Author: Alyxandra HarveyI always have fun when reading Harvey's Drake Chronicles, so I was really excited to read a new novel by her. Sadly, it fell a bit short of my expectations.
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Pages: 352 (HC)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: From publisher for review
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?
Haunting Violet starts off strong. Usually historical fictions start slow for me, but this novel starts with a bang. But about halfway through, it gets slow and begins to read like a drawn-out game of Clue.
Though Haunting Violet did have it's strong points despite it's awkward pacing, like Violet. I can't put my finger on why, but I just really liked her character. She was realistic, with a believable amount of wit and the standard "eff-society" 'tude that most historical main characters have. Also, I didn't see the villain coming, so it was pretty unpredictable.
It had both it's ups and downs, but really I just didn't connect to this story like I'd wanted to in the end. Not the novel for me, I'm afraid.
Plot: A bit too unoriginal and oddly paced.
Characters: I liked Violet, but the side characters were all kind of bland.
Writing: Very good.
Ending: Well done.
Kind Friendly? There was mild swearing, drinking, gambling, and murder.
Should I read it? A lot of people seem to love this one, so if it seems like something you'd like, go for it.
Should I read it? A lot of people seem to love this one, so if it seems like something you'd like, go for it.
I think I enjoyed this book a little more than you did, but I can understand what you said about the pacing. Violet was a great main character though! (And I love the cover, not that that has anything to do with the quality of the book, lol).
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