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Shatter
When a mysterious explosion kills her sister, Salem Jefferson becomes convinced the death was no accident — it was a conspiracy. But no one else at her high school believes her, and all she has so far is one clue. She knows Carrie hired a gang member to protect orchard workers. Problem is, Salem doesn't know who.
To find out, Salem pursues the gang-bangers who rule her town, especially classmate Cordero. As her distrust of Cordero heats up, so do the number of suspects in Carrie's death. Teachers and school officers are orchard owners. They have every reason to stop farm workers from demanding higher wages. With Carrie's killers still out there, Salem's not sure who she can trust. Meanwhile, the people who live on orchards and the people who pick them are drawing lines in the sand.
The only way for Salem to learn the truth is to slip behind those enemy lines.
The only way to survive is to find a way back out.
To find out, Salem pursues the gang-bangers who rule her town, especially classmate Cordero. As her distrust of Cordero heats up, so do the number of suspects in Carrie's death. Teachers and school officers are orchard owners. They have every reason to stop farm workers from demanding higher wages. With Carrie's killers still out there, Salem's not sure who she can trust. Meanwhile, the people who live on orchards and the people who pick them are drawing lines in the sand.
The only way for Salem to learn the truth is to slip behind those enemy lines.
The only way to survive is to find a way back out.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2017
14 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Trionfo
7 books40 followersNikki Trionfo lives in Riverton, Utah with five kids and lots of hip-hop background music. Her teen murder mystery, SHATTER, won grand prize in LDStorymakers’ First Chapter Contest and first place in LUW’s YA manuscript category. She hosts free writing webinars on YouTube at #50FirstChapters. Reach out to her on Facebook or visit www.nikkitrionfoauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 21, 2020
Disclaimer: I have met Nikki a few times, and she is literally the nicest person on the planet, so I was excited for her book.
I know Nikki is a horror writer, so I was expected this to be a horror novel, but it’s not. It’s a mystery/thriller. High school student Salem is pretty sure her sister’s death was not an accident, and as she investigates the death, she attracts more and more danger.
I wasn’t too sure about the book at first, but it soon it totally sucked me in. It’s a very tight story with professional-quality writing. I cannot believe this is a first novel. There are clues and near-escapes, and it’s all intricately woven together.
I love how Salem doesn’t push everybody away and do everything by herself. I love that there’s no insta-love and that any feelings (for a crush) do not take over the plot.
There are some serious topics here: gangs as well as tension between peach growers and a pickers’ union. Nikki explores all sides of the issues without taking sides herself. That takes some serious skill.
Clean content; some violence
Book Blog
I know Nikki is a horror writer, so I was expected this to be a horror novel, but it’s not. It’s a mystery/thriller. High school student Salem is pretty sure her sister’s death was not an accident, and as she investigates the death, she attracts more and more danger.
I wasn’t too sure about the book at first, but it soon it totally sucked me in. It’s a very tight story with professional-quality writing. I cannot believe this is a first novel. There are clues and near-escapes, and it’s all intricately woven together.
I love how Salem doesn’t push everybody away and do everything by herself. I love that there’s no insta-love and that any feelings (for a crush) do not take over the plot.
There are some serious topics here: gangs as well as tension between peach growers and a pickers’ union. Nikki explores all sides of the issues without taking sides herself. That takes some serious skill.
Clean content; some violence
Book Blog
April 27, 2017
What a great debut novel. I thought the intrigue and pacing were great. Nikki plays on fears most of us experience so I totally connected with Salem. I enjoyed it so much I had to read the whole thing in a day.
May 19, 2017
At age 16, Salem is dealing with some tough experiences. Her older sister, Carrie, has passed away. Salem is positive that her sister didn't die from an accidental gas explosion, but that she was targeted and killed. Her drive to find the truth puts her in some dangerous and uncomfortable situations.
I was very impressed with the social issues addressed in this book. Salem's sister was heavily involved with helping immigrant workers received fair wages for their work in the orchards in her area. She was passionate and pulled several teens to the cause. Salem looked up to Carrie and tries to honor her memory and help out the Union.
Another issue is the plight of lower income teens who become members of gangs. The social structure of a gang is described and the sense of unity that it brings to teens looking for support. I appreciated Nikki Trionfo's sensitivity and knowledge to a social problem. I thought she did a wonderful job writing this story.
The book has gang violence and some kissing. It describes the difference between the growers and the Union and their view points. This book makes you think and evaluate preconceived notions.
Source: I received an ebook from Cedar Fort Publishing for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I was very impressed with the social issues addressed in this book. Salem's sister was heavily involved with helping immigrant workers received fair wages for their work in the orchards in her area. She was passionate and pulled several teens to the cause. Salem looked up to Carrie and tries to honor her memory and help out the Union.
