Review: Haunting Violet

Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Pages: 342
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Source: Library
Synopsis: Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose. 


 Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?


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I'll admit I'm regularly not too fond of ghost stories. I usually find they follow a similar format but I actually enjoyed Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey. She's a great author who has a knack for making unique and entertaining stories involving the supernatural.

Violet is the daughter of a Spiritualist. Her mom can't really see ghosts though. She cons people using a variety of tricks and Violet is sick of it. Violet's situation is unique. Usually when we read about the late 19th century it's all about the debutantes attending fancy balls or young maids who accumulate wealth somehow. I've never read the story of a Spiritualist before so I was amused while reading Haunting Violet. The book takes a well known concept like ghosts and make it its own.

Violet is a relatable character. She's nice but independent. She doesn't want to be like her mother and take pleasure in conning poor grieving families. She likes Colin but she knows that there's not a huge chance of it working out. Her friendship with Elizabeth is fun and I admire her love of books. Overall a good MC.

The pacing of the story is good. I wouldn't call it fast paced but it wasn't slow either. You'll be entertained of reading about Violet and the suspense is also evident as you try to solve the mystery. I honestly had no clue who could have hurt poor Rowena so the end was well done and interesting.

All in all, Haunting Violet is a great summer read. It has enough romance, paranormal, and history to appeal to fans of all three genres. You'll be swept away by the story until the last page. 4 stars,

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