Summary of Smoke and Whispers, by Mick Herron

Welcome to the wild world of Smoke and Whispers, where the thrills are high, and the logic is hilariously absent-just the way we like it in a good thriller. If you're ready to dive into a world riddled with espionage, failed plots, and a protagonist who may just be the worst detective ever, buckle up.

In this fourth installment of the Zoe Boehm thrillers, we reunite with our reluctant hero, Zoe Boehm, who is still trying to figure out her life while the universe throws her into yet another chaotic mess. It turns out that solving crimes isn't as easy as it looks on TV, especially when you're Zoe, who has the uncanny ability to attract trouble like a moth to a flame.

The fun begins when Zoe stumbles upon the body of a mysterious character in a rather suspicious location. Not quite the ideal welcome mat she expected! Instead of becoming a social media sensation, she finds herself embroiled in a web of lies, betrayal, and a conspiracy that even the best spies would have a hard time deciphering. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of smoke and whispers-hence the title. Who would've thought?

As the story unfolds, we're treated to a delightful parade of eccentric supporting characters, all of whom seem just as confused as Zoe about the events happening around them. There's a dubious informer, a bunch of shady criminals, and let's not forget the ex-boyfriend who pops back into her life just when she thought she'd seen the last of him. Because what's a thriller without some romantic entanglement?

Throughout this tale, Zoe does a lot of running around-mostly trying to figure out who the killer is while also dodging her own mistakes. It's like a high-stakes game of hide and seek but with a lot more peril and significantly less fun. The writing is sharp, the humor is dry (like the British tea), and every twist makes you wonder if Zoe will ever catch a break. Spoiler: she doesn't.

As the tension escalates, you'll find yourself cheering for Zoe just to see how many ways she can get herself into trouble. Will she crack the case? Will she survive? Or will Zoe simply become another tragic footnote in the life of a failed private investigator?

In the end, Smoke and Whispers is a wild ride filled with dark humor, unexpected turns, and that peculiar feeling of satisfaction that comes from watching someone try incredibly hard to sort out the mess they've made. If you're in the mood for a smart, witty, and slightly absurd thriller, then this is your book. Just remember to keep your expectations low and your sense of humor high!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.