The body finder

The body finder

Kimberly Derting — 2010
High school junior Violet uses her uncanny ability to sense murderers and their victims to try to stop a serial killer who is terrorizing her town, and although her best friend and would-be boyfriend Jay promises to keep her safe, she becomes a target.
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Reviews

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chloe rae@heychloerae
3 stars
Feb 14, 2024

Another book that just didn't live up to it's expectations for me. I remember a year ago (two years ago?) when this book first came out and everyone was raving about. It's another one of those that's been on my TBR pile for a while and I couldn't wait to get to it! It's summer time and I knew I'd have more time to read so I was super excited. Then I started it and just, wasn't that impressed. I felt like I knew EXACTLY where the story was going: with Violet and Jay, the killer. By the end of it I had guessed EVERYTHING. The whole book I felt like I was just waiting for the ending because I just knew something exciting would happen. And when I finally got there, everything just felt very anti-climatic. I mean, don't get me wrong, I liked the book. I loved the relationship, and again, I thought the book had SUCH a cool concept that just didn't come across that well with me. I might want to pick up the 2nd book someday, but I definitely won't be rushing out to buy it.

Photo of Stefanie  Uwah
Stefanie Uwah@popcornreading
2 stars
Sep 12, 2022

This had so much potential but it fell way short for me. I feel like the book didn't focus on Violet's body finding abilities as much as it should hag. The romance was lacking for me. It was too focused on "making out." What happened to them being best friends first? I may or may not read the next book. It is at the very bottom of my tbr list.

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Elizabeth Neill@beersbooksandboos
5 stars
Apr 29, 2022

One of the best reads I read so far this year. Vi like her friends call her was great. It had me going from page one.I could have read it in one day but I wanted to make it last.

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Jessica Guht@jessguht
5 stars
Feb 24, 2022

A truly haunting and beautifully romantic book that is just as good with each reread. I think what I love most about this book is the characterization of Violet. She is a strong character that isn't afraid to admit her fears, but also refuses to let them stop her from doing what is right.

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Aroosa Qureshi@bookishly_wrecked00
5 stars
Jan 12, 2022

Thriller with some spice of romance but well balanced =a happy readerđŸ˜‚â€ïž I loved all the characters in the book and the mystery element was really nicely written! Cannot wait to continue this series! Highly recommend anyone to give this a read!!

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Amy Grieve@blossomamy
5 stars
Jan 9, 2022

Violet Ambrose has a strange ability. She can sense the dead bodies of those who have suffered a violent death by the Echoes that they leave behind. When girls start turning up dead around town, Violet sets out to find the killer. As Violet tries to catch the killer, she also has to deal with her new feelings towards Jay Heaton since childhood while trying not to become the next victim. The Body finder was one of the most unique books that I have ever read.It was also one of the creepiest too. When I read the story from the killer point of view I got goosebumps. It was just so creepy. Jay and Violet's romance was also refreshing. It was nice to see a relationship that was healthy in a YA book. The romance didn't just happen, it progressed throughout the book. Now here are some things that irritated me... 1. How Violet always managed to go and do something stupid like wander off when there was a killer loose. 2. How perfect Jay was. No one in real life is that perfect and it just seems like he had no flaws. I really liked this book. It managed to combine a realistic romance with the supernatural and murder.

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Mia@itsmia
5 stars
Dec 6, 2021

Denne boka var skikkelig bra. Jeg synes plottet var unikt og godt gjennomfÞrt, og jeg synes ogsÄ Violets evne til Ä kjenne imprintene var godt beskrevet, sÄ jeg skjÞnte liksom hvordan det var Ä vÊre henne. Violet virket litt uoppmerksom pÄ omgivelsene sine av og til (hallo, Jay!) og hun er superheldig som har en sÄnn venn som Jay. De andre vennene hennes -- Chelsea, Claire og Jules -- var kjempemorsomme Ä lese om. Og slutten var sÄ spennende -- herregud, siste kapittel -- jeg trodde jeg skulle dÞ. Og jeg gikk i fella som helt garantert var plassert der med vilje, sÄ epilogen var veldig oppklarende. Vent og se (les) sÄ skjÞnner du. :-) Gjett om jeg gleder meg til Ä lese bok to, da!

