The Sharp Time

In the aftermath of her mother’s tragic death, a newly independent and unstable teenage girl finds small measures of happiness even as she plots an act of lethal revenge on an abusive teacher.

Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. The death of her single mother has left Sandinista alone in the world, subject to the random vulnerability of everyday life. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge.

Still, in the midst of her crisis, she gets a job at The Pale Circus, a funky vintage clothing shop, and finds friendship and camaraderie with her coworker, a boy struggling with his own secrets.

Even as Sandinista sees the failures of those with power and authority, she’s offered the chance to survive through the redemptive power of friendship. Now she must choose between faith and forgiveness or violence and vengeance.


“Palpable grief plus irreverent humor equal one extraordinary debut novel.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred 

“The book takes place over the course of a week, but there are so many thoughtfully drawn characters and intense emotions that it reads like a small lifetime.” —Booklist, Starred

“O’Connell shows exceptional skill in building tension and creating atmosphere” —Publishers Weekly, Starred

“Brilliant lyrical prose, clever banter, distinctive characters, and suspenseful plotting combine for a winning debut novel.” —VOYA