Perfect for fans of:
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
- The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke
- Broken Things by Lauren Oliver
Review:
Have you ever read a book and were one hundred percent sure that it would make an even better movie? That’s how I felt while reading She’s Too Pretty to Burn. The concept of the story is pretty fantastic; we follow three young adults who are involved in their own private battles and would sacrifice a lot, if not all, for their passions. Veronica and Nico have been best friends and thick as thieves for years and when Mick, an unassuming summer lifeguard, enters that friendship, everything gets upended and things that were mostly for fun – political art installations of Nico’s, breathtaking photographs shot by Veronica – take a turn for the dark and creepy.
Much of what I liked about this book were Heard’s immersive and vivid writing style and the seamless descriptions of Nico’s art installations, as well as the metaphorical tightening of the noose that seemed to hang above this unlikely yet entrancing friendship between the three protagonists. There’s something magnetic about their attitudes that just draws you in.
I think my main issue with this story was what I usually notice in psychological thrillers and that’s the lack of connection to the characters that aren’t fleshed out enough for me to feel attached to them. I didn’t really feel the immediacy of the stakes for the characters until almost 50% into the story. The characters were all interesting, yes, but their traits were rarely shown beyond the superficial: Veronica is a photographer, Mick is an avid swimmer, and Nico is into art and politics. This draws back to my claim that this would make a great movie where you can see the characters’ faces and emotions because I feel like that was ultimately what I missed in this book.
I also have to say that there were a lot of consent issues that drove me particularly nuts. Quite like Mick’s mom who is one of the worst parents in YA (and that’s saying a lot), Veronica also doesn’t respect Mick’s wishes to not be photographed and does it regardless of Mick’s vehement protests. This issue with not wanting to be photographed or the photos to be publicised is a repetitive reason for Veronica and Mick to fight and while I know that this served the purpose of them becoming more volatile as individuals and as a couple, it made me very uncomfortable.
The last few chapters came across a bit lacklustre; after the reveal of the murderer, the narrative somehow tries to tie it all together while also offering the reader a chance to interpret for themselves what happens after the book ends. I was surprised by that choice, considering there aren’t any red herrings thrown the reader’s way early on so you basically know by the first third of the book who the perpetrator is.
Though I do have my issues with the book, I must say that the premise and the overall vibe of this story definitely was a home run for me. The exploration of the immense impact art can have, the allure of being in control and choosing your fate, the concept of your art installations making a real difference in the media and the world at large – I absolutely loved those discussions and Heard really shined here with descriptions and atmospheric setting.
Diving into the dark underside of ambitious passions, She’s Too Pretty to Burn fuses the vivid rebel art scene with power-hungry characters who would sacrifice anything for the perfect piece of art. If you’re looking for a YA thriller with a cinematic feel to it, this one’s for you!
She’s Too Pretty to Burn is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 30th 2021.
Will you be picking up She’s Too Pretty to Burn? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
An electric romance set against a rebel art scene sparks lethal danger for two girls in this expertly plotted YA thriller. For fans of E. Lockhart, Lauren Oliver and Kara Thomas.
The summer is winding down in San Diego. Veronica is bored, caustically charismatic, and uninspired in her photography. Nico is insatiable, subversive, and obsessed with chaotic performance art. They’re artists first, best friends second. But that was before Mick. Delicate, lonely, magnetic Mick: the perfect subject, and Veronica’s dream girl. The days are long and hot―full of adventure―and soon they are falling in love. Falling so hard, they never imagine what comes next. One fire. Two murders. Three drowning bodies. One suspect . . . one stalker. This is a summer they won’t survive.
Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray, this sexy psychological thriller explores the intersections of love, art, danger, and power.
