Sketchy by Olivia Samms

A popular cheerleader—raped, beaten, and left for dead. An edgy outsider with a gift. Can they team up to catch a killer? 

Bea’s life has been a mess ever since she got kicked out of private school and sent to rehab. Now clean, Bea is starting over at Packard High School, in a city shaken from two assaults on young women. The latest victim, Willa Pressman—the one who survived—doesn’t remember a thing. But Bea has a disturbing new “skill”: she can see—and then draw—images from other people’s minds. And when she looks at Willa, Bea is shocked by what she sketches. Bea might be the only one who knows Willa’s secrets—and who can take down the killer before he strikes again.

Goodreads Summary

Okay, I may be a hypocrite.  So many times, I’ve thought that authors who attribute horrible addictions and habits to teens are only using those devices to be sensational.  Most teens are smarter and better than that.  But actually, almost everyone in this book has some problem or crazy quirk – even the moms and dads.   I read this book…and couldn’t put it down despite my irritation with the character extremes.  In my defense, I think I was intrigued with the mystery, and with Bea’s psychic power to sketch what was in a person’s mind.  Otherwise, the author’s depiction of drug-addicted young girls from good homes would annoy me too much to finish reading the novel.  Then, I wonder why Samms ruins a satisfying ending to the murder mystery by implying that Bea, who has been clean for 4 months - 16 hours, may be tempted back into addiction.

Can’t say that I liked Bea; I don’t think that we are supposed to.  The character is SO her own person.  She doesn’t need us to like her.  She doesn’t care if Willa despises her and humiliates her.  Bea feels that Willa needs help, so she finds a way to give her that help anyway.  Bea’s gay friend Chris is great.  One year, my friend’s best friend at school was a gay guy.  Just like Bea, she defended him, laughed over everything with him, gained confidence from his friendship and advice, and felt comfortable talking to him about anything and everything.  (I probably just added my own sensational stereotype to this review, but it’s the truth!)  The story would be nothing without Chris. 

If you like a mystery with a psychic touch and an independent heroine with a great friend, you’ll love reading this book.

Four Stars    

*Reviewed by Colleen*

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