Another issue is the plight of lower income teens who become members of gangs. The social structure of a gang is described and the sense of unity that it brings to teens looking for support. I appreciated Nikki Trionfo's sensitivity and knowledge to a social problem. I thought she did a wonderful job writing this story.
The book has gang violence and some kissing. It describes the difference between the growers and the Union and their view points. This book makes you think and evaluate preconceived notions.
Source: I received an ebook from Cedar Fort Publishing for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2017
This book is a fast-paced, well-written gem. The plot is page turning and exciting. I enjoyed how the book is told and I appreciated the author's way of letting the reader know when the back-story and/or a different time was being referenced. I loved all the characters. Especially, of course, Salem. She wanted to know so badly what happened to her sister, that she sometimes would place herself in danger to get more answers. The author does a great job of introducing characters and keeping the story moving steadily along. I would go back and forth as to "who-dunit" and I was definitely surprised!
I received a copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received a copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I've been friends with the author and her family for a long time. I'm still going to be honest, because our relationship can handle it :-)
I read the first page of this book several times and thought, "oh dear, this is not for me." The first page seems to introduce a teenage girl who is worried about kissing. I have accidentally picked up books like this before and they are not for me. Nikki is great and I want her book to do well, but I'm not reading a book about a teenage girl fretting over whether she will ever kiss a boy, I thought to myself.
It turns out, this is not that kind of book.
For some reason a couple weeks ago I picked it up again and read past the first page and discovered that there is a lot more to this story than the mysterious allure of kissing. Some kissing does take place, as it is wont to in many a book, but it's a pretty minor plot element.
What is big in this book is mystery and suspense. Tons of it. This book is a page turner. It felt a little disjoint at first, setting up the story with lots of non-chronological flashbacks, but once I got through enough of those story started to take shape it became pretty difficult to put the book down.
The other thing I loved about this book is how it wove in themes beyond "I must find out who the killer is!" Stuff like the validity of conspiracy theories, union/employer relations, and gangs. Gangs are something I haven't though much about since my middle school days when there was a bit of a panic in my small town and they banned bandannas and baseball caps from school. Apparently gangs really are a thing (I live such a sheltered life). I like how in the book the gang members were a) treated like people too, not just scary bad-guy stereotypes, b) interacted normally with both gang members and non-gang members and, c) did both some good and bad things. I imagine in a place that actually has gangs (not southwest Kennewick, WA) those things maybe don't seem so strange.
This is why I read books. I like it when they make me think outside my cloistered existence. This one did that for me.
In summary, it made me think about topics I don't normally think much about and kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing at who done it. Fun read.
I read the first page of this book several times and thought, "oh dear, this is not for me." The first page seems to introduce a teenage girl who is worried about kissing. I have accidentally picked up books like this before and they are not for me. Nikki is great and I want her book to do well, but I'm not reading a book about a teenage girl fretting over whether she will ever kiss a boy, I thought to myself.
It turns out, this is not that kind of book.
For some reason a couple weeks ago I picked it up again and read past the first page and discovered that there is a lot more to this story than the mysterious allure of kissing. Some kissing does take place, as it is wont to in many a book, but it's a pretty minor plot element.
What is big in this book is mystery and suspense. Tons of it. This book is a page turner. It felt a little disjoint at first, setting up the story with lots of non-chronological flashbacks, but once I got through enough of those story started to take shape it became pretty difficult to put the book down.
The other thing I loved about this book is how it wove in themes beyond "I must find out who the killer is!" Stuff like the validity of conspiracy theories, union/employer relations, and gangs. Gangs are something I haven't though much about since my middle school days when there was a bit of a panic in my small town and they banned bandannas and baseball caps from school. Apparently gangs really are a thing (I live such a sheltered life). I like how in the book the gang members were a) treated like people too, not just scary bad-guy stereotypes, b) interacted normally with both gang members and non-gang members and, c) did both some good and bad things. I imagine in a place that actually has gangs (not southwest Kennewick, WA) those things maybe don't seem so strange.
This is why I read books. I like it when they make me think outside my cloistered existence. This one did that for me.
In summary, it made me think about topics I don't normally think much about and kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing at who done it. Fun read.
May 10, 2017
Shatter keeps your mind moving, heart pounding, and your butt on the edge of the seat wondering and worrying over what will happen next!
There is so many suspects for Salem. She starts off believing everyone is suspect. Who killed Carrie? Who killed Juan? She is also the only one in the beginning to believe her sister, Carrie, was murdered and not that her house accidentally blew up! Everyone loved Carrie, she was living her life on a mission to right the wrongs in life, starting with her own community. Including her own home with a peach farm in their back yard. Carrie got things going to have a strike with those who pick farms. They weren't making enough money to survive. But there is more going on than just a strike and Salem is left alone to find out the answers. But can Carrie be strong enough to face the answers?
