Customer Reviews

Smoke (Lydia Strong Novels)

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That afternoon, writer Lydia Strong finally completes her latest novel, The Lost Girl, which for some reason was difficult creating. Just after finishing the tale, her grandpa calls to tell her that her father, whom she met once, died in Nyack, New York. Things come in threes; that night NYPD Missing persons Unit Detective Matt Stenopolis discusses with Lydia about Lily Samuels, a missing former NYU journalism student of hers.

Three weeks ago, Lydia's brother Mickey committed suicide in Riverdale. Over two weeks ago Lily called Lydia pleading for her help as she says she is out of her league. Lydia responded leaving a voice message, which is why Matt is here. As Lydia and her husband former FBI Agent Jeffrey Mark ask questions of the cop, Matt abruptly cuts them off and leaves. His partner Jessamyn Bresslow reminds Matt that Lily is out there seeking proof that Mickey was murdered in spite of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Unable to remain on the sidelines, Lydia and Jeffrey begin to search for her missing protégé starting with tracing the last days of her sibling.

The fourth Strong thriller is a terrific investigative tale with an intriguing late twist that most of Lisa Miscione's fans will appreciate though some might say is too over the edge; this reviewer is with those who will enjoy the SMOKE and mirrors spin. The dueling investigations between the police detectives and the married connected couple are fun to observe while the death of her irresponsible biological father provides further insight into what makes Lydia tick. This is a fine entry in a delightful series.

Harriet Klausner

I quite enjoyed the first novel of the series, Angel Fire. The second, The Darkness Gathered, "jumped the shark", as the saying goes: an impossible plot being by a good storyteller. I think Ms. Miscione/Unger is a very talented writer -- the words and paragraphs are well-crafted -- but the plots and situations were too much for me. After reading it off-an-on for several weeks (I usually finish a fiction book in a day or two), I picked it up this morning, started reading again, and just gave up, after having ploughed through two-thirds of the book. I think many people will enjoy the book, but I'd suggest using the second book of the series as an indicator. If you liked it, then you'll like this one. If not, then not.