I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP/Lovers of Paranormal). 
 First off, I want to say that I didn't think I would enjoy this novel as much as I did; the synopsis was enough to draw me in into reading this book, but I wasn't expecting a lot. I really liked Death Wish, however, and am still processing what I just read. 
 Death Wish follows Scarlett Blake, as she spends the summer after finishing senior year at high school in Twycombe, Devon. More specifically at the old cottage she used to spend her summers at with her grandparents, who have since passed away. And the reason for her driving down and staying the summer at the place before she goes to college is to find answers to her older sister Siena's recent and sudden death in that town. 
 Scarlett knows that Siena died in the ocean after running away from her school and staying secretly at the cottage the months before, apparently because of some sort of surfing accident... or perhaps suicide. And by coming to Twycombe, Scarlett believes she may be able to find out what happened or at the least why Siena did what she did, which in the process might give her closure. However, Scarlett uncovers much more... 
 The main characters Scarlett, Luke, Cara and even Siena are fully realised and well-developed throughout the novel. Scarlett had many strengths as well as weaknesses; she was independent and at times quite courageous, but also knew when to ask for or receive help. Though I understood a lot of things happen to Scarlett and I admire her for getting through them, I felt she may have cried a bit too many times, losing some of my sympathy. I found Scarlett and Luke's relationship very sweet and heartwarming - I'd be going awww every so often. Saying that, I did find that Luke could be occasionally overbearing and too, for want of a better word, brotherly towards Scarlett, although I suppose that came from looking after his younger sister, Cara. 
 Scarlett needed a friend, and Cara was the perfect one for her! These two had a lot of fun throughout the course of the novel and I enjoyed whenever they were together and having a great time. One of the characters I felt were also well-developed (even though she is supposedly dead) was Siena, Scarlett's older sister. There are some brief flashbacks of the them together when they were younger, and this helped me build Siena's character in my mind. However, I felt Siena's personality and Scarlett's perception of Siena to be a bit cliche and unoriginal. By this I mean that Siena is described as the wild, flirty, confident older sister and that Scarlett is more low-key and always in her sister's shadow. 
 Bert and Chester were very loveable. They also become friends of Scarlett, as she settles into Twycombe and finds her way around. I liked that (view spoiler)[it was obvious that Bert wasn't the most healthiest at his old age and there were times that hinted at his eventual passing away, instead of a shocking death. That said, I liked him and was sad when he died (hide spoiler)]. I would have liked to know what happened to Chester, Bert's dog after (view spoiler)[Bert's death (hide spoiler)]. That could possibly be answered in the sequel. 
 Jude was one of the more mysterious, less-fleshed out characters. I would have liked to get to know him better; he seemed like a really interesting person. Again, though, I believe the reader will know much more about him in the second novel in the series. 
 Second of all, plot and pacing. Plotline was smooth and mostly engaging throughout. Surprisingly, pacing wasn't a problem either. I find that in books like these, there can be some lulls in the story but on every page there was something interesting happening. 
 In the novel, there is a sense of mystery and intrigue around Siena's death and Scarlett is always trying to find answers to this. I felt this part of the novel was well-done; bits and pieces of information are given which are finally at the end all joined together to create a whole picture of the situation. I wasn't able to guess or predict what would happen. This was one aspect that kept me reading and moving the plot along. 
 The one thing that perhaps wasn't as satisfying was the paranormal aspect of Death Wish. There were more and more hints at what was happening to Scarlett, leading to the final big reveal, but I felt that this reveal came a little too late in the novel. I would have liked more time in the story to delve into the paranormal concept but as I have said earlier, this will probably be the primary focus in the sequel. I liked, however, that the mystery of all the unknowns in the story are connected somehow. 
 For other readers, I have to note that three quarters of this novel is more realistic fiction than paranormal. However, this three quarters are major plotlines themselves, are important, and also set the scene for the next novel. It is also what I liked about the story; what I am saying is that I feel the paranormal aspect is an important aspect as well and wasn't as introduced and subsequently explored as I may have liked. 
 The one thing I think shone out most among other novels was the writing. Dialogue felt realistic and what you or I might say and everything was fluent and flowed well. Out of all the writing, the descriptions are what really caught me though. The descriptions were never boring or overwhelming; on the contrary, I felt like I was really there in Scarlett's shoes and seeing what she was seeing: the beautiful landscape and scenery of Twycombe. 
 Some of my favourite scenes include: Scarlett and Luke climbing to the top, standing at the folly and having their first kiss; Scarlett getting drunk and saying things she perhaps wouldn't have said, and everyone wishing Scarlett happy birthday. I also liked all of the surfing descriptions. Those seemed to fade in the background after a while when they weren't as important, and I hope that they are included again in the next novel. 
 I also acknowlege that there some pop culture references, which weren't necessary for me but gave me a bit of delight in coming across them and thinking I've heard that! or I've seen that!. 
 Lastly, the ending. Even though I wanted more story, I liked the ending. It felt fitting and summed up everything that happened and where Scarlett was at in her life. 
 Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and one I am glad I picked up. It has great writing, characters and realistic relationships. The brief exploration of the paranormal part of the story and the goodbye that comes at the ending of a novel leaves more to be desired, which is exactly why I can't wait to read the next one. 4.25 stars.