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Fire: Ash
Flames, Soot, and Ash
After the death of her partner, Cassy and her husband, Steve, move to a small mountain town in hopes of a calmer life. She accepts the position of police chief, and he works as an architect. For four years, everything is peaceful until someone sets the town on fire. The flames will turn into ashes, not only the city but also in Cassy’s life.
She and Fire Chief Burke will try to figure out who the arsonist is, but to their surprise, the more they dig through the ashes, the harder it is for them to find a trace. However, one thing they will find out for sure.
Nothing in Balkan is what it seems!
Please note that in the store,y there is fire, violence, burning bodies, and human trafficking.
'It felt like watching a Hollywood mystery thriller.' - Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
'Hristina Bloomfield’s “ Ash” is a book that exceeded my expectations. It is well-written, with dialogue that does not drag on, while giving away hints. Readers who enjoy intriguing mystery-action tales should certainly read this one.'
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views
'The end of the book has such an unusual twist that it will leave the reader gasping for breath.'- Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
'I could not flip through the pages quickly enough to see what would happen next. The story was fast-paced, packed with events that held my focus the entire time. The writing style was exceptional.' - Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
' Ash is one of those thrillers that pulls the rug away from under your feet over and over again.' - Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
After the death of her partner, Cassy and her husband, Steve, move to a small mountain town in hopes of a calmer life. She accepts the position of police chief, and he works as an architect. For four years, everything is peaceful until someone sets the town on fire. The flames will turn into ashes, not only the city but also in Cassy’s life.
She and Fire Chief Burke will try to figure out who the arsonist is, but to their surprise, the more they dig through the ashes, the harder it is for them to find a trace. However, one thing they will find out for sure.
Nothing in Balkan is what it seems!
Please note that in the store,y there is fire, violence, burning bodies, and human trafficking.
'It felt like watching a Hollywood mystery thriller.' - Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
'Hristina Bloomfield’s “ Ash” is a book that exceeded my expectations. It is well-written, with dialogue that does not drag on, while giving away hints. Readers who enjoy intriguing mystery-action tales should certainly read this one.'
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views
'The end of the book has such an unusual twist that it will leave the reader gasping for breath.'- Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
'I could not flip through the pages quickly enough to see what would happen next. The story was fast-paced, packed with events that held my focus the entire time. The writing style was exceptional.' - Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
' Ash is one of those thrillers that pulls the rug away from under your feet over and over again.' - Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
About the author
Hristina Bloomfield
8 books26 followersBased in London, Hristina Bloomfield is an author who has written and published a few books.
Focusing on her work and stories, Hristina Bloomfield is a peculiar writer who takes pride in her writing and the well-rounded characters she creates for her novels.
From May 1 st, 2023, 10 percent of the profits from the sale of her books will be donated
to Brain Tumour Research.
Focusing on her work and stories, Hristina Bloomfield is a peculiar writer who takes pride in her writing and the well-rounded characters she creates for her novels.
From May 1 st, 2023, 10 percent of the profits from the sale of her books will be donated
to Brain Tumour Research.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 17, 2026
Fire Ash was a slow-burn read with an enjoyable premise. The book was full of action, tension, and suspense. The chapters were long with lots of dialogue, which didn’t really bother me but did make it difficult to fully connect with the characters. I also feel like the book started off somewhere in the middle, causing some confusion and making me wish there had been more build-up and backstory. With that being said, I really enjoyed the ending. It answered some of the questions from the missed backstory and I love the cliffhanger it left me with. Overall, a good crime thriller that deserves a prequel.
April 3, 2025
As the saying goes, “Some individuals are not loyal to you…they are just loyal to their need of you.” Hristina Bloomfield’s action-packed two-novel series Fire, which begins with “Fire: Ash,” tells the story of a police chief who discovers shocking facts about individuals she trusts the most and who are leading clandestine operations behind her back.
Several explosions near her home bring Cassy, Balkan’s Police Chief, scrambling to save her dog Charlie from her house. Everyone is panicked as they rush to flee the fires that are already engulfing houses. However, she is shocked to learn from a neighbor that her husband Steve took Charlie from the house as soon as the fires broke out. Steve, according to her, is visiting his mother, so she dismisses the neighbor’s claim. The flames, smoke, and soot are too much, and Burke, Balkan’s Fire Chief, who noticed her enter the house helps her escape.
