VOICE, TRUTH, ECHOES by Saundra Mitchell

I'm thrilled to welcome Saundra Mitchell to help me launch the first of many guest blogs I'll be hosting over the next month! Saundra's book, Shadowed Summer, was easily one of my 2009 faves and (great news for you!) it was just released in paperback. If you haven't read it already, you totally should!!!

So here she is...Saundra Mitchell:

VOICE, TRUTH, ECHOES

I was lucky enough to read THE BODY FINDER last year, and it's been really hard keeping my mouth shut about it until it came out! Violet's ability to sense the dead was absolutely unique, and Jay is about the best boyfriend in the universe. The story came together in an incredible, unexpected way.

But you know what I loved best?

The text from the killer's point of view. I know, I know, I'm kind of a sick cookie. But here's the thing- I thought it was extraordinary because it was so clear. Kimberly managed to tap into the rational
(note: not reasonable!) part of the killer's character that made homicide seem as ordinary and appreciable as a teen would find getting a summer job.

It's not that she apologized, but she made it real. And finding the truth in all characters is what makes a story greater than simply words on the page. I like meeting characters who act like real people, who think honest thoughts, who behave in genuine and earnest ways. And that goes for every character- the heroes and the villains.

Because when I can believe in a villain, I can fear them. My pulse races, I worry about the heroes, I read through my fingers, and flinch when disaster strikes. I exhale my relief when all is well, and I really feel it when they fall in love. No matter how fantastic the world, how unique the magic that's written into it- I have to believe in the characters before I can believe in their gifts.

And Kimberly made me believe, over and over. And for me- for her amazing
book- it started with a killer's whisper.

I wonder what that says about MY echo?

Thanks, Saundra! I already know I'd have a dark and twisted echo. That, or something chocolate related!

Okay, since this is our first guest post, don't forget to leave a comment if you want to be entered in the giveaway for an ARC of Firelight by Sophie Jordan, a signed copy of The Body Finder, and a bunch of awesome swag, including a sweet TEAM JAY t-shirt! The first round of guest posts wraps up on July 16th!


And if you want to order Shadowed Summer (trust me, you won't be disappointed!), you can find it here, here, here, and here.