Smoke Dugan has made a living from handling explosives for a criminal organisation. But no one has ever been hurt by his actions, and when one of his bombs is used to take down a plane with innocent women and children on board, something snaps inside him. He takes his revenge by killing his criminal boss, taking his money and going on the run. Now, a year later, Smoke is hiding out in a picturesque seaside city in Maine. He knows that it is only a matter of time before the organisation catches up with him. When they do, he manages to escape - but then his girlfriend is captured. Now Smoke must try to save her and disappear for good. But it seems that someone else is after Smoke's girlfriend and it's not long before Smoke finds himself caught up in a dangerous chase game from which there might be no escape...

'One of the most compelling crime novels I have ever read. My shaking hand was turning pages. What a debut. Patrick Quinlan is the great new crime writer of his generation.' -- Carolyn Chute, New York Times bestselling author o 20050405 'An engrossing thriller that takes an aging bomb-maker on the lam, a couple of very dangerous hit men, some small-time crooks and a girl who who was paying attention in self-defense class, and weaves a can't miss sizzler of a story. Patrick Quinlan creates a memorable character in Smoke Dugan and a story that keeps you guessing.' -- James Siegel (author of DERAILED and DETOUR) 20050501 'Smoked is one cool read. Tough, suspenseful, gritty and raw. I enjoyed the hell out of it.' -- Victor Gischler (author of GUN MONKEYS and SUICIDE 20050501 'Characters to care about, even the no-goods. Readers who can tolerate the bloodbaths may be bearing early witness to the arrival of a major talent' -- Kirkus Reviews 20060215 'Smoked is a first novel rich in characters, lovingly drawn and mercilessly executed' -- The Times 20060401 'Certainly one of the better debut thrillers I've read this year' -- Shotsmag 20060424 'Smoked is a shocking, violent read, jam-packed with action and a cast of incredible characters' -- Independent Weekly (Australia) 20060502 'Edgy and smart all the way. In a word: Gripping!' -- Gold Coast Bulletin (Australia) 20060502 'With its interweaving story-lines, itsjuxtaposition of brutal violence and humour, its blundering bad guys and slick dialogue, Smoked fits neatly into post-Tarantino crime cool' -- Good Reading (Australia) 20060512 'Cue kidnapping, explosions, beatings, murders and car chases aplenty. Pacey, punchy and raw, this is one self assured debut' -- The Australian Way 20060516 'Cool in unexpected ways' -- Adelaide Matters 20060701 'Tightly plotted, confidently written and very hip' -- Observer 20060423 'Packed with adrenalin, violence and an all-too-credible set of New York characters' -- The Times 20060701

Patrick Quinlan lives in Portland, Maine. SMOKED is his first novel.