“Nobody sees and nobody cares” says the man

I was hooked from the first chapter - wow
Alex North your definitely a winner for me

Excellent, well paced mystery and kept me flipping pages due to the suspense, gritty, twisted and the creepiness of the story

Thank you to Netgalley, Michael House and Penguin Random House

Creepy, creepy and more creepy.
Just as good as the Whisper Man. It lures you in and doesn’t let go.

This is the third Alex North that I have read and he can always be guaranteed to keep me on the edge of my seat. On the way home from a family outing, Daniel Garvie pops to the loo when his father, policeman John, pulls into the service station. In the loos he sees a boy about his own age standing outside a locked cubicle where someone is whistling. The boy is terrified and seems to be silently asking Dan for help but when Dan hears the lock on the cubicle door being pulled back, he hides himself away until the boy and the unseen man leave with the man stopping outside his cubicle to whisper “nobody sees, nobody cares”. Dan later realises that this unseen man is the infamous serial killer the Pied Piper and he realises that he had a lucky escape, but he also is consumed by guilt that he never saved the boy. Many years later and Dan is a criminal profiler. Then he receives a call that his father is missing and is believed to have committed suicide. Dan returns to the island where he grew up, meeting up again with Sarah who was his childhood friend and the old school bully, Liam, who is now a police officer. In his father’s office, Dan sees that the fateful day at the service station had also been gnawing away at his father. Now retired, his father had been carrying Out his own investigation into the Pied Piper, even though the man had died many years previous. However, what Dan does realise is that new killings show that the Pied Piper is back and his father has been trying to connect the pattern between the recent murders, but now that he is absent, he is passing on the baton to Dan. This book is full of suspense and the opening chapter - straightaway the author weaves the sense of menace within the words. He hooked me. The story is told in multiple voices, but mainly Dan and his father’s, as well as different timelines that eventually merge. There are twists and chills as Dan follows the clues left by his father. A book that touches upon the relationships between fathers and sons. A excellent read

A little vague at first, though I did get into the book after a couple of chapters. Based on an unnamed island somewhere in the British Isles(?) , this book is quite a harrowing read where there is child abuse and murders. Dan is a profiler, his father an ex policeman and their lives were changed when Dan, himself a child, came into contact at a service station with a boy around his own age who appeared to be a victim of "the pied piper" who picked up and killed young boys. Although the subject matter could be quite upsetting at times, the book documents Dan and his father, John's investigation into this killer, both in the past and in recent times when people who were also at the service station at the same time are disappearing. The relationship between Dan and his father is also well described and explored as their life courses diverge and they seem unable to reconnect .
All in all a good read, worth perservering if you don't immediately connect (as I didn't) at first. CErtainly not a pretty tale, but well written. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

3.5⭐This is my first book by Alex North so I have nothing to compare it with, I must admit that I did get a bit confused with the different narrators, and different timelines not always with any indication, it isn't a book that you can readily put down and pick up again, especially the first part of the book, having said that, once I got into it I found myself getting more emersed into the story.
Dr Dan Garvie, a prison therapist, received a phone call from Det. Liam Fleming, a voice from his past, he and Liam had locked horns a few times during their school days on the island, there was no love lost between them but the phone call was to inform Dan that his father had died, died in circumstances that Dan found suspicious, Dan left the mainland looking for answers.
What follows is an unfolding story of a serial killer know as The Pied Piper, a killer that dragged memories and guilt from Dan's past.
Dan's father, John, a retired policeman, had left Dan a series of clues, he had been painstakingly hunting the killer but the body count kept escalating.
This is a very complex murder mystery, the voices that Dan hears are verging on the supernatural, all in all it is a good story that a lot of people will love but it wasn't really for me.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

Alex North manages to write books that really get to me and give me the creeps, this book was no different. He wove a mysterious storyline and crafted the perfect creepy read. Such a great book but leave the lights on when you read it!

Dan is a criminal psychiatrist who has a haunted past.
Many years ago he saw a notorious serial killer. A man who was silent and mysterious, a vanishing man, one made of smoke.
It’s a period in his life that haunts him, so when he’s told his father has gone missing and a body has been found, he has no choice but to go back to the remote island of his past and look for answers.
Is this something new, or is the ‘man made of smoke’ back? But the question that keeps haunting Dan is, did he ever leave?
I’ve enjoyed every book Alex North has written so far, but this one is on a new level.
It’s not only atmospheric and haunting, it’s wonderfully written. I love a book that keeps you guessing and on edge at the same time, and this one delivers.
Maybe his best book to date.

Retired policeman John's car is found near a cliff and it appears he has committed suicide . His son Daniel ,who is now a psychologist working in the prison system, is notified and returns home. Moving in to his father's house he finds box files relating to various crimes John has been looking into since his retirement..One case in particular seems to have been having a lot of attention. This case is mainly concerning missing boys from years previously.It turns out that Daniel had been an eye witness at one of the disappearances, seeing the victim in a toilet at a service station.Following information found on John's computer Daniel along with his ex girlfriend Sarah ,who he has met again since his arrival home , follow up on these files and discover the truth behind the disappearances,

When he was a teenager Dan Garvie witnessed something that still haunts him. He was sure of what he had seen and felt bad that he had done nothing to help, but was convinced by others that he saw something else.
In the present day he is a criminal profiler and gets a phone call that his father is missing presumed dead. He goes over to the island he grew up on and his father still lives. He finds his fathers files (he was a policeman on the island until he retired) and deduces certain things about his father's disappearance.
The timeline flits between now and then and we can see what happened then.
A suspenseful mystery which will have you page turning to find out what happens.

The man made of smoke is a clever, slow burn thriller that builds tension and keeps you turning the page.

Dan Garvie returns home to a close knit community on the island when his dad goes missing and is feared dead.

Looking into what has happened to his dad causes Dan to face his past. When he was younger a close encounter with a serial killer called the pied piper has shaped the rest of his life and could be the reason for his dad going missing, with the police suspecting he has taken his own life.

The weaving of past and present and narrators works effectively in telling the story and the plot was cleverly orchestrated.

An enjoyable and thrilling read.

I have read this author’s previous work so was delighted to be given the opportunity to preview his latest book.
This is a dark, thrilling read about a young boy who witnesses something dangerous in his youth that affects his life and that of others who were at the scene.

Dr Dan Garvie is the boy who grows up to be a criminal psychologist but whose childhood trauma returns to haunt him.

I found this to be an excellent page turner, with interesting characters and an edge of the seat storyline. It not only maintains momentum and intensity but also has a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, a 5* read for me. Congratulations to the author on another well deserved success.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the opportunity to preview #TheManMadeofSmoke #MichaelJoseph

I am not even finished and know this will be a 5 star rating. I’m completely hooked and can’t wait to read about each character. The beginning got me wondering who the whistling man was.

This is my first Alex North book but I’ll definitely be back!

Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC

This is a very tense story. Dan is a psychologist. He gets a call to say his father, a retired police chief, is missing and possibly committed suicide. Dan discovers some old cold cases when he arrives at his childhood home, which his father was working on. His father was the one who found the body of a woman in some woods on his daily walk.

The father and son connection is good with this book, but there are things from Dan's past that have lingering effects, and these are brought to the forefront of the story. The relationship between them is not what you would understand as being loving, there is a distance, although there are telephone calls.

Dan is filled with guilt; he could have done something as a child, but didn't. He has never forgotten his, and the author uses it to great effect. Coming to terms with the death of his father, catching up with old friends, and trying to get some sort of progression leads Dan along similar lines to those of his father.

This is one of those stories that you just know is going to be tough. It does involve crimes that involve children, but the author does not go into details. There is enough detail to give the merest of details to let the reader know what happened.

The story is one that definitely gives you the sense of something bigger going on, that there is someone watching and that there is a lot that the reader just will not understand or realise until the closing chapters of the book.

There are several characters, and they have a role to play; some have a larger presence, but on the whole, these characters have problems of their own, mostly fearful of repercussions. This fearfulness leads to questions not being answered or not fully answered, the feeling that something's being missed is ever present.

This is a crime thriller that has a huge psychological thriller aspect to it. It is a serious storyline, and it is quite complex. This is one I would definitely recommend.

A gripping and atmospheric thriller that masterfully blends a dual timeline with multiple points of view. I loved how the story was structured around the stages of grief; it added a whole other layer of emotional weight.

The eerie, unsettling tone kept me hooked, and I genuinely felt for Dan in his search for answers. A haunting, well-crafted read that will definitely stay with me!

I do love a psychological thrillers and Alex North’s The Man Made of Smoke—out today—has left an indelible mark on me. This novel is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, emotional complexity, and the haunting interplay between past and present.

The story centres on Dan Garvie, a criminal psychiatrist who has spent his life haunted by a childhood encounter with a serial killer known as “The Pied Piper.” Dan witnessed a young boy in peril but, paralysed by fear, did nothing. This moment of inaction has cast a long shadow over his life. When his father, John Garvie—a retired chief of police—goes missing, presumed to have taken his own life, Dan returns to his childhood home to find out what has happened. He discovers that his father had been investigating a recent murder that eerily mirrored the Pied Piper’s modus operandi.As Dan delves deeper, he uncovers unsettling connections between his father’s disappearance and the horrors of his own past.

North’s narrative is a dual timeline, alternating between Dan’s present-day investigation and John’s earlier inquiries. This structure enriches the story, providing a multifaceted view of the characters’ psyches and the events that bind them. The father-son relationship is portrayed with poignant realism, capturing the complexities of love, guilt, and the unspoken tensions that often exist between parents and their children. The more so here because the events of that day have cast a long shadow between father and son which has caused a rupture that has never properly healed.

The novel’s horror elements are subtle yet profoundly effective. North employs a creeping sense of dread, using the eerie setting and the characters’ psychological turmoil to build tension. The atmosphere is suffused with a sense of unease, making the reader question what is real and what is a manifestation of the characters’ guilt and fear. This psychological horror is more disturbing than any overt gore, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page.

Emotionally, the book is a deep dive into the human psyche. Dan’s internal struggle with his past actions—or inaction—and his desperate need for redemption are portrayed with raw honesty. John’s own demons and his relentless pursuit of justice add layers of complexity to the narrative. Their intertwined journeys explore themes of forgiveness, the weight of guilt, and the possibility of redemption.

Alex North’s writing is superb, his imagery and the pictures he conjures up are so strong and so atmospheric, the tension so spellbinding, that this really is a book that takes your breath away and leaves your heart in your mouth.

Verdict: The Man Made of Smoke is a compelling addition to the crime and psychological thriller genre. North’s skilful blending of psychological depth, atmospheric horror, and intricate plotting makes this novel standout. It’s a haunting exploration of how the past can shape—and sometimes distort—the present. For readers seeking a thriller that challenges the mind and touches the heart, this book is an absolute must-read. The Man Made of Smoke is unmissable. A very strong contender for my book of the year.

In *The Man Made of Smoke*, Alex North masterfully weaves a gripping tale of suspense, redemption, and the haunting shadows of the past. With a narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned, North invites readers to explore the intricate layers of human behavior through the eyes of Dan, a man marked by a childhood encounter with evil.

The plot centers around Dan, who as a teenager was confronted by the notorious serial killer known only as “the man made of smoke.” The striking imagery of this enigmatic figure looms over Dan's psyche, coloring his entire life and choices. North creates an engaging premise by allowing the reader to see how a chance encounter can ripple through the years, shaping a person’s identity and belief systems. Dan’s successful career as a criminal psychiatrist serves as a stark contrast to his unresolved trauma, leading us to question the nature of monsters—are they truly devoid of humanity, or are they simply the darkest reflections of ourselves?

As the story unfolds, Dan returns to his small island hometown in search of his missing father, John. The narrative expertly intertwines the present with the past, and the tension escalates when Dan learns of his father’s discovery of a body shortly before his disappearance. The exploration of familial bonds, particularly between Dan and John, adds emotional depth to the plot, as Dan’s search becomes not only one for his father but also for a form of redemption for his earlier inaction against the killer.

North's writing is sharp and atmospheric, effectively capturing the eerie essence of the island and the secrets it harbors. The pacing is expertly balanced, drawing readers in with psychological suspense while revealing pieces of the puzzle in a way that keeps them guessing. The character development is particularly noteworthy; Dan is portrayed with complexity, grappling with guilt, fear, and ultimately the desire to confront not just the physical embodiment of evil, but also the moral implications of his past actions.

One of the most compelling aspects of *The Man Made of Smoke* is its exploration of whether true redemption is indeed possible. Dan's journey is an introspective one, leading to profound questions about the nature of forgiveness—both from others and oneself. As he navigates the web of past traumas and current mysteries, readers may find themselves questioning their own perceptions of guilt and accountability.

In conclusion, Alex North’s *The Man Made of Smoke* is not just a thriller; it is a deep dive into the psychology of fear and the enduring impact of unresolved trauma. With its atmospheric setting and multifaceted characters, the novel hooks readers from the first page and keeps them riveted until the final twist. It’s a haunting reminder that some encounters can define us, and the search for truth and redemption is a path fraught with shadows. This is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the human condition.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

nobody sees ....
nobody cares....

that is the mantra of the man made of smoke
he walks around and people dont really see him....

on the day that dan met him it was just a normal family day.... dan was with his mom and dad and his friend sarah...they had a pitstop before carrying on home and on this fateful day dan saw something that was to have an effect for the rest of his life

nobody sees
nobody cares...

omg what a storyline ...gripping right to the end.... and i never guessed who the man of smoke was at all....

so well written

cant wait for the next book by this author

Dan has been haunted by a crime he witnessed as a child, narrowly missing an encounter with a serial killer and has since become a criminal profiler, trying to seek justice for innocent victims. When he has to revisit the small island he grew up in due to his father passing away under suspicious circumstances, he tries to uncover the truth. Will the nightmares return to haunt him?

I was drawn to the cover and description of this one as it looked and sounded like it would be a creepy, intriguing read. It definitely ended up being both of those things! This started very strongly and straight away a chilling atmosphere was created which continued throughout the whole book. The writing was very well done with an interesting storyline and solid bunch of characters. Amongst the scary elements, there were more tender moments and lots to think about. A great slow burn mystery overall and perfect for new or current fans of this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

A page turner you don’t want to put down! Scary and spooky with twists and turns along the way. Thoroughly recommended for those who like some substance to their reading and something to make them think.

Having read and enjoyed this author's previous books, I was delighted to get my hands on this, his latest. And I have to say I loved it just as much...
In it, we follow Dan Garvie who, as a child, had a narrow escape from a notorious serial killer who was targeting children at the time. It was probably this incident that set him on his career path, that of a criminal profiler. He feels he need to atone for not doing anything whilst the other child was taken as he hid. He wants to give back, to use his guilt and second chance to help others. We first catch up with him him as he returns to the small island community where he grew up, the one he left as soon as he was able. The place he swore never to go back to. But needs must as his father has gone missing, presumed dead, but it isn't all cut and dried, there are suspicious circumstances, as his childhood nemesis, Fleming, now a police officer, gleefully informs him...
But when he get there, as he starts to investigate the days leading up to his father's disappearance, as he retraces his steps, as he learns that it was his father who discovered the burned body of a woman, he soon realises that the danger is not over for the community...
One thing I think I need to mention before I get started is that this book is a slow burn. It has to be, and it should be. Pacing is slow initially as there is quite a bit to set up, backstory of Dan's childhood to explain, intrigue to inject, intensity, tension, and atmosphere to build up. It all gives the book a very chilling overtone so that when the shackles do come off and the author lets rip, it's all the more thrilling for it.
As with The Whisper Man, which if you haven't already read, why not, this book for me was an absolute gem. It was perfect in every way. Sucking me in from the start, holding me captive as it began to set things up, and on the edge of my seat as we eventually race to the end. In between delivering shock after thrill, after scare. With a definite high fear factor I can tell you! Although, that said, unlike some, this author does not rely on scaring the reader to score points, there is a brilliantly executed narrative in his books, all played out by credible characters that are easy to connect to, and no shock tactics just for the sake of them. He really is the real deal.
So much so that I really didn't want the book to end, although I needed the book to end to find out the whole truth. And yeah, you know that does make sense. And when it did end, apart from a feeling of sadness that it had, I was also wholly satisfied. And eager for more of the same. In the next book, which hopefully the author won't leave me waiting too long for...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.