Book Review: Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green

About the Book:

The Flames Took So Much.
She Can't Lose Her Father As Well.

Meg Townsend and her sister, Sylvie, seek a quiet existence managing the family bookshop. Meg feels responsible for caring for their father, Stephen, whose spirit and health are both damaged from his time as a prisoner during the Civil War. Her one escape is the paintings she creates and sells in the bookshop.

Then the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district. The fiery explosions and chaos stir up memories of war for Stephen as he runs from the blaze and becomes separated from his daughters. Days later, when the smoke has cleared, Meg and Sylvie manage to reunite with him. Their home and shop are lost, and what's left among the ashes may be even more threatening than the flames, for they learn that a close friend was murdered the night of the fire--and Stephen has been charged with the crime. After he is committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum, where they cannot visit him, Stephen feels as lost to them as the shop that now lies in rubble.

Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life but prove the truth of what happened that night, before the asylum truly drives her father mad.


My Thoughts:

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a well-researched novel of history, drama, suspense, and mystery. This historical fiction novel captivated my attention from beginning to end. I never lost interest even though I had to spread out my reading. The vibrant prose brought to life the setting, characters, and, quite potently, Chicago’s Great Fire. This novel is what I’d consider a “heavy” read because of the devastation and drama. However, as the story progresses, hope and resilience do appear.

For me, part of Veiled in Smoke’s appeal lies in the authenticity of the main characters. The tangled family relationships and dysfunctional dynamics were true-to-life. I liked the characters’ honest and messy progress toward healing. As someone with PTSD, I could relate to Stephen and the author’s treatment of his “soldier’s heart” condition was kind and sensitive, addressing the issue in healthy manner.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green commences The Windy City Saga novels and I can’t wait for the second installment. 5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.