Katie's Book Blog!!

Alyxandra Harvey is officially one of my favorite authors. I loved Hearts At Stake (book one of the Drake Chronicles) but I didn't think that was enough to make her a favorite of mine. Haunting Violet was more than enough. Historical setting, ghosts, AND a cute boy? What more do you need?Violet Willoughby has never liked scamming people but she has never had a choice. Ever since she was nine years old she has been forced to go along with her mother for all of her seances. She knows her mother can't see ghosts but she helps because it is the only way for them to make money. Everything changes though when Violet really does start seeing ghosts and the one ghost that keeps popping up is not a happy one. Can Violet figure out her mysterious new powers and solve a murder? And all while falling in love?Haunting Violet was a lot creepier than I thought it would be. The ghosts involved were not all happy. In fact, most of the ghosts were mean. I did like some of them though and I liked their stories. I just learned not to read this one alone at night. =)The setting was one of my favorite parts. I adore historicals and this is probably one of the best I have ever read. I liked reading about the grittier side of London and the nasty side of the peerage. It made the story very real.Another favorite for me was Violet. She was funny, smart, brave, and unique. She hunted down a murderer with the help of a ghost. I could not do that. But she also had her quirky best friend Elizabeth by her side as well as a very cute guy with an Irish accent. Colin was such a sweetheart. He was also very honest when Violet was being dumb!Overall, I can't possibly write a review that does justice to this book. I definitely recommend getting a copy of this one as soon as possible. If you are like me at all you will be up all night reading it, trying to guess the murderer (which I never saw coming!)