A stranger in my grave

After a woman dreams of visiting a cemetery and seeing her own gravestone, she unearths a trail of deadly family secrets. Grave Matters - For some characters in Margaret Millar's A Stranger In My Grave, death exerts and unwelcome presence.

But Among others, namely the Mexican American community featured in the novel, the acceptance of death is an integral part of the cyclical nature of life, which is commemorated with a holiday known as the Day of the Dead.

Rooted in ancient Aztec belidfs, melded with Christian traditions, it is celebrated annually on November 1 and 2, with the first day set aside for the spirits of deceased children, and the second, for the spirits of adults. Families visit the graves and decorate them; then they eat, drink and reminisce about the dead.