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ashley hopkins@bookaholicsanonymous
4 stars
Dec 5, 2021

I liked how this one wasn't focused on the paranormal creatures like alot are lately. It has a different take on ones "special abilities" I liked the fact that Violet could sense/feel the dead through her sense/taste/smell. It was interesting to read what the "killer's" taste was like to Violet. Then the way each of the dead had a specific sound to them, or as she calls them echoes. The mystery part of the story was the best part of the book--mystery/YA/supernatural=awesomeness! I'm definitely going to look for more mystery YAs. The author also wrote in short little chapters of what the killer was thinking, and how the killings made him feel. It was like a euphoric feeling to him. I would say something else, but I'll leave it at that. :) I had a fun time trying to guess the killer, and let me tell you I was wrong. I enjoyed everyone of the characters as well. You know how sometimes you have that one character you kind of hate? Well I didn't really have one of those in the story besides the killer of course. Violet was an awesome character not to whiney like most. Then Jay, Violets Best Friend, who just happens to be a boy. Hum? He apparently gets hot over the summer break and well I will let your mind wander the rest. Chelsea was funny in a mean way. She had me cracking up. Jules was the anti-girly girl and Claire was pretty much in my view ditzy. Some of the conversations betweeen Claire and Chelsea funny stuff. It's nice when you can have friends that are your complete opposites. (Even though sometimes it doesn't work well it usually is balanced out) Also I liked the whole family dynamic the way her mom and dad were there to support her when something did happen, and to let her know that no matter they were with her. Does the sound right? Her uncle is also in it which I thought was cool because you rarely see other family members and if you do they don't really have a big part. So basically my likes: -The short chapters with the killers thoughts -The fact that Violet could sense/feel the dead through sense/taste/smell -Both her parents were involved in some way in her life even her uncle was. -Her friends, Jay, Chelsea, Jules, and Claire. -The mystery Dislikes: -maybe a little slow to begin with but it picked up rather quick -Don't get me wrong like I said LOVED all the characters, but the stubborn-ness of a few got to me (you'll see what I mean. At least I think you will) QUOTES: - I didn't say I wouldn't skip school. You just have to ask me first. (Jay) -What are you doing here? (Violet) I couldn't sleep . What about you? (Jay) She opted for the obvious and filled her voice with as much sarcasm as she could. I live here actually. (Violet) Ha-ha smart-ass. I was asking if maybe you couldn't sleep too. (Jay) -You even use to make up funny stories about those poor little lost creatures of yours. Remember Bob the Squirrel banker who forgot to pay his electric bill and froze to death. (Greg Ambrose-Violets dad) -For a smart girl, you're a little dense Vi. (Jay) -Knock it off, you guys. Get a room, for God sakes! (Chelsea) -I'd offer to take you for a test-drive, but I'm afraid supercop over there would probably Taser me with his stun gun. (Jay) (I think because of taser I completely thought of Paranormalcy) -I'm just saying, Jules, he'd better watch his back tonight, or I might be trying to take you away from him. -Chelsea loved playing the bi-curious card, even though everyone knew she liked boys far too much to go bat for the other team-(Chelsea) Gross! (Claire) Don't worry Claire-Bear. I'm not going to hook up with Jules. I'm much more likely to make a move on you. Ewww. Get away from me! (Claire) Leave her alone, Chels, Or you're gonna make her start her It's Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve speech. And, sorry Claire but none of us want to hear that. (Jules) -I swear Claire-bear, I am going to call your mom and tell her you need to start riding the short bus. You really need to start practicing your bitchy comments. What are you gonna do when we're not around here to get your back? (Chelsea) Geez, Chels, I don't even ride the short bus. (Claire)

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Anastaciya@anastaciya
2 stars
Oct 27, 2021

uhh, what?.. that's the only reaction this book brings up. all the scenes with the friendship-love problem were too much. The title just doesn't fit.

Photo of Zi
Zi@zwchng
5 stars
Oct 17, 2021

pls let this streak keep going. pls don't let me pick up a bad book. pls be good to me, universe. (jay ♡) y'all i read this in one freaking day bc it was THAT good. and the thing is, i was packed with appointments today. (2 visits at two different doctors, and a visit to my sister's) so that's saying something. though, i don't think i'll continue with the series, just bc it concluded rlly nicely, and tbh the premise of the rest of the books doesn't sound that promising to me.

Photo of Monri
Monri@dkstaphy
2 stars
Oct 13, 2021

Mini Review/Reseña en Español/English Español La trama es muy interesante pero por desgracia no fue ejecutada de manera correcta, no me sorprende dado el año que se publicĂł el libro y que desde 2009 a 2014-15 prĂĄcticamente todos los libros tenĂ­an la misma fĂłrmula. En fin, lo termine y me gusto de cierta manera, asĂ­ que eso significa algo pero definitivamente no es para mi, probablemente a lectores mĂĄs jĂłvenes les guste. un punto a favor es el misterio y tensiĂłn del libro, fue manejado de buena manera y me agrado. Lo que no me gusto: -Protagonista odiosa y que sabe todo, nunca escucha a nadie y no es como las otras chicas, aunque por lo menos no era tan obvio y no era odiosa con todas las chicas. -Friends-to-lovers, en pocas palabras; dos amigos de la infancia que se aman pero no dicen nada para no arruinar la amistad y se la pasan casi todo el libro sufriendo por eso. -El final fue muy dramĂĄtico y anticlimĂĄtico -Los personajes secundarios son olvidables -Las decisiones de la protagonista son demasiado estĂșpidas -Todo clichĂ© -La temĂĄtica paranormal no fue explicada y casi ni se considerĂł en la historia, aunque era lo mĂĄs importante. En general no es malo pero no leerĂ© los otros libros. TW: violencia, asesinato, secuestro. HeroĂ­na: 4/10 HĂ©roe: 6/10 Romance: 4/10 Tipo de relaciĂłn: F/M Violencia/ escenas turbias: 1/10 Trama: 5/10 Tipo: serie Portada: 6/10 English The plot is very interesting but unfortunately, it wasn't executed correctly, I'm not surprised given the year the book was published and that from 2009 to 2014-15 practically all the books had the same formula. Anyway, I finished it and I liked it in a way, so that means something but it's definitely not for me, probably younger readers like it. A plus point is the mystery and tension of the book, it was handled in a good way. What I didn't like: -Annoying protagonist that knows everything, never listens to anyone and is not like the other girls, although at least it wasn't so obvious and she was not hateful to all the girls. -Friends-to-lovers, in a nutshell; two childhood friends who love each other but don't say anything to not ruin their friendship and spend most of the book suffering from it. -The ending was very dramatic and anticlimactic -Secondary characters are forgettable -The decisions of the protagonist are too stupid, like she's dumb -Way too cliche -The paranormal theme was not explained and hardly even considered in the story, although it was the most important thing. In general, it is not bad but I will not read the other books. TW: violence, murder, kidnapping. Heroine: 4/10 Hero: 5/10 Romance: 4/10 Type of Relationship: F/M Violence/dark scenes: 1/10 Plot: 5/10 Type: series Cover: 6/10

Photo of Lisa ✩ @lifeinlit
Lisa ✩ @lifeinlit@lifeinlit
5 stars
Aug 30, 2021

Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature! Audiobook Review 4.5 stars! Violet has an amazing ability, which some would call a gift, of feeling the "echoes" that are left behind when someone, or something, dies. As well as an echo on the dead, she can also sense an "imprint" on its killer. Whether it be a cat and mouse, or a teenage girl and killer, Violet can sense, smell and even taste it. She's completely unable to ignore it, even if she wanted to. But this gift she puts to good use in helping find the dead bodies of missing girls in her small town, as well as helping to look for the killer. But will being the police chief's niece put her in harm's way? This story was so gripping and intense. We get a small glimpse into the killer's thoughts every now and then, which was a fabulous touch. It really helped me feel his cruelty to my very core. Literally, parts of the story actually gave me chills. I love when a story has "oh, snap!" moments, and this one definitely had a few of those. The narrator did a fabulous job with Violet's teenage girl attitude and acts, as well as portraying the creepy killer in such a horribly strong light. Right from the beginning I was able to relate to Violet. Though I don't have a special gift such as her, I could feel her pain and eagerness to help find these girls, as well as help capture the killer before he strikes again. The romance between Jay and Violet was extremely well written. The sexual tension and flirting between the two was hard to miss. Derting did a remarkable job with this teenage romance, starting with a childhood friendship. The fears, doubts and unexpected feelings were spot-on. It was so realistic and strong. So if you couldn't tell yet, I really loved this book. Let's just leave it at this... The Body Finder was so awesome that I've already downloaded Desires of the Dead to listen to asap. :)

Photo of Ashton Reed
Ashton Reed@ashton_reads
3 stars
Aug 5, 2021

GUyyss I gots lots of problems with this book. So we’re going to go with the pros and cons style again. The good: I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this story! I was genuinely surprised several times throughout the plot, such that I was really scared for the characters. At times, I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen at all. Secondly, although I’ve seen lots of complaints about this, I actually kinda like that Violet took charge of her own decisions and went looking for the killer. She knew the abilities she had and risked herself to use them and save people. Though it may not have been smart, it was pretty heroic, and I don’t think she deserves to be hated on for it. The bad: Unfortunately, that seems to be all I the specifics I can remember for the good
 So let’s get on with the cons. Despite the pretty surprising plot twists, some events in the plot were sooooo predictable! There was one scene where I literally knew exactly how it was going to go down, and that just made laugh. Seriously. So that was kinda frustrating and hilarious. I also couldn’t STAND the romance. It was soooo bad. So bad. And Jay is kinda a jerk. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I liked him much better as Violet’s best friend, before he became a self-righteous butt. Anywayyss, I’m just going to stop here because to be completely honest, I read this a while ago *winces* yeah, I know. To summarize, this book was just ok. There were things I liked and things I really didn’t. I guess it all comes down to what you can stand and what you can’t. But I will say this: decide for yourself what you want to read and if you want to take a chance, and don’t let other reviews decide for you. Au revoir! Oh, and if you enjoyed this review, be sure to follow me on Goodreads to read even more ;) ! I also have a bookstagram @ashton_reads if you’d like to check that out as well. Thanks!

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Vicky Nuñez @vicky21
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