“This thoroughly engaging novel boasts a protagonist whose vengeance is justified. Smith’s voice is both sturdy and elegant, delivering blunt, edgy prose that’s never lurid...however, the somber plot isn’t without a wry sense of humor. An uncompromising but profound urban tale from an incisive author”.
—Kirkus Reviews

Behind Closed Doors 2: Dana’s Story “The real highlight here is the plot. I was completely engrossed in the story. Everything that occurs fits perfectly into the plot, right down to the smallest details. There are a couple of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all and the storyline moves along seamlessly with each winding turn. There were a few twists where I silently applauded the author and thought, “Wow, well done.” The descriptions of the town’s squalid conditions and drug-fueled, violent atmosphere are vividly written. Boys grow up wanting to get into the drug trade and girls dream of hooking up with a “baller”, a thug who has a lot of money. The characters are believable, even the minor ones. Dana is a particularly well-developed character. Her ability to roll with the punches is fascinating. All of the dialogue in this book is superb; the words used are exactly what you would imagine these characters. This book has earned 4 out 4 stars. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The author is a master storyteller and should be commended for crafting a plot that is so absorbing. I look forward to reading more books in this series. For a time, I felt like I was transported to East St. Louis and Dana’s world. Maybe her world wasn’t such a good place to be, but I had no choice; really good books can do that to a reader”. —OnlineBookClub