As someone who read and enjoyed Three Card Murder, I was excited to get back to the characters of Tess and Sarah. The thing that I loved in the first book was the relationship between the two sisters on the opposite sides of the law and it was great seeing their characters grow from the first book through to this second book.

This is also definitely a sequel book, with a lot of the context coming from the first book in the series. I found that I had to keep on refreshing my mind from what happened in the first book to understand what was happening in this book and I'm sure there were a few things I didn't pick up on.

There are a good amount of twists and turns throughout the book, but there are a couple of twists towards the end that weren't so satisfying. But all in all, a great quick read for when you have that murder mystery itch with some interesting characters.

First off, this is a great title – not just clever wordplay but also specifically referencing the opening plot of the book and one of the key ‘impossible’ crimes contained in the novel. Like the ‘Golden Age’ crime novels this series is clearly founded on (referenced more particularly in the first book “Three Card Murder”) there are quite a number of puzzles to figure out. So far, so classic crime, and that keeps me happy!

Where "Smoke and Murders" stumbles a little for me is that there is too little time spent on the murders and too much on the relationships in the book. It is very definitely a continuation of the first book in the series and developing the characters is probably necessary in the overall story arc but the relationships and interactions often didn’t feel entirely genuine to me, particularly when taken in context of the characters’ shared histories (again, contained in the first novel…).

Having said that, "Smoke and Murders" is still an enjoyable modern (bordering on the cosy) crime novel, with its feet firmly planted in the Golden Age. And like the first book in the series, there are plenty of traditional crime novel tropes, and plenty of clues throughout the book which drew me in and made me want to work out the solutions before the characters did. I managed it a couple of times, and that keeps me happy too!

In Smoke and Murders, the second instalment in the series featuring Detective Tess Fox and her con artist sister Sarah, the story picks up seamlessly from Three Card Murder. While prior knowledge of the first book enhances the experience, the author provides sufficient context for new readers to follow the unfolding drama.

The plot centres around the shocking murder of a respected local councillor, discovered with his head placed inside a bonfire night effigy of Donald Trump. Tess is determined to investigate the man's life, but her ambitions clash with her newly promoted co-worker, who is reluctant to let her take the lead. Undeterred, Tess and Sarah embark on their inquiries, only to find themselves entangled in unexpected complications when the main suspect requests Tess's assistance.

This detective story showcases the delightful dynamic between Tess and Sarah, whose witty and warm relationship adds depth to the narrative. The gripping whodunnit is filled with unpredictable twists, making for an engaging read as the sisters navigate the challenges of solving the case and outsmarting Tess's overbearing superior.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

Smoke and Murders is the second book in the Impossible Crimes series, the first book being Three Card Murder which I rated 3 stars.
I loved Tess and Sarah's characters and their sister-ly interactions just as much as book #1, I'd describe this book as funny and clever. However there is a lot more family drama in this book, which I think took away time from the mystery and the ending felt a bit rushed to me.
There was a shocking cliff-hanger at the end of the first book, and this book also has one in the epilogue that was jaw-dropping.
I mentioned in my review of Three Card Murder that I wasn't sure if I would continue with the series, but I'm still glad I've read the second book, even if I got a little lost at the ending.
2.5 (rounded up to 3)

Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and J.L. Blackhurst for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.

Review posted to Goodreads, The StoryGraph and Amazon.

The first book in th series is great and this is a great addition to the series.

In A Burning Secret, J.L. Blackhurst delivers a clever and entertaining mystery that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister, Sarah Jacobs, make for an engaging duo as they navigate the chaotic aftermath of a local event gone tragically wrong. When the charred body of MP Rupert Millington is discovered in a burning effigy, the festive atmosphere of the Lewes Bonfire Society quickly turns sinister.

Blackhurst expertly intertwines humor and suspense, crafting a narrative that is both gripping and fun. The initial intrigue surrounding Millington's death is enhanced by the multitude of rumors swirling in the community, and the plot thickens when a second murder occurs under seemingly impossible circumstances. The locked-room scenario heightens the tension, making it clear that time is of the essence for Tess and Sarah as they race against a cunning killer.

The relationship between the two sisters adds a delightful layer to the story. Their contrasting personalities—Tess’s methodical detective work versus Sarah’s resourceful cunning—create a dynamic that is both entertaining and heartwarming. As they dig deeper into the mystery, their banter and camaraderie provide levity amid the darker themes.

Blackhurst’s writing shines with clever twists and turns that leave you breathless. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another revelation turns the entire narrative on its head. Blackhursts ability to weave intricate puzzles into the story is commendable, making A Burning Secret a true puzzle box of a mystery.

Overall, this novel is a fantastic blend of wit, suspense, and engaging characters. J.L. Blackhurst proves once again that she is a master of the genre, crafting a story that is as enjoyable as it is unpredictable. Fans of cozy mysteries and crime thrillers alike will find A Burning Secret to be an absolute delight. Don’t miss this rollercoaster of a read!

The Lewes Bonfire event is huge every year but certain people, including Councillor Rupert Millington, want it cancelled, he is up against some stiff opposition and is ruffling many feathers so when the burnt remains of the councillor are discovered inside a burning effigy the town are shocked, but not surprised as he wasn't a very likeable person but who is responsible? Detective Tess Fox and her sister, con artist Sarah Jacobs are certain they can crack the case, but things may not be quite that straightforward for them.

Smoke and Murders is the second in this series and starts off where Three Card Murder ended so, if you're new to this series, it's best to start off with book one first so you can I understand the context of the stories and the background of the characters. This is another locked room mystery, full of twists and turns, as before, and I loved seeing the growing bond between the two sisters, with the addition of Lily, their mum, who was quite a character. It's an intriguing storyline with some rather dubious characters and kept me second guessing throughout who could be responsible, another great read with another great cliffhanger which has left me looking forward to book three!

I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

So, so clever. Absolutely loved the characters in this book. This is the second in the series and I would advise anyone to read that first to get a total overview of who every character is and how they link together. I can’t wait till the next one.

When I saw that JL Blackhurst had written a second novel in this series I couldn’t wait to read it. It was as well written and fast paced as the first. A really great read with a fantastic plot. The interactions between the sisters was so realistic and made for a brilliant read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

OK, this is going to be a bit tricky to review, and I feel a little bad about it. That’s because I recently gave up on reading a new release that will remain nameless because it read more like a soap opera than a mystery. And there’s more than a whiff of soap opera here too, but while the first book was like the grim family shenanigans of Eastenders, this was more like the fireworks of Dallas or Dynasty.
It’s the follow-up to Three Card Murder, and if you’re going to read this, then you really should read that first, as it necessarily does spoil quite a bit of the first one. There’s a lot of continuity in Tess and Sarah’s stories from that one – and it’s not a spoiler to say that things don’t end here – and it invests the reader more if they have read that one.
In fact, I think a reader picking this up cold just for the “impossible crime” tag might come away disappointed. The murder plot is about one half of the book, and both impossibilities aren’t desperately hard to work out – although to be fair, the sleuths don’t take too long either. Something about the second one just screamed at me once it was mentioned, despite the author’s efforts to make it seem unimportant.
It does seem that Tess and Sarah’s story has become more important than the murder mystery itself, so it’s a good thing that it twists and turns all over the place. I’m still a little confused over the motivation of one character – and, indeed, Sarah’s willingness to trust them given what they had done in the past – but I presume that this will be picked up on in the future. It did make that character’s arc oddly paced, as they basically vanish halfway through, but I’m sure there is more to come.
All in all, a very enjoyable read, but best read a) if you read Three Card Murder first and b) if you commit to reading the rest of the series, however long it may last. I’m committed, just in case you were wondering…

"Smoke and Murders" by J.L. Blackhurst is a gripping and atmospheric mystery that masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and complex characters in a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Blackhurst’s writing is sharp and evocative, creating a dark and immersive world where secrets are hidden in the shadows and danger lurks around every corner.

The novel centers around a protagonist who is either a detective, a journalist, or perhaps an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. As they delve into a series of mysterious murders, they uncover a web of deception, lies, and hidden motives that lead them deeper into a world of smoke and mirrors. Each twist and turn reveals new layers of complexity, making it difficult to discern who can be trusted and who might be hiding deadly secrets.

Blackhurst excels at building tension, with a plot that is both tightly woven and full of surprises. The characters are well-developed, each with their own backstories and secrets that add depth to the narrative. The setting, whether it’s a small town with a dark past or a bustling city with hidden undercurrents, is vividly described, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of the story.

"Smoke and Murders" is perfect for fans of crime thrillers and mystery novels who enjoy a story that challenges them to piece together clues alongside the protagonist. J.L. Blackhurst has crafted a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, with a pace that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery filled with suspense, well-drawn characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Smoke and Murders (2024) by J. K. Blackhurst

Today I am reviewing the second book in The Impossible Crimes series, which is being released on the 12th September. I really enjoyed Blackhurst’s first book, Three Card Murder (2023) and the series is centred on a crime solving sister duo. One of the sisters, Tess Fox, is a police officer, whilst the other, Sarah Jacobs, is a con artist who is really into tricks and illusions. Due to being on different sides of the law, among other things, the pair have a prickly but very engaging relationship to read about. After years of not speaking to each other, they come together again in the first book, which contains a murder case with many personal implications for the two of them and the same can be said for this second story. The cases they become embroiled in have locked room/impossible crime components. Coming to this second novel, I was keen to see how the series developed and sustained itself and to spoil my final rating, I think the author does a fantastic job at doing this.

Synopsis

‘Members of the Lewes Bonfire Society would say afterwards that the event would have been a huge success that year, if it hadn’t been for the dead body… When the charred remains of MP Rupert Millington are found inside a burning effigy, no one knows how they got there, but there are plenty of rumours about whodunnit. The lead suspect wants Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs to help clear her name. She says she's being framed, but surely there is no smoke without fire. The heat is on when a second victim is killed in a locked room while Tess and Sarah are in the building. Can the duo solve this puzzling mystery and find the real killer before they strike again?’

Overall Thoughts

This mystery begins on bonfire night, an evening which provides good opportunities for crime and violence. However, it is not an occasion which has been overused in crime fiction. Some other examples I have come across are The Case of the Bonfire Body (1936) by Christopher Bush, Murder in the Mews (1937) by Agatha Christie, Blood and Judgement (1959) by Michael Gilbert, The Progress of a Crime (1960) by Julian Symons and The Sussex Murder (2019) by Ian Sansom. Fireworks are great for covering the noise of a gunshot and bonfires can be used to conceal bodies and burn up the evidence. It is the latter option which this book goes for, and I think the writer utilises it effectively. The first line really grabs your attention:

‘Members of the Lewes Bonfire Council would say afterwards that the event would have been a huge success that year, if it hadn't been for the dead body.’

I like the understated tone this line adopts.

Bonfire night seems to be taken a lot more seriously in Lewes, in fiction and in real life. A quick Google revealed that Lewes’ oldest bonfire society was established in 1853, and it has at least 7 bonfire societies operating today. These societies organise marches and processions with effigies and even burning tar barrels are thrown into the river. This is a night of thrills and potential injury in the chaos and Blackhurst captures this well. In many bonfire mysteries the victim is just concealed at the bottom of the bonfire, but I liked the variation in this novel in which the victim is hidden within one of the effigies being burnt. This creates a dramatic reveal, and it also creates more of a closed circle of suspects.

The first victim is a local councillor called Rupert Millington, who was trying to get the bonfire night processions cancelled. He is threatened by Mrs Donovan, who is a key figure in one of the local bonfire societies and she unsurprisingly becomes a prime suspect, when he is later found dead. That said other motives soon spring up for bumping off Millington. The introduction of Mrs Donovan is important as it immediately raises the stakes for Tess and Sarah.