Salem even suspects her dad! She blurts out to the new guy in her AP class that he knows more then he is letting on. They go hot and cold, her and Cordera, the new guy, who is part of a gang. Salem gets herself into more than one pickle to find answers. I like how her AP class is preparing for a mock trial for a conspiracy of JFK's assassination. It parallel's her own line of thought into Carrie's death and the strike going on in her own hometown.
Salem starts out being a girl that kind of hides behind her sister's shadow into being Salem, a strong girl that is comfortable in her own skin.
Salem is also a teenager who jumps without thinking sometimes which was a very dangerous move for her. Lucky for her that Cordero is there!
I can't really say much about the book because there is so much going on and it is fast paced. I don't want to spoil any of it for you. The end of the book are questions about the book that make you think even more!
If you like conspiracy theories, mock trials, gangs, doing what is right, helping others, righting a wrong, peaches, orchards, unions, who dunnit stories, suspense, murders, first kisses then this might be for you!
There is so many suspects for Salem. She starts off believing everyone is suspect. Who killed Carrie? Who killed Juan? She is also the only one in the beginning to believe her sister, Carrie, was murdered and not that her house accidentally blew up! Everyone loved Carrie, she was living her life on a mission to right the wrongs in life, starting with her own community. Including her own home with a peach farm in their back yard. Carrie got things going to have a strike with those who pick farms. They weren't making enough money to survive. But there is more going on than just a strike and Salem is left alone to find out the answers. But can Carrie be strong enough to face the answers?
Salem even suspects her dad! She blurts out to the new guy in her AP class that he knows more then he is letting on. They go hot and cold, her and Cordera, the new guy, who is part of a gang. Salem gets herself into more than one pickle to find answers. I like how her AP class is preparing for a mock trial for a conspiracy of JFK's assassination. It parallel's her own line of thought into Carrie's death and the strike going on in her own hometown.
Salem starts out being a girl that kind of hides behind her sister's shadow into being Salem, a strong girl that is comfortable in her own skin.
Salem is also a teenager who jumps without thinking sometimes which was a very dangerous move for her. Lucky for her that Cordero is there!
I can't really say much about the book because there is so much going on and it is fast paced. I don't want to spoil any of it for you. The end of the book are questions about the book that make you think even more!
If you like conspiracy theories, mock trials, gangs, doing what is right, helping others, righting a wrong, peaches, orchards, unions, who dunnit stories, suspense, murders, first kisses then this might be for you!
May 27, 2017
I've been a little lost as to how to review this book since I loved so many pieces of it. I found the character so very real and the issues of rural California were heart-wrenchingly honest. I could feel the setting - live in it - and the experience of the MC was so poignant that I often forgot it was a mystery. Honestly, this is one of the best YA books I've read in a very long time. It should be in every high school and in the hands of any young person likely to be trying to feel through a very complicated world of gangs, injustice, and less-than-perfect families. A true must-read.
May 4, 2017
I love a good mystery, this book kept me turning pages - I read it in a day! It is fresh and well-written, and the tensions portrayed between owners and workers rang true. Shatter appealed to me as a rancher's daughter, and as a fan of a nuanced, evolving love story.
May 17, 2017
I loved this book. Salem can't let anyone know what her gut is telling her. Everything is messed up and she doesn't know who to trust. This is a good book about forgiveness, finding your identity, and friendship. I give it five stars. I loved it. No sexual content or swearing. There is some violence. I can recommend for teens and up.
May 1, 2017
A page-turner of a mystery/thriller!
October 4, 2017
3.5/5.0
The character development in this book is very good.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The character development in this book is very good.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 10, 2025
Okay! Lowkey, this was amazing!!!
First off, I would like to start by saying... I was shipping them from the start!!!! Cordero and Salem are such a cute couple, oh my goodness!!! I loved how good of a team they were, and honestly, I think I screamed when she pulled away the first time Cordero tried to kiss her, like ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I also got second-hand embarrassment when she tried to kiss him, like oof, I couldn't imagine how embarrassing that would be!
Alright, alright. I may admit it took me a second to get into; I won't lie. But once I got to the last few hundred pages, it got hard to put down! Like, when it came to Slate, I was always suspicious of him from the start, like, mostly every Dateline episode I've ever seen with my mom, it ended up being the boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/wife/etc. So I was kind of expecting it to be him, but when the killer ended up being Rick?? Holy cow! That was a mind-boggler, and honestly, I prefer it that way! I've always hated being able to guess the ending easily, as I have with a lot of books and movies, so I love a good story that keeps me guessing! But, honestly, you can't trick me with a romance, I just knew they would end up together! (Sorry, had to add that in there, I'm so happy about it!) So, when I couldn't accurately guess how this book would end, I was pretty happy about it!
Another thing that was interesting about it, was the fact that it was mostly about the problems between political views, protesters versus the people who were being protested against, and gangs, something that's very common in the world today, and not some magical, mystical problem like most other books would have. I also love a good murder mystery!
