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After the Smoke Clears
From the best-selling author of One of Us and The Day the Lies Began comes an emotional and gripping story of a man running from his past and the woman who wants his future.
Her family offered her a neat life of privilege and power, until Lotti turned away from her father’s plans – and toward what she really wanted. Now happy as a primary school teacher, Lotti may even have found the right man, a single dad, not the kind of guy who will fit in with her family, but who nonetheless feels like home.
But Lotti isn’t the only one running from her past. August’s strong silent demeanour may be part of his attraction, but as they get closer, his inability to talk about his past begins to interfere with their future.
When August receives a cryptic text message that prompts an immediate departure, Lotti and Augie’s six-year-old son Otto follow him to his small hometown where decades of lies begin to unravel. When details of a shocking crime emerge, Lotti will have to decide if she trusts the man August has become more than she fears the man he once was.
Her family offered her a neat life of privilege and power, until Lotti turned away from her father’s plans – and toward what she really wanted. Now happy as a primary school teacher, Lotti may even have found the right man, a single dad, not the kind of guy who will fit in with her family, but who nonetheless feels like home.
But Lotti isn’t the only one running from her past. August’s strong silent demeanour may be part of his attraction, but as they get closer, his inability to talk about his past begins to interfere with their future.
When August receives a cryptic text message that prompts an immediate departure, Lotti and Augie’s six-year-old son Otto follow him to his small hometown where decades of lies begin to unravel. When details of a shocking crime emerge, Lotti will have to decide if she trusts the man August has become more than she fears the man he once was.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
16 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Kaden
8 books96 followersHi there, and thanks for taking the time to pop by.
Writing is an isolated occupation, so feel free to drop me a line!
Okay, writers make the stuff up, but the stories only come to life when they get let out into the real world. It is the readers that breathe life into characters, and the readers who I hope to connect with. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
find me at: hello@kyliekaden.com.au
(or www.kyliekaden.com.au)
Raised in Queensland, she spent holidays camping with her parents and two brothers at the Sunshine Coast, where much of Losing Kate was set. She now lives in Brisbane with her husband and three young sons. As the only female in a house of males, Kylie tops up her sanity by writing whilst her youngest naps (and the washing mounts). She is adamant the next addition to the Kaden household will be female…and canine.
Kylie graduated with an honours degree in psychology from Queensland University of Technology in 2000, but cites it helps little with meeting the challenges of parenting in the real world. She shares her frazzled parenting experiences in her regular column in My Child magazine, and is a strong advocate for telling it like it is when it comes to the struggles (and joys) of raising kids.
After postgraduate study, Kylie went on to train and manage staff in both the corporate and government arenas, where she met her surfer/lawyer husband at an end-of-year function (at the pub). She wrote her debut novel,Losing Kate whilst on maternity leave from an executive role in the Australian Public Service.
Kylie knew writing was in her blood from a young age, using her brother’s Commodore 64 to invent stories as a child. Her current novel took shape as she drank tea at the kitchen bench, often with a toddler on her lap and ABC Kids chirping in the background.
Kylie considers being a novelist the best job in the world – what other occupation lets you wear Ugg boots to work and make things up for a living?
Losing Kate, a Women’s Contemporary Novel was Kylie's debut (April 2014), published by Random House and later translated internationally. Her second novel, also published by Penguin Random House was the critically acclaimed, Missing You (2015). The Day The Lies Began - a domestic noir (2019) Pantera Press and One Of Us (2022) and After The Smoke Clears (2023).
Writing is an isolated occupation, so feel free to drop me a line!
Okay, writers make the stuff up, but the stories only come to life when they get let out into the real world. It is the readers that breathe life into characters, and the readers who I hope to connect with. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
find me at: hello@kyliekaden.com.au
(or www.kyliekaden.com.au)
Raised in Queensland, she spent holidays camping with her parents and two brothers at the Sunshine Coast, where much of Losing Kate was set. She now lives in Brisbane with her husband and three young sons. As the only female in a house of males, Kylie tops up her sanity by writing whilst her youngest naps (and the washing mounts). She is adamant the next addition to the Kaden household will be female…and canine.
Kylie graduated with an honours degree in psychology from Queensland University of Technology in 2000, but cites it helps little with meeting the challenges of parenting in the real world. She shares her frazzled parenting experiences in her regular column in My Child magazine, and is a strong advocate for telling it like it is when it comes to the struggles (and joys) of raising kids.
After postgraduate study, Kylie went on to train and manage staff in both the corporate and government arenas, where she met her surfer/lawyer husband at an end-of-year function (at the pub). She wrote her debut novel,Losing Kate whilst on maternity leave from an executive role in the Australian Public Service.
Kylie knew writing was in her blood from a young age, using her brother’s Commodore 64 to invent stories as a child. Her current novel took shape as she drank tea at the kitchen bench, often with a toddler on her lap and ABC Kids chirping in the background.
Kylie considers being a novelist the best job in the world – what other occupation lets you wear Ugg boots to work and make things up for a living?
Losing Kate, a Women’s Contemporary Novel was Kylie's debut (April 2014), published by Random House and later translated internationally. Her second novel, also published by Penguin Random House was the critically acclaimed, Missing You (2015). The Day The Lies Began - a domestic noir (2019) Pantera Press and One Of Us (2022) and After The Smoke Clears (2023).
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August 17, 2023
After the Smoke Clears is a domestic drama complicated by historical mysteries and long held closely guarded secrets. It’s a story that slowly unwinds in such a way that we’re constantly fed small snippets of information, continually whetting the appetite and creating a need to find out more.
School teacher Lotti has turned her back on her wealthy family and has decided to make a life for herself in a small town in central Queensland. She has met and fallen for August Silverfell, single father of young Otto, an energetic and loveable 6 year old who also happens to be deaf. Just an aside, Otto is an absolute shining light in the story, a presence who warms every appearance he makes from one scene to the next.
Out of the blue, Augie gets a text from an old mate telling him he’s in some trouble and needs help straight away. Although their relationship is still in its infancy Augie asks Lotti to take care of Otto while he’s away, assuring her it would only be for a few days. But still, mysteriously leaving for an unspecified period of time and putting the responsibility of caring for a child was not something she was prepared for.
When she hears nothing from Augie after a few days she becomes concerned and decides to follow him in case something has happened to him.
Using the few details she knows about him she eventually picks up his trail, leading her to his old home town. It’s here that a few momentous things happen. First, she learns he’s been arrested and is locked up in the local gaol. Second, she finds out he’s known in this town as August North. The more she learns about Augie, the greater her anxiety as she realises she knows far less about him than she thought she did.
The main difficulty, she learns from some of the locals, is the fact that she’s brought Otto with her, back to the town where there are clearly a lot of secrets that are in danger of being revealed just by his mere presence. There’s clearly a lot to unpack here.
The story switches between the present day of 2009, through the first person perspectives of both Lotti and Augie, and 1989 where Augie narrates his experiences that sets up the primary mystery of the book.
Augie’s past was not an easy one, particularly the years he spent at the Brightside boarding school. It’s the traumatic experiences through his teenage years that helped to build the gruff, uncommunicative exterior with which he faces the world. There are events that took place in 1989 that shape the events of the present and they shine a spotlight on the ever-present and always disturbing institutional abuse of minors.
It would be easy to view Augie’s gruff exterior and uncommunicative nature and make assumptions about his personality, but as the story unfolds it’s clear there is way much more to him than initially meets the eye. After all, Lotti’s no dope and clearly wouldn’t be putting herself through so much angst if he weren’t worth the trouble.
After the Smoke Clears is a thoughtful mystery that deals with its fair share of social issues, deep-rooted hatred and psychological damage that continues to hang over some of the characters today. It’s a thought provoking story that many people should be able to relate to and a tale that tends to pull at the heartstrings a little too.
School teacher Lotti has turned her back on her wealthy family and has decided to make a life for herself in a small town in central Queensland. She has met and fallen for August Silverfell, single father of young Otto, an energetic and loveable 6 year old who also happens to be deaf. Just an aside, Otto is an absolute shining light in the story, a presence who warms every appearance he makes from one scene to the next.
