Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: June 21st 2011 by Walker Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC

Plot:

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?

My Thoughts:

In the last year or so I've read a few books set in the late 1800s. That was a huge time period for people doing seances and talking to the dead. Haunting Violet takes place during this time and our main character, Violet, is wrapped into that world. Violet's mother leads fake seances in order to make a living and at the beginning of the novel we find Violet taking on a role in the family business.

Things go as planned until Violet actually starts seeing ghosts and discovers there is a murder that needs to be solved.

Historical paranormal novels aren't my favorite, but this one keep me interested. The pacing was good and the writing was fresh. I also enjoyed the romance that developes between Violet and her mother's assistant, Colin. Colin has been around Violet forever, so this isn't one of those novels where they lock eyes and things happen. Their romance is sweet and seems genuine.

Read this if you like ghosts, historical novels and paranormal in general.