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Three tourists burned alive. Two disgraced cops. One deranged killer.

Ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop is just trying to be friendly when she gives directions to an impatient tourist. Five hours later, the same tourist is dead. The only evidence? A lit match and the lingering smell of gasoline. It’s the first of three murders, all tourists, all burned alive.

Rileigh is no stranger to horrific murders. When she’s hired as a private investigator, she teams up with the recently fired local sheriff to uncover the connection between the victims, but the facts don’t add up. Why would someone set a stranger on fire?

And what do the deaths have to do with the looming meteor shower?

It’s a race against the clock for Rileigh and the former sheriff – can they find the killer before more people burn?

Fuel To The Flame is the second book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller series by Lauren Street.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

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Lauren Street

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
431 reviews44 followers
December 1, 2024
Lauren Street strikes a match and sets the mystery/thriller world ablaze with Fuel to the Flame, the second sizzling installment in the Smoky Mountain series. Picking up after the events of Hide Me Away, this gripping whodunnit pulls readers back into the world of ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop and the haunting beauty of a small town nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Familiar faces like Georgia and Mitch return, bringing depth and continuity to the series. Having read the first book, I found their reappearance particularly satisfying, as their evolving relationships added layers to an already intricate plot.

The murder mystery at the heart of the story is chilling and twisted but oh so engaging, laced with gore that kept me turning the pages despite the unease it evoked. The pacing is relentless, building tension until the final chapters, which had me flipping through in a frenzy of panic and anticipation. But, I loved every minute of it!

The vivid setting, the tight, suspenseful writing, and the jaw-dropping cliffhanger make this an unforgettable installment in the series. If you're in the mood for a mystery that burns bright and leaves you breathless, Fuel to the Flame is a smoking-hot choice. Thank you NetGalley, Sterling & Stone , and Lauren Street for this arc!
Profile Image for IngeT (inge1970reads).
503 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2023
It was my first encounter with Lauren Street. So I did not read the frist book of The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers ( Hide me away). But that was not a problem since Lauren did a recap of that book in the first few charters of this one.

Rileigh Bishop a former Police officer now a private investigator has to find out if some burned down buildings have been set on fire on purpose. She gets tangled in the murders that are taken place. She teams with the Sheriff.

I really liked the book. The story is full of action and some crazy killings and crimes. The suspense is there. It is a very nice and entertaining story.

There are some small typos so an editing round might be an idea.

What is going on in those Mountains? I wanna read more of it. So hope to read book 1 and 3 too. And if any more come out after 3, that would be great. A translation to Dutch would be nice too 😉

Thanks for the ARC Booksprout and Sterling & Stone.
https://sterlingandstone.net/book/fue...

3.5 - 4⭐️ @inge1970reads
Profile Image for Lizzy.
78 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2023
"Fuel To The Flame," the second installment in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller series. I was so hooked by the story since the beginning. The narrative explores three tourists' tragic deaths, leaving only a lit match and the scent of gasoline as clues. Rileigh Bishop, an ex-police officer who is now a private investigator, teams up with a recently fired sheriff to unravel the mystery. The connection between the victims remains elusive, raising questions about the motive behind the killings.

"Fuel To The Flame" is a page-turner novel that blends elements of mystery and thriller. The race against time to catch the killer has me wanting to read the next instalment!

While I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book of the series, "Fuel To The Flame" stands strongly on its own. The narrative, characters, and the mystery ensure an engaging experience for readers, whether they're familiar with the series or entering it for the first time.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for providing this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
29 reviews
November 13, 2023
Engrossing

