Violet Ambrose sees dead people, well, not quite like that, but she does have a secret ability where is able to sense an echo/imprint of a dead body. It’s something she has been able to do since childhood. Despite this, Violet is a normal 16 year old girl with a piece of shit car and finally noticing the changing body of her best friend/boy next door Jay. However, matters become complicated when it’s discovered that a serial killer is on the loose in their small town.
The Body Finder
When I first bought The Body Finder  by Kimberly Derting for my kindle, it was only $1.99 and kind of an impulse purchase. Kids, I highly enjoyed The Body Finder. I went in with few expectations and ended up pleasantly surprised.
I mean, Violet is an idiot at some parts and totally that character you yell at in a horror movie. But she’s not a Mary Sue. She acts like a regular teen despite her ability. Also, she has friends outside of her crush/love interest and spends time with them. I love that we actually got a scene where Violet and her friends go shopping for the big dance, because that is such a normal teenage thing to do. And well, it’s nice to see pieces of normality in a paranormal book.
Another big awesome piece of The Body Finder? The relationship dynamic between Violet and Jay. Guys, this totally does not fall into the what the hell that doesn’t happen in real life category. There isn’t some weird triangle. People fall in love with their friends ALL THE TIME. Also, some people grow up a whole lot better than others, and well apparently Jay was blessed with great genetics, as he’s written to be a real looker. BUT, even though he has a rockin bod he is not a douche AT ALL. I know, I know, stop the presses there’s a male character who isn’t acting the jerk. Yay, I say, YAY for a legit nice guy who is portrayed as attractive.
Thrown into the mix are chapters from the killer’s point of view. These chapters left me guessing, but added creepiness. Also it’s nice to read chapters not from the head of a teenage girl once in awhile, because frankly teenagers get annoying.
Kimberly Derting’s debut is a chilling read, perfect for the fall, as it takes place in, you guessed it, FALL! If you are down for legit relationships, a unique paranormal take, and serial killers, hit this bad boy up.
Also stay tuned for my review of Desires Of The Dead!
Disclosure: Purchased copy.
Other reviews of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting:
YA Bibliophile
Consumed By Books
Makeshift Bookmark
Steph Su Reads
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You’ll have to let me know how you like Desires of the Dead. I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
I agree with you about it being a great read for fall. I almost wish I had saved it for the Halloween season because it was that perfect kind of read.
I had zero expectations too and ended up liking it very much. And I agree with you about the normal teenage relationship between Jay and Violet. I thought it was great, had great chemistry, and worked very well.
Great review April.
I recently read the Body Finder and enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing today. I have not heard of Desires of the Dead and look forward to reading what you have to say:)
Great review! I loved this one, especially trying to figure out who the killer is. I did find it a little annoying after awhile that Violet didn’t comprehend Jay’s feelings for her but that is just a small thing.
Oh, I’m so glad you liked this one! I’m going to YAllFest in Charleston in November and Kimberly Derting is going to be there. I’ve made it my mission to read as many books as I can by the 20 authors who are going to be there, even if I don’t particularly enjoy the genre or premise, so I’m glad there will be at least one that I enjoy!
I read this book last year & really liked it! Hooray for the nice guys!! The creepiness factor was high up there, as well. I made the mistake of reading this book home alone, at night.. and those chapters from the killer’s POV freaked me the hell out! Btw, I get easily scared lol.
I’ll be curious to read your thoughts on Desires of the Dead. I wasn’t that much of a fan. I’m anxious to read the last book in the series, due out next year I think?
I said the same thing about Violet in my review about the horror movies!!! The killer’s pov…gave me the chills! Great review!
I really loved this one! However, not so much Desires of the Dead. Cannot wait for The Last Echo though!! Desires of the Dead really left it at an interesting place!
Another book I loved but I totally agree about Violet being the girl you yell at in horror movies. lol. I enjoyed Desires of the Dead too but not as much as this one although in the second book we see some interesting new characters.