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Greer Hogan Mystery
Smoke and Mirrors
Librarian turned sleuth Greer Hogan is back on the case and headed to the big city in this fourth installment of M. E. Hilliard’s smart, suspenseful mystery series, perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths and Louise Penny.
Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary gig at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned–even the ones which could be hiding deadly secrets.
Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Worse still, she has always suspected that the wrong man was convicted of the crime. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve—but whose?
When two more people are killed and Greer realizes she can’t escape the smoke and mirrors surrounding her suspects, she confides in one of her new colleagues, a magician named Grim with whom she’s bonded over similar traumas. Though she knows he’s got secrets of his own, the tricky Grim may be exactly the assistant Greer needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shine a spotlight on a killer before the curtains come down on her for good.
Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary gig at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned–even the ones which could be hiding deadly secrets.
Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Worse still, she has always suspected that the wrong man was convicted of the crime. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve—but whose?
When two more people are killed and Greer realizes she can’t escape the smoke and mirrors surrounding her suspects, she confides in one of her new colleagues, a magician named Grim with whom she’s bonded over similar traumas. Though she knows he’s got secrets of his own, the tricky Grim may be exactly the assistant Greer needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shine a spotlight on a killer before the curtains come down on her for good.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
12 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Hilliard
4 books134 followersM.E. is currently a librarian who started out in retail merchandising. Her first job was as an assistant buyer at Lord & Taylor, where her glamour job involved office space in the basement of the Fifth Avenue store. After twelve years of mergers, consolidations, and moves around the country, she went to graduate school and got a Master of Library Science degree. She has been in the information business ever since, working for public libraries small and large. Originally from the Connecticut shoreline, she has never lost her love of quaint small towns, big cities, and fashion, so she indulges that in her writing. A life-long lover of mystery fiction, M.E. completed her first novel while taking some time off to care for an elderly relative. She currently lives and works in Florida, where she has acquired a houseful of misfit pets and a violent palm tree allergy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 8, 2024
EXCERPT: I studied the information in front of me. Suleiman was right. Like Sherlock Holmes's dog that didn't bark in the night, what didn't happen was stranger than what did.
The man that did not trip, but fell.
The door that opened, but did not bang shut.
The person that didn't live in the building, but knew a way in that only residents used.
Curioser and curioser.
ABOUT 'SMOKE AND MIRRORS': Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary gig at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned–even the ones which could be hiding deadly secrets.
Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Worse still, she has always suspected that the wrong man was convicted of the crime. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve—but whose?
When two more people are killed and Greer realizes she can’t escape the smoke and mirrors surrounding her suspects, she confides in one of her new colleagues, a magician named Grim with whom she’s bonded over similar traumas. Though she knows he’s got secrets of his own, the tricky Grim may be exactly the assistant Greer needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shine a spotlight on a killer before the curtains come down on her for good.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book in the Greer Hogan series that I have read. It is easily read as a stand-alone as all the relevant information pertaining to Greer's past is provided in the storyline. I have to admit I didn't enjoy this to the same extent I enjoyed Shadow in the Glass (Greer Hogan Mystery #4), but I still liked it with one or two reservations.
Greer spends much more time sleuthing than archiving and cataloguing in Smoke and Mirrors. She also manages to hone some of her less than legal talents with the aid of Grim, who makes a delightful sidekick. Yuri, her self-defense instructor also plays a pivotal role, as do Isabelle and Caro.
I was bogged down by the amount of financial information discussed and provided: start-ups, shell companies, spreadsheets, investors, tax code regulations - they had my head spinning! Give me small business any day. Just because the author understands all these processes (check out her bio) doesn't mean that her readers will.
I did enjoy the cryptic note that Greer's husband Dan had left her and no, I didn't figure out the meaning until it was revealed.
I liked, but didn't love Smoke and Mirrors, but that definitely won't stop me reading other books in this series.
⭐⭐⭐.3
#SmokeandMirrors #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: M.E. is currently a librarian who started out in retail merchandising. Her first job was as an assistant buyer at Lord & Taylor, where her glamour job involved office space in the basement of the Fifth Avenue store. After twelve years of mergers, consolidations, and moves around the country, she went to graduate school and got a Master of Library Science degree. She has been in the information business ever since, working for public libraries small and large. Originally from the Connecticut shoreline, she has never lost her love of quaint small towns, big cities, and fashion, so she indulges that in her writing. A life-long lover of mystery fiction, M.E. completed her first novel while taking some time off to care for an elderly relative. She currently lives and works in Florida, where she has acquired a houseful of misfit pets and a violent palm tree allergy.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Smoke and Mirrors by M. E. Hilliard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The man that did not trip, but fell.
The door that opened, but did not bang shut.
The person that didn't live in the building, but knew a way in that only residents used.
Curioser and curioser.
ABOUT 'SMOKE AND MIRRORS': Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary gig at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned–even the ones which could be hiding deadly secrets.
Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Worse still, she has always suspected that the wrong man was convicted of the crime. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve—but whose?
When two more people are killed and Greer realizes she can’t escape the smoke and mirrors surrounding her suspects, she confides in one of her new colleagues, a magician named Grim with whom she’s bonded over similar traumas. Though she knows he’s got secrets of his own, the tricky Grim may be exactly the assistant Greer needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shine a spotlight on a killer before the curtains come down on her for good.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book in the Greer Hogan series that I have read. It is easily read as a stand-alone as all the relevant information pertaining to Greer's past is provided in the storyline. I have to admit I didn't enjoy this to the same extent I enjoyed Shadow in the Glass (Greer Hogan Mystery #4), but I still liked it with one or two reservations.
Greer spends much more time sleuthing than archiving and cataloguing in Smoke and Mirrors. She also manages to hone some of her less than legal talents with the aid of Grim, who makes a delightful sidekick. Yuri, her self-defense instructor also plays a pivotal role, as do Isabelle and Caro.
I was bogged down by the amount of financial information discussed and provided: start-ups, shell companies, spreadsheets, investors, tax code regulations - they had my head spinning! Give me small business any day. Just because the author understands all these processes (check out her bio) doesn't mean that her readers will.
I did enjoy the cryptic note that Greer's husband Dan had left her and no, I didn't figure out the meaning until it was revealed.
I liked, but didn't love Smoke and Mirrors, but that definitely won't stop me reading other books in this series.
⭐⭐⭐.3
#SmokeandMirrors #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: M.E. is currently a librarian who started out in retail merchandising. Her first job was as an assistant buyer at Lord & Taylor, where her glamour job involved office space in the basement of the Fifth Avenue store. After twelve years of mergers, consolidations, and moves around the country, she went to graduate school and got a Master of Library Science degree. She has been in the information business ever since, working for public libraries small and large. Originally from the Connecticut shoreline, she has never lost her love of quaint small towns, big cities, and fashion, so she indulges that in her writing. A life-long lover of mystery fiction, M.E. completed her first novel while taking some time off to care for an elderly relative. She currently lives and works in Florida, where she has acquired a houseful of misfit pets and a violent palm tree allergy.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Smoke and Mirrors by M. E. Hilliard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 25, 2023
In Smoke and mirror Greer Hogan is inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician and at the same time is doing an investigation into New Leaf, the company where her deceased (murdered) husband used to work. Pretty soon she experiences break-ins both at work and in her temporary apartment.
When she decides to delve deeper into these mysteries she gets help from Grim, a magician with a mysterious past and some strange but useful tricks up his sleeve. The investigation of her husband's death and the contemporary events are surrounded by a lot of smoke and mirrors but in the end Greer gets to the bottom of things.
I really liked the interaction between Greer and Grim and found the story really entertaining as well as suspenseful. Looking forward to the next instalment and I'm sure to read the previous one as well.
Four stars for this enjoyable book and many thanks to Netgalley who provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When she decides to delve deeper into these mysteries she gets help from Grim, a magician with a mysterious past and some strange but useful tricks up his sleeve. The investigation of her husband's death and the contemporary events are surrounded by a lot of smoke and mirrors but in the end Greer gets to the bottom of things.
I really liked the interaction between Greer and Grim and found the story really entertaining as well as suspenseful. Looking forward to the next instalment and I'm sure to read the previous one as well.
Four stars for this enjoyable book and many thanks to Netgalley who provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2024
Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, librarian Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary job at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned. Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve.
The fourth book in the series & my favourite so far, I was drawn in from the start & read this well written murder mystery in two sittings. The characters have depth, the pace is good & the investigation into Dan’s death is intriguing. There are twists, turns & danger - I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fourth book in the series & my favourite so far, I was drawn in from the start & read this well written murder mystery in two sittings. The characters have depth, the pace is good & the investigation into Dan’s death is intriguing. There are twists, turns & danger - I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
December 18, 2024
What an exceptional mystery series this is.
This is the fourth (and I hope *not*) final installment, in which the focus is on solving the murder of Greer’s husband rather than on a mystery she stumbles upon.
