GENRES
Book Review Books Cozy Mystery Fiction Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Novella Romantic Suspense

“Murders in the Lonely Graveyard” by Elizabeth Upton


Murders in the Lonely Graveyard
Elizabeth Upton
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 979-8218546113
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (10/06/2025)

Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views
( https://readerviews.com/reviews/murders-in-the-lonely-graveyard-upton/ )

Murders in the Lonely Graveyard by Elizabeth Upton is not your average…anything. 
I want to call this flash fiction, but 124 pages fall into the short story or novella category more precisely.  But there are certainly similarities in the way Ms. Upton spins her tale.  Falling into the romantic suspense genre—sort of—Murders in the Lonely Graveyard reflects the sometimes-ironic nature of life as love blooms and grows in a derelict cemetery.

Let’s examine the suspected genre for a moment. There is certainly romance here, as Autumn comes to the graveyard with her elderly aunt for an annual graveside visit and finds herself trading business cards with a handsome man.  Bam!! insta-love at its finest. In fact, readers may begin to wonder if everyone in this tale is falling in love—even the dog. The cozy mystery also wants its place here as the man, Brien, stumbles moments later over two bodies and a squalling infant. 

But wait, there’s more! 

As Autumn and Brien strangely and quickly exchange business cards in the cemetery, then just moments later, as Brien (who we learn is a District Attorney), calls his sister to take custody of the infant at the crime scene without the knowledge of the police, we realize that farcical humor has earned a spot in the genre hierarchy.  This is reinforced as Autumn walks by the police chief in his car a few minutes later and admires his tall, good looks—something she had just done with her insta-love buddy Brien as they met and did their bizarre business card exchange.

Are you getting the idea here?  This novella is unique.  It flies by the seat of its pants at the speed of light, and the reader learns to hang on tight, go with the flow, and not take things too seriously. However, this doesn’t mean this short story doesn’t carry weight. Within these pages, Ms. Upton will provide you with a compelling mystery, miniature backstories of some key characters, budding romance, and all the clues you’ll need to solve this quirky puzzle. Dialogue-driven, every word moves the reader toward the satisfaction of the mysterious murders. 
I genuinely don’t know how she did it.

Murders in the Lonely Graveyard may be just your cup of tea if you prefer to read a book within one sitting. Readers who enjoy spoofs that can’t seem to take themselves seriously will also enjoy this madcap romance race.  Even traditional romantic suspense fans will find this unique piece worth a gander. However, given its speedster nature, it might be more appropriate to call it a romantic mystery since it could be argued that there is not enough time to build actual suspense.
 

Regardless of how one defines Elizabeth Upton’s Murders in the Lonely Graveyard, it is a love story born in a neglected cemetery that blooms with new life as love grows, symbolic of Autumn herself.


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In celebrating her awarded 5-star editorial review, Elizabeth shares her ‘John Callahan’ series of Kindle books on sale for readers who enjoy romantic mystery suspense! All three Kindles are now $0.99 from Amazon and are available in print and audiobooks!
👇 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC4YP1Z7/

About The Series of John Callahan

John Callahan is a good man with a sinister past—and his past will not let him live in peace. Against the odds, he matures from a teenage Belfast street thug and an IRA killer to a happily married man and expectant father. Years later, just as he finds peace and serenity again as a monk in a rural Irish monastery, a vindictive superior banishes the handsome young priest to a derelict parish in New York City.

Father Callahan is forced back into dangerous filth, corruption, and crime. Can he remain a celibate priest, or will he abandon the life of faith for more sensual pleasures? Will he stay a good man or return to the dark criminal life he once knew so well?

Within each book of “The John Callahan Series,” Elizabeth Upton shares a gripping, thrilling, suspense-filled fictional story with lots of drama and intrigue. Books one through three are real page-turners for avid contemporary mystery readers.


HAPPY SPOOKTOBER READING!