Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Edition: Hardcover
* Purchased on my own.

Violet has a unique gift, she can see the dead. However, being the daughter of a (fake) medium, Violet would really prefer that no one find out--in particular, her mother. Lord Jasper has called Violet and her mother to his country estate so that she (Violet's mother) might call upon the spirits and entertain his guests. However, his motives run deeper than that and when Violet begins to see the ghost of a drowned girl again and again, it'll be up to her to figure out just what the girl's ghost wants.

It's a little bit difficult to sum up Haunting Violet. Taking place in the Victorian era, Violet's life is far from what you're used to reading about. Things are tough and her mother is big on appearances. So much so that their parlor is the best decorated (and furnished) room in the house. She doesn't approve of her mother's methods, but it is what's keeping her clothed and fed. Well, alright, that's not exactly true; Violet has become an excellent pickpocket out of necessity. When they're called to attend a house party at Lord Jasper's country estate, Violet's mother sees it as a stroke of luck and Violet is simply glad that her dearest friend, Elizabeth, is there.

That isn't to say that Haunting Violet is without romance though. On one hand you have Xavier, the son of a wealthy merchant who appears to be courting Violet and on the other hand you have Colin, whose Irish accent thickens when he's truly mad. He's been there for Violet for quite a long time and although I'd love to tell you more about him, I think it's best to let some things remain a mystery (at least until you've read the book). Needless to say, Colin was definitely my favorite--I'm a sucker for accents--and although I didn't really love their relationship at first, things definitely got better. Besides, the only thing that Colin can offer Violet is himself and since I'm a romantic at heart, I loved that.

Don't expect the ghosts to be scary in Haunting Violet though because quite frankly, they aren't and Haunting Violet only really focuses on one ghost although others are mentioned. I think that's about all that I can say in regards to Haunting Violet. It started off a bit slow and by the time I hit the half-way point, I kept reading until I hit the last page. It definitely seems like the sort of book that would have a sequel and I'm sort of hoping that it does. After all, I don't think Violet is done growing into her ability just yet. Although I can't give Haunting Violet as strong of a recommendation as I would've liked, it was a good read and if you like the sound of the plot, definitely give it a go.

Overall Rating: ★★★★