This was an interesting read that focused on current social issues surrounding cops framing and harming black lives. It was interesting to hear a point of view of someone who got caught in the crossfires of what ended up a murder investigation! The innocent love story tangled in with Mo and Coop was sweet. I found the book took a long time to grow speed. The story was a little stagnant and redundant at time with small facts or moving situations, like the small discoveries they were having, until the last few chapters. I did have jaw drop moment finding out who Rah really was! That did completely shock me and made a great twist in the story. A great read for young readers.

Up in Smoke written by Nick Brooks releases in May 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an Avanced Readers Copy (ARC). These thoughts are my own, and I am not getting payment for review.

Intrigued by the book recommendation for fans of Karen McManus, I was instantly drawn into the cover. Ash laden footprints with the brief description of “unmask a murderer or take the fall”. A girl determined to clear her brother's name. A boy determined to keep his out of the line of fire. A secret smoldering between them. Seemed like a perfect equation for a captivating book.

The story is told in duel points of view by Monique frequently referred to as Mo and Cooper referenced as Coop throughout the novel. Both characters are at a peaceful protest when things take a turn for both characters. Monique’s brother Jason is the prime suspect for murder. Cooper’s involvement tests morals, relationships, and questions life as he knows it.

Both Monique and Cooper are determined to clear Jason’s name the duo goes sleuthing into the case of the unsolved murder. The girl next door relationship builds as their pursuit to free Jason progresses throughout the story.

The story is thought provoking and recommended.

A perfect mix of crime solving, romance and a relevant storyline for today. The character development allowed us to cheer each on as they evolved. I swear I know a Coop, Mo and Jay in my own life. Well done!

This is a fast paced YA thriller that will keep you engrossed until the end. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows Cooper who gets talked into going on a looting spree by his best friend Jason. During a protest, all go south while they are looting when gunshots ring out and a young woman is k!lled. Monique, Jason’s sister and Cooper’s longtime crush gets involved when Jason is a suspect for the murder. This story is told in dual POV by Cooper and Monique as they are trying to find the true k!ller and prove Jason and Cooper’s innocence.

I enjoyed reading the author’s writing as it kept me guessing throughout with all the twists of the story. I was able to feel the emotions of both Cooper and Monique and the heaviness of societal issues. Through the depth of the writing I was able to feel connected to the characters and was rooting for them the whole time.

If you enjoy a well written thriller you will enjoy this. This would even be good to listen to on audio.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

We're introduced to four young guys. Caught up in the inner city life of Washington during a summer of riots and protests, that quickly goes wrong. There's murder, injustice, lies and deception. It's a fast paced poignant tale of the all to real and recent societal events. A book of fighting for justice and what is right, no matter how hard it may seem.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley. All thoughts on this book are my own. I love getting in to a book not knowing anything prior about it or the author and devouring it! This book was a fantastic who done it. The first few chapters of this book I thought it was going to be all political which it is to a degree but that is not my preference. Turned out to be a great murder mystery that even leans a little YA so the audience can be wider. I really enjoyed this book!

Listen! I love a good suspenseful book and you delivered just that! It was written perfectly and allowed me to immerse myself in the story. The characters, I believe were relatable and made you feel like you really knew them. Up in Smoke could be a continuation of The Hate U Give.

Overall, this was an excellent read that got straight to the point.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC book. I'm sorry to say it just did not grab me. This story about a mostly good Black kid being at the wrong place at the wrong time at what should have been a peaceful rally never hit the mark. A murder occurs, who is to blame, is there a cover up?? I didn't feel the tension of this racially driven story about poor decisions and unfair police bias.

Up in Smoke is a YA Thriller that takes place during the summer, in DC. Dual POVs follow two teens and lifelong friends Cooper and Monique. Cooper gets wrapped up in trouble and secrets when he chooses to be the lookout for friends that are up to no good. Suddenly he’s part of something he never wanted and is lying to people he loves to keep the secret. One thing he didn’t expect though, was for someone to wind up murdered and his own friend to be accused of the crime.

The story continues at a fast pace, while the teens attempt to uncover truths and find out who the real killer is. What they find seems to point to Corruption— but how far does it go?

While the book is aimed at 14-18 year olds, and not younger readers- I do think it is a bit dangerous to promote the idea of “baby sleuths” in terms of breaking and entering, fighting someone with a gun, and attempting to take down corruption in law enforcement. These dangerous situations could endanger youth even more so I don’t like the concept being encouraged.

I can appreciate the thought provoking narrative and glimpse of realistic problems many are faced with daily. I do think the “be the change” message is an important takeaway from this book.

Up in Smoke is a YA thriller that masterfully blends fast-paced action with deep emotional resonance. From start to finish, it grips you with its suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat while also offering moments of reflection on important societal issues. The dual points of view between Cooper and Monique add layers of depth to the story, allowing you to connect with each character and feel the personal stakes they face. Their journey is both thrilling and impactful, with their growth throughout the novel making them relatable and easy to root for.

What sets this story apart is not just the mystery but the way it tackles themes like police oppression and the struggles of marginalized communities. The narrative provides a glimpse into the lived realities of these communities, making the emotional stakes feel urgent and deeply significant. The unpredictable twists and turns keep you guessing, and the pacing never lets up, making it impossible to put down.

The characters are truly the heart of this book. With plenty of depth, they each bring something unique to the table, making you genuinely care about their fates. Their journeys, both personal and shared, offer a perfect balance of tension and hope, with a conclusion that leaves you feeling satisfied but not without thinking about the broader messages the book conveys.

Up in Smoke is a thrilling, impactful, and thought-provoking story. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller that doesn’t shy away from addressing important real-world issues, all while delivering a story full of heart and suspense.

Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Nick Brooks delivers another gripping YA thriller with “Up in Smoke,” a fast-paced mystery that combines high-stakes suspense with sharp social commentary. Set against the backdrop of protests over the killing of a Black teen, the book follows Cooper King, a boy who has always kept his head down—until one fateful night pulls him into a dangerous web of deception. When a woman is shot during a looting spree, Cooper’s best friend, Jason, becomes the prime suspect. Scared that he’ll be arrested next, Cooper teams up with Jason’s sister, Monique—his longtime crush—to uncover the truth before it’s too late. But as they dig deeper, the case grows more complex, revealing corruption, cover-ups, and a system that’s stacked against them.

The dual-POV story gives us both Cooper’s perspective and Monique’s, making the stakes feel personal and urgent. The mystery itself is engaging, filled with twists and red herrings that keep the reader guessing, though some of the turns may feel predictable to seasoned mystery fans. At times, the pacing moves so quickly that certain plot points resolve a bit too easily, requiring some suspension of disbelief. However, this rapid momentum also makes it an easy, compulsive read—one that will especially appeal to younger readers or those new to the genre.

What truly sets “Up in Smoke” apart is how it weaves social themes into its thriller framework. The book doesn’t shy away from examining systemic oppression, the realities of Black youth navigating a world that often criminalizes them, and the impact of police violence on marginalized communities. These elements add depth, making the emotional stakes hit harder and giving the story a deeper resonance beyond its central mystery. The romance subplot between Cooper and Monique adds an extra layer to their dynamic. Their chemistry is well-written, and it’s easy to root for them as they work together to solve the case.

Overall, “Up in Smoke” is an engaging YA mystery that combines fast-paced thrills with a powerful message. While some elements may feel a bit rushed or predictable, the book’s emotional weight and timely themes make it a compelling read. Fans of Brooks’ previous books will find much to appreciate here, and it’s sure to resonate with readers looking for a mystery that carries real-world significance.

You never know when everything is going to go up in smoke. Thank you for letting me read in advance.

If you are looking for a suspenseful page turner, this book is for you. Even though this book is written for teens, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can really see teens relating to and devouring this book.

Coop is a teen living in DC and trying his hardest to stay on the right path but friends can be very persuasive. While there is a protest going on, Coop gets talked in to participating in illegal activities but little does he know, this will be one of the worst mistakes he could have made.

Monique is Coop’s best friend and has been since they were little kids (and really he would like to be more than friends). They work together to help solve a murder but Coop is keeping a huge secret from Mo and this secret could ruin everything between them.


Thank you, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved this authors first book and loved the premise of this one. However, it very quickly seemed so ridiculous that it was hard to stay focused. There are lots of teen books about teen detectives but in this book they were going up to corrupt police officers who were telling them things?!? It all just seems really out of possibility. I think kids like teen detective books bc they think they could do it- this is not that. There was ALOT about his guilt and dealing with his feelings about Mo-it got very repetitive. She also forgave him for what seemed to be unforgivable in a matter of hours. I would not recommend this as heartily as I did his first book.

It was alright. I wasn’t as drawn in as I hoped to be. I think for young adult it’s well written, puts some focus on what’s happened in today’s world and poses some moral questions.

Jason has had "Lil bro" Cooper's back since before Coop's mom died, so when Jason asks Coop to join him and some friends in a looting spree taking place during a rally, he feels pressured to go. Even though Cooper had made a promise to his mom to stay out of trouble and make something of his life, he feels obligated to go along with Jason. Unfortunately, a murder occurs and Jason is set up for the fall. Cooper knows the truth, but he's already lied to his father, the cops and most importantly, Monique "Mo", Jason's little sister and Cooper's love interest. How can he get out of the hole he's dug for himself without joining Jason in jail?

Cooper and Mo set out to solve who killed the woman on the day of the protest march in order to free Jason and keep Coop from heading to jail himself. The clues were well paced but overall the idea of two teens taking on a murderer and corrupt police by themselves seems far fetched. The teens sound like teens but the character of Mo seems a bit cliched: beautiful, talented and smart black girl who is all set to beat the odds against her in order to succeed. Parents have very small rolls in this novel. Recommended for teens.

this was fine but not great. the plot was plotted and the chars were there and reasonable. the twists were good but predictable. 3 stars. tysm for the arc.

This YA thriller delivers a solid mystery filled with deception, danger, and moral dilemmas. Cooper finds himself stuck in a lie, with no easy way to start telling the truth without losing a friend or a love interest. Cooper and Mo begin to try to find out who is framing Jason and who actually killed Donna, but there are no easy answers. This book is perfect for fans of dual-POV and fast-paced mysteries. Some readers may not enjoy the way Monique is described or portrayed, and she is a bit one dimensional for a leading role, but I'm sure some young patrons will enjoy this book.

Another great book by Nick Brooks. Monique and her brother's best friend, Cooper, team up to clear her brother's name after he is wrongly accused of a crime. At times heartfelt and at other times suspenseful, the author shows the determination and loyalty to right the wrongs that sometimes occur in this world. A good read that will have a place in our library. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I selected this book based on its intriguing cover and the description. I was instantly enthralled by the unique premise of a looting spree gone wrong. It was thrilling throughout, full of high-stakes plot points and immersive mysteries. I also loved the romantic subplot, which I feel provided a great contrast of light amongst the darkness. I was on board for every twist and turn!