Didn't think it was grabbing my attention at first but was very involved by the end. Anxious for the next book.
Profile Image for Jodi.
2,951 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2025
This is book 2 in this series and I could follow pretty well without reading the first book. Definitely engaging but was not a fan of the ending but it could be related to the series and the 3rd book picking up where this left off. This is a psychological crime thriller with plenty of action and twists as Rileigh with the help of Mitch, one time sheriff, tries to get to the bottom of who is torching the tourists and why. Rileigh entangled in a nightmarish string of murders that see tourists meeting a gruesome end by fire. What starts as a simple act of goodwill, offering directions to an impatient tourist, spirals into darkness when Rileigh discovers the same individual brutally killed hours later, marked only by a lit match and the lingering scent of gasoline. As the body count rises, with two more victims suffering a similarly tragic fate, Rileigh feels compelled to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths. Teaming up with the recently ousted local sheriff, Mitch, who shares her curiosity, they embark on a quest to decipher the connection between the victims. Yet, with each revelation, the puzzle becomes more intricate. In a race against time to prevent further tragedy, Rileigh and Mitch confront an additional twist – a looming meteor shower. Rileigh begins to contemplate the possibility of a connection between the deaths and this cosmic event, injecting an extra layer of complexity into the narrative. The intertwining of investigative urgency, a puzzling motive, and celestial intrigue makes this a gripping tale of suspense and unpredictability that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Thank you to NetGalley, Sterling & Stone and author Lauren Street for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,678 reviews35 followers
November 6, 2023
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers:
FUEL TO THE FLAME, #2 - This story picks up four months after Hide Me Away ends. I'm not sure why the author though it was important to rehash HMA in the first four chapters, and others, which made it difficult for me to keep reading since I read HMA. The story kicks into gear and turns out full of gory but not graphic crimes, mixed with more crimes and plenty of action. Thar's a bit of crazy going on in those mountains. Intense story lines. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: BookSprout. 4*

BECAUSE ONE OF US WAS WRONG, Novella - This is a funny, interesting, intriguing and entertaining introduction to the Bishop Smokey Mountains series. Likeable characters, crimes like crazy, good story lines, and good humor. A must read first. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: Download through Hide Me Away, book one of the series. 5*

HIDE ME AWAY, #1 - Interesting. Intriguing. Good pacing. Hard to put down with all the happenings, the variety of characters, and some intense story lines. It was easy to figure out the murders, even with all the suspects. Good team work between the acting sheriff and the veteran in solving the crimes. I like the writing style of the author. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: the author. 5*
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers end.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,142 reviews56 followers
December 25, 2023
Rileigh Bishop is an ex-police officer, who’d also served in the military, now she is a private investigator looking into some fires for an insurance company. She gives directions to an impatient tourist, visiting the smoky mountain and shortly after the tourist is smoking themselves having been doused in gasoline and set alight. When a second tourist is burnt alive the following day, it is not difficult for Rileigh to figure out “Had to be the same person both times, didn’t it? Throwing gasoline on someone and setting them on fire is a pretty specific M.O.” The Mayor Joe Rutherford wants the crimes solved quietly, as he doesn’t want to scare off any tourists.

This is a psychological crime thriller with plenty of action and twists as Rileigh with the help of Mitch, one time sheriff, tries to get to the bottom of who is torching the tourists and why.

After a slow beginning the pace picks up or should that be heats up?

This book is the second in a series but works fine as a standalone.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sue.
922 reviews
October 30, 2023
Rileigh Bishop is a former police officer, now a PI. She is on a stake out, when a couple who are tourists ask for directions. A few hours later, Rileigh finds out that the man was doused in fuel and burned alive.
Two other murders of tourists take place, and Rileigh is tasked to find out if the buildings that have burned down are deliberate, to claim insurance.

Rileigh teams up with the Sheriff to investigate what is happening in the area.

I did enjoy this book, it was suspenseful, but at times I felt that I was reading a book written by a high school student writing an essay. A lot of the book needs to be polished, so to speak.
I liked the main characters, and hope that in future books, the Sheriff and Rileigh team up to solve more cases.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Jacquelyn Dohoney.
378 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2023
Another great story! I read the first one within a couple of days, so I was pretty excited to grab this one. It could use another round of editing for a few small typos, but otherwise super entertaining. The only thing that annoyed me was the presentation of Frank Smother’s dog that just because he was a Doberman/pit bull mix he was a violent dog that couldn’t be controlled. I have Dobermans and they are big sweet teddy bears who love people. Their entire reason for being is to please their owners. Meaning, they don’t just defy their owner’s commands. I’m so sick of people misrepresenting Dobermans like that. Other than that scene, the story was great and I’m already reading the next one! I’ve gotten quite attached to all the characters!

Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
97 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
Book 2 in the Rileigh Bishop series find Rileigh entangled in a nightmarish string of murders that see tourists meeting a gruesome end by fire. What starts as a simple act of goodwill, offering directions to an impatient tourist, spirals into darkness when Rileigh discovers the same individual brutally killed hours later, marked only by a lit match and the lingering scent of gasoline.

As the body count rises, with two more victims suffering a similarly tragic fate, Rileigh feels compelled to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths. Teaming up with the recently ousted local sheriff, Mitch, who shares her curiosity, they embark on a quest to decipher the connection between the victims. Yet, with each revelation, the puzzle becomes more intricate, leaving the burning question unanswered: why would someone deliberately set complete strangers ablaze?

In a race against time to prevent further tragedy, Rileigh and Mitch confront an additional twist – a looming meteor shower. Rileigh begins to contemplate the possibility of a connection between the deaths and this cosmic event, injecting an extra layer of complexity into the narrative. The intertwining of investigative urgency, a puzzling motive, and celestial intrigue makes this a gripping tale of suspense and unpredictability that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sterling & Stone and author Lauren Street for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lili.
872 reviews48 followers
November 3, 2023
A heart rending insight into the workings of traumatized minds. In fact, any minds - because everybody have their hang-ups, their dreams or their nightmares. It all comes with living, and the personal history of each of us - the way we handle all that life and life handles us - imprints on our souls and overflows into the minds and souls of those close to us, and mostly our children.

It's a good thriller, with non-stop action and adrenaline, and a lot of soul-searching. The descriptions of the meteor showers, the mountains are good, and the feelings and the reactions of people in all instances of life believable.
It ends on a soft cliffhanger, but I didn't mind since I knew this is a series and I plan to see both Rileigh and Mitch finding their happiness.
Profile Image for Teresa Collins.
1,178 reviews22 followers
November 9, 2023
Once again Lauren Street has created an unstoppable page-turner. This book grabs the reader from the first pages and does not let go until the last. It is intense, fast-paced, and gripping; a true psychological thriller. Ms. Street keeps the reader guessing as to who the perpetrator is and throws enough red herrings in the way that you never can decide if you are right or not. I will admit that I was wrong. The 'bad guy' wasn't who I thought it was and I always enjoy when a writer can keep me on my toes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for June.
434 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2024
Truly hate giving out 2 star reviews but this book just got to me and not in a good way. Bad enough Rileigh went through all she did in the first book but now she is dealing with bogus phone calls from Texas which call and just stay on the line and her Mama who tells her she speaks with Jillian on a regular basis (Jillian is the sister who is supposed to be dead but no body has ever been found). To top all of that there is an arsonist(s) who is burning houses,barns and people. All of this is written against a backdrop of 'run on 'flash backs that quite frankly I did not read much of. This book wanders all over and was very disappointing and the ending well once again we are left wondering-!
Profile Image for Shruti morethanmylupus.
1,322 reviews55 followers
February 15, 2026
Netgalley ARC

This was a really compelling book 2 in this series. We have a series of seemingly unrelated, gruesome burnings of people. Who is going around lighting people and buildings on fire? And why? Like in book one, Rileigh is a compelling protagonist who keeps the action going and the story moving along. The answer was rather obvious, but it didn't detract much from the enjoyment of watching Rileigh figure it out, try to get justice for the victims, and struggle to get herself through the situation alive.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
696 reviews
October 31, 2023
Rileigh Bishop used to be in the milatary and the police force but is now a PI. Tourists get killed. She teams up with the Sheriff Mitchell Webster to find out who is doing this. I recommend that you read the previous book first. It makes it easier to follow the story. It is an entertaining story, the troubled character of Rileigh and her past, the gruesome crimes, the way they solve the crime. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca Ellis.
152 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2024
Lots of mistakes, but good story

The editing mistakes from book one are still present in book 2. There is also improper word usage and a part where an ID is confirmed by a cell phone and not a license. So many of these mistakes should have been caught with a simple proofreading and I cannot understand why there are so many. Some of the same sentences from book 1 have shown up in book 2 as well. I like the characters so I will continue to read the stories and hope the mistakes disappear.
Profile Image for DJ.
529 reviews
November 13, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying Rileigh and the trouble she gets herself into. She steps outside the lines when doing her PI work; endangering herself and others without much thought.
She has a heart of gold and is true to her friends.
I look forward to more in this series.

Note: (not on GR for review) the prequel “because one of us is wrong” available through the authors newsletter-
I was so excited to receive this book; I was hoping as a prequel it would explain just where Rileigh went wrong when she was let go from the police force. Many hints in book 1-2; but no outright explanation. And sadly not discussed during the prequel either.
Just makes me look forward to the next in series—-
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,427 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2025
Rileigh Bishop is recuperating from her injuries and now she is back at work as the private investigator. She is sent out to do an insurance fraud claim and it becomes part of the newest murders in her town. Someone is pouring gas on tourist, then lighting them on fire. Why would someone in her town being doing this? Well she is working again with the acting Sheriff to figure this one out.

But, someone is targeting Rileigh, could this all be tied together? Don't miss this one!
758 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2025
Not a bad story, but I don't think this is for me. This is the second story in this series I have read, but I just can't seem to vibe with it. I want to because it has all the good stuff I look for in a story. The characters & the plot are interesting. The villain is really good & the story has good twists. I just can't seem to vibe with this series. With that said, if the blurb sounds interesting to you go for it.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,196 reviews56 followers
January 4, 2024
Fast-paced! Riveting! Suspenseful! Compelling! Complex! This book brings it ALL! It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
46 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2024
The book and series is good, however, way to much description at times. Why not have Raleigh join the police department, seems like she wants to be a cop. The Jillian story has gone one long enough, give us answers. You have writing skills, but if next book doesn't give some answers, I will find another author. Sorry
36 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2024
Great

Read the first book in the series yesterday and the second today. Now on to the third. Loving Reyliegh and Mitch and I absolutely love Mama Lily, here's hoping her Beau survives his neck replacement (hee hee ) This one kept us in suspense till the very end.
Profile Image for Kelly.
379 reviews54 followers
January 11, 2024
I love this series set in the Smoky Mountains. Raleigh works with the sheriff to solve a string of murders of tourists. Also someone tries to kill her best friend and Raleigh works to solve that case too.
684 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2024
Insanity

Three tourists were set on fire in the small town in the Smoky Mountains at the same time several fires had been started by an arsonist. Mitch needed Bishops help to track down the killers, but they were almost the final killing.
Profile Image for Charlene.
277 reviews
August 6, 2024
Book 2 of The Smoky Mountains Thrillers down. Rileigh just can't catch a break from the craziness. Just when she thinks she can breathe, crazy phone calls and texts, people being burned alive and her momma really loosing her mind.
24 reviews
August 17, 2024
Thrill Ride to the Very End

This one is so packed with action it will keep you on the edge of your seat and take your breath away. The second book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series. Read ‘em all!
307 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2024
A fear of fire!

This story started a little slow for me, but kept getting better as it went on. Raleigh is on an emotional roller coaster, but continues to help solve cases with Mitch. Ready for the next one in the series.
291 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2024
Good book

This series is very good, the suspense toward the end was very good. I will keep reading the series. Its a little drawn out in places,v but still very good.
Profile Image for Kath.
1,068 reviews26 followers
January 25, 2024
I prefer to go e a rating and keep reading, but these characters, the plot, and the flow of the stories are phenomenal!
Profile Image for Maddi Bautista.
4 reviews
February 7, 2024
The beginning of this book really grabbed my attention!! I was sucked in and read 50 pages before I knew it!!! I love how things are connected and this connections were so intriguing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews