Midnight Smoke—A Rewarding Return to the Firebrand Series by Helen Harper

Today I continue my review streak of the "Firebrand" series by Helen Harper. I assume you've read my previous reviews as this is the third book in the series, but just in case you missed them, here are my reviews of Brimstone Bound and Infernal Enchantment.

What I Loved

Helen Harper’s Midnight Smoke keeps up the clever and engaging storytelling that’s made the Firebrand series a hit. While the Groundhog Day concept is familiar, the story adds a unique twist that kept me engrossed from beginning to end.

It’s particularly rewarding to witness Emma’s character growth, as she demonstrates her abilities as a capable and resourceful investigator. When faced with a new character who seemed to hinder her work, she manipulates him out of her way. It’s not what she did, but how she did it that was so clever.

The world-building is great. Helen Harper really knows how to showcase London in atmospheric writing. I've never been there, but it feels familiar.

What Didn’t Resonate with Me

The reason she gets to reset her day three times is because she drinks a potion given to her by a known criminal. That's a hard pill to swallow. She had no clue what was in it or how it may affect her. I get that she can't die and stay dead, but there is still so much she doesn't know about her nature. So drinking the potion seemed way too risky fo such a smart character. And perhaps a little too convenient. If she knew the potion would create a time loop, I could believe she drank it despite not knowing the risks because she was trying to save everyone else. But she had no idea what it did.

Themes and Tropes

The Groundhog Day trope is a central theme in Midnight Smoke, offering a unique perspective on the investigation. And then we have a heist thrown into the mix. I love how the heist and the mystery behind it thicken the plot. The series also explores themes of character growth, friendship, and the challenges faced by supernatural beings in a world that often fears and misunderstands them.

Final Thoughts

Midnight Smoke is a solid addition to the Firebrand series. It offers a well-crafted mystery, engaging characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate the continuation of Emma’s journey and the development of the world she inhabits. Also, the slow burn romance between Emma and Lukas finally comes to fruition with a spicy scene. If you’re looking for a thrilling supernatural mystery with a unique twist, Midnight Smoke is definitely worth checking out.