I can't tell you how many times I've found myself in a rabbit hole of Wikipedia articles on serial killers/cults. That whole "can't turn away from a train wreck" saying applies - it's all disturbing stuff, but fascinating as well. The "Burn Baby Burn" synopsis obviously sent me down the "Son of Sam" rabbit hole before I started reading, and I have to say, Medina really nailed the paranoia that must have festered in New York during this time. Even though she doesn't go into too much detail about the shootings, she weaves the fear and uncertainty of the killer's next moves throughout Nora's everyday life (which is already pretty scary to boot). 
 I found my heart racing multiple times, mostly whenever Hector was around. I appreciated the juxtaposition of Nora's uncontrollable, angry, drug-addicted brother with the sadistic serial killer on the loose. It added a more present danger to the story line and also highlighted the often overlooked idea of juvenile domestic abuse. Medina really had me thinking about how someone can grow up to be a David Berkowitz or a Charles Manson or an abuser or drug addict, and how hard it can be to admit to yourself that that person you love has crossed the line from "troublemaker" to a serious problem. 
 Aside from the creepy serial killer backdrop and Nora's rough home life, there's also disco music, love interests, and feminists to lighten the mood!