Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Pages: 352
Source: KPL
Stars: 3.5/5
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:
(summary taken from Goodreads)
First off, let me just say that I love books set in the Victorian era. Everything about the society, the way they dress, and the way people are and aren't supposed to behave always make up an interesting story — and Haunting Violet was no different!
The only thing I really had problems with was the properness of the writing. I know that kind of contradicts with me loving Victorian books, but sometimes how formal they have to speak is a little hard to get into. But other than that, Alyxandra Harvey has such beautiful prose that easily paints a picture of the scene in your head.
One of my favourite parts about this book was Violet. Despite the stiffness of her society, she still managed to bring spunk and humor into the story. She was witty, clever, and exactly the kind of girl that I would love to have as my best friend, especially in a time setting like that! She was a great voice for the novel.
Her own best friends, Elizabeth and Colin (swoon!) were awesome supporting characters, too! I adored both of them, and every scene that they were in always made it a whole lot better. Violet's con artist mother, on the other hand, I absolutely hated in every scene. She wasn't the main villain, but she sure as heck acted like it.
Although a little slow-starting at first, Haunting Violet was a brilliant mixture of ghosts, mystery, and a romance forbidden by society. If you love any of those aspects (or maybe all three!), then you should definitely pick up this book!
BUY or BORROW?: Whether you buy or borrow this book doesn't matter; you just have to read it! :)
-Mimi
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I love books from the Victorian Era as well but like you, sometimes I find the dialogue a bit stiff. Thank goodness this is a ghost story where the love interest isn't a ghost! I've read so many reviews about these types of books and it seems pointless. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI think I have this book around somewhere but I had no idea it was set during Victorian times-that makes me very interested!
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