The Smoke

You might think that on the surface this is a 'man's' book. Nothing could be further from the truth. Good writing appeals to everyone and THE SMOKE is writing at its finest. Thrills. Chills. A hint of romance. What's more, there's nothing like a hero with enough flaws to keep him from perfection, and enough old-fashioned honor to have you sitting in your seat cheering him on. The world in England right after WWII was harder than most of us here in the States might imagine. Like the title, Tony Broadbent paints a picture of the gray everyday life that surrounded the British who had fought to keep their Empire intact but are now bearing the ramifications of loss, hardship, and want. Scraping by to survive is the rule of the day, so it's easy to understand and like Jethro and his thieving ways. He's surrounded by characters who illustrate humanity--some noble and good, some greedy and evil, and some who realistically display the bit of larceny that comes to the top in such times from necessity of patriotism and the needs of the many. Everything from the descriptions to the dialogue is loaded with authenticity. I fell in love with Jethro. The actions scenes were spot on. The nobility of the everyday man forced to play the hero is done exceptionally well in this book. IF Hollywood had a brain, they'd scoop this series up. Then again, I don't know how they could because the characters were done so well that I doubt they'd translate the onto the screen with the same dexterity as author allowed me to portray in my mind. I so enjoyed Jethro's exploits that I immediately ordered the sequel for my husband to put away for me for Christmas. I have to admit that I'm straining at the bit to see what happens next but I'm sure that by the time I finish Jethro's next exploits they'll be another book around for me to devour. I have recommended this series to all my friends and purchased another copy to 'lend'. (No, I refuse to lend MY copy as I might not get it back...and this one is going on my Keeper Shelf. Since I spotted a few authors before they climbed upward (like Nora Roberts, Iris Johansen, Dick Francis, Kay Hooper, Richard Doetsch, and Marnie Davis Kellogg,) I'm expecting to see Tony Broadbent join them before too long. I look forward to saying, "I told you!"

Wow! What a refreshing voice in the mystery genre! This book would make a great gift for that avid mystery reader dying for a new voice. Tony Broadbent nails it with his ability to not only show me a time and place I've never been, but also allow me the experience of creeping right alongside him. His style allows a three-dimensional approach to reading. I could actually see, taste, and smell The Smoke! Broadbent's witty on-liners rival those of the modern master of mystery, Harlan Coben. You will not be disappointed by this new voice! The Smoke left this reader wanting more. So, get busy writing, Mr. Broadbent!!!

Jethro does pretty well for himself in post-WWII London. Between his part-time job working as a stagehand, and his real career as a burgular and jewell thief, Jethro has comfortable wealth, good friends, and plenty of women. A big heist at a foreign embassy looks like it'll set him up for life--with plenty of diamonds, a gold Rolex, and a couple of books that look like they might be worth something. But the books are more than collector's items and the British secret service becomes involved--with a new mission for Jethro. British intelligence is only one of Jethro's problems, though. Leaders in the London mob have no problem with Jethro's acts, but they intend to be cut in for their share. Things quickly become complicated. Author Tony Broadbent does a wonderful job depicting London in an era where victory has led to exhaustion rather than a sense of victory. Rich in the slang of London and London's underworld, THE SMOKE (thief cant for London itself) is completely convincing. Jethro's criminal behavior is quirky but sympathetic--he tells himself that he only robs from those who can afford it. In THE SMOKE, they're mostly Russian spies anyway, so no problems. I felt that the second heist was a little undermotivated and less than brilliant and one critical character seemed just a little too conveniently available, but the strong opening chapters and the exciting conclusion make up for a multitude of sins. I couldn't put THE SMOKE down and now find myself looking forward to the next novel by this first-time author.

Applause, applause for The Smoke and Broadbent. I was hooked after the first paragraph and like other reviewers then began to portion it out on a daily basis. I lived in London for many years and was thrilled by the geographical accuracy and life style portrayals which are as real as I knew them in the late sixties and seventies. During this era you could still walk into any pub or cafe and meet these peolpe, overhear snatches of conversation and at a glance see post war London etched on the faces of the older punters. I loved the way characters "appeared" on cue and moved in and out of the plot, leaving you wondering what their story was or could be, where they came from and were going to. Oh, and by the way Buggy Billy was a real person who I knew and who sadly died recently. He was a friend to my wifes parents for many years and they remember the market stall days of London. For those of you who think that it stretches the bounds of credibility, a coster monger selling bug powder, should also posess a British Museum Libary readers ticket, think again. It is true, I was a guide in the British Museum for a number of years and he was a regular reader. MI5 and MI6 in the fifties and sixties is pretty much as it is portrayed - my father was attached to the Ministry of Defence for 30 years.10 out of 10 for authenticity, story line, character creation and inter-spection.My only issues is - when is the next book out and how will Broadbent follow it up?

"The Smoke" is a very troublesome book, in that once begun, I found I couldn't put it down. Sleep only won out at 3am on the first night, and 2am the next - when I turned the last page. The richly drawn post-war London setting gives the book a certain edge - foreign yet familiar, lending an undercurrent of danger and uncertainty even to everyday life. It was a time well-suited to British wit and temperament, which the author used to good effect in both dialogue and commentary. If you like language, you will love this book.The characters - from spy masters and mob bosses to waitresses and diplomats - are genuinely superb and well crafted. I found I most enjoyed how the book was able to illuminate so many fascinating topics through dialog and characterization. Life as a cat-burglar on the boundary between the underworld and civil society, the emerging cold war between erstwhile allies, the economics of the black market during a time of deprivation - all these and more were brought to life in a plot that draws the reader forward with riveting action and human drama. This book is both a pleasure and a thrill. Do yourself a favor, and give it a read.