mypacificroad 's review for:

Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell

5.0

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This book was both deeply moving and profoundly heartbreaking. The author masterfully illustrates how pain and depression become threads in the fabric of generational trauma, pulling readers into a story that feels both raw and real. The vivid descriptions of the girls’ homes, their regalia, and the celebrations brought their world to life, immersing me completely.

I felt Loren’s pain so acutely, along with her growing anger as it became clear that the police weren’t just incompetent—they were indifferent. The story highlights a devastating truth: the lives of Indigenous women are often treated as though they’re not worth the effort to protect or seek justice for, and the indigenous community is aware of this.

Because I’m not typically a thriller reader - yet - I couldn’t predict the murderer’s identity, and the reveal added an unexpected layer to the narrative.

This is more than just a story—it’s a poignant and necessary reminder of the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous communities. A powerful read I won’t soon forget.