A review by kaceyjaceyxd
High and Dry by Sarah Skilton

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Very fast paced from the word go. The reader is immediately drawn a picture of Charlie Dixon’s very low-point in life, and we follow that low throughout the book by navigating an on-again-off-again romantic relationship, a questionable loyalty to an old friend, a series of crimes (one of which Charlie himself is being framed for), the hunt for a flash drive with unknown-to-Charlie significance, and of course the usual hum drum of being a senior in high school with an uncertain future. There are very graphic depictions numerous times of alcohol, alcoholism, drugs, drug use, addiction, selling/buying/making drugs, and the complications that come from illicit substance use, as well as a recurrent theme of forced drug use. We also follow the story of Maria Salvador whose dose of LSD leaves her hospitalized, uncertain if she will recover. Skilton is adept at giving clues that at first glance lead the reader in the very wrong direction, but at the end of the book click in to place to reveal the truth about many of the horror stories that have become Charlie’s life. The resolution is not entirely satisfying, leaving some if not most of the “end” up to interpretation of the reader. A short-story styled sequel could wrap this novel up well, or the door has been left open for a full-length second part following either Charlie, his not-so-girlfriend Ellie, or his comrade Ryder - especially if their paths were to cross again in a post-high school setting. 
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