Mini Reviews: Desires of the Dead & The Last Echo

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Desires of the Dead
by Kimberly Derting

Published: February 15th 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Format: Paperback
Pages: 358
Source: Bought
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Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered — and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

*MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS*
Roses are red,
Violets are blue..

.. and who remembers how it continues?! I have it on the tip of my tongue, but seriously can't get it out! And I don't want to read the whole book again, just so again write a review. So you, nice lady/mister, please leave the right answer in the comments, thank you!

I actually did have a point with all this, since I wanted to share that creepy little note Violet received in the book. Because I absolutely loved it! It was one of the creepiest moments in the book, and unfortunately (Me, the chicken, actually writing this?!) that was one of the rare creepy-moments. I actually missed the first book's creepiness.

The biggest turn-off for me was the FBI involvement. Because I couldn't be sure if they were even real, they could've been just some weirdos faking to be the FBI! Just not that believable.
But something good came with the FBI, meaning.. lovetriangle-vibes! And I do love Jay, but this still made me squeal with happiness!

And what I was trying to tell you with the poem is that Violet (again) has her very own stalker. And like always, reader thinks she knows who's behind all of this, but Derting strikes again and in the end you are proven so wrong, again. And that's why you have to love The Body Finder- series, it's not too obvious, since I just hate obvious.

The Last Echo
by Kimberly Derting

Published: April 17th 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Paperback
Pages: 358
Source: Bought
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Book Depository

In the end, all that's left is an Echo.

Before, Violet's morbid ability to sense the dead led her to uncover dark murders and long-buried secrets in her small town. Now that she's working with a special investigative team, Violet hopes she can help even more people--whether by saving a life or catching a killer.

Although she's relieved to finally be honest about what she can do, her instant connection with her mysterious partner, Rafe, is both confusing and unsettling, and their unique bond creates tension with her boyfriend, Jay. When she discovers the body of a college student murdered by "the collector," Violet refuses to give up on the case. With her own relationship on the line, Violet doesn't realize that the serial killer is looking to add to his collection and that she may have caught his eye. Will the life Violet has to save be her own?

*MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS*
In the beginning, I had some trouble with getting in to the story. Violet is suddenly working for the FBI nonstop, so goodbye familiar scenes and familiar faces! It was actually pretty odd! She barely went to school, almost never talked to her friends and barely ever saw Jay! Suddenly she's living someone else's life, and I just couldn't understand it. Or couldn't understand how her parents would allow that. They did get pretty pissed off like twice, but still. They hardly saw their daughter anymore!
Okay, so that really bugged me, if you didn't get it already.

And opposite to everyone else, what DIDN'T bother me.. RAFE.
I am going to be so happy if something (more) happens between those two! I know, I know, I'm one sick b*stard and lightning should strike me, but what can you do.

I still wasn't overly excited about the FBI involvement, and I'm sorry to say this: TOLD YOU SO. And what do I mean by that? Well, I was convinced there was something fishy going on, and the end of this book proves I WAS RIGHT. And not happy about it.

Overall, I eventually managed to get into the story and started liking this, but something was still little off. That's why I wasn't able to enjoy this as much as I did the first two books. I blame the FBI.