Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
Young Adult
ARC
Walker Childrens
352 Pages
Summary from Alyx's site:
1872, London, England
Violet Willoughby doesn’t believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother’s elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose. Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother’s scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she’s known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?
Violet Willoughby doesn’t believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother’s elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose. Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother’s scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she’s known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?
Review:
I don't think it's any secret that I love Alyxandra's writing--she has an ability to combine mystery, friendship, romance, and fun witty dialogue into an awesome story that keeps you flipping pages until the end. This particular book was no exception from her Drake Chronicles series--but this time, instead of sexy vampire boys, we were introduced to an irresistible pick pocket with an irish accent and the ghost of a dead girl who really knows how to get her creep on. I admit that I got a bit spooked reading this while being home alone at night, but the image of ghostly antics going on in my bedroom was not exactly soothing. But really it just added to the fun, having this ghostly girl spook violet into believing not only in ghosts, but in the fact that this girl's death was no accident. This sets off a whole investigation headed by Violet and her friend Elizabeth, all the while navigating her mother's terrible schemes on top of the peerage society. While the book was similar in set up to the Drake Chronicles--kickass female narrator, awesome best friend who has to be let in on the life-changing secret, hot boy who doubles as partner in crime and love interest--it was most definitely different enough that you can enjoy this novel just as much. The smart, realistic dialogue and incredible situations Violet gets her and her friends into will have you laughing while you wonder who the killer among them is. Definitely read this book if you love Alyx's other writing, or if you're a fan of historical, ghost, or romance stories. It won't let you down!
This sounds good. I've never read anything by this author before - thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteI highly suggest you read either this or the Drake Chronicles! Maybe even BOTH ;-). She's an awesome writer.
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