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Smoke Screen
Lauren, Ryan, and Simone meet again after the tragedy that brought them all together ten years ago. A serial killer is on the loose in Detroit, murdering men and leaving her mark, and each of these women has a motive to kill. Simone, a sexual abuse survivor and advocate for young girls, has begun to heal her wounds over the past ten years, but she is still trying to reclaim her life. Her mother, Jessica, thinks it's unhealthy for Simone to immerse herself into a world of pain and jaded love when she has yet to fully heal herself. A new, unexpected love interest only complicates things further. Ryan is willing to do whatever it takes to become a mother, even if it means betrayal. With her biological clock screaming and a shameful ten-year secret bubbling to the surface, Ryan is determined to get what she wants, but she may lose her husband-and her mind-in the process. Lauren, one of Detroit's most prominent defense attorneys, redefines justice and seeks a way out of the career that has left her feeling trapped and torn. She can't set her moral standards aside for a $400,000 salary, winning acquittal after acquittal for the demonstratively guilty. But how far will she go to rid Detroit of its criminal filth? As Lauren, Ryan, and Simone's lives collide yet again, forcing them to deal with the tragedies of their pasts, the three women regretfully learn that no one is safe behind the thin shield of a Smoke Screen.
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2011
10 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 25, 2018
Simone, Lauren and Ryan are all trying to heal from the same tragedy that impacted their lives a decade ago. The challenges to heal was so intriguing. I couldn't put the book down. And the serial killing was quite a surprise. Also bringing Rain in this book from the first book was a delightful surprise. I would read this again....
September 6, 2011
Smoke Screen is part of a psychological thriller series by Monique D. Mensah. Simone, Lauren and Ryan are all trying to heal from the same tragedy that impacted their lives a decade ago. As they make efforts to heal from the past they all face challenges that could ruin the lives that they have managed to build. In the meantime, there’s a lady serial killer roaming around Detroit that has everyone on edge.
Ms. Mensah keep readers guessing as she lay out the stories of her three main characters. The author cleverly give readers nuggets of information to prove that each of the three women have a motive to kill. And just when readers think they’ve figured out which one is the serial killer, she gives the reader enough reason to doubt themselves! Ms. Mensah also introduces you to the “Man Eater”, a very sexually charged serial killer that entices men to the bedroom and then leaves them for dead. I enjoyed reading the chapters about the “Man Eater” the most because the character was so precise and calculating. I couldn’t wait to see how the “Man Eater” would woo her next prey.
The author gives just enough background information on the main characters so the reader doesn’t feel lost if they haven’t read her previous books, Who Is He to You and Inside Rain. Because Smoke Screen is so well written, it will make readers want to pick up the previous titles for pure enjoyment. Ms. Mensah’s writing style is so intriguing and thorough you can literarily see the story play out as if you were watching a movie. Smoke Screen was a very entertaining and suspenseful read and I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. Although Ms. Mensah only has three published books under her belt, you would never know it. Monique D. Mensah’s writing skills is a prime example that it’s not about the amount of books published that proves you to be a seasoned author; it’s about having the ability to craft a well written story that stands alone and cannot be compared to anyone else’s work.
TaNisha Webb
KC Girlfriends Book Club President & Reviewer
Urban Literary Review Magazine Chief Copy Editor & Reviewer
Ms. Mensah keep readers guessing as she lay out the stories of her three main characters. The author cleverly give readers nuggets of information to prove that each of the three women have a motive to kill. And just when readers think they’ve figured out which one is the serial killer, she gives the reader enough reason to doubt themselves! Ms. Mensah also introduces you to the “Man Eater”, a very sexually charged serial killer that entices men to the bedroom and then leaves them for dead. I enjoyed reading the chapters about the “Man Eater” the most because the character was so precise and calculating. I couldn’t wait to see how the “Man Eater” would woo her next prey.
