She was the most centered and balanced character, the one who thought fast, was smart, funny, and genuine, and provided the most interesting dialogue. I liked Charley a lot and for me she made the story enjoyable. The story is told with the alternate perspectives of John and Charley. The two get off on the wrong foot initially, but Charley slowly begins to realize she and John are on the same side and they begin trying to figure out who killed Megan together. When John begins searching for clues he approaches Charley, Megan's best friend, hoping she might have some answers. But, before anything could come of the relationship, Megan is murdered. Both of them acted out because of the issues in their home lives, and both of them were hurting. John and Megan bond over their crappy lives, both having been dealt a sorry hand of cards when it came to parents and bad luck. When her body if found four days later, Jon knows he needs to find out what happened to his friend because it's obvious he is being framed for her murder. The next day Jon finds himself the number one person of interest in Megan's disappearance. But, when an ugly confrontation at the prom with Megan's ex- boyfriend transpires, the couple leave together, but only one of them makes it home. John knew deep down it was a bad idea, but Megan wouldn't take no for an answer. However, a young and popular girl named Megan decides to take John under her wing and coerces him into being her date for the prom.

He is all tied up in knots over Riley's death, although he was not at fault. John tries to keep to himself, keep his head down, and stay out of trouble. This is a solid YA mystery thriller centered around John Hawk, an eighteen year old high school senior who has moved in with his sister to finish out the last semester of school, after a horrific car crash takes the life of his girlfriend, Riley. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Weight of Guilt by Jon Ripslinger is a 2015 Red Adept Publishing release.

Desperate by Jon Ripslinger