The Body Finder (The Body Finder #1)
5 Stars: Recommended
Format: Hardback
Publication: March 16, 2010
Pages: 327
Publisher: HarperTeen
Buy it: Amazon Hardback | Paperback | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world… and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer… and becoming his prey herself.
When I first got this book two years ago, I never imagined that I would read a book about someone who finds dead bodies, especially someone targeted by a killer. It’s borderline horror to my hyperactive imagination. I did end up ordering this book, however. The plot is so unique and intriguing, and hey. It’s YA. Can’t be that bad right? Getting this book was a good decision.
While the story is told mostly from Violet’s perspective, every now and then the killer’s voice creeps in, reminding us that he is still on the loose. You never know when he’ll strike next, but you know to be on the alert when he speaks. All the while, Violet is trying to figure out what is happening, trying to use her abilities to save innocent lives. Kimberly Derting has mastered the use of suspense in The Body Finder.
The most fascinating aspect of this novel is Violet’s abilities. How many girls do you know find dead bodies? It’s disturbing to her, but she doesn’t let it define her life. She still hangs out with people, and she has a crush on the sweetest boy ever. I am a huge fan of the guy that’s been there all along, and Violet recognizes him. I love how their relationship develops over the course of the novel!
It may not be much coming from someone who doesn’t read enough of the genre, but The Body Finder is one of the best mystery books that I have read. I love how Kimberly Derting mixes the paranormal with crime. It is a refreshing break from paranormal – action – must save the world books that we see all the time in the YA market today, as much as I love them to death. I definitely recommend checking this book out if you haven’t already and are looking for a unique paranormal book to read. Book two was published last year, and it is a good time to get ready for book three, which is on it’s way to bookshelves!
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Fall Into Books says
I tried reading this book, but couldn't get into it so I never finished it. Maybe I should give it another try. Great review!
Christina Kit. says
There should be some sort of casting contest for Jay and Violet:))
I was wondering, did you enjoy Kimberly Derting's The Pledge? It's dystopian. It had a great concept!
Christina Kit. says
I love Kimberly Derting!!
The concept and both Violet and Jay are an AWESOME couple! He's another perfect guy:))
Thanks for the review!
Natalie Aguirre says
A friend lent me this when it first came out and I really loved it. I agree that it was unique and so much plot tension. Now I'm a fan of Kim Derting. I just got The Pledge from the library and can't wait to read it.
Nicole@The More the Merrier says
I have The Body Finder but have yet to read it. I really like books that have suspense and I won't say that I tend to cheat and read the ending if it gets too suspenseful.
This sounds like a really interesting read especially the part about finding dead bodies. I think I'm going to be getting to it really soon. Thanks for the review.