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Coldren County #2
Where There's Smoke
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Following the USA Today bestselling series debut, No Rest for the Wicked, Rachel Louise Adams returns with Where There’s Smoke.
A lot has happened in Dolores Hawthorne’s life since the events of last Halloween. She’s divorced, traded being a forensic pathologist for a job as a medical examiner, and now lives in small-town Wisconsin, close—but not too close—to her family.
Dolores doesn’t have much in the way of work, but that all changes when a body is found at the local slaughterhouse. Benedict Marcy owned Marcy’s Meats, and is affectionately called Mr. Mercy across the region. This high-profile case quickly catches the attention of Dolores’s friends at the FBI.
From the very beginning, this case is full of contradictions and surprises, and the team quickly learns someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to stop them from finding out the truth behind Benedict Marcy’s murder.
A lot has happened in Dolores Hawthorne’s life since the events of last Halloween. She’s divorced, traded being a forensic pathologist for a job as a medical examiner, and now lives in small-town Wisconsin, close—but not too close—to her family.
Dolores doesn’t have much in the way of work, but that all changes when a body is found at the local slaughterhouse. Benedict Marcy owned Marcy’s Meats, and is affectionately called Mr. Mercy across the region. This high-profile case quickly catches the attention of Dolores’s friends at the FBI.
From the very beginning, this case is full of contradictions and surprises, and the team quickly learns someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to stop them from finding out the truth behind Benedict Marcy’s murder.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Rachel Louise Adams
4 books248 followers5 Things You Should Know About Me:
1) I don’t believe in rating books, so all the reviews I leave on Goodreads will be 5 stars. Happy birthday to all authors, I guess.
2) I’m the proud creature of two wonderful cats.
3) I don’t believe in choosing between a great plot and great characters. Readers deserve both. But if I had to choose, I’d choose characters.
4) Don’t open a book of mine until you’ve checked the content warnings on The Story Graph.
5) Storytelling is magical. I sincerely believe that creating makes us better humans. Part of that process is connecting with readers, so reach out to me. I’ll answer you, and I’ll be glad to hear from you.
Finally, as to the sort of books that I like--let's just say that if a talented author rips out my heart, stabs it, and hands it back, my response will be: ‘Thanks. I’m your number one fan’.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellouis...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
1) I don’t believe in rating books, so all the reviews I leave on Goodreads will be 5 stars. Happy birthday to all authors, I guess.
2) I’m the proud creature of two wonderful cats.
3) I don’t believe in choosing between a great plot and great characters. Readers deserve both. But if I had to choose, I’d choose characters.
4) Don’t open a book of mine until you’ve checked the content warnings on The Story Graph.
5) Storytelling is magical. I sincerely believe that creating makes us better humans. Part of that process is connecting with readers, so reach out to me. I’ll answer you, and I’ll be glad to hear from you.
Finally, as to the sort of books that I like--let's just say that if a talented author rips out my heart, stabs it, and hands it back, my response will be: ‘Thanks. I’m your number one fan’.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellouis...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
FIVE STAR ALERT!
"She couldn't help but wonder if they were looking at the smoke, or if they were seeing the true face behind the magic trick." *
Starting off with a cringe-inducing incident of a body found at the local slaughterhouse, this atmospheric mystery hooked me completely; I read it in one day! In this installment, Dolores is now a medical examiner in a town close to her family. The circumstances surrounding the murder at Marcy's Meats bring in two FBI agents with whom Dolores has past history: Kate and Paul.
RACHEL LOUISE ADAMS'S artful word choices within her lyrical, vivid writing are captivating and immerse readers in Dolores's world. The investigation and forensics are intriguing enough, but the people elevate this layered story even more. From the main characters to the secondary ones—including the insufferable and suspicious—they all radiate realism and magnetism. In particular, Dolores and Kate are women to root for, and I'd love to see more interactions between them. I figured a few things out, but it took time and I was surprised by how certain events played out—right down to a breathtaking conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat!
Book Two stands on its own, but there will be spoilers for Book One. I'd recommend reading "No Rest For The Wicked" first so you don't miss any crucial backstory and to fully appreciate character growth as well as the continuing story arc that plays an important role in interpersonal history. Besides, it's another fabulous five-star read you don't want to miss.
Armchair detectives who love small-town dynamics, messy family relations, and a whodunit with complex moving parts, need to read WHERE THERE'S SMOKE!
____
*Quote subject to change upon final publication
Thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
"She couldn't help but wonder if they were looking at the smoke, or if they were seeing the true face behind the magic trick." *
Starting off with a cringe-inducing incident of a body found at the local slaughterhouse, this atmospheric mystery hooked me completely; I read it in one day! In this installment, Dolores is now a medical examiner in a town close to her family. The circumstances surrounding the murder at Marcy's Meats bring in two FBI agents with whom Dolores has past history: Kate and Paul.
RACHEL LOUISE ADAMS'S artful word choices within her lyrical, vivid writing are captivating and immerse readers in Dolores's world. The investigation and forensics are intriguing enough, but the people elevate this layered story even more. From the main characters to the secondary ones—including the insufferable and suspicious—they all radiate realism and magnetism. In particular, Dolores and Kate are women to root for, and I'd love to see more interactions between them. I figured a few things out, but it took time and I was surprised by how certain events played out—right down to a breathtaking conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat!
Book Two stands on its own, but there will be spoilers for Book One. I'd recommend reading "No Rest For The Wicked" first so you don't miss any crucial backstory and to fully appreciate character growth as well as the continuing story arc that plays an important role in interpersonal history. Besides, it's another fabulous five-star read you don't want to miss.
Armchair detectives who love small-town dynamics, messy family relations, and a whodunit with complex moving parts, need to read WHERE THERE'S SMOKE!
____
*Quote subject to change upon final publication
Thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
June 20, 2026
Damn man, this book hit the ground RUNNING and didn’t stop for NOTHIN’. I loved No Rest for the Wicked, but Where There’s Smoke? Holy CRAP!
No Rest for the Wicked was definitely more character driven and gave us some very good background on everyone’s lives, while also having an amazing story! This book however, was a lot more fast paced and I loved every damn minute. This one was DARK and had my stomach turning during some points of the story. I loved the premise of this one even more than the first, which I didn’t think was possible. I mean come on, a murder in a slaughterhouse? It doesn’t get much better than that! And that last little twist at the end!? This was the first time in a LONG time where I can actually say I did NOT see that coming! If you’re looking for a book that’s sick, twisted, and full of questions, then yall better get this pretty baby on your list!
No Rest for the Wicked was definitely more character driven and gave us some very good background on everyone’s lives, while also having an amazing story! This book however, was a lot more fast paced and I loved every damn minute. This one was DARK and had my stomach turning during some points of the story. I loved the premise of this one even more than the first, which I didn’t think was possible. I mean come on, a murder in a slaughterhouse? It doesn’t get much better than that! And that last little twist at the end!? This was the first time in a LONG time where I can actually say I did NOT see that coming! If you’re looking for a book that’s sick, twisted, and full of questions, then yall better get this pretty baby on your list!
April 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
This book picks up a few months after the ending of the first novel, and is just as fast paced. The case is just as bizarre and complex as the first novel’s, and we see a return of a few old faces. I really enjoyed this one, however I do wish we would seen more character development for persons who aren’t Dolores. Perhaps we will be getting that in book three? Fingers crossed!
This book picks up a few months after the ending of the first novel, and is just as fast paced. The case is just as bizarre and complex as the first novel’s, and we see a return of a few old faces. I really enjoyed this one, however I do wish we would seen more character development for persons who aren’t Dolores. Perhaps we will be getting that in book three? Fingers crossed!
Read
September 16, 2026Newly divorced, Dolores Hawthorne has returned to Wisconsin from California, becoming a local medical examiner. She's living closer to what's left of her family and adjusting to her new life. She's called to the scene of the local slaughterhouse, Marcy's Meats, when a worker finds a body (yuck). Soon, the case has gotten big and FBI Agent Paul Turner is back, along with newly recruited Kate Butcher.
This is an excellent follow-up to what was an excellent first book in the Coldren County series. Dolores is a wonderful, complex, and nuanced character, still struggling with getting to know her brother and teenage sister. Once a forensic pathologist, she's pretty bored as a medical examiner in a small town--until someone's dropped in with the pigs.
Sound gruesome? These books aren't for the faint of heart. They are grim and gross and full of plenty of details about the slaughterhouse, autopsies, death, and so much more.
But they are so worth it. Adams weaves a dark and horrifying story, linking together the slaughterhouse and the local prison along with local secrets and a whole lotta small town lies. As she does, she delves into the ties that bind siblings and family, along with the power of men--and exactly how much they can get away with.
