This is a prequel short story about a character that appears in a Jodi Picoult novel, Leaving Time, Serenity, set about 10/15 years prior.

I am going to round this up to three stars, but that’s because I’m feeling generous. It is a tad short with all it has going on, but I wonder if this is something you need to read/listen after Leaving Time, as there were elements of the characters and her gifts that I do wish we had a deeper dive on. Same with the two situations that Serenity has to tackle.

I didn’t know this audiobook had a soundscape (shower running, glass shattering, etc), and I’m not convinced these added anything to the story.

I am going to read more Jodi Picoult this year (Nineteen Minutes & maybe Small Great Things [when I feel brave as this is going be heavy, I suspect]), but am I going to try Leaving Time? Not sure, but we shall see…

I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed with this short story. I am surprised that it was written by Jodi Picoult as it didn't seem her style of writing. The sound effects did nothing for me and the knocking actually made me jump at one point.
This is apparently a prequel to the author's next book which I will in fact look out for because it's maybe that I just don't like short stories.

Narrated by Amy Finegan
Presented by Bolinda Audio

Definitely too short, but apparently there's a novel coming soon featuring this character so that would make more sense.

I enjoyed this, but it definitely ended too soon. The focus here is on the consequences of actions, and there's definitely enough to the story that a full length novel could be had from it. Serenity is a psychic, and I liked how it was done. I'd be curious to know more about this character, though admittedly she wasn't particularly likeable.

The narrator did a great job of the characters, though the 'immersive experience' sound effects were hit and miss. Some really added to the listening experience but others - for example, the contrived sound of footsteps - seemed more gimmicky than anything. Still, it was an easy listen and the sound effects gave it something a little different.

Overall, I did enjoy this listen though it wasn't particularly memorable. An easy way to spend an hour or so, though I'd be interested in the follow up novel to add more to this short story.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

I’m a big Jodi Pocoult fan, and I haven’t read a single book of hers that I don’t like. Given the opportunity to listen to this as an audiobook ARC, I jumped!

The story is a good length, and was well written. The narrator was also pretty good. This, from what I can tell, is a prequel to an already-released book, which I plan on hunting out now I’ve finished this one.

Yet again, Jodi has an amazing ability to surround the reader/listener. I especially enjoyed being able to lie back, close my eyes and listen as the words created images in my mind.

In comparison to Jodi’s other books, it’s by no means her best (in my opinion!), but is still up there as a good read!

Where There's Smoke by Jodi Picoult and narrated by Amy Finegan was a great quick listen to. I really enjoyed this audiobook. The only problem with it I want more and I love all of Jodi's books, she is a great Storyteller and all her books have been a 5 star read.

Big thank you NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for my ARC.

A fantastic quick read. Only problem now is I want more!!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook in return for a fair and honest review

A short story about Serenity Jones from a previous novel, Leaving Time, and how she used her psychic gift. After meeting a young war widow, Serenity finds the lost soldier however this appears to be the first step in her life being thrown in to chaos.

It was an interesting idea and I enjoyed the extra effects to try and immerse the listener but overall I was left feeling like something was missing. I felt like the narrator really worked for the characters and added to the listening experience.
I am really happy and grateful to have received this short story to give my thoughts, thank you NetGalley and Bolinda Audio

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

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I want to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book. I'm a huge fan of Jodi Picoult so I was excited to listen to this one.

It's been quite a few years since I read Leaving Time so my memory is a little foggy, if anything this short story made me want to read it again.

From what I do remember of Leaving Time, Serenity Jones was an interesting character and I did want to know more about her. This short story tells us how she came to be and her rise to fame.

It was entertaining, enjoyable and tense. I wish it hadn't ended so quickly but that defeats the point of a short story.

I was blown away by this audiobook. The background sounds and enhancements really brought the whole story to life. It’s quite a dark book, about ghosts and spirits. It’s really freaky when the background noises start as it feels like you’re right there in the spirit vision.
Loved this book.

