3.7/5
I quiet liked this anthology of short stories, each ending with a twist. First few twists were new, and then I understood that each of them will end it in that way.
I quiet loved some of the stories, and some one ok. I love reading short stories, as it tells a lot about author and it's capability to define a story in such short of pages.

Pick up, if you love a end which can leave you heartbroken, or shock, or happiness, or even in a magical state.

Full review to follow soon

The first stories were so good and moving that I was prepared to declare this one of my favorite collections of short stories. The rest did not deliver.

What a fun adventure it was to read this book of short stories! I've shied away from reading many short story anthologies in the past, but I've become more interested in them as I've gotten older. A good short story can leave you immensely satisfied when you don't have a lot of time, or when you're not in the mood to delve deeply into a novel.

Stealing Smokes: Some Surprising Short Stories is an apt title for this book, as almost every story ended with some sort of surprise. There were stories ending with a touch of the magical and mystical, some ending in heartbreak, some ending in shock and some in laughter. All of them dealt with the human condition, and sometimes I recognized myself (not always positively) in a character. I read each story with anticipation, knowing that something at the end would jar me in one way or another.

Thanks to NetGalley and Digital Strategies Limited/IBPA/Members' Titles for an ARC in exchange for my review.

the first thing that attracted me to this book was definitely the cover, a car very recognisible from my youth. So initially with the title and the cover, I thought it was going to be an autobiographical work, reminiiscing about a misspent youth or suchlike . Then I read the blurb, realise it is a series of short stories by a guy in New Zealand. I think I'll give it a go, even though I live on the other side of the world to this gentleman, and may not hold too much common ground.
It isn't often that I come across such an entertaining book, I would have guessed it was slightly autobiographical, John even refers to certain characters being actual people. I did find too that the author portrayed quite clearly a lot of flaws that show in people's characters as we travel through life.
A few little interesting stories, some rather surreal, drawing a little from that kind of angels looking down upon us, Mitch Albanesque type vibe going on. Though very entertaining all the same.
Mr. Hanlon seems to have a finger on a pulse that many of us can associate with, especially some of us in the more mature bracket. He also seems to have a sense of humour that tuned in with me. I laughed out loud many times reading it.
Well done John, you have a quality in writing that seems more and more at a lack these days, and that is to be a writer who can communicate with the reader. Too many writers these days are stuck in their own self-indulgence and importance, that they rapidly forget that it is a readership they are writing for. 10/10 for effort in that area.
So from across the seas, I give it five stars from all of us here in the old country. Of course, John, if you ever find yourself in Dublin, give us a shout and we'll talk books over a pint of the black stuff! All the best, and well done!

Read this and other reviews by myself at- https://wordpress.com/view/booksandmoviestoday.wordpress.com