Graveyard Shift (2024) is a wonderfully dark and entrapping novella, perfect for these darker months. With a strong premise and an even stronger writing background, bestselling author M.L Rio creates a haunting atmosphere, which, at times, is reminiscent of Glasgow and its necropolis.
Rio masterfully creates another haunted and humorous group of relatable characters set against a gloomy academic town, reminiscent of If We Were Villains (2017). Starring five characters who regularly meet up at their college town cemetery, the story unfolds as they become aware of a mystery which seems to take place in the center of their smoke breaks.
Okay, so this is a situation where I did judge a book by its cover (it is just that cool looking), also, I’m a big M.L Rio fan, which meant this book was made for me. Although initially a bit reserved about starting this read, I was immediately pulled in. The social dynamics and changing POV’s keep you hooked, but its also the gnawing desire of wanting to know what is happening in their small town. This short book singlehandedly pulled me out of a reading slump, which is why I think it’s the kind of book anyone can enjoy.
The writing is strong and layered. The atmosphere perfectly reflects a dark and gloomy day in fall and it takes place over one night and the early hours of the morning, which heightens the mysterious vibe – making you think there’s always a new twist on the next page.
The ending has been a bit critiqued on social media and by other readers for not wrapping things up that neatly, some have mentioned that they felt as if it was the thought of a novel never quite fulfilled. In my opinion, it was a perfect kind of ending. Some of the last chapter dragged on a little, but I believe it still included a perfect resolution. Not only do we get the full story behind all the mysteries, but we also get to see the characters develop a little behind the scenes.
I understand where some of the criticism comes in, especially if you like all your loose ends tied up nicely, but the abrupt ending fits with the novel, and the mystery genre itself. Reading it feels like you’ve just been pushed into an abyss and, in any case, you’re always free to speculate the ending. Though, I will say, if there was a way to get a 400 page novel just on this, I would be the first in line to buy it (under the conditions that we get a lot more exploration of the characters). Either way, I loved the novella and couldn’t ask for more.
If you’re not one for suspense, slow and intense buildups, abrupt endings, and squirreling rats, maybe this book isn’t for you… but there is no denial that this 100 page novella is fantastic for gloomy Glasgow nights, and perhaps a slow descent to get you back into reading.