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Smoke and Mettle
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Murder. Retribution. Vengeance.
Return to the Art Deco metropolis of Smoke City in this twisting, stand-alone dieselpunk thriller sequel. The shadows of the great skyscrapers have never seemed dark in this exciting tale of justice, revenge, love and redemption.
When a street prostitute is brutally murdered and strung up in the undercity, Detective Harry Quinn is assigned the case.
To make matters worse, he's been gifted a rookie partner to mentor. Their investigation takes them into a world of sadistic violence and brutality as the body count increases. The victims are soldiers from a disgraced military unit, and their killer won't stop until they've settled old scores and quenched a vicious bloodlust...
The action comes thick and fast in the second novel set in the richly imagined world of smoke and noir.
Return to the Art Deco metropolis of Smoke City in this twisting, stand-alone dieselpunk thriller sequel. The shadows of the great skyscrapers have never seemed dark in this exciting tale of justice, revenge, love and redemption.
When a street prostitute is brutally murdered and strung up in the undercity, Detective Harry Quinn is assigned the case.
To make matters worse, he's been gifted a rookie partner to mentor. Their investigation takes them into a world of sadistic violence and brutality as the body count increases. The victims are soldiers from a disgraced military unit, and their killer won't stop until they've settled old scores and quenched a vicious bloodlust...
The action comes thick and fast in the second novel set in the richly imagined world of smoke and noir.
294 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
C.C. Ford
3 books8 followersNew author on the writing scene. Recently published his debut novel, What Lies Through the Smoke, which was a silver finalist in the inaugural Crime Fiction Indie Gold Awards as well as a finalist in the 2026 Indiebook awards for best action/adventure. It is available in both paperback and e-book formats.
Also published a short E-book titled: Double Deadly. A darkly humorous Victorian thriller set in Lynmouth.
Dieselpunk and noir are his favourite aesthetics, and he plans on continuing the series by releasing the sequel in the fall of this year.
Adventure, excitement, and the desire to keep turning the pages are what he aims to deliver in his writing.
Hailing from the South West of England, Ford is an avid supporter of Somerset Cricket Club.
Also, now an excited first-time father who can't wait to read great stories to his son.
Also published a short E-book titled: Double Deadly. A darkly humorous Victorian thriller set in Lynmouth.
Dieselpunk and noir are his favourite aesthetics, and he plans on continuing the series by releasing the sequel in the fall of this year.
Adventure, excitement, and the desire to keep turning the pages are what he aims to deliver in his writing.
Hailing from the South West of England, Ford is an avid supporter of Somerset Cricket Club.
Also, now an excited first-time father who can't wait to read great stories to his son.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 30, 2026
Review of ARC copy sent by author.
I really enjoyed this story. It has a unique premise which kept me interested, and it’s the kind of book I’d happily pick up before bed for a few chapters. There are plenty of moments where the pace really picks up, making it an engaging and gripping read.
That said, I struggled to connect with the characters. They felt a little two-dimensional, so I never became emotionally invested in them. Because of that, some of the bigger moments - such as a characters death or developing romance - didn’t have the emotional impact they probably should have. I found myself reading on more to see what happened rather than who it was happening to.
Overall though, I enjoyed the book. The original story and fast-paced plot kept me turning pages and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light, enjoyable read with an interesting concept.
I really enjoyed this story. It has a unique premise which kept me interested, and it’s the kind of book I’d happily pick up before bed for a few chapters. There are plenty of moments where the pace really picks up, making it an engaging and gripping read.
That said, I struggled to connect with the characters. They felt a little two-dimensional, so I never became emotionally invested in them. Because of that, some of the bigger moments - such as a characters death or developing romance - didn’t have the emotional impact they probably should have. I found myself reading on more to see what happened rather than who it was happening to.
Overall though, I enjoyed the book. The original story and fast-paced plot kept me turning pages and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light, enjoyable read with an interesting concept.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨ARC Review✨
I really enjoyed this book, I read it back to back with the first one and honestly it did not disappoint.
This book kept me gripped from the start and that shows especially as I got through it in 2 days. I liked the fast pace and all of the action that was included. I would highly recommended this book
Detective Quinn’s experiences that he faces are so well written and descriptive you can literally visualise what is going on in each chapter. The challenges he faces with capturing the killers and fuming?! I was not expecting that at all
The relationship between Detective Quinn and his new partner was brilliantly introduced even though he didn’t want a partner, the bond between them was effortlessly written
I really enjoyed this book, I read it back to back with the first one and honestly it did not disappoint.
This book kept me gripped from the start and that shows especially as I got through it in 2 days. I liked the fast pace and all of the action that was included. I would highly recommended this book
Detective Quinn’s experiences that he faces are so well written and descriptive you can literally visualise what is going on in each chapter. The challenges he faces with capturing the killers and fuming?! I was not expecting that at all
The relationship between Detective Quinn and his new partner was brilliantly introduced even though he didn’t want a partner, the bond between them was effortlessly written
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to be a part of the ARC group to read Smoke and Metal by C.C. Ford.
This story starts meeting up with Harry Quinn, thats detective Quinn. He's been sent down to the under city where life is very different to the world above to investigate a murder of woman who they decide was prostitute but she's been mutilated..... why?
The story moves quick and fast and her death is linked to the previous war and wrong doings. Lots of twist and turns of this fast action paced book. I dont want to give away any spoilers but its really good!
I thoughly enjoyed this book and really recommend it.
This story starts meeting up with Harry Quinn, thats detective Quinn. He's been sent down to the under city where life is very different to the world above to investigate a murder of woman who they decide was prostitute but she's been mutilated..... why?
The story moves quick and fast and her death is linked to the previous war and wrong doings. Lots of twist and turns of this fast action paced book. I dont want to give away any spoilers but its really good!
I thoughly enjoyed this book and really recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews