No Smoke Without Fire is author Claire S Lewis’s second psychological thriller. Published by Head of Zeus/Aria, the twisty tale follows main character Celeste, who has been running from her past for seven years. Celeste has battled her guilt and shame over the tragic events that led to her little brother’s death. But when her high-school boyfriend comes back into her life, just as she gains a stalker, she wonders if there’s more to the story than she realised…
What did I think of the eBook?
I love losing myself in a book, and with the Covid-19 lockdown continuing in the real world, what better time to escape from real life than with a cracking read.
No Smoke Without Fire had me gripped from the start – and kept me guessing throughout.
It opens in a graveyard (are there any other locations more shrouded in mystery?), where a dog and its owner discover a shoe with the distinct aroma of blood.
The story moves into the present, and from there it kept me on my toes by swapping points of view and by ping-ponging from the present to the past. But this technique made it even more engaging, as I began to learn the truth about what happened to Celeste seven years ago.
In fact, I found the main character, Celeste, fascinating and relatable. As I read, I was keen to know what would happen to her next, as well as what took place in her past.
The author, Claire S Lewis, is a gifted writer with a broad vocabulary and a knack for setting a scene.
There are plenty of twists, and I must admit I felt a little confused from time to time. I’d suggest reading this book as close to one sitting as you can, so you don’t forget crucial nuggets of information revealed earlier in the story (especially if you’re not blessed with a photographic memory!).
But even though I had a couple of unanswered questions by the time I’d completed the last page (or maybe I hadn’t been paying enough attention), I loved the book. And I can’t wait to read more of Claire S Lewis’s work, including her debut novel, She’s Mine.
How much is the eBook and where can you buy it?
The Kindle edition of No Smoke Without Fire is priced at £2.07.
About the book
Title: No Smoke Without Fire
Publisher: Aria/Head of Zeus
ISBN: 9781789541946
Pages: 306
About Claire S Lewis
Born in Paris, Claire Simone Lewis studied philosophy and French literature at Oxford University, and international relations at Cambridge University. She qualified as a solicitor, working in aviation law for a London law firm and later as an in-house lawyer for Virgin Atlantic. She kick-started her dream of becoming a published author by taking creative writing courses at the Faber Academy. Her debut novel, She’s Mine, was published by Aria/Head of Zeus in 2019 as the first in a three-book deal. Claire, who is bilingual, lives in Surrey with her family.
Review by: Colette Warbrook
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*We were given a copy of the EBook in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
16 comments
I do love a good gripping read, one you simply cannot put down! Lockdown has been great for finding some time to read! Sim
I agree, I have read more books in lockdown that I normally would
This sounds like a really great read there is nothing quite like getting hold of a book which has your gripped from page 1!
It is absolutely a fantastic eBook worth checking out
I used to love reading but these days I just seem to not have the time I start a book and then don’t pick it up for days or weeks later. This sounds like One I would not be able to put down though
You definitely won’t be able to put this down. Hope you do find your mojo back for reading
This looks like a good and exciting read. I am glad that it is in an ebook format. It would be easy for me to take anywhere. Thanks for your review. I am surely going to set some time aside to read this book from start to finish in one sitting (hopefully.)
Absolutely agree, with the current situation and most publishers still closed. eBook is the way to go
The plot sounds very interesting and intriguing. I love books like this so am definitely considering checking it out!
Hope you do Rebecca
I haven’t found time to read during lockdown, probably as I am working more. I do miss sitting down with a good book. Will add it to my reading list
Hope you do, it is a good book to read
You lead such a busy lifestyle if I don’t get a book hooks me right from the beginning I do struggle to complete it this sounds like a great book that I really would finish.
Well I love books as it helps me escape from the real world or situations so I really enjoy reading and I have to finish the book once I start it
I love escaping into a good book too and this thriller sounds like the kind of book I’d really enjoy reading – Ill have to add it to my reading list x
Hope you do Stephanie