NYPL snatched back my download without even a warning, so I don't have my copy on hand or my bookmarks. That's a bummer because I'm pretty sure this is a highly recommended.
The novel takes place in 1977 when NYC was a scary place to be. Son of Sam was running around killing girls and couples, and a big old blackout led to looting and injuries. Nora Lopez is a good kid, working in a deli, mechanically inclined, boy crazy BFF, and a new kid at work who is easy on the eyes. Unfortunately she's got a dangerous younger brother who Nora's mother holds Nora responsible for. Nora's mom is in denial, and Nora's dad is in Manhattan with his new family, raising his new kid with barely a thought for the Lopezes he left behind in Queens.
Living in scary times is something I can relate to just now, with Donald Trump about to take office. I may not be as vulnerable as underparented teen Latina Nora, who lives with a sociopath, but I don't feel particularly safe in a country that would elect that troll president.
Sorry to turn this review to myself. It's hard to live, read, work, think, outside the context of Trump, though, just as is hard for Nora to get the danger off her mind. It's in her house and lurking everywhere.
PS the title is cute because her brother is an arsonist, but it's also the height of disco.