What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight
As disaster bears down on a rural California county, sordid truths about century-old crimes threaten a community in crisis . . .
Like much of rural California in 1985, Piñon County is on the brink of ecological and economic disaster. The forests are overgrown and frighteningly dry, the mill at the center of the community is closing, and real estate moguls plan to take full advantage. Furthermore, relationships are strained when historical records reveal shameful details about arson and murder committed in 1888 . . .
And as a wildfire bears down, the past and present collide, and this tight knit community desperately tries to cope with spousal abuse, racism, bigotry, adultery . . . and the imminent threat both to and from nature.
But who will survive to tell their tale, and who will fall victim to fate?
The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is a beautifully told and evocative novel rich in atmosphere, depicting devastating dangers to both the human spirit and the environment—while leaving us hopeful for the future by showing what love and friendship can do.
Like much of rural California in 1985, Piñon County is on the brink of ecological and economic disaster. The forests are overgrown and frighteningly dry, the mill at the center of the community is closing, and real estate moguls plan to take full advantage. Furthermore, relationships are strained when historical records reveal shameful details about arson and murder committed in 1888 . . .
And as a wildfire bears down, the past and present collide, and this tight knit community desperately tries to cope with spousal abuse, racism, bigotry, adultery . . . and the imminent threat both to and from nature.
But who will survive to tell their tale, and who will fall victim to fate?
The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is a beautifully told and evocative novel rich in atmosphere, depicting devastating dangers to both the human spirit and the environment—while leaving us hopeful for the future by showing what love and friendship can do.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2024
27 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Freitas
1 book2 followersI'm a sixth-generation Northern Californian who began reading at age five, wrote my first story at age seven, and organized my first political action at age eleven -- a protest over the girls' dress code. My ancestors include gold rush pioneers and Dust Bowl refugees, small farmers and farm laborers, blue collar workers and a silent movie actress known for performing daredevil stunts on locomotives. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over four decades, devoting myself to political activism. During that time I wrote for community and feminist newspapers and occasionally for California historical journals.
My website https://www.necessarystorms.com/ examines episodes in recent U.S. history, with the unique insights and perspectives acquired from a lifetime of political struggles. My author’s website, https://www.shirleyfreitas.com/, includes a novella (written in 1978) and an essay examining the state of American literature.
I now live in upstate New York. When not writing or attempting to satisfy every whim of my cats, I may be found reading, hiking, cooking, watching British mysteries, and avidly following the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors.
My website https://www.necessarystorms.com/ examines episodes in recent U.S. history, with the unique insights and perspectives acquired from a lifetime of political struggles. My author’s website, https://www.shirleyfreitas.com/, includes a novella (written in 1978) and an essay examining the state of American literature.
I now live in upstate New York. When not writing or attempting to satisfy every whim of my cats, I may be found reading, hiking, cooking, watching British mysteries, and avidly following the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 17, 2024
This is storytelling on an epic scale with a panorama as rich, and vast, and historically illuminating as 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'Gone With the Wind'. An outstanding debut by an author who has kept her abundant literary talents to herself for far too long.
I was totally hooked from the very beginning and loved the luxury of a gloriously long, well-crafted novel which leaps from genre to genre - historical, family saga, crime, romance, environmental thriller, western - and evokes more emotional turmoil than I can ever remember experiencing.
The writing possesses all the narrative values I have always cherished: it is vivid but nuanced, authentic but touching, heartbreaking but heartwarming, with a cast of characters convincingly portraying the best and worst of humanity.
The author brings rural California to life on the page with sincerity and integrity. A marvellous book - not to be missed.
I was totally hooked from the very beginning and loved the luxury of a gloriously long, well-crafted novel which leaps from genre to genre - historical, family saga, crime, romance, environmental thriller, western - and evokes more emotional turmoil than I can ever remember experiencing.
The writing possesses all the narrative values I have always cherished: it is vivid but nuanced, authentic but touching, heartbreaking but heartwarming, with a cast of characters convincingly portraying the best and worst of humanity.
The author brings rural California to life on the page with sincerity and integrity. A marvellous book - not to be missed.
October 22, 2024
Recommend
The fire bell strikes at midnight by Shirley Freitas.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover too. I got into this book straight away. Elsie's homestyle cafe was like a meeting place. Everyone knew everyone in this small town. I did like the writing style. As I got to the fire bit it did feel like I was there. A lot of action too. The way Shirley wrote about the fire. Some of it I could see in my mind. I really enjoyed how it ended. I got a lot of questions I had answered. I would recommend this book.
Blurb.
As disaster bears down on a rural California county, sordid truths about century-old crimes threaten a community in crisis . . .
Like much of rural California in 1985, Piñon County is on the brink of ecological and economic disaster. The forests are overgrown and frighteningly dry, the mill at the center of the community is closing, and real estate moguls plan to take full advantage. Furthermore, relationships are strained when historical records reveal shameful details about arson and murder committed in 1888 . . .
And as a wildfire bears down, the past and present collide, and this tight knit community desperately tries to cope with spousal abuse, racism, bigotry, adultery . . . and the imminent threat both to and from nature.
But who will survive to tell their tale, and who will fall victim to fate?
The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is a beautifully told and evocative novel rich in atmosphere, depicting devastating dangers to both the human spirit and the environment—while leaving us hopeful for the future by showing what love and friendship can do.
The fire bell strikes at midnight by Shirley Freitas.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover too. I got into this book straight away. Elsie's homestyle cafe was like a meeting place. Everyone knew everyone in this small town. I did like the writing style. As I got to the fire bit it did feel like I was there. A lot of action too. The way Shirley wrote about the fire. Some of it I could see in my mind. I really enjoyed how it ended. I got a lot of questions I had answered. I would recommend this book.
Blurb.
As disaster bears down on a rural California county, sordid truths about century-old crimes threaten a community in crisis . . .
Like much of rural California in 1985, Piñon County is on the brink of ecological and economic disaster. The forests are overgrown and frighteningly dry, the mill at the center of the community is closing, and real estate moguls plan to take full advantage. Furthermore, relationships are strained when historical records reveal shameful details about arson and murder committed in 1888 . . .
And as a wildfire bears down, the past and present collide, and this tight knit community desperately tries to cope with spousal abuse, racism, bigotry, adultery . . . and the imminent threat both to and from nature.
But who will survive to tell their tale, and who will fall victim to fate?
The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is a beautifully told and evocative novel rich in atmosphere, depicting devastating dangers to both the human spirit and the environment—while leaving us hopeful for the future by showing what love and friendship can do.
October 23, 2024
This book has so many genres incorporated in it that is hard to categorize it, historical fiction, family drama, romance, environmental, crime. But i can tell you that all this genres work together to give a very good picture of life in a small town in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, California in the 1980's before the construction boom, interspersed with a family history on the 1890's tying together crimes committed in the past with the ones being committed in the book present.And always with the lingering presence and danger of wildfires.
Even though the book is very well written at times I felt it was too long, taking some of my enjoyment of it, and there's a relationship at the end of the book that doesn't make sense to me according to the story on the book (don't want to say more about it so not to spoil the story for whoever is reading the book). These are the reasons for my not giving the book a 5 star rating.
Even though the book is very well written at times I felt it was too long, taking some of my enjoyment of it, and there's a relationship at the end of the book that doesn't make sense to me according to the story on the book (don't want to say more about it so not to spoil the story for whoever is reading the book). These are the reasons for my not giving the book a 5 star rating.
October 19, 2024
This book covers so many aspects of society and the force of nature that it is difficult to sum up in a review except to say it is an exceptionally well written novel that brings humanity to life with the amazing storyline of love, loss, and hope. The beautifully written narrative brings everything to life and is wonderfully articulated on every page, creating an atmospheric book that was both uplifting and terrifying in equal measures.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
December 16, 2025
From the very first page, The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight drew me into Piñon County with a force that was almost tangible. Shirley Freitas doesn’t just introduce characters, she gives them life, history, and emotional depth. Every resident felt real to me, from those struggling silently with spousal abuse to those wrestling with moral compromises. I found myself laughing at their small victories, wincing at their mistakes, and feeling genuine sorrow for their losses. The way she intertwines personal struggles with the looming threat of the wildfire made every tension pulse with urgency, and I often had to pause just to catch my breath.
What fascinated me most was the duality of human nature Freitas explores. People in Piñon County are flawed, sometimes cowardly, sometimes cruel, but she also shows the resilience and courage that can emerge in the most unexpected moments. The uncovering of century-old crimes added a haunting layer to the story; it was a reminder that the past never truly dies, and that justice, truth, and reconciliation are ongoing battles. I found myself deeply invested in each revelation, feeling the weight of history pressing down on modern lives.
The writing itself is exquisite. The way Freitas evokes the overgrown forests, the dying mill, and the tense heat of the approaching wildfire made me feel like I could step into Piñon County myself. I felt the sweat on my brow, the smell of dry pine, and the anxiety of a town on the brink of both natural and social disaster. It’s rare for a book to be so vividly atmospheric while still maintaining such intricate character development, and Freitas does it seamlessly.
But what truly touched me was the humanity in the small moments, the friends who stood by one another, the acts of love that shone even in the darkest circumstances, and the sense of hope that threaded its way through the devastation. This novel reminded me that even when confronted with destruction and moral failure, the human spirit can endure, and sometimes even thrive.
By the time I reached the final pages, I felt as if I were leaving old friends behind, yet carrying their stories with me. The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is not just a novel; it’s an emotional journey that stays with you, challenges your assumptions, and ultimately reminds you of the power of connection, courage, and compassion.
What fascinated me most was the duality of human nature Freitas explores. People in Piñon County are flawed, sometimes cowardly, sometimes cruel, but she also shows the resilience and courage that can emerge in the most unexpected moments. The uncovering of century-old crimes added a haunting layer to the story; it was a reminder that the past never truly dies, and that justice, truth, and reconciliation are ongoing battles. I found myself deeply invested in each revelation, feeling the weight of history pressing down on modern lives.
The writing itself is exquisite. The way Freitas evokes the overgrown forests, the dying mill, and the tense heat of the approaching wildfire made me feel like I could step into Piñon County myself. I felt the sweat on my brow, the smell of dry pine, and the anxiety of a town on the brink of both natural and social disaster. It’s rare for a book to be so vividly atmospheric while still maintaining such intricate character development, and Freitas does it seamlessly.
But what truly touched me was the humanity in the small moments, the friends who stood by one another, the acts of love that shone even in the darkest circumstances, and the sense of hope that threaded its way through the devastation. This novel reminded me that even when confronted with destruction and moral failure, the human spirit can endure, and sometimes even thrive.
By the time I reached the final pages, I felt as if I were leaving old friends behind, yet carrying their stories with me. The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is not just a novel; it’s an emotional journey that stays with you, challenges your assumptions, and ultimately reminds you of the power of connection, courage, and compassion.
December 16, 2025
The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is one of the most emotionally gripping books I have read in years. Shirley Freitas fearlessly confronts the dark aspects of humanity, bigotry, infidelity, betrayal, and abuse, while simultaneously celebrating resilience, love, and redemption. I was captivated by how authentically the characters are portrayed, with all their moral ambiguities and personal struggles. I felt their pain as acutely as if it were my own, and I celebrated their moments of courage as if they were my victories too.
The historical thread of the 1888 crimes added a haunting, almost ghostly dimension to the narrative. It’s astonishing how Freitas makes history feel so immediate, showing its effects on the present day. I found myself reflecting on how much of our own lives are influenced by unseen legacies and long, buried secrets. It’s a novel that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, but neither does it abandon hope.
The wildfire looming over Piñon County is a constant presence that mirrors the emotional intensity of the story. Every scene crackles with tension, and Freitas’ descriptions are so vivid that I could almost hear the roar of the flames and feel the heat on my skin. I was on edge, yet completely absorbed, turning pages faster than I realized because I needed to see who would survive, who would fall, and who would find redemption.
But what moved me most were the intimate human moments. Freitas captures the quiet acts of courage and love, the spouse protecting their partner, the friend offering comfort, the stranger stepping up in crisis. These moments are small, yet in the context of the story’s tension and tragedy, they feel monumental. They reminded me of the power of compassion, and how even in a world fraught with danger and moral failure, goodness can prevail.
By the end, I felt a mix of awe, sorrow, and gratitude. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it challenges you to feel deeply, to reflect on the complexity of human nature, and to recognize the beauty that can emerge even in the darkest times. The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is an emotional triumph, and Shirley Freitas is an extraordinary storyteller whose work deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
The historical thread of the 1888 crimes added a haunting, almost ghostly dimension to the narrative. It’s astonishing how Freitas makes history feel so immediate, showing its effects on the present day. I found myself reflecting on how much of our own lives are influenced by unseen legacies and long, buried secrets. It’s a novel that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, but neither does it abandon hope.
The wildfire looming over Piñon County is a constant presence that mirrors the emotional intensity of the story. Every scene crackles with tension, and Freitas’ descriptions are so vivid that I could almost hear the roar of the flames and feel the heat on my skin. I was on edge, yet completely absorbed, turning pages faster than I realized because I needed to see who would survive, who would fall, and who would find redemption.
But what moved me most were the intimate human moments. Freitas captures the quiet acts of courage and love, the spouse protecting their partner, the friend offering comfort, the stranger stepping up in crisis. These moments are small, yet in the context of the story’s tension and tragedy, they feel monumental. They reminded me of the power of compassion, and how even in a world fraught with danger and moral failure, goodness can prevail.
By the end, I felt a mix of awe, sorrow, and gratitude. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it challenges you to feel deeply, to reflect on the complexity of human nature, and to recognize the beauty that can emerge even in the darkest times. The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is an emotional triumph, and Shirley Freitas is an extraordinary storyteller whose work deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
December 16, 2025
Reading The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight felt like stepping into a world both fragile and alive. Shirley Freitas masterfully balances the human story with the story of the land itself. The forests of Piñon County are more than just a backdrop; they are characters in their own right, overgrown, dry, and threatening, yet capable of beauty and renewal. I could feel the oppressive heat and the dry, smoky air creeping into every chapter, a constant reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability.
What struck me most was the interplay between past and present. The century, old crimes uncovered within historical records were not mere plot devices, they were the foundation upon which current relationships and tensions were built. I felt the ripple effects of those events in every character’s choices and reactions, and I was moved by how Freitas explored themes of guilt, secrecy, and the long shadows of history. It was impossible not to reflect on my own community and the hidden stories that shape it.
The relationships within Piñon County are messy, intimate, and heartbreakingly real. From spousal abuse to betrayals of trust, from the sting of racism and bigotry to the comfort of unexpected friendships, the novel captures the full spectrum of human emotion. I often found myself pausing to breathe, overwhelmed by the depth of feeling Freitas evokes, or rereading passages just to savor the beauty and pain of her prose.
And yet, amid all the tension and tragedy, there is hope. Acts of kindness, love, and solidarity shine through like tiny lanterns in a dark forest. These moments are so subtle yet so powerful that they linger long after the book is closed. By the end, I was both heartbroken and uplifted, a combination that speaks to the rare quality of Freitas’ storytelling.
This book is more than just a compelling story; it’s an experience. It reminded me of the fragility of life, the importance of community, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is a book I will carry in my heart for a long time, and I know I will return to it again to relive the emotional intensity and the vivid sense of place that makes it unforgettable.
What struck me most was the interplay between past and present. The century, old crimes uncovered within historical records were not mere plot devices, they were the foundation upon which current relationships and tensions were built. I felt the ripple effects of those events in every character’s choices and reactions, and I was moved by how Freitas explored themes of guilt, secrecy, and the long shadows of history. It was impossible not to reflect on my own community and the hidden stories that shape it.
The relationships within Piñon County are messy, intimate, and heartbreakingly real. From spousal abuse to betrayals of trust, from the sting of racism and bigotry to the comfort of unexpected friendships, the novel captures the full spectrum of human emotion. I often found myself pausing to breathe, overwhelmed by the depth of feeling Freitas evokes, or rereading passages just to savor the beauty and pain of her prose.
And yet, amid all the tension and tragedy, there is hope. Acts of kindness, love, and solidarity shine through like tiny lanterns in a dark forest. These moments are so subtle yet so powerful that they linger long after the book is closed. By the end, I was both heartbroken and uplifted, a combination that speaks to the rare quality of Freitas’ storytelling.
This book is more than just a compelling story; it’s an experience. It reminded me of the fragility of life, the importance of community, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is a book I will carry in my heart for a long time, and I know I will return to it again to relive the emotional intensity and the vivid sense of place that makes it unforgettable.
November 3, 2024
Okay, I'll admit it - at first, I had a little trouble keeping all the characters straight in "The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight". But once I got everyone figured out, I was totally hooked! The setting is rural California in the 80s (with flashbacks to the 1800’s) a time and place where everyone knows each other's business, real estate greed is a growing threat, and the current generation struggles to balance respect for the past with the looming reality of climate change.
A severe drought hangs over the story foreshadowing a forest fire that could break out at any moment. Freitas does a great job of ramping up the tension as the risk of fire increases and the people of Piñon County must confront a wide range of issues - abuse, racism, infidelity... the list goes on. Even as their lives hang in the balance, they must find a way to come to terms with these heady subjects and what it all means for their futures.
The writing in this book is engaging and immersive. I came to know the characters through Freitas' writing. I would have appreciated more insight into what motivated them, and the ending, which provided brief updates on each character, felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, I was satisfied with the story and can easily envision it as a streaming series, as it has all the key elements - passion, corruption, confrontation, family, and friendship.
I highly recommend "The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight" to anyone seeking a compelling story with real-world implications and a plot that will keep them turning the pages. Thank you for the advance reader's copy of the book.
A severe drought hangs over the story foreshadowing a forest fire that could break out at any moment. Freitas does a great job of ramping up the tension as the risk of fire increases and the people of Piñon County must confront a wide range of issues - abuse, racism, infidelity... the list goes on. Even as their lives hang in the balance, they must find a way to come to terms with these heady subjects and what it all means for their futures.
The writing in this book is engaging and immersive. I came to know the characters through Freitas' writing. I would have appreciated more insight into what motivated them, and the ending, which provided brief updates on each character, felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, I was satisfied with the story and can easily envision it as a streaming series, as it has all the key elements - passion, corruption, confrontation, family, and friendship.
I highly recommend "The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight" to anyone seeking a compelling story with real-world implications and a plot that will keep them turning the pages. Thank you for the advance reader's copy of the book.
November 27, 2024
This is a hard one.
After reading many great reviews I thought that this was for sure something that I wouldn't be able to put down-- I was wrong.
It was very hard for me to get into at first. It jumps back and fourth quite a bit from present meaning 1986 to 1888.
I was really engaged once then fire really started to blaze. You really felt like you were living in the scene and the details were extremely realistic. It puts you into perspective of towns that really do go through wild fires.
She really explained everything nicely at the end of the book. However, I'm still confused on the diary?? The only thing that I can think of is that it was how history repeats itself.
I REALLY hated when they had to include the fact that two of the women in the story became gay for each other. That was really unnecessary -- it really turned me off.
Don't think I will be reading this book again
After reading many great reviews I thought that this was for sure something that I wouldn't be able to put down-- I was wrong.
It was very hard for me to get into at first. It jumps back and fourth quite a bit from present meaning 1986 to 1888.
I was really engaged once then fire really started to blaze. You really felt like you were living in the scene and the details were extremely realistic. It puts you into perspective of towns that really do go through wild fires.
She really explained everything nicely at the end of the book. However, I'm still confused on the diary?? The only thing that I can think of is that it was how history repeats itself.
I REALLY hated when they had to include the fact that two of the women in the story became gay for each other. That was really unnecessary -- it really turned me off.
Don't think I will be reading this book again
October 9, 2024
Step into Elsie's Homestyle Café and enter a small, California town of the mid-1980s with its often fraught intimate personal relationships and history and competing visions of what makes for a good life. Add in threats posed to a beloved way of life by apparently unstoppable development amidst fire-prone wilderness and the result is a page-turner of a story and parable for our climate-threatened times. Villains and angels, wolves and lambs, and every kind of human in-between all fan the inevitable firestorms. Shirley Freitas grew up in and knows these western communities well and she brings this one to exciting life in The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight. I stayed up past my usual bedtime reading this one. Enjoy!
November 1, 2024
In a small Californian mountain town in the mid-1980s, things have always worked a certain way –for the benefit of certain people. But change is coming.
Dirty history, insidious violence, social injustice, and the lure of the almighty dollar are the sparks that set off a conflagration; a blaze that doesn’t just burn forests and homes.
An epic novel that deftly conjures up a time and place, and populates it with a cast of well-drawn characters. With a great mix of emotional heat and physical detail, I felt like I was there.
Dirty history, insidious violence, social injustice, and the lure of the almighty dollar are the sparks that set off a conflagration; a blaze that doesn’t just burn forests and homes.
An epic novel that deftly conjures up a time and place, and populates it with a cast of well-drawn characters. With a great mix of emotional heat and physical detail, I felt like I was there.
October 28, 2024
Really enjoyed this one - especially the last third - it was page turning! It took me a while initially to fit all the characters together but a good novel showing the failings of our world and the way people try to make things right.
October 14, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book set in an American town. The characters were well developed and fascinating and it kept me gripped. Highly recommended. Thanks for the ARC copy of this!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews