High and Dry by Sarah Skilton

 

Charlie Dixon is having a run of bad luck.  His girlfriend left him, he's set up when his car is used to transport an overdosing girl to the hospital, and he's being blackmailed.  On top of it all, his childhood friend asks him to throw an upcoming soccer game.  Once Charlie's ex-girlfriend Ellie makes it clear that she doesn't like the person that he's become, he decides to put down the flask and get to the bottom of all of these mysteries. 
  Overall I enjoyed this book, but I have to say that the relationship between Charlie and Ellie can be a little grating.  First loves are all consuming, and this book is true to those feeling, but sometimes it's a little much to take.  Continuing in that vein, most of the relationships in the book feel authentic.  The way Charlie interacts with his friends, parents, and enemies all ring true.  However, there is a strange clique order in Charlie's high school that feels forced.  It's almost like each group, jocks, choir girls, and the debate team operate under mob rules. 
  I enjoyed High and Dry and would have no problem recommending it to any teen that walked into my library.  Every once in a while it's nice to have a young adult mystery that is also realistic and relatable.  This book is set to be released on April 15, 2014.