Lorie Langdon

{Goodreads}

-------------------------------------

{The Basics}

Mystery thriller!!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book--could hardly put it down!  It's definitely a mystery and one that will keep you on your toes.  However, it's not entirely labeled as "Christian" (which, by the way, there's nothing wrong with that, except. . .), and has a good bit of language, slang, and sensual content.  Other than all that, of course, I loved this novel.  

Willow Lamott's life for the past four years has been, needless to say, difficult.  And that may be quite an undermining statement.  Why?  Because she's the best friend of a killer.  Or, at least, her best friend--Ashton Keller--whom she grew up with, was convicted of killing a classmate.  And sentenced to juvie for four years.  He's released on early parole, and it seems her world sinks all over again.  He's definitely not much of the Ashton she remembers, but could he be innocent?  Should she risk everything to find out?

{Positives}

Willow loves her family.  You can see that in how she plays with her younger brother, how she wants to protect him, and the relationship she has with her mother.  Her father died from cancer before Ashton was convicted, and it seems the little family held together.

For nearly four years, Willow has clammed up and drawn into herself, but now with her senior year looming full ahead, and a new friend found in a girl named Lisa--who's willing to dig into her defenses and help her have fun--Willow begins to open up again. 

{Negatives}

Someone plays several dirty pranks, one of which involves a boy's jersey that was stolen, urinated on, and nailed to the school's gym door.  And, of course, EVERYONE turns accusatory eyes on Ashton, who is fresh from juvie, when you just know it wasn't him.

Family members lie constantly, whether unintentionally or seriously trying to protect those they love.

An angry girlfriend threatens to cut off a guy's--er, "part"-- a character almost says the word.  There's mention of some college event, and a description of one of the participees as a guy wearing make-up and who's hair is an aqua mohawk. . .

There's a Halloween/Masquerade Ball, where students and adults alike dress in absolutely WHATEVER.  There's an alien mask, with human fingers for teeth.  A demented clown.  Fairies (which are nowhere near as bad as those others, in my opinion. . .). And so on.

There's a psychotic killer.  Can't say much more. . .

{Violence}

Four years before, a boy is pushed from the waterfall and dies.  We "see" flashbacks of blood and the boy's body.

In juvinile jail, stronger prisoners prey on the weaker.  (While some stand up for them.)

A car intentionally causes a motorcycle driver to wreck.  The guy is injured, but survives.

A teen and a little boy fall from a mansion's rooftop ([SPOILER] With only a concussion to the teen, they both survive.)

{Spiritual Content}

The Lamott family goes to church.  And volunteer when they can at the soup kitchen, which is hosted at the church.  Later on, we discover that the bachelor pastor is interested in Willow's widowed mother.  (It's kinda sweet) :]

At one point, Willow finds herself at the cemetery where her dad is buried.  There, she "talks" to him when she needs a bit of relief and can't find someone to trust.  (Personally, this should've been where she prays to the God who listens to all of our burdens. . . But I suppose, someone may find comfort in telling their deceased family member what's going on.  No offense meant, whatsoever.)

{Language, Alcohol & Drugs}

One mention of "dang." "Sexy" is used once, in referrence to a red, halter dress.  "Ballsy" is also mentioned in regards to. . . bravery, or courage, of sorts.  Two uses of "d---."  There's quite a bit of school slang, as I like to call it.  One use of "piss"-- FORGIVE ME!  But I wish my readers to be aware--regarding the ruined jersey.  "Freaking" is used many times.  (Part of the school slang.)

{Love-y-ness}

It's obvious very early on that Ashton and Willow are attracted to each other.  There's much ado with boyfriend/girlfriend stuff. . . Lots of kissing, making out, scantily clad girls, revealing outfits, etc.

Ashton and Willow share a couple "electrical" kisses.  And you kinda stumble into the whole cliche of "they definitely have chemistry."

{Conclusion}

In conclusion, again, I enjoyed this story.  However, I would most definitely caution younger readers due to some of the content, and recommend this for ages 16 and up--at least.  With all of the above said, it was a wonderful story of friendship, loyalty, and justice--with some romance thrown in there to boot.  :]