Title: Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Children’s (June 21, 2011)
Format: Paperback (ARC)
Source: Publisher/Book Bloggers & Publishers Conference
To Purchase: Amazon
Description: 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: Alyxandra Harvey’s Haunting Violet will haunt the reader long after the book is finished.
Violet Willoughby hates her mother’s fraudulent life as a medium, but when her own gift develops, she will do anything she can to ignore it. Ghosts have a plan of their own, though, and one particular ghost will lure Violet into the mystery of her death, if Violet and her friends can find the murder before he discovers them.
On the cover of Haunting Violet is the line “Violet doesn’t believe in ghosts, but they believe in her.” This line sends goose bumps along my arms. Harvey’s writing is lovely, and the voice is wonderful. I love the irony of Violet seeing ghosts, whereas her charlatan mother can’t. The hauntings are brilliant: chilling, great imagery, and horrifying. Haunting Violet had me cringing in fear, laughing, crying, and completely intrigued. I love the historical but relevant feel. The twists and turns kept me guessing who the murderer was and surprised me in the end as well.
Haunting Violet is a wonderful ghost mystery that I didn’t want to put down. I highly recommend it.
