Review: Where There's Smoke by Rachel Louise Adams

 

Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Publication Date: October 6th 2026 by Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 314

Audio Book Length: 12hrs 18min

Narrators: Jeremy Carlisle Parker

Source: Publishers 

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

When Where There’s Smoke came onto my radar, I realized it was the second book in the series, so I listened to No Rest for the Wicked first and loved it! Learning about Dolores’s past and what drove her to leave Coldren County made me eager to continue her story! I highly recommend reading this series in order.

 

Now settled in Wisconsin as the medical examiner for the small town of Circe, Dolores is building relationships with her half-siblings, Josie and Asher. But she’s also dealing with anonymous threatening letters, fallout from the events of the previous book.

 

When Benedict Marcy, the well-respected owner of Marcy’s Meats, is found murdered in the slaughterhouse, Dolores is assigned to the case.

 

FYI, I love animals, so I was a little worried when I saw a slaughterhouse was featured. Thankfully, no animals are killed "on page".

 

FBI Agent Paul Turner and her childhood friend Kate return, and I enjoyed seeing the three of them work together again. Paul’s a great character, but I’d love to see him kick his smoking habit.

 

Where There’s Smoke was riveting! I had a feeling about one reveal, but I was surprised by others. The ending was intense and exciting. I’ve found a new mystery/thriller series to love and can’t wait for the next one!

 

Jeremy Carlisle Parker once again delivers an excellent narration. She seamlessly performed all characters in a range of ages, giving each a distinct personality and bringing the story to life.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Following the USA Today bestselling series debut, No Rest for the Wicked, Rachel Louise Adams returns with Where There’s Smoke.

A lot has happened in Dolores Hawthorne’s life since the events of last Halloween. She’s divorced, traded being a forensic pathologist for a job as a medical examiner, and now lives in small-town Wisconsin, close—but not too close—to her family.

Dolores doesn’t have much in the way of work, but that all changes when a body is found at the local slaughterhouse. Benedict Marcy owned Marcy’s Meats, and is affectionately called Mr. Mercy across the region. This high-profile case quickly catches the attention of Dolores’s friends at the FBI.

From the very beginning, this case is full of contradictions and surprises, and the team quickly learns someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to stop them from finding out the truth behind Benedict Marcy’s murder.