Book Review of “The Body Finder” by Kimberly Derting

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Title: The Body Finder

Author: Kimberly Derting
Classification: YA Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: The public library

Overall Grade: 

B-
Would I read it again? 

Yes!

Would I recommend it to others? 

Yes!

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Summary (from Goodreads):

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 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 dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope 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.

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My Thoughts:

The Body Finder was a great read overall! I enjoyed the way Violet’s strange gift allowed the book to flow quickly and gave it a more thriller-like feel. However, I did find that in places, Derting’s pacing was seriously lacking. I felt like I was suddenly plunged from gut-wrenching suspense into everyday life like it was nothing at all, which is probably the reason why the book was so accessible. It felt more real than other modern thrillers, which was both frustrating and refreshing.

I also loved the way that Derting dealt with Violet and Jay’s relationship. She did a great job of merging their friendship into romance without feeling trite or cheesy. Well, there were certainly a few cheesy moments, but I have yet to read a YA novel that hasn’t had them.

Also, the premise for the entire novel is also very intriguing and unique. However, I would love for there to be some kind of explanation for Violet’s ability, perhaps involving some other paranormal aspects to keep the excitement alive.
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Overall Grade: 

B-
Would I read it again? 

Yes!

Would I recommend it to others? 

Yes!

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