"Desires of the Dead" by Kimberly Derting

From Goodreads: "The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found. 

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." 

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 (you can see my review of it HERE- and in my review of it you will see that I admit that there may have happy tears shed while reading it ;) ). 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 anyways, 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 parlor or lost pets, 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 (seriously Jace you had better well deliver in "City of Fallen Angels" or Jay-boy here is going to surpass you! ;) ), 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 (Err... If there is another book in the series- fingers crossed people!).

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- I don't think that anyone will be disappointed with this as a sequel!

Rating: 10/10

PS. Don’t forget to enter my giveaway of Sean Beaudoin’s “Going Nowhere Faster”!