Mere Smoke: Vintage Noir Pulp Fiction

Puffs of Smoke #1

by Jonathan Call

The stranger seemed nice enough, but was he actually a killer?

New York, 1934

The cat burglar called The Smoke turns good Samaritan. A down-on-his-luck boxer has been swindled, beat up, and tossed to the streets. Using his special skill set, The Smoke is determined to help the poor sap. But, when he stumbles over the body of a fight promoter with a freshly crushed skull, The Smoke and his new boxer friend become prime suspects for murder.

With the heat on his tail, The Smoke attempts to clear himself, but soon finds himself caught between warring mob factions and running from a contract killer.

And with every step, he begins to wonder if the actual killer isn’t the guy he’s trying to help.

Sometimes, doing a guy a favor can blow up in your face.

Mere Smoke - a vintage noir mystery

Genres: Mystery Thriller

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2021

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action in a boxing environment.

I enjoyed Mere Smoke. it was a good detective kind of novel that kept me going until the very end.

The characters were very relatable and I hope the others can also relate to them as well.

As a boxing fan I really enjoyed a story that had boxing.

It was an easy read and was fast paced with a good strong ending.

I recommend this book.

“”I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”

[Jackie Martello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am typically pretty stingy with the 5 star ratings, but this book/audiobook was an absolute pleasure. It is among the very top of the genre when one factors in the “pure entertainment” variable. It is a well written piece of work and a lot of fun. The protagonist is extremely likable and the murder mystery is very good and hard to solve. In addition, the audiobook is great, with good narration and sound effects, and it adds a lot of atmosphere to the “read and listen” type of experience. I am looking forward to the next one!

[P.Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little pulp fiction -moves right along.

[Marilyn Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmosphere!

A quick moving well plotted story. I loved being back in that era. The characters were believable an well developed. I am hoping to read more about the Smoke.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Friendly Book.

This was a friendly book, quick and easy. The characters were interesting and with some flash. An old time story like a detective story from the 30’s and 40’s.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific story. The main character is clever and the plot is has enough twists and turns to keep you reading well into the night. Reminds me of the Parker novels, albeit with much less violence.

[John Roach, · Rating 5 out of 5]

very readable yarn

[J Bagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Read

Totally enjoyed the noir vibe and characters in this story. A clever twist with the main character being a thief. Looking forward to the next in line.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty straight forward pulp crime story. You don't get too deep into the characters but the story is there and the mystery is decent, although predictable.

[Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old fashioned pulp with a good hearted thief. Buck was a different kind of detective. I liked him.