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Into the Fire
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Expected 31 Mar 26HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO. HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.
Steve thought he had left his troubled past behind. Living a quiet life with his wife and children, everything changes the night he rescues a baby from a burning house, becoming an unexpected national hero.
But as the spotlight shines brighter, so does the scrutiny, and a shocking accusation is made – that Steve is the man responsible for an unsolved murder in Beachbrook years prior.
As DS Willmott investigates the truth, Steve pleads his innocence. But as Steve’s world unravels, he faces a terrifying truth: the past isn’t done with him yet. And when everything he loves is at risk, he’ll be forced to make an impossible choice.
After all, even heroes hide secrets of their own.
Steve thought he had left his troubled past behind. Living a quiet life with his wife and children, everything changes the night he rescues a baby from a burning house, becoming an unexpected national hero.
But as the spotlight shines brighter, so does the scrutiny, and a shocking accusation is made – that Steve is the man responsible for an unsolved murder in Beachbrook years prior.
As DS Willmott investigates the truth, Steve pleads his innocence. But as Steve’s world unravels, he faces a terrifying truth: the past isn’t done with him yet. And when everything he loves is at risk, he’ll be forced to make an impossible choice.
After all, even heroes hide secrets of their own.
- GenresThriller
448 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
98 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
G.D. Wright
3 books62 followersMy name is Gary (pen name G.D. Wright) and I live in Kent with my wife and two young children.
I joined Kent Police at the age of 18, working on the front line in a variety of uniformed roles until the age of 29 when, completely out of the blue, I suffered two cardiac ‘events’, and was subsequently diagnosed with a hereditary and incurable disease of the heart (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy if you’re being fussy!). As a result, I had an internal defibrillator implanted in me, and I had to retire from the police aged 30.
One door closed, but another opened, and my wife and I bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour. We spent eight of the happiest years of our lives there but, when the kiddies came along, it just wasn’t sustainable. Family comes first, every single time (a theme in my books…), and the simple fact was that we knew our summers should be spent with the kids, not working seven days a week. In 2022, we sold the coffee shop, and I took to writing full time.
I signed a two book deal with Avon UK (part of the Harper Collins family), and my debut was released in August 2024. It’s called AFTER THE STORM, and it’s a police procedural with a twisty, emotional hook. Next up was INTO THE FIRE, released in June 2025. I've signed another two books with Avon, set for release in 2026 and 2027.
I’m always up for chatting, so find me on my socials and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have!
I joined Kent Police at the age of 18, working on the front line in a variety of uniformed roles until the age of 29 when, completely out of the blue, I suffered two cardiac ‘events’, and was subsequently diagnosed with a hereditary and incurable disease of the heart (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy if you’re being fussy!). As a result, I had an internal defibrillator implanted in me, and I had to retire from the police aged 30.
One door closed, but another opened, and my wife and I bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour. We spent eight of the happiest years of our lives there but, when the kiddies came along, it just wasn’t sustainable. Family comes first, every single time (a theme in my books…), and the simple fact was that we knew our summers should be spent with the kids, not working seven days a week. In 2022, we sold the coffee shop, and I took to writing full time.
I signed a two book deal with Avon UK (part of the Harper Collins family), and my debut was released in August 2024. It’s called AFTER THE STORM, and it’s a police procedural with a twisty, emotional hook. Next up was INTO THE FIRE, released in June 2025. I've signed another two books with Avon, set for release in 2026 and 2027.
I’m always up for chatting, so find me on my socials and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
June 5, 2025
Release Date: 5th June 2025
HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO. HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.
GD Wright has done it again, with his second novel. What a punch of a book this is!
I love how this book evokes strong emotions and keeps you hooked, but in a totally different way to After the Storm.
When Steve goes into a fire and comes out a hero, he struggles to come to terms with this new title and all the attention that comes with it, but the tides quickly turn when he comes out a suspect...
G.D Wright is the master of getting to the heart of a matter in a really human way, with so much raw emotion, I felt it all as I read along and this book will also stay with me. What a triumph of a book, that isn't straight forward nor predictable.
I'm excited to see where book 3 goes.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Fable || Uncover || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO. HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.
GD Wright has done it again, with his second novel. What a punch of a book this is!
I love how this book evokes strong emotions and keeps you hooked, but in a totally different way to After the Storm.
When Steve goes into a fire and comes out a hero, he struggles to come to terms with this new title and all the attention that comes with it, but the tides quickly turn when he comes out a suspect...
G.D Wright is the master of getting to the heart of a matter in a really human way, with so much raw emotion, I felt it all as I read along and this book will also stay with me. What a triumph of a book, that isn't straight forward nor predictable.
I'm excited to see where book 3 goes.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Fable || Uncover || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
June 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this author's debut book so I was looking forward to this one.
It has a great opening and an interesting premise about whether an act of heroism can atone for past sins. It poses a lot of interesting questions and the emotions are high throughout.
Unfortunately, the pacing was quite slow in the middle and there was a lot of repetition and filler, to the point where I found myself skimming some pages and skipping over drawn out similes. There was lots of exposition and detail in places where I felt it could be trimmed down, and it sometimes felt overwritten.
I didn't find any of the characters especially likable and I was getting frustrated with Steve's approach to the situation. We get to read from Kevin's perspective and it was painful to see him watch Steve get on with his life as normal whilst Kevin still had no answers. I did not find myself sympathizing with Steve much towards the end. He talks a lot about the importance of family but completely disregards Charlotte's family's turmoil.
In the end, the writing definitely picks up and becomes very fast-paced. I had started to work out what was happening but it was still shocking to read on page. However, it was quite abrupt and there were things left unanswered. Where was Oscar in this story? We learnt a lot about Gracie but Oscar barely makes an appearance. And what about Emma?
Some of the police talk was a bit niche (MG4a forms, authorising working into rest days) which I'm not sure non-police folk would immediately understand. I feel like with some tighter editing this could have been a very good book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It has a great opening and an interesting premise about whether an act of heroism can atone for past sins. It poses a lot of interesting questions and the emotions are high throughout.
Unfortunately, the pacing was quite slow in the middle and there was a lot of repetition and filler, to the point where I found myself skimming some pages and skipping over drawn out similes. There was lots of exposition and detail in places where I felt it could be trimmed down, and it sometimes felt overwritten.
I didn't find any of the characters especially likable and I was getting frustrated with Steve's approach to the situation. We get to read from Kevin's perspective and it was painful to see him watch Steve get on with his life as normal whilst Kevin still had no answers. I did not find myself sympathizing with Steve much towards the end. He talks a lot about the importance of family but completely disregards Charlotte's family's turmoil.
In the end, the writing definitely picks up and becomes very fast-paced. I had started to work out what was happening but it was still shocking to read on page. However, it was quite abrupt and there were things left unanswered. Where was Oscar in this story? We learnt a lot about Gracie but Oscar barely makes an appearance. And what about Emma?
Some of the police talk was a bit niche (MG4a forms, authorising working into rest days) which I'm not sure non-police folk would immediately understand. I feel like with some tighter editing this could have been a very good book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2025
I came across this book on the UK Crime Book Club Facebook page, as the author was in hospital with sepsis ahead of the publication date.
I'd not heard of the author before but the outpouring of love and support for him, coupled with a some great reviews for this book from Lisa Jewell, Claire Douglas and Jennie Godfrey confirmed I needed to make the purchase.
It lived up to its reviews, fast paced story of a man who runs into a burning house and rescues a baby, but it's what happens after that.
Great story, need to read his first book now.
I'd not heard of the author before but the outpouring of love and support for him, coupled with a some great reviews for this book from Lisa Jewell, Claire Douglas and Jennie Godfrey confirmed I needed to make the purchase.
It lived up to its reviews, fast paced story of a man who runs into a burning house and rescues a baby, but it's what happens after that.
Great story, need to read his first book now.
June 12, 2025
I will read anything this author brings out!! I devoured this 400+ page book in 2 days as I didn’t want to put it down!!
Parts of the ending shook me, and other parts I guessed what happened and was right. I did finish this book with some unanswered questions, but overall an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!
Parts of the ending shook me, and other parts I guessed what happened and was right. I did finish this book with some unanswered questions, but overall an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!
May 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Boy, this one packs a punch! Absolutely brilliantly written. Tugged at my heart strings. I didn't know what to think.
The writing is so immersive. The Fire scene I felt like I was there. I could smell it.
There were a lot of POVs which is fine but I didn't feel like we needed a couple of them.
Other than that, a truly wonderful thriller about mistakes, redemption and a father's love. Remarkable!
Boy, this one packs a punch! Absolutely brilliantly written. Tugged at my heart strings. I didn't know what to think.
The writing is so immersive. The Fire scene I felt like I was there. I could smell it.
There were a lot of POVs which is fine but I didn't feel like we needed a couple of them.
Other than that, a truly wonderful thriller about mistakes, redemption and a father's love. Remarkable!
April 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This review isn't going to be as long as others because it's hard to fully review it without spoilers and you need to go into this blind I think.
How do you follow up one of the best books ever written? By writing another "best book ever written", of course.
GD Wright's previous book, After the Storm, had me in absolute floods of tears and I wasn't sure I could cope with another of his heart-breaking stories.
This wasn't as haunting as After the Storm...well, no, that's not exactly true. It's haunting but in a different way. It's more a psychological haunting than physical in my opinion.
Wright knows how to pull at the heartstrings, to break hearts as well as warm them.
Yes there's a plot, of course there is and it's a cracker. But for me, this is all about the characters. Wright's ability to create very real and flawed characters, fully of depth and humanity, sadness, anger, resentment, fear, but also love and hope, is second to none.
Steve is one of the best characters I've read. Not always a goodie but not always a baddie, he's a hero but is he also a villain or a victim? He's so layered with such depth, and regardless of what he may or may not have done, you are on his side throughout.
I read it in one sitting, keeping me awake late at night as I just couldn't bear to put it down before I'd finished it all.
It asks a number of moral questions: does one deed overtake another? If you save a life, does that absolve you of when you took a life? Can a villain ever become a hero?
What I love about this book, and the previous one, is that whilst they're independent stories and can be read as standalone, there is the running character of DS Willmott, which shows a sense of community and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
It does touch on a number of very difficult topics, such as death, murder, grief, injury, abuse, child loss, relationship problems, drugs, drink etc.
It's a book of two halves. The first focusses more on the physical - the fire, the lives saved and lost - and the second more of the psychological, which gives us a good balance. We get sucked in to this harrowing story with a gut punch, and then we're on this journey with the characters and we start to ask questions about ourselves, what would we do.
This review isn't going to be as long as others because it's hard to fully review it without spoilers and you need to go into this blind I think.
How do you follow up one of the best books ever written? By writing another "best book ever written", of course.
GD Wright's previous book, After the Storm, had me in absolute floods of tears and I wasn't sure I could cope with another of his heart-breaking stories.
This wasn't as haunting as After the Storm...well, no, that's not exactly true. It's haunting but in a different way. It's more a psychological haunting than physical in my opinion.
Wright knows how to pull at the heartstrings, to break hearts as well as warm them.
Yes there's a plot, of course there is and it's a cracker. But for me, this is all about the characters. Wright's ability to create very real and flawed characters, fully of depth and humanity, sadness, anger, resentment, fear, but also love and hope, is second to none.
Steve is one of the best characters I've read. Not always a goodie but not always a baddie, he's a hero but is he also a villain or a victim? He's so layered with such depth, and regardless of what he may or may not have done, you are on his side throughout.
I read it in one sitting, keeping me awake late at night as I just couldn't bear to put it down before I'd finished it all.
It asks a number of moral questions: does one deed overtake another? If you save a life, does that absolve you of when you took a life? Can a villain ever become a hero?
What I love about this book, and the previous one, is that whilst they're independent stories and can be read as standalone, there is the running character of DS Willmott, which shows a sense of community and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
It does touch on a number of very difficult topics, such as death, murder, grief, injury, abuse, child loss, relationship problems, drugs, drink etc.
It's a book of two halves. The first focusses more on the physical - the fire, the lives saved and lost - and the second more of the psychological, which gives us a good balance. We get sucked in to this harrowing story with a gut punch, and then we're on this journey with the characters and we start to ask questions about ourselves, what would we do.
June 2, 2025
Steve rescues a baby from a burning building one day and quickly becomes a national hero. But soon this thrusts secrets from his past into light, those that he wanted to remain hidden.
I have heard so many good things about this author’s first book that I knew I needed to read this one when I saw it. Even though this is the second in the series featuring DS Sue Willmot, it can easily be read as a standalone and I had no issues in understanding the characters and storyline. This was such a thought provoking, emotional read, questioning can someone right a wrong, which has definitely left me thinking. Even though there are some dark, serious issues explored, it is done in a sensitive and authentic way.
The character development was strong and I enjoyed that the story was told in multiple voices. My only real issue with this story was that it was a quite a slow burn and by the midway point became overly slow. Even so, the writing style and character development keeps this story a solid read and I will certainly read the first book by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I have heard so many good things about this author’s first book that I knew I needed to read this one when I saw it. Even though this is the second in the series featuring DS Sue Willmot, it can easily be read as a standalone and I had no issues in understanding the characters and storyline. This was such a thought provoking, emotional read, questioning can someone right a wrong, which has definitely left me thinking. Even though there are some dark, serious issues explored, it is done in a sensitive and authentic way.
The character development was strong and I enjoyed that the story was told in multiple voices. My only real issue with this story was that it was a quite a slow burn and by the midway point became overly slow. Even so, the writing style and character development keeps this story a solid read and I will certainly read the first book by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
June 12, 2025
Into The Fire is an intriguing story. From the start you know that there is more to uncover. I liked the premise of the book, and the conflict around the fact that the hero suddenly becomes a murderer and the question of whether or not a good deed would make up a very bad one.
There are multiple points of view which keep the story really interesting and tension high as more details are uncovered.
Unfortunately the writing wasn’t always to my liking, the author often uses metaphors and I found it a bit overly at times. I also felt the ending was a bit unbelievable.
Overall a good read and one that thriller readers will likely enjoy.
There are multiple points of view which keep the story really interesting and tension high as more details are uncovered.
Unfortunately the writing wasn’t always to my liking, the author often uses metaphors and I found it a bit overly at times. I also felt the ending was a bit unbelievable.
Overall a good read and one that thriller readers will likely enjoy.
June 5, 2025
Steve runs into the flames as a hero, and emerges as a suspect…. But which one is he really?
This was a slow burn, mysterious thriller that really ramped up the pace at the 60% mark.
The story is told from multiple pov, which I enjoyed, as it gave more depth to the story and explored events from different perspectives.
The way the story slowly unfolded built suspense, and I was not expecting that ending! There are a few flashbacks to the past, past, and it was interesting to slowly unravel these flashbacks to see the part they played with the past and the present.
This is a great story, one that is highly recommend picking up! Thank you so much to Avon books for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
This was a slow burn, mysterious thriller that really ramped up the pace at the 60% mark.
The story is told from multiple pov, which I enjoyed, as it gave more depth to the story and explored events from different perspectives.
The way the story slowly unfolded built suspense, and I was not expecting that ending! There are a few flashbacks to the past, past, and it was interesting to slowly unravel these flashbacks to see the part they played with the past and the present.
This is a great story, one that is highly recommend picking up! Thank you so much to Avon books for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
February 27, 2025
Into the Fire by G. D. Wright is a gripping crime drama with a lot of emotional weight, and what really struck me was how much it made me think about the idea of perception and how quickly someone can go from being a hero to a suspect.
The story follows Steve, an ordinary guy who becomes famous after saving a baby from a house fire. But instead of being celebrated, his past comes back to haunt him, and suddenly, he’s accused of a crime from years ago. The way Wright unravels this mystery is brilliant there are twists I didn’t see coming, and the emotional depth of the characters really stood out. Even the side characters felt real and layered, which made the stakes feel even higher.
What I loved most was the way the book balanced tension and emotion. The first half is fast-paced and full of suspense, but the second half slows down as the focus shifts more to the characters internal struggles. While it loses a bit of momentum, the story remains compelling, and the character development keeps it engaging.
If you’re a fan crime dramas that are just as much about the people as they are about the mystery, Into the Fire is absolutely worth a read.
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The story follows Steve, an ordinary guy who becomes famous after saving a baby from a house fire. But instead of being celebrated, his past comes back to haunt him, and suddenly, he’s accused of a crime from years ago. The way Wright unravels this mystery is brilliant there are twists I didn’t see coming, and the emotional depth of the characters really stood out. Even the side characters felt real and layered, which made the stakes feel even higher.
What I loved most was the way the book balanced tension and emotion. The first half is fast-paced and full of suspense, but the second half slows down as the focus shifts more to the characters internal struggles. While it loses a bit of momentum, the story remains compelling, and the character development keeps it engaging.
If you’re a fan crime dramas that are just as much about the people as they are about the mystery, Into the Fire is absolutely worth a read.
You can follow me at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
June 5, 2025
Steve is a quiet family man, happily married to Sarah and with two children, Gracie and Oscar they live in the seaside town of Beachbrook, he owns a coffee shack on the promenade, their lives tick along until, coming home from the pub one night with friends Phil and Emma, he runs into a burning house, rescuing eight month old baby Jack. Steve immediately becomes a hero, but nothing is ever straightforward and, with his new status comes people digging into his life, why doesn't Steve have a social media presence? Soon it all becomes clear when his past is exposed and he's accused of the unsolved murder of thirteen year old Charlotte over twenty years earlier. DS Sue Willmott is determined to get to the truth and not only because she has an invested interest in the historic case, but Steve pleads his innocence and she's forced to grant him bail, but with the events that follow he's only too aware that his past is catching up with him and he's now left with a choice to make.
Into the Fire is the second novel by this author, told from the perspectives of the main characters the story starts off slow but soon increases momentum once the plot takes shape and Steve's life spirals out of control in front of his very eyes, catapulting him from hero to villain in a matter of days. This is an intense and, at times, emotional read covering some very delicate subjects such as child abuse, death and grief which were dealt with sympathetically and with integrity. As a parent myself this story had me questioning whether someone can redeem themselves by doing a good deed after doing something so bad, and I was torn but, as the story unravelled and the truth emerged of Steve's childhood and Charlotte's sad demise, everything became clear. This is the second in the series by Wright, I was blown away by his debut novel and didn't think he could top that, but Into the Fire is right up there with After the Storm and I can't wait for book three!
I'd like to thank Avon Books and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review,on Amazon and Goodreads.
Into the Fire is the second novel by this author, told from the perspectives of the main characters the story starts off slow but soon increases momentum once the plot takes shape and Steve's life spirals out of control in front of his very eyes, catapulting him from hero to villain in a matter of days. This is an intense and, at times, emotional read covering some very delicate subjects such as child abuse, death and grief which were dealt with sympathetically and with integrity. As a parent myself this story had me questioning whether someone can redeem themselves by doing a good deed after doing something so bad, and I was torn but, as the story unravelled and the truth emerged of Steve's childhood and Charlotte's sad demise, everything became clear. This is the second in the series by Wright, I was blown away by his debut novel and didn't think he could top that, but Into the Fire is right up there with After the Storm and I can't wait for book three!
I'd like to thank Avon Books and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review,on Amazon and Goodreads.
August 15, 2025
This book was simply outstanding. Having read the author’s debut novel, After the Storm—which was excellent—I didn’t think anything could top it. I’m delighted to say I was wrong.
From the very first page, there’s an ominous undercurrent to the story, a sense that something dark is looming. The challenge for me was to guess what it was before the reveal—but there was never any chance of that happening. The events that unfold are a potent mix of raw emotion and shocking discoveries.
The narrative takes the reader from moments of euphoria to heartbreaking tragedy in just a few chapters, and then keeps the pace relentlessly high all the way through. The short chapters, each told from the perspective of different characters, provide a multi-layered view of the action and ensure the story flows seamlessly. This structure, combined with Wright’s tight pacing, makes the book almost impossible to put down.
The characters are strikingly realistic and utterly believable, pulling the reader into their world and along for the ride as the plot twists in unexpected and often unimaginable directions. Once I picked it up, I found it incredibly hard to stop reading—this novel is addictive, compelling, and beautifully crafted.
G.D. Wright proves once again that he is an exceptionally talented writer and storyteller. I’ll be eagerly awaiting his next book.
From the very first page, there’s an ominous undercurrent to the story, a sense that something dark is looming. The challenge for me was to guess what it was before the reveal—but there was never any chance of that happening. The events that unfold are a potent mix of raw emotion and shocking discoveries.
The narrative takes the reader from moments of euphoria to heartbreaking tragedy in just a few chapters, and then keeps the pace relentlessly high all the way through. The short chapters, each told from the perspective of different characters, provide a multi-layered view of the action and ensure the story flows seamlessly. This structure, combined with Wright’s tight pacing, makes the book almost impossible to put down.
The characters are strikingly realistic and utterly believable, pulling the reader into their world and along for the ride as the plot twists in unexpected and often unimaginable directions. Once I picked it up, I found it incredibly hard to stop reading—this novel is addictive, compelling, and beautifully crafted.
