Book Review: The Smoke

Reviewed By: Donna M - RAM

The Smoke     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Tony Broadbent
Class/Genre:   Mystery

London is in the grip of a freezing cold winter, made all the more miserable by rationing and unrest. The only way to survive is to bend the rules a little, and there's a thriving Black Market in practically everything. Cat burglar Jethro breaks into the Soviet Embassy to steal jewellery belonging to the Ambassador's wife and daughter. Unfortunately, as well as the jewels, he also picks up two intriguing and very dangerous little black books, which bring him under the spotlight of MI5 and secret agents of all descriptions - as well as having to cope with the usual annoyances of London's rival criminal underworld bosses. I really liked Jethro. He struck me as being a less suave and sophisticated version of The Saint - charming and intelligent but without the posh accent or the awareness of his own charm. There are also some very well done secondary characters. Another strength of the book is the wonderful atmosphere and the evocative descriptions of post-War London. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I shall definitely be looking out for more books by Tony Broadbent, and hope that this isn't the only outing for Jethro.

Donna M - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Donna M - RAM