Book Review: Sketchy by Olivia Samms

Title: Sketchy (Bea Snatcher Chronicles #1)

Author: Olivia Samms

Publisher: Skyscape

Publication Date: April 30, 2013

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis:
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.

My Review 

In accordance to FTC guidelines, I must state that I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.

Sketchy by Olivia Samms is a book that you won't want to put down! It's seriously that amazing. I know that I didn't want to put it down when I was reading it. Reading Sketchy becomes addictive, which is ironic because the main character, Bea, is a recovering addict and alcoholic.

Anyways, Sketchy could definitely be a standalone novel because its story has a firm ending, but it's not a standalone novel. It is a part of the Bea Catcher series. I've not yet read the other books in the series, but it seems like the sequel, Snitch, has a plot of its own, but still has Bea using her special gift to help law enforcement. I can only hope that Samms next novel(s) in this series are just as great as the first book in this series. 

If you're looking for a book with a diverse character, go for this one. Bea is a biracial teen. In the book, she mentions being a mix of Italian and African American. Even though I'm not in a minority I was thrilled when I learned this little detail because it seems like so many YA characters are the same. I was also trilled as an educator because I see first hand how so many teens want to read books with characters more like themselves. Bea is also a strange and quirky character, and I think that's why I adored her so much.

The plot of Sketchy is unique, and I really enjoyed reading and learning about Bea's unique gift and how she learns to use it. 

I can see fans of art enjoying this book. I'd also recommend it to fans of mysteries and paranormal books. I could also see this book (and series) being adapted into a TV series. I think it's unique enough and has plenty to become a great new show for teenagers and young adults.