Desires of the Dead: A Body Finder Novel – A Steamy, Compulsive YA Thriller with Romance and FBI Mystery

When last we left Violet after Kimberley Derting's breakout novel, The Body Finder, she had foiled the plots of two serial killers working together to terrify her small town and infiltrate the police department. Violet can do this with her amazing and terrifying ability to see death echoes- the imprints a violent death leaves on both the body that wishes to be laid to rest and the person who ended their life. Violet see these echoes on all people, including police officers, doctors, nurses, and murderers. Unfortunately, the person responsible for ending the life of another isn't always who you would think it would be. Violet survived the serial killers, but just barely. These days she prefers to take it easy and enjoy her life with her incredible and supportive parents and her attentive boyfriend, Jay. When a new family moves back into town, the brother Mike instantly becomes Jay's best friend and Violet starts to get jealous of all the time they spend together. Mike's sister Megan, however, is a different story. A couple of years younger than them, she is a quiet mousy girl who never seems to open up. When Violet finds out their mother disappeared and has possibly been murdered, she wonders if she can help. Then an FBI agent named Sara Priest shows up and throws Violet's world upside down. Priest knows Violet is connected to the anonymous phone call that led them to finding a murdered boy, but she doesn't quite know how. When Sara introduces Violet to Rafe, a young man not much older than Violet, it becomes clear that Sara runs things a little differently- she uses "special" people like Violet to solve crimes like murder. When someone starts leaving creepy messages, calling and hanging up, and leaves a dead cat by Violet's car, she suspects Megan is the culprit. When she confides in Jay, however, he refuses to believe it and sends Violet off a cliff she might not be ready to take. While Violet explores the possibility of going public with her ability, she must also get to the bottom of Mike and Megan's mother's disappearance and find out who is stalking her. Can she do it all before it is too late? This was a great follow up to an excellent debut novel. I was worried the story was going to get hokey after a while- I mean how many serial killers can a sleepy little town have before the national press starts sniffing around? But this story isn't cheesy and delves even further into Violet's powers. They are really advancing, whether she likes it or not. I also loved the addition of Sarah Priest, which opens up a place for Violet to grow in possible future novels and continue the series without getting ridiculous. Now she can go to work for Sara Priest and use her powers more. It gives the characters and the plot room to grow and mature. The writing is average difficulty and would be appropriate for a range of students. The material can be dark at times, but isn't too dark- there is still a good message, supportive friends and family, and a good ending. This is a great supernatural story that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. Now I just can't wait to see what happens to Violet next!

Violet and Jay have moved from best friends to a couple. While Violet thinks this is great, she recognizes that their once close relationship has changed. Jay doesn't see her as just his best friend that he had "adventures" with in the woods as kids - she's the girlfriend that he loves very much and his protective tendencies are out in full force. Not that he's smothering her, he's just less likely to let Violet do something foolish. (And lets be honest, Violet has the best intentions, but she does several foolish things.) Jay also realizes that Violet doesn't tell him everything, but he trusts that she'll share her problems when the time is right. It doesn't help that Jay has made a friend of the new kid Mike, and Violet gets jealous. She's never really had to share Jay before. New love and unaccustomed jealousy have her struggling to find the right balance in her emotions and her expectations. Violet's gifts are also strengthening. On a shopping trip she senses a dead body but can't get to it. The body's echo stays with her, long after it should have faded. When Violet dreams the victim's final moments, she knows that the echo won't let her go until the body is found and laid to rest. While she does the right thing, it brings her to the attention of an FBI contractor. The way this affected Violet was really interesting. Her family had always told her not to tell anybody about her gifts, so she completely and understandably freaks out when she's contacted by the FBI. She not only fears for herself but for her family and Jay. While an outsider might say that Violet has become moody and possibly crazy, she really struggled with the fear of being found out and its implications. Our girl also picks up a stalker, and Derting once again has a few chapters written from a different point of view. Unlike the alternating PoV in The Body Finder, the stalker really isn't a bad guy. The insights into their personality and life show a person who is scared and lonely and looking for stable love the only way they know how. I found myself hoping that this person would get help and be able to pull their life back together. I liked Desires of the Dead much more than The Body Finder. While still a character driven story, in my opinion, the tension and mystery were much better this time around. The supporting characters are great, the adults her life are supportive and loving (we don't get enough of those), and Jay rocks. He is a strong character who doesn't let Violet push him around, but he doesn't smother her either. I loved that Violet was the one who pushed for a more physical relationship and Jay was the one who held them back. The conversation on Violet being the "guy" of the relationship and Jay the "girl" cracked me up! There's also a point where the stress and fear of the FBI and the stalker cause Violet to make a bigger deal out of a disagreement with Jay than she might have normally. She's absolutely miserable but she recognized that while she wanted Jay, she didn't need him. Violet understood that she was going to be unhappy for quite a while but it wouldn't be the end of the world. I really liked this and think it sends a good message to younger readers. I love Jay and Violet is sweet and growing in her powers and as a person. It's nice to have a powerful girl surrounded by people who love her and support her. I enjoyed Desires of the Dead and am looking forward to the new direction the series (seems) to be taking.

Desires of the Dead was unexpectedly great. Where the first book seemed to lack a good murder plot this one delivered it. The sequel felt more centered on Violet and less focused on the romance which I felt previously took over the first novel which was both good and bad. It's even more intriguing with the introduction of four new characters. But I didn't care much for Mike and Megan they seemed like random obstacles that Violet had to deal with. The addition of the FBI on Violet's trail really kept me reading on because I wanted to see what they knew and what she would tell them. It didn't disappoint but the FBI weren't in as many scenes as I'd have hoped for. Violet's keeping a lot of secrets from Jay and at times I found that to be frustrating yet a little exciting. What I mean by that is I wanted to see what Jay's reaction would be since he's so fiercely protective of her and wants to shield Violet from danger and she's off doing things her way. Their was a moment in this book where it almost seemed like Violet's ability was manifesting itself in a new way--I really want that to be the case! Desires of the Dead weaves in two different stories at once and it was amusing and enjoyable to follow both. Like the first book it alternates viewpoints between Violet and an anonymous stranger whose keeping tabs on her. So far this series has its ups and downs but this sequel has renewed my excitement and I'm invested in it. Also it would seem the secondary characters have some depth to them after all but they still feel a bit underdeveloped and their personalities are continually changing. Despite the little things the book turned out to be really good, and I enjoyed it way more than The Body Finder which I also liked. Violet is just getting on with her life months after almost being murdered by a serial killer...until she feels the pull of an echo at a shipyard. She does her best to ignore the call but when it won't leave her be she leaves an anonymous police tip and resumes her daily life with her best friend and newly turned boyfriend Jay Heaton. After the body of a small child is found Violet's certain she was careful enough not to be linked in any way to it--that is until the FBI show up at her school. It wouldn't be so bad if they just wanted to question her about the case but it seems like their less interested in the murder of the boy and more interested in her. Now she has to work even harder to keep her secret under wraps and its more complicated than she imagines when Jay seems to be spending more time with his new friend Mike and less time with her. It falls upon Violet to fix the mess she's gotten herself into--alone. Although Violet's actions made me a little angry at times that can be easily overlooked as the story was wholly enjoyable. Whereas The Body Finder felt like it was missing something Desires of the Dead was satisfying and a great entertaining read. I had a difficult time putting this one down. It's quick, has a compelling mystery with a totally unique paranormal twist. I'm excited to see what will come next in this series. Derting has created a different type of story that's bound to grab your attention. I'm sure that Desires of the Dead will resonate wonderfully with young adults.

Desires of the Dead is the follow up to The Body Finder where Violet has the ability to find the dead if they are not properly laid to rest. She also sees a matching imprint on the killer which could make her extremely valuable if her gift is ever revealed. The only people who know about what Violet can do is her family, as it was passed through the women in her family, and also her best-friend-turned-boyfriend Jay. Jay learned about what Violet could do when they were kids and has always accepted who she is. There has been much swooning for Jay. When Violet finds an Echo, it seems to drain her of any energy until the body is put to rest. Jay is always by her side to keep her going but readers shouldn't get the impression that this makes Violet a fragile girl who needs to be saved; if anything, she doesn't run or hide from her gift. On a regular outing with her friend, Violet finds an Echo calling to her and drawing her closer. Violet isn't able to do anything without her friend finding out, but that doesn't mean that she will stop. This particular Echo changes Violet's life in more ways than she could imagine. In helping, she attracts the attention of the FBI and realizes since Jay is now her boyfriend, she can't tell him everything as she did when they were best friends. Jay, as a boyfriend, wants to protect Violet and that might mean telling her parents about the dangerous situations she puts herself in; but Violet isn't ready to share everything with her parents. With the FBI on her trail and Jay's overwhelming need to protect her, Violet also feels that she is being stalked. First, hang up calls and then, creepy gifts are left at her car and later, threatening letters. When she turns to Jay, she doesn't find the answers she needs and things get shaky. Violet is also dealing with the insecurities that come with dating a guy who every woman seems to want. I would like to include myself on that list! All the stress and secrets cause major problems for Jay and Violet. Kimberly writes scenes so beautifully that you can't help but to get emotionally invested in these characters. Jay, I heart you! I love that Violet's family members see that she is going through a lot and give Violet the space to deal with it in her own way, but they are always close enough if she needs them. I can't remember reading a YA book with such emotionally-stable families. Desires of the Dead really has it all! There is plenty of stalker/ killer creepiness, and yet lots of love, kissing, sweetness, and of course the emotional stuff. Kimberly Derting is an amazing author and has quickly become one of my favorites. I can see myself re-reading both The Body Finder and Desires of the Dead over and over. I would recommend this book to everyone and I see movie potential all over these books.

I have greatly missed Violet and Jay so I was really excited to download this book on release day. I spent the entire drive to the Mardi Gras ball we went to an hour and a half away reading this book. I can tell you it was worth the wait. I like the introduction of Mike's character into the story line. It brings a new level to the budding relationship between Jay and Violet. While Jay is utterly devoted to Violet in a way I'm sure no real guy is, he still has friends and Violet will still be jealous of anyone taking her spot as Jay's best friend. One of the things I enjoy the most about Kimberly's writing is that she infuses an aspect of mystery in the story. You see some thoughts of a dangerous obsession from the perspective of the "stalker" (not really sure if that is the right term) then things begin to happen to Violet as someone is trying to get to her. I really like that I had a hard time figuring out who was causing the problems and had to keep changing my mind. It kept me interested in the story and unable to put it down. I loved the fact that Violet comes to terms with who she is and her ability in this book. She doesn't completely reconcile it. However, she begins to see the potential that she has to impact people and seems to accept that normal will have a different meaning for her. I think that will make her a much stronger character in the future books. I am not sure what to think of the mysterious male agent with abilities that is introduced in this book. While it doesn't appear that he and Violet have a romantic connection it seems possible that something might develop since they have an ability in common. I am hoping Jay is able to hang onto his girl :) The only criticism I have for readers is that there was a "Bella" section to the story (I couldn't stand to read most of New Moon while she was moaning over Edward). There is a period in this book where Violet experiences the same thing. If you aren't one to want to read all the angsty parts of YA you can likely skip a lot of that and just focus on the plot. Overall, I give this book a 5/5. It was so worth the wait. I am just sad that I now have to wait for the next book in the series. On a side note I LOVE the covers for this series they are amazing! [...]

As with all sequels I always tend to be a little reserved - especially after loving and blabbing to anyone who would listen about the first book so much. So needless to say, I was happy to see that once again Ms. Derting has not let me down. I fell in love with Violet and her BFF turned boyfriend Jay in The Body Finder. And thankfully, they are still one of my favorite couples in YA. Taking place a few months after the events that transpired in The Body Finder, Violet and Jay are back to living their normal lives now as an official couple. But when Violet discovers the body of a murdered child and alerts the police, the FBI have a few questions they want answered. First of all let's start with Jay - because I may just be in love with him. He is by far the sweetest, cutest and most adorable boy in YA literature. I love how he loves Violet. He's sweet, thoughtful, gentlemanly and protective of her. I think every girl has dreamt of that perfect boy ... and those that have will find him in Jay. His relationship with Violet has progressed and although they are now a couple, they remain the best of friends. Violet continues struggling with her unique abilities and is being extra secretive... causing all sorts of mayhem. in her relationship Now that she is under the scrutiny of the FBI she is even more secretive. They want some questions answered but not the one's that she was expecting. Sarah and Rafe from the FBI seem like they want to learn more about her, but she is unwilling to open up about her abilities. She forms a reluctant friendship with Rafe - and I'm really looking forward to seeing how big a role he'll play in the future books in this series. The mystery aspect of the story wasn't it's strongest feature. It was predictable and after I was taken down a few wrong paths I figured it out much sooner than Violet did. Instead I found that the story focused more on its characters. I felt there was much more character development - not just Violet and her abilities, but also with the relationships between her and Jay, her friendships, her family, etc. Once again, I was captivated although I must confess not as much as I was with The Body Finder. While The Body Finder gave me chills, this one was more subdued. All in all, this is still a very good book. Fans of The Body Finder will devour Desire of the Dead and be left pining for the next in the series. For those of you who haven't begun this series yet, well I guarantee you will love this paranormal mystery-thriller with a whole lot of YA romance. You can't go wrong with this series.

The story has a lot of potential. I loved the first book and by extension I figured the sequel would take a very interesting concept and expound upon it. Sadly I felt the characters fell a little flat. The main character was my biggest issue. Though I don't necessarily conform to the belief that all Young Adult novels employ the occasionally brainless and stupid main heroine, I cannot escape this when reading this book. The main character, Violet, always -literally ALWAYS- keeps information to herself that she should be sharing with her parents, or you know her police officer uncle. She gets threatening letters and a dead cat in a shoe box, but she never seems to think that those warrant seeking assistance. She goes off on her own at night multiple different occasions and it honest to god surprised that bad stuff happens to her. I had really high hopes for this novel and I can't necessarily say that it was bad. I had just figured it would be better than "okay".

(Review originally posted at GoneWithTheWords.com) The Body Finder was one of my favorite books of 2010, so I was extremely excited when I found out there was going to be a sequel. I was very curious to see how Kimberly Derting would continue Violet's story since the first book could very well be a stand alone book. Whatever it would be, I was positive that I wanted to see more, lots more, of Violet and Jay as a couple. She completely delivered on that front! Violet and Jay are one of the most amazing couples in Young Adult fiction, and I think a lot of it has to do with how well they know each other. They have numerous things in common, they're considerate to one another, they have trust, love and definitely a lot of attraction. In this book they become even more intimate, and those scenes when they are together are written beautifully! But like any couple, things aren't always perfect, and Violet and Jay go through a rough patch that nearly killed me. I was in so much pain for them! While in The Body Finder Violet's family is in the forefront, in Desires of the Dead it's her friends who have taken the spotlight. Chelsea and Claire have some of my favorite scenes in this book. As far as the new characters go, I'm really interested in seeing what roles Sara Priest and Rafe will play in future books. Another thing I was happy to see were the chapters where we get to hear from "the bad guy". It was one of my favorite things from The Body Finder...part of what made it so creepy was getting into the killer's head. The ones in this book are more disturbing than creepy, but they were just as fascinating. Kimberly Derting delivers another exciting, suspenseful mystery with Desires of the Dead. She kept me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, those last few chapters. If you're looking for a book that will get your heart racing, from both the suspense and the romance, this is it. :)

***This review may contain spoilers*** So a month and a bit ago I randomly read "The Body Finder" by Kimberly Derting (I pretty much went to the bookstore saw it and thought to myself "The cover is so pretty!" and bought it). I really had no idea what the book was about (I don't think I even read the cover flap when I bought it) and imagine my surprise when it turns out to not only be the hands down be the best book I read in 2010 but honestly one of the best books that I have ever read. But after finishing it and knowing that "Desires of the Dead" was coming out in a matter of months I couldn't help but think to myself "Oh gosh, what if "Desires of the Dead" isn't as good as "TBF"?!? What if it is a big let-down?" and things along those lines. While after reading "Desires of the Dead" I am happy to say that it is not a big letdown whatsoever (I may not rate it 11/10 like I did with "The Body Finder" but 11/10?!? Well, that was kinda a fluke, I have never ever EVER rated a book that high before). Compared to "The Body Finder" this book is quite depressing (but not in a bad way). As Violet's abilities start to grow she comes to discover that the dead affect her more and more in her daily life and as a result she starts to retreat within herself more and begins keeping secrets from everyone that she loves (Jay included). At this point I was growing somewhat frustrated with Violet and her lack of communication (it seems to be a bit of a recurrent theme in YA novels- as soon as a relationship becomes darn near perfect the author throws in a communication problem which darkens the relationship a bit) but then I had to remind myself that I cannot even begin to comprehend how Violet feels. Her ability? Yeah it kinda sucks (well, I might be happy with it, but that is just because I am studying dead people and everything, but for the average person it sucks, it isn't like a happy-go-lucky ability, something like being able to find a local ice-cream parlour or something, it is finding the body of those who have been murdered which is obviously pretty heavy), and therefore it only seems obvious that she would retreat within herself. As for Jay? Well, he didn't disappoint in the swoon-worthy category, nor did he disappoint in the super caring/ adorably possessive boyfriend category (I always loved how whenever anyone around Violet saw her as being lifeless/ zombie-looking that Jay never saw her in that light whatsoever, he saw her just as she was, the girl he loved). Also, he wasn't a pushy boyfriend whatsoever. He understood that Violet needed space every now and again and he was more than willing to give her that space. Now I must warn you that something occurs in this book relationship-wise between Violet and Jay that while it did not disappoint me/ upset me in the slightest, I can understand that some people may be turned off/ disappointed by it. I just hope that those people who may be upset about it take into consideration that it was not a decision that Jay and Violet took lightly, it as something that they discussed for months on ends... They didn't just look at each other one day and say, "Hey, I have a great idea!", they were extremely mature and responsible about their decision. As for the FBI part of the story? I found it to be extremely interesting (it kinda reminded my of Meg Cabot's 1-800-Where-R-You series- which I happen to love), therefore I am really excited to see how this will play out in the next book. And then there is a new boy, Rafe. He is extremely mysterious and intriguing and though I would consider him to be an underdog I just don't feel that connection with him (which I seem to make a habit of doing with underdogs- like Jack in Inara Scott's "The Candidates). I think my biggest concern with Rafe is that he will become the third part of a love triangle in the future books (and Kimberly I beg of you, please, please, PLEASE!!! Do. Not. Write. A. Love. Triangle. Jay and Violet? Yeah, kinda gosh darn perfect! I have a great idea, new boy can become Chelsea's boyfriend and not Violet's!)... All in all, "The Body Finder" is only a smidge better than this book- but I don't think that anyone will be disappointed with this as a sequel!

Un vrai bonheur cette suite de "the body finder"! Les personnages sont attachants, l'histoire bien ficelée. On y retrouve tous les ingrédients du premier tome qui font de cette série (qui comptera apparemment 4 tomes!!!)un vrai moment de plaisir!

Several weeks have passed since the incidents of THE BODY FINDER. Now that Violet and Jay have changed their status from best friends and to more than friends one could think their relationship wouldn't be intriguing anymore. Although they are together neither has lost his unique personality. Both protagonists develop new sides of their personalities and show that they can ,beside being together, still be two individuals. Kimberly Derting generously considered our demand for more Jay and Violet and wrote so many more exciting, romantic and steamy scenes that one has to love DESIRES OF THE DEAD only on their account. Violet is finally willing to explore the wide possibilities of her talent to sense the dead and Jay more than ever determined to protect her. There were times Violet annoyed me with her stoic and reckless behaviour, but in the end it were the conflicts, are always the conflicts that awake my interest. With the new case Violet is eventually thrown into and the involvement of the FBI, new dimensions of her ability are demonstrated. We get a glimpse of the working methods of the FBI and meet many new characters that communicate a different spirit than already established characters. We meet Sarah who works for the FBI and her assistant Rafe who is the most mysterious character in this series so far. Although Violet has a relationship with Jay there is something that also connects her with Rafe. He knows things he couldn't know and does things he shouldn't do. I sense a love triangle emerging and am really anxious to read about the relationship and feelings between the three of them. As I already stated I am team Jay , but I can't resist that pull to excitingly new character Rafe. I really want to find out what's the matter with him and which role he plays in Violet's life. He seems to have a special ability of his own and I cannot wait for Derting to reveal it. The new murder case is not the only criminal and immoral incident that is thematised. A new family has moved to town with a bunch of secrets in tow. I don't want to go into detail, you should find out yourselves. As in THE BODY FINDER Derting's writing is excellent and absorbing. She writes about the darker sides of life and the wicked thoughts of the human mind and is totally authentic and believable. Her language is rich, her characters are interestingly edgy and her story well-developed. The story is told from Violet's point of view on the one hand, on the other we also hear thoughts and witness actions of another narrator. This person is not as insane as THE BODY FINDER murderer, but sometimes just equally creepy. Derting plays with her readers and our loyalty towards Violet when applying a second point of view that is determined by the hatred for Violet and whose actions are directed towards the goal of Violet's destruction. I am more than thrilled about Derting's announcement of two more novels in THE BODY FINDER series and I am terribly curious to find out what happens next, which other bodies haunt Violet and if someone or somewhat could be able to come between this special something that connects Jay and Violet. THE VERDICT DESIRES OF THE DEAD can definitely fulfill the desires of every reader in search for a phenomenal novel with high creep 'n' cuddle factor!

I loved the Body Finder so much that I went out and got the sequel, Desires of the Dead straight away. And I really wasn't disappointed. The story starts several months after the events of the first book where Violet has helped catch a serial killer and in the process almost become one of his victims. Jay and Violet are still very much in love and this is one of the sweetest, most believeable romances I've read for a while. Though I will admit that on occasion it became a little too sickly and maybe overdone just slightly, or maybe I'm just jealous! I loved getting to know Chelsea better, she's an awesome character and I think in the future I'd like Violet to confide in Chelsea about her ability. I think she'd handle it a lot better than Violet thinks she would. The plot in this book had many twists and turns. We are introduced to some new characters, the main ones being Mike and Megan who are new kids at the school and Jay quickly befriends Mike and Chelsea quickly falls in lust with him. I have to say that I sort of guessed the whole Megan storyline, it wasn't cryptic enough for me, it was all very obvious. But this didn't harm the story in anyway for me though. There were enough twists and turns to mislead me and keep me interested and I felt the tension was built up quite well through-out. The only critisism I have is....... How stupid is Violet? I do love her, I thinks she's a great lead and the way she's written is very believable but seriously, how many times is she gonna get herself into such peril? She has her 17th birthday in this book and honestly at this rate she won't make it to her 18th!! It reminds me of in horror films when there's a noise and the soon to be murder victim goes to check it out shouting "who's there"!! Everytime Violet goes off on her own I'm wanting to shake her and scream at her not to be so stupid. I know her ability is a force that pulls her toward the dead but I'm wondering if she has a lick of common sense......... ok rant over, it just bugged me a little. Even with that little annoyance, I really enjoyed this. I thought the introduction of the FBI was very clever and Rafe is possibly going to be a very interesting character in the next book (because I'm really hoping there will be a next book) He clearly has some sort of special gift too though what this is was really skimmed over. He obviously can sense things about people, but its very different from what Violet does. This whole joining the group thing at the end was a good way to end it, it leaves lots of room for more stories about Violet and what more she could do with her gift. And quite frankly the girl needs some help from someone before she gets herself killed!!

I read the first book in this series ages ago and despite the large gap between books it was easy to pick up the story. It was an easy enjoyable read, despite the dark themes. A light relief from War and Peace which is taking ages to read despite being enjoyable. Only took me a weekend to read this book and I look forward to reading the next one and seeing where Violets story goes.