Just as she settles in a hospital, someone tries to suffocate her with a pillow before fleeing after a hard struggle, which leaves her wondering why someone would want her dead. Later, she awakens from a blackout to realize that she has been poisoned. She is taken aback when she recalls that her sister-in-law, the town mayor, brought her water, which she insisted on drinking.
As Cassy starts looking into the seemingly controlled fire incidents, she finds shocking information: someone saw her sister-in-law’s missing husband, for whom Cassy had led a fruitless search. Furthermore, her husband’s phone records reveal that he has been having an affair and he had spoken to his sister shortly before the fire (which she had denied.) When Cassy questions her about the calls, she is promptly ousted as the police chief, putting the mayor at the focus of her suspicion. The Fire Chief is shot at, and the two run for their lives while drones are dispatched to find them. But when her old intelligence officer contacts her, it becomes clear that someone wants them dead because of what they may have learned or are going to uncover.
This narrative is based on the protagonist’s long-held suspicion that something was wrong in the outwardly serene and otherwise peaceful city. As a former intelligence officer, she comes out as an intelligent person whose efficacy and investigational abilities may have been weakened by her memories of her former partner’s death as well as her ongoing marital woes. Although the story examines a number of potential possibilities, it hints on familial treachery; nonetheless, the reader must wait for further in-depth details to confirm or dispel this possibility.
My strongest feelings were evoked by the story as I caught hidden clues that the main character appeared to be totally ignorant of. As biting truths came to light, the story’s cleverly crafted themes had me on edge, as I waited to see how she would respond. The story is full of cliffhangers and horrific situations, as well as startling truths that kept me screaming for more. As I searched for the missing piece to a challenging jigsaw, I found it interesting that a previous police chief who had to leave town fast and a former mayor accused of corruption were mentioned. I ended up admiring the author’s inventiveness in creating suspenseful sequences that end up showing something wholly unexpected.
Hristina Bloomfield’s “Fire: Ash” is a book that exceeded my expectations. It is well-written, with dialogue that does not drag on, while giving away hints. Readers who enjoy intriguing mystery-action tales should certainly read this one.
Several explosions near her home bring Cassy, Balkan’s Police Chief, scrambling to save her dog Charlie from her house. Everyone is panicked as they rush to flee the fires that are already engulfing houses. However, she is shocked to learn from a neighbor that her husband Steve took Charlie from the house as soon as the fires broke out. Steve, according to her, is visiting his mother, so she dismisses the neighbor’s claim. The flames, smoke, and soot are too much, and Burke, Balkan’s Fire Chief, who noticed her enter the house helps her escape.
Just as she settles in a hospital, someone tries to suffocate her with a pillow before fleeing after a hard struggle, which leaves her wondering why someone would want her dead. Later, she awakens from a blackout to realize that she has been poisoned. She is taken aback when she recalls that her sister-in-law, the town mayor, brought her water, which she insisted on drinking.
As Cassy starts looking into the seemingly controlled fire incidents, she finds shocking information: someone saw her sister-in-law’s missing husband, for whom Cassy had led a fruitless search. Furthermore, her husband’s phone records reveal that he has been having an affair and he had spoken to his sister shortly before the fire (which she had denied.) When Cassy questions her about the calls, she is promptly ousted as the police chief, putting the mayor at the focus of her suspicion. The Fire Chief is shot at, and the two run for their lives while drones are dispatched to find them. But when her old intelligence officer contacts her, it becomes clear that someone wants them dead because of what they may have learned or are going to uncover.
This narrative is based on the protagonist’s long-held suspicion that something was wrong in the outwardly serene and otherwise peaceful city. As a former intelligence officer, she comes out as an intelligent person whose efficacy and investigational abilities may have been weakened by her memories of her former partner’s death as well as her ongoing marital woes. Although the story examines a number of potential possibilities, it hints on familial treachery; nonetheless, the reader must wait for further in-depth details to confirm or dispel this possibility.
