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aunt13soc1al's review against another edition
4.0
This story is an excellent tale of mediums, ghosts, the late 1800s in London, and yet it's also a tale of love's triumphs and tribulations. I couldn't help but think of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone while I was reading this. While Collins is not a YA author, but he did write some amazing mysteries in his day. I've read a couple of his books, and loved each of them. I can only say that to remind me of him is a great accomplishment.
Violet is a very believable character, as are the others involved throughout the story. I was kept guessing until the end when the mystery finally comes to a head. I loved the interactions between her and her mother as well as her and Colin, who was definitely a dreamy presence in a story filled with fickle boys as was common in those days.
I would suggest you pick this up and read it. It's quick and will suck you in. I haven't read any of her other books, but I fully intend to add them to my TBR list. And I can only hope Harvey writes another book like this (maybe a sequel, maybe not) for me to read.
Violet is a very believable character, as are the others involved throughout the story. I was kept guessing until the end when the mystery finally comes to a head. I loved the interactions between her and her mother as well as her and Colin, who was definitely a dreamy presence in a story filled with fickle boys as was common in those days.
I would suggest you pick this up and read it. It's quick and will suck you in. I haven't read any of her other books, but I fully intend to add them to my TBR list. And I can only hope Harvey writes another book like this (maybe a sequel, maybe not) for me to read.
bookgirl4ever's review
3.0
Violet's mother is a con artist. She has people believing she is a Spiritualist but she uses Violet, an orphan boy Colin, and an ex-prostitute Marjorie, to set the stage before a seance happens. Violet hates it but it is her mother. Then when they are invited to stay at Lord Jasper's for the summer Violet begins to see the ghost sister of one of the guests and she didn't drown by accident.
A Victorian, paranormal mystery to enjoy. This was one YA book that I actually hope there is a sequel to.
Jr high/High School.
A Victorian, paranormal mystery to enjoy. This was one YA book that I actually hope there is a sequel to.
Jr high/High School.
cleah's review
3.0
Violet Willoughby isn't thrilled to tag along with her mother's schemes as a Spiritualist Medium for society's upper crust, but it is the only life she knows. When her mother gets called upon to do seance's at Lord Jasper's estate, Violet is both thrilled and hesitant to go along. Luckily, her good friend Elizabeth is there to keep her entertained, along with her childhood friend Colin. But then Violet sees a ghost - one who wants her help - and things take an adventurous and dangerous turn.
I was surprised by this book. I wasn't sure I would like it, as mysteries aren't normally my cup of tea. But once I got to the second chapter, I knew I was in it to the end. This is a delightful tale of debutantes of high-society London, romance, and ghosts. Alyxandra Harvey has created a likeable character in Violet, one I enjoyed hanging around. Her friend Elizabeth was, of course, funny and totally enviable. And WOW, was Colin ever dreamy! The things he said and did to Violet made me swoon! Harvey also did a wonderful job creating atmosphere. When they were at a ball, the dresses and music and food were perfectly described to make me feel like I was there. The ghost scenes were super creepy and gave me chills. I did, however, think that the first half of the book was much more exciting than the second half. Once I got used to the ghosts and the investigating, it was a slow slog towards the end reveal. Even so, check this one out if you like mysteries!
I was surprised by this book. I wasn't sure I would like it, as mysteries aren't normally my cup of tea. But once I got to the second chapter, I knew I was in it to the end. This is a delightful tale of debutantes of high-society London, romance, and ghosts. Alyxandra Harvey has created a likeable character in Violet, one I enjoyed hanging around. Her friend Elizabeth was, of course, funny and totally enviable. And WOW, was Colin ever dreamy! The things he said and did to Violet made me swoon! Harvey also did a wonderful job creating atmosphere. When they were at a ball, the dresses and music and food were perfectly described to make me feel like I was there. The ghost scenes were super creepy and gave me chills. I did, however, think that the first half of the book was much more exciting than the second half. Once I got used to the ghosts and the investigating, it was a slow slog towards the end reveal. Even so, check this one out if you like mysteries!
kaitrosereads's review
5.0
Alyxandra Harvey is officially one of my favorite authors. I loved Hearts At Stake (book one of the Drake Chronicles) but I didn't think that was enough to make her a favorite of mine. Haunting Violet was more than enough. Historical setting, ghosts, AND a cute boy? What more do you need?
Violet Willoughby has never liked scamming people but she has never had a choice. Ever since she was nine years old she has been forced to go along with her mother for all of her seances. She knows her mother can't see ghosts but she helps because it is the only way for them to make money. Everything changes though when Violet really does start seeing ghosts and the one ghost that keeps popping up is not a happy one. Can Violet figure out her mysterious new powers and solve a murder? And all while falling in love?
Haunting Violet was a lot creepier than I thought it would be. The ghosts involved were not all happy. In fact, most of the ghosts were mean. I did like some of them though and I liked their stories. I just learned not to read this one alone at night. =)
The setting was one of my favorite parts. I adore historicals and this is probably one of the best I have ever read. I liked reading about the grittier side of London and the nasty side of the peerage. It made the story very real.
Another favorite for me was Violet. She was funny, smart, brave, and unique. She hunted down a murderer with the help of a ghost. I could not do that. But she also had her quirky best friend Elizabeth by her side as well as a very cute guy with an Irish accent. Colin was such a sweetheart. He was also very honest when Violet was being dumb!
Overall, I can't possibly write a review that does justice to this book. I definitely recommend getting a copy of this one as soon as possible. If you are like me at all you will be up all night reading it, trying to guess the murderer (which I never saw coming!)
Violet Willoughby has never liked scamming people but she has never had a choice. Ever since she was nine years old she has been forced to go along with her mother for all of her seances. She knows her mother can't see ghosts but she helps because it is the only way for them to make money. Everything changes though when Violet really does start seeing ghosts and the one ghost that keeps popping up is not a happy one. Can Violet figure out her mysterious new powers and solve a murder? And all while falling in love?
Haunting Violet was a lot creepier than I thought it would be. The ghosts involved were not all happy. In fact, most of the ghosts were mean. I did like some of them though and I liked their stories. I just learned not to read this one alone at night. =)
The setting was one of my favorite parts. I adore historicals and this is probably one of the best I have ever read. I liked reading about the grittier side of London and the nasty side of the peerage. It made the story very real.
Another favorite for me was Violet. She was funny, smart, brave, and unique. She hunted down a murderer with the help of a ghost. I could not do that. But she also had her quirky best friend Elizabeth by her side as well as a very cute guy with an Irish accent. Colin was such a sweetheart. He was also very honest when Violet was being dumb!
Overall, I can't possibly write a review that does justice to this book. I definitely recommend getting a copy of this one as soon as possible. If you are like me at all you will be up all night reading it, trying to guess the murderer (which I never saw coming!)
ruthiemacgregor's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
paulina1996's review
4.0
The only reason I picked up the book was because of the cover (shameful I know) I had no idea what the book was going to be like, and at the very start where it started out very dull and slow I was about to throw this book out of the window for picking it up (oky so not really but still) But after about 100 pages it was starting to go somewhere, and from that point on the book was amazing! Good job that I have to finish a book that I started, I can’t just leave it. A lot of books have this story that you either read or saw somewhere the story that is about to happen and there isn’t a lot they can’t do with it, and I was thinking this was going to be one of those books that you know what will happen as soon as you pick it up, but it actually surprised me. The ending was so unexpected I had no idea what to think so I just kept on reading it. I was a bit taken aback when I saw that it was set in 1872 and it annoyed me a bit, not really sure why though.
So final thoughts::: amazing story line, beginning very boring and plain but it picked up later on. I’m quite happy that I judged the book by the cover :D
So final thoughts::: amazing story line, beginning very boring and plain but it picked up later on. I’m quite happy that I judged the book by the cover :D
wanderlustlover's review
3.0
On the list of reading everything else that Alyxandra had written (that wasn't my deeeeeeply beloved Drake Chronicles that I could go on and on and on about for ages) I picked this one up. I'm intrigued by the way the power worked in this one, and I loved the Bronte-an sense of darkness and time period setting.
It was lovely as a fast week read, but not something I desperately needed. Not that I would turn down another book written in the series!
It was lovely as a fast week read, but not something I desperately needed. Not that I would turn down another book written in the series!
git_r_read's review
5.0
Wow! I found this as a Nook book of the day I think and so very glad I did! Intricately drawn YA set in Victorian era and séances.
Violet can see spirits, but doesn't want anyone to know it. Her mother is a leading spiritualist and is a fake. She's very good at it and gets invited to many high society parties.
Violet lives in a world that isn't very kind to women or the poor and she is both. She scrabbles for each penny so she can add to her library of beloved books. And she worries that her abilities will be found out.
The story moves along a fast clip, the reader gets a glimpse into the Victorian mindset and the wonders of the spiritualist's life.
I look forward to reading more of Alyxandra Harvey's books.
Highly recommended.
Violet can see spirits, but doesn't want anyone to know it. Her mother is a leading spiritualist and is a fake. She's very good at it and gets invited to many high society parties.
Violet lives in a world that isn't very kind to women or the poor and she is both. She scrabbles for each penny so she can add to her library of beloved books. And she worries that her abilities will be found out.
The story moves along a fast clip, the reader gets a glimpse into the Victorian mindset and the wonders of the spiritualist's life.
I look forward to reading more of Alyxandra Harvey's books.
Highly recommended.