What do you think?
Rate this book
Up in Smoke
This thriller follows a girl determined to clear her brother’s name and a boy desperate to keep his own out of the line of fire. As the heat turns up in a murder investigation, old feelings reignite between them, but a shocking secret could tear them apart.
Unmask a murderer or take the fall.
After Cooper King is pressured by big brother figure Jason to go on a looting spree during a local march, the unthinkable gunshots ring in the air and someone ends up dead. After Cooper flees, the news shows four teens in ski masks near the scene of the murder—Cooper and his friends. Cooper fears the cops will come knocking at his door, and the pressure only mounts when a suspect is taken into custody – Jason.
Monique, Jason's sister and Cooper's longtime crush, is willing to go any length to clear her brother's name. Even if she needs to go into the belly of the beast and confront the killer herself. When she teams up with Cooper, they fall down the investigation rabbit hole and start to fall for each other. But little does Monique know that within this web of deception, Cooper is shrouding the truth that he was there when the shots went off. If the pair fail to uncover the real murderer, Jason will get locked up for a crime he didn't commit—and drag down Cooper with him.
Unmask a murderer or take the fall.
After Cooper King is pressured by big brother figure Jason to go on a looting spree during a local march, the unthinkable gunshots ring in the air and someone ends up dead. After Cooper flees, the news shows four teens in ski masks near the scene of the murder—Cooper and his friends. Cooper fears the cops will come knocking at his door, and the pressure only mounts when a suspect is taken into custody – Jason.
Monique, Jason's sister and Cooper's longtime crush, is willing to go any length to clear her brother's name. Even if she needs to go into the belly of the beast and confront the killer herself. When she teams up with Cooper, they fall down the investigation rabbit hole and start to fall for each other. But little does Monique know that within this web of deception, Cooper is shrouding the truth that he was there when the shots went off. If the pair fail to uncover the real murderer, Jason will get locked up for a crime he didn't commit—and drag down Cooper with him.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2025
35 people are currently reading
25707 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
April 18, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I feel like this could turn into a YA mystery series! Set in Washington D.C., Up in Smoke follows a Black teen boy who has gotten in over his head when agreeing to help friends loot during a protest for money results in his friend Jason is arrested for murder. Cooper doesn't think Jason would have killed anyone, and Jason's sister (Coopers crush) agrees. Together they embark on a dangerous quest to clear Jason's name and uncover what really happened. But Cooper has secrets that could damage this burgeoning relationship...
The start of this is a bit heavy and feels realistic - it's tackling very real and complicated issues involving systemic injustice and how people respond to that. But it's also a great YA mystery with characters finding clues and uncovering the truth, even if they have to put themselves in danger to do it. (As a parent this sometimes stressed me out, but that's kind of the deal with this genre!) Nick Brooks is doing great work and I would love to see his mysteries take off. The audio narration for both character POV's is excellent. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I feel like this could turn into a YA mystery series! Set in Washington D.C., Up in Smoke follows a Black teen boy who has gotten in over his head when agreeing to help friends loot during a protest for money results in his friend Jason is arrested for murder. Cooper doesn't think Jason would have killed anyone, and Jason's sister (Coopers crush) agrees. Together they embark on a dangerous quest to clear Jason's name and uncover what really happened. But Cooper has secrets that could damage this burgeoning relationship...
The start of this is a bit heavy and feels realistic - it's tackling very real and complicated issues involving systemic injustice and how people respond to that. But it's also a great YA mystery with characters finding clues and uncovering the truth, even if they have to put themselves in danger to do it. (As a parent this sometimes stressed me out, but that's kind of the deal with this genre!) Nick Brooks is doing great work and I would love to see his mysteries take off. The audio narration for both character POV's is excellent. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
April 15, 2025
3.5 stars.
What a thrilling ride!
I love how Nick Brooks keeps it real in his books and doesn't shy away from the issues that Black working class teens face in their lives, particularly with systemic oppression and police brutality. While I didn't like this one as much as Promise Boys, I still had a great time.
