Cobell, K.A. Looking for Smoke. HarperCollins Publishers, 2024. 978-0-063-31867-0. 416 p. $19.99. Grades 9-12.

After being shunned by her classmates, new girl Mara Racette thinks life may be looking up when she’s included in a traditional Blackfeet giveaway to honor missing classmate, Rayanne Arnoux. Instead, her participation turns her into a suspect after her classmate, Samantha White Tail, is murdered at the ceremony. While police investigate all four members of the giveaway – Mara, Loren, Brody, Eli – each becomes desperate to hide their secrets and prove their innocence. Who can be trusted? And who might be murdered next?

THOUGHTS: This fast-paced mystery will appeal to fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter and One of Us is Lying. While the alternating viewpoints can be a little difficult to follow, as the story progresses the flow improves. Readers will gain much knowledge about the traditions and culture of the Blackfeet nation. The story also illuminates the little-talked-about issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Mystery