What secrets lie in the ashes?
After a brutal wildfire tears through the town of Jasper in the Californian sierras, a body is discovered in a shed. It looks like an open-and-shut case of accidental death – until further investigation reveals that the victim was locked in from the outside.
Years after leaving Jasper, Detective Alex Markov has been sent back under the shadow of an LAPD corruption investigation. She is convinced that the man, a family friend, was murdered opportunistically under the cover of the fire. As the smoke clears, Alex reveals a town corrupt to its core – but exposing that corruption could destroy her and the people she loves. Will she ignore the crookedness and deceit, or face the consequences of pursuing an inconvenient truth?
‘The best crime book I’ve read this year.’ – Chris Hammer
‘A great book and an engrossing read that I just could not put down. Michael Brissenden has delivered an intense, diabolically smart and unforgettable novel.’ – Dervla McTiernan
(4/5)
Corruption. Crocked cops. Sleazy politicians. All are like smoke. Smoke conceals things, hides damage. It destroys beautiful things and fouls the atmosphere. It is insidious, it gets everywhere unseen and unnoticed. Just like corruption.
Disgraced LA detective Alex Markov has recently returned to her hometown. Now a massive wildfire has just ripped through the community. There have been fire related deaths, which she must investigate. Tragically one is someone she knows, almost family. Her past and her present are about to collide with devastating results.
Smoke is Michael Brissenden’s new novel. I enjoyed it. Bit slow to start, with somewhat obscure characters relationships. Took me a while to work out who was who. But once the story got rolling, I was hooked and read it in one day. Although, fair warning – the ending will destroy you.
(5/5)
Crime is not my usual genre, but I loved Smoke. What I loved most about this book was the gradual building of the story at the beginning. Setting the scene is important as is getting to know the characters. I liked the shorter chapters, and it kept me engaged because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
I instantly took a liking to the main character Alex Markov, and I soon got an understanding of who was who. As I continued reading, my suspicions grew, and I had worked out who to trust before the ending.
Once I got to the middle of the book it was hard to put it down. In fact, I read the second half of the book in one day. It was so compelling, and I just had to know if my suspicions were right or not.
I was pleasantly surprised by Smoke and would recommend it to any reader, even if crime isn’t their usual genre.
(3/5)
Smoke is a fast paced, well written crime novel about corrupt cops, greedy developers set in small town Northern California. The main protagonist is Alex, a detective who returns to her small town at the time a massive forest fire has engulfed it. She is confronted with the destruction of the fire and the suspected murder of her childhood friends partner. While trying to conduct her investigation she is also under pressure from the big city LA internal affairs about her past conduct from her time spent working there. She is also dealing with ageing parents, a bereaved friend with secrets of her own and a confusing romantic interest with a persistent journalist.
The plot was compelling and I tore through it quickly. However, I feel the author took too much on, the issues were overwhelming and included police and local government corruption, caring for ageing parents, Indigenous land rights and of course climate change!
I thought Alex got a bit lost in all of this, I wanted to learn more about how she ticked, maybe that is left open for a sequel.
(4/5)
The book instantly captured my interest. It drew me in to the plot and I felt connected to the characters. There was a good balance between narrative and dialogue. I found the writing style easy to read while at the same time it created mood and tension. It held my attention to the end and I am eager to read more of Michael Brissenden’s books.
(4/5)
Michael Brissenden’s ‘Smoke’ cranks up the pace from the first page and keeps it up as you wonder about the fate of Alex, the good cop until the very end. It could be set in any quiet part of the western world just waiting to be ‘discovered’, however, it is coyote country in California that’s under the spotlight. Festering under the surface is racism, corruption running rampart, this time through a police network, family feuding and lack of compassion for those in age care. Greed is the main theme but nothing gets in the way of turning this sleepy little rundown hollow into a sparking resort for the rich and famous – or so it would seem.
(4/5)
A glowing endorsement from Chris Hammer at the start of the book promised an exciting read… and ‘Smoke’ did not fail to deliver. This book has everything!
Author Michael Brissenden chose California, USA for the setting of this story but it could just as easily have been based in Australia. It certainly felt like an Australian story as I read it.
Recently transferred to small town Big Jasper, police detective Alex Markov is faced with a tragic bushfire and a suspected murder. At the same time Alex also faces disturbing family, work and relationship issues.
As her investigation continues she discovers ingrained corruption in the police force and local town council.
The deeper she probes, the more her life and those of her family and friends come into danger….but who can she trust to help her?
The story is fast paced, full of thrills and keeps you guessing throughout.
I found the ending a little predictable but that did not detract from what was a riveting and highly entertaining read.
(4/5)
“Smoke” is a slow burn into the dark world of police crime, deceit and corruption. What starts as a possible murder investigation leads Alex Markov on a journey that intensifies as the story progresses and leaves the reader unable to turn the pages fast enough. “Smoke” is a book that requires thoughtful attention and a sharp mind to keep track of the numerous characters and the intricate plot that weaves its way throughout. The story opens up to something you know is coming but did not expect.
(5/5)
Thank you Good Reading for the opportunity to read Smoke by Michael Brissenden.
I really enjoyed this awesome crime read.
Alex is a detective that is sent to her home town after things go bad in the city.
Alex’s home town is full of corruption, murders and bad cops.
I loved the way the story was written and how it kept you turning the pages.
With heaps of twists and turns, this is a must read. Highly recommend!
(4/5)
This crime fiction novel is a gripping whodunnit from the first page. Like any novel of this genre, it is a compelling and engaging read with an intriguing twist towards the climatic ending.
The setting seems rather strange (California) as the language and descriptions betray an Australian author and inspiration of the 2019 bushfires, eg. “mullets”, “gullies”, “chucked the window”. Why not set it in Australia?
It is also rather disappointingly too politically correct, as in ‘development vs greens’, ‘Indigenous vs European settlers’… which is rather predictable and common.
Some similes are rather forced, eg. “like climbing fingers”, “arms like box-wine bags”. I don’t understand the reference on page 2 of a “key slid into the latch”?
An enjoyable read.
(4/5)
There is a lot happening in this book! Possibly too much…
It is a crime novel (my favourite genre) that also touches on multiple social issues along the way. These issues are incredibly important, but collectively it becomes crowded.
However, these side issues do provide Brissenden with clever red herrings which he works well to divert the reader. The concept of ‘Smoke’ will be familiar to the Australian readership, sadly too familiar. Brissenden uses the Black Summer fires in Australia as a stimulus, and his retelling of this in a Californian setting is stark and realistic, serving as an intriguing backdrop to murder. The stifling atmosphere creates the perfect analogy for the stifling small town life which the main protagonist Alex has escaped from, only to reluctantly return. Brissenden creates tension through the interplay with his characters and the secrets they hold. His dialogue is natural, and he creates plot tension through relationships and pacing.
At the heart of the novel, he examines how far trust can go, how close betrayal can be, and how little loyalty can be relied upon. ‘Smoke’ is a satisfying read set in a small town struggling to hold on to its identity in a world of change.
(3/5)
Alex is a disgraced cop awaiting an outcome but California wildfires draw her back to seek more and investigate. With corruption, lies and scandals, many get caught in the crossfire. It was a slow mover at first and then finally the last third was all the action. Inspired by the Australian wildfires this is set fictionally in California. A fast easy read.
(3/5)
I liked the main character of Alex, she was feisty and smart. We got a feel of her character through the telling of her family background. Although I had trouble believing some of her storylines and the ending.
The history of Andrew Doyle should have come in earlier in the book than it did. It felt rushed near the end, just to tie the whole story together. The ending and its effect on the community and environment was told well. Very prevalent in today’s world.
I felt that the “baddies” characters were not developed enough to make us feel hate for them.
Overall, I did enjoy reading it, I wanted to find out what was going to happen, but about halfway through I sort of knew how it would end.
(4/5)
There’s a bush fire and a man has died in his shed. But was it an accident? It’s a really good crime book. I like the story. More importantly I like the writing. It’s well written. I would not read a book with bad writing even if the story is good. The language flows well.
Only thing if I have to be picky, there were so many names of people at the beginning of the book, and some of them were long names, and it was a bit confusing, I was constantly wondering, hang on, who is this again? Overall it’s a well written book with a really good story, I enjoyed it very much.
(4/5)
Michael Brissendon brings to life not only the characters in ‘Smoke’ but the Californian landscape.
Set in the wake of tragic bushfires the scene could just as easily be the Australian bush, and this familiarlarity only serves to draw the reader in further to what is a twisting mystery of betrayal, corruption and murder.
Brissendon has left a tantalizing hint of a series and I would certainly be keen to read more about Detective Alex Markov.
(3/5)
It’s an airport book. No more than three stars.
Intriguing, tangled plot. Short serial chapters that are easy to read, put down and pick up after the drink trolley passes …
The heat and the burnt, fire-scorched, still smouldering landscape provided a promising opening backdrop awaiting more development and connection to the story. More perspiration, sweaty bed linen and shirts, dust, ash and smoke would keep the locality and climate and environment as significant plot backgrounds.
Alex’s, the heroine’s background – her conflicts with the OCB, Orange County Boys, LAPD, 77th Street Division are important elements that should be better explained and developed – ditto her personal relationships. They are sketchy. She comes across as an argumentative, moody, set-upon drama queen without too many friends. It’s hard to get friendly with or feel sympathy for her.
The story, for me, died at the hospital scene. From that point it dribbled to a conclusion.
The wrap-up was tedious. And closing hints of further adventures. Probably too many words were used to wrap the story up…
(3/5)
‘Smoke’ by Michael Brissenden is a cop thriller set in a small town in the USA, following a major wildfire event.
The writing is sharp and dialogue between characters short and snappy, however it didn’t draw me in. I just couldn’t get ‘into’ their world.
I did find a few things were a little off given this novel is set in America. A few times I picked up on the author’s use of Australian words I’m not sure they’d use in North American vernacular. For example- ‘Panadol’ (Would Americans not use Advil?) ‘Veranda’? ‘Eucalyptus’?
I didn’t find it as ‘atmospheric’ as the review from Mark Brandi (whom I respect highly as an author). I found it fast paced but not overly engaging. It wasn’t that it’s not a good or interesting story, it just wasn’t for me.
(5/5)
This is the first novel I’ve read of Brissenden’s having only been familiar with his work as a journalist. Clearly he has captured many stories over the years that have influenced his fictional writing.
Smoke tells the story of Alex Markov, a LAPD Detective that has returned to her home in Banton Valley whilst an internal affairs investigation is underway. She arrives home during the peak of the bushfire season with both the smoke and questions of her future up in the air.
It definitely held my engagement throughout, as there was the outcome for Markov and the local investigations of murder and corruption to come to a head. It certainly built tension and anticipation as the story unfolded.
Readers of crime fiction should enjoy this and the detailed atmosphere adds to the tension throughout. For readers that have lived in fire prone areas the singed landscape will feel all too familiar.
An intense and enjoyable read.
(4/5)
Smoke is a slow burn at first and takes time to grasp who is who. In the beginning I had to keep reminding myself the story was set in California as there are so many parallels to an Australian landscape. The writing is well composed and the author knows how to keep you turning the pages. This book got better as it went on, even if I had a couple of ideas on how it was going to end. A must read for crime fans!
(5/5)
Smoke is one of the best crime novels I have read in recent years. Brissenden is able to set a scene like few authors can, allowing the reader to imagine the sights and sounds that the characters themselves do and immerse themselves fully in the story. The plot moves quickly, with an instantly likeable lead character and other not so likeable characters, complete with back stories. As any good book should, this one contains plot twists until the end, keeping the reader engaged and wanting more. My only criticism is that the book was not long enough! Highly recommended.
(3/5)
I must begin by saying that I was not particular engaged with the story, it wasn’t a bad story, but I don’t think this one was for me. The plot however, was quite interesting, following a murder case, where a man is locked in a shed and left to die during a fire. The lead up, with the investigation was not particularly well developed but it did have me reading to find out what happens in the end. Unfortunately, I thought the story seemed too dry and didn’t really have all the feels for each character, especially the main character, who i thought was mostly in detective mode, and didn’t see much of her personal self. I think the author could have put more detail in all of her relationships, and a lot more detail into her relationship with her colleagues.
(4/5)
Cops, corruption and community make this a great read.
After a wildfire, a body is found in a shed. At first it’s assumed to be an accidental death, until it is discovered that the shed was locked from the outside.
Whilst the author’s earlier books were set in Australia, this one is based in California, however I had to keep reminding myself of this, as it could just as easily been an Australian rural community.
A fast-paced novel that will keep you turning the pages.
(4/5)
The story is built around the background of devastation and immense loss associated with catastrophic bush wildfires that unfortunately we are all too familiar with. Tension grows page by page as we learn the reasons for the reluctant homecoming of the lead character, Detective Alex Markov. Her determined probing into the tragic but ultimately opportunistic loss of several lives under sinister circumstances lead to dire threats to herself and others. This in turn ultimately exposes secrets held by local and state officials with far reaching consequences. A thoroughly enjoyable read with revelations right up until the final pages.
(3/5)
Michael Brissenden’s, Smoke, set in the fictional town of Jasper, California, amid devastating wildfires, offers a gripping and intense read. The story follows disgraced LAPD Detective Alex Markov, who returns to her hometown during an Internal Affairs investigation. Upon her return, she discovers the body of a family friend in a burnt out shed; initially it was thought he was a tragic casualty of the fire, but it was soon revealed that he was a murder victim.
Although the book starts slowly and features somewhat obscure character relationships, it soon picks up and becomes an engrossing narrative that I found hard to put down. The novel dives into themes of family, survival, grief, and systemic corruption, with Alex standing out as a determined and outspoken protagonist who faces danger from corrupt politicians and police officers at every turn. The story’s depiction of corruption is powerful, likening it to smoke that conceals and destroys. Alex’s journey is marked by tragedy and grief and yet she remains resolute, embodying a message of courage and determination.
The setting of a wildfire-ravaged town adds a realistic and eerie backdrop, which heightened the tension and atmosphere for me. The novel’s exploration of police corruption, culture, and the intricacies of investigations is well-executed, with side stories adding depth to the main narrative. Brissenden’s transition from journalism to fiction is seamless, capturing the essence of real-life experiences in his storytelling.
Overall, Smoke is an intense and enjoyable read which crime fiction enthusiasts will appreciate. The detailed atmosphere, engaging plot, and strong character development will ensure that readers remain captivated until the last page.