The author gives just enough background information on the main characters so the reader doesn’t feel lost if they haven’t read her previous books, Who Is He to You and Inside Rain. Because Smoke Screen is so well written, it will make readers want to pick up the previous titles for pure enjoyment. Ms. Mensah’s writing style is so intriguing and thorough you can literarily see the story play out as if you were watching a movie. Smoke Screen was a very entertaining and suspenseful read and I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. Although Ms. Mensah only has three published books under her belt, you would never know it. Monique D. Mensah’s writing skills is a prime example that it’s not about the amount of books published that proves you to be a seasoned author; it’s about having the ability to craft a well written story that stands alone and cannot be compared to anyone else’s work.
TaNisha Webb
KC Girlfriends Book Club President & Reviewer
Urban Literary Review Magazine Chief Copy Editor & Reviewer
February 11, 2012
Throughout the whole book, I kept going back and forth between the characters trying to figure out who was the mystery serial killer. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the ending as well. I hope to read more from this author as I enjoyed the whole "Malignant Minds Series". A definite recommendation!
April 26, 2022
Woo child. This was an emotional rollercoaster. I was all over the place and some of the things bothered my soul because that's how real these characters felt. At one point, I cried and had to shake myself off and come back to the story in a day or two. The ending: explosive. I wasn't ready! This book was so good!
January 5, 2012
A captivating read from beginning to ends. Ms. Mensah didn't disappoint and I can't wait to read what she has next. Highly recommend reading Who Is He To You and Inside Rain before reading this installment.
September 19, 2020
I struggled with what to rate this book. I really like this author and the editor did a good job with this one. I really enjoyed returning to the characters from Mensah's first novel.
The problem for me was that it felt wrong at times. I work with sexually abused children/teens. The way things were going with clients was so unethical and gross that it gave away the plot for me. I wanted to scream at the author for portraying it that way. I get that it was for a different purpose, which is revealed at the end but it still bothered me a lot.
I gave the book three stars because I really enjoyed the last chapter and "Rain" from her second novel showing up.
The problem for me was that it felt wrong at times. I work with sexually abused children/teens. The way things were going with clients was so unethical and gross that it gave away the plot for me. I wanted to scream at the author for portraying it that way. I get that it was for a different purpose, which is revealed at the end but it still bothered me a lot.
I gave the book three stars because I really enjoyed the last chapter and "Rain" from her second novel showing up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
Love this book!
Great book. I've read it two times! I love a boom that makes me feel like I'm watching a movie.
Great book. I've read it two times! I love a boom that makes me feel like I'm watching a movie.
June 15, 2023
OH HELL YEAAASSSS!!!! Another fantastic page turner by Monique Mensah!!!
October 5, 2012
Who Will Be Left Standing When The Smoke Clears?
It's ten years later, and we catch up with the ladies from "Who Is He To You." Simone is counseling young abused girls. Jessica is living off her daughter's bad situation. Lauren is still a brilliant defense lawyer, but she is having internal struggle with herself about right and wrong. Ryan is now married and the only thing she wants is a baby. As we are reacquainted with the ladies, there is a female serial killer on the loose. Men are not safe, as the Man Eater (as dubbed by the media) is killing men and leaving her calling card.
Ms. Mensah does a great job weaving the storyline. I was kept on my toes as I tried to figure out who the Man Eater was. I am not ashamed to admit as she flipped the clues, I was clueless. Jessica had me speaking out-loud to her, but she did show a human side. Simone was my favorite; she is a survivor in every sense of the word. Ryan's antics kept me cracking up, as she’s still a feisty one. Lauren's self conflicts had me questioning how I would have handled situations.
Having read three of this author’s novels, I still commend her on shedding light on the mental health field. This is a subject we need more of in AA literacy. I enjoyed this novel and will continue to read her books. My only drawback was the connection between "Inside Rain" and "Smoke Screen" I needed more. I wasn't impressed with the bridge between the books. With that being said, I recommend this authors works previous and current. Just read the previous ones first!
