Velveteen

Velveteen by Daniel Marks
Velveteen Munroe is 16 and dead. She has been tortured and killed by a serial killer named Bonesaw. She is now in Purgatory, trapped with other souls who have unresolved issues that are preventing them from crossing over. In the City of the Dead aka Purgatory, everyone has a job. Her job is to rescue souls trapped in the living world but Velveteen has other ideas. She is bent on vengeance. Velveteen is determined to keep Bonesaw from killing any more young girls. Each time she crosses over to the living world she rocks the very foundation of the City of the Dead but nothing can deter Velveteen from her vengeance, this includes her partner Nick. 

Velveteen is a strong character. She is dark and sarcastic. I really liked her and her story. But be warned Velveteen is not for the squeamish. The descriptions of Bonesaw's murders can be a bit gruesome.  If you are a fan of horror than you will not be disappointed.

Ten

Ten by Gretchen McNeil
Ten friends, a mansion on an island, sprinkle in a little jealousy and add a vengeful killer. Let it simmer for 3 days and you have the recipe for a great book. Ten is full of suspense at times it can be a little predictable but it is a fun read. It has teenage slasher movie written all over it.

Megan and Minne thought they were going to a 3 day bash with their friends. It was going to be a final farewell to their senior year in high school. They had no idea just how final it would be.

The Snowman

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

This is the first book by Jo Nesbo I have read and I can tell you it will not be my last. I think he just might take the place of Dean Koontz as my favorite author. This is a very dark detective story full of twists and turns.

Jonas awakes to find his mother is missing. The only clue is a snowman with the pink scarf Jonas gave her for Christmas around its neck. Harry Hole is the detective bought in to solve the crime. He is convinced that this is the work of serial killer who calls himself “The Snowman” and may be responsible for a dozen murders. Unfortunately his co workers do not believe him. Harry is caught in a "catch me if you can" game with the killer.

Graceling

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

In Katsa’s world being “graced” is not gift it’s a curse. Those who are “graced” have a special gift and are marked by having two different eye colors. Katsa’s grace is she can fight, not only can she fight she is virtually invincible. This is a skill her uncle, the king, uses to keep his people in line. Katsa is forced to torture people who go against him. She tires of her uncle’s injustice and secretly forms the Council. Together with Prince Po, another Graceling, they plan to end her uncle’s ruthless tyranny.

This is not your typical fantasy book. The action is nonstop and keeps you engaged. Katsa is torn between having her grace and using it. You see her character grow throughout the book.

The Name of the Star

The Name of the Star  by Maureen Johnson

A ghost story with a twist, The Name of the Star grabs you and doesn’t let go until the ride is over. 

Seventeen year old Rory moves from Louisiana to London to attend boarding school. Just as she arrives someone starts mimicking the brutal murders of Jack the Ripper. She not only becomes a suspect but grabs the attention of the killer when she witnesses one of the murders. Now here is the twist the killer is a ghost.