Award-winning novelist Elizabeth Upton, renowned for her captivating romantic thrillers, including "The Shaman and The Mafia" and the John Callahan Series, is back with a new offering titled "Murder in the Lonely Graveyard: Who's Next." This mystery satire presents a charming twist on the cozy romantic mystery genre, demonstrating that love can still happen even amidst the backdrop of a lonely graveyard filled with intrigue and murder. The author's new book receives a warm literary welcome and a 5-star editorial book review by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite! Elizabeth Upton's Murders in the Lonely Graveyard: Who's Next? is a mystery set against the backdrop of a forgotten cemetery. At the heart of the story is Autumn, a real estate agent whose ordinary life is turned upside down when she stumbles upon a murder in Pillar Cemetery. The setting of a neglected graveyard provides an eerie backdrop that enhances the chilling mood of the narrative. Autumn's encounters with various characters, including the enigmatic Brien Hogan, a prosecutor with a complicated past, weave a rich tapestry of intrigue. Elizabeth Upton excels at building tension and suspense, skillfully dropping hints and red herrings that keep the reader guessing until the final pages. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, driving the plot forward and deepening the complexity of the characters. Each character is meticulously crafted with backstories that add depth and motivation to their actions. The plot is dense with layers of mystery that unravel through a series of gripping events, from discovering bodies and a baby in a mausoleum to the intricate connections between the characters that span both professional and personal realms. Upton's narrative technique of shifting perspectives offers a panoramic view of the unfolding drama, maintaining a brisk pace that ensures the story is engaging. Murders in the Lonely Graveyard is a compelling whodunit that provides both mystery and drama. With its well-developed characters and smartly paced plot, the book is a commendable addition to the genre, promising to keep readers enthralled and pondering the clues until the very end." Reviewed By Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite - Jan 2025 Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (10/06/2025) 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 very good-looking 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 truly 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 just can't seem to take themselves seriously will also enjoy this madcap race of a romance. Even traditional romantic suspense fans will find this unique piece worth a gander, although 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 true suspense. Regardless of how one chooses to define Elizabeth Upton's Mur