Though this one takes place back in Manhattan rather than upstate, the wonderful sense of place and detailed descriptions remain just as good. Greer is cataloguing the collection of a stage magician in this one as a side gig, and Hilliard does, as always, a terrific job immersing us in the locale and the objects present there.
I particularly love the buddy adventure vibes of this series, and the usual cast is present, as is the delightful Grim, a magician with secrets of his own who assists Greer in her cataloguing as well as with solving the mystery of her husband’s murder. I hope this series continues beyond this book for so many reasons, not the least of which is that we’ve only just met Grim, and we need more capers where he and Greer work together.
I thought this was well structured as a mystery too, and the solve is both intricate and well-rendered. In all, a lovely read, and I hope not the last with Greer and her pals.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the fourth (and I hope *not*) final installment, in which the focus is on solving the murder of Greer’s husband rather than on a mystery she stumbles upon.
Though this one takes place back in Manhattan rather than upstate, the wonderful sense of place and detailed descriptions remain just as good. Greer is cataloguing the collection of a stage magician in this one as a side gig, and Hilliard does, as always, a terrific job immersing us in the locale and the objects present there.
I particularly love the buddy adventure vibes of this series, and the usual cast is present, as is the delightful Grim, a magician with secrets of his own who assists Greer in her cataloguing as well as with solving the mystery of her husband’s murder. I hope this series continues beyond this book for so many reasons, not the least of which is that we’ve only just met Grim, and we need more capers where he and Greer work together.
I thought this was well structured as a mystery too, and the solve is both intricate and well-rendered. In all, a lovely read, and I hope not the last with Greer and her pals.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 8, 2024
This title is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Maybe that's because I haven't read any previous books in the series. I do love the magician's library that Greer is in charge of organizing, and I like Greer herself as a main character. What I don't love is that the mystery really goes all the way back to her husband's death four (I think) years before, before the series even started. So have all the books had to do with her husband's death, or does it finally just get solved in this one. I think there's so much good stuff here, but it feels a little distant or detached to me. Hmm...I'll either need to read the next one or go back to the start of the series to find out. I don't know if the fact that I now know who murdered her husband will ruin the earlier mysteries. I'd give this one 3-1/2 stars.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this installment in Greer's story. She finally solves the mystery of her husband's murder; on the way, she learns some useful skills, and a lot about herself. The book introduces an intriguing new character, one I hope to see in future books. There are also tantalizing hints of another mystery at Greer's temporary jobsite, an old brownstone formerly owned by a stage magician. I hope we see those solved in the next book. Full review to come.
Challenges: COYER Unwind, Chapter 4; NetGalley and Edelweiss Challenge 2024; COYER "Catch-Up" Readathon.
Challenges: COYER Unwind, Chapter 4; NetGalley and Edelweiss Challenge 2024; COYER "Catch-Up" Readathon.
May 22, 2025
Greer Hogan is in New York City for a temporary job while the library in her now home is repaired after the fire it suffered in book three. While working in NYC inventorying the personal collection of a magician, she is really there to finally figure out who killed her husband.
Using her connections, she begins asking questions that the police had not, as they had chosen a suspect at the time, who was subsequently convicted of Dan's murder, despite there being several questions left unanswered.
Greer meets the now head of the company Dan worked for, and teaming up with the wife of another deceased employee of the company, she begins slowly teasing out what might have been the secret Dan stumbled upon that got him killed.
Getting the help of Grim, a magician with a past, Greer gets into places and discovers clues, many of which are a cover for what is actually happening at Dan's former company.
There are a few dangerous moments, and much coffee and desserts consumed along the way, but Greer finally has her answers, making this a satisfying and well-paced fourth entry in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Using her connections, she begins asking questions that the police had not, as they had chosen a suspect at the time, who was subsequently convicted of Dan's murder, despite there being several questions left unanswered.
Greer meets the now head of the company Dan worked for, and teaming up with the wife of another deceased employee of the company, she begins slowly teasing out what might have been the secret Dan stumbled upon that got him killed.
Getting the help of Grim, a magician with a past, Greer gets into places and discovers clues, many of which are a cover for what is actually happening at Dan's former company.
There are a few dangerous moments, and much coffee and desserts consumed along the way, but Greer finally has her answers, making this a satisfying and well-paced fourth entry in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
April 17, 2024
Thank you to Booklist and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC and the opportunity to review another Greer Hogan mystery!
Reference librarian and amateur sleuth Greer Hogan has left Raven Hill for New York City to catalog a famous magician’s personal collection while secretly investigating the murder of her husband, Dan. Greer is convinced the wrong person was convicted, but she’ll need to use her honed investigative skills to find out for sure. She examines Dan’s belongings and interviews former colleagues and those who spoke with Dan before he died. Suddenly, Greer is followed and attacked, and more people are dead; Greer has pushed someone’s buttons. Hilliard’s (Three Can Keep a Secret, 2023) fourth book in the Greer Hogan series is the most exciting and intense installment yet. Greer is an amateur yet seasoned detective whose skills serve her well as she navigates life outside of Raven Hill. The colorful characters that help Greer along the way add a layer of depth and will please readers. Recommended for series fans and all those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, such as Elly Griffith’s Harbinder Kaur novels or Holly Danver’s Lakeside Library mysteries.
Reference librarian and amateur sleuth Greer Hogan has left Raven Hill for New York City to catalog a famous magician’s personal collection while secretly investigating the murder of her husband, Dan. Greer is convinced the wrong person was convicted, but she’ll need to use her honed investigative skills to find out for sure. She examines Dan’s belongings and interviews former colleagues and those who spoke with Dan before he died. Suddenly, Greer is followed and attacked, and more people are dead; Greer has pushed someone’s buttons. Hilliard’s (Three Can Keep a Secret, 2023) fourth book in the Greer Hogan series is the most exciting and intense installment yet. Greer is an amateur yet seasoned detective whose skills serve her well as she navigates life outside of Raven Hill. The colorful characters that help Greer along the way add a layer of depth and will please readers. Recommended for series fans and all those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, such as Elly Griffith’s Harbinder Kaur novels or Holly Danver’s Lakeside Library mysteries.
December 10, 2023
Haunted by her husband's murder 4 years ago Greer Hogan investigates New Leaf, the company her husband had worked for. Helping her are Grim, an illusionist assisting her in cataloging a fellow magician's house, April, the wife of a now deceased coworker of her husband, Isabelle, her husband's past assistant and Aunt Caro, Isabelle's aunt and quite a character. Break ins, murder and mayhem ensue as Greer follow the clues to find her husband's murderer. This is the 4th Greer Hogan mystery but it is definitely not necessary to read the previous 3 to enjoy and understand this one. Excellent character and plot made it a delight to read. I got a little bogged down with all the business and financial info but that's not an area I'm interested in so could have easily been just me. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the EARC
#SmokeAndMirrors
Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the EARC
#SmokeAndMirrors
June 1, 2024
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Smoke and Mirrors, A Greer Hogan Mystery #4 by M. E. Hilliard from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
Librarian, archivist, widow, and amateur sleuth Greer Hogan is still trying to come to terms with her husband’s murder. Although she has a dedicated support network with various friends, she still struggles and becomes obsessed with getting justice for her beloved husband. Vivid dreams and mysterious clues cause nothing but anxiety and frustration for Greer who believes her husband is trying to tell her something from beyond the grave that would put his murderer or murderers in jail. When her husband’s former colleagues at Newleaf, a startup CBD company, begin disappearing or dying Greer becomes even more desperate to find the truth before evidence disappears along with any hope of bringing those responsible to justice.
While archiving the estate of a former magician, Greer with her new colleague Grimm are busy working in an old brownstone, documenting it’s contents. When an already paranoid Greer begins to notice little things that indicate that she is not only being watch but followed she believes whomever killed her husband wants something she might possess. After days of being followed and with help from her martial arts teacher, Greer manages to corner the person who has been following her only to learn he was a former colleague of her husband who needs to desperately speak with her. They arrange a meet but he is silenced before that happens and Greer now knows she is close to uncovering the truth and closer she puts herself to the danger that ended her husband’s life.
Well-written, cleverly plotted and with quirky characters who I really enjoy. In general, I love protagonists who are intelligent, strong, down to earth, yet vulnerable. In this entry I was also impressed by the supporting characters, their friendships felt genuine. My only complaint would be that it waxed on at times with what felt like info dumping with regards to the CBD industry that could have been shorter and still provided the necessary context. I did however enjoy this book and would recommend this to anyone looking for a suspenseful mystery.
Librarian, archivist, widow, and amateur sleuth Greer Hogan is still trying to come to terms with her husband’s murder. Although she has a dedicated support network with various friends, she still struggles and becomes obsessed with getting justice for her beloved husband. Vivid dreams and mysterious clues cause nothing but anxiety and frustration for Greer who believes her husband is trying to tell her something from beyond the grave that would put his murderer or murderers in jail. When her husband’s former colleagues at Newleaf, a startup CBD company, begin disappearing or dying Greer becomes even more desperate to find the truth before evidence disappears along with any hope of bringing those responsible to justice.
While archiving the estate of a former magician, Greer with her new colleague Grimm are busy working in an old brownstone, documenting it’s contents. When an already paranoid Greer begins to notice little things that indicate that she is not only being watch but followed she believes whomever killed her husband wants something she might possess. After days of being followed and with help from her martial arts teacher, Greer manages to corner the person who has been following her only to learn he was a former colleague of her husband who needs to desperately speak with her. They arrange a meet but he is silenced before that happens and Greer now knows she is close to uncovering the truth and closer she puts herself to the danger that ended her husband’s life.
Well-written, cleverly plotted and with quirky characters who I really enjoy. In general, I love protagonists who are intelligent, strong, down to earth, yet vulnerable. In this entry I was also impressed by the supporting characters, their friendships felt genuine. My only complaint would be that it waxed on at times with what felt like info dumping with regards to the CBD industry that could have been shorter and still provided the necessary context. I did however enjoy this book and would recommend this to anyone looking for a suspenseful mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
I enjoyed this 4th book in the Greer Hogan series. The characters were great.
May 9, 2024
Greer Hogan has been building her investigative skills and circle of friends with unique gifts in the four years since she discovered her husband Dan murdered in their apartment. The time has come for her to return to New York City and finally discover his murderer.
Greer gets a job in a private library inventorying the personal collection of a magician who disappeared. There she meets Joseph Grimaldi, known as Grim, who has a somewhat mysterious past. He was friends with the magician and is searching the house for something the magician told him was there.
Meanwhile, Greer is investigating New Leaf, the company Dan was working for as an accountant when he was killed. She's certain that there is a connection there. She discovers some things as she finally goes through the belongings packed up after Dan's death and stored with her parents. She also questions former co-workers and people she knew at the time of Dan's death.
Somehow, she touches a nerve because she finds herself both followed and attacked. Luckily, the self-defense courses she's taken prove helpful. But two other people connected with the case are murdered which makes Greer more determined than ever to find Dan's murderer.
This was an engaging story with lots of information about the legalized marijuana business and all the governmental hoops around it. Greer feels that something shady in the business could have been the cause of Dan's death - and maybe her own if she gets too close.
I enjoyed this story with its mystery-loving librarian main character. The references to other books and fictional detectives were fun additions.
Greer gets a job in a private library inventorying the personal collection of a magician who disappeared. There she meets Joseph Grimaldi, known as Grim, who has a somewhat mysterious past. He was friends with the magician and is searching the house for something the magician told him was there.
Meanwhile, Greer is investigating New Leaf, the company Dan was working for as an accountant when he was killed. She's certain that there is a connection there. She discovers some things as she finally goes through the belongings packed up after Dan's death and stored with her parents. She also questions former co-workers and people she knew at the time of Dan's death.
Somehow, she touches a nerve because she finds herself both followed and attacked. Luckily, the self-defense courses she's taken prove helpful. But two other people connected with the case are murdered which makes Greer more determined than ever to find Dan's murderer.
This was an engaging story with lots of information about the legalized marijuana business and all the governmental hoops around it. Greer feels that something shady in the business could have been the cause of Dan's death - and maybe her own if she gets too close.
I enjoyed this story with its mystery-loving librarian main character. The references to other books and fictional detectives were fun additions.
September 29, 2024
3.5*. This is a great series, with a clever and intelligent main character. Throughout the four books, Greer has been investigating and wondering who murdered her husband, Dan. This book takes place in New York, where she's taken a job with a small, private library inventorying a magician's collection. She's living at the magician's apartment, which is opposite the building housing the little library. During her free time from the library, she digs into the clues and leads she's got around Dan's murder, retracing steps and rereading notes and paperwork that he left her before he died. A quirky colleague called Grim is brought into her confidence, and with his help and that of her friends, she discovers the who and why of her husband's death.
The writing is excellent and the mystery satisfying. My only complaint (if you can call it that) is the amount of financial information and techy stuff included, which admittedly went mostly over my head, although it was relevant to the entire storyline (hence the .5* off in the rating).
This is a terrific series and I look forward to seeing what Greer will be doing next, seeing as she's resolved the reason for her husband's murder.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
The writing is excellent and the mystery satisfying. My only complaint (if you can call it that) is the amount of financial information and techy stuff included, which admittedly went mostly over my head, although it was relevant to the entire storyline (hence the .5* off in the rating).
