaggeration: it brings the story to a whole new level that will catch new readers and old ones alike.


It's just so eye-catching and really puts a focus on, well, everything. I've been trying to expand my graphic novel collection and this by-far is one of the better ones I'd read this year. I'm itching to get my hands on a physical copy because something about it is so lush that you kind of want to put it on display with The Walking Dead, Afterlife with Archie and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I recommend this graphic novel to a few targets: Charlaine Harris die-hards, mystery lovers and those who collect graphic novels.