Book Reviews and More: Deadhead - Cedar Sanderson

Monday, 5 May 2025

Deadhead - Cedar Sanderson - The Groundskeeper Book 4

Deadhead

The Groundskeeper Book 4

Cedar Sanderson

Sanderley Studios.

ASIN B0CM453FGK

Deadhead - Cedar Sanderson - The Groundskeeper Book 4

I first encountered the works of Cedar in Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories, and after reading her piece there knew I had to track down and read something else from her pen. The first story in this series was that next piece and I have been working through all of Sanderson’s works since then. In that first book Sanderson states:

“This book is dedicated to the Junior Mad Scientist, my pastel goth. May you find your happy place, dear heart.”

Written and dedicated to her own daughter the story is spun off from a chance real life event. The dedication in this volume states:

“For Alma and Dorothy, the elder Goths in my life.”

And we might just encounter a few of them in this wonderful story. The story is well written. It was a humorous read with a dark twist. The book and whole series really grabs your attention and keeps you hooked. I picked up the book as soon as it released and read it in a couple of sittings over a day. The description of this offering is:

“Chloe's grown to love her job as caretaker and groundskeeper in the big cemetery. Belleview continues to surprise her and keep her life interesting, and Mr. Cruor is about to make her an offer she can't refuse. Her comfortable life is turned on end, and she's trying to keep up with everything, while wondering how she can cope with the new demands on her. Chloe is very afraid that what's coming will be more than she, or her friends, can handle...”

The story follows Chloe as she transitions into a new role at Belleview Cemetery, a role that is much more series and has further reaching consequences. She has known for a while that life at Belleview was different, and she took it all in stride. No she is being offered a vocation, a vocation of the work of mercy of burying the dead, and in this case helping them to transition if needed. The description of book one stated:

“The ghouls, wraiths, and ghosties had not been part of the job description. Or maybe they had, just not in so many words. The neatly printed sign next to the ornate gates had simply read: “Cemetery groundskeeper and caretaker needed. Inquire within.””

In this volume Mr. Cruor reveals some information about his past. Chloe’s relationships with Della and Trunk are blooming. And she is introduced to several other people from Cruor’s circle who are involved in their important work. But a lot happens in this small volume. Chloe is building a team to take over some of the caretaking work so she can take on other duties.

I have greatly enjoyed everything I have read from Sanderson's pen. But this series is among my favourites. This is a masterfully written story. Great characters both alive and dead. A read and yet with a very serious edge. I love this book and series, I want to know what else happens to Chloe and the residents we have encountered and those we have yet to meet at Belleview Cemetery and beyond. This series is really shaping up. Each time a new story comes out I end up going back and rereading them all. I can easily recommend this book and series. A most excellent read!

Books by Cedar Sanderson:

Lab Gremlins

Warp Resonance

The Dwarf's Dryad

One-Eyed Dragon

Memories of the Abyss

Little Red-Hood and the Wolf-man

The Violet Mouse

Stargazer

The Eternity Symbiote

Plant Life

Sugar Skull