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Looking for Smoke
Win a free print copy of this book!
28 days and 12:46:24
5 copies available
U.S. only
Now a Reese's YA book club pick!
Since moving to the Blackfeet Reservation with her parents, Mara Racette has felt like an outsider, taunted by her tight-knit classmates for growing up far away. So, when a local girl includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet giveaway to honor her missing sister, Mara thinks she’ll finally make some friends.
Instead, a girl from the giveaway, Samantha White Tail, is found murdered.
Because the members of the giveaway group were the last to see Samantha alive, each becomes a person of interest in the investigation:
New-girl Mara, who hated Samantha for being particularly cruel.
Grief-stricken Loren Arnoux, who was Samantha’s best friend until her sister’s disappearance drove a wedge between them.
Class-clown Brody Clark, whose unreciprocated crush on Samantha is an open secret.
And tough-guy Eli First Kill, who has his own complicated history with Samantha.
Despite deep mistrust, the four must now take matters into their own hands and clear their names. Even though one of them may be the murderer.
In her powerful debut novel, Looking for Smoke, author K. A. Cobell (Blackfeet) weaves loss, betrayal, and complex characters into a mystery that will illuminate, surprise, and engage readers until the final word.
Since moving to the Blackfeet Reservation with her parents, Mara Racette has felt like an outsider, taunted by her tight-knit classmates for growing up far away. So, when a local girl includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet giveaway to honor her missing sister, Mara thinks she’ll finally make some friends.
Instead, a girl from the giveaway, Samantha White Tail, is found murdered.
Because the members of the giveaway group were the last to see Samantha alive, each becomes a person of interest in the investigation:
New-girl Mara, who hated Samantha for being particularly cruel.
Grief-stricken Loren Arnoux, who was Samantha’s best friend until her sister’s disappearance drove a wedge between them.
Class-clown Brody Clark, whose unreciprocated crush on Samantha is an open secret.
And tough-guy Eli First Kill, who has his own complicated history with Samantha.
Despite deep mistrust, the four must now take matters into their own hands and clear their names. Even though one of them may be the murderer.
In her powerful debut novel, Looking for Smoke, author K. A. Cobell (Blackfeet) weaves loss, betrayal, and complex characters into a mystery that will illuminate, surprise, and engage readers until the final word.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
About the author
K.A. Cobell
1 book94 followersK.A. Cobell, Staa’tssipisstaakii, is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she spends her time writing books, chasing her kids through the never-ending rain, and scouring the inlet beaches for sand dollars and hermit crabs. LOOKING FOR SMOKE, a Reese's Book Club pick, is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
September 18, 2024
Looking for Smoke is such a beautiful thriller, with heart wrenching realistic themes, paralleling the experience of indigenous women. To read about grief’s dual role in deteriorating one’s emotional health while simultaneously being a catalyst in resilience-building inspired me in so many ways.
The exposition of the different movements/projects (MMIW and the Two Feather Project), the Blackfeet festivities, and the different garments and accessories native to the indigenous culture really immersed me into this story. I felt my appreciation rise every time someone’s outfit was meticulously described.
Now, I want to talk about the themes:
The indigeneity throughout this book is met with a heavy, but intriguing tone. Seeing tradegies’ impact on the present communities and families was one thing, but realizing pain, trauma, confusion, and depression as a generational motif for these them, (dating back to the 1490s), adds another layer of depth to the indigenous experience. I will add though, the offender of these murders being of the same community was an interesting take.
This book illustrates the dichotomy of subjugation, where systems that are built to protect and seek out justice for communities in need are met with strong distrust for these systems. Even from the reader’s perspective, there were many instances throughout the book where the police department and enforcement seemed to not take these missing/murder cases seriously; nevertheless, this is a perfect plot device because K. A. Cobell drove these point-of-view chapters forward in such a great paced, edge-of-my-seat, thriller fashion.
This novel lays out the multilayered process of coping, where in Loren’s case, being the sister and friend to the murdered victims in the book, broke the linear bounds of grief with nuance. Tragedies of intimate death become linked fate, affecting not only the immediate family of these victims, but also the consciousness of everyone in the indigenous community.
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this and can’t wait for more releases from Cobell. I feel the best books you read are the ones that you didn’t plan on reading. Somehow they weave their way into your life and change your perspective in so many ways. I love when a debut novel hits! A new author and book to recommend and rave about!
The exposition of the different movements/projects (MMIW and the Two Feather Project), the Blackfeet festivities, and the different garments and accessories native to the indigenous culture really immersed me into this story. I felt my appreciation rise every time someone’s outfit was meticulously described.
Now, I want to talk about the themes:
The indigeneity throughout this book is met with a heavy, but intriguing tone. Seeing tradegies’ impact on the present communities and families was one thing, but realizing pain, trauma, confusion, and depression as a generational motif for these them, (dating back to the 1490s), adds another layer of depth to the indigenous experience. I will add though, the offender of these murders being of the same community was an interesting take.
This book illustrates the dichotomy of subjugation, where systems that are built to protect and seek out justice for communities in need are met with strong distrust for these systems. Even from the reader’s perspective, there were many instances throughout the book where the police department and enforcement seemed to not take these missing/murder cases seriously; nevertheless, this is a perfect plot device because K. A. Cobell drove these point-of-view chapters forward in such a great paced, edge-of-my-seat, thriller fashion.
This novel lays out the multilayered process of coping, where in Loren’s case, being the sister and friend to the murdered victims in the book, broke the linear bounds of grief with nuance. Tragedies of intimate death become linked fate, affecting not only the immediate family of these victims, but also the consciousness of everyone in the indigenous community.
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this and can’t wait for more releases from Cobell. I feel the best books you read are the ones that you didn’t plan on reading. Somehow they weave their way into your life and change your perspective in so many ways. I love when a debut novel hits! A new author and book to recommend and rave about!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
The second I saw this book's cover, I knew I had to read it. Coupled with the fact that this is a murder mystery inspired by the real Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement and an OwnVoices story from an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, I couldn't request this ARC fast enough.
I greatly enjoyed this story and felt that the author's ability to bring the reader into the culture of the Blackfeet was specifically exceptional. The story opens on the annual Indian Days celebration, which is a days-long festival that highlights the cultural traditions of the tribe. I was immediately pulled into the powwow, with the descriptions of the dancers and atmosphere creating an immediate, vivid image of the festivities.
The event that really sets off our story is a Giveaway, where members of a family that have suffered a recent loss honor their loved one by passing our gifts to the community. The Arnoux family has lost a grandfather and a daughter, with Rayanne Arnoux's disappearance still unsolved. Despite being new to the area and being only half Blackfeet, Maura is pulled into the Giveaway by Loren, Rayanne's sister, putting her squarely in the eye of suspicion when another young girl is found murdered after the event.
The story shifts perspectives between four teens; Maura, Loren, Eli, and Brody. Throughout the course of the story, you will suspect every single one of them, plus more characters on the side. The way this story and mystery are weaved truly had be questioning the culprit until very close to the end. I love when a story can keep the solution hidden without it feeling like the reader was deprived important information, and that is absolutely done here.
The story is definitely a slow burn and my one issue with it was the pacing. While the story does flow nicely in the first 25% and final ~30%, the middle of the book can feel slow at times. While some chapters introduce new information or build character relationships, some chapters rehash old information repeatedly and really only result in the POV character pointing fingers at someone else. Those chapters made me feel restless and I admit that I skimmed several chapters once it was clear that nothing new was going to be forthcoming.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book and I would absolutely recommend it to others. Actual teenaged readers might find themselves having a hard time getting through the middle of the book, but as an adult, I'm a bit more patient and willing to work through the slower parts to get to the resolution. Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for this DRC!
I greatly enjoyed this story and felt that the author's ability to bring the reader into the culture of the Blackfeet was specifically exceptional. The story opens on the annual Indian Days celebration, which is a days-long festival that highlights the cultural traditions of the tribe. I was immediately pulled into the powwow, with the descriptions of the dancers and atmosphere creating an immediate, vivid image of the festivities.
The event that really sets off our story is a Giveaway, where members of a family that have suffered a recent loss honor their loved one by passing our gifts to the community. The Arnoux family has lost a grandfather and a daughter, with Rayanne Arnoux's disappearance still unsolved. Despite being new to the area and being only half Blackfeet, Maura is pulled into the Giveaway by Loren, Rayanne's sister, putting her squarely in the eye of suspicion when another young girl is found murdered after the event.
The story shifts perspectives between four teens; Maura, Loren, Eli, and Brody. Throughout the course of the story, you will suspect every single one of them, plus more characters on the side. The way this story and mystery are weaved truly had be questioning the culprit until very close to the end. I love when a story can keep the solution hidden without it feeling like the reader was deprived important information, and that is absolutely done here.
The story is definitely a slow burn and my one issue with it was the pacing. While the story does flow nicely in the first 25% and final ~30%, the middle of the book can feel slow at times. While some chapters introduce new information or build character relationships, some chapters rehash old information repeatedly and really only result in the POV character pointing fingers at someone else. Those chapters made me feel restless and I admit that I skimmed several chapters once it was clear that nothing new was going to be forthcoming.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book and I would absolutely recommend it to others. Actual teenaged readers might find themselves having a hard time getting through the middle of the book, but as an adult, I'm a bit more patient and willing to work through the slower parts to get to the resolution. Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for this DRC!
August 23, 2024
“Looking for Smoke” is a story that is unique, enlightening, as well as riveting in so many ways! First, it’s characters are Native American, which is wonderful and refreshing on its own. As someone who has grown up with, loved and taught many in the Native American tribes, I found the characters, situations and the world described to be surprisingly accurate and realistic. Plus, it deals with the abhorrent fact that a horrifically large number of Native American girls and women are murdered each year and either the cases are never solved and/or the women are never found. This problem has been known and talked about for as long as I can remember but it never seems to get better! It is most often just blamed on the loopholes in the law between the U.S. and the reservations, then forgotten.
That is why this story is so important. If FINALLY shines at least a little light on the plight of NA women while weaving a fictional murder mystery within the world of the Blackfeet reservation. The author focuses on a group of teenagers, giving each their own point of view as they first deal with a missing older sibling, and then the death of one of their own. While continually switching between four different POVs does slow the reading down considerably, it allows for much added depth of understanding, as well. It also keeps one on their toes as each becomes a suspect in their own way.
There are twists and turns that are completely surprising and lead in so many different directions that even the best sleuth might be surprised! Admittedly, there are still a few threads left hanging (what happened to all the paraphernalia in the storage barn?) and the ending could have been given a bit more time to answer questions such as where the rifle and/or all the fingerprints went and if the actual truth was ever told, etc. But even so, it is a reading ride that is definitely worth taking. Kudos to Ms. Cobell for tackling such difficult subject matter in such a compelling way!
That is why this story is so important. If FINALLY shines at least a little light on the plight of NA women while weaving a fictional murder mystery within the world of the Blackfeet reservation. The author focuses on a group of teenagers, giving each their own point of view as they first deal with a missing older sibling, and then the death of one of their own. While continually switching between four different POVs does slow the reading down considerably, it allows for much added depth of understanding, as well. It also keeps one on their toes as each becomes a suspect in their own way.
There are twists and turns that are completely surprising and lead in so many different directions that even the best sleuth might be surprised! Admittedly, there are still a few threads left hanging (what happened to all the paraphernalia in the storage barn?) and the ending could have been given a bit more time to answer questions such as where the rifle and/or all the fingerprints went and if the actual truth was ever told, etc. But even so, it is a reading ride that is definitely worth taking. Kudos to Ms. Cobell for tackling such difficult subject matter in such a compelling way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
“Hopefully awareness will spread. She waves her fan of eagle feather in the air to the drum beat, her braids bouncing against her chest in the same rhythm. The jingle dress dance brings healing. She’s dancing for Samantha’s family and for her own. She’s dancing for our community, for our tribe, for all the other tribes battling the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women. She’s dancing for all of the stolen sisters out there.”
During the annual Indian Days celebration on the Blackfeet Reservation, a group of teenagers become suspects for a murdered teenager just months after another teenage girl went missing. Looking For Smoke is a multiple POV YA thriller that follows the teens as they jump into action to solve the mystery because they can’t put any trust into the authorities. They don’t know who to believe when one of their own may be the culprit. Everything takes place within a week or two in a whirlwind. Not only is this book entertaining, the type to keep you on the edge of your seat, but it also sheds light on the very serious issue of the extremely high rate of Indigenous women and girls that go missing and/or face violence and murder. This is one of the most important books I’ve read this year, and I hope you all will read it and educate yourselves about this epidemic. You can visit kacobell.com or follow the #MMIW hashtag for more information and resources.
During the annual Indian Days celebration on the Blackfeet Reservation, a group of teenagers become suspects for a murdered teenager just months after another teenage girl went missing. Looking For Smoke is a multiple POV YA thriller that follows the teens as they jump into action to solve the mystery because they can’t put any trust into the authorities. They don’t know who to believe when one of their own may be the culprit. Everything takes place within a week or two in a whirlwind. Not only is this book entertaining, the type to keep you on the edge of your seat, but it also sheds light on the very serious issue of the extremely high rate of Indigenous women and girls that go missing and/or face violence and murder. This is one of the most important books I’ve read this year, and I hope you all will read it and educate yourselves about this epidemic. You can visit kacobell.com or follow the #MMIW hashtag for more information and resources.
June 6, 2024
Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell
Thank you so much @BookSparks #SRC2024 #GameSetRead
Blurb:
In her powerful debut novel, Looking for Smoke, author K. A. Cobell (Blackfeet) weaves loss, betrayal, and complex characters into a thriller that will illuminate, surprise, and engage readers until the final word.
✨ My thoughts:
This story is all consuming and trust me, you will not want to put it down. It’s engaging and entertaining as all hell, sure. But it also sheds lights on how broke the justice system is, making this also a frustrating and heartbreaking read. This is a work of fiction but these stories happen in real life so just be prepared to fell all of the things. I loved the multiple POVs, I felt like it made for a deeper story than I was anticipating and I am here for all of the layers this book has to offer. It’s the cover that’ll draw you in and the twists that’ll keep your eyes glued to the pages. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself immersed in these pages, only to realize you forgot to come up for air. This is a book you’ll want to read this year, Looking for Smoke is out NOW!
Happy reading 📖
Thank you so much @BookSparks #SRC2024 #GameSetRead
Blurb:
In her powerful debut novel, Looking for Smoke, author K. A. Cobell (Blackfeet) weaves loss, betrayal, and complex characters into a thriller that will illuminate, surprise, and engage readers until the final word.
✨ My thoughts:
This story is all consuming and trust me, you will not want to put it down. It’s engaging and entertaining as all hell, sure. But it also sheds lights on how broke the justice system is, making this also a frustrating and heartbreaking read. This is a work of fiction but these stories happen in real life so just be prepared to fell all of the things. I loved the multiple POVs, I felt like it made for a deeper story than I was anticipating and I am here for all of the layers this book has to offer. It’s the cover that’ll draw you in and the twists that’ll keep your eyes glued to the pages. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself immersed in these pages, only to realize you forgot to come up for air. This is a book you’ll want to read this year, Looking for Smoke is out NOW!
Happy reading 📖
July 3, 2024
What a great debut that wanted to shed light on what happens to missing indigenous women. The story does start out slow, but as the ball gets rolling you become engrossed in each of the four teenager's lives. It's crazy to hear what they had to go through, and even though this was a fictional story I'm sure some of these things truly do happen! I'd highly recommend, especially if you want to read more about indigenous peoples.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 15, 2024
WOW. incredible writing. incredible story. important issues. highly recommend.
July 12, 2024
What an amazing and thrilling summer read! This book addresses several sensitive topics in an informative and respectful way and masterfully intertwines mystery and the pressing reality of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Woman movement. The multiple points of view in this story slowly reveal the secrets of this tight-knit community and will have you gripping the edge of your seat.
June 11, 2024
This was a moving #ownvoices YA debut from a member of the Blackfeet Nation that focuses on the real life problem of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW).
Told from multiple POVs, this was a layered, compelling and twisty murder mystery that sees different teens trying to prove their innocence when the body of a girl they were all last seen with turns up dead.
Great on audio, with a fantastic cover, this book is perfect for fans of true crime podcasts and authors like Angeline Boulley and Jen Ferguson. Highly recommended and I can't wait to read more from this promising new writer!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Told from multiple POVs, this was a layered, compelling and twisty murder mystery that sees different teens trying to prove their innocence when the body of a girl they were all last seen with turns up dead.
Great on audio, with a fantastic cover, this book is perfect for fans of true crime podcasts and authors like Angeline Boulley and Jen Ferguson. Highly recommended and I can't wait to read more from this promising new writer!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 3, 2024
I don’t read a lot of thrillers, but when I do, it’s for sure I will have ZERO idea who the killer is until it’s finally revealed 😂.
Now, I felt like this was a bit slow for a mystery/thriller. There were a lot of side plots going on, but it’s YA so we have to have a little romance and family drama.
There were also a lot of POV and sometimes that was hard to keep track of. We get like four people’s POV throughout the novel.
The ending though? Solid. At first I thought they were going to leave us hanging with a loose thread but nope, wrapped up in a perfect bow.
This was well written and had me guessing the entire time. The reveal threw me cause I was NOT expecting it.
If you like thrillers I recommend picking this one up!
Now, I felt like this was a bit slow for a mystery/thriller. There were a lot of side plots going on, but it’s YA so we have to have a little romance and family drama.
There were also a lot of POV and sometimes that was hard to keep track of. We get like four people’s POV throughout the novel.
The ending though? Solid. At first I thought they were going to leave us hanging with a loose thread but nope, wrapped up in a perfect bow.
This was well written and had me guessing the entire time. The reveal threw me cause I was NOT expecting it.
If you like thrillers I recommend picking this one up!
May 6, 2024
4.5 Stars
This book was engrossing, and unputdownable. Told from the perspectives of 4 Indigenous (Blackfeet) teens, this book starts off at “Indian Days”, a festival celebrating and honouring the Blackfeet culture and community. A teenage girl from this community has been missing for months, and her sister, their childhood friends, and new girl, Mara, get swept up in the current of a dangerous mystery, when another teen girl is found dead during the festival, and the four of them are among the prime suspects.
Tense and intense, this book will have you at the edge of your seat. The story is so immersive, you’ll suddenly look up and realize you’ve stayed up 2 hours past your bedtime. The characters are all so compelling and flawed and deeply humanly imperfect. There were so many twists and turns, and I really did NOT see most of them coming. It’s a long and dense book, packed full of a LOT of story, but despite that, there were a few threads I wish we’d been able to follow a bit more, and a few storylines I wish we’d seen develop more. This was an excellent debut that tackles themes of grief, loss, trauma, identity, responsibility, and more. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
This is a story about MMIWG (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), an epidemic that is not taken seriously enough, or given the care or consideration it deserves. This is a story about the people who are forgotten, or left behind in the legacies of trauma, pain, racism, and colonialism. As such, it covers some difficult, complex, and painful topics, and was occasionally hard to read.
Content warnings for racism, (attempted) sexual assault, child abandonment, murders, death, violence, blood, colonialism, violence against animals, and more.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book was engrossing, and unputdownable. Told from the perspectives of 4 Indigenous (Blackfeet) teens, this book starts off at “Indian Days”, a festival celebrating and honouring the Blackfeet culture and community. A teenage girl from this community has been missing for months, and her sister, their childhood friends, and new girl, Mara, get swept up in the current of a dangerous mystery, when another teen girl is found dead during the festival, and the four of them are among the prime suspects.
Tense and intense, this book will have you at the edge of your seat. The story is so immersive, you’ll suddenly look up and realize you’ve stayed up 2 hours past your bedtime. The characters are all so compelling and flawed and deeply humanly imperfect. There were so many twists and turns, and I really did NOT see most of them coming. It’s a long and dense book, packed full of a LOT of story, but despite that, there were a few threads I wish we’d been able to follow a bit more, and a few storylines I wish we’d seen develop more. This was an excellent debut that tackles themes of grief, loss, trauma, identity, responsibility, and more. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
This is a story about MMIWG (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), an epidemic that is not taken seriously enough, or given the care or consideration it deserves. This is a story about the people who are forgotten, or left behind in the legacies of trauma, pain, racism, and colonialism. As such, it covers some difficult, complex, and painful topics, and was occasionally hard to read.
Content warnings for racism, (attempted) sexual assault, child abandonment, murders, death, violence, blood, colonialism, violence against animals, and more.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest feedback.
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars
This book came out of nowhere and caught me completely off guard in the best way possible. The slow burn of the mystery was matched by its unparalleled and realistic setting. You could breathe in the atmosphere immediately and it set the tone perfectly. The real issue of MMIW is a fantastic backdrop for this modern day thriller. My only thing was I couldn't keep up with the twists! Not a bad thing, my brain just needs to be faster. Would highly recommend to anyone of any age looking for a story with a strong message and even better mystery. Plus that last chapter. Chef's kiss perfection!
This book came out of nowhere and caught me completely off guard in the best way possible. The slow burn of the mystery was matched by its unparalleled and realistic setting. You could breathe in the atmosphere immediately and it set the tone perfectly. The real issue of MMIW is a fantastic backdrop for this modern day thriller. My only thing was I couldn't keep up with the twists! Not a bad thing, my brain just needs to be faster. Would highly recommend to anyone of any age looking for a story with a strong message and even better mystery. Plus that last chapter. Chef's kiss perfection!
July 15, 2024
A YA mystery with all kinds of drama?
Okay, I'll bite.
This starts out with a bang and never really lets go.
Rich characters with a community tied together and yet sparse, all very well developed.
I was guessing who done it right till the end.
Much love to FrenzyBooks and Harper Collins Canada for my ARC.
Okay, I'll bite.
This starts out with a bang and never really lets go.
Rich characters with a community tied together and yet sparse, all very well developed.
I was guessing who done it right till the end.
Much love to FrenzyBooks and Harper Collins Canada for my ARC.
July 18, 2024
If you care about anything at all, let it be about the ongoing awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
• Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence
•Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women
Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner
•Native American women's bodies are 135% more likely to be unidentified than the bodies of women of other racial or ethnic groups in the U.S.
So yes, this book is vital. A great YA to open the conversation to anyone interested 👏🏼
• Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence
•Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women
Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner
•Native American women's bodies are 135% more likely to be unidentified than the bodies of women of other racial or ethnic groups in the U.S.
So yes, this book is vital. A great YA to open the conversation to anyone interested 👏🏼
July 1, 2024
damn this was good. the writing, the atmosphere, the styling - something about the author's choice of sentence structure kept me hooked the whole time and unable to put it down.
also that ending though??? I really look forward to more stories from Cobell.
also that ending though??? I really look forward to more stories from Cobell.
June 12, 2024
Book Review
Looking for Smoke by KA Cobell
Tropes and Triggers
MMIW
Indigenous MCs (Blackfeet)
YA or New Adult
Neglect, drug use, foster care, bullying
Murder, missing persons
Generational trauma
PTSD- not diagnosed or specifically stated but present
Mental Health issues
Thoughts
I binged this read in one afternoon!
I cant believe its a debut!
This book drew me in with its socially relevant subject matter. The writing and pace were fluid and time disappeared while I sunk between the covers of this book. The author delved into a variety of complex issues faced by Indigenous people with obvious care and compassion. Cobell’s respect and love for her Blackfeet culture shines through her words.
I Loved the use of “smoke” throughout book- as a description for behavioural traits, spiritual references, actions- the author consistently embedded the word through the story making connections between relationships and people as she went- this strategy caught my attention right away - each time it was used my ears perked up and I knew something significant was happening
Was this intentional? Who knows … but it felt purposeful whenever I came across it.
Overall
This book was a pleasure to read 😊
And not just for YA audiences
Thanks to @frenzy @netgalley for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own
Looking for Smoke by KA Cobell
Tropes and Triggers
MMIW
Indigenous MCs (Blackfeet)
YA or New Adult
Neglect, drug use, foster care, bullying
Murder, missing persons
Generational trauma
PTSD- not diagnosed or specifically stated but present
Mental Health issues
Thoughts
I binged this read in one afternoon!
I cant believe its a debut!
This book drew me in with its socially relevant subject matter. The writing and pace were fluid and time disappeared while I sunk between the covers of this book. The author delved into a variety of complex issues faced by Indigenous people with obvious care and compassion. Cobell’s respect and love for her Blackfeet culture shines through her words.
I Loved the use of “smoke” throughout book- as a description for behavioural traits, spiritual references, actions- the author consistently embedded the word through the story making connections between relationships and people as she went- this strategy caught my attention right away - each time it was used my ears perked up and I knew something significant was happening
Was this intentional? Who knows … but it felt purposeful whenever I came across it.
Overall
This book was a pleasure to read 😊
And not just for YA audiences
Thanks to @frenzy @netgalley for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own
June 1, 2024
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
This book was so incredible. If you liked The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, Looking for Smoke goes hand in hand as another novel where a teen girl has to figure out what is happening in her community. Looking for Smoke follows Mara Racette, recently moved to the Blackfeet Rez in Browning, Loren Arnoux, whose older sister went missing three months earlier, Brody Clark, who has a crush on Loren and the joker of their friend group, and Eli First Kill, whose biggest concern is his younger sister. During Indian Days weekend, Loren’s family honors the memory of her grandfather by doing a giveaway, and soon afterward Samantha White Tail, Loren’s best friend, is found murdered. The FBI gets involved because unlike with Rayanne’s disappearance, there is a body and a chance for the agent on the case to pretend like he cares.
One of the elements I really loved (as much as it breaks my heart) is how much we’re shown the justice system is broken and doesn’t care about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Relatives (MMIWG2S). The community doesn’t trust law enforcement to care and put any real effort into solving the case; they just want to close the case, which isn’t the same thing. We also see all kinds of ripple effects within the community as distrust is capitalized on and information comes to light.
These four teens are all so complex and dealing with multiple situations. Eli was honestly my favorite character in the book because he cares so deeply for his sister, Cherie, and is so obviously one of those people who burns the candle at both ends to protect her and keep her as happy as he can in the situation they’re in. I really enjoyed all the complexity of the characters and the different ways they came at their efforts in solving the murders of Rayanne and Samantha.
The mystery kept me guessing and was so messy in the end! That final chapter is such a doozy, and putting all the pieces together…woah! This was truly so amazing and a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I look forward to more from K.A. Cobell!
This book was so incredible. If you liked The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, Looking for Smoke goes hand in hand as another novel where a teen girl has to figure out what is happening in her community. Looking for Smoke follows Mara Racette, recently moved to the Blackfeet Rez in Browning, Loren Arnoux, whose older sister went missing three months earlier, Brody Clark, who has a crush on Loren and the joker of their friend group, and Eli First Kill, whose biggest concern is his younger sister. During Indian Days weekend, Loren’s family honors the memory of her grandfather by doing a giveaway, and soon afterward Samantha White Tail, Loren’s best friend, is found murdered. The FBI gets involved because unlike with Rayanne’s disappearance, there is a body and a chance for the agent on the case to pretend like he cares.
One of the elements I really loved (as much as it breaks my heart) is how much we’re shown the justice system is broken and doesn’t care about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Relatives (MMIWG2S). The community doesn’t trust law enforcement to care and put any real effort into solving the case; they just want to close the case, which isn’t the same thing. We also see all kinds of ripple effects within the community as distrust is capitalized on and information comes to light.
These four teens are all so complex and dealing with multiple situations. Eli was honestly my favorite character in the book because he cares so deeply for his sister, Cherie, and is so obviously one of those people who burns the candle at both ends to protect her and keep her as happy as he can in the situation they’re in. I really enjoyed all the complexity of the characters and the different ways they came at their efforts in solving the murders of Rayanne and Samantha.
The mystery kept me guessing and was so messy in the end! That final chapter is such a doozy, and putting all the pieces together…woah! This was truly so amazing and a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I look forward to more from K.A. Cobell!
July 24, 2024
3.5
Classic whodunnit solved by some teens. Enjoyable but not phenomenal
Classic whodunnit solved by some teens. Enjoyable but not phenomenal
August 5, 2024
"You're Blackfeet, Mara Racette. Nobody can take that from you."
Thank you to Epic Reads & K.A. Cobell for getting this book into my hands.
Looking for Smoke is a thriller that seeps into the mind and heart as you read through. Beautiful descriptions of powwow dances, sacred traditions, and heart-wrenching scenes of loss. There are so many quotes I loved. Cobell weaves through the four perspectives, Mara, Loren, Eli and Brody-with a fifth "unknown" perspective. I tried to piece together who the murderer could be. I had a suspicion of who it could be and I was right. Cobell brings up MMIW awareness with grace and a long lasting vitality that sticks with you long after reading. I cried, sobbed, I felt extreme anger, I was hopeful, and the ending was incredibly touching. Looking for Smoke is a 2024 favorite!!
Thank you to Epic Reads & K.A. Cobell for getting this book into my hands.
Looking for Smoke is a thriller that seeps into the mind and heart as you read through. Beautiful descriptions of powwow dances, sacred traditions, and heart-wrenching scenes of loss. There are so many quotes I loved. Cobell weaves through the four perspectives, Mara, Loren, Eli and Brody-with a fifth "unknown" perspective. I tried to piece together who the murderer could be. I had a suspicion of who it could be and I was right. Cobell brings up MMIW awareness with grace and a long lasting vitality that sticks with you long after reading. I cried, sobbed, I felt extreme anger, I was hopeful, and the ending was incredibly touching. Looking for Smoke is a 2024 favorite!!
July 23, 2024
YA mystery inspired by the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women movement - four Ingenious teens become persons of interest when they are the last to see Samatha alive on the Blackfeet reservation.
Thoughts :
✨Complex whodunit
✨Multiple POV with compelling backstories
✨Blackfeet Culture
✨Unique use of “smoke” woven through the story
✨Themes of b elonging, family, community, respect, and resilience
✨Awareness to MMIW
✨Full Cast Narration - highly recommend
Bottom Line: Powerful YA mystery highlighting MMIW! It’s Good! - 4 ⭐
Thoughts :
✨Complex whodunit
✨Multiple POV with compelling backstories
✨Blackfeet Culture
✨Unique use of “smoke” woven through the story
✨Themes of b elonging, family, community, respect, and resilience
✨Awareness to MMIW
✨Full Cast Narration - highly recommend
Bottom Line: Powerful YA mystery highlighting MMIW! It’s Good! - 4 ⭐
August 30, 2024
i was so pleased my suspects were indeed the correct culprits LOL
That is not to say the murder mystery aspect wasn’t well-done, because it was. I just like when a book keeps me mulling over the culprit(s) but my original gut suspicions are correct. The pacing in the middle third or so was on the slow side, not in a bad way, just an observation. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better, particularly Eli and Mara. (also, we love Loren’s grandma, yup yup. She’s great!)
A lovely debut novel and I will happily check out whatever the author releases next!
That is not to say the murder mystery aspect wasn’t well-done, because it was. I just like when a book keeps me mulling over the culprit(s) but my original gut suspicions are correct. The pacing in the middle third or so was on the slow side, not in a bad way, just an observation. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better, particularly Eli and Mara. (also, we love Loren’s grandma, yup yup. She’s great!)
A lovely debut novel and I will happily check out whatever the author releases next!
August 28, 2024
Stunningly emotional read. Very strong rec for YA readers, this thriller is tense all the way until the culmination of the story. Dealing with the important topic of MMIW this book is handled with care and thought provoking for younger and adult readers. Strong, strong strong characters. Set in multiple perspectives too that gives you a real deep insight into them. Honestly finished this audiobook in my car and had to sit and gather myself for a few moments after. Just wonderful.
June 14, 2024
3.5 stars
This book tackles the MMIW movement (murdered and missing Indigenous women). The statistics for how many Indigenous women are assaulted or worse is horrifying and I think the plot does a great job of helping you get into someone else's shoes who's experiencing this. Uplifting BIPOC authors and stories is so important and I am glad to have read this.
The mystery sometimes felt like it took a backseat to interpersonal relationships and I would have liked a bit more action involved. The two main male characters got a bit mixed up to me and I think they could have been differentiated more. I did like getting the prospective of a character that felt like an outsider for not having grown up on the reservation and I liked finding out that it was based on the author's real experiences.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Heartdrum and NetGalley for the copy.
This book tackles the MMIW movement (murdered and missing Indigenous women). The statistics for how many Indigenous women are assaulted or worse is horrifying and I think the plot does a great job of helping you get into someone else's shoes who's experiencing this. Uplifting BIPOC authors and stories is so important and I am glad to have read this.
The mystery sometimes felt like it took a backseat to interpersonal relationships and I would have liked a bit more action involved. The two main male characters got a bit mixed up to me and I think they could have been differentiated more. I did like getting the prospective of a character that felt like an outsider for not having grown up on the reservation and I liked finding out that it was based on the author's real experiences.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Heartdrum and NetGalley for the copy.
April 14, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.
Looking for Smoke is a fast paced debut novel that starts out pretty quickly with the murder of a teenage girl during the Indian Days celebration.
It changes perspectives between four of the murdered girl's classmates, and one unknown narrator. One of the perspectives is Loren, whose sister has been missing for three months, and is best friends with Samantha, who was the girl murdered at the celebration.
Mara is another narrator. She just recently moved to the reservation with her parents. The last two narrators, Brody, and Eli First Kill, are cousins and each others' best friends. These three all have secrets they need to keep hidden.
The four narrators somewhat band together to try to find out who the killer is. I thought I had the mystery solved several times throughout the book, but I'm not very good at that.
Overall, I really enjoyed how fast paced it was. I would recommend it.
Looking for Smoke is a fast paced debut novel that starts out pretty quickly with the murder of a teenage girl during the Indian Days celebration.
It changes perspectives between four of the murdered girl's classmates, and one unknown narrator. One of the perspectives is Loren, whose sister has been missing for three months, and is best friends with Samantha, who was the girl murdered at the celebration.
Mara is another narrator. She just recently moved to the reservation with her parents. The last two narrators, Brody, and Eli First Kill, are cousins and each others' best friends. These three all have secrets they need to keep hidden.
The four narrators somewhat band together to try to find out who the killer is. I thought I had the mystery solved several times throughout the book, but I'm not very good at that.
Overall, I really enjoyed how fast paced it was. I would recommend it.
