Here is the summary of the book:
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.
What would life be without a few spices in its wake? Pretty boring don’t you think? But if that spice turns out to be an ability that is creepy, disorienting and danger magnet - well you might hope to actually have a life of normally….although that might not be the option available to you, at all. With a sense of righteousness and lack of self-preservation is just the added bonus to the mix don’t you think?
All of the above lines greatly describe the protagonist of our tale, Violet Ambrose. And this is where we pick up the reigns after the first book The Body Finder where we are introduced to Violet and her ability to sense the dead, un-rested souls. Although her ability proved very much helpful in tracking a hunter on the loose, it was also because of this that she almost lost her life. Oh and not to forget Jay Heaton who has been her best friend for so many years is now her boyfriend….hmm.. Somewhere along the line friendship turned into love I suppose.
This is where Desires of the Dead picks up after a harrowing year of hunters and stalkers life at the moment seems to be perfect for Violet. She has great friends, an awesome family, a great boyfriend (who is also her best friend) and they are going steady. The days seem to be mundane at best, well not mundane enough if you consider all the “homework” sessions (notice the double quotes?) that Violet and Jay have together.
And like always the calm is about to be shattered – Jay has got a new friend Mike upon whom Chelsea seems to have set her eyes. So now Jay spends so much time with Mike that Violet seems left out. And would you look at that Violet seems to have a new stalker up her tail (sorry not going to disclose the name as the person has already apologized). Along with all this Violet has a lot of things of her own going on. She found another dead body – a little boy this time. And something or the other makes somebody else find out about her ability. Mistakes are made, trust issues are raised and Violet and Jay decide upon an important step of their life.
Desires of the dead if described in a few words as a right to passage, simple enough Violet, Jay and the whole crew is growing up, puberty stage if you call. Everything is confusing, different, heightened, a new sense of meaning in everything around them. This is a stage to make the important decisions that could change their lives forever.
As I had stated in the previous review of the body finder, this book is all about a normal, high school life with a hint of paranormality. This element definitely does not rule the story but enhances its vigor. A major plus point for the series and the author Kimberly Derting in my books. Dividing and telling the story from two POV makes it even more interesting to read and enjoy. Definitely a favourite, it is enough to understand that whatever happens in here is most certainly a precursor to the next book “The Last Echo”.
