But you’re fae. I could feel the magic when I walked in the door.
When a famous actress, says this to me, I’m torn between thinking she’s insane and asking her for more details. But she leaves before I can do either and when I try to find her the next day, she’s dead and I’m left with more questions than before.
Why did she come to me? Why was she killed? Who did it? And was she crazy or did she know something I don’t?
I can try to forget it ever happened and move on with my life or I can break into her house, and the scene of her murder, to investigate.
Sarah has always been a storyteller. From when she was a child telling stories to her parents in the back seat of the car on long drives until today, she has always loved to tell stories. She tried not being a writer for a long time and then decided there was no stopping the people talking in her head so she might as well let them have the voice they seemed to crave.
When she was deciding what she wanted to write, she at first decided on Urban Fantasy. That’s what she liked to read the most, so it made sense. But as time went on, she realized she also loved to read Contemporary Romance and suddenly had an idea for a story in that genre. After spending a lot of time ignoring the voices, she knew how futile it was, and so decided to have her cake and eat it too. Now here we are with two genres.
I can’t really say much about Truth in the Smoke. No, sorry. I know it’s not something I disliked, but I can’t say “wow how nice”. It’s a book that doesn’t stand out in any way. Average and full of cliché. Plus cardboard characters don’t really help this story grow and develop. To the point I stopped reading near the end/resolution and totally forgot about it. It really wasn’t that gripping/interesting/you name your preferred qualities. I went back days after to finish it.
What happens when everything you thought you knew about yourself and your life was wrong? When a somewhat enigmatic woman Meriel a movie star comes to hire Calynn a PI that’s exactly what happens. Calynn has led her entire life as a human except she’s really not and when she meets this forthright (though at the time she thinks she might be crazy) movie star she finds herself becoming part of a whole new world of magic and myths. The truth is stranger than she could imagine and dangerous as well. Can she live with the answers she might find or will the truth be more than she can handle? Fantastic start to the series. Loved the blend of fae and mortal realms. It felt fresh and was wonderfully detailed. The characters are fun, funny, frustrating and fabulous! I loved Calynn and Ronan. I very much excited to we how their story continues. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This being the first book always requires so much world building and character development but I feel like it was written really well. I already feel a slight attachment to the storylines and I am excited to see what they are all in store for next. Also, wanted to add I feel like I did not expect where this story was going to go, it definitely kept me guessing):
I would like to thank SP Neeson for the ARC and note that all of my thoughts/opinions are completely my own.
Calynn is a private investigator who is on the precipice of losing everything. Her business is all but shuttered, she is late on her rent and her only hope is taking a client who is certifiably crazy. But when said client is murdered soon after Calynn reluctantly takes the case, Calynn starts on a journey that undermines everything that she thought she knew about the world.
This was an interesting read. I loved the story, I loved the secondary characters and the main character had such a strong moral code, that you could understand where she was coming from, even if she was being pig-headed about it. As a former foster child, you could see how she had spent her entire life being disappointed, but as we delved deeper in her character, she showed a grit and strength that was refreshing.
I am a sucker for any story that involves the fae and this story pinged at my heart-strings. I loved how the author wove in parts of folklore, like the protective rowan trees and the brownies and other fae trying to find their way.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next, this was a brilliant beginning to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was prepared, reluctantly to give this book five stars, until the very end and then without warning it went from brilliant to ordinary.
The concept of this story is pure brilliance. A central character who has powers and skills that are completely unknown. Even the character’s personal history is a shadowed landscape of ifs and buts. The plot skillfully reveals the strange nature of the character’s gifts while not telegraphing the real problem.
The supporting characters are strong and well-made, which is particularly challenging while trying to keep the big secret safe. Special notice to both the villain and the guide characters. The champion of any story can only be as heroic as the villain allows them to be and this tale has a jimdandy bad antagonist. Lethal enough to be threatening and yet not so broadly drawn as to become a melodrama cur, with twirling mustaches.
The guide also gets good marks for being solid while not taking the thrust of the story away from the central character, as they manage to be protective, reluctant, passionate, withdrawn, and mysterious and yet available. Good trick if you can pull it off.
There is a secondary character or two which are so strong they beg for a storyline of their own. Something the writer may intend in future tales.
The flow of the story is incredibly smooth from start to almost finish, with no plot holes or odd changes to distract the reader. There are a few, very few, spots where a word is too large for the rest of the story but even that isn’t enough to break the pace of the read.
In fact, with the embedded breadcrumbs this was very nearly a perfect story. There are plenty of hints within the structure of the tale to make the reader desperate for the next adventure.
This would easily have been a five-star book save for the clumsy and frankly poor non-ending. Why the writer decided there was a need for such an abrupt and awkward stop to the story is a question for another setting.
Read the book, it is well worth the time, but hold out hope that the writer gets the next book to actually come to an end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Truth in the Smoke by SP Neeson has a young woman finding the truth about herself.
Will bad ideas help Calynn find the truth?
Calynn Calynn's whole life seems to be made of bad decisions, most of which have worked for her, while others have not. She has always had difficulty connecting to others, not realizing that the whole reason is that she's not exactly human. Not until her most recent PI case walks into her office and tells her she can feel her magic. Calynn has a tough-guy personality, which hides the truth of how she wants to find a place to belong.
I have to say that Calynn is a bit strange, but I liked her the further I got into her story. The more we learned about her past, the more her personality made sense.
The Mysteries Calynn has two mysteries to solve. The first is why this famous actress came to her, and the second is how Calynn is anything like the famous actress. The only way to answer these questions is to find out who the renowned actress is when she's not posing in front of the camera. Let's say that Calynn has entered the lion's den and may have difficulty getting herself out of it.
Five Stars My rating for Truth in the Smoke by SP Neeson is five stars. Ms. Neeson's work may not be for everyone, but it's a great read once you get into it. I felt like I was there with Calynn, trying to get answers and not knowing if I genuinely wanted these answers after all.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Truth in the Smoke by SP Neeson.
Fast pace, simple, easy to read. To the point. But my girl Calynn didn't see some obvious things even though she's a private investigator. Although when it comes to personal matters, you tend to be blind to a few things. Calynn, I know you're mad at our mans Ronan for not telling you the truth and I understand your frustration but you didn't have to blow up like that. He told you that you'd hear certain things. He told you he couldn't answer certain questions. You said it didn't matter. Now our man's gone and probably thinking you don't want him. He's probably starting his villain arc. Although knowing Ronan, he's probably drinking and overthinking but nothing bad cause he's in love with you.
Ronan is a lesser fae than Calynn so she has more power and a higher status in the fae world. The 'tell me who did this to you' and 'I'll kill them' roles are reversed. Calynn rides a motorcycle and cares more about her leather jacket than being shot. She fun. Doesn't take BS from anyone. Oh and she's befriended two people that tried to kill her where one tried multiple times. And the other was told to hit her five times with his club which he did but he couldn't care if she died or not. His instructions were to hit her with his club five times. Dealing with the fae is and always will be tricky. There's always a loophole. Ronan is so nice. He's a sweetie pie. He doesn't push her and force her to do anything. His presence is light and not overbearing. I just didn't like how Calynn treated him when she found out the truth.
I liked it and looking forward to reading book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This eARC was provided to me through Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.
This is one of my favored types of reads: decent storyline, quick-moving, and overall a fairly fast read. Add that there will be at least a couple more books (if not more) in the series, it's even better. This starts out as a regular PI being hired to find something story, and then it starts getting interesting, as the PI here, doesn't know anything about 'other races' - meaning fae, etc. From there it gets a little far-fetched (as many stories these days do) with such a headstrong main character jumping head-first without knowledge of whom she might be against, just to 'right the wrongs' that have happened.
Overall, it was a good read, and I look forward to the next book in the series. I may even look up the author for other works that may have already been written. There is some slow romance growing/blossoming/happening that doesn't get over-detailed. There some fantasy races involved, but best, it's a murder mystery, with huge complications.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I find myself enmeshed in this world Writer Neeson has created. I do not think I can give it any higher praise. Nothing pulled me out of the story as the there were no gaffs of any kind and this world is wonderfully and fearfully made.
The dark is as honest as the light, though as creatively devious, so this is in *no way* a dark fantasy. There was no gratuitous explicit sex to detract from plot or character or relationship development. Same with any individual battles--straightforward, honorable, and no gratuitous, explicit gore. I have tremendous respect for writers who pull us into their world with their storytelling alone. I am very much looking forward to seeing this tale unfold further and discovering all the plot twists awaiting me!
Truth in the Smoke is a solid entry to an urban fantasy world that delights in playing with the tropes and lore we think we know.
Treading familiar ground—a down-on-her-luck P.I., a femme fatale with a job too good to be true, and enemies closing in on all sides—Neeson writes a rich, florid Vancouver that draws you into its shadowy, Fae-filled depths. Calynn brings the sass and bravado, her hard edges softened by a firecracker of a bestie who is as ready with a hug and slug of whiskey as she is with a sharp word. And then we have Ronan. Now, I might have a type. You can't prove it. It's not written down anywhere BUT IF IT WERE, it would be a "strong, broody, and silent exterior hiding a BIG OL' SOFTIE."
First book I've read from this author and I found it very fascinating. I've always loved stories about the Sidhe, Brownies, and such. Calynn, for all her insecurities about being abandoned by her "real" parents, adopted and foster parents, she has an inner strength that keeps coming out. She's fond of say she has bad ideas but that inner strength always shines through to help her out. Ronan is a perfect match for her if they can only get past their baggage. Can't tell you what that is because it would be a spoiler. I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for book 2. I don't think November can come soon enough.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What would you do as a PI if a client walked in to your office and told you you were a fae, like she was? What would you do if, for your whole life, you never felt you fit in? What do you do next after you take her case and she ends up murdered the next day? What do you do when strange creatures start trying to kill you next?
This is a great story about the fae. The characters are well-drawn. The story is tight and well-written. I was drawn into Calynn’s story and I didn’t want to leave. The mystery keeps getting deeper and I, like Calynn, can’t resist following where it leads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a cliffhanger and the second in the series is due out November 2023. Well-written, intriguing and worth your time. I've never read this author previously but I will look to see what else S.P. Neeson has written.
I don't do spoilers or summarize plots but I will tell you there are several interesting characters who I can't wait to meet again, and they aren't the two main characters in the story. I'm hoping the 2nd book doesn't let me down as I've already preordered the book from Amazon. Those who love fantasy will enjoy this new series.
Thanks for an advanced copy for my honest review. Now to see what else S.P. Neeson has written.
This was a fun world to step into. Rich in lore, steeped in mystery and intrigue, dotted with phenomenal and fascinating characters, layered with a great (fade to black) romantic subplot, this book kept me coming back to it, sneaking pages in whenever possible.
Calynn is a likeable protagonist (rash and full of bad decisions, but at least she owns it), Arial is the bestie we all need, and Ronan, well, I won't mind spending more time with him.
I thought this was truly a unique story. The mc calynn is a private investigator and apparently a changeling and had no idea. It's a client of hers that tells her. She has been hired to find a key that has gone missing. The next day her client turns up dead and strange things are happening. I was so mesmerized by the story that I couldn't put it down without finishing this remarkable tale. I thought it was thrilling and exciting and I can't wait to read the next book in this charming series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a bit different than what I was expecting, but I loved it. I was expecting either fae with a hint of murder mystery or the reverse, but these two plots were so tightly intertwined that you really can’t talk about them separately. The characters are well written, and the plot is enjoyable to read. I don’t want to vine too much away, so I will however, say I am already awaiting book 2!
This is a book that the blurb reeled me right in. I love the original way in which this story is told. I love all Fantasy and found this one to be a wonderful surprise. Caylnn is a strong FMC and I was pulled right in to this story. I was not expecting to be left want more, but I do. A bit of a cliff, but hello it is a series, I do not mind the wait! I Loved It and I Need More!!! No Spoilers! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I came for the urban/fae fantasy and stayed for the mystery and slow burn romance. I loved the characters in this book, most notably Calynn, the kick ass female lead, and the smoldering Ronan. I love that it's set in set in my neck of the woods; I look for doors to fairy hidden where I walk my dogs or go out to dinner now. This book was a strong start to a trilogy- I can't to see what happens next.
I will absolutely be on the lookout for Book 2. Great world-building, I'm rooting for our FMC, and I'm all in for our MMC. The ONLY drawback was all the typos. I can hope, since I'm reading an ARC, it's being edited, but it was a little distracting. The pace feels perfect, and I'd love to see more of the Sidhe world.
Happy I picked this one up.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Very intriguing from the beginning. Finding out someone wants you dead must be quite a shock as also that you are not what you thought you are. A wonderfully written book with twists and turns, lies and deceit abundant. The main character is incredibly described and emotions are fully explored. A book you can totally immerse yourself in. Great for anyone loving really great fantastic reading.
Dont let the book title mislead you. I never thought it’s a fae mystery abit of romance… i really love that the story keep on goin and keeps you on the edge. When you thought it’s over its not. I really really love this book and can’t wait for the next. I received an e-advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the story and I really liked the main character, Calynn and her best friend. I wasn't crazy about the love interest, Ronan. He seemed like an old man. There wasn't any chemistry between Calynn and Ronan, in my opinion. The author's writing is really great, however, so if you like stories with "to be continued" endings, then it's worth reading.
The way Neeson reveals Calynn’s true identity was masterful. Every hint and reveal came at just the right moment. I enjoyed the cast of fae characters and getting to know their stories. But the part I loved the most was Caylynn’s kindness and the way she saw past the mask people wear to hide their pain. Loved this story and I look forward to reading more.
Urban fantasy at its best! I'm a sucker for the fae and this did not disappoint. Vivid descriptions had me following down dark alleys and through fancy houses while Calynn investigates/bumbles around trying to stay alive, solve the murder of a batty actress, and becoming entangled with handsome, infuriating Ronan.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Since this is the first in a series there is some world building but it works to further the story rather than interrupting it. Well written and definitely worth reading. Looking forward to the next book.
"His magic felt like the darkness of death. Having never died before, I wasn't sure how I knew that is what death would feel like, but I was certain. It felt like what being buried alive must feel like, a suffocating darkness where the sun would never be allowed to shine again."
"He always kept his emotions off his face, but if I looked close enough, I could see how he was feeling in the emerald depths. I was so busy studying him I didn't even realize he was doing the same until he said, 'I could spend hours watching the colors change in your eyes.'"
I absolutely loved this book! In addition to being intrigued by the premise, it was the high quality of the writing that drew me in. I was hooked from the start and flew through the book! And for several days after I had finished it, I kept wanting to pick it back up and keep reading and had to remind myself that I had already finished it, and the sequel hasn't been released yet 😅
The two MCs, Calynn and Ronan, were fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what comes next in their story!
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
This had me on edge though the whole story. Such a great read. Strong female, independent and for hire. This was a first from this author and I cannot wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the character and world building in this book, I couldn't put it down. Anyone who's into fantasy novels is doing themselves a disservices by passing this one up. I'm so excited for the next book, I can't even wait! Highly recommend!