A Trace of Smoke

A Trace of Smoke: 'O.J. Bryson’s writing combines an engrossing plot, vivid characterizations, and deftly-paced action into a genuinely pleasurable read. But even more importantly, he manages to capture the sites and sounds of the Tennessee/Carolina mountains and their people. His ear for natural dialogue adds a dimension to rival the best . . .' --William Thompson, Editor Emeritus for John Grisham and Stephen King'O.J. Bryson’s 'Trace of Smoke' is both a gripping thriller of political intrigue and a tale of personal courage. It’s also prescient in predicting the fallout from the machinations of the tobacco lobby--how did he know this stuff before the headlines? Bryson has created an appealing and credible ingénue--no, let’s call her a superhero--because she’s smart, attractive and a very strong woman fueled by integrity. Bryson’s ear for dialogue is uncanny. And his descriptions of the places where the action is set in the heart of the Smoky Mountains brings the scent of burning (oak?) firewood to the reader’s mind. The action in this novel is fast-paced and holds suspense to the very last page. I can’t wait to see what else Mr. Bryson is writing.' --Rosalie Muller Wright, Consulting Editor, Sunset MagazineWhen the tobacco cartel suddenly learns it is one vote shy on a winner-take-all bill in Congress, it taps Todd Carrington as its tie breaker. But Todd hates the tobacco industry. So the tobacco boys go after his fiancée, Barbara Dare...if she’s hiding anything, they’ll use it to pry loose his vote.Barbara Dare is hiding something all right...hiding it in the mountains. The Dare family secret has been lying dormant all these years, like a powder keg next to a smoldering campfire, waiting for someone to kick a hot coal its way. The tobacco cartel is in the business of kicking hot coals at powder kegs. Everything is all set for the explosion.It will appear tiny at first, little more than a Fourth of July firecracker, hardly enough to knock a man in a closet out of his wheelchair, and the word count will take up less space than if someone had whispered at an all-day-singing and dinner-on-the-ground that the preacher had run off with the piano player, but the fallout will be massive. The Great Smoky Mountains will be hit worst of all, especially the apple blossoms.Barbara Dare has known all her life that one day some men...and they won’t be nice men...will be coming for her. She just doesn’t know it will be today. She has always planned to run when they come, so running is what the beautiful young coed does best. Thirty minutes and counting.