I highly recommend this series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
This is an excellent follow-up to what was an excellent first book in the Coldren County series. Dolores is a wonderful, complex, and nuanced character, still struggling with getting to know her brother and teenage sister. Once a forensic pathologist, she's pretty bored as a medical examiner in a small town--until someone's dropped in with the pigs.
Sound gruesome? These books aren't for the faint of heart. They are grim and gross and full of plenty of details about the slaughterhouse, autopsies, death, and so much more.
But they are so worth it. Adams weaves a dark and horrifying story, linking together the slaughterhouse and the local prison along with local secrets and a whole lotta small town lies. As she does, she delves into the ties that bind siblings and family, along with the power of men--and exactly how much they can get away with.
I highly recommend this series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Coldren County, even the quietest corners conceal danger. Set a few months after No Rest for the Wicked, Rachel Louise Adams’s Where There’s Smoke quickly pulls readers back into the community’s uneasy undercurrents. The deliberately uncozy small-town setting heightens the suspense as secrets and contradictions emerge. Dolores remains a compelling medical examiner—tough, intelligent, and capable—while FBI agents Kate and Paul bring contrasting perspectives to the investigation. Ash and Josie show promise, and a little more development would make them even more engaging.
Adams balances vivid prose and grim investigative detail with a fast-moving, unpredictable plot. Themes of trauma, justice, family, and human and animal rights add weight without slowing the story. Some readers may wish to be aware of the novel’s detailed forensic and slaughterhouse scenes. Dark, layered, and suspenseful, Where There’s Smoke proves that Coldren County’s most dangerous secrets are still smoldering beneath the surface.
Adams balances vivid prose and grim investigative detail with a fast-moving, unpredictable plot. Themes of trauma, justice, family, and human and animal rights add weight without slowing the story. Some readers may wish to be aware of the novel’s detailed forensic and slaughterhouse scenes. Dark, layered, and suspenseful, Where There’s Smoke proves that Coldren County’s most dangerous secrets are still smoldering beneath the surface.
September 12, 2026
ARC review
4.5 stars a real page turner. Every chapter gives you a wisp of information, just enough to bait you into wanting more, and pretty soon you’re up all night flying through this book
This is book 1 in the Coldron County series, and I have not read book 1 yet, but felt zero confusion of being left out of any info the first book may have given me. I merely want to go back and read it because it is so good.
The characters are fantastic, all of them slightly broken in their own ways, very real and not at all “perfect” where you either don’t care or don’t believe. These people are all believable and very likable.
A real edge of your seat thriller with a few triggers—it is set in a slaughterhouse with many instances of graphic explanations which are done to animals there, as well as a trigger of rape. The act is not explained but it is talked about throughout the majority of the book. So these could be two things that might put a person off. Otherwise really really great thriller with FBI and forensic pathology as an undertone.
4.5 stars a real page turner. Every chapter gives you a wisp of information, just enough to bait you into wanting more, and pretty soon you’re up all night flying through this book
This is book 1 in the Coldron County series, and I have not read book 1 yet, but felt zero confusion of being left out of any info the first book may have given me. I merely want to go back and read it because it is so good.
The characters are fantastic, all of them slightly broken in their own ways, very real and not at all “perfect” where you either don’t care or don’t believe. These people are all believable and very likable.
A real edge of your seat thriller with a few triggers—it is set in a slaughterhouse with many instances of graphic explanations which are done to animals there, as well as a trigger of rape. The act is not explained but it is talked about throughout the majority of the book. So these could be two things that might put a person off. Otherwise really really great thriller with FBI and forensic pathology as an undertone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dolores Hawthorne moved to a quiet Wisconsin town to heal and someone immediately put a beloved local businessman through his own slaughterhouse. I think the universe has been very clear about how it feels about her wellness journey.
After everything Dolores survived in No Rest for the Wicked, this woman has made changes. She’s divorced. She left Los Angeles. She traded forensic pathology for a medical examiner job in Circe, Wisconsin. She moved closer to her siblings because apparently we’re attempting emotional growth now. She is rebuilding her life. She is confronting her past. She is probably one sensible cardigan away from convincing herself she has become a person who buys seasonal candles and remembers to call her family.
Then Benedict Marcy gets murdered at Marcy’s Meats. And when I say murdered at the slaughterhouse, I do not mean somebody politely killed this man in the parking lot. Dolores gets called into the actual processing operation, and within approximately six pages I had learned enough about industrial meat production to reconsider several personal choices.
Benedict Marcy is the beloved owner, local philanthropist, everybody calls him Mr. Mercy, nobody can imagine who would want him dead. Which, at this point in my thriller-reading career, is basically someone walking into the room wearing a T-shirt that says, "Please investigate my entire life."
Then Paul Turner shows up because apparently Dolores can summon the FBI through corpse proximity. And he has Kate Butcher with him, except Kate is FBI now, fresh from Quantico and partnered with Paul, which feels like giving someone their learner’s permit and immediately directing them onto an icy interstate during a police chase. Her first big investigation involves a slaughterhouse, prison labor, extremely powerful local people, multiple secrets, and Dolores Hawthorne. Kate, babe, HR should have prepared a packet.
I was so happy to be back with these people because Dolores continues to be one of my favorite varieties of woman: terrifyingly competent about literally everyone except herself. Give her a body and she will calmly determine exactly what happened to it. Ask her how she’s feeling and suddenly we’ve lost all access to modern science. She has spent years treating her own trauma like an unsolved cold case nobody has the budget to reopen, except now she’s actually trying. She wants relationships with her siblings. She wants to stay. She wants something resembling a life. Unfortunately she lives in Coldren County, where “personal growth” apparently means processing your feelings while someone tries to kill you.
And the Marcy situation just keeps getting worse. Every time somebody says Benedict was a wonderful man, another deeply alarming piece of information wanders into the room. Dolores finds something weird. Kate and Paul find something worse. Somebody lies. Somebody else knows more than they’re saying. The investigation starts pulling at things powerful people very much do not want pulled at, and pretty soon I’m sitting there like, you know what, maybe we stop calling this man Mr. Mercy until everyone has finished checking the basement.
Also, Where There’s Smoke is dark. No Rest for the Wicked gave us jack-o’-lanterns, family trauma, dead bodies, feral cats, and Dolores mentally listing skull bones to keep herself from unraveling. This book looked at that and apparently said, cute, what if we put everybody in a slaughterhouse? There are moments in here where I genuinely reconsidered my decision to snack while reading. Nobody needs crackers while Dolores is examining what came out of industrial processing equipment. That was between God, Rachel Louise Adams, and my increasingly unhappy stomach.
But underneath all the blood and secrets and deeply questionable Wisconsin civic behavior, Dolores got me again. Because she’s finally starting to understand that being functional is not the same thing as being okay. She left home because something terrible happened to her.
She built an entire life around never needing anybody. Now she’s back near the people she left behind, trying to repair relationships that survived without her, while also finally refusing to keep quiet about what happened to her. There’s no big inspirational speech about it. She just starts choosing herself. That landed.
Meanwhile I spent the last chunk of this book conducting an investigation with the confidence of a woman who had solved absolutely nothing. I accused people. I cleared them. I accused them again. I developed motives on their behalf that the book had never suggested. At one point I basically had half of Wisconsin involved in an elaborate conspiracy. Then the actual pieces started clicking together and I had to quietly withdraw several imaginary warrants.
And then the ending reminded me that while this particular nightmare gets answers, Dolores still has unfinished business. Ma’am. You have now survived two books in Coldren County and your personal life remains one ominous musical sting away from another catastrophe. I need book three immediately because apparently I have accepted an unpaid position monitoring Dolores Hawthorne’s emotional stability, and the benefits are terrible.
Where There’s Smoke gets 4 stars from me. Dolores remains my beloved emotionally constipated forensic chaos goblin, Kate and Paul have officially earned permanent seats at the murder table, and Coldren County continues to make a compelling argument for moving literally anywhere else. I had a great time. I also know significantly more about slaughterhouses than I did before, and I would like to return that information.
Whodunity Award: For making me say “Wait, there’s something worse happening at the slaughterhouse?” far more times than any person should have to
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me Dolores Hawthorne, two FBI agents, one extremely upsetting slaughterhouse, several metric tons of Wisconsin secrets, and enough questionable meat-related information to make me stare suspiciously at my refrigerator. Consider the assignment completed. Consider my appetite collateral damage.
After everything Dolores survived in No Rest for the Wicked, this woman has made changes. She’s divorced. She left Los Angeles. She traded forensic pathology for a medical examiner job in Circe, Wisconsin. She moved closer to her siblings because apparently we’re attempting emotional growth now. She is rebuilding her life. She is confronting her past. She is probably one sensible cardigan away from convincing herself she has become a person who buys seasonal candles and remembers to call her family.
Then Benedict Marcy gets murdered at Marcy’s Meats. And when I say murdered at the slaughterhouse, I do not mean somebody politely killed this man in the parking lot. Dolores gets called into the actual processing operation, and within approximately six pages I had learned enough about industrial meat production to reconsider several personal choices.
Benedict Marcy is the beloved owner, local philanthropist, everybody calls him Mr. Mercy, nobody can imagine who would want him dead. Which, at this point in my thriller-reading career, is basically someone walking into the room wearing a T-shirt that says, "Please investigate my entire life."
Then Paul Turner shows up because apparently Dolores can summon the FBI through corpse proximity. And he has Kate Butcher with him, except Kate is FBI now, fresh from Quantico and partnered with Paul, which feels like giving someone their learner’s permit and immediately directing them onto an icy interstate during a police chase. Her first big investigation involves a slaughterhouse, prison labor, extremely powerful local people, multiple secrets, and Dolores Hawthorne. Kate, babe, HR should have prepared a packet.
I was so happy to be back with these people because Dolores continues to be one of my favorite varieties of woman: terrifyingly competent about literally everyone except herself. Give her a body and she will calmly determine exactly what happened to it. Ask her how she’s feeling and suddenly we’ve lost all access to modern science. She has spent years treating her own trauma like an unsolved cold case nobody has the budget to reopen, except now she’s actually trying. She wants relationships with her siblings. She wants to stay. She wants something resembling a life. Unfortunately she lives in Coldren County, where “personal growth” apparently means processing your feelings while someone tries to kill you.
And the Marcy situation just keeps getting worse. Every time somebody says Benedict was a wonderful man, another deeply alarming piece of information wanders into the room. Dolores finds something weird. Kate and Paul find something worse. Somebody lies. Somebody else knows more than they’re saying. The investigation starts pulling at things powerful people very much do not want pulled at, and pretty soon I’m sitting there like, you know what, maybe we stop calling this man Mr. Mercy until everyone has finished checking the basement.
Also, Where There’s Smoke is dark. No Rest for the Wicked gave us jack-o’-lanterns, family trauma, dead bodies, feral cats, and Dolores mentally listing skull bones to keep herself from unraveling. This book looked at that and apparently said, cute, what if we put everybody in a slaughterhouse? There are moments in here where I genuinely reconsidered my decision to snack while reading. Nobody needs crackers while Dolores is examining what came out of industrial processing equipment. That was between God, Rachel Louise Adams, and my increasingly unhappy stomach.
But underneath all the blood and secrets and deeply questionable Wisconsin civic behavior, Dolores got me again. Because she’s finally starting to understand that being functional is not the same thing as being okay. She left home because something terrible happened to her.
She built an entire life around never needing anybody. Now she’s back near the people she left behind, trying to repair relationships that survived without her, while also finally refusing to keep quiet about what happened to her. There’s no big inspirational speech about it. She just starts choosing herself. That landed.
Meanwhile I spent the last chunk of this book conducting an investigation with the confidence of a woman who had solved absolutely nothing. I accused people. I cleared them. I accused them again. I developed motives on their behalf that the book had never suggested. At one point I basically had half of Wisconsin involved in an elaborate conspiracy. Then the actual pieces started clicking together and I had to quietly withdraw several imaginary warrants.
And then the ending reminded me that while this particular nightmare gets answers, Dolores still has unfinished business. Ma’am. You have now survived two books in Coldren County and your personal life remains one ominous musical sting away from another catastrophe. I need book three immediately because apparently I have accepted an unpaid position monitoring Dolores Hawthorne’s emotional stability, and the benefits are terrible.
Where There’s Smoke gets 4 stars from me. Dolores remains my beloved emotionally constipated forensic chaos goblin, Kate and Paul have officially earned permanent seats at the murder table, and Coldren County continues to make a compelling argument for moving literally anywhere else. I had a great time. I also know significantly more about slaughterhouses than I did before, and I would like to return that information.
Whodunity Award: For making me say “Wait, there’s something worse happening at the slaughterhouse?” far more times than any person should have to
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me Dolores Hawthorne, two FBI agents, one extremely upsetting slaughterhouse, several metric tons of Wisconsin secrets, and enough questionable meat-related information to make me stare suspiciously at my refrigerator. Consider the assignment completed. Consider my appetite collateral damage.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this author's debut thriller, No Rest for the Wicked, so it was a no-brainer that I was going to jump right into the follow up, WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. I am very apprehensive with procedural series, but you do not need to read Wicked to follow along with this one (although that one is great too so why not pick it up first?!). This book dives into a murder involving a local slaughterhouse and it's totally gross, intense, and dark. The story moves fast and I enjoyed this one equally as much as Book 1. I'm not entirely sure if I will continue with this series if the author continues to move forward, but I love her storytelling. If you are looking for a dark mystery-thriller with a light procedural aspect (I can't do big procedurals), this is your book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a dark, twisted read!
I really enjoyed this one. The story grabbed my attention right away, and the murder at the slaughterhouse made for such an unsettling setup. There was a lot happening throughout the story, and I liked how the tension kept building as more details came to light. Some of the scenes were seriously disturbing, and there were plenty of secrets and surprises along the way.
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series until after I started reading it. Thankfully, I never felt lost or like I was missing something. I definitely want to go back and read the first book though.
I really enjoyed this one. The story grabbed my attention right away, and the murder at the slaughterhouse made for such an unsettling setup. There was a lot happening throughout the story, and I liked how the tension kept building as more details came to light. Some of the scenes were seriously disturbing, and there were plenty of secrets and surprises along the way.
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series until after I started reading it. Thankfully, I never felt lost or like I was missing something. I definitely want to go back and read the first book though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A delicious murder mystery that dips (at first, just the toes, then up to the ankles ...) and then slips (hips to shoulders to drowning) deeply into dark shadows. The characters are so well written and immensely intriguing and complex. This is easily a stand-alone novel, though it is the second installment in a series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Second book in the Coldren County mystery series, this can be read as a stand alone but as with all series, I still recommend starting with the first book.
Dolores Hawthorne returns to Coldren County, Wisconsin, divorced. She’s back home - but not too close to - working as a medical examiner rather than a forensic pathologist. No sooner is she back she’s called to the scene of a grizzly murder at Marcy’s Meats, the owner known as Mr. Mercy, is the victim - slaughtered like an animal. Soon the FBI are engaged in the investigation which twists and turns to a surprisingly good ending.
As a former Wisconsinite, I was kind of intrigued by the book’s setting - a rural county in Wisconsin (lot of those) but as I kept seeing Little Horton I harkened back to Hortonville, a real town in Wisconsin near where I grew up. That kind of distracted me but this probably would only do that to anyone who grew up outside Appleton. This is all by way of saying the author did a good job with her setting. I liked that.
This is kind of dark humor mystery. Plot is more important than character - which is why if you are more interested in character (and Dolores is a great character) it’s best to read that first book - in this book. Pacing is solid and writing is a plus.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting me access to this ARC.
Dolores Hawthorne returns to Coldren County, Wisconsin, divorced. She’s back home - but not too close to - working as a medical examiner rather than a forensic pathologist. No sooner is she back she’s called to the scene of a grizzly murder at Marcy’s Meats, the owner known as Mr. Mercy, is the victim - slaughtered like an animal. Soon the FBI are engaged in the investigation which twists and turns to a surprisingly good ending.
As a former Wisconsinite, I was kind of intrigued by the book’s setting - a rural county in Wisconsin (lot of those) but as I kept seeing Little Horton I harkened back to Hortonville, a real town in Wisconsin near where I grew up. That kind of distracted me but this probably would only do that to anyone who grew up outside Appleton. This is all by way of saying the author did a good job with her setting. I liked that.
This is kind of dark humor mystery. Plot is more important than character - which is why if you are more interested in character (and Dolores is a great character) it’s best to read that first book - in this book. Pacing is solid and writing is a plus.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The second book in the Coldren County series, and it's another fantastic read! This one is darker than the first one and tense from the start. Fast-paced, exceptionally well-plotted, and bingeable, it’s one of my favorite mystery reads of the year!
Dolores Diaz left her stressful job as a forensic pathologist in California to become a local medical examiner in Circe, Wisconsin, near her family. When a body is found at a slaughterhouse under gruesome and suspicious circumstances, she faces a case with little to go on. Dolores and local law enforcement are assisted by FBI agents who appeared in the first book, and they get more screen time here. The result is a compelling ensemble cast.
I love Adams' writing style. The lyrical quality contrasts strikingly with the gritty plot. The forensic examinations and crime scenes are depicted vividly, and some scenes are gruesome, so be ready for that. The mystery is twisty and suspenseful, filled with small-town drama and secrets, and so good!
This story delves deeper into Dolores's family dynamics and personal trauma, while still maintaining the central investigative plot. I really like Dolores, and we also get to know Kate better in this installment, which was great. I would recommend reading the first one to get the backstory, and some readers will want to check trigger warnings.
Jeremy Carlisle Parker narrates the audiobook and does a stellar job! It's a good thing her voice is easy to listen to, because I binged this in a day. She nails Dolores and Kate, and makes all of the other characters sound unique. Her narration keeps the momentum going
and adds to the atmospheric spooky season vibes, bringing the story to life. Highly recommend this on audiobook!
Dolores Diaz left her stressful job as a forensic pathologist in California to become a local medical examiner in Circe, Wisconsin, near her family. When a body is found at a slaughterhouse under gruesome and suspicious circumstances, she faces a case with little to go on. Dolores and local law enforcement are assisted by FBI agents who appeared in the first book, and they get more screen time here. The result is a compelling ensemble cast.
I love Adams' writing style. The lyrical quality contrasts strikingly with the gritty plot. The forensic examinations and crime scenes are depicted vividly, and some scenes are gruesome, so be ready for that. The mystery is twisty and suspenseful, filled with small-town drama and secrets, and so good!
This story delves deeper into Dolores's family dynamics and personal trauma, while still maintaining the central investigative plot. I really like Dolores, and we also get to know Kate better in this installment, which was great. I would recommend reading the first one to get the backstory, and some readers will want to check trigger warnings.
Jeremy Carlisle Parker narrates the audiobook and does a stellar job! It's a good thing her voice is easy to listen to, because I binged this in a day. She nails Dolores and Kate, and makes all of the other characters sound unique. Her narration keeps the momentum going
and adds to the atmospheric spooky season vibes, bringing the story to life. Highly recommend this on audiobook!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where There's Smoke by Rachel Louise Adams is a highly recommended investigative thriller and is the second novel in the Coldren County series following No Rest for the Wicked (2025).
Dr. Dolores Diaz (Hawthorne) has divorced Max and moved to Circe, Wisconsin in Coldren County where she is working as a medical examiner. It is near Little Horton where her surviving family lives. Immediately upon her return from California, Sheriff Kreme calls her. A body has been found by the night time cleaning crew at Mercy's, which is what the locals call the local slaughterhouse, Marcy's Meats. The body is identified as owner Benedict Marcy II and it was murder, not accidental, based on the ligature marks on his wrists.
FBI agents Paul Turner and his new partner Kate Butcher are assigned the case. Magnus Peterson, manager of Marcy's blames the protesting animal rights activists who made a performative slaughter video. The case is clearly more complicated than that simple when a local cop who was transporting evidence samples is killed and most of the evidence is missing. It will take the intelligence of Dolores, Paul, and Kate to collect enough evidence and follow the clues to discover what is really going on.
At the same time, Dolores is still receiving threatening Halloween cards based on an incident that happened when she was a teen in the area. She has brought the case to the attention of law enforcement which is why she is being threatened. This was likely started in the first book of the series, which I missed, but the general information is here. Her stepmother, Charlotte, is still scheming and threatening. Josie, her half sister does come to stay at Dolores's house to escape her mom.
There are plenty of plot twists and, along with several very intuitive actions, the clues are logically followed up on in the investigation. At the opening of the novel is a long list of content warnings for things that could trigger readers. (Personally, just looking at the cover of the book should be warning enough.) After things get moving, the pace moves quickly, along with the twists and revelations. The ending is explosive, action-packed, and the plot twists unpredictable.
Dolores is an interesting character who is clearly dealing with damage from her past while still doing exceptional work at her job. She is very intelligent and intuitive. Kate is a clever character and apparently had a backstory with Dolores that they are setting aside as adults. Paul is also intelligent and capable. It seems that these three characters will likely be back together working on another case.
Where There's Smoke is a great choice for everyone who read No Rest for the Wicked and can also be enjoyed by those who enjoy twisty investigative thrillers. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Dr. Dolores Diaz (Hawthorne) has divorced Max and moved to Circe, Wisconsin in Coldren County where she is working as a medical examiner. It is near Little Horton where her surviving family lives. Immediately upon her return from California, Sheriff Kreme calls her. A body has been found by the night time cleaning crew at Mercy's, which is what the locals call the local slaughterhouse, Marcy's Meats. The body is identified as owner Benedict Marcy II and it was murder, not accidental, based on the ligature marks on his wrists.
FBI agents Paul Turner and his new partner Kate Butcher are assigned the case. Magnus Peterson, manager of Marcy's blames the protesting animal rights activists who made a performative slaughter video. The case is clearly more complicated than that simple when a local cop who was transporting evidence samples is killed and most of the evidence is missing. It will take the intelligence of Dolores, Paul, and Kate to collect enough evidence and follow the clues to discover what is really going on.
At the same time, Dolores is still receiving threatening Halloween cards based on an incident that happened when she was a teen in the area. She has brought the case to the attention of law enforcement which is why she is being threatened. This was likely started in the first book of the series, which I missed, but the general information is here. Her stepmother, Charlotte, is still scheming and threatening. Josie, her half sister does come to stay at Dolores's house to escape her mom.
There are plenty of plot twists and, along with several very intuitive actions, the clues are logically followed up on in the investigation. At the opening of the novel is a long list of content warnings for things that could trigger readers. (Personally, just looking at the cover of the book should be warning enough.) After things get moving, the pace moves quickly, along with the twists and revelations. The ending is explosive, action-packed, and the plot twists unpredictable.
Dolores is an interesting character who is clearly dealing with damage from her past while still doing exceptional work at her job. She is very intelligent and intuitive. Kate is a clever character and apparently had a backstory with Dolores that they are setting aside as adults. Paul is also intelligent and capable. It seems that these three characters will likely be back together working on another case.
Where There's Smoke is a great choice for everyone who read No Rest for the Wicked and can also be enjoyed by those who enjoy twisty investigative thrillers. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
August 1, 2026
If you read No Rest For The Wicked Last Year then you are in for a treat! The second book in
the Coldren County series is out October 6! I LOVED the first book and could not wait to read the sequel, Where There’s Smoke. I was lucky enough to have an early opportunity to read it. I loved getting back to these characters, Dolores and her family, Kate and Paul. The setting of a body found in a slaughterhouse was gruesome and creepy. Dark secrets unfold as I sped through the pages. At the same time that Dolores is working on the case she is also facing the continuing trauma of her past. I wasn’t ready for this one to end either, as there is still so much more that needs happen. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books for the ARC!!!
the Coldren County series is out October 6! I LOVED the first book and could not wait to read the sequel, Where There’s Smoke. I was lucky enough to have an early opportunity to read it. I loved getting back to these characters, Dolores and her family, Kate and Paul. The setting of a body found in a slaughterhouse was gruesome and creepy. Dark secrets unfold as I sped through the pages. At the same time that Dolores is working on the case she is also facing the continuing trauma of her past. I wasn’t ready for this one to end either, as there is still so much more that needs happen. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books for the ARC!!!
July 21, 2026
⭐️3.75 stars⭐️
The second book to the Coldren County books did not disappoint. This one took me a bit longer to get into than No Rest for the Wicked, but I really enjoyed the character development; Dolores working through her estrangement with her siblings along with her past trauma, Kate and her self doubt, I dont know if Paul actually has any character development (that’s okay because I love him). I am disappointed that Ash and Josie weren’t given more depth in this book.
Excited to continue in this world and see what’s in store of Dolores! Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC!
The second book to the Coldren County books did not disappoint. This one took me a bit longer to get into than No Rest for the Wicked, but I really enjoyed the character development; Dolores working through her estrangement with her siblings along with her past trauma, Kate and her self doubt, I dont know if Paul actually has any character development (that’s okay because I love him). I am disappointed that Ash and Josie weren’t given more depth in this book.
Excited to continue in this world and see what’s in store of Dolores! Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC!
July 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Where There's Smoke grabbed my attention right away. The opening chapter throws you straight into the action, and I was immediately invested in finding out what was going on. Set in a slaughterhouse, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about how slaughterhouses operate, which made for an unsettling and memorable setting.
As the story went on, though, my interest started to fade a bit. The pacing felt uneven, with some parts dragging while others moved too quickly. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters, so the emotional moments didn't land as strongly as I wanted them to. While the ending wrapped up the main plot, I was hoping for a little more depth and a more satisfying resolution.
Overall, this was an enjoyable mystery with a compelling premise, a strong opening, and a unique setting, but it didn't quite maintain that momentum all the way through. Three stars.
Where There's Smoke grabbed my attention right away. The opening chapter throws you straight into the action, and I was immediately invested in finding out what was going on. Set in a slaughterhouse, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about how slaughterhouses operate, which made for an unsettling and memorable setting.
As the story went on, though, my interest started to fade a bit. The pacing felt uneven, with some parts dragging while others moved too quickly. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters, so the emotional moments didn't land as strongly as I wanted them to. While the ending wrapped up the main plot, I was hoping for a little more depth and a more satisfying resolution.
Overall, this was an enjoyable mystery with a compelling premise, a strong opening, and a unique setting, but it didn't quite maintain that momentum all the way through. Three stars.
Read
July 5, 2026🔥🔍 Where There's Smoke 🔍🔥
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Murder Mystery
• Medical Examiner FMC
• Small Town Mystery
• Forensic Investigation
• Crime Thriller
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: October 6, 2026
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Murder Mystery
• Medical Examiner FMC
• Small Town Mystery
• Forensic Investigation
• Crime Thriller
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: October 6, 2026
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
April 27, 2026
Adams comes back as sharp as ever on this second addition to the No Rest series, with a much faster paced case and the same motifs of intertwined animal and humans rights, except better! Highly recommend to everyone who enjoys the uncozyness of small towns and the bite of personality from characters who are definitely not who they seem.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
September 24, 2026
I started Rachel Louise Adams’s Where There’s Smoke early this morning with a hot cup of coffee, and apparently nothing says good morning quite like murder in a Wisconsin slaughterhouse. Thank you to Minotaur Books for the gifted copy. Does anyone else somehow end up choosing their darkest books to read while drinking coffee before sunrise?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dolores Hawthorne has made some pretty major changes since No Rest for the Wicked. She’s divorced, back in Wisconsin, and working as a medical examiner in a small town where things should theoretically be quieter than her old life in Los Angeles.
They are not.
When Benedict Marcy, the beloved owner of Marcy’s Meats, is found dead inside his own slaughterhouse, Dolores suddenly has a case that is anything but ordinary. And fair warning: Adams does not exactly spare us the details. There were a few moments when I looked at my coffee and thought maybe breakfast could wait.
I really like Dolores. She’s smart, complicated, stubborn, and still carrying everything that happened before this book began. I especially enjoyed seeing more of her family relationships and watching her try to figure out what moving forward actually looks like.
Then Paul and Kate arrive from the FBI, and things get even more interesting. Kate may have been my favorite part this time around. Her history with Dolores adds another layer to their interactions, while her partnership with Paul gave us some much-needed humor when the investigation got especially dark.
And this case gets DARK.
Every answer seemed to uncover another secret. Prison labor, suspicious deaths, evidence that disappears, powerful people with plenty to hide…my suspect list was getting ridiculous. I figured out a couple of pieces, but Adams still managed to pull the rug out from under me at the end.
This is the second Coldren County book, and while the central mystery can stand on its own, I’d definitely read No Rest for the Wicked first. There’s too much history between these characters—and some unfinished business from book one that clearly isn’t finished with Dolores yet.
Now I need book three because I have QUESTIONS.
What’s the darkest or most unusual setting you’ve encountered in a mystery lately?
#WhereTheresSmoke #RachelLouiseAdams #MinotaurBooks #MysteryBooks #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #BookReview #SpookySeasonReads
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dolores Hawthorne has made some pretty major changes since No Rest for the Wicked. She’s divorced, back in Wisconsin, and working as a medical examiner in a small town where things should theoretically be quieter than her old life in Los Angeles.
They are not.
When Benedict Marcy, the beloved owner of Marcy’s Meats, is found dead inside his own slaughterhouse, Dolores suddenly has a case that is anything but ordinary. And fair warning: Adams does not exactly spare us the details. There were a few moments when I looked at my coffee and thought maybe breakfast could wait.
I really like Dolores. She’s smart, complicated, stubborn, and still carrying everything that happened before this book began. I especially enjoyed seeing more of her family relationships and watching her try to figure out what moving forward actually looks like.
Then Paul and Kate arrive from the FBI, and things get even more interesting. Kate may have been my favorite part this time around. Her history with Dolores adds another layer to their interactions, while her partnership with Paul gave us some much-needed humor when the investigation got especially dark.
And this case gets DARK.
Every answer seemed to uncover another secret. Prison labor, suspicious deaths, evidence that disappears, powerful people with plenty to hide…my suspect list was getting ridiculous. I figured out a couple of pieces, but Adams still managed to pull the rug out from under me at the end.
This is the second Coldren County book, and while the central mystery can stand on its own, I’d definitely read No Rest for the Wicked first. There’s too much history between these characters—and some unfinished business from book one that clearly isn’t finished with Dolores yet.
Now I need book three because I have QUESTIONS.
What’s the darkest or most unusual setting you’ve encountered in a mystery lately?
#WhereTheresSmoke #RachelLouiseAdams #MinotaurBooks #MysteryBooks #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #BookReview #SpookySeasonReads
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
Dolores is back, and I'm thrilled. She's the reason I enjoyed the first book in this series so much, and she's also the reason this one resonated with me. But it's important to know that this book is a lot and will be too much for some. Dolores has some pretty rough past trauma that comes up as a central focus throughout this book, and it ties into other characters' experiences and storylines. Adams does readers the great service of providing clear and accurate content warnings before the book even begins. Readers - especially those sensitive to the areas mentioned in that warning - should know that Adams isn't playing. This stuff is unavoidable throughout the read.
It's also important to take note of the creepy pigs on the cover. This crimes in this novel happen in a gruesome setting: a slaughterhouse. I'm vegan and I made it, but it wasn't pleasant. As usual, though, the real pigs are certain men. It has to be said because it's shown explicitly.
Dolores is a complex character who grapples realistically with tough circumstances, and unfortunately, many folks will be able to relate to her experiences and methods of processing. This isn't an easy read, but it's a gritty and good one.
I found this second installment as enjoyable as the first, if not more so in some ways. I look forward to hanging more with Dolores in the near future.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Dolores is back, and I'm thrilled. She's the reason I enjoyed the first book in this series so much, and she's also the reason this one resonated with me. But it's important to know that this book is a lot and will be too much for some. Dolores has some pretty rough past trauma that comes up as a central focus throughout this book, and it ties into other characters' experiences and storylines. Adams does readers the great service of providing clear and accurate content warnings before the book even begins. Readers - especially those sensitive to the areas mentioned in that warning - should know that Adams isn't playing. This stuff is unavoidable throughout the read.
It's also important to take note of the creepy pigs on the cover. This crimes in this novel happen in a gruesome setting: a slaughterhouse. I'm vegan and I made it, but it wasn't pleasant. As usual, though, the real pigs are certain men. It has to be said because it's shown explicitly.
Dolores is a complex character who grapples realistically with tough circumstances, and unfortunately, many folks will be able to relate to her experiences and methods of processing. This isn't an easy read, but it's a gritty and good one.
I found this second installment as enjoyable as the first, if not more so in some ways. I look forward to hanging more with Dolores in the near future.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted copy!
Wow - this was even better than the first book in this series, No Rest for the Wicked. And that’s a feat, because sequels are a curse. You can absolutely read this as a standalone, so don’t fret. But wow. I loved it. It was so much more darkly layered, and I am a sucker for darkness.
Fantastic novel. I cannot wait to return to Coldren County!
Wow - this was even better than the first book in this series, No Rest for the Wicked. And that’s a feat, because sequels are a curse. You can absolutely read this as a standalone, so don’t fret. But wow. I loved it. It was so much more darkly layered, and I am a sucker for darkness.
Fantastic novel. I cannot wait to return to Coldren County!
July 29, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Rachel Louise Adams, Minotaur Books, and St Martin Press for this ARC!
Where There’s Smoke is exactly the kind of thriller we need! It grabbed me from the beginning and refused to let go. I admittedly have not read the first, but it’s next on my list. I feel that even having not read the first in the series, but context clues helped me peice the puzzle together well enough to enjoy.
Dolores was such a great main character. She’s tough, intelligent, and incredibly capable in her role as the medical examiner, but she’s also dealing with the emotional baggage of some pretty horrific events.
Kate, the FBI agent brought in to help investigate, was another standout. I loved getting bits and pieces of her backstory as the story unfolded, and she made an excellent partner in unraveling the mystery. We LOVE a badass FMC!
Fair warning: A lot of this book takes place in a slaughterhouse, so if you’re squeamish, that may not be your favorite setting. It fit the story well, but it’s definitely worth mentioning.
The mystery itself was so well done. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist or red herring sent me in a completely different direction. I love when a thriller actually makes me work for the ending instead of handing me the answer halfway through, and this one absolutely delivered. That ending? Never saw it coming.
There is definitely set up for a third in the series, as there are some unanswered questions that stem from book 1. I can’t wait!
Fast paced, twisty, and packed with enough suspense to keep you saying, “Okay… just one more chapter.” (We all know that’s a lie.) If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page, this one is absolutely worth picking up!!
Where There’s Smoke is exactly the kind of thriller we need! It grabbed me from the beginning and refused to let go. I admittedly have not read the first, but it’s next on my list. I feel that even having not read the first in the series, but context clues helped me peice the puzzle together well enough to enjoy.
Dolores was such a great main character. She’s tough, intelligent, and incredibly capable in her role as the medical examiner, but she’s also dealing with the emotional baggage of some pretty horrific events.
Kate, the FBI agent brought in to help investigate, was another standout. I loved getting bits and pieces of her backstory as the story unfolded, and she made an excellent partner in unraveling the mystery. We LOVE a badass FMC!
Fair warning: A lot of this book takes place in a slaughterhouse, so if you’re squeamish, that may not be your favorite setting. It fit the story well, but it’s definitely worth mentioning.
The mystery itself was so well done. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist or red herring sent me in a completely different direction. I love when a thriller actually makes me work for the ending instead of handing me the answer halfway through, and this one absolutely delivered. That ending? Never saw it coming.
There is definitely set up for a third in the series, as there are some unanswered questions that stem from book 1. I can’t wait!
Fast paced, twisty, and packed with enough suspense to keep you saying, “Okay… just one more chapter.” (We all know that’s a lie.) If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page, this one is absolutely worth picking up!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Yet another creepy cover for the Coldren County series. I am glad I didn't have to stare at it every time I picked up this novel (read digital copy)! This series feels a bit like an updated version of the Bones series with less time spent doing autopsies and forensic analysis.
This is book two of the series. Dolores is dealing with the repercussions from book one. If you can, I recommend starting with book one. She has decided to stay near her hometown and has a new job as the medical examiner of a small town. that is despite all attempts by the FBI to recruit her. The pace of the job is much slower than out in LA. She is dealing with her decisions about the crime that happened to her in high school. That of course impacts her family relationships. I love the decision to keep these plot points moving forward as through points for the series. Her step-mom is a tough cookie. Her step-siblings are working hard to establish relationships. Complicated family dynamics were a nice side part of this plot.
The second main POV is Kate, the FBI agent, that was a former enemy of Dolores. I hope both these women continue to be a part of the series. The story switches back and forth between POV.
This one is DARK with some gruesome moments. Not for the faint of heart. Many scenes take place in a slaughterhouse. May make you think about what you are eating and if you are eating meat again. Medium to fast paced with plenty of creepy atmosphere. Fantastic choice for spooky season reading.
Great choice for anyone who likes small towns, forensics/medical examiners as main characters and are ok with a little gore. This is NOT a cozy mystery. This is more mystery/crime novel than thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is book two of the series. Dolores is dealing with the repercussions from book one. If you can, I recommend starting with book one. She has decided to stay near her hometown and has a new job as the medical examiner of a small town. that is despite all attempts by the FBI to recruit her. The pace of the job is much slower than out in LA. She is dealing with her decisions about the crime that happened to her in high school. That of course impacts her family relationships. I love the decision to keep these plot points moving forward as through points for the series. Her step-mom is a tough cookie. Her step-siblings are working hard to establish relationships. Complicated family dynamics were a nice side part of this plot.
The second main POV is Kate, the FBI agent, that was a former enemy of Dolores. I hope both these women continue to be a part of the series. The story switches back and forth between POV.
This one is DARK with some gruesome moments. Not for the faint of heart. Many scenes take place in a slaughterhouse. May make you think about what you are eating and if you are eating meat again. Medium to fast paced with plenty of creepy atmosphere. Fantastic choice for spooky season reading.
Great choice for anyone who likes small towns, forensics/medical examiners as main characters and are ok with a little gore. This is NOT a cozy mystery. This is more mystery/crime novel than thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was kind of a hard one to rate for me. There were times that I really liked this and was super invested, and other times I was kind of bored.
I think if I read the first book, I would have enjoyed this a lot more because I would’ve had a better introduction to the characters. I didn’t realize this was the second book in the series when I accepted this ARC, so that is kind of on me. If you read the first book I think you’ll really like this one.
I really liked Kate and Paul especially, they were my favorites. I did like Dolores as well, but she wasn’t as fleshed out to me. I do like Paul and Dolores together, but I could have used a little bit more to fully be invested in their relationship. I know it was kind of just the start of it, and the chemistry was there, but it also seemed like it was just kind of thrown in.
I really liked Teodora and her grandkids! They weren’t in it a ton, but they stood out when they were.
Charolette was a little tough, but I liked and respected her. I liked that she was protective of Dolores even if Dolores didn’t always realize it.
This book had a very unique concept. At first, I was really bored and thought there was no way I was going to like this, but as it went on, it picked up more and more and I got more invested. It did not go where I thought it was going to go.
It was written pretty well. There were quite a few lines that I underlined that I thought was really well said.
Something that made me sad was Dolores thinking things were her fault or she imagined the rape. That was hard to read, but I know women do think like that sadly.
What stopped me from giving this 4 stars was it really dragged at the end. Once everything was discovered it still kept going for another 40 some pages. By that point I was just over it.
Spoilers in this next paragraph, but I thought the incest plotline at the end was really weird. I didn’t think that needed to be in there. There could have been any other reason for Teodora to do what she did. I didn’t love that Dolores kind of tried to justify things at the end by saying Eva was “technically an adult.”
I did like the support and defense of the animals. Loved that she saved the pig in the end!
There were things I liked about this book and things I didn’t enjoy as much. It may not hurt giving this book a chance because there were some thrilling aspects! I would suggest reading the first book first, even if you technically wouldn’t have to.
I did love that this was set in Wisconsin! With me living there, that was an extra bonus because I knew of a lot of the cities that were mentioned!
This was kind of a hard one to rate for me. There were times that I really liked this and was super invested, and other times I was kind of bored.
I think if I read the first book, I would have enjoyed this a lot more because I would’ve had a better introduction to the characters. I didn’t realize this was the second book in the series when I accepted this ARC, so that is kind of on me. If you read the first book I think you’ll really like this one.
I really liked Kate and Paul especially, they were my favorites. I did like Dolores as well, but she wasn’t as fleshed out to me. I do like Paul and Dolores together, but I could have used a little bit more to fully be invested in their relationship. I know it was kind of just the start of it, and the chemistry was there, but it also seemed like it was just kind of thrown in.
I really liked Teodora and her grandkids! They weren’t in it a ton, but they stood out when they were.
Charolette was a little tough, but I liked and respected her. I liked that she was protective of Dolores even if Dolores didn’t always realize it.
This book had a very unique concept. At first, I was really bored and thought there was no way I was going to like this, but as it went on, it picked up more and more and I got more invested. It did not go where I thought it was going to go.
It was written pretty well. There were quite a few lines that I underlined that I thought was really well said.
Something that made me sad was Dolores thinking things were her fault or she imagined the rape. That was hard to read, but I know women do think like that sadly.
What stopped me from giving this 4 stars was it really dragged at the end. Once everything was discovered it still kept going for another 40 some pages. By that point I was just over it.
Spoilers in this next paragraph, but I thought the incest plotline at the end was really weird. I didn’t think that needed to be in there. There could have been any other reason for Teodora to do what she did. I didn’t love that Dolores kind of tried to justify things at the end by saying Eva was “technically an adult.”
I did like the support and defense of the animals. Loved that she saved the pig in the end!
There were things I liked about this book and things I didn’t enjoy as much. It may not hurt giving this book a chance because there were some thrilling aspects! I would suggest reading the first book first, even if you technically wouldn’t have to.
I did love that this was set in Wisconsin! With me living there, that was an extra bonus because I knew of a lot of the cities that were mentioned!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Where There’s Smoke, by Rachel Louise Adams, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 2.5 ⭐
I was in the middle of the beginning of the latest Tana French tome when I received notice that Where There’s Smoke was being made available to me because I’d read the first in the series.
Decided the latter was the perfect fit for a pleasant day spent reading by the pool. In retrospect, it was the right decision…….there’s a lot good to be said about the series, the first book in which I gave 4 stars.
Unfortunately, this is what I think of as a combo everything-and-the-kitchen-sink and “scaffolding” book, something I see a lot in second books. Sophomore slump? Or just formula at this point?
Anywhoodles, it seemed to me the point of this one book was more toward getting us down the road to the third (thus the scaffolding—for building).
If you are somebody new to the series, my advice would be to wait until there are at least three of them out so you can read them consecutively. Think it would make for a better experience.
PS
Yes, I went back to the tome later in the day. And it put me to sleep, but maybe that’s because I was lying outside on the screened-in porch with the fan going. Picked it back up at supper and found it to be much more engaging than when I had left off. Hoping to finish it no later than tomorrow.
DESCRIPTION
Following the USA Today bestselling series debut, No Rest for the Wicked, Rachel Louise Adams returns with Where There’s Smoke.
A lot has happened in Dolores Hawthorne’s life since the events of last Halloween. She’s divorced, traded being a forensic pathologist for a job as a medical examiner, and now lives in small-town Wisconsin, close—but not too close—to her family.
Dolores doesn’t have much in the way of work, but that all changes when a body is found at the local slaughterhouse. Benedict Marcy owned Marcy’s Meats, and is affectionately called Mr. Mercy across the region. This high-profile case quickly catches the attention of Dolores’s friends at the FBI.
From the very beginning, this case is full of contradictions and surprises, and the team quickly learns someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to stop them from finding out the truth behind Benedict Marcy’s murder.
Received a complimentary copy of Where There’s Smoke, by Rachel Louise Adams, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 2.5 ⭐
I was in the middle of the beginning of the latest Tana French tome when I received notice that Where There’s Smoke was being made available to me because I’d read the first in the series.
Decided the latter was the perfect fit for a pleasant day spent reading by the pool. In retrospect, it was the right decision…….there’s a lot good to be said about the series, the first book in which I gave 4 stars.
Unfortunately, this is what I think of as a combo everything-and-the-kitchen-sink and “scaffolding” book, something I see a lot in second books. Sophomore slump? Or just formula at this point?
Anywhoodles, it seemed to me the point of this one book was more toward getting us down the road to the third (thus the scaffolding—for building).
If you are somebody new to the series, my advice would be to wait until there are at least three of them out so you can read them consecutively. Think it would make for a better experience.
PS
Yes, I went back to the tome later in the day. And it put me to sleep, but maybe that’s because I was lying outside on the screened-in porch with the fan going. Picked it back up at supper and found it to be much more engaging than when I had left off. Hoping to finish it no later than tomorrow.
DESCRIPTION
Following the USA Today bestselling series debut, No Rest for the Wicked, Rachel Louise Adams returns with Where There’s Smoke.
A lot has happened in Dolores Hawthorne’s life since the events of last Halloween. She’s divorced, traded being a forensic pathologist for a job as a medical examiner, and now lives in small-town Wisconsin, close—but not too close—to her family.
Dolores doesn’t have much in the way of work, but that all changes when a body is found at the local slaughterhouse. Benedict Marcy owned Marcy’s Meats, and is affectionately called Mr. Mercy across the region. This high-profile case quickly catches the attention of Dolores’s friends at the FBI.
From the very beginning, this case is full of contradictions and surprises, and the team quickly learns someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to stop them from finding out the truth behind Benedict Marcy’s murder.
September 26, 2026
“Where There’s Smoke” is Coldren County #2, a bit of a sequel for “No Rest for the Wicked” with most of the same main law enforcement characters (plus family). But there’s also a standalone plot that offers up quite the vivid descriptions of a slaughterhouse and its operations.
Dolores Diaz Hawthorne, is newly divorced, and recently became the Medical Examiner for small town Circe, Wisconsin (via LA). She’s living a short drive from another tiny town, Little Horton, home of her deceased father (last book) and an annoying stepmother, with a younger half-sister and half-brother who are also trying to escape their mother. A stalker has been sending Dolores unsigned Halloween cards for awhile referring to some traumatic incident that made her flee from Little Horton eighteen years ago (which I’m guessing was also covered in the first book).
At the local slaughterhouse, the owner of Marcy’s Meats, has been found clogging the drain of one of the gigantic vats of boiling water. Mr. Marcy and his late father were known local philanthropists and the gruesome death has caught the attention of Milwaukee FBI agent Paul Turner, plus rookie Kate Butcher. Paul previously met Dolores in “No Rest for the Wicked” and recruited Kate from the Little Horton police department. Kate and Dolores apparently had some angsty teenage conflict when they attended high school together., but inevitable time and maturity has put that in the past.
I probably would have enjoyed this thriller if I had read the first book, but there’s enough explanations to get a feel for the character relationships. The slaughterhouse murder is still central to the thriller and we get a decent police procedural (albeit gory). The plot kept me engaged to the end, and if the three central characters get a third installment, I’ll definitely be interested 4 stars.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES But unfortunately they are part of a mask that was used during a crime.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We are in the middle of a snowstorm, so no landscaping to talk about.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Dolores Diaz Hawthorne, is newly divorced, and recently became the Medical Examiner for small town Circe, Wisconsin (via LA). She’s living a short drive from another tiny town, Little Horton, home of her deceased father (last book) and an annoying stepmother, with a younger half-sister and half-brother who are also trying to escape their mother. A stalker has been sending Dolores unsigned Halloween cards for awhile referring to some traumatic incident that made her flee from Little Horton eighteen years ago (which I’m guessing was also covered in the first book).
At the local slaughterhouse, the owner of Marcy’s Meats, has been found clogging the drain of one of the gigantic vats of boiling water. Mr. Marcy and his late father were known local philanthropists and the gruesome death has caught the attention of Milwaukee FBI agent Paul Turner, plus rookie Kate Butcher. Paul previously met Dolores in “No Rest for the Wicked” and recruited Kate from the Little Horton police department. Kate and Dolores apparently had some angsty teenage conflict when they attended high school together., but inevitable time and maturity has put that in the past.
I probably would have enjoyed this thriller if I had read the first book, but there’s enough explanations to get a feel for the character relationships. The slaughterhouse murder is still central to the thriller and we get a decent police procedural (albeit gory). The plot kept me engaged to the end, and if the three central characters get a third installment, I’ll definitely be interested 4 stars.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES But unfortunately they are part of a mask that was used during a crime.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We are in the middle of a snowstorm, so no landscaping to talk about.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where There’s Smoke • Rachel Louise Adams
Coldren County #2
One phrase: murder at the slaughterhouse 🩸🔪
Damn. This book hit the ground running and did not stop.
I loved No Rest for the Wicked, but Where There’s Smoke came in darker, faster, and somehow even more intense.
A lot has changed for Dolores Hawthorne since last Halloween. She is divorced, living in small town Wisconsin, and has traded forensic pathology for life as a medical examiner. Things are quieter now.
At least, until a body is found at the local slaughterhouse.
Benedict Marcy, owner of Marcy’s Meats, was known across the region as Mr. Mercy, and his murder immediately becomes the kind of case that pulls everyone in. From the beginning, the investigation is full of contradictions, surprises, and the very clear feeling that someone does not want the truth coming out.
This one was a lot more fast paced than the first book, and I loved every minute of it. No Rest for the Wicked gave us so much great character background, but Where There’s Smoke leaned hard into the case, the darkness, and the stomach turning moments.
And honestly?
A murder in a slaughterhouse is such a sick and twisted premise.
The atmosphere was grim, the questions kept piling up, and every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the story shifted again.
And that final twist?
I did not see it coming. At all.
This is the kind of mystery that feels dark, messy, gruesome, and completely addictive.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 small town mystery
🩸 slaughterhouse murder
🖤 dark thriller energy
🧬 medical examiner FMC
🚔 FBI involvement
👀 secrets everywhere
😱 shocking twist
🌫 Wisconsin setting
💀 gruesome case
🕵️ contradictions and surprises
🔥 fast paced investigation
🎃 Halloween aftermath
📚 Read this if you like:
Dark mysteries, forensic thrillers, small town secrets, medical examiner investigations, gruesome murder cases, fast paced sequels, and books that keep you questioning everything until the very end.
This was sick, twisted, addictive, and even darker than I expected in the best way.
#WhereTheresSmoke #RachelLouiseAdams #MysteryThriller #DarkMystery #BookReview @MinotaurBooks @StMartinsPress
Coldren County #2
One phrase: murder at the slaughterhouse 🩸🔪
Damn. This book hit the ground running and did not stop.
I loved No Rest for the Wicked, but Where There’s Smoke came in darker, faster, and somehow even more intense.
A lot has changed for Dolores Hawthorne since last Halloween. She is divorced, living in small town Wisconsin, and has traded forensic pathology for life as a medical examiner. Things are quieter now.
At least, until a body is found at the local slaughterhouse.
Benedict Marcy, owner of Marcy’s Meats, was known across the region as Mr. Mercy, and his murder immediately becomes the kind of case that pulls everyone in. From the beginning, the investigation is full of contradictions, surprises, and the very clear feeling that someone does not want the truth coming out.
This one was a lot more fast paced than the first book, and I loved every minute of it. No Rest for the Wicked gave us so much great character background, but Where There’s Smoke leaned hard into the case, the darkness, and the stomach turning moments.
And honestly?
A murder in a slaughterhouse is such a sick and twisted premise.
The atmosphere was grim, the questions kept piling up, and every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the story shifted again.
And that final twist?
I did not see it coming. At all.
This is the kind of mystery that feels dark, messy, gruesome, and completely addictive.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 small town mystery
🩸 slaughterhouse murder
🖤 dark thriller energy
🧬 medical examiner FMC
🚔 FBI involvement
👀 secrets everywhere
😱 shocking twist
🌫 Wisconsin setting
💀 gruesome case
🕵️ contradictions and surprises
🔥 fast paced investigation
🎃 Halloween aftermath
📚 Read this if you like:
Dark mysteries, forensic thrillers, small town secrets, medical examiner investigations, gruesome murder cases, fast paced sequels, and books that keep you questioning everything until the very end.
This was sick, twisted, addictive, and even darker than I expected in the best way.
#WhereTheresSmoke #RachelLouiseAdams #MysteryThriller #DarkMystery #BookReview @MinotaurBooks @StMartinsPress
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I did not read the first book in this series, No Rest For The Wicked, so went into this one hoping it would make sense and it is very readable as a standalone. However, I wish I had read the first book to get more context to her history and whatever happened last Halloween. But the cover drew me in and after reading Lower City by Alex Spring, my books seem to have a weird pig theme.
We see the case of Benedict's murder from both Delores, the medical examiner and the FBI agents (mostly Kate, a new agent working near her hometown) as they follow the threads of investigation when the evidence is of little immediate help and deal with small town secrets where no one has a bad word to say about the victim. You get little pieces of information as you go along rather than knowing who the killer is from the start.
I thought I would be turned off more by the slaughterhouse setting but once the body is removed, it really could be any blue collar workplace. It is more police procedural than thriller but it feels like the ending comes a little too easily. Just oh I have an idea of what happened, let's just go out in a snow storm to find the smoking gun. A few threads made no sense but the characters seemed to admit that themselves.
I did enjoy the characters. It was left open for another book or more so I look forward to more Delores, Kate and Paul in the future. Hopefully with a few less baking references.
I was happy to see that the author added content warnings, a lot of mystery/thriller writers do not. Most of them are ones you would expect from the genre but I appreciate the sexual assault warning. Also it starts in a slaughterhouse, as explained in the blurb, and has some descriptions of the process there as well as mentions of drug use and a visit to a prison.
Thanks to Minotaur Books for the advance copy through Netgalley.
We see the case of Benedict's murder from both Delores, the medical examiner and the FBI agents (mostly Kate, a new agent working near her hometown) as they follow the threads of investigation when the evidence is of little immediate help and deal with small town secrets where no one has a bad word to say about the victim. You get little pieces of information as you go along rather than knowing who the killer is from the start.
I thought I would be turned off more by the slaughterhouse setting but once the body is removed, it really could be any blue collar workplace. It is more police procedural than thriller but it feels like the ending comes a little too easily. Just oh I have an idea of what happened, let's just go out in a snow storm to find the smoking gun. A few threads made no sense but the characters seemed to admit that themselves.
I did enjoy the characters. It was left open for another book or more so I look forward to more Delores, Kate and Paul in the future. Hopefully with a few less baking references.
I was happy to see that the author added content warnings, a lot of mystery/thriller writers do not. Most of them are ones you would expect from the genre but I appreciate the sexual assault warning. Also it starts in a slaughterhouse, as explained in the blurb, and has some descriptions of the process there as well as mentions of drug use and a visit to a prison.
Content Warnings: This book contains references to PTSD, sexual assault, grief, murder, autopsies, medical trauma, potentially offensive language, strangulation, and other depictions of violence toward humans. Some of this content may be triggering for readers. Please take care of your emotional well-being while reading.
Thanks to Minotaur Books for the advance copy through Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
October 2, 2026Where There’s Smoke is the second book in the cauldron county mystery series by Rachel Louise Adams, Things in Dr. Dolores Diaz‘s life is revving up she’s still being stalked by the man who caused her trauma but first she must deal with the owner of a pig slaughterhouse who was found in one of the greats meant to suck down pig remnants. wants Mercy Junior is found dead it seems the deaths do not stop coming from the police who was bringing the evidence, to little Eva who found Mr. Mercy in the great and that’s just the first three. Between Dolores and the FBI’s Best in Searcy Paul Turner and Kate Savage who doesn’t seem to hate Dolores as much as she did the last book well they’re also investigating it and all three of them in separate situations will have their lives on the line trying to do just that. Last time I can honestly say the perpetrator was a complete surprise to me And although once it got towards the end I thought I knew who may be involved but I definitely didn’t see the whole picture because OMG I was not expecting what happened to Dolores to happen with who it happened with. I really truly enjoyed these books so much I do find the way the author words things is weird because Like when Dolores was being attacked it said a snake came up and wrapped itself around Dolores‘s neck but then they said this person had their arm around Dolores‘s neck and I had to read that chapter 3 or four times before I realize the snake was just an analogy I really thought there was an actual snake in the elevator. Either way this book is still awesome I really loved it this is a great series Dolores‘s step-mom does not disappoint and while she’s still being Charlotte in the midst of it all Dolores is still trying to figure out how to build a relationship with her sister Josie I just love Dr. Dolores and can’t wait for the next book hopefully we won’t have to wait as long as we did for this one but if we do I will be just as happy to read it. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After the events last Halloween Dolores Hawthorne has accepted a job as medical examiner in a small town near Little Horton where her family lives. A gruesome case is brought to her attention and she finds herself at a slaughterhouse where a body was found. With little physical evidence to go on and testimonials of the victim being beloved by everyone Dolores finds herself working with the FBI once again. The more they investigate the clearer it is that something sinister is going on.
Where There's Smoke has great creepy vibes. No matter what is going on there is a feeling that something is off. It gives Stranger Things vibes without the monster part. In Where There's Smoke the monsters are very human. There is something big going on behind the scenes.
Chapters are told from Dolores and returning character Kate's perspective. I enjoyed Dolores's chapters more. They are creepier and have more eerie moments as something else is going on there. I liked the return of Paul and getting to know him better. He is an interesting character.
Some facets of the investigation are more interesting than others. I wish more time had been spent on things that were discussed in the first half of the book. The pacing is off in the second half and the conclusion comes too easily and early. It already felt like the book was done at 80%. Some odd punctuation choices and phrasing here and there threw me off.
I wasn't entirely satisfied with the resolution. The story might have been better without parts of it. There are some unanswered questions to the investigation and in Dolores's life. The personal struggles will likely be addressed in the next book though.
Where There's Smoke is part of a unique horror thriller series. The setting and investigation has just the right kind of creepy vibes to make this a fun spooky season read.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
Where There's Smoke has great creepy vibes. No matter what is going on there is a feeling that something is off. It gives Stranger Things vibes without the monster part. In Where There's Smoke the monsters are very human. There is something big going on behind the scenes.
Chapters are told from Dolores and returning character Kate's perspective. I enjoyed Dolores's chapters more. They are creepier and have more eerie moments as something else is going on there. I liked the return of Paul and getting to know him better. He is an interesting character.
Some facets of the investigation are more interesting than others. I wish more time had been spent on things that were discussed in the first half of the book. The pacing is off in the second half and the conclusion comes too easily and early. It already felt like the book was done at 80%. Some odd punctuation choices and phrasing here and there threw me off.
I wasn't entirely satisfied with the resolution. The story might have been better without parts of it. There are some unanswered questions to the investigation and in Dolores's life. The personal struggles will likely be addressed in the next book though.
Where There's Smoke is part of a unique horror thriller series. The setting and investigation has just the right kind of creepy vibes to make this a fun spooky season read.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
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