The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North started strong, but didn’t hold my interest. I was really into the idea of a criminal profiler returning to his eerie island hometown to face childhood trauma and maybe a killer from the past, but the pacing felt uneven, and some twists didn’t work. Still, the writing is atmospheric and moody, and there are definitely some genuinely creepy moments. Worth a read if you’re into slow-burn thrillers with a touch of the supernatural.

Thank you to Alex North, Celadon Books, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Author: Alex North

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publication Date: May 13, 2025