This is a terrific series and I look forward to seeing what Greer will be doing next, seeing as she's resolved the reason for her husband's murder.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2024
Smoke and Mirrors by M.E. Hilliard is the fourth in Hilliard's Greer Hogan series. Greer, a librarian who is driven to learn the truth about her husband Dan's murder four years before, is an incredibly interesting character. She's studying self-defense, seemingly out of necessity because she keeps discovering dead bodies, and wrestling with her rage about Dan's murder and her own complicated relationship with the law. Throw in the apt quotes and literary references throughout, as well as some fun scenes related to the magician's book collection that she is cataloguing, and this cozy mystery (set in the not-so-cozy world of New York City and corporate cannabis start-ups) is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
It is part of a series, but it can be read on its own. You may well find that you would like to pick up the rest of the series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advanced review copy.
It is part of a series, but it can be read on its own. You may well find that you would like to pick up the rest of the series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advanced review copy.
August 24, 2024
Easily read as a stand-alone, this 4th in the Greer Hogan series finally gives us some closure to the ongoing mystery behind Greer’s husband’s murder. Greer is a strong CH but as an amateur sleuth she gets in way over her head; however, in this story she has allies that aid her in a way that makes sense in contrast to some of the other stories in the series. Temporarily located to NYC to organize and catalog a renown magician’s magic collection, she has housing in a NYC brownstone across the street. She is geographically close to her old apartment and her friends as she also has proximity to her parents’ home and other NY restaurants, coffee shops, and mainstays. The many settings add to the depth of this novel’s ambiance as well as the Tone as unexpected mysteries unfold about her husband’s employers and as she discovers the hiding places in her apartment and the magician’s original home nicely paralleling Greer’s detecting and unraveling the many red herrings and clues surrounding her husband’s murder. The supporting cast is a mix of old allies from other books to a few new ones, the handsome Joseph Grimaldi (Grim), a magician of many talents, and her self-defense instructor. Humor creeps in and the author creates strong places and excellent dialogue. The details of organizing and cataloguing a private collection, the magic world and its literature and ephemera (like knife throwing, lock picking and fortune telling machines), self-defense strategies, and the legal and political issues surrounding cannabis dispensaries are put to good use as specifics to entertain and inform the reader but also to build Tone as Greer needs to figure out which slight of hand she needs to uncover. Readers who long for the cozy, Gothic background of her first three and her friends, co-workers and friends there will have to wait for the rebuilding of the library, and the author hints that other adventures outside of Raven’s Hill may be next before her return there. I really enjoyed the librarian references, as well as literary shout outs and allusions to a variety of authors like Daniel Silva and to characters such as Electra McDonnell, Reacher, the Gray Man, Nero Wolfe, Vera Stanhope, and Harry Wild, as well as the theatre trivia. Nicely done—I’ll read #5. RED FLAGS: Violence. Readalikes: Con Lehane’s library-oriented mysteries, and authors Ann Claire and Jula Spencer-Fleming.
June 11, 2024
Four years ago Greer Hogan’s husband Dan was murdered. A burglar was tried and convicted, but Greer has always had her doubts that he was guilty. She moved away to take a position as a librarian in Raven Hill. Now she has returned to New York and she is determined to find the truth. Greer has been haunted by her husband’s death in M.E. hilliard’s series, but the author finally brings closure to that mystery in Smoke and Mirrors.
The Raven Hill library suffered damage from a fire. As repairs are proceeding, Greer accepted a position to inventory the collection of publications and materials of a deceased magician. Realizing that she will need help identifying the equipment, she requests an assistant. She is given Grim, a magician who was acquainted with the late magician. Now that Greer is back, she contacts her old friends, who have been supportive in her search for answers. She also contacts the widow of one of Dan’s co-workers. He died shortly after Dan and she also has questions regarding her husband’s death. Boxes of Dan’s possessions have been stored at the home of Greer’s parents. Shortly after her return the house is broken into. She is also being followed back in the city. Grim joins her circle of friends and offers his help, instructing her on picking locks and providing back up as she places herself in possible danger.
Greer is a mystery lover. There are references to a number of literary and film detectives, including Vera Stanhope and amateur sleuth Harry Wild. It was a challenge to find how many of their names that I recognized as Greer and Grim worked together. Both have been damaged by events in their lives and it creates a bond between them. When Greer finally solves her husband’s death, Hilliard gives the impression that we may see Grim in the future. These characters worked so well together that I would look onward to their return. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book.
The Raven Hill library suffered damage from a fire. As repairs are proceeding, Greer accepted a position to inventory the collection of publications and materials of a deceased magician. Realizing that she will need help identifying the equipment, she requests an assistant. She is given Grim, a magician who was acquainted with the late magician. Now that Greer is back, she contacts her old friends, who have been supportive in her search for answers. She also contacts the widow of one of Dan’s co-workers. He died shortly after Dan and she also has questions regarding her husband’s death. Boxes of Dan’s possessions have been stored at the home of Greer’s parents. Shortly after her return the house is broken into. She is also being followed back in the city. Grim joins her circle of friends and offers his help, instructing her on picking locks and providing back up as she places herself in possible danger.
Greer is a mystery lover. There are references to a number of literary and film detectives, including Vera Stanhope and amateur sleuth Harry Wild. It was a challenge to find how many of their names that I recognized as Greer and Grim worked together. Both have been damaged by events in their lives and it creates a bond between them. When Greer finally solves her husband’s death, Hilliard gives the impression that we may see Grim in the future. These characters worked so well together that I would look onward to their return. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book.
January 15, 2024
I am a fan of this series and was excited to read this fourth entry that finishes the story arc about the murder of Greer's husband Dan four years ago. Unlike previous titles in the series, Smoke and Mirrors is set in New York City with Greer there to catalogue the estate of a magician. Of course, this gives her the opportunity to put her investigation into her husband's death front and center.
The plot features twists and turns that bring together many characters from previous books as well as exploring the current abuses in the legalized cannibis industry. Greer also meets a potential new love interest, the mysterious "Grim."
While the NYC setting was a nice change of pace, one of the draw of this series for me has been the village and Library at Raven Hill--the world of librarianship attracted me to this series initially. So, I hope that future titles will return to Raven Hill.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
The plot features twists and turns that bring together many characters from previous books as well as exploring the current abuses in the legalized cannibis industry. Greer also meets a potential new love interest, the mysterious "Grim."
While the NYC setting was a nice change of pace, one of the draw of this series for me has been the village and Library at Raven Hill--the world of librarianship attracted me to this series initially. So, I hope that future titles will return to Raven Hill.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
January 8, 2024
Greer Hogan is a librarian. She is also an amateur sleuth. She is also troubled that her husband was murdered and there is no progress in the investigation and saddened by the fact that he wanted to tell her what his suspicions were, which got him killed, but never had the chance.
Another death in the same company put Greer on guard, and when another person from the same company approached her, after following her for days, with information which he felt was dangerous (and who got murdered within hours), Greer knew she was on track to find out who the killers were.
All she had was a few sheets of random figures, a lot of conjecture, and the support of Grim a colleague whose specialty is magic and who is very willing and capable of helping her in her quest for justice.
The story included libraries being catalogued .(always interesting) and especially since the subject was magic. It added a completely different lift to the story.
Tense, and a page turner. Emotional as well.
Another death in the same company put Greer on guard, and when another person from the same company approached her, after following her for days, with information which he felt was dangerous (and who got murdered within hours), Greer knew she was on track to find out who the killers were.
All she had was a few sheets of random figures, a lot of conjecture, and the support of Grim a colleague whose specialty is magic and who is very willing and capable of helping her in her quest for justice.
The story included libraries being catalogued .(always interesting) and especially since the subject was magic. It added a completely different lift to the story.
Tense, and a page turner. Emotional as well.
March 17, 2024
I haven't read any books by this Author before ,but I was hooked within a few pages of this Murder Mystery story, throw in Libraries & Magic & I couldn't put it down & I shall be recommending it to several friends. However I would like to know what happened to Grimm? #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, # Amazon.co.uk, #Instagram, #
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June 1, 2024
Greer has landed a temporary job in New York City cataloging the collection of a deceased magician, while the library in Raven Hill, where she works, is closed for repairs. The job is just an excuse for her to be back in the city to finally try to figure out what really happened to her husband and to free the man that she feels has been wrongfully convicted in his death. Greer meets up with some old friends to talk through what she finds and also includes a new magician friend Grim, who I thought added to the story with his unique skill set. This story kept me up late reading to see what would happen next. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 7, 2024
I’d say 3.5 stars. Smoke and Mirrors is information dense and moves slowly. I like the wrapping up of the mystery facing Greer from 4 years prior when her husband Dan was murdered. It’s the unraveling of the complex web surrounding his death that merits the initial description.
Greer is fairly methodical in her approach to investigating. In this book, we find her breaking the rules and not feeling bad about it.
I’ve read or listened to the entire series. For those who like the slower pace of golden age mysteries, this will likely be right up your alley.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Smoke and Mirrors.
Greer is fairly methodical in her approach to investigating. In this book, we find her breaking the rules and not feeling bad about it.
I’ve read or listened to the entire series. For those who like the slower pace of golden age mysteries, this will likely be right up your alley.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Smoke and Mirrors.
June 25, 2024
A fun romp and intense mystery with zanny characters. Greer Hogan investigates her husband’s murder and turns up lots of suspects. In her ‘spare time’ (what she’s been hired to do), Greer catalogs estate and rare book collection of deceased magician with aid of somewhat shady and charismatic magician “Grim.”
Lots of plot twists, lots of details, some of which are irrelevant to the story. The zany characters add charm as does Grim.
Now I want to read the earlier books in the series.
Fairly unaccented performance which was captivating. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
Lots of plot twists, lots of details, some of which are irrelevant to the story. The zany characters add charm as does Grim.
Now I want to read the earlier books in the series.
Fairly unaccented performance which was captivating. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
March 31, 2024
Greer Hogan investigates the death of her husband as an amateur detective. Magic, sorcery and books play a role in the story. I loved reading about cataloging books and magical secrets. Also, the way the mystery unfolded was really interesting. I liked the author's style, the character portrayal and the story itself. The novel is part of a series, but I haven't read the prequels and it was still thoroughly enjoyable. I really like this genre, as far as amateur detectives are concerned, I found a new favorite in the person of Hogan.
Thanks to NetGalley for the novel!
Thanks to NetGalley for the novel!
June 5, 2024
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
I came to this series because I loved the accurate representation of library work, I've stuck with it because Greer is an interesting character and this one is the best yet. Greer's back in New York on a contract while the Raven Hill library is a construction site, and this gives her the opportunity to figure out what really happened in her husband's murder, once and for all. There is excellent tension and plot in this one, and enough room left that this series can continue while giving Greer closure.
I came to this series because I loved the accurate representation of library work, I've stuck with it because Greer is an interesting character and this one is the best yet. Greer's back in New York on a contract while the Raven Hill library is a construction site, and this gives her the opportunity to figure out what really happened in her husband's murder, once and for all. There is excellent tension and plot in this one, and enough room left that this series can continue while giving Greer closure.
September 25, 2024
Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary gig at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned–even the ones which could be hiding deadly secrets. Greer works on the side trying to find out who had killed her husband. What was being hidden? She has to watch out and not be caught as her husband was four years earlier. Luckily she has a new colleague, Grim, who has his own personal agenda but is willing to work with her.
February 18, 2025
Four years have passed since Greer Hogan's husband was murdered. She has never been convinced that the man convicted of his murder was, in reality, the murderer. Now she has the opportunity to investigate more closely. A modestly entertaining story, probably falling more into the "cozy" category than anything else. But there's no depth of character here. The players are men on a chess board, moved around at the will of the author. I won't be reading other stories from Hilliard and can't recommend it except for those who enjoy a fast, forgettable read.
June 12, 2024
Greer Hogan is back in NYC, ready to solve her husband's murder. There’s a new cast of characters, but with the NYC setting, no charming environment to enjoy. Mention of Gigi Pandian is apt because Greer is cataloging a magician's books, and she has a magician helper in the story, who may be a new love interest? Not as much fun as the earlier books; a bit disappointing because NYC is so overdone as a location. (Read on vacation, thus truncated review.)
June 21, 2024
The latest in tis series of traditional whodunits with plenty of suspense finds librarian Greer Hogan returning to the city. She plans on confronti her past and solving her husband Dan's murder. Four yesrs earlier Dan had talked about troubles at his office which she had not listened. Now she plans on taking it seriously. It was a great direction the book took. I like this series and Greer as the sleuth.
June 24, 2024
Working temporarily as a librarian in New York City, Greer Hogan is finally ready to revisit the murder of her husband four years ago. All the little things that made her question whether the police were right finally come together, and she enlists some new friends to help her as she sets out to trap a murderer. Greer is a driven yet realistic heroine, and this book will not disappoint readers of any of the first three in this series.
December 1, 2023
This was a Greer Hogan mystery, and I remember enjoying one of the previous books in this series. I like Greer as a protagonist; I like the way she communicates, and I find her a little bit humorous at times. This was a pleasant cosy mystery, and light enough to read in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
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