Review Detail

I was intrigued with the premise of a teen that not only sees the dead but decides to follow in her dead mother's footsteps and become a paranormal investigator. Think Veronica Mars meets the paranormal world.

First off I have to admit I do like Violet's spunk and determination. On the first day of classes she earns the nickname Spookygirl based on the fact that her father works in the town's mortuary. The first half of the book has some hilarious moments when Violet communicates with the dead. She doesn't do the whole, "Go toward the light", but rather has a matter of fact approach to dealing with the dead which is refreshing.

I also liked how there wasn't the usual rude behavior between father and daughter. You could tell that this was a normal, loving family environment.

The story has other moments that are filled with Violet's morbid-like sense of humor. She ends up solving a few paranormal 'issues' at the high school that are interesting. What did seem far-fetched was how she was able to tell others about her ability. Maybe she did this just to caught them off guard but I found it hard to believe at times. Also would teens just accept her ability right off the bat?

I loved Buster, the ghostly apparition that is kind of like a very hyper dog. Baguchinsky twists some usual stereotypes and instead shows their vulnerabilities such as the jock who loves art to the gym teacher who has her own Zen-like environment in her office.

The final climax felt rushed with an ending that was almost too wrapped up. One thing I did enjoy was the missing love triangle which probably wouldn't have worked in this story.

I have to say what makes this book stand out is Violet's sense of humor and determination to become a paranormal investigator which has a Veronica Mars feel to it.