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc
4 star rating
Oct 5th 2012
It's ten years later, and we catch up with the ladies from "Who Is He To You." Simone is counseling young abused girls. Jessica is living off her daughter's bad situation. Lauren is still a brilliant defense lawyer, but she is having internal struggle with herself about right and wrong. Ryan is now married and the only thing she wants is a baby. As we are reacquainted with the ladies, there is a female serial killer on the loose. Men are not safe, as the Man Eater (as dubbed by the media) is killing men and leaving her calling card.
Ms. Mensah does a great job weaving the storyline. I was kept on my toes as I tried to figure out who the Man Eater was. I am not ashamed to admit as she flipped the clues, I was clueless. Jessica had me speaking out-loud to her, but she did show a human side. Simone was my favorite; she is a survivor in every sense of the word. Ryan's antics kept me cracking up, as she’s still a feisty one. Lauren's self conflicts had me questioning how I would have handled situations.
Having read three of this author’s novels, I still commend her on shedding light on the mental health field. This is a subject we need more of in AA literacy. I enjoyed this novel and will continue to read her books. My only drawback was the connection between "Inside Rain" and "Smoke Screen" I needed more. I wasn't impressed with the bridge between the books. With that being said, I recommend this authors works previous and current. Just read the previous ones first!
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc
4 star rating
Oct 5th 2012
September 25, 2011
Mensah's third book, titled Smoke Screen, brings us up to date with the current status of Simone, her main character from her first book Who is he to you. Simone is all grown up now. Despite of the sexual abuse she endured as a child, she has made some efforts to put her past behind her. Running a nonprofit organization for sexually abused girls, she ensures that the young ladies receive what they need to heal properly from what they all had unfortunately endured. There is one young lady by the name of Payton who recently started receiving services with Simone's agency. Although Simone loves all of the young ladies equally, there's something special about Payton she can't seem to put her finger on.
Jessica, mother of Simone, makes it her business to bond with her daughter with the remaining time she has left over from filming her new reality show. Jessica is on a mission to help her daughter find a good man. Finding a good was the furthest thing from Simone's mind. That was until she met Lawrence.
Other characters from Mensah's first book have resurface as well. Ryan has moved on with her life and has gotten married. Lauren, her best friend is doing great as a Defense Attorney partner for one of the most prestigious firms in Detroit. Together they share a secret that has the power to strengthen or destroy a marriage. Meanwhile, there is a major problem occurring in Detroit. Men keep coming up dead and Detroit's finest is having a challenge trying to figure out who this "Man Eater" is. The ending to Mensah's latest book is wild!
Jessica, mother of Simone, makes it her business to bond with her daughter with the remaining time she has left over from filming her new reality show. Jessica is on a mission to help her daughter find a good man. Finding a good was the furthest thing from Simone's mind. That was until she met Lawrence.
Other characters from Mensah's first book have resurface as well. Ryan has moved on with her life and has gotten married. Lauren, her best friend is doing great as a Defense Attorney partner for one of the most prestigious firms in Detroit. Together they share a secret that has the power to strengthen or destroy a marriage. Meanwhile, there is a major problem occurring in Detroit. Men keep coming up dead and Detroit's finest is having a challenge trying to figure out who this "Man Eater" is. The ending to Mensah's latest book is wild!
April 12, 2012
With Smoke Screen by Monique D, Mensah, I'm on the fence with this one. While I have enjoyed her previous works, this one has left me feeling ... disconnected as the story dragged. I know her style is on another level designed to make you think before the big bang/reveal, but this time around, I didn't get that style of storytelling. I knew from the first page who the Man Eater was based on what she said after the kill. Jessica's story line seemed tossed in. Lauren read like a totally different person than she was in Who is He to You. Ryan was the same dysfunctional person with new and old dilemmas plaguing her demented soul. Simone was still being visited by her father although deceased while trying to help others who were going through what she had endured as a child.
Normally, I can knock out a book by this author in two days, this time around it took me two weeks to finish unfortunately. Which is the only reason I gave three stars because usually I can't turn the pages fast enough. What I did enjoy about this book was the topic of mental health, it's seriousness and the fact that I got to see what was going on in the ladies lives ten years later which offered a lot of surprises.
