BookPath
Blue Smoke
Nora Roberts

Blue Smoke

Quick Answer

Read "Blue Smoke" as the 47th book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Northern Lights" (Book 46)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 47th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?
2005464 pp
Incomparable #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts delivers a tale of gut-level fear, human triumph, and the bonds that carry us through our darkest times… Reena Hale’s destiny was shaped in the destructive—yet fascinatingly beautiful—fire that leveled her family’s pizzeria when she was young. Now an arson investigator, she finds her strength and wits constantly tested, although sometimes the job seems like a snap compared to her love life. But she can’t always blame the men. After all, a soot-caked woman barking orders and smelling of smoke isn’t the biggest turn-on in the world. Then she meets Bo Goodnight, who seems different. He’s been trying to find Reena for years, and now that she’s close enough to touch, he has no intention of letting go. Nor does the man who has begun to haunt Reena’s life—with taunting phone calls and a string of horrifying crimes. And as Reena tries desperately to trace the origins—of the calls, the fires, the hatred aimed in her direction—she will step into the worst inferno she has ever faced...
Next Recommended Book

Blue Smoke

Book #47 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Blue Smoke?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Blue Smoke before Northern Lights?

No. We recommend reading Northern Lights first. Blue Smoke is the 47th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Blue Smoke required reading for the Standalone Novels?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Blue Smoke in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Blue Smoke is Blue Smoke (Book #47).