My strongest feelings were evoked by the story as I caught hidden clues that the main character appeared to be totally ignorant of. As biting truths came to light, the story’s cleverly crafted themes had me on edge, as I waited to see how she would respond. The story is full of cliffhangers and horrific situations, as well as startling truths that kept me screaming for more. As I searched for the missing piece to a challenging jigsaw, I found it interesting that a previous police chief who had to leave town fast and a former mayor accused of corruption were mentioned. I ended up admiring the author’s inventiveness in creating suspenseful sequences that end up showing something wholly unexpected.
Hristina Bloomfield’s “Fire: Ash” is a book that exceeded my expectations. It is well-written, with dialogue that does not drag on, while giving away hints. Readers who enjoy intriguing mystery-action tales should certainly read this one.
May 13, 2026
Genre: Thriller | Crime Fiction
Pages: 259
Rating: 5 stars
I loved every bit of this book. I mean, just look at that cover! Beautiful! From the first chapter, the adventure hit me right in the face. As a child of a career firefighter, I love all things involving arson. But the story doesn't just stop at Cassy, our main character and police chief of Balkan, trying to figure out how 6 explosive fires happened at once and why/who started them. No, no. With the help of fire chief Burke, digging deep into the lives of those she thought she knew, she learns nothing is as it seems. And on top of all that happening, her husband and beloved dog are missing. I was not expecting the element of human trafficking to come into play, as I orginally thought it was just about fires. Although that may be a triggering to some, I honestly believe this topic fits perfectly in with the storyline. This story had me glued to my seat until the last page. Speaking of last page, omgosh! That last chapter sent my head into space! I was not expecting that at all! If you are looking for an action packed crime novel that will have your mind spiraling and jaw dropping to the floor, go snag a copy of this one!
Pages: 259
Rating: 5 stars
I loved every bit of this book. I mean, just look at that cover! Beautiful! From the first chapter, the adventure hit me right in the face. As a child of a career firefighter, I love all things involving arson. But the story doesn't just stop at Cassy, our main character and police chief of Balkan, trying to figure out how 6 explosive fires happened at once and why/who started them. No, no. With the help of fire chief Burke, digging deep into the lives of those she thought she knew, she learns nothing is as it seems. And on top of all that happening, her husband and beloved dog are missing. I was not expecting the element of human trafficking to come into play, as I orginally thought it was just about fires. Although that may be a triggering to some, I honestly believe this topic fits perfectly in with the storyline. This story had me glued to my seat until the last page. Speaking of last page, omgosh! That last chapter sent my head into space! I was not expecting that at all! If you are looking for an action packed crime novel that will have your mind spiraling and jaw dropping to the floor, go snag a copy of this one!
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May 20, 2026This is book one in the Fire series, it follows Cassy who is the Police chief, and is set in the small mountain town of Balkan, which sounds beautiful and idyllic. That is until someone decides to set fire to downtown. Casey works with Fire Chief Burke to figure out who is responsible, and more importantly why they did it.
This book starts with action immediately, and I mean immediately, there is no slow burn (excuse the pun 😅), no slow build up, no laying any groundwork, it literally goes bang a couple of pages in, and it doesn’t slow down for a moment. The more Cassy and Burke discover, the more secrets they uncover and the more doesn’t make sense.
This story is full of more twists and turns than Disney World, just when you think you understand what is going on you’re hit by another plot twist that blows what you thought out of the water. And with the number of red herrings in this book you could open a fish market! And that is before the ending, I was definitely not expecting that. That was some cliffhanger!
So if you’re into twisty thrillers that come with their own rollercoasters, keeping you guessing the whole way then this one is definitely for you!
This book starts with action immediately, and I mean immediately, there is no slow burn (excuse the pun 😅), no slow build up, no laying any groundwork, it literally goes bang a couple of pages in, and it doesn’t slow down for a moment. The more Cassy and Burke discover, the more secrets they uncover and the more doesn’t make sense.
This story is full of more twists and turns than Disney World, just when you think you understand what is going on you’re hit by another plot twist that blows what you thought out of the water. And with the number of red herrings in this book you could open a fish market! And that is before the ending, I was definitely not expecting that. That was some cliffhanger!
So if you’re into twisty thrillers that come with their own rollercoasters, keeping you guessing the whole way then this one is definitely for you!
May 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a gripping story from the get go literally a couple pages in and the fire hits! I really liked the FMC Cassey she’s the towns police chief and she teams up with the fire Chief Burke together they work together to figure out who the towns arsonists is, in doing this they unravel a whole load of suprises in Balkan.
I felt like Cassy went through an awful lot of emotions throughout, I don’t no how one person wouldn’t break after what she was put through,
I did struggle in some parts with the dialogue in this book, it was very hard to understand or believe in some parts and didn’t feel completely realistic I felt like things where described in one moment then shortly after again in another but the story all came together with the dramatic twists and turns of events.
Overall I rated this 4stars I would definitely read the sequel as I feel like you couldn’t not after the cliff hanger this was left on I was gob smacked! The ending saved this one for me.
This was such a gripping story from the get go literally a couple pages in and the fire hits! I really liked the FMC Cassey she’s the towns police chief and she teams up with the fire Chief Burke together they work together to figure out who the towns arsonists is, in doing this they unravel a whole load of suprises in Balkan.
I felt like Cassy went through an awful lot of emotions throughout, I don’t no how one person wouldn’t break after what she was put through,
I did struggle in some parts with the dialogue in this book, it was very hard to understand or believe in some parts and didn’t feel completely realistic I felt like things where described in one moment then shortly after again in another but the story all came together with the dramatic twists and turns of events.
Overall I rated this 4stars I would definitely read the sequel as I feel like you couldn’t not after the cliff hanger this was left on I was gob smacked! The ending saved this one for me.
May 11, 2026
This book drops you right into the nitty gritty of the story. Chief of Police Cassy and Fire Chief Burke barely escape a deadly fire. As their lives are continually put at risk throughout the book, I was desperate to know who was after them, and why. There were so many secrets, and way more questions than answers. I couldn’t help but keep reading because I wanted those answers just as much as Cassy and Burke.
I felt a little lost while reading. It felt like I picked a book up that was in the middle of a series. I wanted more about the characters. I wanted to connect with them more than I did.
Hristina also takes us out with a bang, leaving us on a cliffhanger. I actually had to go back and listen to the end again wondering if I was missing anything because of the way it ended.
Thank you Hristina and Love Books Tours for my copy of this book.
I felt a little lost while reading. It felt like I picked a book up that was in the middle of a series. I wanted more about the characters. I wanted to connect with them more than I did.
Hristina also takes us out with a bang, leaving us on a cliffhanger. I actually had to go back and listen to the end again wondering if I was missing anything because of the way it ended.
Thank you Hristina and Love Books Tours for my copy of this book.
May 18, 2026
Fire: Ash Book 1 is a fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages because I wanted to know what was happening next. There were complex family dynamics, are they or aren’t they dead? moments, so is he/she a villain or not? moments, and wait, what?moments. Overall, I think the book was great! There were a few places where I thought the dialogue felt a little weird to where I was asking myself whether or not someone would speak like that in that moment. I’m joking (kinda) here, but I’m not happy with a certain thing that happens which I will not say here and that the end went way out in left field and then “to be continued.” How could you leave us like that? I guess I’m going to have to get Fire: Embers Book 2! In the meantime, I’m rating Fire: Ash 4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2026
There is not a massive introduction to the story line as the fire hits within the first chapter. You meet Cassey and learn a little about her before she is thrown into the middle of the action.
As the story progresses it is clear that the town is hiding something, everyone seems so suspicious and when Cassy and Burke are targeted who knows who they can trust.
It seems that everyone is turning against them and the drama and intrigue continue to build throughout.
The writing style did feel slightly robotic and didn't flow in some parts for example when speaking you would expect someone to say there's and not there is or I'm and not I am. It just felt stilted in places.
That being said, I enjoyed the story line and theme of the book and the way it ended made me want more. I am looking forward to book 2.
As the story progresses it is clear that the town is hiding something, everyone seems so suspicious and when Cassy and Burke are targeted who knows who they can trust.