December 17, 2023
This was an incredible story about four teens of the Blackfeet reservation dealing with missing and murdered girls, inspired by the devastating real-life statistics about how much more likely Native women are to experience violence.
Told in 4 alternating POVs, this story eases us into the world of teens on a reservation—and then the action starts in. We have Mara, new to the reservation and feeling like an outsider; Loren, sister of the first missing girl; Brody, who lives in the shadow of his brother; and Eli, who has a temper but is just trying to hold things together for his little sister. Through their eyes we try and figure out who is abducting and killing girls on the Blackfeet reservation. We shift from suspect to suspect, all while exploring the inner lives of these teens, some of whom have been dealt a bad hand in life. An often brutal but at times hopeful story that I hope will do as the author says she intends: shed light on the real-life injustices faced by Native women today.
Told in 4 alternating POVs, this story eases us into the world of teens on a reservation—and then the action starts in. We have Mara, new to the reservation and feeling like an outsider; Loren, sister of the first missing girl; Brody, who lives in the shadow of his brother; and Eli, who has a temper but is just trying to hold things together for his little sister. Through their eyes we try and figure out who is abducting and killing girls on the Blackfeet reservation. We shift from suspect to suspect, all while exploring the inner lives of these teens, some of whom have been dealt a bad hand in life. An often brutal but at times hopeful story that I hope will do as the author says she intends: shed light on the real-life injustices faced by Native women today.
March 31, 2024
Thank you to KA Cobell and to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book!
Weaving together deep character work and compelling, page-turning mystery, this book is truly special. Each of the four POV characters was fully realized and deeply sympathetic, and I was as eager as they were to find the killer and see justice rendered. Cobell managed to surprise me about the identity of the killer with some deft red herrings, and I really enjoyed watching the answers slowly become revealed.
The lives -- and deaths -- portrayed in this book will stay with me.
Thanks again!
Weaving together deep character work and compelling, page-turning mystery, this book is truly special. Each of the four POV characters was fully realized and deeply sympathetic, and I was as eager as they were to find the killer and see justice rendered. Cobell managed to surprise me about the identity of the killer with some deft red herrings, and I really enjoyed watching the answers slowly become revealed.
The lives -- and deaths -- portrayed in this book will stay with me.
Thanks again!
June 20, 2024
Told through the perspective of four Blackfeet teens as well as snippets from a true crime podcast, Looking for Smoke is a deeply moving debut novel that brings attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Cobell crafts a compelling, masterful story full of complex characters you’ll find yourself rooting for and twists that will keep you guessing. Absolutely riveting!
July 27, 2024
Moving, powerful, informative, and emotionally charged YA thriller about four Indigenous teens from the Blackfeet Nation, who find themselves at the center of a murder investigation for one of their classmates while still grieving the loss of another classmate/sister. The themes about identity, belonging, community, inequality and justice. This book raises awareness of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis. Deeply impactful debut novel by K.A. Cobell.
January 29, 2024
What a powerful and heart wrenching story. I’ve made it a goal to read more Indigenous voices and this was perfect. The characters all faced so many struggles that are too real. It kept me guessing until the end, and I would happily return to the Blackfeet culture for another book!
Perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter!
Perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter!
June 26, 2024
A powerful and moving book that blends a fictional mystery with the tragic reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Looking for Smoke follows four teenagers, offering first person narrative for each, as they find themselves at the center of a murder investigation for one of their classmates while still grieving the loss of another classmate/sister. The raw emotions found within, describing each character's way of navigating their grief, the terror of their new reality, suspicion of everyone around them, and isolation as they fight to protect themselves and those they love.
I got chills throughout.
The only thing holding me back from a full 5 stars is the pacing. Jumping between perspectives so rapidly, while providing context for characters actions, pulled away from the story at certain parts - lessening the effect of the narrative. I found myself wishing to read more about the reactions to scenes from one POV, but instead moving to another character/setting instead. And multiple times I jumped back to the last time a character's POV occurred to remind myself of where they were coming from.
That being said!!--- This book is 100% worth the read! And I am definitely adding it to my re-read list.
I think every high-school student could benefit from the opportunity to read this book, and engage with the messages within.
#indigoemploysee
Looking for Smoke follows four teenagers, offering first person narrative for each, as they find themselves at the center of a murder investigation for one of their classmates while still grieving the loss of another classmate/sister. The raw emotions found within, describing each character's way of navigating their grief, the terror of their new reality, suspicion of everyone around them, and isolation as they fight to protect themselves and those they love.
I got chills throughout.
The only thing holding me back from a full 5 stars is the pacing. Jumping between perspectives so rapidly, while providing context for characters actions, pulled away from the story at certain parts - lessening the effect of the narrative. I found myself wishing to read more about the reactions to scenes from one POV, but instead moving to another character/setting instead. And multiple times I jumped back to the last time a character's POV occurred to remind myself of where they were coming from.
That being said!!--- This book is 100% worth the read! And I am definitely adding it to my re-read list.
I think every high-school student could benefit from the opportunity to read this book, and engage with the messages within.
#indigoemploysee
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