I look forward to future projects from Monique D. Mensah for she is a phenomenal writer that isn't afraid to tackle deep-thought provoking subject matters.
Normally, I can knock out a book by this author in two days, this time around it took me two weeks to finish unfortunately. Which is the only reason I gave three stars because usually I can't turn the pages fast enough. What I did enjoy about this book was the topic of mental health, it's seriousness and the fact that I got to see what was going on in the ladies lives ten years later which offered a lot of surprises.
I look forward to future projects from Monique D. Mensah for she is a phenomenal writer that isn't afraid to tackle deep-thought provoking subject matters.
April 22, 2012
In Smoke Screen, Monique Mensah reintroduces us to a trio of ladies from her first novel, Who Is He To You. It is ten years later but Simone, Ryan, and Lauren are still connected to one another. A female serial killer is on the loose and the media has named her the “Maneater and any one of the main characters could be her.
Simone is a sexual abuse survivor and is currently working with young girls who have gone through the same experience as her. Ryan, who was a pedophile’s mistress ten years ago is now married and desperately wants a baby even though her husband does not. Lauren is now a very successful lawyer who is carrying on an inappropriate relationship. All of these ladies have a motive and means to be the serial killer, but which one is it?
Monique Mensah does an excellent job of character development so if you have not read her previous works, you will not be lost. She continues to explore the often ignored world of mental health and keeps it suspenseful. The very last page of Smoke Screen has me excited to see what Monique Mensah has in store for us when Nemesis is released in June 2012.
Simone is a sexual abuse survivor and is currently working with young girls who have gone through the same experience as her. Ryan, who was a pedophile’s mistress ten years ago is now married and desperately wants a baby even though her husband does not. Lauren is now a very successful lawyer who is carrying on an inappropriate relationship. All of these ladies have a motive and means to be the serial killer, but which one is it?
Monique Mensah does an excellent job of character development so if you have not read her previous works, you will not be lost. She continues to explore the often ignored world of mental health and keeps it suspenseful. The very last page of Smoke Screen has me excited to see what Monique Mensah has in store for us when Nemesis is released in June 2012.
June 27, 2011
Smoke Screen by Monique D. Mensah takes place 10 years after the events of " Who is He to You?". Simone is now an advocate for young girls who, like her, have been sexually abused.Ryan is longing to become a mother and will do anything, even if that means opening up a closet full of secrets. Lauren is a prominent defense attorney who is having to deal with an internal fight over doing her job and keeping her morals.There is also the Man-Eater, a serial killer who's victims are men.Each of these women has a reason that they may just be the Man-eater. But which?
Ms. Mensah crafts a tale of suspense and drama. Although the story line moved slow at times, it was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a "who done it".Be sure to read "Who is He to You" first to fully enjoy this story.The ending was surprising and I was also happy to see another one of Monique's characters make a brief appearance.I give Smoke Screen by Monique D. Mensah 4 stars.
Ms. Mensah crafts a tale of suspense and drama. Although the story line moved slow at times, it was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a "who done it".Be sure to read "Who is He to You" first to fully enjoy this story.The ending was surprising and I was also happy to see another one of Monique's characters make a brief appearance.I give Smoke Screen by Monique D. Mensah 4 stars.
April 27, 2012
This was a great read. Upon finishing What Is He To You, I never expected to find out how the lives of Ryan, Simone and Jessica turned out. In this book you get "closure". I believe that this book was well written and constantly kept me guessing as to who the "Maneater" was. Without giving too much away, you are reintroduced to Ryan who was a main character in WIHTY who is no longer a mistress but a wife and you read about how she is coping or not coping with the events from ten years earlier. You are reintroduced to Simone, Ross' now adult daughter who counsels abused little girls and get to see how the events of ten years ago are affecting her life today. You are reintroduced to Jessica, Ross spoiled but long suffering wife who has become a bit of a celebrity but is she a celebrity in her own mind?. The author has a talent for blending the events of different characters lives into the main story and making it all fit cohesively.
I highly recommend reading this.
I highly recommend reading this.
February 13, 2013
Ok, I freaking loved this book!!! Of the series, this has to be my favorite. I could not figure out who the culprit was until right before it was revealed. There were highs and lows in this book, and more moments of bearing witness to silly ass women whom I just wanted to choke the hell out of for all their freaking whining and bellyaching!!!! I loved the whole premise of this book and how the author gave almost each of our characters certain characteristics that she knew we, the readers, would try to interpret as them being the possible culprit to the mayhem going on in this book. I am knocking down this series like a stack of dominoes, LOL, and I just started the last book. Hopefully this will end with one hell of a bang!!!
January 19, 2014
Smoke Screen picks up 10 yrs later with Simone, Ryan, Jessica & Lauren.
Simone is 24 now and has become a social worker in the group home where she once resided at after her mom killed her dad for the ultimate No,No.
Ryan is married now and wants to start a family with her new husband Brendan, but she is keeping secrets about her past that may come back to haunt her
Lauren is the hot shot defense lawyer that hasn't lost. Case yet ( esp) getting off criminals that has done horrific crimes to little girls.
I Give it 5 Stars
Simone is 24 now and has become a social worker in the group home where she once resided at after her mom killed her dad for the ultimate No,No.
Ryan is married now and wants to start a family with her new husband Brendan, but she is keeping secrets about her past that may come back to haunt her
Lauren is the hot shot defense lawyer that hasn't lost. Case yet ( esp) getting off criminals that has done horrific crimes to little girls.
I Give it 5 Stars
August 9, 2011
Initially, I'd thought "Inside Rain" was my favorite of the first two because of how much better the story was told than in "Who is He..."--I now realize that "Inside Rain" was my favorite because of how compelling a character Rain was. Revisiting the "Who is He..." cast turned out to be something I really did not want to do. As much as I enjoy the twists and turns, the dark subject matter is grueling.
July 30, 2011
Perfect continuation from 1st book...Who is He to You? This book is a perfect mix of mystery and twinge of romance. Albeit, romantic relationships are dysfunctional, love of friends and family are strong and withstand the trials of life.
August 10, 2011
Another excellent novel. This author has a unique writing style and I really live the way her characters intertwine and how she weaves plot twists so masterfully. It hard to believe she's a new author. I look forward to many more novels from her pen.
November 4, 2012
Twists and turns are everywhere! Just when I thought I figured it out…here comes yet another twist! If you enjiloyed Who Is He To Gloucester and Inside Rain then you will definitely love this one. I highly recommend Smoke Screen.
February 27, 2012
Another top notch book. I loved the way it all came together in the end. The pain these women went through because of a man is something we have all went through. Maybe not to this extent but during sometime in your life you have been hurt and think of some crazy mess to do. Great book!!!
July 25, 2012
This woman here is the ish!! After I got into this story, I could not put it down. Once again, Monique has tangled a story so much that I didn't know what to expect...She is truly gifted!!! I will miss Ryan, Lauren, and Simone!!!
January 24, 2013
This book makes "Who is he to you" that much better. I'd definitely advise saving money by purchasing the malignant mind series vs each book individually. Once you read the first book, you'll definitely want to read smoke screen.
August 2, 2011
What can I say! All of her books are page turners. I can't wait for Monique's next book.
Read
July 26, 2011I think I am going to love whatever Monique Mensah writes . She knows how to hold your attention. could not put novel down.
August 19, 2011
Great continuation. I loved the twists and turns, ending was a real shocker. Another great job:)
October 18, 2011
This part 2 to Who Is He To You was completely enthralling. I had to finish it within a day of starting it.
November 18, 2011
absolutely great from beginning to end.Suspensful Suspensful
December 6, 2011
It was very good, very suspensful, it had a good twist to the story. I'm looking forward to reading Inside Rain.
June 26, 2012
Final Rating 4.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews