EXCERPT: I studied the information in front of me. Suleiman was right. Sherlock Holmes's dog that didn't bark in the night, what didn't happen was stranger than what did.
The man that did not trip, but fell.
The door that opened, but did not bang shut.
The person that didn't live in the building, but knew a way in that only residents used.
Curioser and curioser.

ABOUT 'SMOKE AND MIRRORS': Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary gig at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned–even the ones which could be hiding deadly secrets.

Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Worse still, she has always suspected that the wrong man was convicted of the crime. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve—but whose?

When two more people are killed and Greer realizes she can’t escape the smoke and mirrors surrounding her suspects, she confides in one of her new colleagues, a magician named Grim with whom she’s bonded over similar traumas. Though she knows he’s got secrets of his own, the tricky Grim may be exactly the assistant Greer needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shine a spotlight on a killer before the curtains come down on her for good.

MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book in the Greer Hogan series that I have read. It is easily read as a stand-alone as all the relevant information pertaining to Greer's past is provided in the storyline. I have to admit I didn't enjoy this to the same extent I enjoyed Shadow in the Glass (Greer Hogan Mystery #4), but I still d it with one or two reservations.

Greer spends much more time sleuthing than archiving and cataloguing in Smoke and Mirrors. She also manages to hone some of her less than legal talents with the aid of Grim, who makes a delightful sidekick. Yuri, her self-defense instructor also plays a pivotal role, as do Isabelle and Caro.

I was bogged down by the amount of financial information discussed and provided: start-ups, shell companies, spreadsheets, investors, tax code regulations - they had my head spinning! Give me small business any day. Just because the author understands all these processes (check out her bio) doesn't mean that her readers will.

I did enjoy the cryptic note that Greer's husband Dan had left her and no, I didn't figure out the meaning until it was revealed.

I d, but didn't love Smoke and Mirrors, but that definitely won't stop me reading other books in this series.

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#SmokeandMirrors #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: M.E. is currently a librarian who started out in retail merchandising. Her first job was as an assistant buyer at Lord & Taylor, where her glamour job involved office space in the basement of the Fifth Avenue store. After twelve years of mergers, consolidations, and moves around the country, she went to graduate school and got a Master of Library Science degree. She has been in the information business ever since, working for public libraries small and large. Originally from the Connecticut shoreline, she has never lost her love of quaint small towns, big cities, and fashion, so she indulges that in her writing. A life-long lover of mystery fiction, M.E. completed her first novel while taking some time off to care for an elderly relative. She currently lives and works in Florida, where she has acquired a houseful of misfit pets and a violent palm tree allergy.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Smoke and Mirrors by M. E. Hilliard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...2024 2024-netgalley-challenge 3-star ...more31 s2 comments Janet4,399 48

Having spent months quietly investigating in the village of Raven Hill, librarian Greer Hogan returns to New York City determined to find her husband’s murderer. She secures a temporary job at a private library inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician. In her free time, Greer sleuths, leaving no stone unturned. Four years earlier, Greer had discovered her husband Dan dead in their apartment. He’d tried to tell her about something strange going on at his office, but she hadn’t had time to listen until it was too late. Now, Greer has solved other murders and has a few tricks up her sleeve. She combs through belongings she packed away soon after Dan’s death and interviews his former colleagues and people who were near the scene when he died. Soon, Greer is followed and attacked, so she knows she’s struck a nerve.
The fourth book in the series & my favourite so far, I was drawn in from the start & read this well written murder mystery in two sittings. The characters have depth, the pace is good & the investigation into Dan’s death is intriguing. There are twists, turns & danger - I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
2 s Carmen196 1 follower

Thank you to Booklist and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC and the opportunity to review another Greer Hogan mystery!

Reference librarian and amateur sleuth Greer Hogan has left Raven Hill for New York City to catalog a famous magician’s personal collection while secretly investigating the murder of her husband, Dan. Greer is convinced the wrong person was convicted, but she’ll need to use her honed investigative skills to find out for sure. She examines Dan’s belongings and interviews former colleagues and those who spoke with Dan before he died. Suddenly, Greer is followed and attacked, and more people are dead; Greer has pushed someone’s buttons. Hilliard’s (Three Can Keep a Secret, 2023) fourth book in the Greer Hogan series is the most exciting and intense installment yet. Greer is an amateur yet seasoned detective whose skills serve her well as she navigates life outside of Raven Hill. The colorful characters that help Greer along the way add a layer of depth and will please readers. Recommended for series fans and all those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, such as Elly Griffith’s Harbinder Kaur novels or Holly Danver’s Lakeside Library mysteries.2 s Desiree483 4

In Smoke and mirror Greer Hogan is inventorying the personal collection of a deceased magician and at the same time is doing an investigation into New Leaf, the company where her deceased (murdered) husband used to work. Pretty soon she experiences break-ins both at work and in her temporary apartment.

When she decides to delve deeper into these mysteries she gets help from Grim, a magician with a mysterious past and some strange but useful tricks up his sleeve. The investigation of her husband's death and the contemporary events are surrounded by a lot of smoke and mirrors but in the end Greer gets to the bottom of things.

I really d the interaction between Greer and Grim and found the story really entertaining as well as suspenseful. Looking forward to the next instalment and I'm sure to read the previous one as well.
Four stars for this enjoyable book and many thanks to Netgalley who provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.2 s Gail194

Haunted by her husband's murder 4 years ago Greer Hogan investigates New Leaf, the company her husband had worked for. Helping her are Grim, an illusionist assisting her in cataloging a fellow magician's house, April, the wife of a now deceased coworker of her husband, Isabelle, her husband's past assistant and Aunt Caro, Isabelle's aunt and quite a character. Break ins, murder and mayhem ensue as Greer follow the clues to find her husband's murderer. This is the 4th Greer Hogan mystery but it is definitely not necessary to read the previous 3 to enjoy and understand this one. Excellent character and plot made it a delight to read. I got a little bogged down with all the business and financial info but that's not an area I'm interested in so could have easily been just me. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the EARC
#SmokeAndMirrors2 s Laura SalasAuthor 125 books165

This title is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Maybe that's because I haven't read any previous books in the series. I do love the magician's library that Greer is in charge of organizing, and I Greer herself as a main character. What I don't love is that the mystery really goes all the way back to her husband's death four (I think) years before, before the series even started. So have all the books had to do with her husband's death, or does it finally just get solved in this one. I think there's so much good stuff here, but it feels a little distant or detached to me. Hmm...I'll either need to read the next one or go back to the start of the series to find out. I don't know if the fact that I now know who murdered her husband will ruin the earlier mysteries. I'd give this one 3-1/2 stars.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.2024 adult e-book ...more2 s Belinda (Belle) Witzenhausen211

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Smoke and Mirrors, A Greer Hogan Mystery #4 by M. E. Hilliard from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.

Librarian, archivist, widow, and amateur sleuth Greer Hogan is still trying to come to terms with her husband’s murder. Although she has a dedicated support network with various friends, she still struggles and becomes obsessed with getting justice for her beloved husband. Vivid dreams and mysterious clues cause nothing but anxiety and frustration for Greer who believes her husband is trying to tell her something from beyond the grave that would put his murderer or murderers in jail. When her husband’s former colleagues at Newleaf, a startup CBD company, begin disappearing or dying Greer becomes even more desperate to find the truth before evidence disappears along with any hope of bringing those responsible to justice.

While archiving the estate of a former magician, Greer with her new colleague Grimm are busy working in an old brownstone, documenting it’s contents. When an already paranoid Greer begins to notice little things that indicate that she is not only being watch but followed she believes whomever killed her husband wants something she might possess. After days of being followed and with help from her martial arts teacher, Greer manages to corner the person who has been following her only to learn he was a former colleague of her husband who needs to desperately speak with her. They arrange a meet but he is silenced before that happens and Greer now knows she is close to uncovering the truth and closer she puts herself to the danger that ended her husband’s life.

Well-written, cleverly plotted and with quirky characters who I really enjoy. In general, I love protagonists who are intelligent, strong, down to earth, yet vulnerable. In this entry I was also impressed by the supporting characters, their friendships felt genuine. My only complaint would be that it waxed on at times with what felt info dumping with regards to the CBD industry that could have been shorter and still provided the necessary context. I did however enjoy this book and would recommend this to anyone looking for a suspenseful mystery.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review1 Kathy Martin3,707 96

Greer Hogan has been building her investigative skills and circle of friends with unique gifts in the four years since she discovered her husband Dan murdered in their apartment. The time has come for her to return to New York City and finally discover his murderer.

Greer gets a job in a private library inventorying the personal collection of a magician who disappeared. There she meets Joseph Grimaldi, known as Grim, who has a somewhat mysterious past. He was friends with the magician and is searching the house for something the magician told him was there.

Meanwhile, Greer is investigating New Leaf, the company Dan was working for as an accountant when he was killed. She's certain that there is a connection there. She discovers some things as she finally goes through the belongings packed up after Dan's death and stored with her parents. She also questions former co-workers and people she knew at the time of Dan's death.

Somehow, she touches a nerve because she finds herself both followed and attacked. Luckily, the self-defense courses she's taken prove helpful. But two other people connected with the case are murdered which makes Greer more determined than ever to find Dan's murderer.

This was an engaging story with lots of information about the legalized marijuana business and all the governmental hoops around it. Greer feels that something shady in the business could have been the cause of Dan's death - and maybe her own if she gets too close.

I enjoyed this story with its mystery-loving librarian main character. The references to other books and fictional detectives were fun additions. 1 Eileen Doyle47 9

Smoke and Mirrors by M.E. Hilliard is the fourth in Hilliard's Greer Hogan series. Greer, a librarian who is driven to learn the truth about her husband Dan's murder four years before, is an incredibly interesting character. She's studying self-defense, seemingly out of necessity because she keeps discovering dead bodies, and wrestling with her rage about Dan's murder and her own complicated relationship with the law. Throw in the apt quotes and literary references throughout, as well as some fun scenes related to the magician's book collection that she is cataloguing, and this cozy mystery (set in the not-so-cozy world of New York City and corporate cannabis start-ups) is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
It is part of a series, but it can be read on its own. You may well find that you would to pick up the rest of the series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advanced review copy.1 Jean Kolinofsky1,011 21

Four years ago Greer Hogan’s husband Dan was murdered. A burglar was tried and convicted, but Greer has always had her doubts that he was guilty. She moved away to take a position as a librarian in Raven Hill. Now she has returned to New York and she is determined to find the truth. Greer has been haunted by her husband’s death in M.E. hilliard’s series, but the author finally brings closure to that mystery in Smoke and Mirrors.

The Raven Hill library suffered damage from a fire. As repairs are proceeding, Greer accepted a position to inventory the collection of publications and materials of a deceased magician. Realizing that she will need help identifying the equipment, she requests an assistant. She is given Grim, a magician who was acquainted with the late magician. Now that Greer is back, she contacts her old friends, who have been supportive in her search for answers. She also contacts the widow of one of Dan’s co-workers. He died shortly after Dan and she also has questions regarding her husband’s death. Boxes of Dan’s possessions have been stored at the home of Greer’s parents. Shortly after her return the house is broken into. She is also being followed back in the city. Grim joins her circle of friends and offers his help, instructing her on picking locks and providing back up as she places herself in possible danger.

Greer is a mystery lover. There are references to a number of literary and film detectives, including Vera Stanhope and amateur sleuth Harry Wild. It was a challenge to find how many of their names that I recognized as Greer and Grim worked together. Both have been damaged by events in their lives and it creates a bond between them. When Greer finally solves her husband’s death, Hilliard gives the impression that we may see Grim in the future. These characters worked so well together that I would look onward to their return. I would to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book.
Gail194

I am a fan of this series and was excited to read this fourth entry that finishes the story arc about the murder of Greer's husband Dan four years ago. Un previous titles in the series, Smoke and Mirrors is set in New York City with Greer there to catalogue the estate of a magician. Of course, this gives her the opportunity to put her investigation into her husband's death front and center.

The plot features twists and turns that bring together many characters from previous books as well as exploring the current abuses in the legalized cannibis industry. Greer also meets a potential new love interest, the mysterious "Grim."

While the NYC setting was a nice change of pace, one of the draw of this series for me has been the village and Library at Raven Hill--the world of librarianship attracted me to this series initially. So, I hope that future titles will return to Raven Hill.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.2 s Mystica1,491 33

Greer Hogan is a librarian. She is also an amateur sleuth. She is also troubled that her husband was murdered and there is no progress in the investigation and saddened by the fact that he wanted to tell her what his suspicions were, which got him killed, but never had the chance.

Another death in the same company put Greer on guard, and when another person from the same company approached her, after following her for days, with information which he felt was dangerous (and who got murdered within hours), Greer knew she was on track to find out who the killers were.
All she had was a few sheets of random figures, a lot of conjecture, and the support of Grim a colleague whose specialty is magic and who is very willing and capable of helping her in her quest for justice.

The story included libraries being catalogued .(always interesting) and especially since the subject was magic. It added a completely different lift to the story.

Tense, and a page turner. Emotional as well. 1 1 comment Annie Leadley440 10

I haven't read any books by this Author before ,but I was hooked within a few pages of this Murder Mystery story, throw in Libraries & Magic & I couldn't put it down & I shall be recommending it to several friends. However I would to know what happened to Grimm? #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, # Amazon.co.uk, #Instagram, #, #, #. Kelly859 19

Greer has landed a temporary job in New York City cataloging the collection of a deceased magician, while the library in Raven Hill, where she works, is closed for repairs. The job is just an excuse for her to be back in the city to finally try to figure out what really happened to her husband and to free the man that she feels has been wrongfully convicted in his death. Greer meets up with some old friends to talk through what she finds and also includes a new magician friend Grim, who I thought added to the story with his unique skill set. This story kept me up late reading to see what would happen next. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. April2,833 14

I’d say 3.5 stars. Smoke and Mirrors is information dense and moves slowly. I the wrapping up of the mystery facing Greer from 4 years prior when her husband Dan was murdered. It’s the unraveling of the complex web surrounding his death that merits the initial description.
Greer is fairly methodical in her approach to investigating. In this book, we find her breaking the rules and not feeling bad about it.
I’ve read or listened to the entire series. For those who the slower pace of golden age mysteries, this will ly be right up your alley.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Smoke and Mirrors.mystery netgalley Könyvlel?39

Greer Hogan investigates the death of her husband as an amateur detective. Magic, sorcery and books play a role in the story. I loved reading about cataloging books and magical secrets. Also, the way the mystery unfolded was really interesting. I d the author's style, the character portrayal and the story itself. The novel is part of a series, but I haven't read the prequels and it was still thoroughly enjoyable. I really this genre, as far as amateur detectives are concerned, I found a new favorite in the person of Hogan.
Thanks to NetGalley for the novel! Rebecca2,521 11

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

I came to this series because I loved the accurate representation of library work, I've stuck with it because Greer is an interesting character and this one is the best yet. Greer's back in New York on a contract while the Raven Hill library is a construction site, and this gives her the opportunity to figure out what really happened in her husband's murder, once and for all. There is excellent tension and plot in this one, and enough room left that this series can continue while giving Greer closure. 2024 netgalley Alison C1,250 13

Greer Hogan is back in NYC, ready to solve her husband's murder. There’s a new cast of characters, but with the NYC setting, no charming environment to enjoy. Mention of Gigi Pandian is apt because Greer is cataloging a magician's books, and she has a magician helper in the story, who may be a new love interest? Not as much fun as the earlier books; a bit disappointing because NYC is so overdone as a location. (Read on vacation, thus truncated review.) Kelly1,661 74

This was a Greer Hogan mystery, and I remember enjoying one of the previous books in this series. I Greer as a protagonist; I the way she communicates, and I find her a little bit humorous at times. This was a pleasant cosy mystery, and light enough to read in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review. Corinne201

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy.

This was my first Greer mystery and I really enjoyed it. It was a slow burn cosy mystery with wonderful characters. I especially d Grim. The details were very good and I could clearly picture everything and everywhere. The story was great too. I would recommend this author. 3.5 ??netgalley Robin434 47

Since the first book in this series (The Unkindness of Ravens), librarian Greer Hogan has been working through the aftermath of her husband’s murder. While she’s upright and functional, his death feels unresolved, and she’s not so sure the right person is in prison. While she has a job, she’s taken on a temporary one in New York City, archiving the collection of a magician. The gig comes with an apartment across the street, and the archiving job gives her the flexibility she needs for sleuthing. It also comes with an assistant: the aptly named “Grim” (short for Grimaldi), a former magician himself, is helping out by archiving the straight up magic tricks part of the collection, while Greer herself sticks to books. She decides to trust him early on and he proves to be incredibly useful.

Greer begins her search by returning to her husband’s office and meeting with the remaining corporate officers of the company, ostensibly to make sure there’s nothing she missed in the office clean up that followed his death, but really to get a beady eye on them and see what secrets they might be hiding. As she leaves, she catches the eye of an employee she doesn’t know and they end up meeting off site. He has secrets to tell.

She also meets with her former neighbors who are delighted to see her and are able to add some clues to a timeline she already has set up, further convincing her that the wrong man is indeed in prison for the crime.

Hilliard does a nice job setting up Greer’s very interesting job, her personality, and the way she’s dealing with her grief (partially, of course, by investigating her husband’s murder). She brings you right into Greer’s life and you are rooting for her to figure out what happened. The clues turn out to be pretty tricky and Greer assembles a team – a former assistant of her husband’s joins a couple of neighbors and the ever useful Grim.

She and Grim keep just on the right side of the law. Greer’s righteous anger is inflamed when a man is attacked on her parent’s porch, and dealing with this incident out of town also gives her some perspective into her ongoing investigation. The police aren’t so convinced that there’s any connection between the crimes in this book and her husband’s murder, so she and Grim are often exploring on their own.

This was paced a bit slowly. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, and the resolution and the clues it rested on were pretty clever. This is a very pleasant and intelligent read. 1 Annarella13.3k 143

This series never disappoints and I had fun in reading this mystery and reconnecting with the characters, fleshed out and relatable.
FAst paced, full of twists and surprises: it kept me guessing and hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are minemystery netgalley1 Julie66

This series has me hooked and I love that a mystery that has lingered since The Unkindness of Ravens (book 1) has been solved. Hope there’s a book 5 forthcoming! Caroline1,024 2

Glad we know what happened to Dan. Honestly want Greer to have a love interest because that’s just the kind of person I amadult audio read-2024 Roxanne Spencer393 5

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