Also, at first, I was reading the book in a very critical style, and wasn't expecting to give such high reviews! My mom and her family grew up with the author, so I was looking at it in more of an analytical way, to see what I could learn, and what I could find that I found bothersome. Honestly, it's well written! Though the character's internal monologue was very... circular in a way, there's good character development in a lot of the characters! It also had a phenomenal conclusion (though, if there was a way for this to be continued into a duology, or even a trilogy, I wouldn't be mad, as long as it has a good plot to it)!
And, to wrap it all up, I'd say it's totally a 10/10, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery or even a book about real-life based problems. And I'm totally planning on checking out more books from this author!
First off, I would like to start by saying... I was shipping them from the start!!!! Cordero and Salem are such a cute couple, oh my goodness!!! I loved how good of a team they were, and honestly, I think I screamed when she pulled away the first time Cordero tried to kiss her, like ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I also got second-hand embarrassment when she tried to kiss him, like oof, I couldn't imagine how embarrassing that would be!
Alright, alright. I may admit it took me a second to get into; I won't lie. But once I got to the last few hundred pages, it got hard to put down! Like, when it came to Slate, I was always suspicious of him from the start, like, mostly every Dateline episode I've ever seen with my mom, it ended up being the boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/wife/etc. So I was kind of expecting it to be him, but when the killer ended up being Rick?? Holy cow! That was a mind-boggler, and honestly, I prefer it that way! I've always hated being able to guess the ending easily, as I have with a lot of books and movies, so I love a good story that keeps me guessing! But, honestly, you can't trick me with a romance, I just knew they would end up together! (Sorry, had to add that in there, I'm so happy about it!) So, when I couldn't accurately guess how this book would end, I was pretty happy about it!
Another thing that was interesting about it, was the fact that it was mostly about the problems between political views, protesters versus the people who were being protested against, and gangs, something that's very common in the world today, and not some magical, mystical problem like most other books would have. I also love a good murder mystery!
Also, at first, I was reading the book in a very critical style, and wasn't expecting to give such high reviews! My mom and her family grew up with the author, so I was looking at it in more of an analytical way, to see what I could learn, and what I could find that I found bothersome. Honestly, it's well written! Though the character's internal monologue was very... circular in a way, there's good character development in a lot of the characters! It also had a phenomenal conclusion (though, if there was a way for this to be continued into a duology, or even a trilogy, I wouldn't be mad, as long as it has a good plot to it)!
And, to wrap it all up, I'd say it's totally a 10/10, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery or even a book about real-life based problems. And I'm totally planning on checking out more books from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2017
Shatter
By Nikki Trionfo
It is Salem's junior year in high school, but nothing is as it should be. Her sister is dead and Salem is convinced that Carrie's death was no accident. But how do you prove something when no one believes it is possible?
Set in the heart of California's farming community of Verona a clash is about to take place one that will pit growers against pickers. And Salem finds herself in the middle with her father, a grower, and Carrie's legacy as a union supporter. Who could have wanted to hurt Carrie? And even more disturbing who buried a murdered worker in their orchard and is it related to Carrie's death?
Determined to learn the truth about Carrie and her death, Salem enters into a dangerous quest for the truth. One that brings to light a secret that Carrie was keeping, one that could explain why she was targeted. But without knowing the why of Carrie's actions a very large question still remains who. And finding the answer just may cost Salem her life.
The deeper she delves the more questions she raises and she questions who she can truly trust. Time is running out as the area threatens to erupt over workers' rights.
This book will open the reader's eyes to the plight of migrant/immigrant workers and the fears that they face as the attempt to support their families. The power and draw of gangs is also explored throughout this book.
The book moves forward from the first day of school with flashbacks to key moments in Salem's life that play a role in explaining what lead to Carrie's death. This is a powerful and moving story that teens will be drawn into. This is a realistic read that will expose readers to a world that they may know little about other than an occasional news snippet they hear.
I highly recommend this book for tween and teen readers and it would make an excellent choice for a book club reading selection. This will be a book to keep them reading all night - which with summer just around the corner would be an excellent all nighter.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.
By Nikki Trionfo
It is Salem's junior year in high school, but nothing is as it should be. Her sister is dead and Salem is convinced that Carrie's death was no accident. But how do you prove something when no one believes it is possible?
Set in the heart of California's farming community of Verona a clash is about to take place one that will pit growers against pickers. And Salem finds herself in the middle with her father, a grower, and Carrie's legacy as a union supporter. Who could have wanted to hurt Carrie? And even more disturbing who buried a murdered worker in their orchard and is it related to Carrie's death?
Determined to learn the truth about Carrie and her death, Salem enters into a dangerous quest for the truth. One that brings to light a secret that Carrie was keeping, one that could explain why she was targeted. But without knowing the why of Carrie's actions a very large question still remains who. And finding the answer just may cost Salem her life.
