Smoke

A serial killer investigation leads true-crime writer Lydia Strong to the swamps of Florida, where she pursues a murderer who leaves no physical evidence behind. Working alongside her partner Jeffrey Mark, she must unravel the connections between multiple deaths that initially appear unrelated. The investigation forces Lydia to confront both professional and personal challenges as she navigates the complex dynamics of local law enforcement and her own past experiences with violent crime. Her pursuit of the truth takes her deep into a community harboring long-buried secrets. The fourth and final installment in the Lydia Strong series combines elements of psychological suspense with procedural detail, exploring themes of justice, trauma, and the lingering impact of violence on both victims and investigators.

Readers find this psychological thriller starts strong but loses momentum in the second half. The supernatural elements and dream sequences left many feeling disconnected from the main plot. Readers appreciated: - Complex character development, especially Willow's growth - The atmospheric small-town setting - Sharp dialogue between characters - Threading of multiple timelines - Exploration of trauma and healing Common criticisms: - Confusing plot structure - Too many subplots that don't connect - Unrealistic character decisions - Ending feels rushed and unresolved One reader noted: "The supernatural aspects felt forced and unnecessary - would have worked better as a straight thriller." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (5,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) BookBrowse: 3.5/5 LibraryThing: 3.7/5 Many readers who enjoyed Unger's previous books found this one harder to follow, with several mentioning they had to reread passages to track the shifting perspectives and timelines.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a woman's act of violence against her husband, leading him down a path of psychological manipulation and buried secrets.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris A woman's perfect marriage conceals a dark reality of control and psychological warfare that unfolds through past and present timelines.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen Multiple perspectives reveal layers of deception between a former wife, a new fiancée, and a manipulative husband who connects them both.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell A mother's search for answers about her missing daughter intersects with a new relationship that bears unsettling connections to her past.

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney A woman lies in a coma, sorting through memories and present-day consciousness to unravel the events that put her in the hospital and the truth about her identity.

📚 The name "Lydia Strong" appears in several of Lisa Unger's early works, with Smoke being part of a four-book series featuring this character. 🌴 Before becoming a full-time writer, Lisa Unger worked in the publishing industry at Doubleday Book Club, providing her unique insights into the book world. 🏆 Unger has sold more than two million copies of her books worldwide and has been published in twenty-six languages. 🌞 The author's intimate knowledge of Florida comes from personal experience - she lives in the Tampa Bay area, where many of her novels are set. 🔍 The character of Lydia Strong was partly inspired by true crime journalists and investigators Unger researched while developing the series.