I was pleasantly surprised by this short story. I have only read one other book by Jodi Picoult and I really didn't like the writing style so much so I just started skipping ahead to find out what happened. When I do that I am not really enjoying the book. I really liked the writing style of this book. I like the main character Serenity and I read that she appears in Picoult's new book Leaving time so I will look for tht book in the fall and I'll read the excerpt of it included with this book.

Not a stand alone read...this is one of two prequels to Leaving Time...gives you some insight on one of the characters and her back story.

Serenity has always had a gift to see and converse with those that have passed over. As a child she might not have realised that not all people can see them but as an adult a lot has changed. Mainly the fact she has made a living off her gift. Only on her terms though, so that's likely to bite her in the butt sooner rather than later.

She has people guarding her on both planes – whether real or metaphysical. Lucinda and Desmond are there to act as go betweens with other ghosts trying to chat. She relies on them a lot but once frustrated will learn not to take people – real or ghost – for granted.

After a difficult reading from a military vet she gets a bit of a fiery friend for a while. Can't help when her next reading is more of a search to find someone. When voices from the other side go quiet her luck may be running out.

Interesting read that draws you along but it felt a little rushed even though only a short story. Just when you felt it was finishing off one story thread it kind of just ended without explaining everything. Leaving you wanting more or just a little confused? Well perhaps a bit of both but ok as a quick read.

https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2020/01/21/book-review-where-theres-smoke-by-jodi-picoult/

Totally didn’t know this was a short story - I hate short stories.

*Note: I just discovered that the first short story with Serenity has a novel to go with it, it is amazing! Go read it!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE picoult's stories! You get so entwined and emotional--this was a huge let down. Yes it was a nice quick read. Excellent build up---and now I'm just left want more!!!

Guess I'll have to wait until October :-(

I really enjoyed my first Jodi Picot story.

I'm am usually a big fan of Picoult but for some reason I found this wholly unreadable (despite how short it is). Did not finish.

Quick read. Very engaging. Good stories.