G.D. Wright proves once again that he is an exceptionally talented writer and storyteller. I’ll be eagerly awaiting his next book.
June 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by this author and I requested it on a whim due to the plot. I'm so glad I did.
The first half of it was 5 🌟. The writing style was so easy to digest, and I quickly felt a connection with the characters due to the time taken to ensure the reader got to know them whilst still moving the plot on quickly. I was obsessed.
After a big midway reveal, it did slow down quite a bit and for a while I did find myself disengaging slightly. But the wheels got back on towards the end and I loved the ending.
This wasn't your typical thriller and it definitely asks a lot of moral questions around trauma, excuse vs reason, and explores revenge in a sensitive way. I would recommend giving this a try.
This was my first book by this author and I requested it on a whim due to the plot. I'm so glad I did.
The first half of it was 5 🌟. The writing style was so easy to digest, and I quickly felt a connection with the characters due to the time taken to ensure the reader got to know them whilst still moving the plot on quickly. I was obsessed.
After a big midway reveal, it did slow down quite a bit and for a while I did find myself disengaging slightly. But the wheels got back on towards the end and I loved the ending.
This wasn't your typical thriller and it definitely asks a lot of moral questions around trauma, excuse vs reason, and explores revenge in a sensitive way. I would recommend giving this a try.
June 13, 2025
Into the Fire by G D Wright is about Steve a forty something married father of two who on a rare night out with his wife and his oldest friend and wife ends up rescuing a baby from a burning house making him a national hero.
What follows is an extremely tense and emotional rollercoaster ride. Despite what follows I was routing for Steve throughout.
I didn't think the author could ramp up the tension any higher than he did in his first book After the Storm but I was wrong! It is a gripping, edge of your seat read, I loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and G D Wright for the advanced copy.
What follows is an extremely tense and emotional rollercoaster ride. Despite what follows I was routing for Steve throughout.
I didn't think the author could ramp up the tension any higher than he did in his first book After the Storm but I was wrong! It is a gripping, edge of your seat read, I loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and G D Wright for the advanced copy.
June 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ holy crap what have I just read!!
what a whirlwind of emotions this book was. Especially the beginning & the end.
Although this book is fiction, majority of the storyline in this actually happens in real life and it’s so so sad that it does.
It had you on the edge of your seat guessing and guessing all the way through till the end. My first gd wright book & wont be my last!! Utterly brilliant, fantastic, pacey, short chapters! Yesssssss 🙌🏼
Steve though 🥹
Gracie 🥹
what a whirlwind of emotions this book was. Especially the beginning & the end.
Although this book is fiction, majority of the storyline in this actually happens in real life and it’s so so sad that it does.
It had you on the edge of your seat guessing and guessing all the way through till the end. My first gd wright book & wont be my last!! Utterly brilliant, fantastic, pacey, short chapters! Yesssssss 🙌🏼
Steve though 🥹
Gracie 🥹
June 12, 2025
Wow. What a rollercoaster of a ride. I was gripped from the start to the end. There are some seriously heavy topics covered in this book & it will absolutely tug hard at your heart strings. I loved the depth of the characters, the multiple points of view, the hero or villain quandary and the short chapters. Steve is such a well written character. It doesn’t matter what he does you somehow find yourself always rooting for him. The writing of the fire scene is so convincing that you feel as though you are there with them. An absolute masterpiece.
June 18, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. I read this book as part of a large read along and a lot of people absolutely loved it. My reviews are always personal preference.
It took me a while to get into and I felt in places it was too descriptive.
The police procedural elements were spot on and I’m wondering if the author is ex police or he just had a fantastic advisor..
There are some very heavy topics of CSA.
If you like police procedural thrillers then this book may be great for you.
3.5 rounded up to 4
PS, just seen his bio and note he is ex police!
It took me a while to get into and I felt in places it was too descriptive.
The police procedural elements were spot on and I’m wondering if the author is ex police or he just had a fantastic advisor..
There are some very heavy topics of CSA.
If you like police procedural thrillers then this book may be great for you.
3.5 rounded up to 4
PS, just seen his bio and note he is ex police!
February 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.
Woah! I’m feeling a bit shell shocked and stunned after finishing reading G D Wright’s new book. I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, After the Storm, last year - and Into the Fire is every bit as good.
Set again in the seaside town of Beachbrook, we meet Steve and his wife, Sarah, and their 2 young children, Gracie and Oscar. One evening, the couple go on a rare night out with their close friends and on the way home, they witness a house fire. Steve rushes in bravely - emerging from the event a local hero.
But Steve has always liked to keep a low profile. No social media, no talk of his past. Now the spotlight is on him, and things begin to spiral painfully, and inevitably.
Where After the Storm felt quite relentless in its pace, Into the Fire has an intense first half, then becomes quite a slow burn (forgive the pun 🤣) during the second half. During this time, the story becomes very character-led - we learn more about DS Willmott and what motivates her, and we learn more about Steve and his past. I grew very sympathetic of them both.
And then, just when I was foolishly thinking to myself “oh, this one isn’t as harrowing as After the Storm!” Then, there came the ending…. I was not expecting what happens at all.
Another extremely accomplished story, fantastic characters and difficult, upsetting topics, amazingly handled.
Woah! I’m feeling a bit shell shocked and stunned after finishing reading G D Wright’s new book. I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, After the Storm, last year - and Into the Fire is every bit as good.
Set again in the seaside town of Beachbrook, we meet Steve and his wife, Sarah, and their 2 young children, Gracie and Oscar. One evening, the couple go on a rare night out with their close friends and on the way home, they witness a house fire. Steve rushes in bravely - emerging from the event a local hero.
But Steve has always liked to keep a low profile. No social media, no talk of his past. Now the spotlight is on him, and things begin to spiral painfully, and inevitably.
Where After the Storm felt quite relentless in its pace, Into the Fire has an intense first half, then becomes quite a slow burn (forgive the pun 🤣) during the second half. During this time, the story becomes very character-led - we learn more about DS Willmott and what motivates her, and we learn more about Steve and his past. I grew very sympathetic of them both.
And then, just when I was foolishly thinking to myself “oh, this one isn’t as harrowing as After the Storm!” Then, there came the ending…. I was not expecting what happens at all.
Another extremely accomplished story, fantastic characters and difficult, upsetting topics, amazingly handled.
June 13, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this, especially given the support the author has received, but the writing didn’t work for me ... overly descriptive, repetitive, and often long-winded.
What truly unsettled me, though, was a late scene involving child sexual abuse, followed by a brutal retaliation. While not extremely graphic, it was still deeply upsetting ... and the content warning only appeared at the end of the ebook. That’s not acceptable. Readers should be properly informed beforehand.
This just wasn’t for me, and I won’t be continuing with the author’s work.
What truly unsettled me, though, was a late scene involving child sexual abuse, followed by a brutal retaliation. While not extremely graphic, it was still deeply upsetting ... and the content warning only appeared at the end of the ebook. That’s not acceptable. Readers should be properly informed beforehand.
This just wasn’t for me, and I won’t be continuing with the author’s work.
September 1, 2025
I wanted to like this book more but for me it was so slow. It did a good job of portraying what the main characters would feel in the different situations but the chapters on the reporter and the grieving father just dragged it out. Nothing really happened until around 200 pages.
September 4, 2025
It took me a while to get into this book as the pacing was quite slow to begin with. But from about 1/3 in, I was gripped and couldn’t put it down. The storyline is so emotive and you can really understand and feel the emotions of every character. Such a moving, well written book
April 3, 2025
Halfway through reading this and you think, yes can see how this pans out. Wrong! The final part of the book is a classic page turner and a shocker. The author does not hold back and do be aware some of the subject matter can be upsetting. However, well written fiction like this gets the reader thinking and in the main character Steve, one of the best fictional characters this reader has come across in awhile.
June 8, 2025
Wow!!! What an ending!!! In fact, what a book!!!
If you want a book that keeps you on your toes then look no further. Excellent read.
If you want a book that keeps you on your toes then look no further. Excellent read.
July 25, 2025
Probably 3.5 stars, was a bit of a slow start but got much better for the last third
May 16, 2025
HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO.
HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.
BUT WHICH ONE IS HE REALLY?
Without a shadow of a doubt this is hands down one of my TOP reads of the year so far! What a rollercoaster ride of a book!
There are so many things that I loved about this one. It had BEAUTIFUL writing, it was TENSE, it had ACTION, it was GRIPPING, and it was EMOTIONAL!
