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Annie Seymour Mystery #2
Secondhand Smoke
Awakened by a loud commotion, New Haven reporter Annie Seymour wanders outside to discover a favorite Italian eatery engulfed in fire. Even more shocking is the bullet-ridden body found in the debris. Then things get personal. Annie's father, a Vegas casino boss, suddenly arrives in town and the restaurant hires hunky private eye Vinny DeLucia, with whom she has some unfinished business.
Now trying to cut through the smoke to uncover the real story, Annie questions her father's connection to the crime. Between the FBI, her would-be hero Vinny, and some raucous animal rights protestors, Annie must peer through the familiar town houses, worn-out sidewalks, and back alleys of her youth to determine a killer's motives-and avoid being burned next...
Now trying to cut through the smoke to uncover the real story, Annie questions her father's connection to the crime. Between the FBI, her would-be hero Vinny, and some raucous animal rights protestors, Annie must peer through the familiar town houses, worn-out sidewalks, and back alleys of her youth to determine a killer's motives-and avoid being burned next...
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2006
2 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Karen E. Olson
18 books287 followersI am the author of the Black Hat Thrillers and the Annie Seymour and Tattoo Shop mystery series. My new book AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, a Modern Tudor Mystery, is a modern retelling of Henry VIII and his wives as a crime novel. The sequel, A DEFIANT WOMAN, will be published in March 2026.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 2, 2019
I pulled this ebook from the library after really enjoying The Tattoo Shop Mystery series by the same author. I figured it was worth a try even though Secondhand Smoke wasn't the first in this series. Well, I can confirm that Karen E. Olson is not a one hit wonder when it comes to mystery series and I am on the hunt for Book 1 already.
The lead character, Annie Seymour, is different from most protagonists in several ways; she's older, closing in on her forties; her career as a reporter is fading, not just starting; and she knows the victims of the crime but is more of an outsider with a minimal stake in its resolution until the end. I would expect these factors to weaken the plot but this author uses them instead to build the conflict and tension. The mystery itself had lots of twists and turns, and you were never sure who were the good guys and who were the bad. But the plot was also clearly intended to drive the revelations about Annie's personality. I can see lots of opportunities for emotional growth with this character as the series continues and I'm keen to go along for the ride. I will warn readers that Annie does have quite a potty mouth so if you are sensitive to bad language, this may not be for you. There are references of sexual activity but none on the page.
The lead character, Annie Seymour, is different from most protagonists in several ways; she's older, closing in on her forties; her career as a reporter is fading, not just starting; and she knows the victims of the crime but is more of an outsider with a minimal stake in its resolution until the end. I would expect these factors to weaken the plot but this author uses them instead to build the conflict and tension. The mystery itself had lots of twists and turns, and you were never sure who were the good guys and who were the bad. But the plot was also clearly intended to drive the revelations about Annie's personality. I can see lots of opportunities for emotional growth with this character as the series continues and I'm keen to go along for the ride. I will warn readers that Annie does have quite a potty mouth so if you are sensitive to bad language, this may not be for you. There are references of sexual activity but none on the page.
February 24, 2019
I like the characters and hard-edged, cynical approach in this series over her cozy tattoo shop mysteries, but the resolution to this one seemed to drag on. Her writing style and dialogue are top-notch.
August 2, 2018
3.5 stars!
July 31, 2010
Olson's focus isn't on the case, it's not about the mystery for her. This is Annie's story--it's about what happens to her (and those around her) while she investigates/reports on this case.
Annie Seymore is a single woman, pushing 40; a life-long resident of New Haven, CT; and a newspaper reporter getting tired of it all (I look really forward to seeing how that progresses in further novels in particular--especially in light of all the industry troubles). This particular novel finds her between relationships--still dealing with the detrius of her last as she begins her next. While reading, I thought Olson focused too much on that, but in retrospect, I think I was wrong. Not sure why it struck me that way.
Of course Annie has her share of family issues (who doesn't?). She has a strong relationship with her father--who seems to have some connections with certain nefarious types. Things with her mother are more strained--an upstanding member of the community, lawyer, who happens to be dating the new publisher of Annie's paper.
Oh yeah, the mystery, can't forget that--a neighborhood institution, an Italian restaurant, burns down on Thanksgiving across the street from Annie's apartment. A body is found inside, but the building collapses before the firemen can retrieve it. This sets off a domino effect involving illegal gambling, animal rights protesters, the Mob, the FBI, and of course, Annie and her circle.
This book did have the misfortune of being the book I started within the same hour that I finished Val McDermid's rather intense, The Mermaids Singing, so I spent the first 75-100 pages thinking how lightweight it was. True, comparatively speaking, it is--but that's a good thing, Annie's not Tony Hill or Carol Jordan, and the world's better off that she isn't. A good, fast-paced, entertaining read--definitely coming back for more.
Annie Seymore is a single woman, pushing 40; a life-long resident of New Haven, CT; and a newspaper reporter getting tired of it all (I look really forward to seeing how that progresses in further novels in particular--especially in light of all the industry troubles). This particular novel finds her between relationships--still dealing with the detrius of her last as she begins her next. While reading, I thought Olson focused too much on that, but in retrospect, I think I was wrong. Not sure why it struck me that way.
Of course Annie has her share of family issues (who doesn't?). She has a strong relationship with her father--who seems to have some connections with certain nefarious types. Things with her mother are more strained--an upstanding member of the community, lawyer, who happens to be dating the new publisher of Annie's paper.
Oh yeah, the mystery, can't forget that--a neighborhood institution, an Italian restaurant, burns down on Thanksgiving across the street from Annie's apartment. A body is found inside, but the building collapses before the firemen can retrieve it. This sets off a domino effect involving illegal gambling, animal rights protesters, the Mob, the FBI, and of course, Annie and her circle.
This book did have the misfortune of being the book I started within the same hour that I finished Val McDermid's rather intense, The Mermaids Singing, so I spent the first 75-100 pages thinking how lightweight it was. True, comparatively speaking, it is--but that's a good thing, Annie's not Tony Hill or Carol Jordan, and the world's better off that she isn't. A good, fast-paced, entertaining read--definitely coming back for more.
July 13, 2012
Annie is so smart and has such great instincts, she seems to see things that other people miss or dismiss.
I really hope that Annie and Tom move past all the awkwardness and become good friends, they always seemed more like 'friends with benefits' than an actual couple... there was just something missing.
Finally Vinny realizes that he and Annie are meant to be together, but will he have the courage to be honest with himself ... or with his fiance Rosie?
Will Vinny's mom ever accept Annie as a part of her son's life? Can she accept the fact that Annie makes him happy and that Rosie was just not the right woman for him...
I can't wait to read the next novel in this series, and I hope that Annie's parents continue to play a role in each of her investigations.
I really hope that Annie and Tom move past all the awkwardness and become good friends, they always seemed more like 'friends with benefits' than an actual couple... there was just something missing.
Finally Vinny realizes that he and Annie are meant to be together, but will he have the courage to be honest with himself ... or with his fiance Rosie?
Will Vinny's mom ever accept Annie as a part of her son's life? Can she accept the fact that Annie makes him happy and that Rosie was just not the right woman for him...
I can't wait to read the next novel in this series, and I hope that Annie's parents continue to play a role in each of her investigations.
July 18, 2012
CT Author - New Haven setting. My second book by this author.
Reporter Annie Seymour gets involved in a fire, murder, the mob and other mysteries in her Wooster Street neighborhood. Inquisitive Annie finds out there is more to this local restaurant's demise and her Italian neighbors can be close mouthed. Annie is sassy and smart mouthed (sometimes vulgar, but she's persistent in her quest. An added side theme of romance within this mystery - Annie is lusting after Vinny who's engaged to Rosie. Lots of Italian references, food and local flavor.
Reporter Annie Seymour gets involved in a fire, murder, the mob and other mysteries in her Wooster Street neighborhood. Inquisitive Annie finds out there is more to this local restaurant's demise and her Italian neighbors can be close mouthed. Annie is sassy and smart mouthed (sometimes vulgar, but she's persistent in her quest. An added side theme of romance within this mystery - Annie is lusting after Vinny who's engaged to Rosie. Lots of Italian references, food and local flavor.
February 14, 2010
Foul-mouthed reporter Annie Seymour not only writes the news but also makes the news in this enjoyable mystery set in New Haven, CT. When a favorite Italian eatery goes up in flames, Annie is quickly on the scene to write the story. But she also gets sucked into an arson/murder case that leaves her looking behind her shoulder and dodging bullets. Since I used to live in New Haven, it was fun to revisit old haunts like Claire's, Wooster Square, and even the Q Bridge.
May 27, 2011
Since I read mostly romance I'm always leary about reading anything else because I know I'll get bored. But with Secondhand Smoke, the questional romance is intriging and adds to the intensity of the mystery that Annie is determined to solve. I'm happy that I took a chance and started reading Karen Olsen's work.
July 31, 2011
In this second book in the series, news reporter Annie gets personally involved when a body is found in a local restaurant that has burned to the ground. I enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Annie’s father and seeing how her various relationships function. I’m really getting into this series!
July 19, 2016
I love Annie Seymour! She is a newspaper reporter who is great at her job, but has a pile of dirty clothes and an empty refrigerator at home. She is fearless when hunting down the facts of a story, but afraid to commit in a relationship. I found her very likable (even when she is being unlikable) and totally relatable. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 29, 2013
Annie Seymour is the Stephanie Plum of New Haven CT. The storyline moves quickly and while the who done it solved the reader is still asking what about the love interest. There's another book that follows so it's a great to be continued. One note the first book involved cows this one has chickens. What's next lol.
June 22, 2010
This was a chore for me to read, but once I start a book, I feel it is my duty to finish it. The book's writing style, structure, heroine, and love interests are reminiscent of the Stephanie Plum series, but without the humor or fun.
April 17, 2013
This is the second book in the series and I can't wait to read the third!! These books are cute and fun, and a quick read. I like to lighten things up every once in a while, and this series fits the bill :)
February 15, 2008
A funny, fast-paced mystery with a lot of smart-aleck dialogue... loved it!
April 2, 2010
My blog post about this book is at this link.
June 28, 2010
Great story, love Karen's books!
November 6, 2010
I liked this second book of hers. She uses some vulgar language, but you get used to it. The main character is pretty sassy, so I guess it fits. Fun mystery to read.
April 18, 2011
Good book, like reading Karen E. Olsons book. Waiting for her to write some others.
July 20, 2011
An enjoyable book. I'll probably eventually read the other books in this series.
December 21, 2012
Better than the first, but I am still not a huge fan of the characters. I love the writing, and the characters are growing on me so I will definitely be reading the next book.
April 29, 2013
This series is getting better..yay! Read this one in a day..very Janet evanovichy..easy mystery. I'm a big fan of olsons other series, so I'm giving these a go.
March 2, 2015
Book review
I like her writing style...honest and hilarious....reminds me of Evanovichs Plum series....I highly recommend Olson's books to anyone who wants good laughs...
I like her writing style...honest and hilarious....reminds me of Evanovichs Plum series....I highly recommend Olson's books to anyone who wants good laughs...
May 19, 2015
I really like this character and the mysteries move along fairly quickly, so I'll probably read the entire set of four novels before moving on. Hopefully, Olson will open up a new series soon.
October 18, 2015
Another fun read!
July 22, 2014
Pretty Alright!
April 8, 2015
Even better than the first book, Sacred Cows!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews