Title: Firestorm
Author: Nevada Barr
First published January 1, 1996
298 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380725823 (ISBN10: 0380725827)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
The raging wildfire known as Inferno has already consumed thousands of acres of Yellowstone National Park, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Exhausted and battle-weary firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze, including Ranger Anna Pigeon, who is serving as medic and camp security.
But when a sudden shift in wind direction sends the fire roaring towards them, Anna and her team are left with no choice but to flee for their lives. As they emerge from their shelter, they discover a chilling scene: one man has been killed by the flames, while another has been brutally stabbed.
Trapped by a vicious snowstorm and cut off from any hope of rescue, Anna must use all her skills to solve the mystery of the murder and survive the wrath of the fire. But as tensions rise and suspicions mount, she realizes that the greatest danger may be the killer hiding in their midst.
About the Author
Meet Nevada Barr, a celebrated author of mystery fiction. Her popular “Anna Pigeon” series of books are set in various National Parks across the United States.
Barr’s debut novel, Track of the Cat, won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel.
Interestingly, Barr was named after the state where she was born. She grew up in Johnstonville, California, and completed her studies at the University of California, Irvine.
Despite her love for theater, Barr chose a career as a park ranger. In 1984, she published her first book, Bittersweet, a poignant lesbian historical fiction novel set in the days of the Western frontier.
Barr’s Anna Pigeon series was born while she was working at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Anna Pigeon, the series’ protagonist, is a law enforcement officer with the National Park Service who solves murder mysteries related to natural resource issues.
Each book in the series takes place in a different National Park. Pigeon’s character is defined by her wit, sarcasm, and guarded demeanor, which is often broken down by hunky male characters like Rogelio, to whom she is attracted.
Currently, Barr resides in New Orleans, LA.
Editoral Review
Firestorm by Nevada Barr is a gripping mystery novel that was originally published on January 1, 1996. The author, Nevada Barr, is a renowned American author of mystery and crime fiction, best known for her Anna Pigeon series.
Firestorm is the fourth book in the series, and it follows the story of Anna Pigeon, a national park ranger, who is assigned to investigate a series of fires in the Rocky Mountains.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the beautiful and rugged Rocky Mountains, and it explores the theme of nature and the human impact on the environment. The author paints vivid descriptions of the landscape, which creates a sense of immersion for the reader.
Barr’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, and she expertly weaves together the elements of suspense, mystery, and adventure to create a fast-paced and thrilling read.
The story begins when Anna is called to investigate a series of mysterious fires that have been ravaging the park. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she realizes that the fires are not accidental and that someone is deliberately setting them.
Anna’s investigation leads her to uncover a web of deceit and corruption, and she finds herself in a race against time to catch the arsonist before he strikes again.
Anna Pigeon is a strong and complex character, and Barr does an excellent job of developing her throughout the book. The author also introduces a cast of supporting characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, which adds depth and complexity to the story.
The conflicts and relationships between the characters are expertly crafted, and they serve to drive the plot forward.
One of the strengths of Firestorm is its exploration of the complex relationship between humans and nature. Barr highlights the devastating impact of human activities on the environment, and she shows how this can lead to dangerous consequences.
The novel also touches on themes of greed, power, and corruption, which are relevant to current events and issues.
Overall, Firestorm is a well-written and engaging mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. While the book does have some flaws, such as occasional pacing issues and predictable plot twists, these do not detract from the overall quality of the story.
Fans of Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series will not be disappointed, and readers who enjoy mystery and adventure novels will find a lot to love in Firestorm.
I would highly recommend Firestorm to anyone who enjoys mystery and adventure novels, as well as those who are interested in environmental issues and the impact of human activities on nature. The book is a great example of the mystery genre, and it is a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
I would give Firestorm a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
