The Body Finder

The Body Finder by Kimberley Derting

Reading Level: 6.8
AR Points: 13

Violet Ambrose can sense the feelings "left behind" after violent deaths, for both the victim & the killer. At age eight, she even found a body in the woods. But when girls begin to disappear in her hometown, she and her best friend Jay race to find the serial killer before Violet becomes the next victim.

I liked the different angle this book started with... Violet has supernatural powers, but not superhuman ones. She also sorts through the crush she develops for her childhood friend Jay. She's not stupid, just not overconfident when it comes to her feelings.
***** 5 Frantic Stars

Beyond the Body Farm

Beyond the Body Farm: A Legendary Bone Detective Explores Murders,Mysteries, and the Revolution in Forensic Science by Bill Bass

Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist, compiled a collection of case studies and anecdotes from his career in corpse identification. Noting that the CSI form of crime solving is far too convenient, Bass relates the technological advances that have made forensics easier. Combined with his gut instincts, Bass describes the highs and lows of an unusual job.

The title comes from the "body farm" he created outside of the University of Tennessee, where Bass teaches. It is an experimental plot of land devoted to forensic studies, namely recreating body decomposition and insect/victim correlations. I know this sounds a bit weird, but I was fascinated by the stories in this book. Bass tells slightly gross tales of reassembling bodies from a fireworks factory explosion, and trying to figure out how long it took a duct-tape bound man to die. I have always been a fan of lumenol and detective shows, so this was right up my alley.

***** 5 Farmtastic Stars

There's Something About Christmas

There's Something About Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Emma Collins is frustrated with her job writing obituaries at The Puyallup Examiner. So, of course she jumps at the chance to interview three finalists in a national fruitcake recipe contest. Unfortunately, her boss also requires her to fly to each assignment. Overcoming her fear of flying (and her distrust of the charming pilot), Emma learns about more than baking from each contestant.

This story begins as a lighthearted, predictable romance, but once Emma begins her interviews, the story shifts to a more introspective tale. She learns how to see the good in life, and realizes that she can and should change her outlook and expectations of others.

***** 5 Fruitcake Stars

The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Schulman

Reading Level: 4.0

AR Points: 11

Elizabeth, having trouble fitting in her new school and with her new step-family, is delighted to get a job with the New York Circulating Material Repository. She slowly begins to learn that fairy tales could be real, and is intrigued by the Grimm collection, devoted to magical objects from the Brother's tales. Some of the objects, however, begin to disappear, and it is up to Elizabeth and the other pages to solve the mystery.

This was a cute book. I figured out what was happening fairly early in the story, but it didn't really matter. I actually preferred the character interactions, and the stories behind the Repository. However, the adults were dim and of course didn't believe a word the teens told them. Thankfully the story focused on the kids.

**** 4 Fantastical Stars

Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Reading Level: 4.1

AR Points: 10

Evie has always envied normal teens, but unfortunately she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, is constantly harrassed by a handsome but self-centered fairy, and is falling for a shape-shifter... not exactly normal.

Although the typical vampire-werewolf-alien topics are running out of steam, this is not your typical book. Evie is smart but not a brain, nice but not stupid, pretty but not gorgeous. I liked her, and so I liked the story. The story could have a sequel, but still wraps up everything well & doesn't leave you hanging.

***** 5 Surprised Stars