Title: White Smoke
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
First published September 14, 2021
373 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780063029095 (ISBN10: 006302909X)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In White Smoke, Tiffany D. Jackson delivers a bone-chilling YA thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Mari is haunted by the ghosts of her past, but a move to Cedarville with her newly blended family might offer a fresh start. They move into a beautiful house, courtesy of her mom’s new job at the Sterling Foundation, but strange things start happening.
Doors open on their own, items disappear, and Mari can smell something foul in the air. Mari’s stepsister, Piper, keeps mentioning a friend who wants Mari gone.
As Mari tries to uncover the truth, she realizes that the secrets in Cedarville run deep and danger lurks around every corner. Get ready for a heart-pounding read that will leave you wanting more.
About the Author
Meet Tiffany D. Jackson, the talented author who has graced the New York Times Bestselling list with her young adult novels.
Her impressive repertoire includes Monday’s Not Coming, which won the Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe New Talent Award, Allegedly, a NAACP Image Award nominee, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, and her latest work, GROWN, which was published in 2020. Tiffany received her bachelor’s degree in film from Howard University, and her master’s degree in media studies from the New School.
With over a decade of experience in the TV and film industry, she is a true expert in her field. Tiffany is a Brooklyn native who loves taking naps, indulging in cookie dough, and spending time at the beach.
She currently resides in her beloved borough and can often be found multitasking.
Editoral Review
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson is a thought-provoking and riveting novel that will appeal to fans of mysteries and thrillers.
Published on September 14, 2021, the book explores issues of power, wealth, race, and justice with a poignant and unflinching eye. Jackson is an accomplished author known for her engrossing narratives and vivid characterization, and White Smoke is no exception.
The story is set in New York City, where Marigold “Goldie” Vance is a young woman who has been thrust into the high-stakes world of elite politics. Goldie is serving as the campaign manager for her mother, who is running for mayor of the city.
But when her mother’s opponent is found dead just days before the election, Goldie becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of intrigue and deceit. She must unravel the mystery of the candidate’s death while navigating the treacherous terrain of New York City politics.
The novel explores themes of power, privilege, and corruption, as well as issues of race and social justice. Jackson’s writing is sharp and insightful, and she deftly captures the complex web of relationships that shape Goldie’s world.
The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, and their motivations are compelling and believable. Despite its many strengths, White Smoke has some flaws that prevent it from being a perfect novel.
The plot can be slow-moving at times, and some of the character arcs feel rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, the ending may be unsatisfying to some readers, as it leaves many questions unanswered.
Nevertheless, White Smoke is a gripping and powerful novel that is sure to resonate with readers. It offers a fresh perspective on political thrillers, tackling timely issues with grace and sensitivity.
Fans of Tiffany D. Jackson’s previous works will not be disappointed, and newcomers to her writing will find much to admire in this skillfully crafted novel.
Overall, I highly recommend White Smoke to anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read. It is a well-written and absorbing story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
I give it a rating of four out of five stars, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.