It seems that everyone is turning against them and the drama and intrigue continue to build throughout.
The writing style did feel slightly robotic and didn't flow in some parts for example when speaking you would expect someone to say there's and not there is or I'm and not I am. It just felt stilted in places.
That being said, I enjoyed the story line and theme of the book and the way it ended made me want more. I am looking forward to book 2.
May 15, 2026
Oh my days, I loved this so much!!!
From the first few pages you are sucked into this tale and from there on it just does not let up!!
Chapter after chapter, new clues and situations are uncovered, all of it happening in such a well orchestrated and thought out sequence. @hristinabloomfield did such an amazing job painting a very realistic and vivid picture.
Something is happening in Balkan and what started out as a fire became so much worse. Character development with Cassy was amazing - to see her growth for my own eyes was commendable.
What I did not expect is a tad of romance and that ending - that threw me!! I am still processing it, trying to put the pieces together! I guess book two will have my answers!!! Great read - can't wait for the next one!
From the first few pages you are sucked into this tale and from there on it just does not let up!!
Chapter after chapter, new clues and situations are uncovered, all of it happening in such a well orchestrated and thought out sequence. @hristinabloomfield did such an amazing job painting a very realistic and vivid picture.
Something is happening in Balkan and what started out as a fire became so much worse. Character development with Cassy was amazing - to see her growth for my own eyes was commendable.
What I did not expect is a tad of romance and that ending - that threw me!! I am still processing it, trying to put the pieces together! I guess book two will have my answers!!! Great read - can't wait for the next one!
May 12, 2026
This was a slow burn (excuse the puns) with fast paced momentum that kept me hooked, I was unable to stop myself from reading more as I tried to unravel the mystery of the fires. As always our reviews are spoiler free but the twists in this one genuinely shocked me and had me flicking back to see how I missed it. The fires really added to the tension that is built throughout almost in a suffocating way.
May 24, 2026
Definitely recommend.
Fire by Hristina Bloomfield.
Ash Book 1.
wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the start. Action packed. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did like Cassy. Marta and Steve I did like. I did like Burke and Zlotov and Sam. wow I did not see that coming at all. I loved the writing style and the story. I couldn't put it down. I read this in two sittings. I can't wait for the next book. I definitely recommend this book.
Fire by Hristina Bloomfield.
Ash Book 1.
wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the start. Action packed. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did like Cassy. Marta and Steve I did like. I did like Burke and Zlotov and Sam. wow I did not see that coming at all. I loved the writing style and the story. I couldn't put it down. I read this in two sittings. I can't wait for the next book. I definitely recommend this book.
March 19, 2026
The book is touching and emotional story that pulls you in from the start and keeps you hooked until the very end. The writing feels natural and heartfelt, and the characters are easy to connect with. Even in the quieter moments, it never feels boring—there’s always something that keeps you wanting to read on. Overall, it’s a beautiful, memorable read.
May 2, 2025
I loved Fire Ash from the first page! It’s filled with mystery and intrigue. Hristina Bloomfield keeps the dynamic until the last few pages. I’m such a big fan of her, every book is so good and I can’t put it down for a second!
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May 11, 2026See https://www.instagram.com/p/DYMU4gtii... for my full review
May 19, 2026
I thought this book had a strong start. The opening chapters were intense, dramatic and quickly pulled me into the story. From there the tension ramps up as we discover there’s a lot more mystery surrounding the events and fire than we first thought.
The story is told from the point of view of Cassy. She is the police chief in a small town where she lives with her husband and much loved dog. I instantly found her likeable and only liked her more as the story went on and we got more information about her past.
My only issue is that I found some of the writing, especially the dialogue to be stilted and not flow. But I was still immersed all the way through and by the end very eager to find out what comes next.
The story is told from the point of view of Cassy. She is the police chief in a small town where she lives with her husband and much loved dog. I instantly found her likeable and only liked her more as the story went on and we got more information about her past.
My only issue is that I found some of the writing, especially the dialogue to be stilted and not flow. But I was still immersed all the way through and by the end very eager to find out what comes next.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews