“I can see dead people. And sometimes, they talk to me.”
— Violet's internal monologue establishing her ability early in the story.
Archivist's Choice
Desires of the Dead
Kimberly Derting (2011)
Genre
Thriller / Fantasy / Mystery / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
7-8 hours
Key Themes
See below
Track Your Reading
Sign in to track this book
A teenage girl who sees the last moments of murder victims must navigate a new romance, a jealous best friend, and a dangerous FBI investigation while keeping her supernatural abilities a secret.
Synopsis
Violet, who senses the echoes of murder victims and the imprints left by their killers, finds a young boy's body. This discovery draws FBI attention, forcing Violet to hide her ability while also navigating a new, complicated relationship with her best friend, Jay. As Violet tries to understand her changing dynamic with Jay, who spends more time with a new friend named Mike, she becomes the target of a dangerous obsession. Feeling sidelined, Violet investigates Mike's tragic family history, uncovering a dark truth. She realizes Mike is the killer she's been sensing, responsible for the boy's death and other murders. Jay, initially protective of Mike, struggles to believe Violet's accusations. The killer, Mike, sets a trap for Violet at a remote cabin, intending to make her his next victim. Violet manages a desperate escape and, with Jay's eventual understanding and help, they confront Mike. In a final, tense confrontation, Violet uses her abilities to expose Mike and ensure his capture. Violet and Jay reconcile, their relationship strengthened, and FBI Agent Riley, who had scrutinized Violet, comes to understand her unique abilities.
Reading time
7-8 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Suspenseful, Mysterious, Romantic, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy YA thrillers with a paranormal twist, focusing on a protagonist with a unique, morbid ability and a strong romantic subplot.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer hard-boiled mysteries without supernatural elements or a significant focus on teenage romance.
Plot Summary
A Disturbing Discovery
Violet Ambrose, seventeen, senses the echoes of the murdered dead and the imprints left by their killers. On a morning run, she finds a young boy's body in the woods. His name is Justin Vane, and he has been missing for several days. Violet immediately feels the boy's echo, a strong, desperate plea for help. This discovery brings her into contact with local police and, more troublingly, the FBI, specifically Agent Roger Riley, who becomes suspicious of Violet's ability to lead them to the body. This incident threatens to expose her carefully guarded secret, known only to her father and her best friend, Jay.
FBI Scrutiny and Jay's Distraction
Agent Riley subtly questions Violet, probing her knowledge of the crime scene and her intuitive insights. Violet struggles to provide plausible explanations without revealing her supernatural gift. Meanwhile, her relationship with Jay, which recently became romantic, strains. Jay starts spending more time with a new friend, Mike, a charismatic and somewhat mysterious transfer student. This leaves Violet feeling neglected and isolated, especially as she deals with FBI pressure and Justin Vane's haunting echoes.
Mike's Tragic Past
Feeling sidelined by Jay's new friendship, Violet, driven by curiosity and perhaps jealousy, investigates Mike's background. She learns Mike's family has a tragic history: his mother, Melanie, was murdered years prior, and his father, an abusive man, was convicted. However, Violet's abilities pick up on something unsettling about Melanie's death—an echo that does not quite fit the official narrative of a single perpetrator. She senses a familiar, cold imprint connected to Melanie's death, an imprint that resonates with the one left by Justin Vane's killer, suggesting a deeper, more sinister connection.
A Shared Imprint
Violet's investigation into Melanie's murder intensifies. She visits the old crime scene and experiences a powerful echo, confirming her suspicion that the same killer is responsible for both Melanie's death and Justin Vane's. The killer's imprint is distinct and chilling. This revelation is terrifying, as it means a serial killer is operating in their town, and the police have the wrong man for Melanie's murder. Violet now faces the immense burden of this knowledge, knowing she has to find a way to convey it without exposing her secret.
The Killer's Obsession
As Violet gets closer to the truth, she feels an unnerving sense of being watched. Strange occurrences, like her bedroom window being found open or feeling a presence behind her, escalate. It becomes clear the killer knows about her abilities and her investigation. The killer, revealed to be Mike's father, Walter, has been following her, drawn to her unique connection to the dead. This realization plunges Violet into heightened fear and paranoia, understanding she is no longer just investigating a case, but has become a target herself.
Jay's Growing Suspicion
Jay, despite his distraction with Mike, eventually notices Violet's increasing anxiety, evasiveness, and secretive behavior. He becomes concerned and confronts her, demanding to know what is truly going on. Violet, torn between protecting him and needing help, struggles with how much to reveal. Her reluctance to confide fully in Jay further strains their already fragile relationship, making her feel even more isolated in her dangerous pursuit of the killer.
The Trap at the Cabin
Violet receives a cryptic message, seemingly from Mike, asking her to meet him at a remote, abandoned cabin that belonged to his family. Suspecting a trap but compelled by the victims' echoes, Violet goes, hoping to gather more evidence or confirm her suspicions. Upon arriving, she finds the cabin empty, but the echoes are overwhelming, confirming it as a place where the killer has been. Suddenly, she is confronted by Walter, Mike's father, who reveals himself as the serial killer. He confesses to Melanie's murder and Justin Vane's, and explains his twisted motivations, his obsession with Violet's ability now fully exposed.
A Desperate Escape
Walter, driven by his deranged belief that Violet can somehow 'free' his victims' souls, attempts to capture her. A terrifying struggle ensues inside the isolated cabin. Violet, though physically outmatched, uses her wits and knowledge of the surroundings to evade him. She fights for her life, desperate to escape the killer's clutches and expose him before she becomes his next victim. The confrontation is brutal, highlighting Violet's courage and resourcefulness under extreme duress.
Jay and Mike's Intervention
Just as Walter is about to overpower Violet, Jay and Mike arrive at the cabin. Jay, having followed Violet after his suspicions grew, brought Mike along. Their arrival creates a chaotic diversion. Mike is horrified to learn the truth about his father. A tense standoff ensues, with Walter holding Violet captive. Jay and Mike try to reason with Walter, but his grip on reality is tenuous, fueled by his murderous compulsions and his obsession with Violet. The situation becomes incredibly dangerous for all three teenagers.
The Final Confrontation
The standoff ends in a violent struggle. Jay, fueled by his love for Violet, bravely intervenes, creating an opportunity for Violet to escape Walter's grasp. Mike, reeling from the shock of his father's true nature, also attempts to subdue him. The commotion eventually draws the attention of the authorities, who arrive on the scene. Walter is finally apprehended and arrested, but not before injuring Jay. The ordeal leaves Violet, Jay, and Mike traumatized but alive, with the killer finally brought to justice.
Aftermath and Reconciliation
Afterward, Jay recovers from his injuries, and his relationship with Violet begins to heal. The shared trauma and near-death experience force them to confront unspoken issues between them, especially Violet's secrecy and Jay's feelings of being shut out. Violet finally confides more fully in Jay about the terrifying extent of her abilities and the burden she carries. They realize the depth of their feelings for each other and the importance of trust and open communication, setting the stage for a stronger, more honest relationship.
Agent Riley's Understanding
Agent Riley, having witnessed the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Walter's capture and Violet's insights, re-evaluates his skepticism. While he does not fully understand the supernatural aspect of her abilities, he acknowledges that Violet possesses a unique and undeniable gift that aids in solving crimes. He offers a complex resolution: while he cannot officially endorse her methods, he implies a willingness to work with her unofficially, recognizing her value while still maintaining a professional distance. This leaves Violet with cautious optimism about her future and her role in helping the dead.
Principal Figures
Violet Ambrose
The Protagonist
Violet learns to trust her instincts and confide in those she loves, embracing the responsibility of her gift while understanding its dangers.
Jay
The Supporting
Jay learns to fully accept Violet's abilities and the risks involved, becoming a more steadfast and understanding partner.
Walter
The Antagonist
Walter's true monstrous nature is fully exposed, leading to his capture and the end of his reign of terror.
Mike
The Supporting
Mike is forced to confront the horrific truth about his father and reconcile with the reality of his family's past.
Agent Roger Riley
The Supporting
Agent Riley moves from outright skepticism to a cautious acceptance and understanding of Violet's unique abilities.
Dad (Mr. Ambrose)
The Supporting
He continues to be Violet's steadfast supporter, navigating the challenges of her gift alongside her.
Melanie
The Mentioned
Her unresolved murder is finally solved through Violet's intervention.
Justin Vane
The Mentioned
His murder is solved, bringing closure to his family and initiating the killer's downfall.
Themes & Insights
The Burden of Secrecy
Violet's unique ability forces her to live a secret life, isolating her from peers and straining her closest relationships. This theme explores the emotional toll of carrying such a profound secret, the constant fear of exposure, and the difficulty of trusting others. Her reluctance to fully confide in Jay, for example, creates tension and misunderstanding, showing how secrecy can erode intimacy, even when meant for protection. The novel suggests that while secrecy can offer a shield, it often comes at the cost of genuine connection and emotional well-being.
“How could she explain a connection to the dead that felt as natural to her as breathing, but would sound like madness to anyone else?”
Justice for the Voiceless
A main theme is Violet's commitment to seeking justice for the murdered, who, through their echoes, cannot speak for themselves. Her ability makes her a unique advocate for the voiceless victims, compelling her to pursue the truth even at great personal risk. This theme is clear in her relentless investigation into Justin Vane's death and her subsequent discovery of the connection to Melanie's cold case. It highlights the idea that some wrongs demand rectification, and sometimes, it takes extraordinary means to achieve it.
“They called to her, a symphony of silenced voices, and she couldn't ignore them.”
The Nature of Evil
The novel explores the chilling nature of evil through Walter, the serial killer. It shows how evil can hide in plain sight, behind an ordinary facade, and how it can be deeply rooted in psychological disturbance and manipulation. Walter's obsession with Violet and his twisted motivations highlight the predatory and pervasive aspects of evil. The story does not shy away from the psychological impact of encountering such darkness, both on the victims and on Violet herself, who must confront it directly.
“The imprint was cold, ancient, and utterly without remorse. It was the mark of true evil.”
Trust and Betrayal
Trust is fragile in Violet's world, constantly tested by her secret, the FBI's scrutiny, and the killer's manipulations. The theme explores the complexities of trusting others, especially when one holds a dangerous secret. Jay's temporary distraction with Mike feels like a betrayal to Violet, highlighting her vulnerability. Conversely, Mike's shock and horror at his father's true nature represent a profound personal betrayal. The story emphasizes the importance of earning and rebuilding trust, especially in the face of overwhelming adversity.
“How could she ask him to believe in something that defied all logic, all reason?”
Coming of Age Through Trauma
Violet's journey is a coming-of-age story, intensified by the traumatic experiences she endures. She confronts death, evil, and her own mortality, pushing her to mature quickly. Her growth is not just about accepting her abilities, but about learning to navigate dangerous situations, make difficult choices, and rely on her inner strength. The events of the book force her to move beyond the innocence of youth and embrace a more complicated, perilous reality, shaping her into a resilient and self-aware individual.
“This wasn't just about finding a killer anymore. It was about surviving.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Psychic Empathy / Psychometry
Violet's ability to sense the echoes of the dead and their killers.
This is the central supernatural ability driving the plot. Violet experiences 'echoes' from murder victims, which are sensory and emotional imprints of their last moments, and she can also sense a distinct 'imprint' left by their killer at crime scenes. This device allows her to gain information that is otherwise inaccessible to normal police procedures, directly connecting her to the victims and their perpetrators. It's both a gift and a curse, propelling the narrative forward while also placing Violet in immense danger and isolation.
The Unreliable Narrator (Subtly Applied)
Violet's perspective is limited by her secrecy and emotional state.
While Violet is the protagonist, her narration is subtly affected by her need to keep her abilities secret, leading to internal conflicts and a withholding of information from other characters. Her emotional turmoil, particularly regarding Jay and her fear of the killer, can also color her perceptions and decisions. This device creates tension and suspense, as the reader is privy to Violet's internal struggles and secrets, knowing that her full truth cannot be shared with those around her, including her loved ones.
Red Herring
Mike's father initially appears to be the wrong killer for Melanie's murder.
The initial belief that Mike's father, Walter, was wrongly convicted for Melanie's murder serves as a red herring, diverting attention from the true nature of his guilt. Violet's abilities initially suggest that the official story of Melanie's murder doesn't align with the echoes she senses. This misdirection is crucial for the plot's unfolding, as it leads Violet to investigate, only to discover that Walter is indeed the killer, but also a serial murderer, not just a one-off perpetrator, intensifying the danger.
The Obsessive Antagonist
The killer develops a dangerous obsession with Violet's abilities.
Walter, the serial killer, doesn't just want to avoid capture; he becomes dangerously fixated on Violet's unique gift. This device transforms the standard cat-and-mouse chase into a more personal and terrifying confrontation. His obsession with her ability to 'hear' the dead makes her a target, not just a threat, adding a layer of psychological horror and urgency to the narrative. It elevates the stakes, making Violet's survival directly tied to her unique power.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The dead don't lie. But they don't always tell the whole truth either.”
— Violet reflecting on the nature of the information she gets from ghosts.
“It's hard to have a normal life when you're constantly being haunted by the victims of murder.”
— Violet's frustration with her unique circumstances.
“Sometimes, the only way to help the living is to listen to the dead.”
— Violet's motivation for getting involved in solving murders.
“He didn't just see me; he saw what I could do. And he didn't run.”
— Violet's initial impression of Jay, highlighting his acceptance.
“Every ghost has a story, and every story deserves to be heard.”
— Violet's compassionate view towards the deceased.
“The past isn't just behind us; sometimes, it walks right beside us.”
— Violet's realization about the lingering presence of past events and people.
“Fear can be a powerful motivator, especially when you're trying to protect someone you care about.”
— Violet's internal thoughts on her actions driven by concern for Jay.
“It's not about being brave all the time. It's about being brave when it counts.”
— Violet's understanding of courage in difficult situations.
“Some secrets are buried deep, but the dead have a way of digging them up.”
— Violet's explanation of how ghosts help uncover hidden truths.
“You can't outrun your past, especially when your past keeps trying to talk to you.”
— Violet's struggle with the constant presence of the dead.
“Love isn't always easy. Sometimes it's messy and complicated, just like life... and death.”
— Violet's reflections on her developing relationship amidst the chaos of her life.
“I wasn't just solving a murder; I was giving a voice to someone who had been silenced.”
— Violet's sense of purpose in helping the victims.
“The quiet after a ghost finally moves on is the loudest kind of peace.”
— Violet's feeling of relief and resolution after helping a ghost find peace.
Quiz
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.
10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score
Key Questions (FAQ)
Violet possesses the ability to sense the 'echoes' of murdered individuals, allowing her to locate their bodies. Additionally, she can perceive an 'imprint' left on their killers, which helps her identify them. This supernatural connection to the deceased is a central element of her character and the plot.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
