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Secrets. Lies. They smother. But the truth—sometimes the truth is worse. It kills. Leaves blood on your hands.
As the days count down to her eighteenth birthday, Bea feels trapped. Trapped by her dark past, by her parents’ expectations, even by her own dreams for the future. The road ahead is unclear, blurred with secrets and lies.
The only constant, sure thing in her life is Sergeant Dan Daniels. He’s faced with a gang-related murder case and asks Bea to use her “skill” to see and then draw the truth out of the suspect...literally. But when she does, it leaves her with more unanswered questions. And then another teen is shot—clinging for his life.
Time is running out. Can Bea find the killer before someone else gets hurt?
As the days count down to her eighteenth birthday, Bea feels trapped. Trapped by her dark past, by her parents’ expectations, even by her own dreams for the future. The road ahead is unclear, blurred with secrets and lies.
The only constant, sure thing in her life is Sergeant Dan Daniels. He’s faced with a gang-related murder case and asks Bea to use her “skill” to see and then draw the truth out of the suspect...literally. But when she does, it leaves her with more unanswered questions. And then another teen is shot—clinging for his life.
Time is running out. Can Bea find the killer before someone else gets hurt?
246 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 1, 2014
When I first read about Bea in Sketchy last year, I was instantly captivated. She was a seventeen year old girl of African American and Italian descent, loved anything vintage, had a cool gay best friend, had just finished rehab, and had the power to draw the truth from people she eye contacts with. Aside from all these, she had a realistic voice for a seventeen year old that gave the overall air of the book a fun edge. I loved getting to know her as well as her frustrations not only with demons in the past and in the present, but with her parents as well. And in Snitch? I loved her even more here. She continues to be feisty, curious, brave, and lovable as ever.
Ever since encountering and being helped by Sergeant Dan Daniels a few months ago, Bea has been meeting up with him secretly to help with his cases. One day, he brings her in to draw the truth out of Junior, a young teenager they caught having drugs in his stash, who they suspect is actually innocent and covering up for someone else. And they want to know who. Bea successfully draws some hints out of him, but when she sees how Junior is so scared and would rather stay in prison than walk free, it becomes apparent that there is more to the situation than what meets the eye. Would Bea really have the heart to tell Sergeant Dan Daniels the clues when it could mean Junior's life?
First of all, let's talk about Bea.
I said it before and I'll say it again: I love her. You can tell that despite having flaws here and there, and having done countless mistakes in the past, she is a good person who looks out for other people, even those she doesn't personally know. The way she immediately changed heart after seeing Junior's vulnerability only goes to show how some people with tough facades can also have soft hearts deep inside. Her determination to know the truth, her courage to find it despite having to plow through deep, dangerous waters, was not only so inspirational but endearing, too. She still has a lot of spunk in her, as she does what she wants but is careful not to step the toes of other people. So many times we've seen heroines who are too reckless, or too impulsive, that they don't see beyond themselves. Of course this is to show their selfish sides, which is very human and not uncommon, but for me, there are other ways to be flawed and still be humanely compassionate, and Bea is the perfect role model for that.
I do have a few complaints, though...
COMPLAINT #1:
There was this one instance at the beginning where Bea goes to school and sees her best friend, Chris, making out with another guy. She talks about the scene in this manner:
ASDASFASFASDASFAFDAS
Why? Why use the word "LOL" in an internal narration? I can understand if it's in a text message or even in a chat service, but while describing a scene? I can even tolerate it when you say it in jest or as a way of mocking internet slang by inserting it in everyday phrases, but, here? Come the fuck on. It's out of place, it's ridiculous, and just annoying. I swear as soon as I read this one, I put the book down and stared at it with judging eyes for a good 5 minutes. I love Bea, I really do, but shit like this just gives me a big migraine. Lesson of the day? Internet acronyms/abbreviation have no place in books/literature. NONE. Unless of course it's in a text or chat message. I've asked around on Twitter and almost every response agreed with me on this. It makes us cringe and shake uncontrollably.
COMPLAINT #2
There was another scene in a flashback episode where Bea got some girl-to-girl action with some dude's gorgeous girlfriend. I support LGBT 100% but this scene where they enter the bathroom and just did... it... felt so unnecessary. It felt like it had no purpose to the storyline at all other than to provide a bit of shock value, and its meaning was just completely lost on me. And seriously, the girl already has a boyfriend. She may be using him for this or that, but she still has one, and doing that with her behind closed doors is just kind of reprehensible. I'm sorry to say but Bea lost a bit of brownie points from me after that.
Aside from that, the plot and pacing were quite fast-paced and fit nicely in the storyline. We do have some internal narration and monologues from Bea every now and then, but they don't drag and the story knows when to move on so we the reader doesn't get too bored. It has a bit of unpredictability in it as I wasn't able to guess who the suspect was, but it was not surprising or shocking as well.
A good thing about this book and this series as a whole so far is that parents are present (insert gasp here. PARENTS? PARENTS WHO ARE NOT DEAD/LIVING AWAY/SEPARATED/WORKAHOLICS?!). They are an integral part in Bea's life as she starts piecing her life together and finding out what she really wants. They are frustrating and annoying, but are also wise and loving. They also make mistakes. They also are human, just like each and every one of us. They can be vulnerable, too. In a nutshell, I loved how real they are here and how flawed they are, too. So many times we think parents know everything, are immune to mistakes, and are all-encompassing. Snitch however reminded us they also have their own demons to face.
Another good thing about this series is that it's episodic. You can try the series by reading the second book and you won't feel left out at all. It's like the series as a whole has one huge storyline, but it is told through smaller subplots that are in each book. If you haven't read the first book, Sketchy, and want to dive in already by reading Snitch, go right ahead. All in all, a good book to a good and promising series.
Ever since encountering and being helped by Sergeant Dan Daniels a few months ago, Bea has been meeting up with him secretly to help with his cases. One day, he brings her in to draw the truth out of Junior, a young teenager they caught having drugs in his stash, who they suspect is actually innocent and covering up for someone else. And they want to know who. Bea successfully draws some hints out of him, but when she sees how Junior is so scared and would rather stay in prison than walk free, it becomes apparent that there is more to the situation than what meets the eye. Would Bea really have the heart to tell Sergeant Dan Daniels the clues when it could mean Junior's life?
First of all, let's talk about Bea.
I said it before and I'll say it again: I love her. You can tell that despite having flaws here and there, and having done countless mistakes in the past, she is a good person who looks out for other people, even those she doesn't personally know. The way she immediately changed heart after seeing Junior's vulnerability only goes to show how some people with tough facades can also have soft hearts deep inside. Her determination to know the truth, her courage to find it despite having to plow through deep, dangerous waters, was not only so inspirational but endearing, too. She still has a lot of spunk in her, as she does what she wants but is careful not to step the toes of other people. So many times we've seen heroines who are too reckless, or too impulsive, that they don't see beyond themselves. Of course this is to show their selfish sides, which is very human and not uncommon, but for me, there are other ways to be flawed and still be humanely compassionate, and Bea is the perfect role model for that.
I do have a few complaints, though...
COMPLAINT #1:
There was this one instance at the beginning where Bea goes to school and sees her best friend, Chris, making out with another guy. She talks about the scene in this manner:
Chris is standing behind his car, madly sucking face with his boyfriend, Ian, a junior, and, LOL, the guy he wants me to draw because he's afraid he isn't into him anymore.
ASDASFASFASDASFAFDAS
Why? Why use the word "LOL" in an internal narration? I can understand if it's in a text message or even in a chat service, but while describing a scene? I can even tolerate it when you say it in jest or as a way of mocking internet slang by inserting it in everyday phrases, but, here? Come the fuck on. It's out of place, it's ridiculous, and just annoying. I swear as soon as I read this one, I put the book down and stared at it with judging eyes for a good 5 minutes. I love Bea, I really do, but shit like this just gives me a big migraine. Lesson of the day? Internet acronyms/abbreviation have no place in books/literature. NONE. Unless of course it's in a text or chat message. I've asked around on Twitter and almost every response agreed with me on this. It makes us cringe and shake uncontrollably.
COMPLAINT #2
There was another scene in a flashback episode where Bea got some girl-to-girl action with some dude's gorgeous girlfriend. I support LGBT 100% but this scene where they enter the bathroom and just did... it... felt so unnecessary. It felt like it had no purpose to the storyline at all other than to provide a bit of shock value, and its meaning was just completely lost on me. And seriously, the girl already has a boyfriend. She may be using him for this or that, but she still has one, and doing that with her behind closed doors is just kind of reprehensible. I'm sorry to say but Bea lost a bit of brownie points from me after that.
