RUINED - Paula Morris

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒐 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆.”

Goodreads rating - 3.84/5 
My rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 

Genre - YA, paranormal, mystery, romance

This is a captivating young adult novel that expertly intertwines mystery, paranormal elements, and historical intrigue. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, the story follows Rebecca Brown, a New York City teenager sent to live with her aunt, who uncovers dark family secrets and encounters the ghost of Lisette, a girl who died mysteriously in the 19th century. Morris excels in creating a vivid, almost tangible setting, with the haunted streets and historic homes of New Orleans adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Rebecca’s journey from feeling out of place to unraveling a web of historical betrayal and supernatural events is both compelling and relatable, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps readers hooked. The novel’s rich themes of belonging, social class, family legacy, and the impact of the past on the present make "Ruined" a thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging read, perfect for fans of paranormal mysteries and historical fiction. Morris's immersive writing style ensures that the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere lingers long after the final page is turned.