While the whodunnit mystery provided a riveting element to the story (and definitely kept me on my toes), I actually liked the parts of the book that explored Cooper and Monique's relationship. The huge secret that Cooper kept from Monique made me nervous for them. It was like knowing that your friend or younger sibling was doing something wrong to mess up a good thing they had with their crush. Come on, Coop!
I wish this had been a 4 star read for me. Without giving away the end, let's just say that the vibes were very Scooby Doo and the gang and that kinda ruined it for me. But don't let that deter you from picking up this book.
Anyway, I'll be sure to follow Nick Brooks' writing career. He's definitely a rising star in the YA world.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) and NetGalley for this arc.
What a thrilling ride!
I love how Nick Brooks keeps it real in his books and doesn't shy away from the issues that Black working class teens face in their lives, particularly with systemic oppression and police brutality. While I didn't like this one as much as Promise Boys, I still had a great time.
While the whodunnit mystery provided a riveting element to the story (and definitely kept me on my toes), I actually liked the parts of the book that explored Cooper and Monique's relationship. The huge secret that Cooper kept from Monique made me nervous for them. It was like knowing that your friend or younger sibling was doing something wrong to mess up a good thing they had with their crush. Come on, Coop!
I wish this had been a 4 star read for me. Without giving away the end, let's just say that the vibes were very Scooby Doo and the gang and that kinda ruined it for me. But don't let that deter you from picking up this book.
Anyway, I'll be sure to follow Nick Brooks' writing career. He's definitely a rising star in the YA world.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) and NetGalley for this arc.
May 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️| Excellent story! This book touched on some heavy subjects such as crime against black and brown boys/men, police corruption and protests gone wrong. The story was raw, real and drew out a lot of emotion. The characters are well developed and authentic, especially Cooper the protagonist, whose voice was unforgettable. The narrators in this audiobook did an amazing job, bringing life to both the male & female main characters in this story. From the very first page, this author captures the intensity of a young man’s struggle to stay true to himself while navigating the chaos of his environment.
When a peaceful protest turns deadly, Cooper’s good friend Jason is arrested for the murder. Although he’s been harboring secrets, no one that knows Jason feels that he committed this crime. Cooper teams up with Monique, Jason’s sister solve this crime as Coop is also trying to ensure his own freedom, considering he was present during the protest. Turning into junior sleuths, they uncover corruption so deep, it will make your head spin! Are they in over their heads? Or will they uncover the truth before they potentially become the next victims?
Overall a great read that I would recommend! Solid writing style that drew me in from the beginning and continued to hold my interest. I absolutely loved Monique’s poems, they definitely resonated. Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
When a peaceful protest turns deadly, Cooper’s good friend Jason is arrested for the murder. Although he’s been harboring secrets, no one that knows Jason feels that he committed this crime. Cooper teams up with Monique, Jason’s sister solve this crime as Coop is also trying to ensure his own freedom, considering he was present during the protest. Turning into junior sleuths, they uncover corruption so deep, it will make your head spin! Are they in over their heads? Or will they uncover the truth before they potentially become the next victims?
Overall a great read that I would recommend! Solid writing style that drew me in from the beginning and continued to hold my interest. I absolutely loved Monique’s poems, they definitely resonated. Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2025
Unmask a murderer or take the fall.
💨
Cooper King doesn’t care much about the protest going on for the death of a teen. He just wants to keep his head down and out of others’ business, but when his best friend, Jason, asks him to go on a looting spree during the protest, Cooper struggles with his decision to go. As they’re stealing gunshots ring out and a young woman ends up dead. Now Jason is a suspect and Cooper is scared he’ll be arrested next. Monique, Jason’s sister and Cooper’s longtime crush, decides to help prove who really killed the woman, but their investigation leads them through a web of deception and cover up. Will Cooper be able to prove his and Jason’s innocence?
🔥
This was a well-crafted YA thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and while the suspense part of the #book was amazing, the narrative woven throughout the story in regards to Black youth was the real star of the show. Dual POVs allowed us to feel the emotional stakes each character went through. I can’t wait to interview Nick at #nttbf25 and discuss this amazing title that releases May 6!
CW: police brutality, racism, racial profiling, theft, death, murder, death of a parent, looting/riots, confinement
4.25 ⭐️
💨
Cooper King doesn’t care much about the protest going on for the death of a teen. He just wants to keep his head down and out of others’ business, but when his best friend, Jason, asks him to go on a looting spree during the protest, Cooper struggles with his decision to go. As they’re stealing gunshots ring out and a young woman ends up dead. Now Jason is a suspect and Cooper is scared he’ll be arrested next. Monique, Jason’s sister and Cooper’s longtime crush, decides to help prove who really killed the woman, but their investigation leads them through a web of deception and cover up. Will Cooper be able to prove his and Jason’s innocence?
🔥
This was a well-crafted YA thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and while the suspense part of the #book was amazing, the narrative woven throughout the story in regards to Black youth was the real star of the show. Dual POVs allowed us to feel the emotional stakes each character went through. I can’t wait to interview Nick at #nttbf25 and discuss this amazing title that releases May 6!
CW: police brutality, racism, racial profiling, theft, death, murder, death of a parent, looting/riots, confinement
4.25 ⭐️
April 11, 2025
eARC Review: Up in Smoke by Nick Brooks
DNF at 55% – 2/5 stars
This book had all the ingredients to be a hit – a cool concept, solid writing, and interesting themes. I was honestly really excited going in.
But… it just didn’t click for me. I can't even point to one specific thing that didn’t work – the writing style was totally fine, but I just couldn’t get into the story. I kept hoping it would grab me at some point, but I found myself forcing through the pages instead of actually enjoying them.
At 55%, I decided to call it. Not every book is for everyone, and that’s okay. I’m sure others might enjoy this one more than I did, but it just wasn’t for me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
DNF at 55% – 2/5 stars
This book had all the ingredients to be a hit – a cool concept, solid writing, and interesting themes. I was honestly really excited going in.
But… it just didn’t click for me. I can't even point to one specific thing that didn’t work – the writing style was totally fine, but I just couldn’t get into the story. I kept hoping it would grab me at some point, but I found myself forcing through the pages instead of actually enjoying them.
At 55%, I decided to call it. Not every book is for everyone, and that’s okay. I’m sure others might enjoy this one more than I did, but it just wasn’t for me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 1, 2026
Der Jugendroman „Up in Smoke“ ist eine schnelle, spannende Lektüre, die auch Jugendliche in einem Rutsch durchlesen können. Schon auf den ersten Seiten steckt man mitten im Geschehen: Cooper lässt sich von seinem Freund Jason überreden, während einer Black-Lives-Matter-Demonstration an einer Plünderung teilzunehmen. Als kurz darauf Schüsse fallen und ein Mensch stirbt, gerät Cooper selbst unter Verdacht. Von der Polizei kann er keine Hilfe erwarten, daher nimmt er die Sache gemeinsam mit Jasons Schwester Mo selbst in die Hand.
Der Roman lebt stark von seinem hohen Tempo. Die Geschichte konzentriert sich ganz auf den Fall und die Suche nach dem wahren Täter. Die kleine Liebesgeschichte zwischen Cooper und Mo bleibt dezent im Hintergrund und lenkt nicht von der eigentlichen Spannung ab. Gerade das macht das Buch zu einer sehr zugänglichen, zügig lesbaren Geschichte, die auch Jugendliche motiviert, immer weiterzulesen. Gut gefallen hat mir auch, dass der Roman konsequent auf die Auflösung hin erzählt und mit dem gelösten Fall endet. Inhaltlich greift er aktuelle Themen wie Protestbewegungen, Polizeiarbeit und Vorverurteilung auf, ohne dabei belehrend zu wirken. Das lässt mich auch darüber hinwegsehen, dass der Roman sprachlich nicht ganz so ansprechend ist, auch wenn die Übersetzung von Sabine Schilasky sicher gelungen ist.
