Kolesnik published a well-written and polished product through Grindhouse Press, and True Crime marks her debut in the world of fiction. I listened to the audiobook which lent credence to my wandering brain’s idea that this could very well be a true story. We get our hands dirty through the eyes of Suzy as she does indeed spiral out of control. Despite the examination of depravity’s aspects, we readers get to truly feel for Suzy and her brother, Lim. Empathy was rising in my bloodstream as I kept listening.
This novella is a gut punch and reminiscent of Laurel Hightower’s Crossroads. You’ll feel grimy, but while you’re sitting there in the mud with dirt under your fingernails, your heart will hurt. You’ll reflect on why these terrible things came to fruition, what made Suzy and Lim this way. And your head will spin once you realize how close to reality this book is for many youth across the world.
Pay attention to Kolesnik’s career. At the moment, she’s busy with adapting a story to the screen for Worst Laid Plans: The Movie in the director’s chair. And I’m sure we will see some great things in the coming years through the indie press she runs, Off Limits Press.