Finding Violet Park is about a boy, Lucas Swain, and his attempt to get to know Violet Park, even after she had died. It is slightly bizarre, with quite a linear plot without many twists or turns, to keep the reader on their toes. The only unusual bits are utterly predictable, which means a boring read, even for a usually avid book-worm. Having said that Jenny Valentine is very good at making the characters believable and distinct, each with their own set of motives.

It starts by having the main character, Lucas Swain, in a dilapidated cab office, when he first sees Violet Park, in her own urn. He is immediately drawn to it, and is determined to find the life in the ashes. He first has to rescue her from the cab office, and after that he finds that Violet is talking to him giving him clues on how to find out her past. In this way it is slightly queer, and unrealistic. “Then … I felt it, faint at first but unmistakeable. Violet was happy. It was like a slow creeping glow and there I was, smiling her smile. She was warm … and she liked the décor … and nobody was smoking or swearing, and could she have a bit of music on?” A small example of the unnatural ‘link’ between Lucas and Violet.

It develops into a straightforward plot in which Lucas eventually finds all there is to know about Violet Park. To make the book more interesting there is another aspect to it, his family life: his dad has ran off, and they don’t even know where he has gone. His mum is still struggling to cope without him, and running the family, eventually all becomes clear.

I think that  although the book has a lot of potential, it doesn't take full advantage of this, with the single storyline. It has some nice ideas, which  need developing. A good example is when Lucas gets his girlfriend: it is a great idea which was not expanded on, which is a great pity. Overall this would have been a great book, but I feel it needs a little more developing of the plot.

I will rate it 6 out of 10.