Smoke and Murders is a perfect autumnal murder mystery—cosy up and let Blackhurst spin a complex web of duplicity, death, and familial dynamics.
At its core, this centres around a knotty family dynamic that is complex and built on duplicity. Tess and Sarah are sat on the opposite sides of the law, creating an instant unease and tension. It makes for a fun and unlikely duo as they investigate the murder of MP Rupert Millington and uncover secrets that may rip their fragile peace apart. They have to strike out on their own after Tess’ patronising boss demeans her and ignores her sleuthing instincts. After she is personally summoned by a key witness, they start looking on their own backs. Their dynamic is a tricky one but ultimately full of warmth and love. Though their morals might not align, their hearts do just wish for the best for each other.
Blackhurst includes a spectrum of familial relationships, showing how it comes in all different forms and means something different to everyone. Found family is a trope I adore and it is presented in a clever, unexpected way here. For Tess and Sarah, family has never been an easy subject and that certainly does not change. Their dialogue is often hilarious and speaks to that shared history and easy understanding that can come from family. Sarah’s skillset is fascinating and the scenes where this comes into play are electrifying.
It is not all sunshine and rainbows as there is plenty of underlying tension between them though, with plenty of lies to unpick and secrets to discover. It adds a nice personal touch with the fraught dynamic between the siblings adding an extra layer of tension. This builds well off the events of the first book but also works as a standalone, if like me you hadn’t yet picked up the first. It is that kind of messy human drama that you can’t help but get tangled up in. Blackhurst takes it to a different place with the involvement of criminal gangs as an additional family, there’s much more tied up in this than just sibling rivalries. There are power dynamics and legacies to uphold, with plenty to balance on each of their shoulders. They have their expected roles, but they may just be pushed beyond these by their collaboration. I enjoyed the references to Tess’ backstory and how this might all fit in. Of course, there’s just the small fact of murder at play as well. Blackhurst does a good job of catching you up to speed but still making you want to read the first one to flesh out the details.
Right from the start, this is a gripping and grisly mystery. We get some spine-tingling build-up and that reveal is nothing short of breath-taking. 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 small-town claustrophobia and paranoia, the little acts that wind up into huge grievances and feuds. The pacing is excellent, with great twists and turns. Blackhurst seeds in plenty of rabbit holes to get lost following Tess and Sarah down. The investigation is fraught and has plenty of unexpected surprises. Blackhurst just builds and builds in such a great way. You are on the edge of your seat as the final act starts to unfold, letting all that tension and suspense explode out in brilliant fashion. Without giving anything away, the ending is jaw-dropping and leaves a great cliffhanger for the next book.
Smoke and Murders is a smouldering, shocking and sensational mystery. It shines in its intricate interpersonal relationships, small-town atmosphere and tight plotting.
Smoke and Murders is available Amazon, Waterstones, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
The follow-up to Three Card Murder and the second book in a gripping new mystery series introducing Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs. 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 Rupert Millington are found inside 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 crimes. They’re confident they have the skills to unmask the true killer. But will this puzzling mystery prove beyond even their talents?
