The brunt of the narrative follows Jay’s investigation, as well as his developing relationship with Nicole, while interspersed entries from Nicole’s diaries, her shrinks’ notes, and e-mails from the perpetrator add depth (yes, there are red herrings, but as Jay discovers, nearly every potential suspect has a secret). After popular and gorgeous senior Nicole Castro is sprayed in the face with acid in the halls of her New Jersey high school, 16-year-old Jay Nazarro, a closeted hacker with epilepsy, is determined to uncover who is behind the attack. I had a few things figured out but some took me by surprise.The idea of finding beauty and value where most see ugliness and ruin runs through Griffin’s novels, and he brings that theme into sharp focus in this chilling, of-the-moment mystery. Paul created an emotional, raw and real story folded in the pages of mystery. These characters leaped off the pages and spoke to you. I loved how real their interactions were, how personal their growth seemed. Jay and Nicole’s relationship was sweet and up front. Nicole was a steady character throughout the book, growing just like a real person would, fighting through the adversaries of life. No, Nicole has always had a soft heart, and she’s been searching for her own identity long before the attack.

I loved that she wasn’t just some airhead beauty queen who had her beauty taken from her and THEN she discovers who she truly is. Nicole was an interesting character as well. He pushed through his own insecurities, his own mishaps, to help someone he didn’t really know. I loved Jay because he was so dysfunctional! I know it sounds funny, but whatever problems he had, he didn’t let them define him and that’s what I loved about him. Despite everything, he stands true to his convictions and fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. Jay is a strong complicated character, who has a lot of problems in his life. For me, it’s either hit or miss, there’s no in between when it comes to these stories. I’m always cautious when reading new to me authors, but I’m also cautious when it comes to these types of mysteries. This was my first Paul Griffin book and I have to be honest, it did not disappoint. Nicole and Jay become friends, and Jay becomes determined to find out what really happened to Nicole. Jay is an outsider at school, plagued by his own problems, but when Nicole is attacked, Jay can’t just sit by and do nothing. In that moment, the beauty queen’s life changes forever. Someone steps out in front of her and sprays her face with acid.

Burning blue by paul griffin