It’s not as though the author doesn’t keep it all reigned it, I just felt that the main storyline almost got cluttered along the way with diversions that did not seem as integral. Multiple arcs and lines are intersecting along with the investigation into the acid attacker- along with a few red herrings dropped here and there. At times, though, it did feel like a bit too much was going on in the story. Along with Jay’s terrific narrative voice, the story kept me hooked (and sad and terrified). I personally love reading stories that include various media, and I think the author did a great job at creating tension with this feature. Interwoven with doctor, psychological and psychiatric assessments conversations between Nicole and her mom phone call transcriptions and emails Jay’s hacking opens up multiple monsters- some deadly, some terrifying, and some devastating. When Jay and Nicole (accidentally) start becoming friends- and Nicole confiding more and more of her fears- Jay finds himself drawn in deeper and deeper into a tangled web of lies, deception, and something more than friendship. Nicole Castro, the target of the heinous planned attack, has always been considered the most gorgeous girl in school it appears that whoever did this attack was someone who hated her. Narrated by high school outcast and mega-hacker Jay Nazarro, Burning Blue tells the story of an acid attack that takes place in high school- and its aftermath. Too bad everyone is turning into a suspect, including Nicole herself.Īward-winning author Paul Griffin has written a high-stakes, soulful mystery about the meaning–and dangers–of love and beauty. But the deeper he digs, the more danger he’s in–and the more he falls for Nicole. Jay understands how it feels to be treated like a freak, and he also has a secret: He’s a brilliant hacker. But quiet loner Jay Nazarro does more than that–he decides to find out who did it. When Nicole Castro, the most beautiful girl in her wealthy New Jersey high school, is splashed with acid on the left side of her perfect face, the whole world takes notice. How far would you go for love, beauty, and jealousy? Source: Hardcover, Published October 25th 2012 by Dial

Burning Blue by Paul Griffin