Title: The Body FinderAuthor: Kimberly DertingSeries: Book 1 of 4Publisher: HarperTeenReleased: March 16, 2010Website: http://www.kimberlyderting.com/
Book Summary:Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.
This was a creepy, suspenseful, romantic read. A great mix of mystery, romance and fantasy.
Most of the book is told from Violet's point of view. Violet hears "echoes" of both the dead and of those who've killed others. For the most part this unique ability usually finds her digging up the bones of dead animals but occasional she stumbles across something much more horrifying. No one knows of her ability except for her family and childhood friend Jay.
I loved watching Violet's relationship with Jay develop into something more than just friendship. I'm a succor for the "best friend turned more than friend" kind of relationships.
Most of the story is told from Violet's perspective but there are short snippets thrown in that are written from the mind of a serial killer, that's that creepy part.
For those who scare easily you might not want to read this while home alone at night. I don't scare easily and enjoy an occasional suspenseful, creepy book so I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I'll definitely be reading the sequels.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend
Content: Some language including 1 F word. No sex but some passionate making out. Creepy & suspenseful.
Source: Download from Audible.com
Also by Kimberly Derting
Welcome to author Kimberly Derting. I have a fabulous interview with her today and then a giveaway for her book The Body Finder.
Interview:If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?To the past, although they’d have to have showers, microwaves, and DVRs…so not too far back ;)
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?For the writer in me: JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer (because they’ve changed the face of YA), Stephen King (because he was my favorite author when I was a teen), and Oprah (because, well, she’s Oprah!). And for the girl in me: George Clooney (I don’t think I need to explain, do I?).
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?A toothbrush, my fuzzy blue bathrobe, and a book called “How to Build Life Rafts for Dummies”.
What is one book everyone should read?To Kill a Mockingbird
What is the last book you read?Sea by Heidi Kling. Loved it!
What is the last movie you saw?The Social Network. Loved it!
If you were a superhero what would your name be?Kimpossible, of course. :)
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?That’s easy, flying!
When you were 12 years old what did you want to be when you grew up?A Lady Trucker (thanks to a popular TV show in the ‘70s called BJ and the Bear)
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?Coldstone’s Birthday Cake Re-mix
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?I think Queen Elizabeth would be fascinating, she was the original feminist!
Which fictional character would you most like to meet?Jace Wayland, because he’s bad-boy hot.
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?Crepes with lots of butter and powdered sugar…mmmm…
How many books do you read a week/month?Probably only 3 a month. Although I wish I were a faster reader.
What's your favorite music genre? Favorite artist? Song?Do I have to admit this? I like pop music, so my favorites change constantly. Right now, though, I really Lily Allen’s song “Who’d Have Known” (it’s on the Desires of the Dead playlist).
Is there anything you need in order to write? (ie Chocolate, quiet, music) Tea and Skittles. Not necessarily in that order.
Night owl, or early bird?Early bird. I’m like a farmer.
One food you would never eat?Beets.
Pet Peeves?Mispronunciations of certain words, like “Nuclear”…especially if you’re the president. Although I find it hilarious that my husband can’t pronounce the word “lozenges”.
Skittles or M&Ms?Out of the bag: Skittles. In hot-buttered popcorn: M&Ms.
Favorite Cartoon?Currently it’s Adventure Time. Every time my daughter turns in on, I end up watching it!
If you could trade your life for that of a fictional character, who would that character be?The girl from The Cat in the Hat. Funnest. Day. Ever! :)
Serial killers, friend-turned-romance (I'm a sucker for that too!), and a cool ability that doesn't show up in books a lot? You've sold me. I love authors who aren't afraid to go dark.
- C.J. -
cjlistro.blogspot.com
I have this one but have yet to read it but it does sound great. I like creepy and suspenseful. Thanks for the great review, I'll have to read this one very soon.
hi. I'm Maya from Indonesia.
I've read this book and i think it's a great book <3
This month, i will read 'Desires of the dead' :)
I read this last year and really liked it. I didn't enjoy the second book as much, but I am still looking forward to the next one!