Where There's Smoke: A Short Story

And Larger Than Life: A Novella

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur, Rebecca Lowman

Length: 4 hrs

Publisher's summary

"Where There's Smoke": Best-selling author Jodi Picoult is a masterful storyteller, who "writes with a fine touch, a sharp eye for detail, and a firm grasp of the delicacy and complexity of human relationships" (The Boston Globe). Now, in this original short story, Picoult introduces Serenity Jones, one of the fascinating characters from her eagerly awaited new novel, Leaving Time.

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 passed. 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.

Larger than Life: A gripping and beautifully written novella. Set in the wilds of Africa, Larger than Life introduces Alice, the unforgettable character at the center of Picoult's anticipated new novel, Leaving Time.

A researcher studying memory in elephants, Alice is fascinated by the bonds between mother and calf - the mother’s powerful protective instincts and her newborn’s unwavering loyalty. Living on a game reserve in Botswana, Alice is able to view the animals in their natural habitat - while following an important rule: She must only observe and never interfere. Then she finds an orphaned young elephant in the bush and cannot bear to leave the helpless baby behind. Thinking back on her own childhood, and on her shifting relationship with her mother, Alice risks her career to care for the calf. Yet what she comes to understand is the depth of a parent’s love.

©2014 Jodi Picoult (P)2014 Random House Audio

Interesting short story - narrator terrible

While this was an interesting short story - the narrator sounded like she was 1/2 asleep or in a fog. Made it hard to listen to. The elephant part of the story was interesting. The relation ship with the ranger was not believable because it was so undeveloped. I’m glad this was just a short story as I started to lose interest.

A wonderful follow up to Leaving Time

Was very happily surprised about these 2 short stories with Serenity and Alice from Leaving Time. Narrated by the same actresses.

Superb performance!

2 short stories kept me engaged through out. Loved both of them. Larger than Life was particularly touching and a tear jerker. So good.

Stunning

In this double feature prequel to Leaving Time, Where There’s Smoke and Larger Than Life, short novels written by Jodi Picoult, have left me breathless.

Where There’s Smoke brings you back to Serenity Jones at the peak of her psychic fame. The glory, the money, the status, she has it all. Yet with that high horse comes a very long fall.

Larger Than Life sweeps you away to Africa with Alice, a scientist studying Elephants. As she experiences harsh pain and reality, can she overcome it all to be where she truly needs to be?

As a huge fan of Leaving Time, seeing there was these prequels got me so excited! To say I was thrilled was an understatement. As I read them I was right back with each character.
Serenity, so harsh and funny and true to herself. Her actions and reactions, her words and thoughts, all so plainly her.
Alice, so kind and gentle, studious and raw. The emotions she goes through playing so loudly and strong.
The thing they have in common; the care they share so passionately for their beliefs. While these were short, they didn’t leave me any less awed with their effect on me. Yet another set of true masterpieces.

Highly recommend.

Second story

Jodi Picoult is an amazing author. She gets you in the feels almost every time. Anything she writes is spot on. Highly recommended this author.

Great stories

Serenity Jones hears voices--specifically the voices of her spirit guides Desmond and Lucinda. She sees dead people too and makes her living as a successful TV psychic. Then one day a reading for a young war widow takes an unexpected turn, a spirit starts setting fires around her. Things go from bad to worse when she tries to reclaim her reputation by finding a senator's missing son.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is a prequel to Jodi Picoult's October release LEAVING TIME to introduce readers to Serenity's character. I found her to be somewhat selfish and myopic, more, more concerned about ratings and reputation than actually helping people. I also thought the people she was trying to help were much more sympathetic and easier to root for. I cares more about what happened to them next, than Serenity, so I'm not sure Picoult accomplished getting me interested in LEAVING TIME due to the character of Serenity. The plot kept me interested and turning the epages and as always, Picoult's writing was engaging.
An extra thumbs up to Picoult for giving us the story for free!

Nice surprise!

This was a shorty, and I was planning to just listen when I was waiting for my kid at sports practice. The stories both captured me! I couldn't turn it off and listened in one go. Both narrators were great. the stories surprised me and I Rebecca Lowman broke my heart (and I was happy for the good cry!)

Great short stories!

I love everything this author creates! Her words are visually captivating. Never disappointed with her.

Where There's Smoke: A short story

Two excellent stories, but everything Jodi writes is excellent. Love reading her and wait for her next book.

Very good.

Thanks for the good cry. A very good short story, but heartbreaking. I would have preferred a happier ending.