17-year-old Carson believes his former “boyfriend,” Billy, didn’t commit suicide by jumping off a cliff and into the ocean. Billy’s sweater and suicide note might’ve been found, yet a body was never discovered.
So, Carson befriends, and “dates” his classmate, Dean, on the possibility that Dean knows something about Billy’s death. Dean and Billy both belonged to the same community service club (Charity Now) where Billy devoted his time to.
Clues soon unravel, though. Like an eyewitness seeing members of Charity Now in the woods near the cliff before Billy’s suicide, a diary entry, proving Billy lied about his father being homophobic, and a hazing incident involving a student’s death—that Billy might or might not have been responsible for. However, Carson doesn’t only have to grapple with Billy’s duplicity. Genuine romantic feelings for Dean emerge. Except Carson will have to finish his sleuthing if he wants closure about Billy’s death. Even if that means choosing between stringing Dean along or being honest with him.
This is a stonking YA story from Bedell. I have now read three if his books and this is my favorite so far.
Bedell has a distinctive writing style thatis both warm and compelling. This coupled with the ability to cram angst and intrigue into his plots makes it a highly enjoyable read.
This is the third book I have read by Bedell and I've enjoyed them all. This is another solid, strong title aimed primarily at a young adult audience. The story of Carson is a fascinating one with lots of twists and turns. Highly recommended.
I think this is a good book. I found it a little confusing though to be going back and forth. It was a little irritating. It is a good story with a good message, however.