Book:  Haunting Violet
Author:  Alyxandra Harvey
Release date:  June 21, 2011
Publisher:  Walker Books
Pages:  352
Source:  Publisher

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?

Alyxandra Harvey is officially one of my favorite authors. I loved Hearts At Stake (book one of the Drake Chronicles) but I didn’t think that was enough to make her a favorite of mine.  Haunting Violet was more than enough.  Historical setting, ghosts, AND a cute boy?  What more do you need?

Violet Willoughby has never liked scamming people but she has never had a choice.  Ever since she was nine years old she has been forced to go along with her mother for all of her seances.  She knows her mother can’t see ghosts but she helps because it is the only way for them to make money.  Everything changes though when Violet really does start seeing ghosts and the one ghost that keeps popping up is not a happy one.  Can Violet figure out her mysterious new powers and solve a murder?  And all while falling in love?

Haunting Violet was a lot creepier than I thought it would be.  The ghosts involved were not all happy.  In fact, most of the ghosts were mean.  I did like some of them though and I liked their stories.  I just learned not to read this one alone at night.  =)

The setting was one of my favorite parts.  I adore historicals and this is probably one of the best I have ever read.  I liked reading about the grittier side of London and the nasty side of the peerage.  It made the story very real.

Another favorite for me was Violet.  She was funny, smart, brave, and unique. She hunted down a murderer with the help of a ghost.  I could not do that.  But she also had her quirky best friend Elizabeth by her side as well as a very cute guy with an Irish accent.  Colin was such a sweetheart.  He was also very honest when Violet was being dumb!

Overall, I can’t possibly write a review that does justice to this book.  I definitely recommend getting a copy of this one as soon as possible.  If you are like me at all you will be up all night reading it, trying to guess the murderer (which I never saw coming!)

First line: I was nine years old when my mother decided it was time I took part in the family business.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++