3.5 Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. I thought the most powerful part of the story was the reasonings behind Rah’s story. I love a duel POV book. I do think some of the investigating up to the discovery was drawn out. I would have liked to see a story that was more focused on the justice of Black kids and accountability for the police. It would have been interesting to have the storyline of Rah in the middle and see the outcome. Overall, this was a solid suspenseful book. However, it left me wanting more closure for some storylines.

This was an ARC from NetGalley. I had previously read "The Promise Boys" by this author and enjoyed it. This was a fast paced who-dun-it to tie in social commentary regarding, race, class, police corruption, protest and riots, etc. All very appropriate for the times. Do I think the teenagers being able to quickly solve the case before the police was a stretch and a bit too easy, yes. I appreciated this for its quick delivery and message. #netgalley #upinsmoke

mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25 Stars

Nick Brooks has done it again!

This story (like all of Nick Brooks’s previous works) had such vivid, relatable characters. They are authentic and have to navigate some very delicate/complex/(unfortunately very real) issues and scenarios.

Overall, this book was super enjoyable, kept you hooked as you try to read faster to find out how it ends, and provides lots of opportunity for the reader to connect these situations back to the real world.

This dual, POV YA thriller follows Cooper and Monique as they work together to solve a murder in hopes of clearing Monique’s brother, who has been wrongfully charged. Cooper struggles internally as they follow the clues, especially since he was with Jason just before the murder.

Nick Brooks weaves real-life issues affecting the POC community into the story, adding depth and awareness. The fast-paced plot is packed with unpredictable twists, keeping readers engaged. Alongside the mystery, there’s an intriguing “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic between Cooper and Monique that adds another layer to the story.

I don’t typically read YA, as I’m not the target audience, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The story and its execution kept me hooked until the end!

This was a very fast paced twist, suspenseful book. I loved it.

This is a classic case of “ wrong place wrong time”. However, It is truly sad that cops would frame and harm black lives. This is a huge social issue in today times and was written perfectly to depict that.

I believe this book was intend for YA. ( I am not YA) but I did think the book was well done. I like how there was a little romance mixed into the craziness.

I was on the edge of my seat til the very end. I felt that the character development and emotions of Cooper and Monique were very real.

I will definitely recommend this book to others!

There's an element of implausibility that seems to come with some high-stakes murder mystery stories in YA literature-- one particular case being [book:Firekeeper’s Daughter|52346471] when it comes to police investigations, double agents, and the like. This is another case that's similar but luckily Brooks' main characters, Cooper and Monique are both three dimensional that it doesn't matter because readers are in it to see where it will all go.

Monique's brother Jason is in prison now after looting went wrong near anti-police protests and he was accused of the murder of a woman. Cooper was at the looting since Jason is his good friend and Cooper was looking for some easy cash since the Summer Youth Employment slashed their budget and didn't hire. But now Cooper's in a bit of a white lie to work with Monique who wants to prove her brother's innocence (plus he's had a childhood crush on Monique) but you can see where that'll lead when lies build on lies.

Teenagers going rogue and conducting their own investigations is always a hard-sell for me in YA literature, but they're a dime a dozen at this point so I can move past it. It was a thriller with scenes with criminals as they went deep for answers.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

UP IN SMOKE by Nick Brooks

Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt Co (Macmillan) for the earc (May 6)

Cooper was there, when the gunshots rang out at what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. When someone wounds up dead and Jason, his friend who he was with the night before looting with three others is arrested for murder, Cooper teams up with Monique, Jason's sister to uncover the real killer before he is arrested too.
This book was gripping and had me hooked as Cooper and Mo worked to solve the whodunit. There were times where I thought I had it figured out as if there was nothing to figure out since the evidence pointed in one direction. That's what this book is about: the easiest answer isn't always the right answer.
UP IN SMOKE is a dual-pov that shows how two people cope with the same thing, allowing insight into a tragedy. This book is a fast-paced, page-turner that had me in a hold. I needed to know who was responsible. For the less than a day it took me to read this that's all that was on my mind: who did it.

Up in Smoke is a YA thriller set in Washington, DC, during the summer. It follows two lifelong friends, Cooper and Monique, through alternating points of view. When Cooper agrees to act as a lookout for some friends involved in shady activities, he quickly finds himself caught up in a dangerous web of secrets and lies. Things take a dark turn when someone ends up murdered — and his own friend is accused of the crime.

The story moves at a fast pace as Cooper and Monique race to uncover the truth and identify the real killer. Their investigation leads them toward signs of deep-rooted corruption — but just how far does it go?

While the book is intended for readers aged 14 to 18, it raises some concerns about promoting the idea of teen "detectives" engaging in risky behavior, such as breaking and entering, confronting someone with a gun, and attempting to expose corruption within law enforcement. Presenting these actions as achievable or manageable could give young readers a misleading sense of safety in dangerous situations.

That said, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of real-world issues and delivers an important “be the change” message that encourages young readers to stand up for what’s right.

To be honest, I didn't love that the main characters were teens as I don't tend to read YA, especially not mystery YA. However, I thought this would be a fun read for young adult readers!

This book is a great YA book that is told in dual points of view. A book that brings to light a lot of social injustices we see today. There are so many issues when it comes to racial injustice that you see throughout the book. It’s a great read. I highly recommend and I really appreciate getting the ARC to read it!

Similar to The Hate U Give, Up on Smoke explores what it means for Black boys to be in the wrong place at the wrong time...and how the ramifications are so much heavier. There's a potential girl next door romance that will keep readers engaged, and a tough look at what dishonesty might cost us all in the end.

Up In Smoke was a quick YA read. The author does a great job of showing how current social issues can really hinder an investigation.

I received this ARC from Netgalley curtsey of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.
Thank you

Before I start my review, I want to say that I am not the intended reader for this book. I am fully aware of this fact and my review should not hinder anyone from giving it a try if it sounds interesting to them.

Up in Smoke is about Coop and Mo, childhood friends, trying to solve a murder to get a loved one out of jail.

This book had a good thriller vibe going for it and it was a fast easy read with important undertones.

Unfortunately, the delivery fell short for me. Spelling out sound effects instead of just telling the reader that the car horn honked or that someone knocked on the door always takes me out of the book. This book had a lot of that. The slang, although true to real life I am sure, also took me out of the story.

A nice murder mystery with a little bit a romance thrown in. I enjoyed the two different povs. A strong girl and his friend fighting to save her brother.

Up in Smoke is the first novel I have read by Nick Brooks. I plan to read his other books because I like his style of writing. He writes using a two person point of view, which allows the reader to better understand what happened. One perspective is from Cooper, who was involved in the robbery with Jason, his friend and brother to his girlfriend Monique. The other perspective is from Monique, who desperately wants to try to help free her brother from a wrongful murder charge. This technique gives the reader greater in depth knowledge of who was involved, where and when it happened, how Jason got implicated, and why the events occurred. Following Monique and Cooper as they investigate the murder makes the story more compelling. Add to that the twists and turns of the story, the reader can’t help but feel the need to read Up in Smoke.
At first I found the story a little difficult to understand because of the language. Quickly, though, I was able to immerse myself and enjoy reading the book. The vernacular helped make the story
I really couldn’t put this novel down. I wanted Cooper and Monique to succeed in proving that Jason was not the killer, and I wanted their relationship to grow stronger. I really liked this book

This was an interesting read that focused on current social issues surrounding cops framing and harming black lives. It was interesting to hear a point of view of someone who got caught in the crossfires of what ended up a murder investigation! The innocent love story tangled in with Mo and Coop was sweet. I found the book took a long time to grow speed. The story was a little stagnant and redundant at time with small facts or moving situations, like the small discoveries they were having, until the last few chapters. I did have jaw drop moment finding out who Rah really was! That did completely shock me and made a great twist in the story. A great read for young readers.

Up in Smoke written by Nick Brooks releases in May 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an Avanced Readers Copy (ARC). These thoughts are my own, and I am not getting payment for review.

Intrigued by the book recommendation for fans of Karen McManus, I was instantly drawn into the cover. Ash laden footprints with the brief description of “unmask a murderer or take the fall”. A girl determined to clear her brother's name. A boy determined to keep his out of the line of fire. A secret smoldering between them. Seemed like a perfect equation for a captivating book.

The story is told in duel points of view by Monique frequently referred to as Mo and Cooper referenced as Coop throughout the novel. Both characters are at a peaceful protest when things take a turn for both characters. Monique’s brother Jason is the prime suspect for murder. Cooper’s involvement tests morals, relationships, and questions life as he knows it.

Both Monique and Cooper are determined to clear Jason’s name the duo goes sleuthing into the case of the unsolved murder. The girl next door relationship builds as their pursuit to free Jason progresses throughout the story.

The story is thought provoking and recommended.

A perfect mix of crime solving, romance and a relevant storyline for today. The character development allowed us to cheer each on as they evolved. I swear I know a Coop, Mo and Jay in my own life. Well done!

This is a fast paced YA thriller that will keep you engrossed until the end. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows Cooper who gets talked into going on a looting spree by his best friend Jason. During a protest, all go south while they are looting when gunshots ring out and a young woman is k!lled. Monique, Jason’s sister and Cooper’s longtime crush gets involved when Jason is a suspect for the murder. This story is told in dual POV by Cooper and Monique as they are trying to find the true k!ller and prove Jason and Cooper’s innocence.

I enjoyed reading the author’s writing as it kept me guessing throughout with all the twists of the story. I was able to feel the emotions of both Cooper and Monique and the heaviness of societal issues. Through the depth of the writing I was able to feel connected to the characters and was rooting for them the whole time.

If you enjoy a well written thriller you will enjoy this. This would even be good to listen to on audio.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

We're introduced to four young guys. Caught up in the inner city life of Washington during a summer of riots and protests, that quickly goes wrong. There's murder, injustice, lies and deception. It's a fast paced poignant tale of the all to real and recent societal events. A book of fighting for justice and what is right, no matter how hard it may seem.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley. All thoughts on this book are my own. I love getting in to a book not knowing anything prior about it or the author and devouring it! This book was a fantastic who done it. The first few chapters of this book I thought it was going to be all political which it is to a degree but that is not my preference. Turned out to be a great murder mystery that even leans a little YA so the audience can be wider. I really enjoyed this book!