ALA Booklist (Mon May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

It's 1992, and 17-year-old Nikki Black departs Chicago for Los Angeles with her boyfriend, Chad; her camera; and not much else. She leaves behind a dead mother and an indifferent father, and hopes to become a photography intern. Unfortunately for Nikki, Chad's "contact" turns out to be a pornography director, and she escapes, simultaneously rescuing Rain, a 12-year-old girl caught up in the same predicament. When they get to downtown L.A., Nikki lucks into a room at the American Hotel and a job as a waitress, but Rain disappears, and with the help of the caring people on her floor, she combs the city for her friend. Though the plot is sometimes overwrought, crammed with twists and turns involving a sinister cultlike celebrity church, pornography, murder, and the Rodney King riots, Belcamino offers detailed characterization, particularly regarding Nikki, who is feisty and determined to make her own way. Readers who enjoy a breathless pace and gritty, noirlike atmosphere will find plenty to like here.

Kirkus Reviews

Belcamino sets a coming-of-age mystery against the backdrop of the Rodney King case.With a dead mother and a father who blames her for it, Veronica Black doesn't have much going for her at home. When her boyfriend lures her from her Chicago suburb to LA and tries to force her into the child-porn industry, the white 17-year-old finds herself on the run from some very dangerous men. Along the way, she rescues Rain, a 12-year-old runaway, also white, from the same horror. The two find refuge and a multicultural band of friends at the American Hotel, but their newfound peace is shattered when Rain is kidnapped. Determined to find Rain at all costs, Veronica plunges into LA's dark underbelly, where she encounters an enemy more powerful than she imagined. Peeking through Veronica's narrative are snippets of the Rodney King case. As tensions rise in the city, ready to erupt, Veronica finds herself in a number of circumstances that force her to think about race and privilege. While Veronica's introspection only grazes the surface of these topics, she is a well-rounded character who will have readers rooting for her. Belcamino also does an excellent job of fleshing out the novel's side characters with distinct personalities and some interesting back stories. With a strong female protagonist who won't stop fighting, this page-turner is a delightful and gripping read. (Historical thriller. 14-18)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

A runaway from Chicago winds up on the tumultuous streets of 1992 Los Angeles in Belcamino-s (the Gabriella Giovanni Mysteries) uneven first book for teens. Seventeen-year-old Nikki Black fled the Midwest for L.A., lured by an much older guy who promised her a leg up in Hollywood. Turns out that meant child pornography with a sleazy big-name director; Nikki splits, but not before rescuing 12-year-old Rain from the same fate. The two land at the American Hotel, once home to Charles Bukowski, where Nikki helps Rain kick a heroin habit and slowly befriends the motley crew of musicians, waitresses, and artists living there. Rain doesn-t stick around long, and soon Nikki is embarking on a quest to find her wayward new friend, certain that she has been kidnapped. The plot strains believability once Nikki ties Rain-s disappearance to a Scientology-esque church replete with famous actor acolytes and rumors of murder. The relationships between the well-drawn characters, particularly tough but vulnerable Nikki, are a strong point but don-t quite compensate for the overstuffed plot . Ages 14-up. (May)

School Library Journal (Mon May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Gr 9 Up- fast-paced mystery that will keep readers anticipating what the heroine will encounter next. The book takes place in a gritty, dangerous neighborhood in 1990s Los Angeles, set against the backdrop of the Rodney King riots. Nikki Black inhabits a world that includes illegal drugs, child trafficking and pornography, religious cults, homelessness, and violence, all of which are realistically integrated into the setting and plot. The story is told from Nikki's point of view and is packed with nonstop action as she tries to survive as a young woman in Los Angeles. Readers also get glimpses into her past and the events that led to her mother's death and the teen's self-imposed exile from her family. The protagonist's resilience and her unwavering quest to find Rain, a young runaway, are some of the best aspects of the mystery. Aside from Nikki, the characters are less well developed, but they illustrate the extent to which friendships and small kindnesses can be lifesaving for kids on the streets. For the most part, Nikki's determination carries the plot to a satisfying conclusion. Belcamino, author of the "Gabriella Giovanni" adult mystery series, is a former reporter, and her understanding of the problems encountered by runaway youth gives the novel an authentic feel. VERDICT A dark but entertaining mystery with a convincing portrayal of the dangers associated with young people trying to survive on their own. A good choice for older YA readers, especially those who enjoy mysteries.Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Nikki Black quickly goes from suburban Chicago princess to homeless teen after the shocking death of her mother and the resulting neglect from her alcoholic father. Meeting Chad seems to be the answer to her prayers, offering the promise of a new life together in Los Angeles. Things do not work out as he promised, and Nikki soon learns of his intent to get her into adult films. Consequently, Nikki meets Rain, a destitute twelve-year-old girl trapped in the home of a seedy and powerful Hollywood director, and the two of them barely escape his clutches. The girls manage to find a room at a hotel above a punk rock bar and make friends with other teens and artists living in the building. Everything seems to be looking up when Nikki scores a job waitressing at a nearby restaurant, until Rain goes missing and Nikki believes the director to be involved. When the verdict of the Rodney King trial is announced, the streets are no longer safe; Nikki and her friends must find Rain before someone gets hurt or killed. Belcamino’s first young adult novel, set in 1992 Los Angeles, is a gritty, heart-pumping ride with a strong female lead for whom readers will root. Belcamino captures the setting and time period with discerning accuracy, describing, in dark and sometimes sad detail, a cast of colorful characters possessing tremendous heart. Realism is rife and warranted throughout the story as drug use, HIV/AIDS, murder, and sex are woven into the plot and characters. Reluctant teen readers will devour this book.—Erin Segreto.