Aside from that, the plot and pacing were quite fast-paced and fit nicely in the storyline. We do have some internal narration and monologues from Bea every now and then, but they don't drag and the story knows when to move on so we the reader doesn't get too bored. It has a bit of unpredictability in it as I wasn't able to guess who the suspect was, but it was not surprising or shocking as well.
A good thing about this book and this series as a whole so far is that parents are present (insert gasp here. PARENTS? PARENTS WHO ARE NOT DEAD/LIVING AWAY/SEPARATED/WORKAHOLICS?!). They are an integral part in Bea's life as she starts piecing her life together and finding out what she really wants. They are frustrating and annoying, but are also wise and loving. They also make mistakes. They also are human, just like each and every one of us. They can be vulnerable, too. In a nutshell, I loved how real they are here and how flawed they are, too. So many times we think parents know everything, are immune to mistakes, and are all-encompassing. Snitch however reminded us they also have their own demons to face.
Another good thing about this series is that it's episodic. You can try the series by reading the second book and you won't feel left out at all. It's like the series as a whole has one huge storyline, but it is told through smaller subplots that are in each book. If you haven't read the first book, Sketchy, and want to dive in already by reading Snitch, go right ahead. All in all, a good book to a good and promising series.
September 8, 2016
So I loved the first. Was excited when I found there's a sequel. Then I wasn't as excited but still wanted to read it whenever I got a chance. Finally I have and well, I was a little bored. Don't get me wrong, I like the premise, Bea has her moments, she really does. But in this one, something seemed off, or maybe it had to do with me not being in a reading mood for this.
Either way, I liked this. I would give this a 3.5 mostly for Bea's relationships with the different characters, from her mom and BFF. Other than that, this was an okay not as good but has its moments kind of read. Though I do love that cover.
And considering how this ended, I am curious where the story will go and Bea. Honestly? Looking forward to it.
Either way, I liked this. I would give this a 3.5 mostly for Bea's relationships with the different characters, from her mom and BFF. Other than that, this was an okay not as good but has its moments kind of read. Though I do love that cover.
And considering how this ended, I am curious where the story will go and Bea. Honestly? Looking forward to it.
May 18, 2014
Please, please, please I hope there is going to be another book in this series. I wasn't as invested in the mystery as I was in the first book but this one was still really good. I can't say enough good things about Bea the MC. I absolutely love her.
May 4, 2014
Highly enjoyed the second book in the Bea Catcher Chronicles and looking forward to the next installment. :)
February 25, 2020
Loved the suspense and always being on edge!!! Very inspiring recovery story too about how tough everything is to deal with. Hoping there's a third book!!
April 29, 2014
Caution: Don't read this until you have read Sketchy because you will cheat yourself big time. This one starts with a bang when a guy and his girlfriend are in a boat right after she's told him that she is pregnant and he's about to propose when she freaks out. A body, that of a young black man, is floating beside them.
Despite one slip, Bea has been hanging in with her recovery. Even so, her mother, also in recovery, keeps her on far too short a leash and that, her conflicted feelings for Sergeant Dan Daniels and her impending eighteenth birthday have her feeling squeezed.
When a black teen abruptly confesses to the murder that starts the book, Bea is there to do her psychic sketch thing and she's pretty certain the kid is lying and not guilty, but he's terrified of something. She joins a group run by a tough guy adult who is ostensibly trying to use physical exercise to keep kids on the straight and narrow. Junior, the kid who has been accused of murder was part of the group and Bea was able to pry that out as part of her sketching. When Junior is released because there's not enough to hold him, he's ambushed and shot in the head. Bea is able to get a partial image from his thoughts before he dies. She starts hanging with another guy in the group, but near the end of the story, she discovers that there's something really bad about him, something that contributes to the cliffhanger at the end. In addition, Bea discovers one of her parents is having an affair, but not the one she was ready to confront.
By the end of the book, she's being pulled in several directions that completely shatter her emotional state. She may have to move, Sergeant Dan is talking about quitting and going to Chicago so he'll be closer to his son, and Bea still doesn't know whether there's anything between them or not.
