Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her.

After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. But now, she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death. Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability.

She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly, because the killer is still on the loose. Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together.

Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

Philip Pullman is fast becoming a modern-day Dickens for young adults. The setting is the same, the strong eye for characters is there, as are the brooding atmosphere, the social conscience, and the ability to spin plot within plot.

Sally Lockhart is now a young woman, left alone with a toddler. Nothing prepares her for the shock of receiving a summons from a man she has never even heard of, suing for divorce and the custody of her beloved Harriet. Sally struggles against the net closing around her, seeking to find out who is persecuting her and why.

The writing style is lively and direct, and there's lots of action.
This is a suspense novel with a conscience, and a most enjoyable one.