This novel is depressing and dark, but too dry for too long to be much more than that. It’s the documentation of a school shooting. No narration – just transcripts of various investigations and inquiries and Miranda statements, and some news clippings that seem irresponsibly weak.

There’s also the journal of Leonard Gray, the shooter. That’s one of the highlights of the book: deeply disturbing. Leonard is by far my favorite character, but the reader only sees him through his journal and the descriptions of others.

His friend Cameron is a confusing and frustrating accessory, with the line count of a featured lead. The two most prominent females, Carla – a classmate, and Victoria Leash – an FBI official, are unnecessarily grating.

There’s no great mystery here, no huge shock. More than anything else, it’s one big drag.