Book Review: Shade Me by Jennifer Brown

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Shade Me
Author: Jennifer Brown
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Released: January 19, 2016
Review Source: Katherine Tegen Books

Nikki Kill does not see the world like everyone else. In her eyes, happiness is pink, sadness is a mixture of brown and green, and lies are gray. Thanks to a rare phenomenon called synesthesia, Nikki’s senses overlap, in a way that both comforts and overwhelms her.

Always an outsider, just one ‘D’ shy of flunking out, Nikki’s life is on the fast track to nowhere until the night a mysterious call lights her phone up bright orange—the color of emergencies. It’s the local hospital. They need Nikki to identify a Jane Doe who is barely hanging on to life after a horrible attack.

The victim is Peyton Hollis, a popular girl from Nikki’s school who Nikki hardly knows. One thing is clear: Someone wants Peyton dead. But why? And why was Nikki’s cell the only number in Peyton’s phone?

As she tries to decipher the strange kaleidoscope of clues, Nikki finds herself thrust into the dark, glittering world of the ultra-rich Hollis family, and drawn towards Peyton’s handsome, never-do-well older brother Dru. While Nikki’s colors seem to help her unravel the puzzle, what she can’t see is that she may be falling into a trap. The only truth she can be sure of is that death is a deep, pulsing crimson.

Shade Me is award-winning author Jennifer Brown’s first book in a thrilling suspense series about Nikki Kill.

Nikki Kill has synesthesia. Which is something I've rarely heard of before, but it was very intriguing, and also the reason I was thrilled to read this book. With the help of this different vision she has a mystery to solve.

My favorite thing about Shade Me was the overall vibe it gave off.  I sort of pictured everything, all the colors, being very muted with only the clues being super vibrant. Which, is the perfect mystery setting am I right? It was definitely jam packed with mystery and action and I love that! The only let down I would say about it though was that I ended up guessing some of the mystery correctly. And yes, I don't like being right when it comes to mystery novels! LOL

Jennifer Brown has an awesome way of writing. Description and setting are A+ for me throughout Shade Me. The synesthesia element was also very cool and interesting, and added that different element to the book that keeps you hooked. And, although I didn't connect with or relate to Nikki, I still REALLY loved her character.

So, overall, if you're looking for a mystery with a twist that seems paranormal but is not (synesthesia) pick up this Nikki Kill novel Shade Me!