Tangles is a riveting novel set in Washington that alternates between two perspectives and decades. Mary, an employee at “The Area” (Hanford Site), provides a look at the early involvement of the U.S. in the Atomic Age. Luke’s perspective in the 1960s, as a Ph.D. student, highlights the growing intensity of conflict over the implications of nuclear development within the United States. As their stories are woven together, I was gripped by the mystery of Mary’s disappearance and Luke’s discoveries. Fittingly, the novel doesn’t provide adequate closure. As the implications and consequences of nuclear waste are still prevalent today, I was left feeling a bit undone and contemplative when it came to a close. This was a very fast read for me, I highly recommend it to those interested in the early Cold War period, government cover-ups, and environmental protection.


I am grateful to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Kay Smith-Blum’s Tangles.

Tangles is a story how life events can circle around and change lives while trying to solve a mystery about the whys of so much pollution and cancer.

Taking place during various eras starting after World War II/during the Cold War with the ongoing development of nuclear weapons in which the town of Richland was created, we hear of the Hinsons family and the dysfunctional marriage of the Petersen along with Mary Peters' relationship with her stepson. We also hear of the required secrecy of the town and all the questions surrounding the work being done. We also see the story of the Hinsons's son Luke in the 1960's. and the work he is,doing on his Ph.D regards the spread of pollution causes by waste that's nuclear in nature
In the course of the book, we hear a multitude of stories of Mary Peters' life, Luke Hinsons' life, how they end up intermeshed which presents as a mystery separate from the other mysteries presented in the book.

With startling revelations, the want for justice, and the need for connection, Tangles his a satisfying book that shows that life is a circle, that secrets are dangerous, and that justice can be served.

Kay Smith-Blum’s debut is an intriguing, gritty delve into the nuclear energy industry in general and, specifically the Hanford Nuclear Reservation along the Columbia River in Washington State.

But it’s the human factors that make Tangles such a fascinating read: a scientist determined to make sense of what he witnesses, a young woman who became entangled in the same mystery, and myriad others who are affected when all life in the Columbia River Basin is threatened and the authorities are determined to keep it all secret from the public. A compelling, important story.

Based on the description I was not expecting to be so into this one but I was. Historical fiction is not my favorite genre but I've recently adored two of them set in 1950s America. Man, what we have done to the earth we live on with the full knowledge of the government and corporations.

Really good debut for this author.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review - book publishes 12/3/24

This was a strong historical fiction novel, it used that concept perfectly with what I was hoping for and enjoyed from the idea of this. The plot worked well overall and I thought the characters worked with the story being told. Kay Smith-Blum has a strong way of telling the story and keeping the reader invested. It had that element that I was looking for based on real events and glad I got to read this.