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A review by lit_with_britt
The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own. Big thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC!
The Man Made of Smoke is pure brilliance—a slow-burn thriller that defies expectations and lingers like a ghost long after the final page. With a nonlinear timeline and multiple POVs, the novel demands patience, but the payoff is well worth it.
Dan’s first-person narration contrasts sharply with John and James’s third-person perspectives, creating a hauntingly immersive experience. However, the lack of clear indicators at the beginning of chapters made it frustrating at first. Once I adjusted, the novel flowed seamlessly, pulling me deeper into its eerie, true-crime-like atmosphere.
Despite my initial struggles with the narrative structure, this book is a masterclass in psychological tension. North’s ability to weave past and present without warning only adds to the unsettling nature of the story. If you enjoy chilling mysteries with a deeply immersive style, this one is a must-read.
The Man Made of Smoke is pure brilliance—a slow-burn thriller that defies expectations and lingers like a ghost long after the final page. With a nonlinear timeline and multiple POVs, the novel demands patience, but the payoff is well worth it.
Dan’s first-person narration contrasts sharply with John and James’s third-person perspectives, creating a hauntingly immersive experience. However, the lack of clear indicators at the beginning of chapters made it frustrating at first. Once I adjusted, the novel flowed seamlessly, pulling me deeper into its eerie, true-crime-like atmosphere.
Despite my initial struggles with the narrative structure, this book is a masterclass in psychological tension. North’s ability to weave past and present without warning only adds to the unsettling nature of the story. If you enjoy chilling mysteries with a deeply immersive style, this one is a must-read.