Book Review / Where There's Smoke by Jodi Picoult

Bestselling author Jodi Picoult is a masterful storyteller, who “writes with a fine touch, a sharp eye for detail, and a firm grasp of the delicacy and complexity of human relationships” (The Boston Globe). Now, in this original short story, available exclusively as an eBook, Picoult introduces Serenity Jones, one of the fascinating characters from her eagerly awaited new novel, Leaving Time.

Even as a child, Serenity Jones knew she possessed unusual psychic gifts. Now, decades later, she’s an acclaimed medium and host of her own widely viewed TV show, where she delivers messages to the living from loved ones who have passed. Lately, though, her efforts to boost ratings and garner fame have compromised her clairvoyant instincts. When Serenity books a young war widow to appear as a guest, the episode quickly unravels, stirring up a troubling controversy. And as she tries to undo the damage—to both her reputation and her show—Serenity finds that pride comes at a high price.

Published:     19th May 2014
Publisher:  Hodder & Stoughton
Author Website:  Click here
Goodreads :  Click here
Series:  Not part of a series but features a character in her upcoming book, Leaving Time
Source:  Bought
Review:   5 out of 5
 
My Review

What I loved about this story...
It was one of those days where I was on my tablet trawling through Amazon Kindle books to see if there were any interesting free reads that I wanted to get and I found this one.  I nearly fell of my seat when I found it.  I hadn't realised that Jodi Picoult had released this short story and was so excited to read it.  

What I loved about this book is the fact that Jodi has gone back to writing a thriller type story, like she had done with House Rules (which I loved).  I loved the main character Serenity and even though this story is only 41 pages long, by the time I got to the end of the story I had a full picture in my head of this character but I do get the impression that there is much more than meets the eye.  I have to admit that I did picture one or two people that I have seen on actual TV that were similar...

I can't wait to pick up her next novel Leaving Time and I am hoping that this short story is a great introduction into that novel.

What I was not fond of with this story...
I am having really good luck with books so far (and now I have probably jinxed it!) but there wasn't anything I didn't like in this book...

About the Author

Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-two novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Between the Lines, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. 

She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.