Smoke: The Enigma Series, Book 1 by Aja
A Review By: KH
Mystery, crime, and grit surrounded his family, often bringing power-hungry enemies right to his doorstep. Never one to back down from any opposition, he often stood victorious. But this new threat is something different and not at all one he is prepared for until an old love comes to save him.
Elijah Lewis aka "Smoke" has to decide what to do with the gift of knowledge he's received. Does he deliver more pain to the people responsible for trying to take him out, or does he take well-meaning advice and get out of this line of work? For people like him, there were only so many places he could go and the top two were: to jail or to hell.
Contains mature themes.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2023
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Mari, Winston James
Smoke is a drug dealer turned legitimate businessman. During an investigation into some crimes committed at his business, he falls for a nosey reporter.
This book was gritty yet not a typical gangster tale. I loved Elijah's character, his confidence, borderline arrogance and steadfast demeanor. Though he was a successful businessman, he still knew what came with being in the streets and what was needed when necessary. The narrators' successfully draw you into this story, totally embodying these characters.
My only issue is the book’s timeline wasn't well defined. Even though we know that there are jumps in time; weeks, months, there were moments that weren't clearly defined. It gives the impression of a love affair blooming in a matter of days.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 4 (It’s lit!)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence
