You know that eerie feeling you get when you’re alone at night, and the shadows seem to stretch a little longer than they should? That’s the atmosphere M L Rio conjures in “Graveyard Shift,” a novella that’ll have you sleeping with the lights on for days.
A Moonlit Dance of Characters
Set in a small college town, “Graveyard Shift” by M L Rio follows five night owls whose paths cross in the local cemetery:
- Edie – The ambitious editor-in-chief of the college paper
- Theo – A charming bartender with a complicated love life
- Hannah – A caustic rideshare driver with insomnia
- Tamar – A hotel receptionist questioning her life choices
- Tuck – The mysterious caretaker of the abandoned church
Their nightly rendezvous takes a sinister turn when they discover a freshly dug grave where none should be. What follows is a deliciously twisty tale of scientific experiments gone wrong, paranoia, and the things that go bump in the night.
A Master Class in Atmosphere
Rio’s prose drips with Gothic ambiance. You can practically feel the damp chill of the foggy graveyard, smell the musty air of the derelict church. It’s the literary equivalent of walking through a haunted house—every page turn filled with delicious tension.
Setting as Character
The small college town becomes a character in its own right. Rio paints a vivid picture of a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business, but dark secrets still lurk beneath the surface. The abandoned church looms large, both physically and metaphorically, a constant reminder of the town’s troubled past.
Themes That’ll Keep You Up at Night
Beyond the spooky trappings, “Graveyard Shift” explores some weighty themes:
- The ethical boundaries of scientific research
- The isolation of insomnia and night shift work
- The lengths people will go to for ambition
- The power of found family
A Modern Take on Gothic Horror
Rio deftly blends classic Gothic elements with contemporary issues. The result is a story that feels both timeless and utterly modern. It’s “Frankenstein” meets “The X-Files,” with a dash of campus novel thrown in for good measure.
The Horror of the Mundane
What makes “Graveyard Shift” truly unsettling is how M L Rio finds horror in everyday situations. A late-night Uber ride becomes fraught with tension. A simple college research project spirals into something far more sinister. It’s a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones hiding in plain sight.
Characters That’ll Haunt You
Rio has a knack for creating complex, flawed characters you can’t help but root for (even when they’re making terrible decisions). Each of the five main players feels distinct and fully realized:
- Edie’s drive for the perfect story blinds her to the human cost
- Theo’s charm masks a deep loneliness
- Hannah’s biting wit serves as armor against her own vulnerabilities
- Tamar’s quest for meaning leads her down a dangerous path
- Tuck’s secrets threaten to unravel everything
The Power of Perspective
One of the novel’s strengths is how it shifts between different character viewpoints. We get to see the same events unfold through multiple lenses, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding mystery.
Unreliable Narrators Galore
As the night wears on and sleep deprivation sets in, the lines between reality and hallucination begin to blur. Rio keeps us guessing—are these characters experiencing something supernatural, or are they simply losing their grip on sanity?
A Plot That Twists and Turns
Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Rio pulls the rug out from under you. The pacing is relentless, propelling you through one sleepless night as the characters race to uncover the truth behind the mysterious grave.
Science Gone Wrong
Without spoiling too much, the central mystery revolves around a morally dubious scientific experiment. Rio raises fascinating questions about the ethics of research and the potential consequences of playing god.
A Satisfying (If Open-Ended) Conclusion
The novella builds to a crescendo of reveals and confrontations. While some readers might find the ending a bit ambiguous, I found it perfectly suited to the story’s themes. Sometimes the most haunting endings are the ones that leave you with lingering questions.
Rio’s Signature Style
Fans of Rio’s debut novel, “If We Were Villains,” will recognize her flair for literary allusions and sharp dialogue. While “Graveyard Shift” by M L Rio is less Shakespeare-focused than her previous work, there are still plenty of clever nods for the eagle-eyed reader.
A Love Letter to Language
Rio’s background in Shakespeare shines through in her lyrical prose. Even in the darkest moments, there’s a musicality to her writing that’s utterly captivating.
Dialogue That Crackles
The banter between characters feels natural and witty, even in the face of increasingly bizarre circumstances. It’s a testament to Rio’s skill that she can maintain moments of humor without undermining the overall tension.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of literary horror with a dash of science fiction
- Anyone who’s ever worked the night shift and felt the world tilt slightly off-kilter
- Readers who enjoy ensemble casts and multiple perspectives
- Those who like their mysteries with a side of existential dread
If You Loved…
If you enjoyed these books, “Graveyard Shift” should be right up your alley:
- “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio (obviously)
- “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
- “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
Final Verdict: A Chilling Five Stars
“Graveyard Shift” by M L Rio is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension. Rio proves that she’s not a one-hit wonder, delivering a sophomore effort that’s just as compelling as her debut. It’s the kind of story that lingers with you long after you turn the final page, making you question the shadows in your own bedroom.
A Feast for the Senses
To fully immerse yourself in the “Graveyard Shift” experience, I recommend:
- Soundtrack: Eerie classical pieces (think Chopin’s Nocturnes)
- Ambiance: A flickering candle and a warm blanket
- Beverage: Strong black coffee (you’ll need it to stay awake)
- Time: Read it in one sitting, preferably starting at midnight
A Conversation Starter
“Graveyard Shift” by M L Rio is the kind of book that begs to be discussed. Here are some questions to ponder or debate with your fellow night owls:
- Which character did you relate to most? Why?
- Do you think the events of the novella were supernatural, scientific, or a bit of both?
- How does the setting (a small college town) contribute to the overall atmosphere?
- Discuss the ethics of the scientific experiment at the heart of the story. Where do you draw the line in the pursuit of knowledge?
- How does sleep deprivation affect the characters’ decision-making throughout the night?
A Note on Format
As a novella, “Graveyard Shift” is the perfect length for a single-night read. It’s long enough to fully develop its characters and plot, but concise enough to maintain a sense of urgency throughout.
The Bottom Line: A Must-Read for Thrill Seekers
“Graveyard Shift” is a testament to M L Rio’s versatility as a writer. She’s taken the literary chops that made “If We Were Villains” a hit and applied them to a whole new genre, with thrilling results.
This isn’t just a spooky story – it’s a meditation on loneliness, ambition, and the things we do to find connection in an isolating world. Rio has crafted a tale that’s both deeply unsettling and oddly comforting, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we’re not alone.
So, dear reader, are you brave enough to take the graveyard shift? Pick up this book, turn off your phone, and prepare for a night you won’t soon forget. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself jumping at shadows for days afterward.
Sweet dreams… if you can manage them.
