Where There's Smoke by Jodi Picoult

The blurb:

Even as a child, Serenity Jones knew she possessed unusual psychic gifts. Now, decades later, she's an acclaimed medium and host of her own widely viewed TV show, where she delivers messages to the living from loved ones who have died. Lately, though, her efforts to boost ratings and garner fame have compromised her clairvoyant instincts.

When Serenity books a young war widow to appear as a guest, the episode quickly unravels, stirring up a troubling controversy. And as she tries to undo the damage - to both her reputation and her show - Serenity finds that pride comes at a high price.

My Review:

Where There's Smoke is a short story by Jodi Picoult. It is an opportunity to meet Serenity, a psychic who has had the ability to communicate with the dead since childhood. Now, grown up, Serenity has her own tv show where she helps people gets messages from loved ones they have lost.

The main storyline is that of a widow who contacts Serenity wanting to communicate with her husband who was killed at war before their son was born. The outcome shapes the remainder of the story, with some shock results. Serenity also tries to help a Senator and his wife find their son who has been kidnapped.

The story goes into some detail around the afterlife, spirits, and what some believe happens to a person when they die. This felt a bit odd as I have recently lost my father in law and the afterlife s something I have been pondering, unsure what I believe. I didn't however feel unnerved by the story, though it has left me thinking.

The story flows at an easy to read pace. Having not read Jodi's work before I wasn't sure what to expect. I liked the style of writing, viewing events from Serenity's aspect. The story finishes on a bit of a cliff hanger. It seems that this story s an introduction to Serenity, whose story will continue in a book called Leaving Time which is due for release in November. I will certainly be looking out for it to find out what happened next.......