I was completely satisfied and more in “When the Smoke Clears”. It has an excellent level of high-drama suspense, but when the fear drops out just a little bit, the romance is there to pick up the slack. And don’t expect those moments of “down time” to really last, because just when I would start getting comfortable BAM! something would come out of nowhere to rock the storyworld all over again.
Never once during the six hours I spent reading this book, did I figure out the villain. Oh I had my guesses here and there, but it sure took me by surprise when I found out at the end. I would have liked a little more hint and play that this character could have been the villain, but I still think it was laid out well.
The characters are strong and likeable, the action clear-cut and oh so fast paced. The novel utilizes great dialogue and setting and more than once I felt a chill creep up my spine.
AND to top it all off, the main plot of the story is still left hanging, to be cleared up in book two...or three, only the author knows. But I do know, with the kind of ending I was given, I’m going to be on pins and needles to get book two!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available February 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**
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More about the novel...
As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.
Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.
Friday's Note:
The winner of Ann Shorey's Where Wildflower's Bloom is...
LyndeeH!
I'll be emailing you in just a few minutes!! : D
Hey, I just read about Lynette Eason's book at another friend's blog too. Hmmm...this is probably a sign I need to read it...like right now... :) Thanks for the review, Casey!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it. It's a fast read, quick paced and...I enjoyed it. ;-))
DeleteGreat post. I also posted a brief review on my blog today and just submitted a full review to FaithfulReader.com, which will be posted soon. I really loved this book, too. But I will say I did guess the killer, although I second-guessed myself a few times along the way. :-) Looking forward to book #2 in this series.
ReplyDeleteI kind of guessed too, but it had enough interesting twists that I wasn't completely sure and was still surprised. :) I'm not the quickest with those things anyway. LOL!
DeleteWow -- this novel sounds like it has layer after layer of story to it.
ReplyDeleteIt did! Lynnette knows how to weave a good story. :)
DeleteI am always looking for books to talk to the patrons at the library I serve in North Carolina. When the Smoke Clears will be perfect for me to add to my list. Thanks Casey for posting this novel. We don't have many copies, so even now there is a queue to borrow. I may have to buy my own copy and lend it out!!
ReplyDelete