This was a satisfying read, but it felt too short, more like a really tasty appetizer than a main course. Mature teens who read the first book will gobble this down despite the strong language. I really hope the next book is longer because Bea and her world are addictive.
Despite one slip, Bea has been hanging in with her recovery. Even so, her mother, also in recovery, keeps her on far too short a leash and that, her conflicted feelings for Sergeant Dan Daniels and her impending eighteenth birthday have her feeling squeezed.
When a black teen abruptly confesses to the murder that starts the book, Bea is there to do her psychic sketch thing and she's pretty certain the kid is lying and not guilty, but he's terrified of something. She joins a group run by a tough guy adult who is ostensibly trying to use physical exercise to keep kids on the straight and narrow. Junior, the kid who has been accused of murder was part of the group and Bea was able to pry that out as part of her sketching. When Junior is released because there's not enough to hold him, he's ambushed and shot in the head. Bea is able to get a partial image from his thoughts before he dies. She starts hanging with another guy in the group, but near the end of the story, she discovers that there's something really bad about him, something that contributes to the cliffhanger at the end. In addition, Bea discovers one of her parents is having an affair, but not the one she was ready to confront.
By the end of the book, she's being pulled in several directions that completely shatter her emotional state. She may have to move, Sergeant Dan is talking about quitting and going to Chicago so he'll be closer to his son, and Bea still doesn't know whether there's anything between them or not.
This was a satisfying read, but it felt too short, more like a really tasty appetizer than a main course. Mature teens who read the first book will gobble this down despite the strong language. I really hope the next book is longer because Bea and her world are addictive.
July 29, 2016
I requested this book because I was told that it can be read as a stand-alone, even though it’s the second book in the series. It tells of a seventeen, almost eighteen-year-old, girl named Bea who is a recovering addict. Some time during her stint in rehab, she developed the ability to “see” into people’s deepest thoughts, drawing out the truth on paper. I found this somewhat fascinating, and wanted to know more. Bea is sort of lost right now, and the only person that keeps her focused is a cop named Dan, whom she happens to like (and he in return, even if he won’t admit it out loud). She’s under-age, so there can be no…. you get the picture.
It starts off well enough. We get a glimpse into the typical day for Bea. Her complaints about school, the students, her dad, the house, her mom, etc… She meets Dan at their secret meeting spot, and he wants her to come look at a murder suspect, whom he thinks is lying to cover for someone, and “see” the truth in him and draw it out. In her effort to play the part, she asks one of the “hip” boys at school to show her how to act “gangster”. She gets her first “seeing” down on paper and it gives her a slight headache. She nor Dan knows what she draws down means so she wants to try again, by being put in a holding cell across from the suspect. There she decides that she will find the truth on her own, so that no one will know that he snitched.
Bea is quite a character. She’s artistic and quite witty at times, but other times she’s just whiny. I despise whiny characters. And my God, she’s seventeen, why has she been in rehab and had drunken sex? I get rebellious teens, they come a dime a dozen. But Bea, seems more like an adult to me than a teen. And then there’s the obvious longing between her and Sergeant Daniels, which is just kind of wrong- but right? I don’t know what to feel about that.
This was an okay read for me. I admit, I expected more but that just did not happen with this book. Maybe others will enjoy it more than me, so i’d recommend reading it. Especially if you like a little mystery.
It starts off well enough. We get a glimpse into the typical day for Bea. Her complaints about school, the students, her dad, the house, her mom, etc… She meets Dan at their secret meeting spot, and he wants her to come look at a murder suspect, whom he thinks is lying to cover for someone, and “see” the truth in him and draw it out. In her effort to play the part, she asks one of the “hip” boys at school to show her how to act “gangster”. She gets her first “seeing” down on paper and it gives her a slight headache. She nor Dan knows what she draws down means so she wants to try again, by being put in a holding cell across from the suspect. There she decides that she will find the truth on her own, so that no one will know that he snitched.
Bea is quite a character. She’s artistic and quite witty at times, but other times she’s just whiny. I despise whiny characters. And my God, she’s seventeen, why has she been in rehab and had drunken sex? I get rebellious teens, they come a dime a dozen. But Bea, seems more like an adult to me than a teen. And then there’s the obvious longing between her and Sergeant Daniels, which is just kind of wrong- but right? I don’t know what to feel about that.
This was an okay read for me. I admit, I expected more but that just did not happen with this book. Maybe others will enjoy it more than me, so i’d recommend reading it. Especially if you like a little mystery.
December 2, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchanged for a honest review. In no way did the author or publishing company influence my review. For full review, check out my blog fashion by the book on tumblr
After the exciting and excellent first book in the Bea Catcher Chronicles, I was so excited to start the second one. Sadly, this one wasn’t as amazing as the first, but I still enjoyed it.
Snitch picks up a couple months after the events of Sketchy. Bea Washington is a badass, art-skilled, fashionista (I hate that word but whatever) high school senior with a messy past and an amazing skill: She can literally draw the truth out of people.
In this book, gang and drug related crimes are acting up, and Bea has to work with Dan Daniels again… who she also has a crush on, and he definitely returns it. (If only he wasn’t 10 years older than her!) while trying to keep that relationship professional, Bea is faced with her parents’ crumbling relationship.
I really like Bea. It’s so rare for me to like a female main character, but I like Bea. I like that she’s imperfect and impulsive and I love her superpower. And her style, of course.
I did feel like this book improved on both Bea’s family life and on her life as an artist/detective/consultative, but I also felt like the writing was a little rougher this time around. I’m picking about the writing style in any book, so I have a bit issue with the chat style conversations. Also the street language baffled me, but that’s probably just because of me.
I though the problem of her parents’ ending relationship was handled beautifully. I, luckily, have never gone through being the kid in the middle of a divorce or separation, but my mom, niece and many good friends have, and watching them and Bea, I can say she seemed to handle it realistically, the whole thing was realistic.
I’m also so ready for the next book, after the crazy ending.
If you’re a fan of amazing heroines, mysteries, and light romance, I recommend you check out the Bea Catcher Chronicles.
After the exciting and excellent first book in the Bea Catcher Chronicles, I was so excited to start the second one. Sadly, this one wasn’t as amazing as the first, but I still enjoyed it.
Snitch picks up a couple months after the events of Sketchy. Bea Washington is a badass, art-skilled, fashionista (I hate that word but whatever) high school senior with a messy past and an amazing skill: She can literally draw the truth out of people.
In this book, gang and drug related crimes are acting up, and Bea has to work with Dan Daniels again… who she also has a crush on, and he definitely returns it. (If only he wasn’t 10 years older than her!) while trying to keep that relationship professional, Bea is faced with her parents’ crumbling relationship.
I really like Bea. It’s so rare for me to like a female main character, but I like Bea. I like that she’s imperfect and impulsive and I love her superpower. And her style, of course.
I did feel like this book improved on both Bea’s family life and on her life as an artist/detective/consultative, but I also felt like the writing was a little rougher this time around. I’m picking about the writing style in any book, so I have a bit issue with the chat style conversations. Also the street language baffled me, but that’s probably just because of me.
I though the problem of her parents’ ending relationship was handled beautifully. I, luckily, have never gone through being the kid in the middle of a divorce or separation, but my mom, niece and many good friends have, and watching them and Bea, I can say she seemed to handle it realistically, the whole thing was realistic.
I’m also so ready for the next book, after the crazy ending.
If you’re a fan of amazing heroines, mysteries, and light romance, I recommend you check out the Bea Catcher Chronicles.
December 19, 2015
I started Snitch on Aug 25 and finally forced myself to finish on Oct 26. I devoured Sketchy, the first book, in two days only because I had to sleep.
The pacing is slow and the characters are completely unbelievable at times... most of the time. They don't speak or act normally. They did and said things, or things just happened that ended up being filler or drove the story in a way that made me cringe or roll my eyes quite often. There's a subtlety that's desperately needed and missing. Everything is clumsy or unrealistic. It tried to tackle some serious issues, but it's done in a way that provides little depth or connection for a reader.
I kind of loved Bea in the first book. As soon as I started this second one I found myself thinking, "What the hell? This is NOT the Bea of book one." She's turned into a bit of a dunce and is somehow not quite as cool. She's corny, tacky, gross, way over the top, and not true to her age. Bea, the bull in a china shop wrecking everything, jumping to conclusions, and refusing to listen for five freaking seconds.
I jumped into book two wanting more Sergeant Daniels and Bea action. I love that a relationship would be taboo. He's adorable. Unfortunately the escalating tension and teasing was not written as well as it could have been. The choice of words did not evoke the right mental image. It didn't flow. It was the wrong kind of awkward and took attention away from these characters finally possibly coming together.
I wish I were more excited for this series to continue.
The pacing is slow and the characters are completely unbelievable at times... most of the time. They don't speak or act normally. They did and said things, or things just happened that ended up being filler or drove the story in a way that made me cringe or roll my eyes quite often. There's a subtlety that's desperately needed and missing. Everything is clumsy or unrealistic. It tried to tackle some serious issues, but it's done in a way that provides little depth or connection for a reader.
I kind of loved Bea in the first book. As soon as I started this second one I found myself thinking, "What the hell? This is NOT the Bea of book one." She's turned into a bit of a dunce and is somehow not quite as cool. She's corny, tacky, gross, way over the top, and not true to her age. Bea, the bull in a china shop wrecking everything, jumping to conclusions, and refusing to listen for five freaking seconds.
I jumped into book two wanting more Sergeant Daniels and Bea action. I love that a relationship would be taboo. He's adorable. Unfortunately the escalating tension and teasing was not written as well as it could have been. The choice of words did not evoke the right mental image. It didn't flow. It was the wrong kind of awkward and took attention away from these characters finally possibly coming together.
I wish I were more excited for this series to continue.
June 22, 2015
Bea is a recovering addict, a high school senior, and a paranormal forensic artist (when she looks in someone's eyes she can draw what is on their mind, as long as she is drawing at the time). She had no idea about that last part until she stopped using, and now she helps her friend Daniels on the police force solving crimes. Her mother and father have secret past she knows very little about, except that her mom has been clean for ten years and her dad grew up in the Detroit ghetto. Bea is half Italian and half black, but looks more black, which seems to bother her Italian mother just a bit (to me it seemed like it was because her mother thought that if people saw Bea as black, life would be more difficult for her). She and the detective, who is ten years older than her, have a mutual attraction, and he is protective of her. Bea is excited about becoming an adult and making her own way in the world, even if that means NOT doing what her parents want her to do, which is college (she is considering becoming a tattoo artist). Her parents are educated and artistic, her father distant and busy with his work as a department head at the university. This is the second title in this series, but I read it fine as a standalone and am definitely going to read the first one - the crime Bea is investigating is a drug-related shooting/attempted murder. Meanwhile, she discovers that one of her parents is having an affair, her gay best friend has problems of his own, and her jerk neighbor cheated on his SATs. Lots going on here - never a dull moment. Bea reiterates over and over that secrets and lies are never good for anyone involved, although knowing the truth "sucks" sometimes. She's sarcastic, tough, but concerned for others and looking to do the right thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, just as much as I enjoyed the first! Bea is the most interesting female character I have read in a very long time. She is spunky and fun and a bit of a bad girl. She curses and is recovering from drugs and does some sketchy things. But it is so refreshing to take a break from all the good girls currently in young adult literature. In this book, we get to find out a little more about her powers and where they came from, which I really enjoyed. We also got a new mystery.
Another thing I really love about this series is how serious the mysteries are for young adults. They are big problems, like drugs or rape, but are handled very well. I like this tone that all of these books seem to carry. It’s beautifully written. With this one, I had no idea who it turned out to be, but I felt a little more suspicious of the first character it was pinned on. Bea isn’t always right too – something I also find very unique in a young adult book. She gets it wrong sometimes, but keeps pushing and figures it out. Her relationships are also so real and wholesome. I loved all the minor characters throughout this book, as well as all the little side plots weaved through perfectly.
The mystery is a little bit less intense than the last time, but it still a fun, quickly moving read. The book never gets boring. It keeps moving forward. There is little fluff with a whole lots of action. I really hope there are more books coming in this series. I just cannot get enough of Bea!
Another thing I really love about this series is how serious the mysteries are for young adults. They are big problems, like drugs or rape, but are handled very well. I like this tone that all of these books seem to carry. It’s beautifully written. With this one, I had no idea who it turned out to be, but I felt a little more suspicious of the first character it was pinned on. Bea isn’t always right too – something I also find very unique in a young adult book. She gets it wrong sometimes, but keeps pushing and figures it out. Her relationships are also so real and wholesome. I loved all the minor characters throughout this book, as well as all the little side plots weaved through perfectly.
The mystery is a little bit less intense than the last time, but it still a fun, quickly moving read. The book never gets boring. It keeps moving forward. There is little fluff with a whole lots of action. I really hope there are more books coming in this series. I just cannot get enough of Bea!
May 13, 2014
Beatrice Washington (17, Bea, African/Italian American) for now lives with her Mom; Bella (artist), dad; Richard Art chair/professor at the University of Michigan. Bea is anxiously counting the days until she turns 18, then she can move out & who knows what with her life.
Bea is working with Sergeant Dan Daniels (Ann Arbor P/D) & Detective Cole & has the remarkable ability through her art drawings to undercover a murder/drug crime that occurred right under the administrations nose in her Packard (Packrat) HS.
Bea goes undercover in jail & meets Junior, He confides in her.
Junior is released & picked up by Coach Credo who works with gang banger kids to get them on a + life track & is shot while leaving the jail. Bea draws several clues for Sergeant Dan Daniels but they don’t seem to pan out or make a whole lot of sense.
I-S-P-Y what is the significance of this? Will Bea be able to help Sergeant Dan Daniels solve the crimes? What will Bea decide to do after she graduates?
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written kind of teen clandestine crime adventurous, thrilling book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could make another great teen crime movie or mini TV series. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this book.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Bea is working with Sergeant Dan Daniels (Ann Arbor P/D) & Detective Cole & has the remarkable ability through her art drawings to undercover a murder/drug crime that occurred right under the administrations nose in her Packard (Packrat) HS.
Bea goes undercover in jail & meets Junior, He confides in her.
Junior is released & picked up by Coach Credo who works with gang banger kids to get them on a + life track & is shot while leaving the jail. Bea draws several clues for Sergeant Dan Daniels but they don’t seem to pan out or make a whole lot of sense.
I-S-P-Y what is the significance of this? Will Bea be able to help Sergeant Dan Daniels solve the crimes? What will Bea decide to do after she graduates?
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written kind of teen clandestine crime adventurous, thrilling book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could make another great teen crime movie or mini TV series. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this book.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 17, 2014
This is a YA mystery novel starring Bea Washington - a smart, sassy about to turn 18 year old. This is the 2nd book in a series but it is fine to read as a stand alone book. The author recaps Bea's story in this book. Bea has the ability to draw pictures and words that are on someone's mind when she focuses on the person. She befriends a cop, Sergeant Dan Daniels, who uses her ability to help solve some crimes. In this book, a teenager is murdered and drugs are found in the bag of another boy, Junior who then confesses to the murder of the teenager. Sergeant Daniels does not believe the boy's confession, and he thinks there is more to the story so he brings in Bea to see if she can draw any clues. Bea does, and in the process, she starts her own investigation. Bea likes to get into characters and dress accordingly when she is investigating so she dresses and tries to pass herself off as a boy. In the process, she finds herself in the middle of trouble. Bea is also a recovering addict, and so in addition to having the standard boy troubles of a teen, she also has to deal with overcoming her addiction. I think it helps to make her seem more like a real person and less like a standard YA character. The book is a fun and fast paced book.
I won this copy in one of the Goodread giveaways.
I won this copy in one of the Goodread giveaways.
May 3, 2014
This wasn't as good as the first one, in my opinion, although the premise--the protagonist can see another person's inner thoughts if she's drawing while making eye contact with them--is still fascinating in its potential. The romantic aspect is a little unrealistic, but it keeps me intrigued nevertheless; I'm a sucker for an unlikely pairing, but it's still a bit hard to root for a 28-year-old guy to hook up with an 18-year-old "girl," no matter how much maturity she has gained from conquering certain demons. The ending leaves the reader hanging, with an obvious Book #3 on the horizon. Overall, I like the characters, and I like the concept; the author needs to be careful not to get lazy, though, and attempt to regain the crisp plotting of the first one.
September 13, 2014
I found myself rather disappointed in this book. The first one was so inventive and refreshing, so different from normal teen books. But this one just.. I guess it felt more like a first attempt debut than a book from someone with so much to offer. But perhaps that's why it fell a bit short? Too much pressure to have it live to the first one's standards that things got lost in the mix. The aspect of this being a murder-mystery kind of got put on the back burner. It felt as if the murder was there simply to provide a reason revolve the story around Dan and Bea. Just a high school romance drama with a dash of murder. Very disappointing. I hope the next one goes back to the roots of the first one.
May 28, 2017
The concept for this book is amazing. I love Bea too. Sometimes though Bea can be a real annoying character. Most of the time she isn't. Her some what relationship with Daniels is cute and interesting. And the story line is relate-able. If you've been to a large high school with at least a thousand students, You hear about drugs, see them, and every now and then you hear about deaths related to them. In this story it seemed realistic enough. I enjoyed this book all the way through. I did get annoyed at Bea at the very end of the book but I still understand. I hope there is another book and that two books isn;t the end of Bea.
February 4, 2023
I was blown away by book 1. The concept the story everything that I ran out and purchased the hard copy since I couldn't find the kindle version. I have to say I was really disappointed in book 2. The author has a great concept with a person that can draw what a person is thinking that she could do so much more. I felt the story was weak and the ending made me feel she was writing about herself and what she was or wanted to do with her life rather than the characters. I hope she gets back to write as I truly enjoyed book 1 and believe in this authors talent and these unbelievable characters.
June 8, 2014
The plot of this book was very believable, and moved along quickly, almost from the first page. If you grew up in the greater Detroit area, as I did, that makes it an added plus. It's like reading about your backyard, and you can really picture the plot unfolding in your mind!! Olivia has a special way with words, that draws you into her book, and you reach a point where you don't want to put the book down!! There are plenty of twists and turns, along with other plot dramas, to keep the story line interesting. I'll be looking forward to reading her next book. Well done!!
April 12, 2014
I loved Sketchy and find Bea a very engaging heroine for older teens. This book doesn't *quite* rise to the same level--this is a 4 1/2 for me, but I always round up. :) This is definitely "edgy" YA, so I'd say it's more for older teens and adults who like YA. The characters remained strong, especially Bea and her mother, and I'm very interested to see where the next book takes us as Bea moves into adulthood.
April 27, 2016
This book is a great book. Yet I have not read the first installment of the Bea Catcher Chronicles, and still have to read it, this book showed how a character went through a lot of trouble. Bea is the right type of character for this chronicles. She is very intelligent young lady that uses her skills for good. This book also shows how the life of teens in high school can affect other around them. Overall good book and anyone should read this.
April 17, 2014
I never felt that I knew much about Bea or why she made the choices she did. Her story had too many elements in it. As a result there was lots of information floating around but way to many questions remaining at the end. Her actions did not make sense. A colorful story but no characters to bond with.
April 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing all the way and was totally surprised by the outcome. I love Bea's character, she'd determined, stubborn, independent, just plain awesome. Olivia's writing is amazing.
March 5, 2019
Went right out and purchased the e-book after I won Sketchy on Goodreads. And boy am I glad I did! Another marathon night of reading.. I love these characters, even with their faults. Anxiously awaiting the next installment of the Bea Catcher Chronicles!!!
April 7, 2014
I DNF this book. The premise is good, I like the idea, but the execution is off. I did not enjoy this authors writing style and I felt it to be very bland. I did not have any interest or liking for main character Bea
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley
April 1, 2014
I barely made it through the first book so that should have been an indication for me to stop, but stupid me didn't and now I wasted precious time reading some of this.
Honestly, all the characters are annoying and the "romance" with the cop is just ridiculous. I can't with this book.
Honestly, all the characters are annoying and the "romance" with the cop is just ridiculous. I can't with this book.
November 2, 2014
Enjoyed this one as much as the first look forward to more in this series! Bea is a fantastic character flawed and real I look forward to seeing her grow and hearing more about her mom and her past. Totally recomend if you like thriller and older young adult series.
August 8, 2015
It didn't have the same feel as the first book to make it as interesting. It does hit on issues that I imagine would affect the black community pretty hard, but it doesn't seem to feel real. The issues are real, but they aren't fleshed out to the point where it would hit a reader hard.
July 4, 2014
Still love Bea, consider her awesome. So strong and fierce. Really hope to read more.
May 8, 2014
What a waste of time!
May 30, 2014
GLORIOUS
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