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Beacon Falls #2
Devil Smoke
After leaving the FBI, Lucy Guardino still feels like the new kid on the block with her team at Beacon Falls. But then a new case involving a young woman with amnesia searching for her lost memories shines a spotlight on a past case involving one of Lucy's team members.
Dr. Tommy Worth left his job as a pediatrician ER physician to join the Beacon Group after his wife went missing, leaving him to raise their five-year-old daughter alone. Now the press is hounding him on the anniversary of his wife's disappearance. Distracting himself with the newest case at Beacon Falls fails miserably after the woman he is trying to help becomes the target of an anonymous stalker.
Because, when you can't even remember who you are, how do you know who to trust? Or who to run from?
DEVIL SMOKE is the eighth Lucy Guardino novel, but they can be read out of order. If you enjoy captivating suspense, intelligent storytelling, strong and vulnerable characters, and a freight-train pace, then you'll love this adrenaline rush of a heart-pounding thriller from "a master of the genre."
Dr. Tommy Worth left his job as a pediatrician ER physician to join the Beacon Group after his wife went missing, leaving him to raise their five-year-old daughter alone. Now the press is hounding him on the anniversary of his wife's disappearance. Distracting himself with the newest case at Beacon Falls fails miserably after the woman he is trying to help becomes the target of an anonymous stalker.
Because, when you can't even remember who you are, how do you know who to trust? Or who to run from?
DEVIL SMOKE is the eighth Lucy Guardino novel, but they can be read out of order. If you enjoy captivating suspense, intelligent storytelling, strong and vulnerable characters, and a freight-train pace, then you'll love this adrenaline rush of a heart-pounding thriller from "a master of the genre."
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
634 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lyons
80 books893 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, former pediatric ER doctor CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 21, 2021
I don’t normally like kids in my stories and I particularly did not enjoy this child. So closing my eyes anytime this kid had a scene I enjoyed the rest of the book. The mystery and the solution were fun and predictable but well laid out. I personally wanted to spend way more time in Lucy’s head but that’s me.
August 19, 2016
Devil Smoke is the second novel in the Beacon Falls series. Though not essential, I think it would be beneficial to have read the first one so that you have a bit of background for the cold case unit and how the team came about.
It was good to catch up with the cold case team again and I loved how this novel focuses more on a different member of the team so that no doubt as the series goes along we can get to know the team members better.
I loved everything about this novel. From the way it starts to how I was gripped through out. It is certainly full of mystery and suspense and kept me on my toes. At times it is quite emotionally charged which I think made the story even better as I truly cared about Tommy and his daughter Nellie and I had every empathy to what they were going through.
Devil Smoke is more tamer than Last Light which is the first in the series but I actually think it works in it's favour more as I found it more enthralling. Where as Last Light was quite action packed, Devil Smoke plays with your mind more and has you over thinking, trying to work out what's actually going on. Of course, as usual, I had no clue until it was there in front of me.
A definite must read for any crime fans.
My thanks to Maisie at Canelo for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was good to catch up with the cold case team again and I loved how this novel focuses more on a different member of the team so that no doubt as the series goes along we can get to know the team members better.
I loved everything about this novel. From the way it starts to how I was gripped through out. It is certainly full of mystery and suspense and kept me on my toes. At times it is quite emotionally charged which I think made the story even better as I truly cared about Tommy and his daughter Nellie and I had every empathy to what they were going through.
Devil Smoke is more tamer than Last Light which is the first in the series but I actually think it works in it's favour more as I found it more enthralling. Where as Last Light was quite action packed, Devil Smoke plays with your mind more and has you over thinking, trying to work out what's actually going on. Of course, as usual, I had no clue until it was there in front of me.
A definite must read for any crime fans.
My thanks to Maisie at Canelo for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2020
Good Book overall, wish the ending wasn't rushed!!
I have to say Burroughs was a different kind of detective in this book. I've read this entire series, even the books about 'The Little Monster,' Morgan Ames (I know I'm nuts but I LOVE Morgan, Jenna, Andre, Lucy, Nick & Meghan - oh the potential bookS, LOTS & LOTS of BOOK$ - CJ could write w/ Meghan finally meeting the infamous Morgan)..To me, it felt as if Burroughs only knew Lucy as a plain clothes acquaintance, not a former SSA of the FBI, only 1 month prior.
I do not want to give away any spoilers but I will say I knew who the unsub was very early in the book. The mystery for me was WHY & HOW?? I
The last altercation in the book was a little weird and seemed rushed. I don't understand why 1 person left and another stayed at the house. I felt this part of the book was rushed; quickly, tied up loose ends, told the who & why -BOOM- flashed ahead a few weeks out, added in a few pages about what to do next and The End..
CJ is a BRILLIANT, educated and imaginative author! I REALLY hope these characters continue on and on. There are so many book and series possibilities!!!!!
I have to say Burroughs was a different kind of detective in this book. I've read this entire series, even the books about 'The Little Monster,' Morgan Ames (I know I'm nuts but I LOVE Morgan, Jenna, Andre, Lucy, Nick & Meghan - oh the potential bookS, LOTS & LOTS of BOOK$ - CJ could write w/ Meghan finally meeting the infamous Morgan)..To me, it felt as if Burroughs only knew Lucy as a plain clothes acquaintance, not a former SSA of the FBI, only 1 month prior.
I do not want to give away any spoilers but I will say I knew who the unsub was very early in the book. The mystery for me was WHY & HOW?? I
The last altercation in the book was a little weird and seemed rushed. I don't understand why 1 person left and another stayed at the house. I felt this part of the book was rushed; quickly, tied up loose ends, told the who & why -BOOM- flashed ahead a few weeks out, added in a few pages about what to do next and The End..
CJ is a BRILLIANT, educated and imaginative author! I REALLY hope these characters continue on and on. There are so many book and series possibilities!!!!!
July 29, 2018
This is the 2nd in the series about Lucy Guardino. She has left the FBI and she is presently in charge of a team for the Beacon Group. They investigate cold cases. This one, fellow FBI agents, come to Lucy to see if she can find out about a woman that they have who has amnesia, doesn't know how she is, where she came from. This case will hit hard to one of her members, Tommy, has almost to the day a year ago, his wife, Charlotte, has been missing.
The police think that Tommy killed his wife and all this time is still investigating. But this woman, Sarah, was at the same place Tommy's wife was when she went missing. Can this woman know anything about Charlotte and help Tommy figure out where Charlotte is.
Now, with Lucy, investigating the case of both Sarah and Charlotte, she is tying clues together. But, when Tommy's daughter, Nellie, is missing, could this be tied to the case. A great suspense novel.
The police think that Tommy killed his wife and all this time is still investigating. But this woman, Sarah, was at the same place Tommy's wife was when she went missing. Can this woman know anything about Charlotte and help Tommy figure out where Charlotte is.
Now, with Lucy, investigating the case of both Sarah and Charlotte, she is tying clues together. But, when Tommy's daughter, Nellie, is missing, could this be tied to the case. A great suspense novel.
March 15, 2020
I'm really loving this series. Interesting characters and story line. Poor Tommy - he's been through hell for a year not knowing if his wife Charlotte is dead or alive and this strange woman comes into the picture who has amnesia....or does she?? Loved Nellie his daughter - what a sassy, funny little girl - my heart went out to both of them. Thank God for Lucy's tenacity and her team's as well - so far they are proving to be a very capable, dynamic group. It was great to have familiar characters from Lucy's original series - Burroughs and Oshiro, although Burroughs pissed me off something fierce with his insistence that Tommy was guilty - but that's his role I guess. Looking forward to solving the next mystery along with the characters!!!
May 1, 2018
There Are Better CJ Lyons Books
SPOILERS
This was an unsatisfactory read because the major plot line was improbable. The police and FBI should have found/followed the glaringly obvious clues laid down by the author. The detective’s so-called only suspect was seen by many people at the time of the murder. Furthermore, I picked out the culprit soon after he/she/they appeared. This author has written many excellent books, but I finished this one by riffling through to the end.
SPOILERS
This was an unsatisfactory read because the major plot line was improbable. The police and FBI should have found/followed the glaringly obvious clues laid down by the author. The detective’s so-called only suspect was seen by many people at the time of the murder. Furthermore, I picked out the culprit soon after he/she/they appeared. This author has written many excellent books, but I finished this one by riffling through to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2018
Fast paced can’t put down.
Incredible word choice makes one feel the scene and sharp narratives keep characters in focus. Very clever way of peeling away layers of truth but leaving a character still unaware of the impact the reader already senses. Certainly served to keep me anxiously reading!
Incredible word choice makes one feel the scene and sharp narratives keep characters in focus. Very clever way of peeling away layers of truth but leaving a character still unaware of the impact the reader already senses. Certainly served to keep me anxiously reading!
May 29, 2024
Tommy’s wife disappeared one year ago. He is still the main suspect. A woman suffering amnesia is brought to Beacon Hills and there are starting similarities between this woman and Tommy’s wife, Charlotte. Lucy and her team rush to solve Charlotte”s disappearance and find out how this is entwined Sarah.
June 1, 2017
Devil Smoke review
Devil Smoke is the second exciting thriller in the Lucy Guardino Beacon Falls mystery series written by author C. J. Lyons.
Devil Smoke is the second exciting thriller in the Lucy Guardino Beacon Falls mystery series written by author C. J. Lyons.
June 8, 2017
Fast paced thriller. Unexpected plot twists. Great read.
August 4, 2018
I like this continuation of the now-retired from the FBI Lucy Guardino series. Well written, good plot, excellent supporting characters, fine twist in the middle. Recommended.
March 3, 2020
A Real Shock
Wife missing for a year. Then a woman turns up with amnesia that sends to need so much help,but is she really missing, does she really have amnesia? Great story
Wife missing for a year. Then a woman turns up with amnesia that sends to need so much help,but is she really missing, does she really have amnesia? Great story
May 2, 2020
What a good movie this book would make! A real thriller. If you love thrillers, then you need to read this book.
May 5, 2021
3 1/2 stars
November 8, 2021
I have no idea how this book received the high reviews it has.
November 9, 2021
I really liked this book. It keeps you guessing. Plus, it is set in Pittsburgh which I didn’t know.
September 30, 2022
Maybe the absolute best ......
Non stop real mystery and confusion ... Not Tommy, right? No way.
Who?
Who did it?
The best writing, too!
Non stop real mystery and confusion ... Not Tommy, right? No way.
Who?
Who did it?
The best writing, too!
November 16, 2022
I listened to this book. Good story.
April 21, 2023
It's not much fun figuring out who and why after reading less than 1/3 of the book.
November 13, 2024
Mediocre cops being bad investigators. A boring, predictable, disjointed "mystery" x2. Based on this series, CJ Lyons has never met an actual child in their life.
I am so done with this series.
I am so done with this series.
October 23, 2025
This one was kind of obvious, not my favorite in the series. The team has berry portrayed as too smart to fall for this plot.
January 11, 2017
lucy is back with her team
first couple of chapters are setting the scene introducing the characters and then boom suddenly the main story grabs you and you cant put your book down...
tommy who works for lucy and her group has a daughter and a missing wife...he is also suspect in her disappearance
sarah has amnesia and needs help putting her life back together...was she married? did she have a stalker? what was her story?
can tommy stay one step ahead of the police and keep his daughter safe...can lucy sort the puzzle out in time before things escalate
first couple of chapters are setting the scene introducing the characters and then boom suddenly the main story grabs you and you cant put your book down...
tommy who works for lucy and her group has a daughter and a missing wife...he is also suspect in her disappearance
sarah has amnesia and needs help putting her life back together...was she married? did she have a stalker? what was her story?
can tommy stay one step ahead of the police and keep his daughter safe...can lucy sort the puzzle out in time before things escalate
August 20, 2016
The second adventure of CJ Lyons’ Beacon Falls series features former FBI Special Agent Lucy Guardino, as a Beacon Falls consultant heading a young team of specialists. DEVIL SMOKE is a fast moving story where Lyons brings everything to life as if her readers are watching a movie in technicolor. Lyons’ characters jump off the page as she details the backstory of the actions of Lucy and members of her Beacon Hill Consulting team. She explains the history of each character and their role in her story of mystery, betrayal, manipulation, hope, and emotions. Lyons grabs hold of her reader’s emotions at the story’s beginning, and she doesn’t let go until the last page.
Fans feel Lucy’s passion as she leads her team’s investigation of a young woman with amnesia. The author places her readers next to each team member as they come to know Lucy as their leader. She guides her readers through their investigation and their reaction to learning details of the death of the wife of fellow team member Dr. Tommy Worth. Lyons creates twists and turns adding subplots that increase the intensity of her mystery thriller, skillfully moving the story forward while keeping readers in the dark as to what will happen next. In DEVIL SMOKE, Lyons keeps readers on the edge of their seats and holding their breath, forcing them to keep reading. Readers will find an emotionally charged ending they will not expect. DEVIL SMOKE by CJ Lyons is a must read for lovers of mystery and intrigue.
Fans feel Lucy’s passion as she leads her team’s investigation of a young woman with amnesia. The author places her readers next to each team member as they come to know Lucy as their leader. She guides her readers through their investigation and their reaction to learning details of the death of the wife of fellow team member Dr. Tommy Worth. Lyons creates twists and turns adding subplots that increase the intensity of her mystery thriller, skillfully moving the story forward while keeping readers in the dark as to what will happen next. In DEVIL SMOKE, Lyons keeps readers on the edge of their seats and holding their breath, forcing them to keep reading. Readers will find an emotionally charged ending they will not expect. DEVIL SMOKE by CJ Lyons is a must read for lovers of mystery and intrigue.
August 31, 2016
I had found the last two books of the series slightly disappointing. But that's not the case with Devil Smoke. This story is much more compelling.
We delve more deeply into the tragic background of a member of Lucy's new team.
The story is well thought. It's definitively a page turner.
I sensed quite early on that a character was a bit off and it proved right. But the explanation in the end was satisfactory. So despite that, the suspense was not lacking.
It's a good read and I recommend this book. I can't wait for the sequel.
We delve more deeply into the tragic background of a member of Lucy's new team.
The story is well thought. It's definitively a page turner.
I sensed quite early on that a character was a bit off and it proved right. But the explanation in the end was satisfactory. So despite that, the suspense was not lacking.
It's a good read and I recommend this book. I can't wait for the sequel.
February 5, 2017
This is the best CJ Lyons book I have read yet. I highly recommend it to anyone.
August 9, 2016
This book is really what a thriller should be! The emotions C.J. wrings out of her characters (and the reader) as we are lead through the web of lies, deception, and the dark despair of the unknown will make your heart pound! There are twists to this story that you will not see coming! I love C.J.'s character Lucy Guardino and am glad to see her back in this new series! She is smart, determined and she cares...and you know Lucy will dig out the truth!
July 29, 2016
Lucy gets better and better
This time Lucy and her team are asked to help a young woman with amnesia figure out who she is and at the same time help team member Tommy discover what happened to his wife the year before.
Lots of suspense and twists in this edge of you seat story. You never know how small this world is....
This time Lucy and her team are asked to help a young woman with amnesia figure out who she is and at the same time help team member Tommy discover what happened to his wife the year before.
Lots of suspense and twists in this edge of you seat story. You never know how small this world is....
August 1, 2016
Not at all like her previous books.
Utterly disappointing. The warning in this CJ Lyons book was a waste of space. Not at all like r all of her previous books. I kept reading waiting for this book to shock, enthralled and rivet me. Nope, turned out to be a average mystery. I can read this anywhere. Won't be signing up for future early releases.
Utterly disappointing. The warning in this CJ Lyons book was a waste of space. Not at all like r all of her previous books. I kept reading waiting for this book to shock, enthralled and rivet me. Nope, turned out to be a average mystery. I can read this anywhere. Won't be signing up for future early releases.
September 12, 2016
Another winner
I love the Lucy novels. I read this in an evening because I could not put it down. Lucy's team is hired to help Sarah figure out her past. She has amnesia. Tommy,the team doctor, is too close to the case because of his wife's disappearance a year before. Coincidence that Sarah's story is similar.Read and find out. Highly recommend
I love the Lucy novels. I read this in an evening because I could not put it down. Lucy's team is hired to help Sarah figure out her past. She has amnesia. Tommy,the team doctor, is too close to the case because of his wife's disappearance a year before. Coincidence that Sarah's story is similar.Read and find out. Highly recommend
September 21, 2016
CJ Lyons has introduced us to a new series. Beacon Falls is going to be a winner, .I could not put this book down, up late finishing, of course when you get close to the end, YOU CAN NOT PUT IT DOWN. . . . . . ..It will be interesting to read the past history of the new characters. CJ has done it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews