Nicholas McCane
I’ll start here. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This is because many reviews criticize the book for being unlike his previous two. Well, this is exactly what I was looking for. Don’t let the cello and mask on the cover deceive you. This is not simply a book about music. This novel blends crime, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. I really enjoyed it. If you’re a fan of the great S.A. Cosby, this is something I think you’ll really enjoy. The book hooked me from the start.
This book tells the story of Curtis, a cello prodigy from DC. All is well until his dad, a drug dealer, snitches on some truly awful people. Unfortunately, that’s bad news for his son. Larissa, Curtis’s stepmother, is my favorite character.
Read the Prologue and author’s note. The book is fantastic. I listened to the audiobook while reading my physical copy. Ronald Peet did a fantastic job! I just picked up his other two books.
I’ll start here. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This is because many reviews criticize the book for being unlike his previous two. Well, this is exactly what I was looking for. Don’t let the cello and mask on the cover deceive you. This is not simply a book about music. This novel blends crime, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. I really enjoyed it. If you’re a fan of the great S.A. Cosby, this is something I think you’ll really enjoy. The book hooked me from the start.
This book tells the story of Curtis, a cello prodigy from DC. All is well until his dad, a drug dealer, snitches on some truly awful people. Unfortunately, that’s bad news for his son. Larissa, Curtis’s stepmother, is my favorite character.
Read the Prologue and author’s note. The book is fantastic. I listened to the audiobook while reading my physical copy. Ronald Peet did a fantastic job! I just picked up his other two books.
NetGalley ARC Review: The Man Made of Smoke.
Release Date: 5-13-25
Author: Alex North
No Spoilers
I purchased the physical book from Book of the Month. I then requested the audiobook from NetGalley and they approved it. That complete experience is something I crave. The cover, summary, and the author’s reputation immediately sold me. It’s my first book by him.
Things I loved:
1. The creepy factor. This book felt super dark.
2. The narrator’s voice matched the creepiness.
3. Multiple POV’s
Things I disliked:
1. I didn’t like the pacing. It felt like it was all over the place.
2. I couldn’t connect with the characters.
3. Chapter one was suspenseful and horrifying, but the rest of the book lacked that intensity.
4. I loved the multiple POVs, however; it became difficult to follow. I reread chapters.
Unfortunately, the book was a little underwhelming. I think many will love it, but it fell short of what I needed. My next read is The Whisper Man. The reviews have been excellent. My rating for The Man Made of Smoke is ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
NetGalley ARC Review: The Man Made of Smoke.
Release Date: 5-13-25
Author: Alex North
No Spoilers
I purchased the physical book from Book of the Month. I then requested the audiobook from NetGalley and they approved it. That complete experience is something I crave. The cover, summary, and the author’s reputation immediately sold me. It’s my first book by him.
Things I loved:
1. The creepy factor. This book felt super dark.
2. The narrator’s voice matched the creepiness.
3. Multiple POV’s
Things I disliked:
1. I didn’t like the pacing. It felt like it was all over the place.
2. I couldn’t connect with the characters.
3. Chapter one was suspenseful and horrifying, but the rest of the book lacked that intensity.
4. I loved the multiple POVs, however; it became difficult to follow. I reread chapters.
Unfortunately, the book was a little underwhelming. I think many will love it, but it fell short of what I needed. My next read is The Whisper Man. The reviews have been excellent. My rating for The Man Made of Smoke is ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Arc Review: NetGalley
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
No spoilers (Whatever I mention will also be in the book’s summary)
You are probably thinking, dude, why are you reading a middle-grade mystery novel? I’m glad you asked that question. I requested it for three reasons:
1. The author is Tiffany D. Jackson
2. The cover looks outstanding.
3. I wanted to see what the author could do with a middle-grade mystery book.
This book is about a 12-year-old girl from Brooklyn named Kaylani. A summer with friends and family takes an unexpected turn when she becomes involved in a murder investigation. I am going to leave it at that.
I assumed that this was going to be too elementary for me, and I was wrong. It was enjoyable. I loved the protagonist’s intelligence, devotion to her parents, and commitment to the investigation. She is a favorite author of mine, and this book did not disappoint. I think preteens will love it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arc Review: NetGalley
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
No spoilers (Whatever I mention will also be in the book’s summary)
You are probably thinking, dude, why are you reading a middle-grade mystery novel? I’m glad you asked that question. I requested it for three reasons:
1. The author is Tiffany D. Jackson
2. The cover looks outstanding.
3. I wanted to see what the author could do with a middle-grade mystery book.
This book is about a 12-year-old girl from Brooklyn named Kaylani. A summer with friends and family takes an unexpected turn when she becomes involved in a murder investigation. I am going to leave it at that.
I assumed that this was going to be too elementary for me, and I was wrong. It was enjoyable. I loved the protagonist’s intelligence, devotion to her parents, and commitment to the investigation. She is a favorite author of mine, and this book did not disappoint. I think preteens will love it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️