Review: Smoke and Murders by JL Blackhurst

Smoke and murders is a perfect autumnal murder mystery: sit back and let Blackhurst spin a complex web of duplicity, death and family dynamics.

At its core, it’s about a complicated family dynamic built on duplicity. Tess and Sarah are pitted against each other, creating immediate discomfort and tension. It makes for a fun and unlikely duo as they investigate the murder of MP Rupert Millington and uncover secrets that could shatter their fragile peace. They’re forced to go it alone after Tess’s patronizing boss humiliates her and ignores her sleuthing. After she’s personally called in by a key witness, they begin to look out for themselves. Their dynamic is fraught, but ultimately warm and loving. While their morals may not align, their hearts simply want the best for each other.

Blackhurst encompasses a spectrum of family relationships, showing how it comes in all different forms and means different things to everyone. Found family is a trope I love and it’s presented here in a clever, unexpected way. For Tess and Sarah, family has never been an easy subject and that certainly doesn’t change. Their dialogue is often hilarious and speaks to that shared history and the easy understanding that family can provide. Sarah’s skills are fascinating and the scenes that showcase them are exciting.

It’s not all sunshine and roses though, as there’s plenty of underlying tension between them, with plenty of lies to unravel and secrets to discover. It adds a nice personal touch with the tense dynamic between the siblings adding an extra layer of suspense. This builds nicely on the events of the first book, but also works as a standalone story if, like me, you haven’t picked up the first book yet. It’s that kind of messy human drama that you can’t help but get caught up in. Blackhurst takes it to a different place with the involvement of criminal gangs as an extra family, there’s much more to it than just sibling rivalry. There are power dynamics and legacies to uphold, with plenty to balance on each of their shoulders. They have their expected roles, but they’re perhaps just pushed further by their working together. I liked the references to Tess’ backstory and how it all might fit together. Of course, there’s also just the little fact of murder thrown in for good measure. Blackhurst does a good job of bringing you up to speed, but also makes you want to read the first part to find out the details.

This is a gripping and horrifying mystery from the start. We get a chilling build up and the revelation is absolutely breathtaking. It certainly gives a different take on Bonfire Night and taps more into the darker roots of the night. I was reminded of The Wicker Man in terms of the claustrophobia and paranoia of a small town, the small actions that end in huge grudges and feuds. The pacing is excellent, with great twists and turns. Blackhurst creates plenty of rabbit holes to get lost in as he follows Tess and Sarah. The investigation is fraught and has many unexpected surprises. Blackhurst just builds up in such a great way. You are on the edge of your seat as the final act begins to unfold, with all that tension and suspense exploding brilliantly. Without giving anything away, the ending is stunning and leaves a great cliffhanger for the next book.

Smoke and murders is a smoldering, shocking and sensational mystery. It shines in its complicated interpersonal relationships, small-town atmosphere and tight plot.

Smoke and murders is available from Amazon, Waterstones and other good booksellers, such as your local bookshop.