I am trying not to say too much about the plot and the personal details regarding the two sisters as they are intertwined with the central mystery plot, but I value how the author makes the personal lives of her protagonists intrinsic in this way. Furthermore, I like how Blackhurst avoids this aspect of the series becoming repetitive or predictable.

In addition, the events of the first book have a significant impact on the second and the characters have to try and resolve the consequences. This is another facet of the narrative which is handled well. One thing which results from this is that the story is more focused on the characters and their developing backstories and at times the reader can lose sight of the Millington murder case. Nevertheless, this has no adverse effect on the pacing, and I think the author aids you in investing in the protagonists. You care what happens to them.

I don’t think the reader will figure everything out ahead of time, but you can keep apace with the characters in some respects. I had my eye on the killer, but for a lazy intuitive reason. I was also pleased that I found my inner-Jonathan Creek and worked out one part of the mechanism of the second murder. That said I don’t feel the “how” of this murder was much of a challenge for Sarah who (due to her interest in illusions) has the role in this series of solving how the impossible/locked room crimes are committed. She rather unfurls it as a fait accompli, and I am not sure the reader has much opportunity for armchair sleuthing.

However, this has not dampened my enthusiasm for the series, and I am really excited to read the next book (there better be a third one!). I recommend reading this book with a pillow beneath your jaw, as it is going to drop hard when you read the final four lines of the story. It has been quite a while since I have read a mystery with such a high impact denouement. So all in all this is a mystery I strongly and warmly advise you read, although to get the best experience from it, reading the first book is a good idea.

Rating: 4.75/5
Source: Review Copy (Harper Collins via Netgalley)

We are back with the two sisters Tess (police officer) and Sarah (con artist) from the previous book. I don't think you will get much out of this book if you don't read the previous book first. There are so many references which you won't understand otherwise.

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, even though a lot of it was far fetched, I found this one a little harder to get into. I also found it too incredible how much time Sarah spent with her sister Tess whilst she was investigating an official police matter. There was the humour which was good and the banter between the sisters was also great fun. Some of the other characters read like they were caricatures and I got Midsomer Murder vibes more than once.

It was quite the tangled web that was woven between the characters in the village and more than once I got confused who was who, but then that seemed to be the order of the day with this story. It was this that made me decide whilst reading this book that I would not read a follow on, if there was to be one. Then I got to the last page and that all changed. What a cliff hanger is all I am going to say... I need book 3!

The Impossible Crime Series. Book 2

Members of the Lewes Bonfire Society would say afterward that the event would have been a huge success that year if it hadn't been for the dead body. When the charred remains of Rupert Millington are found in a burning effigy, no one knows how they got there, but there are plenty of rumours about whodunnit. Detective Tess Fox and her con artist sister Sarah Jacobs have a knack for solving impossible crime. They're confident they have the skills to unmask the true killer. But will this puzzling mystery prove beyond even their talents?

This book picks up where the first book, Three Card Murder, ended. There are some descriptions of what happened in the first book. Tess was desperate to investigate how Councillor Rupert Millington's head had ended up in an effigy of Donald Trump. Tess didn't get the DI's job, so she is given minimalist tasks to do by her new boss. This is a cleverly written locked-room mystery. Who would have thought a con artist and a detective would work well together, even though they are half-sisters? I also like Lily, what a character and a bit of a slippery fish she was. I'm looking forward to seeing how events unfold in the next book.

Published 12th September 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQstories and the author #JLBlackhurst for my ARC of #SmokeAndMurders in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in a new mystery series introducing Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs. I love locked room mysteries and this was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. This book had me hooked right from the beginning! The story was consistent, the characters grew on me and I can’t wait for the next instalment! Would definitely recommend!!!

Rating: 3.8/5

This is the second book in the series featuring formerly estranged half-sisters, Tess and Sarah, who make their respective livings on opposing sides of the law: Tess works for the police as a DS, while Sarah is an accomplished con artist. The story in "Smoke and Murders" picks up much where it left off in book one, "Three Card Murder" and, as such, this really doesn't work as a standalone.

When compared with "Three Card Murder", this sequel concentrates far more on the relationship between the two half-sisters (plus the introduction of some other familial elements), which pleased me, because this was a really positive aspect of book one. Another positive feature is the handling of the police sections this time around, which aren't as procedurally dull as they had a tendency to be in the first book.

Against these clear positives this follow-up does have a couple of potential downsides though. Firstly, as I have mentioned, any readers coming directly to this without having previously read "Three Card Murder" will find themselves at a disadvantage, as you really need some awareness of the background story. Secondly, the murder mystery element in "Smoke and Murders" is not as engaging as it was in the previous novel. That isn't to say that it is poor, by any means, because that isn't the case - but it does suffer a little from playing second fiddle to the increased focus on the relationship between Tess and Sarah.

As with "Three Card Murder", there are some elements of the plot development that stretch credulity a touch, but as I do enjoy Jenny Blackhurst's writing style and storytelling abilities, I was more than willing to grant her the necessary leeway. I won't divulge any spoilers that may impair your enjoyment, but suffice to say, that the author does leave the door very much open to a further book in this series - and I have no doubt that I will be back to read it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

DS Tess Fox and her con artist sister are investigating an impossible crime, where the remains of a local councillor are found inside a burning effigy at the annual bonfire event. Soon more impossible crimes come to light. Will the sisters be able to use their skills to understand this mystery?

This is the second book in this series following on from Three Card Murder, which I really enjoyed. This was another excellent addition to the series! Although this can be read as a standalone, it is probably best to read the first one prior, to get an understanding of the characters and their relationships. The storyline is full of puzzling mystery, humour and fun. What I really love about this series, however, are the characters. I especially love the relationship between Tess and sister Sarah, enjoying their easy banter and amusing situations they get involved in.

This one took a bit longer for me to get into than the first but by the half way point I was hooked and stayed up way too late to carry on reading. There were a few twists a long the way and the cliff hanger ending has left me desperate to read the next one in the series! I hope it doesn’t take too long to arrive. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

This is the second book in the series featuring Detective Tess Fox and her con artist Sarah.
This novel follows on from the first, Three Card Murder. When MP Rupert Millington’s remains are found inside a burning Donald Trump effigy on Bonfire night, more than a few of the local inhabitants had a reason to commit the crime. Amusing and enjoyable this twisty, cosy murder and locked room mystery will keep you entertained until the conclusion. It’s a well-paced and fun who dunnit that leaves plenty of room for a third installment.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

I couldn't wait for this sequel having loved the first one and loved the two main characters or half sisters - Tess and Sarah. Sarah is a grifter or con artist whose "long lost mother is a suspect in a murder" and newly found half-sister "a psychopath". Whereas Tess is a police officer whose "chances of a future on the force were getting slimmer with each new family member accused of murder". Unusually both are equally strong and likeable characters and together they are even more brilliant. Once again the impossible crime and whodunnit storyline is a satisfying backdrop to the family drama and banter. And for that reason my only slight criticism is that I wanted more of Sarah - I wanted to see her succeed at 'work' and in love. With the book ending on a bit of a cliff hanger and promise of another I can't wait to see what happens next.

This is the second book in the series - I loved the first and this on certainly does not disappoint! It can be read as a stand alone but it helps to have some background of the family dynamics! I’m not giving anything away!!!!!

Yet again the sisters are at it! On both sides of the law, can they manage to work together and solve the crime?

This book had me caught hook, line and sinker… I throughly enjoyed the new characters, dynamics and story.

Smoke and Murders by J L Blackhurst. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A massive thank you to @netgalley and @hqstories for the chance to read and review the 2nd instalment in #TheImpossibleCrimes series.

What a great read, I won’t say too much for fear of spoiling the first book but I love the dynamic between the Detective and Con-artist Sisters. This novel picks up right where we left off as you continue to explore and navigate the two girls and their lives BUT with another great murder mystery to solve.

Well worth a read and if you haven’t read #threecardmurder yet, there’s time before #SmokeandMurders comes out on 12th September.