What can I say... Patrick Jones is a damn good writer. He's got the voice of today's youth in his head and he writes with a gripping, gritty, honest voice that captures the reader so intensely. And this is only the first book of his that I've read... ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Christy is a senior in high school and can't wait to get out of Flint, Michigan. She probably never will leave, but hearing her father always talk about “chasing tail lights” until they take you where you want to be, gives her the hope she needs to get through the mess that is her life.

In fifth grade, Christy's father died and life has never been the same. Her mother works hard and drinks hard, but doesn't have a kind word for Christy. Christy's half-brother, Ryan, gets their mother's love even though he deserves it the least. Bree, Christy's little niece, has become her responsibility. She cooks, cleans, and does laundry while she keeps an eye on Bree and swears to keep her safe.

School could offer Christy a way to escape Flint, but with so-so grades and sleepless nights that cause her to be late to class or unable to keep her eyes open, things look less than promising for Christy's future. When Christy demonstrates her ability to run, English teacher Ms. Chapman urges her to join the track team. She also supplies Christy with an unending supply of books to read, each one with a message designed to help the young girl cope with her troubling world. But even encouragement from Ms. Chapman and her best friend, Anne, can't get Christy to accept and admit what is happening on the dark side of her life.

CHASING TAIL LIGHTS exposes the sickening underbelly of sexual abuse. Christy, an innocent victim of the ugly crime, fights with determination to better her life and protect those around her. Readers will feel her pain and cheer her accomplishments as she learns to accept her situation and make a plea for help. Patrick Jones, author of THINGS CHANGE and NAILED, has outdone himself with this one. ( )