Desires of the Dead {ARC review} * * * 3/4

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

* Feb 15, 2011 *

- paranormal, YA, thriller -

reviewed by Tara SG

received for review via Around the World Tours

Book Order (The Body Finder)

1. The Body Finder * * * 1/2
2. Desires of the Dead (02.15.2011) * * * 3/4

Links

Author’s Website : www.kimberlyderting.com

Amazon : *pre-order* hardcover / eBook

Add To Your GoodReads TBR List (64 ratings : avg 4.39)

This book in 6 words:

too cute romance and new mysteries

Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

I was surprised to enjoy the first in this series as much as I did and while it did not end in a cliffhanger, I was super excited to jump into the next book. I was not disappointed. Seeing as The Body Finder was Ms Derting’s debut novel, I wasn’t surprised that her second book was a little more refined. I’m sure some will say that the mystery is super predictable, I’ll argue that it wasn’t about who was behind it. I was just as nervous not knowing what they’ll do next.

While the book wasn’t perfect, I really enjoyed it and I’m extremely interested to see where the story goes from here.

Brief Summary

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

When Violet Ambrose’s morbid ability to sense the echoes of those who’ve been murdered leads her to the body of a young boy, she draws the attention of the FBI. She is reluctantly pulled into an investigation that will endanger more than just her secret…but her relationship and possibly her life as well.

- via GoodReads.com

Plot/Pacing/Writing Style

As I mentioned above, I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I was on the edge of my seat even though I was fairly sure I knew who the “bad guy” was. Again we get to see things through the creepy evil POV and I love the sense of unease it adds to the books. The relationship issues in this one also (while sometimes heartbreaking) were realistic and intense. The addition of the FBI is still confusing to me, but I get the impression we’ll learn more in the future.

Again this was a slower paced book, but it still had plenty action, thrills, and romance to keep me entertained front to back.

Characters

Violet lost some points in this one for me. I understand what Jay sees in her so I’m not going to go so far as to say she doesn’t deserve him. However, he definitely seems to be the better of the two in this one. Granted Violet is dealing with a lot and I kinda understand why she is keeping secrets, but I think it was immature. Overall I still really like her and love her and Jay’s relationship.

Jay is just as wonderful in this one. Yes, we get to see some fighting and not all is perfect, but he’s still the “good guy” that I’m quickly falling for.

Violet’s friends are a little too cliche for me. Don’t get me wrong Chelsea makes me laugh out loud almost every time she’s around. But Claire reminds me of the stupid girl from Mean Girls… in a bad way.

Recommendations

If you liked the first one, I doubt I have to tell you to pick this one up

Going Deeper – NO spoilers

At first it really bothered me when Violet would “blame” Jay for things that were not his fault at all. Like being mad that he was at work and therefore she was alone when approached by the FBI (she did this in the first book too). Then I realized that I do this to Shane (ex: being mad that he was at work when I locked myself out of the house…) and it is extremely realistic albeit a terrible habit.