Smoke Screen

hooray for sydney! i loved how determined and devoted she was to someone with an inspiring dream! too bad he died before we got to meet him. this book showed a powerful look at the tobacco industry thru the eyes of the people who work the fields. it reminds you how unhealthy smoking is without being preachy. this book leaves you hanging on til the very end, never quite sure whodunnit. once again i am glad to acquaint myself in sydney's world and can't wait until sally is back on her feet flirting with everyone in the next book! hmmm... i wonder if they ever really will develop a safe cigarette....

Smoke Screen continues the series begun with Multiple Listing, featuring Sydney Teague in her second outing. This novel takes us beyond the typical amateur sleuth adventure, covering themes of obsession, family and forgiveness. The journey Sydney takes here is deeper than the solution of the murder disguised as suicide that starts the book - it encompasses a searching of the past, both hers and the victims for answers that extend past the "facts of the case". The seriousness of the issues is leavened with Sydney's self-deprecating humor, the relationships with her employees and her children (a NY mystery book store owner praises Grant's ability to write about children -"she just gets it" - and I agree), and the gentle pricking of Charlotte, NC's wannabe self absorbtion. The depth of thought here does not in any way remove the lively pace. I couldn't put it down. A compelling book from an author who has much to give.

"Multiple Listing" by Anne Underwood Grant was a great read and her new Sydney Teague mystery "Smoke Screen" is even better. Sydney has a new client for her advertising firm. Seth Bolick had developed a new product--tobacco free cigarettes. They will have addictive qualities, but eliminate the toxins of tobacco, tar and the hundreds of other additives. When Seth dies, Sydney is convinced that it is not suicide as reported. The sheriff/coroner/auto dealer, etc. in the small community near Charlotte, N.C. wants it to be suicide as do the residents of the town which relies heavily on tobacco crops. Seth's family believe his obession with his quest for a safe cigarette led him to madness and self-destruction just as it had his father. There are plenty of suspects as well as some knotty social and economic issues. What happens to tobacco growers and others who make their living in the industry? In some ways it is analogous to the fate of the lumber industry as thousands were plunged into unemployment to save some obscure flora or fauna. Grant presents this problem with real compassion for all sides of the issue. We also learn more about Sydney's past, especially her relationship with her father. Buy and read "Smoke Screen," but be sure to read "Multiple Listing" first. Anne Underwood Grant is a real find among mystery writers.

I enjoyed Multiple Listing, Anne Grant's first Sydney Teague mystery. I enjoyed Smoke Screen even more. When confronted with the untimely death of a favorite client, amateur sleuth Sydney Teague is presented with a personal dilemma when the coroner labels it suicide. She can't accept that the man she had grown close to in a short but intense period of time would kill himself. Accidental death is highly unlikely which leaves murder -- or maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought she did? It's a good mystery that includes well-crafted surprises that delighted this mystery buff to the very end.However, Smoke Screen presents more than a good mystery to be solved. One of the reasons I enjoy amateur sleuths is that, unless they are put into immediate personal danger, their motivations for finding the truth come from within. In Smoke Screen, Anne Grant weaves her mystery thread into a tapestry that explores the nature of friendships, family relationships, and human frailty.In an early scene in the book, Sydney visits her father's grave and reflects on their relationship. After reading that scene, I put the book down for a while. Not because it interfered with the flow of the book, but simply because I wanted some time to reflect on the thoughts -- like appreciating a good sunset.Characters which first appeared in Multiple Listing return in Smoke Screen enhanced. I particularly liked the interplay between Sydney and Hart, her art designer. Having them in the same scene for more than a paragraph or two always leads to a good and sometimes a great .Read Multiple Listing. Then read Smoke Screen. You won't be sorry, and, you'll know why I am looking forward to Anne Grant's next book.