When scanning the shelves for a new book to read, one does not typically see the word “ketchup.” This title seemed to be an eye catcher.

“Ketchup Clouds” by Annabel Pitcher, is a grueling story of a young girl’s guilt for killing the boy who loved her. Under a pen name, the young girl begins to write to a convict who lives in the United States and is on death row. She pours out the details of what happened that fatal night and how she feels that she is a murderer just like him.

His poetry helps her explain the events that took place leading up to the death of the young boy. Her innocence on love and the little experience is felt through every little word she uses to describe her relationship with the young boy.

The twists and scandals, keep an interesting plot that leaves the mind reeling for what is going to happen next. The emotions are deep as the author explains the torment of the girl’s guilt.

Her desperate plea to tell someone about what happened is felt with every turn of a page. The story’s narrator screams for a connection. The need for someone to understand is sickening.

The story’s sheer desperation to finish the need for a human connection, and the plague of guilt is desperately used for someone to understand the physical and emotional pain coming from the young girl.

The book’s ending is puzzling and leaves the reader with a certain amount of understanding.  “Ketchup Clouds” is a harrowing tale of fear and deep confession, a tale that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the last page.