The story is told from a multi-POV and at no point did I find it hard to follow. I thought the story flowed really well, and although it took me just under a week to read, I couldn’t put it down!
Another part of the book I loved were the interview scenes about Steve’s past. It was heartbreaking reading about what happened, and actually brought a few tears to my eyes 😭💔 It takes a lot for a book to move me, but this one did just that🥺
There was a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming either, it left me shocked! 😳 On the last few pages of the book, you’re expecting something to happen…but then it’s something else. Itmade the ending really heartfelt and beautiful 🥰
A huge thank you to @avonbooksuk for the ebook ARC, Into The Fire is out 5th June and you can pre-order now!
HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.
BUT WHICH ONE IS HE REALLY?
Without a shadow of a doubt this is hands down one of my TOP reads of the year so far! What a rollercoaster ride of a book!
There are so many things that I loved about this one. It had BEAUTIFUL writing, it was TENSE, it had ACTION, it was GRIPPING, and it was EMOTIONAL!
The story is told from a multi-POV and at no point did I find it hard to follow. I thought the story flowed really well, and although it took me just under a week to read, I couldn’t put it down!
Another part of the book I loved were the interview scenes about Steve’s past. It was heartbreaking reading about what happened, and actually brought a few tears to my eyes 😭💔 It takes a lot for a book to move me, but this one did just that🥺
There was a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming either, it left me shocked! 😳 On the last few pages of the book, you’re expecting something to happen…but then it’s something else. Itmade the ending really heartfelt and beautiful 🥰
A huge thank you to @avonbooksuk for the ebook ARC, Into The Fire is out 5th June and you can pre-order now!
May 10, 2025
Into the Fire started well with a brilliant description of a fire and the rescue of baby Jack by Steve the main character. Unfortunately for me from there it was spoilt for me by several issues of poor editing. I will not go into this any further in my review but one error could have a profound effect on the storyline. I continued to read the book which I thought got bogged down in the middle but saved itself with the ending which was totally unexpected hence 3*
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2025
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved After the Storm, Wright's debut.So I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
Steve, Sarah, Phil, and Emma are returning from a night out when Steve smells smoke.
He rushes into the burning house, convinced there is a child sleeping.
Steve is a hero.
Steve is a murderer.
What happened in Steve's past is catching up with him.
Overall, this was a good read. We are back in Beachbrook, and leading the investigation is DS Willmott.
For me, some of the writing was overly descriptive, and there was too much use of the word aesthetic. It's a great word, BUT!
The bedroom scene, oh God, just no. If it was meant to shock, it did, but not in a good way.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
I absolutely loved After the Storm, Wright's debut.So I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
Steve, Sarah, Phil, and Emma are returning from a night out when Steve smells smoke.
He rushes into the burning house, convinced there is a child sleeping.
Steve is a hero.
Steve is a murderer.
What happened in Steve's past is catching up with him.
Overall, this was a good read. We are back in Beachbrook, and leading the investigation is DS Willmott.
For me, some of the writing was overly descriptive, and there was too much use of the word aesthetic. It's a great word, BUT!
The bedroom scene, oh God, just no. If it was meant to shock, it did, but not in a good way.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
April 21, 2025
I received a review copy from the publisher
June 4, 2025
Holy moly.
Gary writes in the most understated way, but this book is so incredibly impactful and moving. It's the perfect blend of police procedural and psychological thriller.
I guarantee that you will end up feeling a whole range of emotions alongside the characters, the elation, the sorrow, the pain. Ugh.
The story just steadily works it's way along revealing itself, the ups and downs, the back stories and unfurling the past, which is wholly compelling in itself but then BAM! A twist hits that just blew me out of the water and made me go, oh hell, I missed the hints and the fact that was coming. 🤯🫣
Absolutely fantastic! I couldn't recommend this book more!
Gary writes in the most understated way, but this book is so incredibly impactful and moving. It's the perfect blend of police procedural and psychological thriller.
I guarantee that you will end up feeling a whole range of emotions alongside the characters, the elation, the sorrow, the pain. Ugh.
The story just steadily works it's way along revealing itself, the ups and downs, the back stories and unfurling the past, which is wholly compelling in itself but then BAM! A twist hits that just blew me out of the water and made me go, oh hell, I missed the hints and the fact that was coming. 🤯🫣
Absolutely fantastic! I couldn't recommend this book more!
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