Sketchy by Olivia Samms

Sketchy by Olivia Samms

First in the Bea Catcher Chronicles

3.5 stars
Willa was found raped, beaten, and left for dead. What happened to Willa shouldn’t affect new girl, Bea, but Bea’s unique gift compels her to want to help. Bea’s life has been a mess since she was sent to rehab and kicked out of her private school. A regular at anonymous meetings for recovering addicts and being the new girl at Packard High School isn’t something Bea looks forward to. Willa is the most recent victim of brutal assaults in the area. Bea has a new “skill”, one she wished she didn’t have. She’s able to see things from the other people’s minds and then draw them perfectly. The first time she looks at Willa in what her new school calls art class, Bea finds herself sketching about the night Willa was attacked. Bea’s the only one, who may be able to help Willa, but Willa doesn’t want Bea’s help and she’ll do anything to make sure she doesn’t get it. This books is incredibly different from what most YA has to offer when it comes to a heroine with a “special ability”. I’ve never come across the ability before and it was an interesting take on it. Not only was it a mystery, but it was a pretty fun story that I enjoyed reading. I’m not the biggest fan of mysteries, but I do love it when there’s a paranormal air thrown into it.


The main female character is Bea. Bea is a real character. She’s your typical bad girl. She does drugs, drinks, and smokes. All of these things have repercussions and she had to go to rehab because of them. Bea is a great character. She tells it like it is, she’s funny, and she doesn’t give up easily. She has a strong quality to her and a distinct voice. Her story was one I never got bored with and she had my attention at all times.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 9

The main male character is Daniels. Daniels isn’t introduced until almost the very end of the story, but he’s an obvious possible love interest for her. I’m curious to see where this is going to go because of Bea’s past and the fact that Daniels is a cop, but he also has a kid. These are all possible obstacles in the upcoming book and I’m curious.


Swoon Worthy Scale: 7.5

The Villain- I actually saw the clue and figured out who the rapist/ killer was the minute he was first mentioned. It wasn’t even something that was cause suspicion but it was the first thought that popped into my head and I was right. Hopefully the next book will be harder to figure out.

Villain Scale: 7
Chris is also a great character. He’s funny and he’s there for Bea when it seems like she’ll never have a friend. He always seems to have her back and he gives the story a certain fun quality whenever he’s around. Willa is a character that I didn’t really particularly like, but I still sympathized for her. I eventually started to like her a little more because I understood why she did the things she did, but I still don’t really like her. I wonder if she’ll be in the next book and if she’ll become Bea’s friend. It seems like they are sort of. Bea’s parents are present a lot in the novel. I’m not sure if it’s because of the fact that they watch her every move because of her previous drug habit, but I like that they are around. Her parents are just as much present as Bea herself.


Character Scale: 8.5

I enjoyed Bea’s tale and I even have a theory about where she gets her ability from. Seriously don’t read this because it might spoil it a little bit.  I think that Bea’s father has this ability and that’s why he no longer draws. There were several times in the novel where it seems like he has something hide and I’m pretty sure it’s that.  I look forward to the next novel in the Bea Catcher Chronicles.


Cover Thoughts: I love the cover it’s awesome. They eye has a cool effect and I love the colors.

A copy was provided by Amazon's Children Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review