Puzzling Crimes..
The second outing in the Impossible Crimes Series finds Tess and Sarah in an impossible situation when a series of puzzling crimes takes place. As they are pulled from pillar to post, a killer may be lurking and biding their time waiting to strike yet again. Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery for this well imagined detecting duo from opposite ends of the law, yet the dynamic between the two protagonists is most evident. A pacy plot, an eclectic cast of characters and a true puzzle at its heart.

A tightly woven mystery full of clever twists and sharp humour.

The dynamic between Tess and Sarah is so fun and balanced. Their contrasting yet complementary skills make for a great investigative duo, The mystery itself is satisfying, but the stories truly shine with the characters.

There is a fab locked-room murder that occurs. The pacing is perfect. The climax, featuring a jaw-dropping revelation, leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

With its witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Smoke and Murders is a standout cosy mystery. It's a must-read for fans of the genre, and it certainly leaves you curious about the enigmatic social engineer and the explosive twist at the end. I can't wait to see where Tess and Sarah's adventures lead next!

This is the second book in the series following detective Tess Fox and her con artist sister Sarah and picks up right where we left off in the first book.

Whilst not totally necessary to have read Three Card Murder, I did feel that I would have been a bit confused in the beginning about the relationship between Tess, Sarah and Julia, and what had happened previously. It all gets explained in enough detail eventually but I would recommend reading them in order.

In this new story, a well-respected local councillor is murdered, with his head being found inside a bonfire night effigy of Donald Trump. Tess is keen to start delving into the man’s life to find the killer. The problem is, her co-worker who has now been promoted above her doesn’t want her taking a lead role and outshining him. But of course, that doesn’t stop her and Sarah doing their own investigations.

Meanwhile, the main suspect asks for Tess personally, and her appearance opens up another can of worms for our two main characters!

This is another great detective story - the relationship between Tess and Sarah is so funny and warm - they’re both very clever strong characters and really likeable. The whodunnit storyline is really gripping with lots of unpredictable twists and turns and it’s great seeing the two work things out and getting the better of Tess’s so-called senior in the force.

I had to read the ending twice because it was a big shock and leaves things totally wide open for the next instalment! A brilliant follow-up to the first book and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Full disclosure, after reading the first 30% of this book I found myself skimming through the rest, though I did finish it.

Not realising that this was the second book in a series, and not having read the first, I don’t think it works as a standalone, that too much must have occurred in book one that is relevant to the following books.

I can see that it is well written, with developing characters, and, taking the advice of other reviewers, I will catch up on book one and return to this offering so that I can reread and rewrite this review.

Thank you NetGalley and HQ.

This was a fast-paced and thrilling ride from start to finish with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. Loved the dynamic between the main characters. A good whodunnit

Loved it, so much fun, so clever and I did feel for the whole pick a sister plot. That final twist- OMG!! (In all caps) I did not see that one coming. Cannot wait for the next book.

This is Book Two in the Impossible Crimes Series hitting shelves in September 2024. I read the first instalment, Three Card Murder, last year and was keen to see what our cast of characters were going to get up to in this follow-up!

What worked for me:
● I still really like Tess and Sarah, both as individuals and their dynamic together. Some of their conversations are pretty funny!
● I liked the introduction of Lily as a character - she was a slippery fish but endearing nonetheless
● The opening setting at the bonfire felt very autumnal
● Sarah’s relationship with her found family and the complexities arising from her collaboration with Tess
● The introduction of the social engineering character keeping Sarah on her toes
● It's a fast, entertaining read

What I wasn’t so keen on:
● I wasn’t convinced by either the method of murder, the placement of the body, or the motive of the killer
● The ending
● The story felt flimsy, suffering a bit from middle book syndrome - the murder felt more like a device to strengthen Tess and Sarah’s bond and it didn’t feel as urgent as those of the first book. This story really wants to focus on the family dynamics but the murder plot suffers for it.

I’m sure that the various plotholes and questions will be addressed in the third book; but, I’m not convinced that this needed the be a series or that this book works particularly well on its own. Folks who enjoyed the previous book will take something away from this but to readers new to the series, I would strongly advise reading the first instalment before picking this one up.

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you so much HQ!

The second book about Police officer Tess and her half sister Sarah. The dynamic between the sisters is so satisfying, it's like being friends with them. With plenty of humour amongst the mystery it is so easy to lose yourselves within the story. An enjoyable journey to discover who the murderer is and whether any of the suspects are innocent. With an unexpected twist or two at the end, this is an amazingly written story and I look forward to the next installment of the story as I feel it has plenty of life in it.

Smoke and Murders by J L Blackhurst is book 2 in the Impossible Crime series. It follows on from the first book after Frank Jacobs death. It begins with what looks like an impossible murder, when a detached head is found rolling out of the bonfire which has just been started, one of many in the village that evening. The death of the Rupert Millington causes havoc in the village. In the girls efforts to solve this latest mystery, Sarah has been stabbed and is in a serious condition.
It is another very enjoyable read. There are many twists and turns and of course the gang are always looking for cons and earring extra money.
Highly recommended

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the ARC

I really enjoyed Three Card Novel and jumped at the chance to read the sequel. It didn't disappoint. As the first book, this was fast-paced and thrilling novel. A great whodunnit book!

When MP Robert Millingtons remains are found burnt inside a burning effigy rumours swirl about ‘whodunnit’ and why. Their lead suspect is yet again, close to home and desperate for Tess and Sarah to clear her name. Even if they have to break a few rules to do it. Tess is starting to realise she is more like her family than she initially thought.

With drugged cows, suspicious lights and a few dead bodies. Can the killer be brought to justice before they strike again…?


This series is such good fun, I found the first book when shopping in Sainsbury’s and absolutely loved it. The sequel doesn’t disappoint. A further look into a fractured family dynamic on two sides of the law and a whole lot of murder.

This is an easy, fast-paced thrilling read enlaced with humour. Left on a tantalising cliff-hanger… book 3? Please 🙏🏼😂🎉

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first book ‘Three Card Murder’ I strongly recommend giving this wonderful series a go!

I really enjoyed the first book so jumped at the chance to read the second one early! This did not disappoint! The relationship between Sarah and Tess is so genuine, and their dynamic is brilliant.

I think this book had less of Sarah's other "family" in it than the last, which I thought I would miss, but it worked really well when they were in the story.

The story was well paced with lots of twists and left you guessing whodunnit til the very end. Does end on a cliffhanger that shocked me, so I'm looking forward to the next one!

This is the second book in the series and follows on a few months after the previous book. I love the dynamic between Tess and Sarah, how they live very different lives but still have that sisterly bond. After the ending I'm going to have to read the next one.
This is a cosy murder mystery, it's not the most thrilling and I'd worked out the who but not the why pretty early on but it's enjoyable.

'Smoke And Murders' by J.L. Blackhurst is the second novel in the new mystery series, focused on DS Tessa Fox and her family - who are all con artists. The story takes places approximately eight months after the events of 'Three Card Murder'. I would recommend reading 'Three Card Murder' before reading the sequel as it can be difficult to understand the history between the various characters, and also the conflict between Tessa, Sarah and Julia.
Now, Tessa is continuing to work as a detective sergeant, while Sarah is traveling with Julia and searching for their errant mother. When a dramatic murder occurs in the small town of Lewes, the sisters find themselves drawn back together as they try to find the truth. There are plenty of moments where a 'con' is taking places, or Sarah's special skills are required to aid the investigation. There is also plenty of humour to be had along the way.
'Smoke And Murders' is an entertaining read, with plenty of plot twists to keep you engaged.

3.5 🌟


These books are worth reading just for the complicated family dynamics.
This one really gets complicated.
The banter between Sarah and Tess makes it good fun, and being able to operate on both sides of the law adds an extra element.
Very enjoyable.

Bonfire Night is a big event in Lewes, with a long and proud tradition. But this year, the effigy (Donald Trump, as it happens) isn't just papier mache...

And there are no shortage of locals with reason to harm the deceased.

DS Tess Fox has plenty of other problems to contend with, not least within her extended and estranged family.

Another great adventure!