Author: Alex North
Publisher: Celadon Books
Released: May 13, 2025
Received: Own (BOTM)
Find it on Storygraph | More Thrillers | BOTM
Book Summary:
Dan Garvie has been haunted his whole life. It all began when he narrowly missed being grabbed by an infamous serial killer. That’s not the sort of tale any child should have to recount, but his version is weighed down by guilt. Guilt for the fellow child he didn’t save.
As such, Dan has dedicated his adult life to becoming a criminal profiler, allowing him to make a difference in the justice system. However, the death of his father has brought him home, and in doing so, Dan will have to face down the monster of his past.
My Review:
I’ve been meaning to sit down and give Alex North’s works a read for a while now, and somehow, The Man Made of Smoke ended up being the first (for me). Admittedly, having a criminal profiler as the protagonist did add an intriguing layer, making this one more tempting.
The Man Made of Smoke is a layered mystery, with perspectives hailing from Dan in the present, his past self, and other viewpoints to tease who may or may not be the serial killer that’s haunting Dan’s every move. The shifting of perspectives gave extra insight, while simultaneously building tension, meaning that it was well done.
The atmosphere alone makes The Man Made of Smoke a worthwhile read. It’s chilling and more than a little bit creepy. You never know which direction the killer is coming from, and that seeps through the pages.
However, for me, the biggest problem with The Man Made of Smoke is the pacing. It’s sometimes meandering or stilted, especially in the middle. It still works, but I found my mind wanting to wander on a few occasions.
Highlights:
- Mystery Thriller
- Horror
- Haunted History
- Multiple POVs
Trigger Warnings:
- Suicide
- Abduction & Forced Captivity
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