The deeper she delves the more questions she raises and she questions who she can truly trust. Time is running out as the area threatens to erupt over workers' rights.
This book will open the reader's eyes to the plight of migrant/immigrant workers and the fears that they face as the attempt to support their families. The power and draw of gangs is also explored throughout this book.
The book moves forward from the first day of school with flashbacks to key moments in Salem's life that play a role in explaining what lead to Carrie's death. This is a powerful and moving story that teens will be drawn into. This is a realistic read that will expose readers to a world that they may know little about other than an occasional news snippet they hear.
I highly recommend this book for tween and teen readers and it would make an excellent choice for a book club reading selection. This will be a book to keep them reading all night - which with summer just around the corner would be an excellent all nighter.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.
July 18, 2017
I will admit, it took me a bit longer to get into the book than I first thought it would. I think it might have been stuff going on in my life while I read (had to read it in smaller chunks of 5 or so chapters over the course of a few days), combined with the fact that the first few chapters are pretty non-linear, with a fairly fragmented timeline. It was harder for me to really get into that disjointed timeline section (though I agree it is a totally appropriate representation of what the character Salem would be going through mentally at that point. Very true to character).
But even though I wasn't totally hooked, I was still intrigued and suspicious enough to keep reading, and I am so glad I did. Cuz somewhere around day three of me reading, I realized my 5 chapter reading session had become 15 chapters of reading, and I was closer to finishing the book than not, and no way was I going to put it down now. So I tossed aside all other household chores for the day and finished the mystery. So yeah. it took a little longer than I thought to get me hooked, but when it did hook me, I was totally hooked.
The author does a great job with the mystery. Did I suspect who the true villain was? Yes, but only because the author had me suspecting EVERYONE!!! I couldn't be certain who it was, and just kept suspecting everyone until close to the very end. So well done Nikki on the red herrings. Not an easy job to keep me guessing, but you totally did.
I also really appreciated the section at the back where Mrs. Trionfo speaks out about the reality of leaving gangs and the struggle it is for so many youth. She has done her research, her heart is in the right place, and so is her story. I don't have a lot of gang experience myself, but I thought her representation was both real and insightful. I also appreciated her questions for discussion with youth at the end of the story. Lots of meaty issues tackled in the story and handled well. Great job Nikki!
But even though I wasn't totally hooked, I was still intrigued and suspicious enough to keep reading, and I am so glad I did. Cuz somewhere around day three of me reading, I realized my 5 chapter reading session had become 15 chapters of reading, and I was closer to finishing the book than not, and no way was I going to put it down now. So I tossed aside all other household chores for the day and finished the mystery. So yeah. it took a little longer than I thought to get me hooked, but when it did hook me, I was totally hooked.
The author does a great job with the mystery. Did I suspect who the true villain was? Yes, but only because the author had me suspecting EVERYONE!!! I couldn't be certain who it was, and just kept suspecting everyone until close to the very end. So well done Nikki on the red herrings. Not an easy job to keep me guessing, but you totally did.
I also really appreciated the section at the back where Mrs. Trionfo speaks out about the reality of leaving gangs and the struggle it is for so many youth. She has done her research, her heart is in the right place, and so is her story. I don't have a lot of gang experience myself, but I thought her representation was both real and insightful. I also appreciated her questions for discussion with youth at the end of the story. Lots of meaty issues tackled in the story and handled well. Great job Nikki!
May 15, 2017
Salem's older sister, Carrie, recently died and Salem is sure it was no accident. As she tries to piece together the secrets surrounding the events over the last few months, more mysteries seem to pop up. There are issues and situations that I am sure occur, but I wasn't aware of. This town has a lot of farms who need workers to help make them successful and many of the workers are illegal immigrants. Strikes are fueling the fiery feelings and two local gangs seem to be involved.
I love a good murder mystery and this one had me squirming. The author does a great job of telling the story through present time and filling in the gaps through flashbacks. As the book progresses, multiple suspects emerge and left me wondering who, why, and how. I haven't given much thought to gangs, aside from thinking (probably unjustly) that most members are the violent type who thrive on crime. After reading this, my thought have shifted. I also never thought about how unfairly some workers may be treated and how these can be big issues in certain parts of the world. Not only was I entertained, but I was educated.
Salem is strong and persistent. As she searches for answers, her doubts and fears bleed through her strength, making her easy to like. The suspense and pacing gripped me from the start and I was almost as desperate as Salem was, by the end, to solve this case. Full of intrigue, prejudice, fear, love, and mystery, Shatter caught me from start to finish.
Content: murder/fighting (nothing graphic); mild romance.
*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*
I love a good murder mystery and this one had me squirming. The author does a great job of telling the story through present time and filling in the gaps through flashbacks. As the book progresses, multiple suspects emerge and left me wondering who, why, and how. I haven't given much thought to gangs, aside from thinking (probably unjustly) that most members are the violent type who thrive on crime. After reading this, my thought have shifted. I also never thought about how unfairly some workers may be treated and how these can be big issues in certain parts of the world. Not only was I entertained, but I was educated.
Salem is strong and persistent. As she searches for answers, her doubts and fears bleed through her strength, making her easy to like. The suspense and pacing gripped me from the start and I was almost as desperate as Salem was, by the end, to solve this case. Full of intrigue, prejudice, fear, love, and mystery, Shatter caught me from start to finish.
Content: murder/fighting (nothing graphic); mild romance.
*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*
May 9, 2017
I'm excited to share with you a bit about Shatter today! This will come as no surprise to people who know me or follow my reviews but I'm a very lazy blurb reader. And, if I do happen to read a blurb, chances are that I'll forget it by the time I actually read the book. Then I'm completely surprised when I start reading because I have no idea what is coming at me! That's what happened with this book.
This book is a YA murder mystery with a dash of suspense and danger. As with most murder mysteries, there are a lot of characters in this book but the author did a good job of introducing them so I didn't feel too overwhelmed. Everyone was suspicious at one point or another so that was awesome. There were moments of intensity and then moments of quiet when Salem was just in her head, thinking and feeling but the story always had a good forward momentum.
Salem was a very likable character. As a reader, I couldn't help but feel compassion and even a little pity for Salem who found herself in a very sad and lonely situation. She was so desperate to figure out what exactly happened to her sister. I loved how Salem listened to her intuition. She wasn't always exactly right, but close. Her intuition never steered her completely wrong. I loved how she gradually found a small circle of people she trusted and how they all worked together to solve the mystery.
This was a good change from my usual reading fare and I enjoyed it!
Content: some violence (gang violence, murder, shooting, beatings, guns)
This book is a YA murder mystery with a dash of suspense and danger. As with most murder mysteries, there are a lot of characters in this book but the author did a good job of introducing them so I didn't feel too overwhelmed. Everyone was suspicious at one point or another so that was awesome. There were moments of intensity and then moments of quiet when Salem was just in her head, thinking and feeling but the story always had a good forward momentum.
Salem was a very likable character. As a reader, I couldn't help but feel compassion and even a little pity for Salem who found herself in a very sad and lonely situation. She was so desperate to figure out what exactly happened to her sister. I loved how Salem listened to her intuition. She wasn't always exactly right, but close. Her intuition never steered her completely wrong. I loved how she gradually found a small circle of people she trusted and how they all worked together to solve the mystery.
This was a good change from my usual reading fare and I enjoyed it!
Content: some violence (gang violence, murder, shooting, beatings, guns)
August 3, 2017
Shatter, by author Nikki Trionfo doesn't seem like the work of a fairly new author but seems to be written by the mind of a pro. The tightly woven story with so many twists and turns leads you on a wild, fast paced ride. There are many flashbacks scenes brilliantly woven into the story that never slows down the pace and adds much to the suspense in the novel. I was always left guessing as clue after clue is dropped and then things shift to turn you in another direction. Just when I thought I had things figured out...bam, another bomb is dropped and my previous theories are blown to bits.
The author's characters add greatly to the story with the strong protagonist, Salem, as she is investigating her sister's death, or murder as she believes. Salem grows more confident as the story progresses and I really liked how she put her fears aside to find the truth. My other favorite character is Cordero, a gang member who knows more than he at first is willing to admit. As Salem and Cordero work together, they can't but help grow closer as trouble keeps finding them the nearer they get to who is behind all of the problems and murders in their town.
This impressive novel was written with YA readers in mind but as an adult, I loved it. The plot, pacing, unending intrigue and suspense all make the book unable to put down. I give this book a full 5 stars and can't wait to read more from this author.
The author's characters add greatly to the story with the strong protagonist, Salem, as she is investigating her sister's death, or murder as she believes. Salem grows more confident as the story progresses and I really liked how she put her fears aside to find the truth. My other favorite character is Cordero, a gang member who knows more than he at first is willing to admit. As Salem and Cordero work together, they can't but help grow closer as trouble keeps finding them the nearer they get to who is behind all of the problems and murders in their town.
This impressive novel was written with YA readers in mind but as an adult, I loved it. The plot, pacing, unending intrigue and suspense all make the book unable to put down. I give this book a full 5 stars and can't wait to read more from this author.
November 23, 2020
This book appears to be highly rated and loved by most, but I don't think it's my cup of tea. I found the first half of the book boring. It was a lot of main character moping and background building. Generally, that's fine, but I don't know, I guess I just didn't like the way this one handled it as much. There were a lot of flashbacks, which I don't mind, but they were scattered out of order. It made sense for how the story was written, but it didn't contribute to the enjoyment of the story for me.
Salem seemed pretty dumb in the first half, too. She made some decisions she knew would be dangerous and reckless, because, I don't know, maybe she thought that's what it meant to be brave. She's lucky she didn't get herself killed.
Also, I think it's a little questionable for a teacher to hand out all the addresses of the class. I think phone numbers would have been enough. They could have figured out the rest from there, and Salem could have avoided some of the more dangerous things in the book.
The second half was better. The story picked up, and more characters got involved. There was less moping, and more taking action. I kept reading because I wanted to know who did what. It didn't seem like it would take long to read the whole thing, so I just went ahead and finished it.
Overall, it was okay. I wouldn't personally recommend it. It's not my usual type of read either, though, so I don't expect anyone to abide by my opinion.
Salem seemed pretty dumb in the first half, too. She made some decisions she knew would be dangerous and reckless, because, I don't know, maybe she thought that's what it meant to be brave. She's lucky she didn't get herself killed.
Also, I think it's a little questionable for a teacher to hand out all the addresses of the class. I think phone numbers would have been enough. They could have figured out the rest from there, and Salem could have avoided some of the more dangerous things in the book.
The second half was better. The story picked up, and more characters got involved. There was less moping, and more taking action. I kept reading because I wanted to know who did what. It didn't seem like it would take long to read the whole thing, so I just went ahead and finished it.
Overall, it was okay. I wouldn't personally recommend it. It's not my usual type of read either, though, so I don't expect anyone to abide by my opinion.
May 10, 2017
Holy Cow! I loved this book! I loved the way the plot sucked me in and wouldn't let me out until it resolved itself at the end.
I really liked the way the book is all from Salem's perspective. And hers is an interesting one. Growing up, it was just her and her sister and her dad. Salem's mom left when she was young, and her sister, Carrie, had kind of taken over her mom's role in Salem's life. Not only do you see the whole thing from her perspective, but I thought the way that the view jumps back and forth in time was awesome! Being able to see the present and the past made the whole plot make more sense than just having a static time period would have.
I liked the way Salem and actually Carrie too, were able to be strong, fearless young women. I was kind of surprised that Salem went out of her way to find out what had happened to Carrie with really no fear of a similar thing happening to her. And throughout the whole book she has no idea who she can really trust either. I know I was just as surprised as she was when the killer is revealed at the end!
There is a whole cast of great characters that Salem knows, from the kids she goes to school with, to her dad, and the adults in her life as well.
This is a great book that I didn't want to put down until after the very suspenseful ending!
I really liked the way the book is all from Salem's perspective. And hers is an interesting one. Growing up, it was just her and her sister and her dad. Salem's mom left when she was young, and her sister, Carrie, had kind of taken over her mom's role in Salem's life. Not only do you see the whole thing from her perspective, but I thought the way that the view jumps back and forth in time was awesome! Being able to see the present and the past made the whole plot make more sense than just having a static time period would have.
I liked the way Salem and actually Carrie too, were able to be strong, fearless young women. I was kind of surprised that Salem went out of her way to find out what had happened to Carrie with really no fear of a similar thing happening to her. And throughout the whole book she has no idea who she can really trust either. I know I was just as surprised as she was when the killer is revealed at the end!
There is a whole cast of great characters that Salem knows, from the kids she goes to school with, to her dad, and the adults in her life as well.
This is a great book that I didn't want to put down until after the very suspenseful ending!
May 16, 2017
The book pulled me in right from the start, but then it kind of lost me. It was a bit confusing as it kept jumping back and forth between the present and past times, but as I got to know who the characters were, it got into a really great flow and I ended up loving the book. Often books are very predictable, but this one has twists and turns that had me guessing until the end. I love when a book can surprise me.
I liked the setting of the book, on fruit farms in California and the different aspects of life and different classes in life that the book brought into play. It made you take pause to think and contemplate about what may be fair or just in life. The book also helps you realize there is often much more to people than what is on the surface. The characters and story felt unique and was a great murder mystery. The book, though dealing with murder and death does so in a way free from graphic imagery or language.
I liked the setting of the book, on fruit farms in California and the different aspects of life and different classes in life that the book brought into play. It made you take pause to think and contemplate about what may be fair or just in life. The book also helps you realize there is often much more to people than what is on the surface. The characters and story felt unique and was a great murder mystery. The book, though dealing with murder and death does so in a way free from graphic imagery or language.
May 12, 2017
3.5 stars
Shatter is an enjoyable story that I read quickly. It kept me on my toes, which I appreciate for suspense novels (if you aren't going back and forth on who the bad guy is the whole suspense part is a little lacking).
The flashbacks/jumping around in time made things a little confusing at first. They were very important to the story but the first few times it just confused me.
The discussion questions at the end were thought provoking. The story really has some deep issues, and an angle that I haven't really read before concerning gang members.
The ending was a bit underwhelming. After the big thing that happens it seemed like there should be a lot more happening (at least legally) than just talking about riding home.
As a debut novel I think it was a strong effort. The story was engaging, but could have used some tightening up.
Shatter is an enjoyable story that I read quickly. It kept me on my toes, which I appreciate for suspense novels (if you aren't going back and forth on who the bad guy is the whole suspense part is a little lacking).
The flashbacks/jumping around in time made things a little confusing at first. They were very important to the story but the first few times it just confused me.
The discussion questions at the end were thought provoking. The story really has some deep issues, and an angle that I haven't really read before concerning gang members.
The ending was a bit underwhelming. After the big thing that happens it seemed like there should be a lot more happening (at least legally) than just talking about riding home.
As a debut novel I think it was a strong effort. The story was engaging, but could have used some tightening up.
July 30, 2017
This debut novel by Ms. Trionfo was both suspenseful and intense.
A murder mystery involving both sides of a strike, gangs, and a 16-year old girl looking for the truth about what happened to her sister, this story hooked me in and took me on an adventure. The back and forth memories were a twist that took me a bit to get used to, but in the end, I really enjoyed. The story is by no means light. As previously mentioned, the author dove into some very serious topics, giving her plot multiple layers.
The story is clean, and free of strong language.
The reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the ending was wrapped up in a little bow, making it seem a little cartoon-ish after such a suspenseful ride.
Having said that, I will still recommend the book to my friends and can't wait to read another by Ms. Trionfo.
A murder mystery involving both sides of a strike, gangs, and a 16-year old girl looking for the truth about what happened to her sister, this story hooked me in and took me on an adventure. The back and forth memories were a twist that took me a bit to get used to, but in the end, I really enjoyed. The story is by no means light. As previously mentioned, the author dove into some very serious topics, giving her plot multiple layers.
The story is clean, and free of strong language.
The reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the ending was wrapped up in a little bow, making it seem a little cartoon-ish after such a suspenseful ride.
Having said that, I will still recommend the book to my friends and can't wait to read another by Ms. Trionfo.
August 5, 2017
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and it was a pretty easy read that brought up some serious issues (gangs, unions, illegal immigration, etc.), while remaining a YA suspense novel.
I didn't love the way the flashbacks were written, it seemed to jump around a lot without having put down a good base first. All the info in them was good and pertinent to the story, it was just a bit hard to follow at first.
The class mock trial preparations of the JFK assassination added some good food for thought and increased the suspense of the book. All in all, a good debut book.
I enjoyed this book and it was a pretty easy read that brought up some serious issues (gangs, unions, illegal immigration, etc.), while remaining a YA suspense novel.
I didn't love the way the flashbacks were written, it seemed to jump around a lot without having put down a good base first. All the info in them was good and pertinent to the story, it was just a bit hard to follow at first.
The class mock trial preparations of the JFK assassination added some good food for thought and increased the suspense of the book. All in all, a good debut book.
November 4, 2017
This book was nothing like I thought it would be. Rarely do we find a young adult book that has the depth of an adult novel and social justice issues, but dialogue appropriate for teens. It's a great book to get people thinking about issues from stereotypes, gangs, social justice, friendship, lies and deceit. The pacing was well done and the plot was put together nicely. A few unexpected twists and turns are in store for Salem as she tries to discover who murdered her sister and all the while, protect herself.
May 5, 2017
Shatter is such a fun read! Seriously one of my favorite YA's I've read in a long time. Salem's sister Carrie was killed in a gas explosion and she starts to become suspicious that it was not an accident. The more she explores, the more dangerous things get. It's a who-done-it mystery that is well crafted, I didn't guess the ending. Which is great and all, but mostly I was just waiting in every scene for Cordero to show up. He is the BEST frenemy EVER! A great read!
July 8, 2017
SHATTER is a twisty-turny, fast-paced mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the setting--fruit orchards in California and a high school putting on a mock trial of the JFK conspiracy--and I really loved the main character. She's figuring out who she is in the shadow of her dead, larger-than-life, beloved sister. The romance is compelling, and I loved reading a YA novel exploring themes of social justice, poverty, gangs, and activism.
May 8, 2017
Shatter is one of those stories that make you go “What?!” I really couldn’t put it down until I finished it. It has mystery, romance, prejudice, sweetness and more. It kept me guessing and turning pages.I really liked how realistic the complexity of the characters was. I absolutely recommend it to anyone that is into YA novels. I loved it!!
May 22, 2017
A fast-paced, well-written YA murder mystery with well-developed characters. There are growing tensions between the peach growers and the farm workers, who are threatening to strike. A group of teenagers are caught in the middle, and especially Salem when her sister is murdered in a house explosion. A great novel for this new and talented writer.
August 17, 2017
Really good story and intrigue. This book was entertaining and kept my attention. I like when can't guess who done it right off; i actually didn't guess correctly at all and had to be surprised. Great YA easy read.
March 8, 2018
3 & 1/2 stars
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