Book Reviews and More: Fen Dead - Cedar Sanderson

Sunday, 30 August 2026

Fen Dead - Cedar Sanderson - Grounds Keeper Book 6

Fen Dead

The Groundskeeper Book 6

Cedar Sanderson

Sanderley Studios.

ISBN 9798189804977

ASIN B0HC538QXD

ASIN B0HC56ZVJJ

Fen Dead - Cedar Sanderson - Grounds Keeper Book 6

With the reading of this story it marks 33 times I have read a book or published short story by Sanderson, not counting her contributions to anthologies. 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 I read and since then I have been slowly working through all of Sanderson’s published works. It is a quest to read everything she has published under various pen names. 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 my elder goth friends, Alma and Dorothy, who have inspired me and encouraged me in my writing.”

The story is masterfully written. It was a humorous read with a dark twists, but also a lot we can learn. 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 the next day. I also ordered a print copy for my youngest daughter who is really enjoying the series as well. The description of this offering is:

“In the misty fen on the edge of town, a murdered man refuses to stay buried.

Chloe Brandt, groundskeeper of Belleview cemetery and reluctant apprentice mediator to the dead, has been called in to help. The deeper she digs into the strange killing, the more she realizes some bindings run deeper than any grave.

Armed with a glowing jar of restless oil, a crew of sectretive gnomes, and more confidence than caution, Chloe must navigate deceptions and dangerous liminal spaces before the fen claims another soul. In a world where even the dead keep secrets, the only way forward is to get your hands dirty.”

The chapters in this offering are:

1. Pansies for Thoughts

2. Soapwort for Intruders

3. Yarrow for Protection

4. Myrtle for Duty

5. Sundew for Surprise

6. Dogbane for Deception

7. Celandine for Communication

8. Maidenhair Fern for Discretion

9. Violet Nightshade for Mentorship

10. Clematis for Study

11. Mock Orange for Recollection

12. Sunflower for Nourishment

13. Acacia for Friendship

14. False Parsley for Gullibility

15. Monkshood for Poisonous Words

16. Holly for Defense

17. Rhubarb for Advice

18. Jonquil for Death

19. Bindweed for Dangerous Situations

20. Sweet Potato for Resolution

Epilogue

The story follows Chloe on her first solo mission. Or as we will learn more her first mission as the lead. Mr. Cruor is away overseas on business, when Belleview receives a call for the police for assistance on a strange case. And though very nervous Chloe resolves to do her best. Along the way she receives assistance from Stella, Trunk and even Mr. Cruor, via calls. She is also dealing with a specific incident at the Cemetery and with the assistance of Padraig and his kin. It even provides some levity and release for Chloe in a very amusing way.

Chloe is really growing into a new role at Belleview Cemetery, and finding her with in The Brotherhood. Her new vocation, a vocation of the work of mercy of burying the dead, and in this case helping them to transition if needed, is never short of surprises. And this one is another excellent story. This volume makes reference to The Brotherhood but also:

“She had figured out her boss was visiting the Brotherhood’s main leadership, but had only a vague idea of where he was in Europe, much less where the Brotherhood was headquartered now. There was, she’d learned during her history lessons with Trunk, another Fraternitas Mortis associated with the Catholic Church, but that was not her Brotherhood.”

As a Catholic myself I cannot help but hope that passion mention is a foreshadowing of something to come. This story moves at a brisk pace and a lot of events transpire. But it is slower than the last volume, with a lot more research, consulting and good old detective work. Chloe settling into her new role, and finding her place in that role, especially as the lead this time.

This story is part of an excellent series, and though the volumes are written sequentially you really could begin with this and then go back and read the earlier books. It is strong enough to stand on its own.

This is yet another masterfully written story from the pen of Sanderson. Excellent characters both alive and dead. A wonderful read. 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 further beyond. This series is really shaping up into something wonderful, I have read a few of them more than once and after this sixth installment plan to go back and reread them all again this fall. I can easily recommend this book and series. An 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