Book Reviews and More: The Hoodoo That You Do - Cedar Sanderson

Sunday, 17 September 2023

The Hoodoo That You Do - Cedar Sanderson - The Groundskeeper Book 2

The Hoodoo That You Do

The Groundskeeper Book 2

Cedar Sanderson

Sanderley Studios.

ASIN B0CJ4LZPC8

The Hoodoo That You Do - Cedar Sanderson - The Groundskeeper Book 2

Oh my goodness, what an excellent story. I have eagerly awaited another story in this world since I read the first, Raking Up the Dead, the first story in this series was the first standalone work of Sanderson that I read. Since then I have read stories in anthologies, novella’s and novels. When this one came out a third story was announced for next month. This is an absolutely fantastic story. I love the characters, the world building. The concept and the execution.

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. And to date I have not been disappointed in anything I have read from her. I was intrigued by this series from when I first heard it mentioned. Sanderson states in the first book:

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

And in this volume she states:

“For my Pippa, the pastel goth who I am so grateful isn’t a glitter goth after all.”

In Raking Up the Dead, we follow Chloe as she is begins working at the Belleview Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. The job description was for a caretaker and to inquire within. Chloe was up for the job but soon found out that the description was a little nebulous and her responsibilities are constantly growing. She is determined to get the grounds in order. To clear the overgrowth, trim the verge, and clear the paths. What she had not expected was to be providing care for the residents. And her life has become a balancing act between the physical upkeep and the supernatural needs. And some of the residents are very needy.

The description of this volume states:

“Chloe's job just got more complicated. This time, she's leaving the cemetery, but not the undead, to help solve another mystery. Libraries are silent as a grave, aren't they?”

Those who have read the first story will recall she has a friend in the authorized section of the library, Mark. And a two cats that makes appearances from time to time. Esmerelda and Kung a monster black tomcat. While having a discussion with Mr Crour, the administrator of the cemetery and Chloe’s boss the doorbell rings must expectantly. It happens to be a police officer bringing some evidence to Crour for examination. But Miss Della Dear, the Victorian era skeleton turned housekeeper is greatly disturbed by the thing and summons Chloe to deal with it. So soon Chloe is on a new mission doing research, which falls under her ‘other duties’ as grounds keeper.

This story is wonderfully written. The characters both alive and dead ones are great. It is a fun story and yet with a serious edge. I really hope it is the continuation of what will become a long series because 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. Or who are brought in to cross their path. It is a place I hope we can return to in other stories again and again. Another amazing read from Sanderson’s masterful pen. I highly recommend both the stories in The Groundskeeper series!

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