I don't know why Bolinda made an audio-book of this 2014 prequel full length novel in 2025. While it was well read (I listened to the audiobook) and well written it had some things that felt weird in 2025. Serenity the psychic has two spirit guides. we are told that one is black and one is gay. This has absolutely no bearing on the plot and never comes up again. It's odd.
The story itself is sweet and piqued my interest enough that I may well read (listen to) the full length novel.

Thanks to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley, who provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A super quick short story which is engaging & entertaining.

Makes me want to go back & read all Jodi's early stuff again.

Before listening to this short story, written by Jodi Picoult, I re-read Leaving Time; to reacquaint myself with Serenity Jones.

Serenity is a medium, who at one point, had achieved a cult celebrity status. Until a very public incident, changed her life. Where There’s Smoke gives the reader insight into that situation. Senator John McCoy, and his wife Jenny’s son, has been kidnapped. After an excruciating week long wait, they accept Serenity’s offer of help.

This is a very short story, approximately an hour. I personally enjoy a longer read/listen, but this felt like an extension, rather than a standalone book. It helped to fill out the details of Serenity’s life, prior to Leaving Time. The narration by Amy Finegan is good, each of the voices are distinct and expressive.

I would recommend reading Leaving Time, before Where There’s Smoke, to help give context. I felt it ended quite abruptly, I think I needed a little more. Maybe learning more of her transition to the Serenity we meet in the later book.

This was an engaging and thought-provoking listen. At just over an hour long, this audiobook is a quick yet immersive experience. Jodi Picoult’s storytelling draws you in from the very first chapter, blending mystery, drama, and supernatural elements in a compelling way. The narrator does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, making it even more engaging.

While the story is intriguing, some parts felt a bit rushed. Still, it’s a captivating audiobook. If you enjoy short, gripping stories with a mix of drama and supernatural this one is worth a go!

An intriguing short story that serves as an easy accompaniment to a run or drive showcases the storytelling skills of Picoult.

*Where There's Smoke* by Jodi Picoult is a captivating short story that introduces Serenity Jones, a psychic medium grappling with the pressures of fame and the ethical dilemmas of her profession. As Serenity's TV show faces controversy after a guest appearance goes awry, Picoult masterfully explores themes of pride, vulnerability, and redemption. The narrative is rich with emotional depth and sharp insights into human nature, showcasing Picoult's talent for creating complex, relatable characters. Though brief, this story leaves a lasting impression, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the challenges of balancing personal integrity with public expectations. A compelling read!

I have to say I enjoy almost anything written by Jodi Picoult and this was no different! Serenity is quite a character and, perhaps, deserves some of what happens to her in this story. When I requested it, I didn't realise it wasn't a full novel, but I think the story was still entertaining and I was immersed throughout. I'd love to hear more stories of dead people with messages to send home. This is very 'Ghost' movie-like and was a satisfying listen.

Where There’s Smoke is a short story by popular American author, Jodi Picoult. The audio version is narrated by Amy Finegan. Serenity Jones is a genuine psychic with her own TV show. She’s been psychic all her life, something her mother recognised from her own great-grandma, an Iroquois healer. Serenity has two spirit guides: Lucinda, a refined, elderly African- American woman; and Desmond, a fierce, feisty gay man. When a war widow whose husband died in Iraq comes on the show wanting to contact him, his message for his wife is not what she was hoping for. And when the reaction this elicits is not to his satisfaction, Serenity becomes the subject of his ire. Serenity Jones is a fascinating and rather fiery woman who is a pivotal character in Picoult’s twenty-first novel, Leaving Time. An excellent taster.

This is a short story by Jodi Picoult about a psychic who tries to help solve a crime. It’s pretty entertaining but I don’t think it could be any longer than it is.

Quick short story by a master storyteller. Serenity has special powers, or does she? She turned her ability to talk with spirits into a television show. The story has spirit guides, poltergeist, lonely partners - it has it all and puts a lot into a short amount of space.

I listened to this on audiobook - the narrator was easy to listen to and there were even a handful of sound effects.

I recommend taking a few minutes to read this story by Jodi Picoult.

I was given this by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own,

Extremely entertaining short story. The narrator does a great job and is easy on the ear! I loved the concept and fast pace. Great piece of writing by Jodi as ever. I would love her to expand this idea and the main character into a full book. Enjoy!