Review for Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Synopsis
"Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts, especially since her mother has worked as a fraudulent medium for a decade. Violet has taken part in enough of her mother's tricks to feel more than a little jaded about anything supernatural. The ghosts, however, believe in Violet and she's been seeing them everywhere. One ghost in particular needs Violet to use her emerging gift to solve her murder ...and prevent the ghost's twin sister from suffering the same fate."

Despite hearing a lot of praise for Alyxandra Harvey’s The Drake Chronicles, Haunting Violet is my first book from this author. Eighteenth Century London is a time period that fascinates me particularly society’s interest in mediums, séances and the like and Violet’s story really appealed to me from the start because of this. Add on top of that a mother whose a fake medium, Violet whose spent her whole life not believing in ghosts to suddenly being haunted by one and best of all a delicious murder mystery and this book might as well of had my name written all over it with big pointing arrows saying read me!

Haunting Violet was everything I hoped it would be and more. In some parts it was gothic and chilling which is what I would expect from a good ghost story. But at the same time it was romantic and luxurious with Violet attending elaborate debutante balls and parties. I quickly became absorbed in this book thanks to Harvey’s atmospheric writing style.

There’s so much going on throughout this book. Whether that’s with Violet trying to solve a murder, her learning to manage her new psychic abilities or choosing between her heart or a society marriage. There’s never a dull moment to spare and I loved the fast pace of the plot.

As well as the snappy writing and suspenseful plot Haunting Violet is chock full of endearing characters. Violet is a heroine you’ll really fear for, bookish and clumsy, I easily liked her. Violet’s best friend Elizabeth is also hugely likeable with her bright and bubbly personality.

As for the murder Alyxandra Harvey really keeps you guessing. Although I did suspect the murderer there were so many other suspects that it really kept me guessing. I won’t say anymore than that other than the intrigue of the murder will definitely keep you reading!

I adored everything about this book from learning the tricks of the trade behind fake séances to the extravagant parties Violet gets to attend. This is a historical ghost story at its best and whilst I think this book works well as a standalone I really hope Alyxandra writes more books about Violet in the future simply because I love her so much! In the meantime I’m definitely going to be checking out Alyxandra’s other books!
My Rating 4.5/5 stars

Thanks go to Bloomsbury for sending me this book to review

Synopsis taken from Amazon

PSST!! Haunting Violet is available on Amazon for only £1.99 on the Kindle, what are you still doing here? Go snatch it up now whilst the offer lasts! ;)