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.

I have had a literal hit and miss experience with this author. I have had one 5 star read and one 2 star, so this book was very much a decider. I am so happy that we're firmly in the hit space as I thorough enjoyed this book and couldn't get enough of it.

When I say this story was tense, I mean that it was TENSE. I raced through this within 24 hours and some of that was because I wanted it to get to a point where I knew what was going on and relax. The atmosphere was eerie throughout and I was living for it. The fact that it was told from multiple perspectives at different timelines I think added to the pace and helped me go so quickly.

One of my favourite things about this book was the way that Daniel was chasing his father's investigation; following the breadcrumbs left by John. The father son relationship was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. They were definitely much more alike than they thought it just took some murders and suicides to make them realise.

If you're in the market for a dark, serial killer thriller that truly does pack a punch and will clasp you in it's grip, then I wholeheartedly recommend The Man Made in Smoke.

A thriller with pace that twists and turns. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a slow burn, creepy as hell thriller that gave me goosebumps. I did enjoy it but I did feel there was a lag in the plot at times. And a lot of repetition in places. Or at least that's what it felt like. Overall, I was intrigued by the story and wanted to read on to find out the conclusion.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for this eCopy to review

The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of trauma, memory, and the haunting nature of the past. The story follows Dan Garvie, a criminal profiler who has been haunted by a childhood encounter with a notorious serial killer.

The plot kicks off when Dan's father dies under suspicious circumstances, prompting Dan to return to his small island hometown to uncover the truth. As he digs deeper, he begins to suspect that the serial killer from his past may have returned. The narrative is told through multiple perspectives, including Dan's and his father's, which adds depth and complexity to the story.

North masterfully explores the psychological impact of trauma, portraying Dan's internal struggles and the tension between his past and present. The story is filled with suspense, keeping the reader on edge as Dan uncovers startling truths about his father's death and his own past.

The Man Made of Smoke is a compelling and well-written psychological thriller.

This is a great mystery thriller.
Daniel sees a boy of a similar age to him looking scared in a service station, and his lack of action still haunts him today.
He was only young himself but still that experience affects his adult life.
When he gets a call to say his father has died he heads back to his childhood home. It seems his body has not yet been found but the Police think it’s only a matter of time before the sea brings him in.
When looking round his house Daniel realises his Dad has been looking into old cases and is shocked when his research has links to the boy at the service station.
There’s quite a few layers to this story and I liked how it all came together at the end.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Michael Joseph publishers for the opportunity to read this book.

The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North is a slow-burn thriller. I was expecting to be thrown into the action but it began slow, building up the tension. As the narrative unfolds, the story deepens in complexity and emotional resonance, drawing you into a haunting exploration of trauma, memory, and the thin line between reality and imagination.

By the final chapters, the pacing picks up considerably, delivering a satisfying conclusion.

The Man Made of Smoke is a thoughtful and eerie read, I would recommended to readers who appreciate atmosphere and a narrative that takes its time.

A gripping, gut-twisting thriller, The Man Made of Smoke will appeal to readers of MR Craven; it also reminded me in places of Karin Slaughter’s early work (if she was British). 3.5 stars rounded up.

Children are going missing with no clues about who the perpetrator is. Daniel Garvie a young boy sees the victim and is so scared by the man with him who is whistling a strange tune that he hides and both the man and the boy disappear. Years later Daniel is now a criminal profiler who is haunted by the decision he made as a child. However, when his father goes missing in a presumed suicide he realised that the past may be coming back to haunt him.

This was a really engaging and suspenseful novel. I really liked the details about Daniel and his father's relationship and how the incident as a child had shaped his adult life. I was also completely engrossed by the murderer's plan and the reasons for the killing. A gripping and thrilling novel which I had to finish in one sitting; 5 Stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

The Man Made Of Smoke really gave me the heebies! From the first chapter this book had a real sense of foreboding and uneasiness. Our main chap is a guy called Dan, a criminal psychiatrist who returns to his hometown when he’s informed that his father is missing. His return is accompanied by a trip down memory lane, when, as a teenager, he had an encounter with ‘the man made of smoke’. His encounter with the serial killer left him feeling guilt ridden and he spent years he obsessed over the man. As Dan starts to investigate what could have happened to his father it seems that every road points back to the man made of smoke.

This book brutally shot down three of my theories as to what the heck was going on! The plot just kept twisting out of reach. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as well. They felt so genuine and down to earth which was refreshing in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

The book sucked me in at the beginning with a very strong opening chapter that left me thinking this is going to be good. However, at the end I was left with questions that I would have loved answered.
The plot had huge potential but there were too many loose ends for me to say it was properly executed.

I don’t think running dialogue that the main character had going on in his head really worked either as it implied he had a close relationship with his dad and that his intuition was spot on everything single time he tried to work through what to do next.

At one point I did have a working theory as to how it would end but I am so glad I was proven wrong by a great twist.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book.