The Last Echo
In the end, all that's left is an echo...
Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye....
Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye....
(summary from goodreads.com)
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I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series. The Last Echo is the third so far, beginning with The Body Finder and then followed with Desires of the Dead. You would think that a book (or books) about a girl who can sense dead bodies (both human and animal) would be morbid, and you would be right. But it's an enjoyable morbidity, if that makes any sense! Violet takes her "power" in stride and is likable and stable enough to lessen the morbidity significantly. I have enjoyed where this series has taken me - I love the romance between Jay and Violet, it is very natural and normal and supportive and sweet. So sweet. I love the first person vignettes by the murderer - so fascinating to be behind the scenes and not know who the killer is. Frustrating and creepy and suspenseful and fabulous! All of these books are very well written who-done-its, with a main character I simply adore.
At the same time, this isn't the same story told each time in slightly different ways. I like how Violet's storyline progresses - I love seeing her struggle with yet mostly accept her abilities and figure out how to use them in an official capacity. She is a real girl who yearns to be normal but still manages to stay strong in icky situations. I love how, despite the obvious paranormality of this book, it still takes place in real life and our world and our universe. There is more murder mystery plot than paranormal plot, Violet's ability is simply a tool to figure everything out. And Violet! Stay away from Rafe! We like him, but don't you dare hurt Jay. We will never forgive you. The ending, slight cliff hanger that it is, is both frustrating and perfect. Frustrating because it is SO UNFAIR, and perfect because it lets us know that Violet's story is far from over.
In summary, read these books. They are great.
Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: this is a murder mystery, with off-scene murders and terrifying situations. Profanity: none that I can recall - I need to pay better attention. Sex: a normal long term teen relationship, some making out but no sex, at least none overtly implied.
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