Helpful Score: 1
Violet is sixteen-years-old and has a unique gift. She has the ability to sense the residual "echoes" of the murdered and is...drawn to them.
While the dead have a distinct echo of sound or vibration, the murderer carries the exact same imprint. Violet can immediately tell who is the killer, and since she was a young girl, she has been an unwilling tracker of the murdered. When young girls begin to go missing in her small town of Buckley, Washington, Violet is pulled into it when she finds a body in a lake. She knows she has to find the killer. Which doesn't make it easy for a teenage girl who would rather think about her best friend, Jay, instead.
This Young Adult book is structured with each chapter from Violet's perspective. Every now and again, however, the thoughts of the unknown killer are shared - and it is most assuredly creepy. Surprisingly, it was the same unsettling feeling I had while reading Robert Bloch's Psycho (which was turned into Hitchcock's infamous film). In the book, Norman's thoughts are shared, and his rationalizations for his "mother" and how she is killing was unnerving. The Body Finder has the same pull to the dark side as you read the killer's thoughts.
Although I thought there was much too much love tension between Violet and her best friend, Jay, I kept reminding myself that I wasn't the right audience for this book. A much younger market with their emotions in a turmoil wouldn't mind all the teenage love tension and drama; I, however, wished that it was shored up a bit and a lot of it cut from the final version. But, the bottom line is I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't normally read a lot of Young Adult, paranormal-esque type books (but I think I might read more now), this decidedly kept my interest and I loved the creativity of Violet's ability and the thrill of the hunt as she was the one who was tracking the killer, instead of the killer finding his next victim. Flipping from one page to the next, I cheered her individuality and also felt her fear of her skill was genuine. Kimberly Derting has creatively rooted her place in the YA world with this engaging, dark, and riveting story.
While the dead have a distinct echo of sound or vibration, the murderer carries the exact same imprint. Violet can immediately tell who is the killer, and since she was a young girl, she has been an unwilling tracker of the murdered. When young girls begin to go missing in her small town of Buckley, Washington, Violet is pulled into it when she finds a body in a lake. She knows she has to find the killer. Which doesn't make it easy for a teenage girl who would rather think about her best friend, Jay, instead.
This Young Adult book is structured with each chapter from Violet's perspective. Every now and again, however, the thoughts of the unknown killer are shared - and it is most assuredly creepy. Surprisingly, it was the same unsettling feeling I had while reading Robert Bloch's Psycho (which was turned into Hitchcock's infamous film). In the book, Norman's thoughts are shared, and his rationalizations for his "mother" and how she is killing was unnerving. The Body Finder has the same pull to the dark side as you read the killer's thoughts.
Although I thought there was much too much love tension between Violet and her best friend, Jay, I kept reminding myself that I wasn't the right audience for this book. A much younger market with their emotions in a turmoil wouldn't mind all the teenage love tension and drama; I, however, wished that it was shored up a bit and a lot of it cut from the final version. But, the bottom line is I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't normally read a lot of Young Adult, paranormal-esque type books (but I think I might read more now), this decidedly kept my interest and I loved the creativity of Violet's ability and the thrill of the hunt as she was the one who was tracking the killer, instead of the killer finding his next victim. Flipping from one page to the next, I cheered her individuality and also felt her fear of her skill was genuine. Kimberly Derting has creatively rooted her place in the YA world with this engaging, dark, and riveting story.
THE BODY FINDER is a frightening and disturbing debut YA novel--and I use those adjectives in the best sense. The plot is fresh, the romance butterflies-inducing, and--despite its flaws--it'll be hard to get this book out of your head.
THE BODY FINDER's unique and suspenseful plot is the driving force behind this book. In between third-person narration that follows Violet around, we get flashes into the killer's mind, which will make the hair on your arms stand on end. The paranormal element is unobtrusive enough to still keep the setting firmly planted in our world, which only adds to the suspense.
Violet and Jay are a delightful pair of main characters. Individually they're unfortunately not especially stellar: the narration felt curiously distant from Violet, despite her being the protagonist, and she seems like a real wallflower character (not just in her world, but also in the YA genre), not really doing much until external circumstances force her to change. Together, however, their connection is strong, well developed, and believable. Violet and Jay have definite chemistry going on, and it was a delight to read about them discovering their growing feelings for one another.
So Violet is a little too passive, and secondary characters unfortunately too flat and unbelievable, for me to lose my heart to this book. But if, for whatever reason, you want a book that will raise goosebumps on your skin, check out THE BODY FINDER. It's a taut thriller with a great romantic sideplot.
THE BODY FINDER's unique and suspenseful plot is the driving force behind this book. In between third-person narration that follows Violet around, we get flashes into the killer's mind, which will make the hair on your arms stand on end. The paranormal element is unobtrusive enough to still keep the setting firmly planted in our world, which only adds to the suspense.
Violet and Jay are a delightful pair of main characters. Individually they're unfortunately not especially stellar: the narration felt curiously distant from Violet, despite her being the protagonist, and she seems like a real wallflower character (not just in her world, but also in the YA genre), not really doing much until external circumstances force her to change. Together, however, their connection is strong, well developed, and believable. Violet and Jay have definite chemistry going on, and it was a delight to read about them discovering their growing feelings for one another.
So Violet is a little too passive, and secondary characters unfortunately too flat and unbelievable, for me to lose my heart to this book. But if, for whatever reason, you want a book that will raise goosebumps on your skin, check out THE BODY FINDER. It's a taut thriller with a great romantic sideplot.
I agree with 'Genius Jen' on this and so many other reviews. FABULOUS, FABULOUS book! Has sweet innocent romance thrown in but the suspense is riveting and keeps twisting and turning. Great read. It took me exactly 4 hours... likely b/c I ignored everything else that was vying for my attention, including my children. :)
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Reviewed by http://bibliophile-bestiary.blogspot.com
WOW! Amazing book! Violets unusual powers lead her to find dead things. Not just people but animals as well. She becomes twisted into the hunt for a serial killer by unknowingly finding several victims. Along with Jay, her best friend since the 1st grade, she rushes to discover what is going on in their small town. Along the way she battles new feelings for her best friend, finding out more about her ability and the jealous rivalry of high school girls. It is a great mystery story and has great twists and plots in it. Very excited for the sequel Desires of the Dead coming out March 1, 2011. 5 out of 5 stars!
WOW! Amazing book! Violets unusual powers lead her to find dead things. Not just people but animals as well. She becomes twisted into the hunt for a serial killer by unknowingly finding several victims. Along with Jay, her best friend since the 1st grade, she rushes to discover what is going on in their small town. Along the way she battles new feelings for her best friend, finding out more about her ability and the jealous rivalry of high school girls. It is a great mystery story and has great twists and plots in it. Very excited for the sequel Desires of the Dead coming out March 1, 2011. 5 out of 5 stars!
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I was little creeped out by the serial killer thing and it was creepy. Violet's power was mysterious and compelling and the mystery in the book kept me reading. When the reveal was made at the end, I was able to see the pieces leading up to the discovery of the killer. It was great writing. I also am always a sucker for the teenage romance. Jay is the kind of boy we would all love our daughters to meet. This was a fun read.
This is an amazing book.Cannot wait to read more.
Interesting concept of being able to "sense" dead bodies whether human or animal and sensing the "vibes" that attach themselves to the animal(s) or people doing the killing. Fell a bit flat for me. Approximately the first 1/4 of the book was Vi stressing over Jay and her romantic feelings for him. Angst and more angst. It was frustrating her lack of any other outside interests. One thing I did like was her parents and Jay accepting her ability without question.
Apparently Jay is so hawt, all the girls in school WANT him. (Except for Vi's friends that is). Oh look, here are some quotes! "(Name removed so as to not spoil) probably should have been uncomfortable from all the negative vibes being thrown her way..." & "...as she grew immune to the gossiping whispers and the fleeting- and sometimes not so fleeting- daggers that were shot her way by the other girls who envied her new status as Jay's girlfriend."
Violet's ability and the mystery took a back seat to angst and pettiness in this one.
Apparently Jay is so hawt, all the girls in school WANT him. (Except for Vi's friends that is). Oh look, here are some quotes! "(Name removed so as to not spoil) probably should have been uncomfortable from all the negative vibes being thrown her way..." & "...as she grew immune to the gossiping whispers and the fleeting- and sometimes not so fleeting- daggers that were shot her way by the other girls who envied her new status as Jay's girlfriend."
Violet's ability and the mystery took a back seat to angst and pettiness in this one.
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Bear with me for a moment as I gush fanatically about how much I loved THE BODY FINDER like some crazed Twilighter who has just caught a glimpse of Robert Pattinson. I loved this book. Absolutely, totally, completely loved it. I want to, as I used to say when I was seven, marry this book. If I could, I would erase it from my memory and go back and read it all over again, just to experience it anew. And, right this minute, I would gladly give up either of my children to have another book featuring Violet and Jay to read right...this...minute.
Okay, end of maniacal gushing about how awesome this book is.
THE BODY FINDER has to be one of the most unique YA books I've ever read. It deals with a serial killer, which I've never run across before in a book marketed to teens and young adults. Since reading about serial killers is one of my favorite pastimes (no cruel jokes about my tormented psyche here, please), I knew before I even began reading the story that it was probably going to be great.
It also deals with a teen who can sense death. A sound, a smell, a feeling, a presence - somehow, ever since she was little, Violet Ambrose could find things that had died. It started out as finding dead animals, but one particularly horrifying experience at age eight had Violet discovering the body of a young girl. So far, Violet has never been overly-traumatized by her special ability. She has the full support and understanding of both her parents and her best friend, Jay Heaton, so she's never had to deal with this talent all alone.
This year, though, things are about to change.
First, she's having some definitely non-friendly feelings towards Jay. Somehow, she's begun to notice not just how funny and smart he is, but also how hot and sexy he is. The more she tries to convince everyone around her that she doesn't have a thing for Jay, the harder it is to convince herself of the same thing.
Secondly, someone is abducting and killing young girls in the area around where Violet lives. With the ability to sense not only those that have recently died, but the lingering effects of death on those that have caused it, Violet is determined to figure out who is wreaking havoc on her town. With or without Jay's help, she plans to follow her senses wherever they take her, hoping that they'll lead her to the killer so that she can point him out to her uncle, who happens to be the sheriff.
But as almost always happens in cases like this, Violet and Jay find themselves up against something - or someone - a whole lot more crafty and cunning than they could have imagined. If they're not careful, they could end up being the next victims of this vicious killer.
Okay, just a little bit more gushing. Not only is the storyline of THE BODY FINDER amazing, so are the characters and the dialogue. I have to give Kimberly Derting the highest praise for writing a story that never, ever patronizes its intended readers. I have had problems in the past with a few YA titles, due only to the fact that certain authors feel the need to tone or water down their writing, since they're not writing for adults. Ms. Derting doesn't do that - her story is scary, sexy, emotional, and downright riveting at all times; she never "writes down" to the teen or young adult who will pick up the book.
Pre-order THE BODY FINDER now, today, right this second. And please, Ms. Derting, pretty please, I'm begging you here, write another story featuring Violet and Jay. These are two of my favorite new characters, and I really, really need to read another story featuring them!!
Bear with me for a moment as I gush fanatically about how much I loved THE BODY FINDER like some crazed Twilighter who has just caught a glimpse of Robert Pattinson. I loved this book. Absolutely, totally, completely loved it. I want to, as I used to say when I was seven, marry this book. If I could, I would erase it from my memory and go back and read it all over again, just to experience it anew. And, right this minute, I would gladly give up either of my children to have another book featuring Violet and Jay to read right...this...minute.
Okay, end of maniacal gushing about how awesome this book is.
THE BODY FINDER has to be one of the most unique YA books I've ever read. It deals with a serial killer, which I've never run across before in a book marketed to teens and young adults. Since reading about serial killers is one of my favorite pastimes (no cruel jokes about my tormented psyche here, please), I knew before I even began reading the story that it was probably going to be great.
It also deals with a teen who can sense death. A sound, a smell, a feeling, a presence - somehow, ever since she was little, Violet Ambrose could find things that had died. It started out as finding dead animals, but one particularly horrifying experience at age eight had Violet discovering the body of a young girl. So far, Violet has never been overly-traumatized by her special ability. She has the full support and understanding of both her parents and her best friend, Jay Heaton, so she's never had to deal with this talent all alone.
This year, though, things are about to change.
First, she's having some definitely non-friendly feelings towards Jay. Somehow, she's begun to notice not just how funny and smart he is, but also how hot and sexy he is. The more she tries to convince everyone around her that she doesn't have a thing for Jay, the harder it is to convince herself of the same thing.
Secondly, someone is abducting and killing young girls in the area around where Violet lives. With the ability to sense not only those that have recently died, but the lingering effects of death on those that have caused it, Violet is determined to figure out who is wreaking havoc on her town. With or without Jay's help, she plans to follow her senses wherever they take her, hoping that they'll lead her to the killer so that she can point him out to her uncle, who happens to be the sheriff.
But as almost always happens in cases like this, Violet and Jay find themselves up against something - or someone - a whole lot more crafty and cunning than they could have imagined. If they're not careful, they could end up being the next victims of this vicious killer.
Okay, just a little bit more gushing. Not only is the storyline of THE BODY FINDER amazing, so are the characters and the dialogue. I have to give Kimberly Derting the highest praise for writing a story that never, ever patronizes its intended readers. I have had problems in the past with a few YA titles, due only to the fact that certain authors feel the need to tone or water down their writing, since they're not writing for adults. Ms. Derting doesn't do that - her story is scary, sexy, emotional, and downright riveting at all times; she never "writes down" to the teen or young adult who will pick up the book.
Pre-order THE BODY FINDER now, today, right this second. And please, Ms. Derting, pretty please, I'm begging you here, write another story featuring Violet and Jay. These are two of my favorite new characters, and I really, really need to read another story featuring them!!
This book is a young adult book. I'm in my thirties. Okay, so maybe I'm not giving the book a fair chance. So, I took my 14 year old daughter, and read some of the dialogue between the two main characters (both in their teens). She laughed and said "who in their right mind would ever talk like that". Ok, so maybe it was because I was reading her the dialogue out of context. I don't know.
The book seemed like many of the suspense books I read years ago. The "body finder" angle didn't even seem original to me. I guess if you are in your teens, this book would be original because you have nothing to compare it to. I did though.
What did I like about it? The cover. I also thought this would be a great book for first time readers (kind of like how Twilight introduced many pre-teens to reading) because its writing is very simple and it would hold the interest for young readers.
The book seemed like many of the suspense books I read years ago. The "body finder" angle didn't even seem original to me. I guess if you are in your teens, this book would be original because you have nothing to compare it to. I did though.
What did I like about it? The cover. I also thought this would be a great book for first time readers (kind of like how Twilight introduced many pre-teens to reading) because its writing is very simple and it would hold the interest for young readers.
Derting's Violet Ambrose is the equivalent to the Harper Connelly series by Charlaine Harris. "The Body Finder" started off a little slow for my taste but quickly picked up the pace, leaving you holding your breath as the plot began to unfold. The twist in the plot for me was the use of two killers, I was totally shocked and couldn't figure out who the second one could be. When that tidbit was revealed, I was more than shocked. As the final pages came, I was an emotional wreck until the last page revealed that my thought was wrong. Being wrong never felt so good.
Overall, "The Body Finder" is a fantastic read. Getting past the slow beginning is well worth the ride that Derting has mapped out for you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would stand still long enough. Buy it; you'll love it. It's a fantastic YA version of the adult series by Charlaine Harris, which I also highly recommend if you like a great thrill. Both of these will keep you gripped to every page.
Overall, "The Body Finder" is a fantastic read. Getting past the slow beginning is well worth the ride that Derting has mapped out for you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would stand still long enough. Buy it; you'll love it. It's a fantastic YA version of the adult series by Charlaine Harris, which I also highly recommend if you like a great thrill. Both of these will keep you gripped to every page.
This book had a lot of potential, but I didn't find myself with any great need to finish it. The "romance" fell flat, and Jay seemed very overbearing and overprotective. There was no feeling of danger, even when girls were being kidnapped and killed and the ending felt rushed. Violet's powers were interesting, but maybe would have worked better in a more adult thriller, instead of a YA novel.
