Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Books
Publication Date: June 21, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary:  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: Haunting Violet was part ghost story, part romance, and part mystery. It was everything I could ever ask for. It was amazing, and it was one of the best ghost stories. It was one my my favorite books of the year.

From the moment I started reading Haunting Violet I was hooked in Violet's historical world. I'm not exactly certain how accurate the historical aspects were but they were a nice touch to the story. But the rich setting that was created was priceless. I enjoyed every second that I spent in Violet's world.

Violet was full of spunk and she longed for a life where she didn't have to deceive people. I immediately loved her character. The fact that she could see ghosts was hilarious. I mean her Mother conducts fake seances! Violet had quite a sense of humor, she had me laughing in a few parts. It was nice to have some humor in an otherwise dark story.

Colin, Violet's love interest, was just the sweetest, funniest, hottest boy that ever walked the literary earth! I fell for him at the same time Violet did.

The mystery had me guessing till the last pages. It was original and finely woven with little clues dropped here and there. Let's just say that I was surprised and I figure out mysteries pretty easily!

And I loved that ending. It was tied up nicely and I had no questions. And while it would be nice to see Violet and Colin in the future, I'm glad this is a standalone. (It would be more than nice to see Colin in the future!)

Haunting Violet is a must-read. It captivated me and hasn't let go.

Rating: 5+++++!