(ARC Review) Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

DESIRES OF THE DEAD
(A Body Finder Novel #2)
Author: Kimberly Derting
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free 
of charge in exchange for 
an honest review*

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061779849
• ISBN-13: 978-0061779848

SUMMARY:

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life. 

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger. 

MY THOUGHTS:

If you have read my previous review for the first book, The Body Finder, you are well aware that my family suffered during my reading of that novel.  Well, needless to say, my family suffered twice as much while reading the latest in the series, Desires of the Dead!  I did not want to put this book down at all!  My children starved at lunch time and was forced to fend for themselves.  My husband felt neglected as I ignored him while reading this book,  only glancing up to kiss him goodbye before work and before bed.

In the latest installment, we are again reading from Violet's point of view.  Violet and Jay are still a couple with just as much sweet and tender moments that we experienced in the first book.  Her family is still involved with her life including her Uncle Stephen who was a major person in The Body Finder.  Her friends are just as fun and goofy--if not more--along with new friends that move to town and play an important role in the story.

When Violet starts to receive threatening gifts and phone calls, Violet starts to pull away from Jay though.  She feels like her secret of what she can do is her secret alone and tries to deal with it without involving Jay and her family.  When she also comes across an echo of a kidnapped boy, she is pulled into a bigger group involving the FBI.  She finds herself being interrogated by Sara, an FBI specialist, and another boy around her age named Rafe who works with Sara.  Along the way, we learn that Sara and Rafe have secrets of their own and are just as reluctant to tell Violet their stories as Violet was to tell hers. Violet must learn who to trust and who to turn to when her stalker starts to take more drastic measures against her.

I literally could not put this book down.  I gripped the pages in suspense so hard that I bent the pages!  Just like in The Body Finder, you will think you have it figured out and then the author will send you in another direction.  Ms. Derting knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and their heart racing with anticipation!  Just like the echo's call to Violet, you will find yourself drawn into this book and not letting go!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS!