Reviews for Smoke

The average rating for Smoke based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2011-10-14 00:00:00 Jesse Jorde This is a good book, but it could be better. On the positive side, the story-line is novel and interesting; on the negative side, the editing left a lot to be desired. The typos and grammatical errors were terribly distracting and are the primary reason I rate this book only two stars. If you like a good murder/spy/mystery thriller, you will probably like this book, despite the flaws.

Review # 2 was written on 2010-04-14 00:00:00 Janell Cole The most compelling aspect of Dead Politician Society is the bizarre cast of characters. Every character Robin Spano crafts sparks strong emotions in the reader - but whether they be positive or negative is an entirely different question. Clare herself is tenacious and determined, always willing to enter the fray head-on. While her recklessness tends to get her in trouble at work, it makes her a winning character that readers will eagerly cheer on. Susannah, one of Clare's political science classmates, is full of snark and spunk and is equally admirable for her fearless approach to life. However, the rest of the characters are of a different sort. Professor Matthew Easton will cause readers' blood to boil - his misogyny and arrogance are dumbfounding for much of the novel. However, the crimes begin to take a toll on his outlook and it is fascinating to discover the surprisingly deep layers hidden within his character. Even more frustrating is Annabel, the local reporter in a sticky situation after receiving the killer's first letter to the press. Her choices are baffling, but it is oddly captivating to watch her walk the tightrope between daring and disaster. Spano seamlessly weaves these apparently disparate lives into an intricate narrative of whodunnit where everyone seems like a viable suspect. This truly is the best kind of mystery, full of endless possibilities. Though it is a murder mystery, the gruesome aspect is distanced from the forefront of the novel and allows it to be a fun, light read that's more interested in the characters than the crimes that drive the plot. The mystery maintains its suspense until the very end, and the ultimate denouement is a deliciously twisted surprise.