This review is for part three of Dynamite's graphic novel adaptation of Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris. Parts one and two opened with flashbacks. Why should the final part be any different?

The flashback is from two years ago, outside the city of Beatrice, Nebraska. Harper locates the body of a missing old woman. Her widower is very grateful.

Then we're back in Sarne, Arkansas, in the present. Harper has run out on Deputy Hollis Boxleitner because she doesn't feel right about having sex with him in the house he shared with his murdered wife. She goes back to the motel where she and her stepbrother/manager, Tolliver Lang, are staying. She's attacked when she enters their room. It's Scotty, that teen jock from part two. Harper is fighting back when Hollis reaches them.

The next morning, Harper has a visitor. It's Mary Nell Teague, daughter of Sybil Teague, the widow who hired Harper to find her murdered son Dell's girlfriend, Teenie Hopkins. Mary Nell wants Tolliver out of jail, as Harper does. Mary Nell had called a lawyer named Toby Buckell, but he wanted an adult. She didn't call her mom's lawyer, Paul Edwards, because he and Dell had a big argument.

Visiting hours at the jail are two to three o'clock, so Harper decides to get some information from the Teague family plot. She's about to do a reading on Dick Teague, Dell's father, when a shot chips the tombstone and cuts her cheek. She calls 911. Unfortunately, it's Officer Marv Bledsoe, the jerk who arrested Tolliver in part two, who shows up.

Harper visits Tolliver and tells him she's got an attorney from Little Rock: Phyllis Folliette, a friend of their regular attorney.
Afterward, Mary Nell shows up and takes Harper for a ride, during which they discuss Mary Nell's family and the murdered Helen Hopkins, whom Mary Nell liked, but her mother wouldn't rehire after Mrs. Hopkins sobered up. She thinks Miss Helen stole something from her mother.

Harper meets Phyllis Folliette the next day. Phyllis asks Harper if she's related to the Cameron Conelly who went missing in Texas, and if Cameron was ever found. (Harper is her sister and she'll find Cameron some day.) They wait for Tolliver's cas to come up. The case is quickly over and Tolliver is free.

Despite the fact a storm is coming, Harper and Tolliver leave Sarne for Mount Parnassus. It's not a real place in Arkansas, but Mount Parnassus in Greece is where the Delphi Oracle was located. They're eating when they get a call from Sybil Teague, with a claim about Mary Nell and an urgent request they come to her house. This inspires Harper to figure out what the mysterious letters that the murdered Sally Hopkins Boxleitner found meant.

The Teague house is dark when they get there. Harper calls for Boxleitner, but he and the other police are dealing with two crimes. Harper and Tollver enter separately and stealthily. Someone shoots at Harper. Harper downs the shooter. The confrontation is on. It's ugly,

The bonus materials in this volume starts with an interview with Charlaine Harris herself. Cool! That's followed by reproductions of all of the covers, including the variant cover for volume one. Then there are general notes, a two-page tryout script, and two pages of pencils. The last page is head shots and brief descriptions of eight cast members. It was nice to find out who Mr. Vale was.

I like the art, the adaptation gives a good idea of what happened in the original book. I wish that some locations had been captioned so I didn't have to infer where they were for the important places section, but that shouldn't be a problem for the casual reader.

Do I recommend this adaptation for graphic novel mysteries, Charlaine Harris, and Harper Conelly fans? Yes,. ( )

I really liked how this all wrapped up. It wasn't who I thought it was, but it was great. ( )

Summary: In Book 3 of Grave Sight, Harper Connelly’s life is threatened, Tolliver Lang is jailed on a bogus charge, and Sarne, Arkansas seems to have a grip on their lives.
Review: The illustrations are great, giving a feeling of foreboding and unease. The writing is ‘ok’; if you’ve already read the novel on which this graphic novel is based, this adds nothing new. ( )

Loved it. See no 1 in series for more detailed review. ( )

Once again, I think my main issues is the serialized format of these books (which I know has more to do with it being a graphic novel, a format I'm not familiar with). Finishing this last installment, I was just left with a vague feeling of "Why wasn't this part of the prior book?" As a reader that already knew what was coming, this climax wasn't enough of a surprise to support a whole book. That being said, I'd love it if the rest of the Harper Connelly series was transformed into this format, the acquisitive collector in me would love to complete the set. ( )

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Suspenseful conclusion of the three-part graphic novel where all things are finally revealed.

Opening Sentence: “If she’s here, Harper will find her.”

The Review:

This volume is the stunning conclusion to a three-part graphic novel series following the book Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris. It’s the culmination of hints and threats creating pieces that are put together to solve the puzzle of the mysterious deaths in the sleepy town of Sarne, Arkansas.

The tension expressed in this volume is much more prevalent through both the artwork and the coloring. The characters are much tenser and it shows in the strokes of the pen work. Though the stark and deep coloring reflects the dark nature of the story, it also reflects the dark natures of the people involved. Even the words that express the sounds in the scenes are just as expressive, with the colors chosen and the font. It all comes together in a perfect storm of suspense that represents Ms. Harris’ book beautifully.

After reading the Harper Connelly series, I believed that it would make a great graphic novel. The content and settings translate beautifully to a graphic format. I am very happy with the results of this venture. This is a great way for people that may not necessary have the availability or time to read the book to enjoy the trials and tribulations of Harper Connelly and her foster brother, Tolliver Lang. This is a great read whether you are a fan or a newcomer.

FTC Advisory: Dynamite Entertainment graciously provided me with a copy of Grave Sight: Book 3. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payment I’ve received are in hugs and kisses from my little boys. ( )