“Uber Reads” is the library’s newest way of adding creativity and mystery. Books wrapped in brown paper bags are simply labeled with the genre and three words to describe them, making every book picked a mystery. With Nick Brooks’ Up in Smoke, the mystery doesn’t stop once the book is unwrapped. Told in two perspectives, the thriller follows Cooper King and Monique Simms as they work to expose the truth about the situation that is keeping Jay, Monique’s brother, imprisoned and the DC community tense.
Jason (Jay) Simms is practically Cooper’s brother as well as Monique’s (Mo). Cooper idolizes him, so when Jason asks him to assist in a loot he’s planned, it’s impossible to say no. Jay is certain that with a peaceful protest going on for a young black teen who was killed recently, they’ll slip away without any trouble. But then shots are fired, a woman is killed, and Jay is blamed for it immediately.
Mo and Cooper, certain that Jay didn’t do it, need to uncover the truth. However, the police are looking for the rest of the masked group that Jay was with, and the closer Cooper gets to it, the riskier it becomes for him. Additionally, the corruption is deeper than it seems at first glance, making the story tense all throughout the book. Cooper needs to make sure that he doesn’t get into trouble, but he also refuses to let Mo—his long-time crush and someone who adamantly disagrees with violent action and the looting—know that he was involved.
The characters feel undeniably real. Each has their own motives, values, and the history between them is clear. On the other hand, apart from the poems that start Monique’s chapters, the dual perspectives aren’t too distinct. The book feels more like it was written in one voice.
Up in Smoke is a well-written YA thriller and the issues, characters, and world around them are intensely brought to life. Touching on important issues of systemic corruption, racism, and injustice, Nick Brooks’ novel is just as explosive as promised and its twists and turns keep the story fast-paced.