Ich hätte mir allerdings ein Nachwort gewünscht. An einer Stelle werden Gewerkschaften eher negativ dargestellt und ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob alle Jugendlichen den Begriff oder seine gesellschaftliche Bedeutung einordnen können. Ein kurzer erklärender Kontext hätte hier hilfreich sein können, eventuell auch zu BLM und gun violence in den USA.
Der Roman lebt stark von seinem hohen Tempo. Die Geschichte konzentriert sich ganz auf den Fall und die Suche nach dem wahren Täter. Die kleine Liebesgeschichte zwischen Cooper und Mo bleibt dezent im Hintergrund und lenkt nicht von der eigentlichen Spannung ab. Gerade das macht das Buch zu einer sehr zugänglichen, zügig lesbaren Geschichte, die auch Jugendliche motiviert, immer weiterzulesen. Gut gefallen hat mir auch, dass der Roman konsequent auf die Auflösung hin erzählt und mit dem gelösten Fall endet. Inhaltlich greift er aktuelle Themen wie Protestbewegungen, Polizeiarbeit und Vorverurteilung auf, ohne dabei belehrend zu wirken. Das lässt mich auch darüber hinwegsehen, dass der Roman sprachlich nicht ganz so ansprechend ist, auch wenn die Übersetzung von Sabine Schilasky sicher gelungen ist.
Ich hätte mir allerdings ein Nachwort gewünscht. An einer Stelle werden Gewerkschaften eher negativ dargestellt und ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob alle Jugendlichen den Begriff oder seine gesellschaftliche Bedeutung einordnen können. Ein kurzer erklärender Kontext hätte hier hilfreich sein können, eventuell auch zu BLM und gun violence in den USA.
February 27, 2025
This was a quick, fast-paced ya thriller. I loved how this story was told through dual points of view between Cooper and Monique. This book was unique and a bit unpredictable which I really liked. Up In Smoke was very well written, especially as it covers some heavier themes. Overall this was a great young adult thriller.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
April 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the digital copy of this book.
Cooper King finds himself in over his head when he joins his friend/brother-figure on a looting spree during a march. Suddenly he is standing there, stolen goods in his bag, gunshots ringing in the air and someone ending up dead.
This is a fast-paced YA-thriller that keeps you guessing. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed it. Some parts of the dialogue felt a bit unnatural but I don´t know if it was or if it is because english isn´t my first language. When it comes to the murder mystery I really didn´t know what the outcome would be which I liked.
The book fell a bit flat for me but I don´t think I´m the intended reader so I don´t want that to stop anyone from giving this a try!
I rated this book 2.5 stars.
Cooper King finds himself in over his head when he joins his friend/brother-figure on a looting spree during a march. Suddenly he is standing there, stolen goods in his bag, gunshots ringing in the air and someone ending up dead.
This is a fast-paced YA-thriller that keeps you guessing. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed it. Some parts of the dialogue felt a bit unnatural but I don´t know if it was or if it is because english isn´t my first language. When it comes to the murder mystery I really didn´t know what the outcome would be which I liked.
The book fell a bit flat for me but I don´t think I´m the intended reader so I don´t want that to stop anyone from giving this a try!
I rated this book 2.5 stars.
April 6, 2025
It all starts at a protest. Samir, a 14-year-old Black boy, was shot and killed by a white cop. Monique is there to speak up. To get justice for a boy who didn’t deserve to die. Cooper King is at the same protest but for a different reason. He’s there to help a close friend, and Monique’s older brother, Jason, loot stores nearby. But things get out of hand. Shots are fired and a woman is found dead. The next thing Monique and Cooper know, Jason is in jail and accused of murder. Is he just another Black man that the cops are pinning a crime on? Cooper and Monique think so, so they set out to prove it. But will Coop admit his role in this to Mo, especially as they begin to grow closer? It seems unlikely the more they learn about the victim, Jason, and so many more that were involved.
A fast-paced mystery that will hook readers from the start. I found aspects of it a bit too similar to Promise Boys but still couldn’t put it down.
**Read an ebook ARC through NetGalley. Comes out May 6, 2025.
A fast-paced mystery that will hook readers from the start. I found aspects of it a bit too similar to Promise Boys but still couldn’t put it down.
**Read an ebook ARC through NetGalley. Comes out May 6, 2025.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishing Company for my advance Copy.
After being told not to go to a Black Lives Matter protest Coop decides he wants to go and with his best fried Jason. Things happen while there and a police officer is shot and killed because Jason was there he was charged for the murder. Monique is a girl that Coop likes as well as Jason’s sister.
In Up in smoke we see Coop and Monique build their relationship all while trying to clear Jason of the Charges.
I really enjoyed this book but it didn’t quite hit Promise Boys level. I felt like the romance came when they should have been solving the murder.
Overall a good book!
After being told not to go to a Black Lives Matter protest Coop decides he wants to go and with his best fried Jason. Things happen while there and a police officer is shot and killed because Jason was there he was charged for the murder. Monique is a girl that Coop likes as well as Jason’s sister.
In Up in smoke we see Coop and Monique build their relationship all while trying to clear Jason of the Charges.
I really enjoyed this book but it didn’t quite hit Promise Boys level. I felt like the romance came when they should have been solving the murder.
Overall a good book!
May 10, 2025
Quick Hook:
A Bronx-set YA with strong social themes and emotional depth—but the central mystery fizzles beneath everything else.
What Worked:
The language was a standout—real, modern, and immersive. I appreciated the multiple narrators and how each chapter title connected to the plot. The book thoughtfully explores grief, police violence, and the influence of community and environment on teens. Coop’s character arc, especially how he handled his grief and responsibilities, was well done. I also enjoyed his budding romance with Monique—it added softness to an otherwise heavy narrative.
What Didn’t Work:
The biggest letdown? The mystery. While it was supposed to be the driving force of the story, it often took a backseat to other subplots and social commentary. The murder happened quickly, and then the investigation felt scattered and underdeveloped until the very end—leaving me with more questions than answers. Monique’s impulsive decisions, the uneven pacing between narrators, and a rushed, unresolved ending didn’t help. Some of the analogies—like comparing unions to mobs—felt off, and ultimately, the mystery didn’t anchor the story the way I expected.
Who Should Read It:
Readers who like character-driven YA with real-world issues at the forefront, and a mystery that’s more backdrop than center stage. Best for fans of The Hate U Give who don’t mind a slow-burning plot.
S.P.I.C.E. Rating:
• Setting: Bronx done right
• Plot: Promised mystery, delivered distraction
• Impact: Strong themes, uneven focus
• Characters: Coop was the heart; Monique’s arc needed more
• Emotion: Moments of intensity but lacked resolution
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
A Bronx-set YA with strong social themes and emotional depth—but the central mystery fizzles beneath everything else.
What Worked:
The language was a standout—real, modern, and immersive. I appreciated the multiple narrators and how each chapter title connected to the plot. The book thoughtfully explores grief, police violence, and the influence of community and environment on teens. Coop’s character arc, especially how he handled his grief and responsibilities, was well done. I also enjoyed his budding romance with Monique—it added softness to an otherwise heavy narrative.
What Didn’t Work:
The biggest letdown? The mystery. While it was supposed to be the driving force of the story, it often took a backseat to other subplots and social commentary. The murder happened quickly, and then the investigation felt scattered and underdeveloped until the very end—leaving me with more questions than answers. Monique’s impulsive decisions, the uneven pacing between narrators, and a rushed, unresolved ending didn’t help. Some of the analogies—like comparing unions to mobs—felt off, and ultimately, the mystery didn’t anchor the story the way I expected.
Who Should Read It:
Readers who like character-driven YA with real-world issues at the forefront, and a mystery that’s more backdrop than center stage. Best for fans of The Hate U Give who don’t mind a slow-burning plot.
S.P.I.C.E. Rating:
• Setting: Bronx done right
• Plot: Promised mystery, delivered distraction
• Impact: Strong themes, uneven focus
• Characters: Coop was the heart; Monique’s arc needed more
• Emotion: Moments of intensity but lacked resolution
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
May 6, 2025
In Up in Smoke the MC is Cooper (aka Coop) King. It begins with a protest and Coop and his friends decide they're going to loot some stores. But as they are in the process of doing so, gunshots ring out and someone has been killed. Unfortunately, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time and one of the buys, Jason, was arrested for murder.
Coop and Jason's sister team up to find the real killer because nobody who knows Jason believes he could murder anybody. But still the doubts began to creep in here and there due to evidence. What happens in the end is for others to read and find out...no spoiler here.
The book's intended audience is YA and I think it works well for that age group. I think there are some messages in it that might help some young adults to think about something twice if only while reading the book. All choices have consequences and bad choices will come with bad consequences.
I had the ebook as well as the audiobook. For me, the audio didn't really add to how much I liked the book. The reading was easy, fast-paced and not difficult to understand; however, having taught English in high school mostly to freshmen, I think the audio would be perfect for reluctant readers.
I would like to thank NetGalley for a free e-ARC and free audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
Coop and Jason's sister team up to find the real killer because nobody who knows Jason believes he could murder anybody. But still the doubts began to creep in here and there due to evidence. What happens in the end is for others to read and find out...no spoiler here.
The book's intended audience is YA and I think it works well for that age group. I think there are some messages in it that might help some young adults to think about something twice if only while reading the book. All choices have consequences and bad choices will come with bad consequences.
I had the ebook as well as the audiobook. For me, the audio didn't really add to how much I liked the book. The reading was easy, fast-paced and not difficult to understand; however, having taught English in high school mostly to freshmen, I think the audio would be perfect for reluctant readers.
I would like to thank NetGalley for a free e-ARC and free audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
April 17, 2025
I really enjoyed Promise Boys! So, I was excited to see Nick Brooks had a new book coming out! I enjoyed this story, but I struggled to connect to the characters.
Monique was the most enjoyable character! I appreciated her dedication to doing what was right and furthering a cause she believed in. I didn’t believe that Cooper was the right person for her, but their budding romance added a bit of innocence to an otherwise heavy book.
If you are looking for a murder mystery that deals with the struggles that BIPOC face, then I recommend listening to this audiobook. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
Monique was the most enjoyable character! I appreciated her dedication to doing what was right and furthering a cause she believed in. I didn’t believe that Cooper was the right person for her, but their budding romance added a bit of innocence to an otherwise heavy book.
If you are looking for a murder mystery that deals with the struggles that BIPOC face, then I recommend listening to this audiobook. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
May 6, 2025
Nick Brooks does an incredible job creating characters that feel real—there’s definitely someone in this book you’ll see yourself in or recognize from your own life. It’s a fast-paced, emotional story that hits hard in places but stays relatable and engaging from start to finish.
This book doesn’t hold back. It dives headfirst into the realities of being young, Black, and caught in a system that’s rigged from the start. It’s about truth, loyalty, and the impossible choices we sometimes have to make between protecting ourselves and doing what’s right. The themes are bold, the emotions are raw, and the message? Unforgettable.
4.25 out of 5 stars.
This book doesn’t hold back. It dives headfirst into the realities of being young, Black, and caught in a system that’s rigged from the start. It’s about truth, loyalty, and the impossible choices we sometimes have to make between protecting ourselves and doing what’s right. The themes are bold, the emotions are raw, and the message? Unforgettable.
4.25 out of 5 stars.
May 29, 2025
***** I received this audiobook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This thriller is very fitting for life in our world today. A woman gets murdered during a rally where the supporters are trying to get justice from a n African American youth who was wrongly killed. When her brother gets put in jail as the suspected killer Monica teams up with her friend and they start searching for answers. They have to get into some sticky spots in order to find the answers they are looking for.
This thriller is very fitting for life in our world today. A woman gets murdered during a rally where the supporters are trying to get justice from a n African American youth who was wrongly killed. When her brother gets put in jail as the suspected killer Monica teams up with her friend and they start searching for answers. They have to get into some sticky spots in order to find the answers they are looking for.
April 18, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
Thank you to Net-Galley + Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC!
A solid and easy to read YA novel about growing up Black in a post-2020 world. Very much a contemporary of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
I would recommend this book to new or young readers in my life as I feel it encompasses a lot of the nuances of being young and feeling alone in a world that can only be described as a dumpster fire. Where it could fall into a depressing spiral, it uplifts the reader, reminding them that there is always a better choice to be made and always someone to talk to.
Thank you to Net-Galley + Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC!
A solid and easy to read YA novel about growing up Black in a post-2020 world. Very much a contemporary of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
I would recommend this book to new or young readers in my life as I feel it encompasses a lot of the nuances of being young and feeling alone in a world that can only be described as a dumpster fire. Where it could fall into a depressing spiral, it uplifts the reader, reminding them that there is always a better choice to be made and always someone to talk to.
May 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Brookes thriller is around the Black Lives Matter movement and protests. Between social media and conspiracy theories it showed how easy it was for a young man to get caught up in a bad situation. The two POVs kept it interesting however some of the good parts that had the drama that sucks you in felt rushed and then some of the other parts like police investigating seerned to drag on too long. Overall it was a nice read.
Brookes thriller is around the Black Lives Matter movement and protests. Between social media and conspiracy theories it showed how easy it was for a young man to get caught up in a bad situation. The two POVs kept it interesting however some of the good parts that had the drama that sucks you in felt rushed and then some of the other parts like police investigating seerned to drag on too long. Overall it was a nice read.
March 25, 2025
This dual, POV YA thriller follows Cooper and Monique as they work together to solve a murder in hopes of clearing Monique’s brother, who has been wrongfully charged. Cooper struggles internally as they follow the clues, especially since he was with Jason just before the murder.
Nick Brooks weaves real-life issues affecting the POC community into the story, adding depth and awareness. The fast-paced plot is packed with unpredictable twists, keeping readers engaged. Alongside the mystery, there’s an intriguing “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic between Cooper and Monique that adds another layer to the story.
I don’t typically read YA, as I’m not the target audience, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The story and its execution kept me hooked until the end!
Nick Brooks weaves real-life issues affecting the POC community into the story, adding depth and awareness. The fast-paced plot is packed with unpredictable twists, keeping readers engaged. Alongside the mystery, there’s an intriguing “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic between Cooper and Monique that adds another layer to the story.
I don’t typically read YA, as I’m not the target audience, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The story and its execution kept me hooked until the end!
April 23, 2025
3 stars
Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. It felt very predictable and hyper focused on certain things that were not important parts of the story. I found myself putting the book down and not being super interested in picking it back up. The dual POVs were bland to me and didn't add anything.
Thanks to NetGalley and crew for the ARC!
Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. It felt very predictable and hyper focused on certain things that were not important parts of the story. I found myself putting the book down and not being super interested in picking it back up. The dual POVs were bland to me and didn't add anything.
Thanks to NetGalley and crew for the ARC!
May 6, 2025
Thank you Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for my review copy.
I really enjoyed Promise Boys and was excited to read this story but sadly it didn't engage me the same way. The story had short chapters, good pacing, but I was just bored with the story.
I really enjoyed Promise Boys and was excited to read this story but sadly it didn't engage me the same way. The story had short chapters, good pacing, but I was just bored with the story.
February 21, 2026
One thing I really appreciated was the underlying commentary on how the justice system fails to protect young people, especially Black boys and girls. The incompetence and bias felt frustratingly predictable, and that was the point—the antagonist was able to anticipate those failures and use them to his advantage, which made the plot feel both chilling and realistic. It highlights how systems meant to serve justice can instead create the very conditions that allow harm and revenge to grow.
I also liked how the book explored young adult love and lust without being overly explicit. It felt honest and age-appropriate, showing how messy emotions, attraction, and relationships can be during that stage of life. The balance between heavier themes like injustice and the more personal experiences of growing up made the story feel grounded and relatable rather than just being a typical thriller.
I also liked how the book explored young adult love and lust without being overly explicit. It felt honest and age-appropriate, showing how messy emotions, attraction, and relationships can be during that stage of life. The balance between heavier themes like injustice and the more personal experiences of growing up made the story feel grounded and relatable rather than just being a typical thriller.
Read
July 15, 2025literally devoured this book in 24 hrs but it was also really short and i was driving a lot yesterday lol i love this author i still liked promise boys more but this was great
July 30, 2025
I'm tired of bad books from the library
November 24, 2025
Loved this book, thank you so much for the ARC!
December 8, 2025
I liked this a lot. The ending was a little fast.
April 13, 2025
*Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
Nick Brooks delivers a compelling thriller centered around the Black Lives Matter movement littered with elements of social media and conspiracy theories. I wish it was longer though because I felt like some of the twists were too jarring! But overall, a solid YA mystery/thriller.
Nick Brooks delivers a compelling thriller centered around the Black Lives Matter movement littered with elements of social media and conspiracy theories. I wish it was longer though because I felt like some of the twists were too jarring! But overall, a solid YA mystery/thriller.
December 25, 2025
This book was great I could not put it down!
February 9, 2025
Honestly, this was the page-turner I’ve been yearning for and my first real thrill read of 2025. Characters with lots of depth and feeling who I really came to care about. Fast-paced with a strong moral compass, this is a book I’m eager to put into the hands of my students.
June 11, 2025
Wow. I couldn’t put this one down. Having not read Nick Brooks’s other works, I can say this one made me a fan! He joins the ranks of Nic Stone and dare I say Jason Reynolds? A dual POV - one girl, one guy, and along the lines of The Hate U Give. Incredible!
April 7, 2025
Thank you, Fierce Reads , for this ARC of 𝘜𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 by Nick Brooks. I was genuinely looking forward to this book ever since Nick announced it, and it exceeded my expectations! I found myself completely engaged from the very beginning. This read was quick and fast-paced, and the plot twist surprised me in a way I didn’t see coming. I suspected it would be someone close to the accused, but I was wrong about who it turned out to be.
I loved that the story is told from the dual perspectives of our main characters, Cooper and Monique. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how Nick made Monique’s character stand out, starting some of her chapters with poetry. This choice showcased her talent beyond her activism.
With such serious topics as police brutality, murder, young love, and grief, Nick did an excellent job of addressing these issues in a way that is appropriate for young readers. This book is definitely worth reading if you have teenagers. If you haven’t added it to your TBR yet, 𝘜𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 comes out on May 6, 2025!
I loved that the story is told from the dual perspectives of our main characters, Cooper and Monique. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how Nick made Monique’s character stand out, starting some of her chapters with poetry. This choice showcased her talent beyond her activism.
With such serious topics as police brutality, murder, young love, and grief, Nick did an excellent job of addressing these issues in a way that is appropriate for young readers. This book is definitely worth reading if you have teenagers. If you haven’t added it to your TBR yet, 𝘜𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 comes out on May 6, 2025!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews