Rating: 4 1/2 stars (Spotlight Review)
Ever since she was a child, Violet Ambrose could sense dead things by their echoes—unique imprints that the deceased gives off—which also attaches to the killer. The echoes call to Violet, who is unable to resist and she follows them until the source is located. Living in a house surrounded by dense woods, Violet’s father could often be found patiently trailing behind his toddler as she followed the echoes of prey that failed to elude its predator.
When Violet was eight-years-old, the echo that she responded to wasn’t a dead bird or squirrel, but that of a little girl whom Violet found peering out of a shallow grave.
Now a junior in high school, Violet does her best to live a normal life, which includes hanging out with her best-friend, Jay Heaton. Jay and Violet have been inseparable since they were six-years-old. Jay knows about Violet’s ability and has kept her secret. However, Violet has been a bit uncomfortable around Jay lately as, this past summer, her best-friend was suddenly transformed into a tall, muscular, deep-voiced, impossibly gorgeous man and Violet can’t seem to get herself under control when she sees him.
While Violet is trying to deal with her new feelings for Jay, a serial killer is on the loose and girls from surrounding areas have been turning up dead. Unsure what to do, Violet finally makes her decision to help when a local girl disappears. As she assists her uncle, the Sheriff, in the search for the killer and his victims, Violet learns that not everybody considers her ability a gift and the next echo may be her own.
The Body Finder is gripping, fast-paced and wonderfully suspenseful. Kimberly Derting has not only managed to write a fantastic mystery, but an intensely romantic story of first love that will be the envy of every breathing female. Incredibly authentic, heart-pounding and emotional; Derting has set the bar high with her first novel and I impatiently await her next.
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Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (March 16, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0061779817