She is, in many ways, an adult character in a teen character's body. She takes on the task of finding out what happened to Peyton Hollis out of a sense of responsibility, and she follows each clue to its resolution. While many of the themes are more adult in nature, the real crossover is in the meat of the writing Nikki may be chronologically seventeen, but she thinks and behaves someone who grew up a long time ago. That thriller plot line is action-packed, and in many ways blurs the lines between YA and adult fiction. I'm choosing not to talk about that aspect much, though, because I feel that story element takes a back seat to Nikki's overall characterization and the thriller plot line. Nikki also has synesthesia, which makes her even more unique. She's lived through her mother's murder and her father's increasing absence, and has come out ready to take on the world. She dumps a guy who is hot enough, but who gets too close to real emotions for her comfort. She is disinterested in academics, but she's street-smart, with a serious round-house kick. That might be the best possible name for a teen girl who lives in Hollywood and sets out to solve a mystery in the style of an old-fashioned private eye.

I have to start with this main character, because she is pretty incredible. With this background info, when I saw Shade Me become available for review, I jumped at the chance. Jennifer spoke powerfully and eloquently on the topic, so I picked up a copy of Hate List. I was first introduced to Jennifer Brown at a conference about bullying and its devastating effects on teens.

Hate list jennifer brown summary