Listen! I love a good suspenseful book and you delivered just that! It was written perfectly and allowed me to immerse myself in the story. The characters, I believe were relatable and made you feel like you really knew them. Up in Smoke could be a continuation of The Hate U Give.

Overall, this was an excellent read that got straight to the point.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC book. I'm sorry to say it just did not grab me. This story about a mostly good Black kid being at the wrong place at the wrong time at what should have been a peaceful rally never hit the mark. A murder occurs, who is to blame, is there a cover up?? I didn't feel the tension of this racially driven story about poor decisions and unfair police bias.

Up in Smoke is a YA Thriller that takes place during the summer, in DC. Dual POVs follow two teens and lifelong friends Cooper and Monique. Cooper gets wrapped up in trouble and secrets when he chooses to be the lookout for friends that are up to no good. Suddenly he’s part of something he never wanted and is lying to people he loves to keep the secret. One thing he didn’t expect though, was for someone to wind up murdered and his own friend to be accused of the crime.

The story continues at a fast pace, while the teens attempt to uncover truths and find out who the real killer is. What they find seems to point to Corruption— but how far does it go?

While the book is aimed at 14-18 year olds, and not younger readers- I do think it is a bit dangerous to promote the idea of “baby sleuths” in terms of breaking and entering, fighting someone with a gun, and attempting to take down corruption in law enforcement. These dangerous situations could endanger youth even more so I don’t like the concept being encouraged.

I can appreciate the thought provoking narrative and glimpse of realistic problems many are faced with daily. I do think the “be the change” message is an important takeaway from this book.

Up in Smoke is a YA thriller that masterfully blends fast-paced action with deep emotional resonance. From start to finish, it grips you with its suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat while also offering moments of reflection on important societal issues. The dual points of view between Cooper and Monique add layers of depth to the story, allowing you to connect with each character and feel the personal stakes they face. Their journey is both thrilling and impactful, with their growth throughout the novel making them relatable and easy to root for.

What sets this story apart is not just the mystery but the way it tackles themes like police oppression and the struggles of marginalized communities. The narrative provides a glimpse into the lived realities of these communities, making the emotional stakes feel urgent and deeply significant. The unpredictable twists and turns keep you guessing, and the pacing never lets up, making it impossible to put down.

The characters are truly the heart of this book. With plenty of depth, they each bring something unique to the table, making you genuinely care about their fates. Their journeys, both personal and shared, offer a perfect balance of tension and hope, with a conclusion that leaves you feeling satisfied but not without thinking about the broader messages the book conveys.

Up in Smoke is a thrilling, impactful, and thought-provoking story. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller that doesn’t shy away from addressing important real-world issues, all while delivering a story full of heart and suspense.

Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Nick Brooks delivers another gripping YA thriller with “Up in Smoke,” a fast-paced mystery that combines high-stakes suspense with sharp social commentary. Set against the backdrop of protests over the killing of a Black teen, the book follows Cooper King, a boy who has always kept his head down—until one fateful night pulls him into a dangerous web of deception. When a woman is shot during a looting spree, Cooper’s best friend, Jason, becomes the prime suspect. Scared that he’ll be arrested next, Cooper teams up with Jason’s sister, Monique—his longtime crush—to uncover the truth before it’s too late. But as they dig deeper, the case grows more complex, revealing corruption, cover-ups, and a system that’s stacked against them.

The dual-POV story gives us both Cooper’s perspective and Monique’s, making the stakes feel personal and urgent. The mystery itself is engaging, filled with twists and red herrings that keep the reader guessing, though some of the turns may feel predictable to seasoned mystery fans. At times, the pacing moves so quickly that certain plot points resolve a bit too easily, requiring some suspension of disbelief. However, this rapid momentum also makes it an easy, compulsive read—one that will especially appeal to younger readers or those new to the genre.

What truly sets “Up in Smoke” apart is how it weaves social themes into its thriller framework. The book doesn’t shy away from examining systemic oppression, the realities of Black youth navigating a world that often criminalizes them, and the impact of police violence on marginalized communities. These elements add depth, making the emotional stakes hit harder and giving the story a deeper resonance beyond its central mystery. The romance subplot between Cooper and Monique adds an extra layer to their dynamic. Their chemistry is well-written, and it’s easy to root for them as they work together to solve the case.

Overall, “Up in Smoke” is an engaging YA mystery that combines fast-paced thrills with a powerful message. While some elements may feel a bit rushed or predictable, the book’s emotional weight and timely themes make it a compelling read. Fans of Brooks’ previous books will find much to appreciate here, and it’s sure to resonate with readers looking for a mystery that carries real-world significance.

You never know when everything is going to go up in smoke. Thank you for letting me read in advance.

If you are looking for a suspenseful page turner, this book is for you. Even though this book is written for teens, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can really see teens relating to and devouring this book.

Coop is a teen living in DC and trying his hardest to stay on the right path but friends can be very persuasive. While there is a protest going on, Coop gets talked in to participating in illegal activities but little does he know, this will be one of the worst mistakes he could have made.

Monique is Coop’s best friend and has been since they were little kids (and really he would like to be more than friends). They work together to help solve a murder but Coop is keeping a huge secret from Mo and this secret could ruin everything between them.


Thank you, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved this authors first book and loved the premise of this one. However, it very quickly seemed so ridiculous that it was hard to stay focused. There are lots of teen books about teen detectives but in this book they were going up to corrupt police officers who were telling them things?!? It all just seems really out of possibility. I think kids like teen detective books bc they think they could do it- this is not that. There was ALOT about his guilt and dealing with his feelings about Mo-it got very repetitive. She also forgave him for what seemed to be unforgivable in a matter of hours. I would not recommend this as heartily as I did his first book.

It was alright. I wasn’t as drawn in as I hoped to be. I think for young adult it’s well written, puts some focus on what’s happened in today’s world and poses some moral questions.

Jason has had "Lil bro" Cooper's back since before Coop's mom died, so when Jason asks Coop to join him and some friends in a looting spree taking place during a rally, he feels pressured to go. Even though Cooper had made a promise to his mom to stay out of trouble and make something of his life, he feels obligated to go along with Jason. Unfortunately, a murder occurs and Jason is set up for the fall. Cooper knows the truth, but he's already lied to his father, the cops and most importantly, Monique "Mo", Jason's little sister and Cooper's love interest. How can he get out of the hole he's dug for himself without joining Jason in jail?

Cooper and Mo set out to solve who killed the woman on the day of the protest march in order to free Jason and keep Coop from heading to jail himself. The clues were well paced but overall the idea of two teens taking on a murderer and corrupt police by themselves seems far fetched. The teens sound like teens but the character of Mo seems a bit cliched: beautiful, talented and smart black girl who is all set to beat the odds against her in order to succeed. Parents have very small rolls in this novel. Recommended for teens.

this was fine but not great. the plot was plotted and the chars were there and reasonable. the twists were good but predictable. 3 stars. tysm for the arc.

This YA thriller delivers a solid mystery filled with deception, danger, and moral dilemmas. Cooper finds himself stuck in a lie, with no easy way to start telling the truth without losing a friend or a love interest. Cooper and Mo begin to try to find out who is framing Jason and who actually killed Donna, but there are no easy answers. This book is perfect for fans of dual-POV and fast-paced mysteries. Some readers may not enjoy the way Monique is described or portrayed, and she is a bit one dimensional for a leading role, but I'm sure some young patrons will enjoy this book.

Another great book by Nick Brooks. Monique and her brother's best friend, Cooper, team up to clear her brother's name after he is wrongly accused of a crime. At times heartfelt and at other times suspenseful, the author shows the determination and loyalty to right the wrongs that sometimes occur in this world. A good read that will have a place in our library. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I selected this book based on its intriguing cover and the description. I was instantly enthralled by the unique premise of a looting spree gone wrong. It was thrilling throughout, full of high-stakes plot points and immersive mysteries. I also loved the romantic subplot, which I feel provided a great contrast of light amongst the darkness. I was on board for every twist and turn!

Unmask a murderer or take the fall.
💨
Cooper King doesn’t care much about the protest going on for the death of a teen. He just wants to keep his head down and out of others’ business, but when his best friend, Jason, asks him to go on a looting spree during the protest, Cooper struggles with his decision to go. As they’re stealing gunshots ring out and a young woman ends up dead. Now Jason is a suspect and Cooper is scared he’ll be arrested next. Monique, Jason’s sister and Cooper’s longtime crush, decides to help prove who really killed the woman, but their investigation leads them through a web of deception and cover up. Will Cooper be able to prove his and Jason’s innocence?
🔥
This was a well-crafted YA thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and while the suspense part of the #book was amazing, the narrative woven throughout the story in regards to Black youth was the real star of the show. Dual POVs allowed us to feel the emotional stakes each character went through. I can’t wait to interview Nick at #nttbf25 and discuss this amazing title that releases May 6!

CW: police brutality, racism, racial profiling, theft, death, murder, death of a parent, looting/riots, confinement

4.25 ⭐️

Honestly, this was the page-turner I’ve been yearning for and my first real thrill read of 2025. Characters with lots of depth and feeling who I really came to care about. Fast-paced with a strong moral compass, this is a book I’m eager to put into the hands of my students.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the copy of Up In Smoke, this review reflects my personal thoughts.

Up In Smoke is a YA mystery/thriller in which we follow main character Cooper in his quest to solve a crime before his best friend is charged for it. These characters live in a rough neighborhood in Washington, while protests over the recent killing of a black teen have been happening more and more often. Cooper gets involved in something he shouldn't and that ends up putting him closer to the crime than he expected. This gets even more complicated when the person helping him solve the crime is his best friend's sister, Mo, who also happens to be Cooper's long time crush.
This book follows two black teenagers trying to find the truth in a web of ever more complex clues and red herrings, where police are involved and a lot seems to be at stake.

Some things in this book worked for me, while others sadly fell a little flat.
The teens appeared to be teens, which I appreciated, they sounded like teenagers and they acted like teenagers most of the time too. Yet they got into situation that need a little too much suspension of disbelief for my taste. Very few consequences and a road to the answer that seemed a little too easy to navigate.
The mystery itself was interesting and well constructed, but the pace felt at times a little too rushed.
The chemistry between the two main characters was there, I didn't particularly think it was a true "forbidden romance" but I was rooting for them since the beginning.

I thought overall it was a good quick read with some messages that at times they did feel a little "holier than thou" but that are still important to write about. It reads really quickly and I would definitely recommend it to a younger audience, who I think would enjoy it more than I did. The quick pacing would really help new readers stay hooked on the plot.

This book was certainly a page turner! 3 days to read because I didn't want to stop. Jason's journey has you feeling all of the emotions and I will certainly be recommending this to the high school librarian!

Thank you, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for the copy of Up In Smoke by Nick Brooks. This book reminded me why I love YA books, even at my advanced age. I loved the insight into teens and their lives, slang, and relationships. Cooper was a great main character, and his dilemma about the secret he was hiding made me yell at him and want him to come clean. The story was intriguing and timely, and would make a great movie. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

"Up in Smoke" is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Nick Brooks. Cooper is a Black teen in Washington, DC. During what is supposed to be a peaceful march, Cooper is pressured to go looting with his friend, Jason. When there is a shooting and a local woman is killed, Cooper's friend gets blamed and arrested. Did he do it? Will Cooper get arrested? Cooper and Jason's sister team up to try and find the real killer, but he has to hide the fact that he was part of the looting. A tense mystery that discusses the realities of racism and police violence, this is a recommended purchase for all YA collections.