Graveyard Shift: By M.L. Rio (Book Review)

M.L. Rio’s Graveyard Shift is a modern Gothic novella that dives deep into the unsettling and eerie world of a college town’s night shift workers. Known for her debut novel If We Were Villains, Rio brings a similar dark, atmospheric touch to this new story, where insomnia, mystery, and existential dread take center stage.

Plot Overview

Set in a small college town, Graveyard Shift follows a group of late-night workers who converge at a local cemetery. The story is initiated when they discover a mysterious freshly dug grave that wasn’t there the night before. This leads them into a web of bizarre occurrences and unexplained events that tie back to the strange hole. As the night unfolds, these characters—ranging from a journalist to a bartender—unearth dark secrets that hint at something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly mundane lives. The novella thrives on creating tension through a blend of supernatural elements, mystery, and character-driven storytelling.

Atmospheric and Gothic Elements

One of Rio’s strengths lies in her ability to craft an eerie and foreboding atmosphere. Much like her previous work, she imbues the setting with a sense of unease, accentuated by her evocative prose. The cemetery becomes more than just a backdrop; it feels like a character in its own right, with shadows that seem to move and whispers that echo through the night. Reviewers have likened the book’s atmosphere to classic Gothic tales, with its creeping tension and bleak, almost claustrophobic setting, which makes for a chilling read, especially during the fall​.

Characters and Themes

The strength of Graveyard Shift lies in its ensemble cast. The characters are varied, each grappling with their own issues, such as insomnia, unfulfilled ambitions, and a search for connection. Edie, the ambitious editor-in-chief of the college newspaper, is particularly driven, trying to uncover the truth while also dealing with her own inner turmoil. Alongside her, we meet Theo, a bartender looking for second chances, and Tamar, a hotel receptionist lost in existential questioning. Each character’s journey contributes to the novella’s exploration of themes such as loneliness, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world​.

Despite the shorter format, Rio manages to give each character enough depth to make them compelling. However, some readers felt that certain characters, like Tamar and Tuck, were not as fleshed out as others. This led to critiques suggesting that the story could have benefitted from being a longer novel, providing more space to develop the rich backstories and dynamics between the characters​.

The Mystery Element

The central mystery in Graveyard Shift revolves around the unexplained grave and its connection to a series of hostile incidents reported around town. While the plot’s tension keeps readers engaged, some reviewers felt the resolution was a bit predictable and could have been more layered. Nevertheless, the journey to the conclusion is filled with eerie encounters, suspenseful moments, and Rio’s trademark dark humor, which helps to maintain a brisk pace despite the novella’s brevity​.

Writing Style

Rio’s writing shines in Graveyard Shift, as she brings her poetic, almost lyrical prose to the forefront. Her ability to describe scenes vividly makes the eerie setting come alive, and her sharp dialogue adds a layer of authenticity to the characters’ interactions. However, the book also contains a few meta-commentaries on insomnia and scientific curiosity, which can feel slightly heavy-handed at times. These philosophical musings could have been more subtly integrated into the narrative rather than being presented as explicit themes in the author’s note​.

Final Thoughts

Graveyard Shift is a compelling read for fans of atmospheric mysteries and modern Gothic fiction. It’s a story that explores the darker corners of the human psyche, framed through the lens of night shift workers bonded by their sleeplessness. While it has its share of predictable plot points, the novella’s strength lies in its character work, moody setting, and the way it tackles themes of isolation and the search for meaning. For those who enjoyed If We Were Villains, Rio’s signature style is present throughout, making Graveyard Shift a worthy follow-up that is sure to resonate with her established fanbase​.

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