Dive into the shadowy, spine-tingling world of the Cemetery Girl Trilogy, where a young woman with no past battles mysteries among the dead! This graphic novel series, crafted by Charlaine Harris and Christopher Golden, blends supernatural thrills, gritty crime, and a coming-of-age journey. Meet Calexa Rose Dunhill, a heroine who wakes up bruised and bloody in a cemetery, piecing together her identity while navigating a world of ghosts and danger.
With its haunting visuals and gripping narrative, the Cemetery Girl Trilogy captivates fans of mystery and fantasy alike. Whether you’re drawn to eerie settings or strong, evolving characters, this series delivers a unique adventure that lingers long after the final page.
How Cemetery Girl Trilogy Began
In 2014, Charlaine Harris, famed for her Sookie Stackhouse novels, teamed up with Christopher Golden, a prolific fantasy and horror writer, to venture into graphic novels. The idea for Cemetery Girl sprang from their shared love of dark, character-driven stories. They envisioned a tale about a young woman lost in a world of spirits, blending Harris’s knack for quirky heroines with Golden’s flair for atmospheric horror. Illustrated by Don Kramer, the series marked Harris’s first graphic novel endeavor, bringing a fresh visual dimension to her storytelling.
The Heart of Cemetery Girl Trilogy
The trilogy unfolds across three books: The Pretenders (2014), Inheritance (2015), and Haunted (2018). In The Pretenders, Calexa, a teenage amnesiac, hides in Dunhill Cemetery after surviving an attempt on her life. She discovers she can see spirits, and when a murder unfolds before her eyes, a victim’s ghost merges with her, flooding her with foreign memories. Inheritance deepens the stakes as Calexa’s secret life unravels under police scrutiny, while she forms bonds with a gruff caretaker and a kind elderly neighbor. Haunted races to a thrilling conclusion, revealing Calexa’s past and the truth behind her supernatural gift as she confronts her would-be killer.
The series weaves themes of identity, resilience, and justice, set against the eerie backdrop of a cemetery. Calexa’s transformation from a scared, isolated girl to a determined heroine resonates with young adult and adult readers. The graphic novel format, with Kramer’s moody artwork, amplifies the story’s blend of horror, mystery, and emotional depth, making each panel a visual treat.
Why Cemetery Girl Trilogy Resonates
The Cemetery Girl Trilogy stands out for its fresh take on the supernatural genre, merging gritty crime with ghostly encounters. Fans praise its compelling protagonist and atmospheric storytelling, with reviews highlighting the artwork’s ability to evoke both dread and hope. While not as widely known as Harris’s True Blood series, it’s carved a niche among graphic novel enthusiasts, appealing to those who love dark, character-driven tales. Its exploration of memory and self-discovery continues to draw readers seeking something beyond typical fantasy fare.
- Publication Years: 2014–2018
- Books: Three (The Pretenders, Inheritance, Haunted)
- Authors: Charlaine Harris, Christopher Golden
- Illustrator: Don Kramer
Ready to explore a world where ghosts whisper secrets and courage rises from the shadows? Grab The Pretenders and step into the Cemetery Girl Trilogy’s haunting adventure!