Sunday, November 20, 2011

Book Review: Haunting Violet



Haunting Violet

by Alyxandra Harvey
Release date: 21st June, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Pages: 338 (Paperback bought by me)

Summary from Goodreads:

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 By Alaiel Kreuz:

Violet has a very interesting life. Why? She is not what everyone thinks and, in fact, she is more than she thinks. First there is the fine lady that she has become now, daughter of a marvelous medium who is intriguing a lot of wealthy families. But her second life is far more sad, her mother is nothing but a liar. Her medium abilities? Lies. Her love for her daughter? Lies. Her house? Another lie; she got it after lying to a poor old lady during years and received it as inheritance.
What for everybody else looks like her mother's workers for Violet is family. Colin, her best friend, was also raised by her mother not because she cared but because he would help her perform her acts. And Marjie, who was working on the streets, was also saved by her mother to become the housemade.

Of course, being part of this game, Violet didn't believe in ghost or mediums, she knew better than that. Until one day, during one of the biggest performances her mother was doing in Lord Jasper's house (a very wealthy and known man) a ghost appeared in front of her. This ghost, a girl's ghost, was dripping water to the floor while moving her lips as if trying to say something that couldn't be said because it was obvious she had been strangled to death.

From that moment on Violet began to wonder if she was going nuts or if, in fact, ghosts could be real... But ghosts were one more thing in her increasing list of problems: her mom was always trying to set her up with some rich kid, Colin was always behind her back teasing and helping, even complicating things with stolen kisses and fine ladies were always saying nasty things about her mother (sadly most of them were kind of true...). Good thing her best friend, Elizabeth, was always sweet, supportive and funny. But Violet was afraid that if the big charade their life had become was discovered no one, not even Elizabeth, would forgive her.

But someone is lurking in the shadows and Rowena's ghost holds all the answers Violet needs to catch the killer.

Personal opinion:
You know what I like best about this book? Is auto-conclusive. Yes, I LOVE series but the waiting is so... so... tiring sometimes, you know? With Haunting Violet I had a crazy, intense ride where ghosts were behind every corner and Colin was behind every shadow.
Sorry, I think I fell in love with him. His part in this book wasn't big but it was important for Violet's decisions. Supportive, caring, protective, sweet and tender, that's Colin's description. Who wouldn't want a guy like that?!

Violet's mother was annoying. More than annoying I would say, but that's the way it had to be. And the victorian setting of the book creates an amazing background for the readers to enjoy.

Alaiel's Rating:


If you really like it, you can find it here:

7 comments:

  1. Great review - I've been really interested to read this, it sounds very good. I love ghostie books. :)

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  2. Alyxandra Harvey is fast coming my favourite authors and I have only read the first of The Drake Chronicles. I really wanted to read this book as well so am glad you enjoyed it, great review.

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  3. Sometimes you just want to read a good stand-alone book! I'm glad to see you enjoyed this one - I'm hoping to read it soon. :)

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  4. Ooh can't wait to read this one! Especially that it's a stand-alone book (which I didn't know before). That's really refreshing!

    Giselle
    Xpresso Reads

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  5. I really enjoy Alyxandra Harvey's writing and just placed this hold at my local library...great review :)

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  6. This on has been on my TBR list for AGES it seems like. I really like Harvey's Drake books, I really need to get to this one.

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  7. First, I love this cover! It would make me want to read it just by looking at it. I love the fact that Violet is haunted when her life has been spent in the "fake" haunting business. Sounds like a great book.

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