Here's what 26 Amazon reviewers have to say about
Thin Blue Smoke

Thin Blue Smoke
Authentic is the word that comes to mind when describing this book. The characters, the plot--nothing forced here. I love the themes the book explores and the way Worgul weaves his various characters' lives together. Oh, and that ending! I won't say anything to give it away, but the ending stayed with me for a long time. Writing that is honest touches me and that's what this book did. Can't wait to see what will come next from this talented author.

— Lisa R. Mikitarian, Shenandoah Valley 

Excellent word-of-mouth reviews will net this book big readership
Thin Blue Smoke was recommended to me by a close friend. I put off reading it for several weeks; I simply didn't think the subject would interest me. (Barbeque??!!) When I finally picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. I agree with another reviewer here that the book just made me feel good. The characterizations are what make Thin Blue Smoke shine--especially that of Ferguson Glen. Worgul could write a book just on Glen and I would read it in a heartbeat. As a former high school English teacher and an avid reader of fiction, I give this book a strong five stars and have already ordered copies to send to friends as gifts. Don't think that this book just will be about BBQ--it is about the lives of several fascinating people and how they intertwine with one another--like thin blue smoke. 

Just one word of warning, however. At some point while reading the book, it is definitely likely that you will get an irresistible urge to eat barbeque!

Worgul is a gifted writer. I'll be very interested in reading his next work.

— Alice, Rome, Italy 


Smokin'!
Thin Blue Smoke touched my heart and tickled my funny bone. All of the main characters face trying circumstances in their lives, circumstances that frequently bring tragedy. The meat of this story is how they deal with their tragedies. The recipe calls for patience, care and love, the same ingredients that go into great barbecue!

I savored this book like it was a platter of burnt ends. When I was done reading it I felt deeply satisfied, yet a little sad because I had to say goodbye to these people I had come to know so well. I look forward to Mr. Worgul cooking up another masterpiece for us some day.

— Julius Karash, Kansas City 

Where there's Thin Blue Smoke, there's . . .
You can truly feel the author's characters like you know them. Themes of music, baseball, prayer, and human tragedy swirl through this compelling story of lives intersected. Foodies and aficionados forever debate the finest barbecue, be it from Kansas City, Memphis, the Carolinas, or Texas. The best barbecue you'll find is in the pages of Thin Blue Smoke. It's a rewarding read -- right through the last surprising bite.

— Bill O' Neil, Lenexa, Kansas 

Tasty & Filling
I loved, loved, loved this book! The characters are wonderfully complex & compelling and the description of the BBQ literally had my mouth watering & missing home. I highly recommend this book!

— April Killingsworth, Los Angeles 

Excellent novel
I had begun reading almost strictly nonfiction because too many novels followed a predictable formula...not this one! Great character development and multiple plot lines keep this compelling to the end. Don't have to be a fan of barbecue to enjoy this read.

— Matt Tidwell, Shawnee, Kansas 

I recommend it
If you're looking for BBQ gifts for hard-to-buy-for friends and relatives, you can't go wrong with Thin Blue Smoke. I read it cover-to-cover when it first became available on Amazon. It sounds like a barbecue book, and it certainly talks a lot about Kansas City BBQ. But it offers so much more than that. It's a book about life, about Kansas City, and about forgiveness. I think the chapters that focus on the character Ferguson Glen could be spun off into a stand alone novel. If a movie were made based on this fictional Episcopal clergyman, I'd be the first in line to purchase a ticket.

Congratulations (again) to Doug Worgul for a fine work. I can't wait for his next novel.

— Brian Pearcy, Plymouth, Michigan 

Impressive
It is very difficult to impress me. This book did. Nothing predictable, nothing forced... just real characters in real-life situations; no sensationalistic hyperbole, but so riveting, and so genuine. I want to follow the characters even further. Full range of emotion. Hard to put it down. I will buy Mr. Worgul's next book before it is released.

— Fritz Edmunds Jr., Kansas City 

Couldn't Put It Down
I was given this book as a gift and thought "wow, that's no thin book--this will last me through vacation." Wrong. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The characters instantly became part of my life. I literally felt like I was in every conversation. The author did an excellent job of developing a number of complex characters and weaving their stories together in very surprising ways. I was disappointed when it ended...I want, no need, to know what the characters are doing today. Will there be a part 2?

— S. Gordon, Yucaipa, California 

Impressive debut
In this big, ambitious novel, author Doug Worgul skillfully sets a multitude of colorful characters in an epic story that spans decades and grapples with large themes. Among many other pleasures of Thin Blue Smoke is its acute sense of place, as it captures dead-on the feel and, yes, even the taste of present-day Kansas City. An impressive first outing from a novelist who clearly has something to say. I expect to hear much more from Mr. Worgul in the future.

— D.A. Conrads, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 

The NEW KC Masterpiece
Genuine and completely unpretentious; that is my heartfelt phrase to describe Thin Blue Smoke. Mr. Worgul has created a masterpiece of characterization, and the character list is not brief. But by the end of this novel you know each of them personally; their flaws, their wit, their heartbreaks, and their charming (and not so charming) idiosyncrasies. The personalities mesh into a perfect balance, despite obvious contrasts and socially presumed stereotypes. You will find yourself emotionally involved with them as if they were real. That alone would make this novel masterful...but there is so much more. 

It's also an authentic portrayal of tragedy, fathers and sons, the love of a good woman, the love/hate relationship with good whiskey, redemption, and how God does (and doesn't) speak to His children. The situations and dialogue ring so true, and the humor that is laced throughout is priceless and always perfectly timed. This book made me foam at the mouth for brisket at 2 a.m., and constantly had me singing along with one of its main characters: The Blues.

Without a doubt, this was the best book that I have read all year...so good that I plan to read it again. (Which I rarely ever do. Seriously.

This novel was not just several hundred pages to pass the time. It was an emotional, spiritual, hilarious experience, and the soundtrack is still playing in my head.

— Michelle Roach, St. Louis 

A book worthy of the themes it explores
This author respects his subjects and is patient enough to linger on the details that illuminate not only the characters but also a unique blend of American themes. The novel teaches the reader the "art" of barbecue, explores the challenges of faith and visits baseball of a prior era. However, at its core, this is a story about individuals and their struggles with themselves and events that continue to shape them. It's a book that will make you think. It might also make you hungry.

— Gareth Matthews, Leawood, Kansas 

Delicious!
The book jacket says that Thin Blue Smoke is a novel about food, music, and love--and it is, but it's so much more than that. It's about barbecue in all its variants, but it's also about nourishment for the soul. It's about music--and so evocative of the richness of blues and jazz and gospel and rock and roll that readers can hear a soundtrack in their heads as they read. It's about love: parental love, love of men and women, the love of dear friends, and most of all, the love of God. Thin Blue Smoke will make you laugh and dance and sing and cry...and weeks later you'll be remembering bits of the richly layered plot and wondering what happened to the characters after you closed the book. Outstanding writing by Doug Worgul--I can't wait to read what he'll write next.

— Janet G. Ackerson, Three Oaks, Michigan 

Need room for more stars...
I'd give it 7 or 8 or them...

I've lived all my life in Kansas City, and been involved in competition Barbecue for over 20 years, and I know the history and players in the Kansas City BBQ world well, and I LOVED Doug's book! My only problem with the book is that it wasn't twice as long. I really hope for a sequel.

Well developed characters mixed with just the right amount of historical references make this BBQ centric book much, much more. A guaranteed good read...
— J. Ross, Prairie Village, Kansas 

You won't be disappointed
I loved this book. I felt good every time I picked it up. More than good, I felt comfortable. I loved the story lines, the characters, and the writing. I would recommend this book to anyone.

— Barbara A. Rehm, Washington D.C. 

Savory
Colorful, vivid characters. Writing so descriptive you can almost taste the BBQ. And the story's got meat on its bones. My favorite of '09 so far.

— J. Hinderer, Los Angeles 

Characterization 101
Thin Blue Smoke should be required reading for writing students. The characters are so well developed, you feel as though you really know them--(and like most of them, warts and all). Weeks after finishing the book, I find myself thinking about the characters and wondering what they're up to. Bravo, Mr. Worgul.

— Kay Mahoney, Overland Park, Kansas 

Opening a door to a new room

I don't know why, but novels have never been of interest to me. The closest I come to novels as a writing form would be biographies. I gravitate to history, philosophy, political writings, etc. A friend recommended Thin Blue Smoke, so I read it. Like much in life there are those that open a door to a room you have never explored. Thin Blue Smoke was such a room. In reading all of the above reviews, I agree with them all. The author took me to places and introduced me to people and raised some issues and shared profound understandings of life. It was not only a great experience, but it made room in my library for novels; I never discard a book that has become a part of me. Since reading Thin Blue Smoke I have read several more novels. Thanks to my friend and thanks to Doug Worgul my reading has become more interesting.

— Robert Odean, Ottawa, Canada 

Step on in and feel at home...

When finished you will feel you have taken on new family members. While reading you actually can see faces and feel their emotions. A.B. Clayton (one of the main characters)was a young man I would have adopted by the time I was done. An expansive look at religion, love, hate, laughter and of course BBQ. Get it now, it will be a book you read more than once. 

— Darin Cram, Kansas City 

Great story!

I loved this book. I read a lot of books and this is one of my favorites. I will be telling everyone I know to get a copy. I hope there will be another book by this author. I didn't want this one to end.

— Sasota 

If You Read Only One Book This Year, Make It This One

I love this book; the characters are terrific. The story revolves around a barbecue joint in Kansas City, and the odd assortment of people who work or eat there. On the surface, they have nothing in common other than their appreciation of fine barbecue. But as the story evolves, it's clear that the customers are a family of sorts and like family, they bicker and like family, they pitch in and help one another when necessary. 

The characters are complex and have stayed with me long after I finished the book. Many of them struggle with personal failures as well as racism and religious issues. The book never goes overboard with these issues; rather, the author has perfect timing and knows when enough is enough. He also has perfect timing when it comes to humor. The book is funny in all the right places.

There's nothing thin about this book - it's rich with complicated characters.

— Ann Weisgarber, Houston 

2009 Must Read

One of the best books I've read this year or any. It does an incredible job intertwining the stories of its characters who are all brought masterfully to life. From the SMOKE MEAT sign to Laverne's line that both kids are his, it was thoroughly entertaining. It does a great job of telling the intimate stories of the key characters each with their own life struggles and victories. It also has some excellent history of the Kansas City area and its barbeque heritage. Highly recommended.

— Duncan Sensenich, Leawood, Kansas 

A quintessentially American novel

Doug Worgul's debut novel has the range and control of a veteran's work. He takes a wry look at a beautifully realised ensemble cast, refracted through the lenses of barbecue, blues, baseball and bourbon. Of these, barbecue is closest to the book's heart, and LaVerne, ex-baseball star and barbecue philosopher, is an offbeat and pleasantly flawed hero. At one point he discusses the essence of barbecue with another character (it's that kind of book), and they conclude that barbecue is the art of taking the worst cuts of meat, and transmuting them slowly over a low heat, making them into something wonderful. Worgul does something similar with his characters: poor, disadvantaged or alcoholic they may be, but over the course of this marvelous novel he smokes them until they too, turn into lives which fascinate and move us. This is a novel which takes to an America we'd all love to visit.

—Timothy Stretton, Boshham, England.

  
A fresh, earnest new voice...
Thin Blue Smoke is a unique and wonderful novel in which Doug Worgul has created a rich community of characters whose lives intersect in and around their local barbecue joint. Their stories unfold over time in bits and pieces, just like the stories of the people in our lives. And the more time you spend with them, the deeper your affection grows. This novel shares the stories of this group of people in a fresh voice that is both interesting and earnest. 

Thin Blue Smoke is the type of novel you will want to return to again and again, just like a favorite vacation spot. After reading this novel, I feel like I have found a new circle of friends.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
—David Carnes, Overland Park, Kansas 

THIN BLUE SMOKE
Every once in awhile I read a book that blows my socks off. The characters are alive, they invade my dreams and become best friends. And the book's message, well, it's now a part of my mantra: Live, love, believe, and eat a lot of BBQ. Thin Blue Smoke is a literary ride that you don't want to end.
—Elizabeth Johnson, Kalamazoo, Michigan 

A FABULOUS BOOK!
I loved this book. The characters were so well written I felt they were real people. More than just a good read,this book was thought-provoking without being in any way stuffy. I loved the story lines, the characters, and the writing. I would recommend this book to anyone. Any chance of a sequel, as I dont want to say goodbye to the Smoke Meat family!
— "jintyb" Edinburgh, Scotland

Every page is smoke flavored
I love this book. Any author who can take the mundane and make it remarkable, make me want to eat at "Smoke Meat" has mastered his craft and displayed his talent. Some will fail to "get" the wonderful writing in this book. For me it will be one I remember from the untold books I've read over the years, books from authors such as John Irving or even Phillip Roth.

The style is simple but feels unique. The characters are people I either have known or want to know.
This is the best novel I've read since Last Night In Twisted River. 
—  Hal Brown, Ohio

Glad I found SMOKE! 
A few weeks before reading THIN BLUE SMOKE I didn't know about the book or its author. Partway through SMOKE, I was glad I stumbled onto it. The moment I finished it and clicked off my e-reader, I knew what my answer would be to a standard question: Read any good books lately?

Yeah! Worgul's SMOKE. Want to know the why? I'll tell you in a moment.

First, how'd I find it? I was searching for information on Frederick Buechner, a writer I admire. In one of the references, SMOKE and Worgul were mentioned. Buechner influenced Worgul, and was apparently thanked in SMOKE's acknowledgments. Good enough for me. And that's how it goes, isn't it? One link leads to another. A search for "A" takes a turn and discovers "B." Relationships are built through other relationships.

And this leads to why I loved SMOKE. It's about relationships. If the books you read must have a linear plot, like a mystery with a sequence of clues leading to a killer caught or the world saved, maybe SMOKE won't make your to-read list. Try it anyway.

On the tasty, tuneful surface, SMOKE involves barbecue and singing the blues. Still on the surface, it's about grief, love, failure and redemption. But partway through, thankful I'd stumbled across SMOKE, I realized how well it delved into the deep truth of relationships...between men, between men and women, between races, between families of blood and families of choice. I enjoyed living with and being irritated by barbecue master LaVerne Williams. Al Buddy became my buddy. When Reverend Ferguson Glen soared while delivering a graveside sermon, I also took flight. When the good reverend hit rock bottom, I felt the pinch of stone on my knees.

Many books are about "relationships." There's nothing unique about that. But it's how the author handles those relationships, and how the story allows me--as a reader--to enter into those families and friendships. SMOKE joyfully, painfully, truthfully welcomed me into its world of smoked meat and complex characters. 
—  Larry Patton, California