Out of the blue, Augie gets a text from an old mate telling him he’s in some trouble and needs help straight away. Although their relationship is still in its infancy Augie asks Lotti to take care of Otto while he’s away, assuring her it would only be for a few days. But still, mysteriously leaving for an unspecified period of time and putting the responsibility of caring for a child was not something she was prepared for.
When she hears nothing from Augie after a few days she becomes concerned and decides to follow him in case something has happened to him.
Using the few details she knows about him she eventually picks up his trail, leading her to his old home town. It’s here that a few momentous things happen. First, she learns he’s been arrested and is locked up in the local gaol. Second, she finds out he’s known in this town as August North. The more she learns about Augie, the greater her anxiety as she realises she knows far less about him than she thought she did.
The main difficulty, she learns from some of the locals, is the fact that she’s brought Otto with her, back to the town where there are clearly a lot of secrets that are in danger of being revealed just by his mere presence. There’s clearly a lot to unpack here.
The story switches between the present day of 2009, through the first person perspectives of both Lotti and Augie, and 1989 where Augie narrates his experiences that sets up the primary mystery of the book.
Augie’s past was not an easy one, particularly the years he spent at the Brightside boarding school. It’s the traumatic experiences through his teenage years that helped to build the gruff, uncommunicative exterior with which he faces the world. There are events that took place in 1989 that shape the events of the present and they shine a spotlight on the ever-present and always disturbing institutional abuse of minors.
It would be easy to view Augie’s gruff exterior and uncommunicative nature and make assumptions about his personality, but as the story unfolds it’s clear there is way much more to him than initially meets the eye. After all, Lotti’s no dope and clearly wouldn’t be putting herself through so much angst if he weren’t worth the trouble.
After the Smoke Clears is a thoughtful mystery that deals with its fair share of social issues, deep-rooted hatred and psychological damage that continues to hang over some of the characters today. It’s a thought provoking story that many people should be able to relate to and a tale that tends to pull at the heartstrings a little too.
July 1, 2023
Find more reviews here: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
School teacher Lotti finds herself falling for August Nash and his 6 year old son Otto. Auggie has a bad boy outer shell but a mushy and gentle heart although he refuses to open up about his past. When August heads back to his hometown after receiving an urgent call for help from a friend, Lotti along with Otto decides to follow him.
As she asks around in Auggie’s hometown she starts to wonder if she really knows the man at all. What dark secrets is he hiding?
After the Smoke Clears, narrated by both Auggie and Lotti in present day 2009 and also by Auggie in 1989, is a compelling mystery read that slowly unfolds over both timelines.
Kylie Kaden has written a small country town mystery with themes of institutionalised abuse, mental illness, feeling of shame and victimisation.
I loved all the 80’s nostalgia throughout the story and Kaden’s depiction of small town policing and bullying were well portrayed. I did however find the story a bit too angst ridden for my liking and I felt the plot kept running round in circles and not moving forward fast enough for me.
Still, a compelling read 3.5 / 5
*I received my copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club
School teacher Lotti finds herself falling for August Nash and his 6 year old son Otto. Auggie has a bad boy outer shell but a mushy and gentle heart although he refuses to open up about his past. When August heads back to his hometown after receiving an urgent call for help from a friend, Lotti along with Otto decides to follow him.
As she asks around in Auggie’s hometown she starts to wonder if she really knows the man at all. What dark secrets is he hiding?
After the Smoke Clears, narrated by both Auggie and Lotti in present day 2009 and also by Auggie in 1989, is a compelling mystery read that slowly unfolds over both timelines.
Kylie Kaden has written a small country town mystery with themes of institutionalised abuse, mental illness, feeling of shame and victimisation.
I loved all the 80’s nostalgia throughout the story and Kaden’s depiction of small town policing and bullying were well portrayed. I did however find the story a bit too angst ridden for my liking and I felt the plot kept running round in circles and not moving forward fast enough for me.
Still, a compelling read 3.5 / 5
*I received my copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club
May 8, 2023
Thank you Pantera Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Kylie Kaden offers readers an involved and complicated tale about family dynamics, simmering secrets and troublesome relationships.
A detailed and intimate look at what goes on behind the gates where the past and the present meet.
Lotti was born into privilege and money.
But turned her back on it and made her own decisions.
Becoming a teacher in a small town she meets August and his son, Otto.
Life with August has its ups and downs.
It also comes with secrets and he won’t talk about his past.
Soon it all gets convoluted and dangerous and as the truth slowly unravels, Lotti starts to think if she can really trust August.
Where drama and mystery collide, this book will definitely satisfy your reading hunger.
With many themes woven through, it’s very hard to turn away after getting deeply involved into these characters lives.
Told from alternating points of view, there’s much here to stimulate the bookworm brain and really get you thinking.
I was totally consumed by the story and keep flipping the pages as I wanted to know what happened.
A tangled web of melodramatic issues until all the truth comes out.
A clever, gritty read.
Kylie Kaden offers readers an involved and complicated tale about family dynamics, simmering secrets and troublesome relationships.
A detailed and intimate look at what goes on behind the gates where the past and the present meet.
Lotti was born into privilege and money.
But turned her back on it and made her own decisions.
Becoming a teacher in a small town she meets August and his son, Otto.
Life with August has its ups and downs.
It also comes with secrets and he won’t talk about his past.
Soon it all gets convoluted and dangerous and as the truth slowly unravels, Lotti starts to think if she can really trust August.
Where drama and mystery collide, this book will definitely satisfy your reading hunger.
With many themes woven through, it’s very hard to turn away after getting deeply involved into these characters lives.
Told from alternating points of view, there’s much here to stimulate the bookworm brain and really get you thinking.
I was totally consumed by the story and keep flipping the pages as I wanted to know what happened.
A tangled web of melodramatic issues until all the truth comes out.
A clever, gritty read.
May 1, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The fifth novel from Australian author Kylie Kaden offers readers a complex web of family ties, past secrets, friendships, responsibilities and small-town tensions. After the Smoke Clears is a tangled kinship crime mystery tale of a homecoming and an unravelling of the past. I found it hard pressed to put this book down as I got sucked deeper into the rabbit hole that Kylie Kaden’s characters managed to fall into.
After the Smoke Clears follows two timelines and two different points of view as this novel gradually unfurls in a slow burn style form of release. We are acquainted with Lotti and August, a couple who both share tenuous past histories, which come to the surface as the story progresses. Author Kylie Kaden takes us through a tumultuous character map that includes checkpoints associated with loss, grief, domestic affairs, illness, motherhood, family support, upbringing, impairment, incarceration, friendship, loyalty, fear, trust, protection and the umbrella theme of fire. With composite characters, a well-paced narrative, a stifling small-town atmosphere, a layered plot, intricate relationships and a realistic look at the trials of life, I found After the Smoke Clears to be a nomadic family mystery tale. Turn to this one if you like soft hued crime fiction or intricate family mystery novels.
*Thanks is extended to Better Reading/Pantera Press for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The fifth novel from Australian author Kylie Kaden offers readers a complex web of family ties, past secrets, friendships, responsibilities and small-town tensions. After the Smoke Clears is a tangled kinship crime mystery tale of a homecoming and an unravelling of the past. I found it hard pressed to put this book down as I got sucked deeper into the rabbit hole that Kylie Kaden’s characters managed to fall into.
After the Smoke Clears follows two timelines and two different points of view as this novel gradually unfurls in a slow burn style form of release. We are acquainted with Lotti and August, a couple who both share tenuous past histories, which come to the surface as the story progresses. Author Kylie Kaden takes us through a tumultuous character map that includes checkpoints associated with loss, grief, domestic affairs, illness, motherhood, family support, upbringing, impairment, incarceration, friendship, loyalty, fear, trust, protection and the umbrella theme of fire. With composite characters, a well-paced narrative, a stifling small-town atmosphere, a layered plot, intricate relationships and a realistic look at the trials of life, I found After the Smoke Clears to be a nomadic family mystery tale. Turn to this one if you like soft hued crime fiction or intricate family mystery novels.
*Thanks is extended to Better Reading/Pantera Press for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
July 21, 2023
4.5 stars
Listened to the audio via the BorrowBox app
Published by Bolinda audio
Narrated by Annabelle Tudor
Duration: 10 hrs, 11 min. 1.25x Speed
February 19, 2023
Kylie Kaden is a writer with an innate ability to delve into the uncomfortable truth of life behind the pretty picket fence. Like One Of Us, and The Day The Lies Began, When The Smoke Clears is a novel where two timelines (past and present) collide.
Twenty years after the traumatic events that sent him running from his hometown, mechanic-of-few-words, August Silverfell, is looking to set his life right with a new love, school-teacher, Charlotte (Lotti), and his young son, Otto.
But from the get-go, Lotti knows August is holding back. He never talks about the past. He doesn’t really talk much at all. Lotti’s found a guy who can communicate with anything that needs oil, tyres, and a motor, but he’s not so good when it comes to speaking words. Still, she’s convinced that under that gruff exterior there’s a man with a heart of gold.
But when a mysterious call for help from an old friend pulls August back to his hometown roots, Lotti is asked to babysit Otto. But she’s a modern girl, and staying home with August’s son (no matter how much she likes the kid) while his dad takes off for parts unknown isn’t her cup of tea.
When Lotti and Otto follow August, they meet friends, foes, and family entwined in the traumatic story of the life he’s tried to leave behind.
Everybody in his life made mistakes (including him). They made choices, and they live with guilt and regret (or satisfaction) with the choices they made. That’s realism - which is a great talent of Kylie Kaden and it’s a truth that colours every page.
August is determined to bury everything. Lotti is equally determined to dig up the past.
Meanwhile, as with most Kylie Kaden novels, running alongside the story of August, Lotti and Otto, are plots involving buried bones, police investigations, small-town politics, arson and murder.
When The Smoke Clears is a nuanced story that delves into the best and worst traits of a cast of characters that represent a confronting, and sometimes terrifying modern snapshot of Australian life.
Twenty years after the traumatic events that sent him running from his hometown, mechanic-of-few-words, August Silverfell, is looking to set his life right with a new love, school-teacher, Charlotte (Lotti), and his young son, Otto.
But from the get-go, Lotti knows August is holding back. He never talks about the past. He doesn’t really talk much at all. Lotti’s found a guy who can communicate with anything that needs oil, tyres, and a motor, but he’s not so good when it comes to speaking words. Still, she’s convinced that under that gruff exterior there’s a man with a heart of gold.
But when a mysterious call for help from an old friend pulls August back to his hometown roots, Lotti is asked to babysit Otto. But she’s a modern girl, and staying home with August’s son (no matter how much she likes the kid) while his dad takes off for parts unknown isn’t her cup of tea.
When Lotti and Otto follow August, they meet friends, foes, and family entwined in the traumatic story of the life he’s tried to leave behind.
Everybody in his life made mistakes (including him). They made choices, and they live with guilt and regret (or satisfaction) with the choices they made. That’s realism - which is a great talent of Kylie Kaden and it’s a truth that colours every page.
August is determined to bury everything. Lotti is equally determined to dig up the past.
Meanwhile, as with most Kylie Kaden novels, running alongside the story of August, Lotti and Otto, are plots involving buried bones, police investigations, small-town politics, arson and murder.
When The Smoke Clears is a nuanced story that delves into the best and worst traits of a cast of characters that represent a confronting, and sometimes terrifying modern snapshot of Australian life.
June 29, 2023
It had been a while between suspenseful reads for me when I picked up AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARS, but the rapid and mysterious start to the story had me immediately immersed in this book.
Told with alternating points of view, what initially appeared to be a straightforward crime thriller revealed itself to be a surprisingly complex tale that went places I wasn’t expecting.
This was a real slow burn reveal!
My eyebrows were immediately raised by the premise of one protagonist, August, disappearing off to deal with a mysterious problem & leaving his child with his new-ish girlfriend, Lotti. Red flags raised immediately for August but were quickly packed away as this intense story of family ties, loyalty, long buried secrets and a stifling small town unfolded and I came around to really understanding these characters.
Very glad I picked up this surprising read. This was addictive. The ideal compelling page-turner for a weekend spent reading!
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
Told with alternating points of view, what initially appeared to be a straightforward crime thriller revealed itself to be a surprisingly complex tale that went places I wasn’t expecting.
This was a real slow burn reveal!
My eyebrows were immediately raised by the premise of one protagonist, August, disappearing off to deal with a mysterious problem & leaving his child with his new-ish girlfriend, Lotti. Red flags raised immediately for August but were quickly packed away as this intense story of family ties, loyalty, long buried secrets and a stifling small town unfolded and I came around to really understanding these characters.
Very glad I picked up this surprising read. This was addictive. The ideal compelling page-turner for a weekend spent reading!
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
March 21, 2023
I received this ARC from Better Reading recently and although not my favourite tale, it is still entertaining and an easy read.
You are taken along through the story with both Lottie and Augie’s tales including Augie’s younger years, as Lottie tries to find out what the truth is and if she can have a future with the guy she’s in love with, all the while protecting Augie’s son Otto, who really has major impact on their lives. Augie is just trying to keep his life from going to hell and losing everything, including his grip when a few secrets emerge.
My view of Augie kept swapping and changing, which I’m sure was the author’s intention all along, and where you end up when it comes what type of guy Augie is, I think will be different for everyone.
There is some colourful language used, which produces some moments of humour when Otto repeats it, but it is not overdone and very relevant to the characters’ personalities.
Kylie has managed to create a story that will leave you a little bit wiser and the knowledge that sometimes you have to go with your gut.
#BRPreview
#afterthesmokeclears
You are taken along through the story with both Lottie and Augie’s tales including Augie’s younger years, as Lottie tries to find out what the truth is and if she can have a future with the guy she’s in love with, all the while protecting Augie’s son Otto, who really has major impact on their lives. Augie is just trying to keep his life from going to hell and losing everything, including his grip when a few secrets emerge.
My view of Augie kept swapping and changing, which I’m sure was the author’s intention all along, and where you end up when it comes what type of guy Augie is, I think will be different for everyone.
There is some colourful language used, which produces some moments of humour when Otto repeats it, but it is not overdone and very relevant to the characters’ personalities.
Kylie has managed to create a story that will leave you a little bit wiser and the knowledge that sometimes you have to go with your gut.
#BRPreview
#afterthesmokeclears
February 23, 2023
A father who suddenly leaves and asks his girlfriend of a few months to care for his son, mainly because she is there and because she is his son’s teacher.
Augie, as he likes to be called, heads back to his home town. Lottie is trying to contact him. Unaware of what’s happened, Lottie takes Otto and heads towards where Augie has gone too, not knowing exactly where she is going or what she will find.
Augie and his old friends are caught up in a situation that could mean a bigger problem for Augie’s son. Lottie just wants to find Augie and ensure he is not hurt and find out what is going on.
Once Lottie and Otto arrive, the situation is very different to what she thought she knew. Augie just wants to protect his friends and himself, so he can be with Otto.
This story has flashbacks to the past and relives what the character entailed to get where he is now.
This book was given as an ARC by #netgalley.
Augie, as he likes to be called, heads back to his home town. Lottie is trying to contact him. Unaware of what’s happened, Lottie takes Otto and heads towards where Augie has gone too, not knowing exactly where she is going or what she will find.
Augie and his old friends are caught up in a situation that could mean a bigger problem for Augie’s son. Lottie just wants to find Augie and ensure he is not hurt and find out what is going on.
Once Lottie and Otto arrive, the situation is very different to what she thought she knew. Augie just wants to protect his friends and himself, so he can be with Otto.
This story has flashbacks to the past and relives what the character entailed to get where he is now.
This book was given as an ARC by #netgalley.
June 2, 2023
This book was a nice surprise.
First few pages in, we meet Augie a bit of a rough fellow and his son Otto. Augie starts dating Otto’s teacher Lottie, but then takes off and leaves Otto with Lottie!
Lottie doesn’t hear from him so takes Otto with her to go find him. That’s when Augie’s past is revealed and all his secrets. I wasn’t expecting any of these things to unfold, it was surprising, intense, sad and sometimes hard to read. So many twists and turns, a gasp or two and an ending I wasn’t expecting!
I absolutely adored Otto, he was my favourite character and he made me giggle. Children are so innocent and sweet, I’m glad he was in the book.
Thank you @panterapress for sending me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
First few pages in, we meet Augie a bit of a rough fellow and his son Otto. Augie starts dating Otto’s teacher Lottie, but then takes off and leaves Otto with Lottie!
Lottie doesn’t hear from him so takes Otto with her to go find him. That’s when Augie’s past is revealed and all his secrets. I wasn’t expecting any of these things to unfold, it was surprising, intense, sad and sometimes hard to read. So many twists and turns, a gasp or two and an ending I wasn’t expecting!
I absolutely adored Otto, he was my favourite character and he made me giggle. Children are so innocent and sweet, I’m glad he was in the book.
Thank you @panterapress for sending me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2025
As an Australian, I enjoyed how the author incorporated the use of Australian slang and familiar sayings.
I laughed at times reading words and sayings that were easily recognised and felt so nostalgic.
This is a love story, good girl meets bad boy come good.
It is also a sad look at how young boys were mistreated in the past by organisations that were meant to care for them.
I enjoyed the story, following the relationship between Charlotte and August, as well as learning about Augusts’ past, his younger year in the 80s.
I laughed at times reading words and sayings that were easily recognised and felt so nostalgic.
This is a love story, good girl meets bad boy come good.
It is also a sad look at how young boys were mistreated in the past by organisations that were meant to care for them.
I enjoyed the story, following the relationship between Charlotte and August, as well as learning about Augusts’ past, his younger year in the 80s.
February 4, 2024
Another compelling read from Kylie Karen. School teacher Charlotte has become involved with the father (Augie) of one of her students, 6 year old Otto. Augie and Charlotte are from very different backgrounds. When Augie receives a text message from his childhood friend, he leaves Otto with Charlotte and rushes back to his home town in rural Queensland. When she can’t contact him, Charlotte decides to follow Augie where she uncovers secrets that have her questioning everything she knows about Augie.
April 19, 2023
After the Smoke Clears was a pretty straightforward story, told in possibly the most circuitous way possible. Augie Silverfall, a gruff mechanic, leaves his child with his newish girlfriend and disappears so she follows him and unearths the mystery of his past.
This story carries the reader along throughout. A definite page-turner, the momentum continues as we follow Lotti to the small town where Augie grew up and unlock the story step by step with her while also alternating with Augie’s perspectives where he works through what’s going on in the present day and what happened when he fled town 20 years ago.
This is definitely one of those stories that would have been over in a page and a half if everyone wasn’t so keen on keeping secrets. Actual communication between Augie, Lotti, his Aunt who raised him and a few of the other characters would have removed a huge part of the drama. Augie also conveniently doesn’t think too specifically in his flashbacks so we remain lost throughout.
Overall I liked Lotti but never really clicked with Augie and that hindered my enjoyment. A decent thriller that peters out a bit towards the end.
This story carries the reader along throughout. A definite page-turner, the momentum continues as we follow Lotti to the small town where Augie grew up and unlock the story step by step with her while also alternating with Augie’s perspectives where he works through what’s going on in the present day and what happened when he fled town 20 years ago.
This is definitely one of those stories that would have been over in a page and a half if everyone wasn’t so keen on keeping secrets. Actual communication between Augie, Lotti, his Aunt who raised him and a few of the other characters would have removed a huge part of the drama. Augie also conveniently doesn’t think too specifically in his flashbacks so we remain lost throughout.
Overall I liked Lotti but never really clicked with Augie and that hindered my enjoyment. A decent thriller that peters out a bit towards the end.
July 30, 2023
- thanks to @panterapress for my #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
After the Smoke Clears is my first experience with Kaden's writing, so I would like to say that I dived into it as unbiased as possible but, realistically, with a healthy dose of expectations, given that I am always on the lookout for my next favourite Aussie thriller.
Admittedly, I am sitting on the fence about this novel as I cannot find another way to describe my experience as anything but bittersweet. There are many elements that I enjoyed and as many that I did not.
I appreciated and enjoyed all the atypical elements of the novel, such as diverse characters —including a brilliant and adorable deaf kid— and the undoubtedly good intentions behind including sexual abuse of boys and men as a trope. The fact that the author made room to —hopefully— create awareness and spark conversations about such a crucial topic is certainly worth celebrating. However, I do not feel confident or within the right to comment on how Kaden approached sexual abuse within her novel.
I also enjoyed the pace and the stable rhythm of the story, and I cannot say I was ever bored or restless while reading. Nevertheless, I was not 100% convinced about how certain storylines developed. The author created a thrilling search for the 'whodunnit' element for the reader, yet once I got there, I was not entirely happy with the answers I found. Unfortunately, all the 'truths' that unravelled felt unconvincing to me.
I was also significantly unmoved by the protagonists' characterisation: both are very different yet based on clearly identifiable stereotypes. I understood the intentions behind those characteristics, but the implicit superficiality made it challenging to connect with the protagonists. Sadly, I cannot say I ended up caring much about anyone but sweet Otto.
Overall, After the Smoke Clears is a well-paced whodunnit Thriller with great questions and premises but, in my opinion, not so many great answers. I would recommend it to plot-driven readers that love the genre.
After the Smoke Clears is my first experience with Kaden's writing, so I would like to say that I dived into it as unbiased as possible but, realistically, with a healthy dose of expectations, given that I am always on the lookout for my next favourite Aussie thriller.
Admittedly, I am sitting on the fence about this novel as I cannot find another way to describe my experience as anything but bittersweet. There are many elements that I enjoyed and as many that I did not.
I appreciated and enjoyed all the atypical elements of the novel, such as diverse characters —including a brilliant and adorable deaf kid— and the undoubtedly good intentions behind including sexual abuse of boys and men as a trope. The fact that the author made room to —hopefully— create awareness and spark conversations about such a crucial topic is certainly worth celebrating. However, I do not feel confident or within the right to comment on how Kaden approached sexual abuse within her novel.
I also enjoyed the pace and the stable rhythm of the story, and I cannot say I was ever bored or restless while reading. Nevertheless, I was not 100% convinced about how certain storylines developed. The author created a thrilling search for the 'whodunnit' element for the reader, yet once I got there, I was not entirely happy with the answers I found. Unfortunately, all the 'truths' that unravelled felt unconvincing to me.
I was also significantly unmoved by the protagonists' characterisation: both are very different yet based on clearly identifiable stereotypes. I understood the intentions behind those characteristics, but the implicit superficiality made it challenging to connect with the protagonists. Sadly, I cannot say I ended up caring much about anyone but sweet Otto.
Overall, After the Smoke Clears is a well-paced whodunnit Thriller with great questions and premises but, in my opinion, not so many great answers. I would recommend it to plot-driven readers that love the genre.
March 29, 2023
After the Smoke Clears by Kylie Kaden - ARC - due May 2023
After the Smoke Clears is the sad and twisting story of teenagers in a small country town and also about those teenagers when they become adults, and the way their lives have been affected.
There are two main characters and a number of others whose lives all intercept due to a discovery by a development company. What happened to these teenagers? What happened in the town? I'm not going to tell you here but I think you'll be surprised. I enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book a lot, but unfortunately, I believe it went downhill from there. I did not like the final paragraph at all. I felt the wording was totally unnecessary and out of character with the rest of the book.
After the Smoke Clears is the sad and twisting story of teenagers in a small country town and also about those teenagers when they become adults, and the way their lives have been affected.
There are two main characters and a number of others whose lives all intercept due to a discovery by a development company. What happened to these teenagers? What happened in the town? I'm not going to tell you here but I think you'll be surprised. I enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book a lot, but unfortunately, I believe it went downhill from there. I did not like the final paragraph at all. I felt the wording was totally unnecessary and out of character with the rest of the book.
April 22, 2023
Brisbane author Kylie Kaden’s fifth novel After the Smoke Clears (Pantera Press 2023) is a page-turning and emotional mystery/drama/crime that showcases her development as an established writer who gets better with each book. I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing story and found it difficult to put down!
The emotional and psychological drama of the story is the most affecting, with strong characterisations of the main protagonists, Lottie, August and six-year-old Otto. Kaden drew me immediately into each of their lives and I quickly became very invested in what was happening – or what might happen – to each of them.
The historical mystery or crime aspect is woven seamlessly into the narrative, not as the main focus as in a traditional crime book, but certainly as a theme which is central to the story.
Lottie is a smart, determined and feisty character who has moved away from her family’s life of privilege, politics and power to pursue her dreams of becoming a primary school teacher. She also has an ‘unsuitable’ love interest – a rough diamond of a man (August) who makes her feel safe. Their relationship is only just beginning, and complicated a little by the fact that they met through August’s son, Otto. But despite these and other obstacles (August and Otto live in a van!), they seem to be working it out. August is the strong and silent type and Lottie knows little about his history, but she doesn’t press the issue and is happy for their relationship to develop at its own pace.
That is, until August receives a mysterious phone call and leaves Otto in Lottie’s care in the middle of the night as he goes off on a mission that he is unable or unwilling to talk about with her. He assures her it’s only for a few days and hopes she will manage Otto without him until he can return.
But Lottie is not one to sit around and be dictated to. Incensed that he has up and left without an explanation, and understandably worried about what incident from his past has risen up to grab him back, she bundles Otto into her old car and embarks on a road trip to August’s old hometown. As the days pass, and she unravels more of the people and incidents of his past, it is apparent that his hometown hides decades of lies, and when a shocking crime is revealed, it appears that August may be a very different person to the man Lottie has come to know and love.
As Lottie unravels the truth, she must decide whether to trust this man or to fear the life he has apparently left behind, all while travelling with and protecting Otto, who is a cheerful, vulnerable and endearing companion.
Kaden’s writing is accessible and page-turning, with every chapter ending on a cliff edge that ensures you want to read on. With mostly alternating chapters from August and Lottie, interspersed with some from August’s perspective 10 years earlier, the novel captures the reader in a web of intrigue and mystery, with it never clear in which direction the story will go. Some aspects are a surprise to the reader, and some known to the reader but a surprise to the characters, but all of it adds up to a nail-biting drama.
The themes of this novel include parenting, class, socio-economic issues, family violence and abuse, institutionalised abuse, betrayal, loyalty and family dynamics, as well as a veiled insight into characters that are ‘othered’ or ‘different’, and their ignorant and unfortunate treatment 40 or 50 years ago. After the Smoke Clears has its share of sexy romance, red herrings and a whodunnit vibe, psychological exploration of guilt, shame and remorse, and a refreshing dash of humour and wit. There are also such great pop culture references to the 80’s and 90’s, which are sure to take readers of a certain age down memory lane. (AkkaDakka? Neighbours? Orchy bong, anyone?)
The ending is unexpected, satisfying and thought-provoking, and speaks to the historical and ripple effects of personal trauma.
The emotional and psychological drama of the story is the most affecting, with strong characterisations of the main protagonists, Lottie, August and six-year-old Otto. Kaden drew me immediately into each of their lives and I quickly became very invested in what was happening – or what might happen – to each of them.
The historical mystery or crime aspect is woven seamlessly into the narrative, not as the main focus as in a traditional crime book, but certainly as a theme which is central to the story.
Lottie is a smart, determined and feisty character who has moved away from her family’s life of privilege, politics and power to pursue her dreams of becoming a primary school teacher. She also has an ‘unsuitable’ love interest – a rough diamond of a man (August) who makes her feel safe. Their relationship is only just beginning, and complicated a little by the fact that they met through August’s son, Otto. But despite these and other obstacles (August and Otto live in a van!), they seem to be working it out. August is the strong and silent type and Lottie knows little about his history, but she doesn’t press the issue and is happy for their relationship to develop at its own pace.
That is, until August receives a mysterious phone call and leaves Otto in Lottie’s care in the middle of the night as he goes off on a mission that he is unable or unwilling to talk about with her. He assures her it’s only for a few days and hopes she will manage Otto without him until he can return.
But Lottie is not one to sit around and be dictated to. Incensed that he has up and left without an explanation, and understandably worried about what incident from his past has risen up to grab him back, she bundles Otto into her old car and embarks on a road trip to August’s old hometown. As the days pass, and she unravels more of the people and incidents of his past, it is apparent that his hometown hides decades of lies, and when a shocking crime is revealed, it appears that August may be a very different person to the man Lottie has come to know and love.
As Lottie unravels the truth, she must decide whether to trust this man or to fear the life he has apparently left behind, all while travelling with and protecting Otto, who is a cheerful, vulnerable and endearing companion.
Kaden’s writing is accessible and page-turning, with every chapter ending on a cliff edge that ensures you want to read on. With mostly alternating chapters from August and Lottie, interspersed with some from August’s perspective 10 years earlier, the novel captures the reader in a web of intrigue and mystery, with it never clear in which direction the story will go. Some aspects are a surprise to the reader, and some known to the reader but a surprise to the characters, but all of it adds up to a nail-biting drama.
The themes of this novel include parenting, class, socio-economic issues, family violence and abuse, institutionalised abuse, betrayal, loyalty and family dynamics, as well as a veiled insight into characters that are ‘othered’ or ‘different’, and their ignorant and unfortunate treatment 40 or 50 years ago. After the Smoke Clears has its share of sexy romance, red herrings and a whodunnit vibe, psychological exploration of guilt, shame and remorse, and a refreshing dash of humour and wit. There are also such great pop culture references to the 80’s and 90’s, which are sure to take readers of a certain age down memory lane. (AkkaDakka? Neighbours? Orchy bong, anyone?)
The ending is unexpected, satisfying and thought-provoking, and speaks to the historical and ripple effects of personal trauma.
June 9, 2023
“After the Smoke Clears” is nominally a crime novel, but for many readers the relationship study will dominate their experience. Either way, this is a thoughtful and insightful read which many will enjoy.
Lotti is tentatively starting to feel that perhaps she’s found her place. She’s stepped away from her father and his attempts to manage her life – the privilege and financial benefits he offers are no longer enough for her. She’s found a much more modest life as a teacher, which she loves. And perhaps in Augie she’s also found the right man.
But August is a very uncommunicative man, and as a result she knows very little about his life. She makes some assumptions, based on the existence of his son Otto, and what little he reveals in conversation. Lotti is acutely aware that she has no guarantee that her guesses are accurate.
One night August receives a cryptic message, asks Lotti to look after Otto, and then leaves. After several days without communication, Lotti takes six year old Otto on a road trip to August’s home town. Here she finds her knowledge of Augie is on shaky ground; she begins to doubt everything. And as the police look for ways to charge Augie with a dreadful historical crime, Lotti has to decide how much a person can change, and how much she trusts her knowledge of the man Augie is now.
There is a crime plot in here – the discovery of the historical crime, decades of lies, and revelations about multiple other activities that involve some degree of criminality – but it somehow doesn’t feel like it’s the point of the novel. Yes, it’s what sets things in motion and keeps a certain amount of the action moving. However, it just feels so much less important than the relationships.
This is something I’ve noticed about Kaden’s work before. Although her novels tend to arrive under the guise of a thriller or a crime novel, it’s actually the relationships which feel like the centre of the novels.
Readers will empathise very strongly with Lotti. Many people have had the experience of being cajoled or guilted into doing things they don’t want to do, and will appreciate Lotti’s attempts to break free. They’ll also understand her mixed feelings about Augie, and will share her changing perceptions as more is revealed about Augie.
Many difficult issues are raised in this novel, around parenting, mental health problems, abuse, and corruption, to name a few. Kaden approaches these with sensitivity and discretion. She manages the fine balancing act of being up-front about things often treated secretively, while not being lurid or voyeuristic.
As a side note, Otto is deaf. I have experience of raising a deaf child, and much of what Kaden depicts is very accurate. It’s not wholly right, of course (for example, it’s unlikely that a child who lost their hearing so young would be able to speak so clearly without extensive speech therapy). However, it’s not an important part of the story, so it is enough that Kaden gets Otto’s experience of the world close to right.
Overall, this is an excellent novel. It examines relationships under strain, the extent to which we are formed by our early experiences, and both the best and worst in people. It’s thoughtful and sensitive, cloaked in an interesting crime plot to give impetus to the action. Highly recommended for readers looking for something which explores deep below the surface of a crime.
You may also be interested in my reviews of previous novels by Kylie Kaden:
The Day the Lies Began:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
One of Us:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
Lotti is tentatively starting to feel that perhaps she’s found her place. She’s stepped away from her father and his attempts to manage her life – the privilege and financial benefits he offers are no longer enough for her. She’s found a much more modest life as a teacher, which she loves. And perhaps in Augie she’s also found the right man.
But August is a very uncommunicative man, and as a result she knows very little about his life. She makes some assumptions, based on the existence of his son Otto, and what little he reveals in conversation. Lotti is acutely aware that she has no guarantee that her guesses are accurate.
One night August receives a cryptic message, asks Lotti to look after Otto, and then leaves. After several days without communication, Lotti takes six year old Otto on a road trip to August’s home town. Here she finds her knowledge of Augie is on shaky ground; she begins to doubt everything. And as the police look for ways to charge Augie with a dreadful historical crime, Lotti has to decide how much a person can change, and how much she trusts her knowledge of the man Augie is now.
There is a crime plot in here – the discovery of the historical crime, decades of lies, and revelations about multiple other activities that involve some degree of criminality – but it somehow doesn’t feel like it’s the point of the novel. Yes, it’s what sets things in motion and keeps a certain amount of the action moving. However, it just feels so much less important than the relationships.
This is something I’ve noticed about Kaden’s work before. Although her novels tend to arrive under the guise of a thriller or a crime novel, it’s actually the relationships which feel like the centre of the novels.
Readers will empathise very strongly with Lotti. Many people have had the experience of being cajoled or guilted into doing things they don’t want to do, and will appreciate Lotti’s attempts to break free. They’ll also understand her mixed feelings about Augie, and will share her changing perceptions as more is revealed about Augie.
Many difficult issues are raised in this novel, around parenting, mental health problems, abuse, and corruption, to name a few. Kaden approaches these with sensitivity and discretion. She manages the fine balancing act of being up-front about things often treated secretively, while not being lurid or voyeuristic.
As a side note, Otto is deaf. I have experience of raising a deaf child, and much of what Kaden depicts is very accurate. It’s not wholly right, of course (for example, it’s unlikely that a child who lost their hearing so young would be able to speak so clearly without extensive speech therapy). However, it’s not an important part of the story, so it is enough that Kaden gets Otto’s experience of the world close to right.
Overall, this is an excellent novel. It examines relationships under strain, the extent to which we are formed by our early experiences, and both the best and worst in people. It’s thoughtful and sensitive, cloaked in an interesting crime plot to give impetus to the action. Highly recommended for readers looking for something which explores deep below the surface of a crime.
You may also be interested in my reviews of previous novels by Kylie Kaden:
The Day the Lies Began:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
One of Us:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
June 14, 2023
After the Smoke Clears by Australian author Kylie Kaden is captivating work in the mystery, drama, crime, and suspense subgenres.
Charlotte (Lotti) Hill lives in Canberra, Australia, the daughter of a federal politician she has grown up in a life of power and privilege. Wanting to be independent she turns her back on her family and their expectations and moves north of Brisbane to start her career as a primary school teacher.
August (Augie) Silverfall, a single dad to six-year-old deaf Otto meets Lotti when she becomes his son’s teacher. He has not lived the life of entitlement as Lotti and works hard to provide for himself and Otto. Although physically strong and a man of action he is quiet and emotionally reserved which draws Lotti to him.
A mysterious phone call in the middle of the night, sees Augie rushing back to the small town he grew up in. Eldham in central Queensland was a place he never wanted to return but his friend Brookes needed him. Without explanation of the circumstances, he leaves Otto in Lotti’s care.
Days pass with no word from Augie, Lotti takes matters into her own hands and decides to go to Eldham with Otto to get answers. When she arrives is it not what she anticipates or has predicted, the small town has held secrets for decades. A terrible crime becomes known, and Augie may not be the man she knows. Will she be willing to understand and accept his past?
Kylie Kaden offers readers an interesting plot. She includes all the elements necessary in a psychological drama combining a smooth blend of mystery and intrigue with a healthy dose of complex family dynamics and hidden secrets. The book employs a slow-burn narrative that expands with each passing page as the mystery unfolds one layer at a time.
Beautifully written in two timelines (1988 and 2009) expertly entwining the past and present, making excellent use of dialogue, giving readers a much clearer and endearing understanding of each character and their motivations and actions. You will feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster, experiencing every torrent of emotion of hope, despair, sadness, and joy that the protagonists bring you.
I was able to sympathise with Lotti; her emotions seem genuine; she had forged a life for herself without her father’s influence but when it came to the man, she was falling for there were so many secrets he was hiding from her. With their future in jeopardy, she showed courage and determination to uncover his truth.
Augie started off less likable to me but as the story progressed, he showed the most character development. He is genuinely a lovely man who has been trapped by circumstances that are haunting. Augie’s son Otto is a terrific addition to the storyline, even though he has been exposed to so much he is a sweet happy little boy and I love the relationship he has with Lotti.
After the Smoke Clears is a story that is emotionally loaded and will have a strong appeal for fans of psychological drama.
The book cover is intriguing and well-designed with an eeriness feel. If I saw it on a bookshelf, it would pique my curiosity and encourage me to pick it up.
This is a book that you deserve to experience for yourself, I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty, and Lace and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read and review.
Charlotte (Lotti) Hill lives in Canberra, Australia, the daughter of a federal politician she has grown up in a life of power and privilege. Wanting to be independent she turns her back on her family and their expectations and moves north of Brisbane to start her career as a primary school teacher.
August (Augie) Silverfall, a single dad to six-year-old deaf Otto meets Lotti when she becomes his son’s teacher. He has not lived the life of entitlement as Lotti and works hard to provide for himself and Otto. Although physically strong and a man of action he is quiet and emotionally reserved which draws Lotti to him.
A mysterious phone call in the middle of the night, sees Augie rushing back to the small town he grew up in. Eldham in central Queensland was a place he never wanted to return but his friend Brookes needed him. Without explanation of the circumstances, he leaves Otto in Lotti’s care.
Days pass with no word from Augie, Lotti takes matters into her own hands and decides to go to Eldham with Otto to get answers. When she arrives is it not what she anticipates or has predicted, the small town has held secrets for decades. A terrible crime becomes known, and Augie may not be the man she knows. Will she be willing to understand and accept his past?
Kylie Kaden offers readers an interesting plot. She includes all the elements necessary in a psychological drama combining a smooth blend of mystery and intrigue with a healthy dose of complex family dynamics and hidden secrets. The book employs a slow-burn narrative that expands with each passing page as the mystery unfolds one layer at a time.
Beautifully written in two timelines (1988 and 2009) expertly entwining the past and present, making excellent use of dialogue, giving readers a much clearer and endearing understanding of each character and their motivations and actions. You will feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster, experiencing every torrent of emotion of hope, despair, sadness, and joy that the protagonists bring you.
I was able to sympathise with Lotti; her emotions seem genuine; she had forged a life for herself without her father’s influence but when it came to the man, she was falling for there were so many secrets he was hiding from her. With their future in jeopardy, she showed courage and determination to uncover his truth.
Augie started off less likable to me but as the story progressed, he showed the most character development. He is genuinely a lovely man who has been trapped by circumstances that are haunting. Augie’s son Otto is a terrific addition to the storyline, even though he has been exposed to so much he is a sweet happy little boy and I love the relationship he has with Lotti.
After the Smoke Clears is a story that is emotionally loaded and will have a strong appeal for fans of psychological drama.
The book cover is intriguing and well-designed with an eeriness feel. If I saw it on a bookshelf, it would pique my curiosity and encourage me to pick it up.
This is a book that you deserve to experience for yourself, I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty, and Lace and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read and review.
April 5, 2023
August (Augie) Silverfall is a complex man. He has tried to leave behind the traumatic events of his difficult childhood in the small town of Eldham in central Queensland. Twenty years later after he escaped to Brisbane he is a hardworking mechanic living in a converted bus with his deaf son 6 year old Otto. He’s a little rough around the edges but has a good heart and would do anything for Otto.
Charlotte (Lotti) Hill, Otto’s teacher, is also looking for a new start after fleeing her father’s and fiancé’s world of politics and privilege in Canberra to become a teacher. After Augie is called out to fix her car they start dating and she quickly falls for the good man she sees below his rugged exterior. Lotti soon works out that Augie is the strong, silent type who doesn’t like to talk about his family or his past. However, an SOS call from his childhood best friend Brookes sends Angie racing back to his home town and some unfinished business, leaving Lotti to look after Otto. When Augie doesn’t return after a few days, Lotti follows him to Eldham and is shocked to find out there is a lot she didn’t know about the man she loves.
This is a well told tale of family and small town secrets. The author has captured both the Australian vernacular and the feel of a small Aussie outback town, in particular the airlessness that closes in when everyone knows you and there is no escape from bullies or enemies. The title is also very apt as fires play a central theme in this novel. After his mother died in a house fire, and Augie started experimenting with fire, his Aunt Maggie sent him to a local reform type boarding school called Brightside, where the staff were not only strict but cruel and abusive. It was there that the events, Augie and his friend Brookes have tried so hard to hide and forget, start to unravel some twenty years later.
I found this an addictive read, always flipping between wondering if Augie was actually a bad guy who had committed a crime or a good man who got caught up in events that made him look guilty. Augie and Lotti are both complex, interesting characters and Otto is a delight, particularly how he handles his deafness. Recommended to all those who enjoy an Aussie mystery with plenty of drama. 4.5★
With thanks to Pantera Press via Netgalley for a copy to read
Charlotte (Lotti) Hill, Otto’s teacher, is also looking for a new start after fleeing her father’s and fiancé’s world of politics and privilege in Canberra to become a teacher. After Augie is called out to fix her car they start dating and she quickly falls for the good man she sees below his rugged exterior. Lotti soon works out that Augie is the strong, silent type who doesn’t like to talk about his family or his past. However, an SOS call from his childhood best friend Brookes sends Angie racing back to his home town and some unfinished business, leaving Lotti to look after Otto. When Augie doesn’t return after a few days, Lotti follows him to Eldham and is shocked to find out there is a lot she didn’t know about the man she loves.
This is a well told tale of family and small town secrets. The author has captured both the Australian vernacular and the feel of a small Aussie outback town, in particular the airlessness that closes in when everyone knows you and there is no escape from bullies or enemies. The title is also very apt as fires play a central theme in this novel. After his mother died in a house fire, and Augie started experimenting with fire, his Aunt Maggie sent him to a local reform type boarding school called Brightside, where the staff were not only strict but cruel and abusive. It was there that the events, Augie and his friend Brookes have tried so hard to hide and forget, start to unravel some twenty years later.
I found this an addictive read, always flipping between wondering if Augie was actually a bad guy who had committed a crime or a good man who got caught up in events that made him look guilty. Augie and Lotti are both complex, interesting characters and Otto is a delight, particularly how he handles his deafness. Recommended to all those who enjoy an Aussie mystery with plenty of drama. 4.5★
With thanks to Pantera Press via Netgalley for a copy to read
October 10, 2023
This is a story about layers of love, secrets, trust and resilience. Lotti and her boyfriend August are an unlikely match. They are connected through Lotti’s occupation as a teacher of August’s son, Ollie. And it is the perseverance of Lotti to peel back the layers of secrets and hidden history where we get to know both Lotti and August in more detail. Their relationship is very young, which surprises Lotti when August asks her to mind Ollie for a few days, and disappears. Lotti follows him to his childhood town of Eldham, where the secrets begin to emerge and unravel. And this is where we find Lotti has a few secrets of her own. Exploring August’s past is a key part of this book, and his narrative from years past widens the scope of mystery, and the experiences he faced as a young boy where he experienced institutionalised abuse, and the actions taken that fateful night all those year ago come back to haunt hin.
One of the more touching parts of this book was Kylie Kaden’s focus on Ollie’s hearing disability. The relationship between Lotti and Olli is magical and innocent, as if there is no impairment to his communication with the world. It is only from the point of view of other people in the town we see the discrimination towards his disability. Equally powerful was the way in which Kaden explored the idea of living with mistakes, and emerging from them with resilience and strength. Both August and Lotti have made life choices they live with and that they regret (more so August) and these are very realistic choices that make them such true and genuine characters. This is a book where you will be invested in the characters and their personal journeys.
One of the more touching parts of this book was Kylie Kaden’s focus on Ollie’s hearing disability. The relationship between Lotti and Olli is magical and innocent, as if there is no impairment to his communication with the world. It is only from the point of view of other people in the town we see the discrimination towards his disability. Equally powerful was the way in which Kaden explored the idea of living with mistakes, and emerging from them with resilience and strength. Both August and Lotti have made life choices they live with and that they regret (more so August) and these are very realistic choices that make them such true and genuine characters. This is a book where you will be invested in the characters and their personal journeys.
April 9, 2023
Thanks Better Reading for a preview copy of After the Smoke Clears in exchange for an honest review.
We follow the story of August through two timelines and from the perspective of multiple characters. Primarily August himself (as an adult in 2009 and a teenager in 1989) and his relatively new girlfriend Charlotte who he leaves in charge of his 6-year-old son Otto at short notice with barely an explanation to respond to a literal SOS from his mate Brooksey.
When Augie doesn't come home and Lottie can't get hold of him she tracks his movements and rushes off to find him. Set in rural western Queensland where Augie grew up the trauma of his childhood begins to unravel and the police are convinced he and Brooksey are really for the bones they found down an old mineshaft.
The story is compelling and the characters interesting but I am one of those readers who gets really annoyed when everyone's problems could be solved (at least partially) by just communicating. The flaws in each character are of course plot devices but I still found them to be frustrating people (except Otto, he is adorable from start to finish).
I was a little confused at times if we were in outback Queensland or small town USA (I don't think we call anything a Diner?) but having recently visited western Queensland and currently being in Brisbane I enjoyed the little things that did localise the story.
For a family drama that will keep you turning those pages I can highly recommend Kylie Kaden's After the Smoke Clears.
We follow the story of August through two timelines and from the perspective of multiple characters. Primarily August himself (as an adult in 2009 and a teenager in 1989) and his relatively new girlfriend Charlotte who he leaves in charge of his 6-year-old son Otto at short notice with barely an explanation to respond to a literal SOS from his mate Brooksey.
When Augie doesn't come home and Lottie can't get hold of him she tracks his movements and rushes off to find him. Set in rural western Queensland where Augie grew up the trauma of his childhood begins to unravel and the police are convinced he and Brooksey are really for the bones they found down an old mineshaft.
The story is compelling and the characters interesting but I am one of those readers who gets really annoyed when everyone's problems could be solved (at least partially) by just communicating. The flaws in each character are of course plot devices but I still found them to be frustrating people (except Otto, he is adorable from start to finish).
I was a little confused at times if we were in outback Queensland or small town USA (I don't think we call anything a Diner?) but having recently visited western Queensland and currently being in Brisbane I enjoyed the little things that did localise the story.
For a family drama that will keep you turning those pages I can highly recommend Kylie Kaden's After the Smoke Clears.
April 15, 2023
Charlotte (Lotti) has left her privileged life in Canberra and become a primary school teacher north of Brisbane. Here she meets and becomes involved with Augie, a mechanic and Dad to Otto, one of her pupils. Augie, and 6 year old Otto, who is deaf and very bright, live in a converted school bus. When Augie receives a message from his childhood friend, he leaves Otto with Lotti and rushes back to his home town. Lotti has felt that Augie has been keeping his past a secret and decides to take Otto and follow him.
Using alternate views from Augie and Lotti, and two different timelines, the characters are slowly developed keeping the reader a little off balance. The relationships between Augie and his friends and family are complicated and the reason for his leaving them and the town behind is slowly explained. Kylie Kaden has described the small town atmosphere very well, drip feeding information from the past, and keeping the tension high with the risks in the present.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy an Australian mystery.
Many thanks to Better Reading and Pantera Press for this book.
Using alternate views from Augie and Lotti, and two different timelines, the characters are slowly developed keeping the reader a little off balance. The relationships between Augie and his friends and family are complicated and the reason for his leaving them and the town behind is slowly explained. Kylie Kaden has described the small town atmosphere very well, drip feeding information from the past, and keeping the tension high with the risks in the present.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy an Australian mystery.
Many thanks to Better Reading and Pantera Press for this book.
May 1, 2023
I’ve sat on this review for the past few days, just to let the story sink in.
Lotti has left her previous life behind, now she is enjoying her time as a primary school teacher and recently she has become involved with Augie who is one of her students father. Out of the blue he asks her to look after his son Otto, because a mate has sent a special SOS message and requires his help. But Lotti is a bit perplexed at this and follows his footsteps with Otto.
I found the first part of the story is really spent on setting up the characters, at first I found this a little hard going. Especially as I wasn’t really sure what to think of either Augie or Lottie.
With all of Kylie Kaden’s books I find there are layers that are revealed piece by piece and this was no exception. So suddenly I found I was really invested in the story and surprising the characters.
By the half way mark I was fully immersed and once again it’s the emotional ride the story gives, especially Augie’s story, that makes this a five star read for me.
Loved it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
Lotti has left her previous life behind, now she is enjoying her time as a primary school teacher and recently she has become involved with Augie who is one of her students father. Out of the blue he asks her to look after his son Otto, because a mate has sent a special SOS message and requires his help. But Lotti is a bit perplexed at this and follows his footsteps with Otto.
I found the first part of the story is really spent on setting up the characters, at first I found this a little hard going. Especially as I wasn’t really sure what to think of either Augie or Lottie.
With all of Kylie Kaden’s books I find there are layers that are revealed piece by piece and this was no exception. So suddenly I found I was really invested in the story and surprising the characters.
By the half way mark I was fully immersed and once again it’s the emotional ride the story gives, especially Augie’s story, that makes this a five star read for me.
Loved it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
August 7, 2023
Her latest mystery novel, Kylie Kaden’s After The Smoke Clears is an enjoyable crime mystery set in 2009, with a romantic element. Having turned her back on her wealthy family, Lottie has moved to rural central Queensland to teach second grade. Her new relationship with August is going well, despite him never speaking of his family or past. When August receives a coded text message, he leaves his six-year-old son Otto with Lottie and flees to his childhood hometown. Deciding she wants answers and having not heard from August in days, Lottie undertakes the long trip to seek some resolutions. Told in alternating narratives by Lottie and August, there are also flashbacks to the 1998 despicable crime that threaten their relationship. An enjoyable Aussie noir where the secrets and actions from the past cannot stay hidden, making this a three and a half stars read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
July 24, 2023
'After the Smoke Clears' is tale about the attraction of opposites, of finding goodness in those we love, of the tight-guarded secrets of small towns, of crime and redemption, of overcoming a difficult past. The narrative follows the travails of two lovers, Lotti (a teacher) and Augie (a mechanic), in alternating chapters that span two timelines that are twenty years apart.
Be warned: not all the characters are likeable, though thankfully some are. Otto, a six-year-old with a hearing disability, is wiser than most of the adults. Some are tough-talking diamonds-in-the-rough, hardened by life or circumstance, but beneath the surface they shine. Others are rotten to the core.
There is a lot packed into this dark and gritty but compelling story. What makes this novel stand out is the confident touch of a skilled author. Kylie Kayden is surely the queen of domestic noir.
Be warned: not all the characters are likeable, though thankfully some are. Otto, a six-year-old with a hearing disability, is wiser than most of the adults. Some are tough-talking diamonds-in-the-rough, hardened by life or circumstance, but beneath the surface they shine. Others are rotten to the core.
There is a lot packed into this dark and gritty but compelling story. What makes this novel stand out is the confident touch of a skilled author. Kylie Kayden is surely the queen of domestic noir.
September 7, 2023
Okay, but no more than okay. A youngish female school teacher falls for a bogan man with a six-year old deaf boy. Don’t laugh, it could happen.
Then the mysterious guy gets a phone call one day and hurriedly disappears to a small town in outback Queensland. Lotti is left with the boy and makes a decision to find her love and chase after him. Lucky he has a phone she can track. She seemingly forgets her teaching job and goes off with the boy. August (Augy/ Gus) has gone back to his despised home town to help out his true mate, a simple character who may be charged with murder. As with many of these novels, characters have lies aplenty to keep hidden. In fact this is yet another stretch of the imagination for the reader.
All gets resolved in the end, although not entirely to everyone’s satisfaction. And the love story continues.
Then the mysterious guy gets a phone call one day and hurriedly disappears to a small town in outback Queensland. Lotti is left with the boy and makes a decision to find her love and chase after him. Lucky he has a phone she can track. She seemingly forgets her teaching job and goes off with the boy. August (Augy/ Gus) has gone back to his despised home town to help out his true mate, a simple character who may be charged with murder. As with many of these novels, characters have lies aplenty to keep hidden. In fact this is yet another stretch of the imagination for the reader.
All gets resolved in the end, although not entirely to everyone’s satisfaction. And the love story continues.
March 26, 2023
I recently received an ARC copy of After the smoke clears, by Kylie Kaden to #BetterReadingPreview and @PanteraPress. A story about the huge secrets a small town can keep and hide for decades and about not really knowing a romantic partner half as much as you believe you do. It's a journey of redemption when Lottie goes in search of missing partner August after taking off on a family mission to his home town.
The problem is does she really want to find out who he really is and will she still love him the same when she does? It's about putting ghosts of the past to bed and the healing of honesty and closure and protecting those you love at all costs. A really thought provoking Australian tale which really captivated me. I strongly recommend this book
The problem is does she really want to find out who he really is and will she still love him the same when she does? It's about putting ghosts of the past to bed and the healing of honesty and closure and protecting those you love at all costs. A really thought provoking Australian tale which really captivated me. I strongly recommend this book
March 31, 2023
Lotti’s the daughter of a federal politician, but she’s determined to leave Canberra and build a new life as a teacher.
At the same time, she’s met a new man, August, a single dad who is the strong, silent type.
After a cryptic message, Lotti takes her partner’s deaf son Otto on a trip into the Queensland backblocks to try to find out who the man she loves really is.
Has she been sleeping with a stranger who has betrayed her? And is Otto really August’s son?
This is author Kylie Kaden’s fifth novel and she displays her gift for Aussie slang in an intriguing story of friends, families and secrets intertwined in a small town.
It’s a tale that’s guaranteed to make you want to hunt down her earlier books.
At the same time, she’s met a new man, August, a single dad who is the strong, silent type.
After a cryptic message, Lotti takes her partner’s deaf son Otto on a trip into the Queensland backblocks to try to find out who the man she loves really is.
Has she been sleeping with a stranger who has betrayed her? And is Otto really August’s son?
This is author Kylie Kaden’s fifth novel and she displays her gift for Aussie slang in an intriguing story of friends, families and secrets intertwined in a small town.
It’s a tale that’s guaranteed to make you want to hunt down her earlier books.
December 9, 2024
Lottie is a school teacher, from a wealthy political family, who has fallen in love with the single father of one of her young students. Only a few months into their relationship, he dumps the child on her and says he needs to go solve a problem. When she doesn't hear from him over the next few days, she sets off, child in tow, to search for him at the last location that his phone pinged.
The story is mostly about revealing what happened in the distant passed, which really isn't my favourite form of storytelling. Eventually lots of people come together and reveal what they knew, so finally everyone knows everything that happened and that clears up a few guilty consciences.
A little slow, a little unbelievable at times. I'm still in my "didn't love it, didn't hate it" rut.
The story is mostly about revealing what happened in the distant passed, which really isn't my favourite form of storytelling. Eventually lots of people come together and reveal what they knew, so finally everyone knows everything that happened and that clears up a few guilty consciences.
A little slow, a little unbelievable at times. I'm still in my "didn't love it, didn't hate it" rut.
July 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book and then, alternately, found it clumsy and predictable. The author injects great energy and humour into the narrative, and we easily fall for her three main characters: August (Augie or Gus), Charlotte (Lottie) and the delightful Otto. The storyline is engaging if a bit surface level until the concluding chapters. I was disappointed with the treatment of the experience and long term effects of child trauma (including parental neglect, physical and sexual abuse).I am not prudish and the last few sentences showed the authors lack of knowledge and understanding of the long term recovery issues for childhood survivors.
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