"Evocative and hauntingly crafted, Rebecca Cantrell's debut mystery A Trace of Smoke is a treasure of suspense, romance, and murder. Her ability to spin history into a visceral reality is done with the artistry of a master storyteller. Truly a stunning start to a long career." -- James Rollins, New York Times bestseller of The Last Oracle
"An absorbing plot, sharply drawn characters, and a fascinating recreation of the turbulent days in Berlin just prior to the Nazis rise to power make A Trace of Smoke a first-rate first novel. More Hannah Vogel mysteries of the caliber of this one would surely find an enthusiastic readership. But whatever Rebecca Cantrell decides to write next, her future is a bright one." --Bill Pronzini, 2008 MWA Grand Master
“Step into the fun house world of 1931 Berlin where nothing and no one is what it seems...A Trace of Smoke is compulsive reading with all the juiciness of the tawdry world of Cabaret but told with keen insight to the historical criminality taking place.” -- Sara Colleton, executive producer of Dexter and producer of The Painted Veil
“Brilliantly written and grounded in superb scholarship, A Trace of Smoke conjures up so evocatively one of the great twilight periods of history. Rebecca Cantrell's lucid style and her powerful and dramatic depiction of the heroine Hannah Vogel is neatly balanced by a most intriguing and suspense-filled mystery against a background throbbing with menace. A Trace of Smoke enjoys the one weakness of all outstanding historical novels – when is the sequel?" --PC Doherty, bestelling author of The Poisoner of Ptah
"Set in the final days of Weimar-era Berlin, Rebecca Cantrell spins an engrossing, poignant tale in A Trace of Smoke. Her tightly crafted debut grips you in the secrets, among the shadows and a redolent decadence that will linger with you." --Cara Black, national bestseller of Murder in the Rue de Paradis
Excerpt from "A Trace of Smoke"
News
- Interviews with writers:
Kelli Stanley, author of "Nox Dormienda: A Long Night for Sleeping."
Carolyn Haines, author of "Wishbones."
Julie Compton, author of "Tell No Lies." - Guest post about research on Writing in the Dark
- Interview with literary agent Kimberley Cameron
- Article on picketing with the WGA
- A Taste for Blood: finalist at Shriekfest 2007