Fire

Plague and Fire #2

by C.C. Humphreys, Chris Humphreys

First came Plague, now comes Fire. The epic tale of the hunt for a serial killer threatening London's rich and poor during the Great Fire of London. Perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom and Conn Iggulden.

Fires don't start by themselves. They need someone to light them. What are friends for?
As the Great Plague of London loosens its grip at last, Charles II's court moves back to the city, the theatres reopen and a new year arrives.
1666. It cannot be more terrible than the previous year, surely?
But it can. For many will strive to make it so; to finally rid London of the curse that brought the plague upon it. A wholesale cleansing is required if society is to be born again.
What's more it seems that a serial killer who stalked hand in hand with the Plague might not be dead after all. Together with actress Sarah Chalker, highwayman William Coke and thief-taker Pitman come together as one, determined to stop the brutal murder of London's rich and poor once and for all.
But another threat is on the way. It hasn't rained in five months. London is a tinderbox--politically, sexually and religiously. The Great Fire of London is about to ignite. And the final confrontation between Coke, Pitman and Sarah Chalker and their murderous adversary will be decided against a background of apocalypse.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, 17th Century, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Canada

400 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2016

About the author

aka Chris Humphreys

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.

Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...

He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.

Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now gimme FIRE!!

The follow up to Plague. There maybe *** SPOILERS*** ahead from the first book.
With many of the players still alive we discover a London free of the Plague, all seems better in the world, but already the spectre of FIRE is raised in the preface, I suspect it’s menace will creep upon us similar to the Plague in the first outing as a malevolent presence cast upon the residents of London?

So what can I tell you now at journey’s end.

The backdrop to the story has the King, Charles II as the target of the 5th monarchists who remain prevalent from the first book with the thread of the recent English Civil War still strong. Our highwayman turned thief taker Coke has joined forces with Pitman, an offer made at the conclusion of Plague, he, Coke, being offered a full pardon by the King for services made to saving his personage. Their business (thief taking) fulfils the early part of the story, which intertwines with the 5th monarchists who seek vengeance on the pair for their elimination of one of theirs in Plague & also for meddling in their plots/schemes. The 5th Monarchists are more widespread in this tale & their reach into society/court is explained in greater depth. In the early story a series of events take place effecting our trio, I included Sarah Chalker (actress) from the prior book in this trio & calamity befalls them all in different ways as the 5th monarchists seek retribution…….. there concludes the first part of the book…..

The second half of the book begins with the trio in turmoil…….. will they prevail? Will the fire now be a factor as it finally raises it’s head at jus over half-way into the story. You’ll have to read all about it to find out. I can’t really say more as it’ll ruin a good yarn.

Overall the pacing was good. The early part was perhaps all a little too happy family for me so it was great to see the story change gear quickly as the trio fell foul at the hands of the 5th monarchists. The historical content as with all his books was a good read, filling in detail of the peoples, politics, religious impact & lifestyle of the era. The main characters are the real pull in this series though & Fire saw them evolve again along with numerous players around them. The one down side was perhaps the ending which like the Great Fire kinda fizzled out……..

I’m torn where to put this one as it really is a 3.5 stars & I think I’m gonna side with a three mainly down to how I felt at journey’s end. Have to say I enjoyed his tale of Vlad along with the fall of Constantinople more then this duo, although there still good reads & shows the author has a niche for this period of history across Europe.

[Trelawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read that built on the foundations laid in Plague. The plot follows on where Plague left off with Pitman and Coke still trying to outwit the Fifth Monarchists. The characters are brilliantly developed in this instalment and the story is well paced with plenty of action and twists to keep the reader engaged. Once again London is the star of the show with all the horror and chaos of the Great Fire brought to life on the page. My only hope is that Mr Humphreys is working on part three because I definitely want to read more of Pitman and Cokes adventures.

Favourite line:
Bettina "where's my sweet bun"
Pitman "burnt"

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty decent follow up. Fast paced and atmospheric , setting a good atmosphere around London and the fire

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Cinematic in its atmospheric description of London in 1666. I planned to call it the further adventures of the thief takers, Pittman and Coke, but the misadventures, tribulations and torments of Coke, Pittman and Sarah, the actress, would be more appropriate. These heroic characters are well developed, and hope there is a third book in the series.
The plague of the previous year is all but ended.The religious lunatics still await their belief in Armageddon to come true in 1666. The Great Fire of London fuels their belief. They may be causing additional fires and their spread, and the English king must die to make way for a new Kingdom on earth ruled by Jesus. These religious fanatics will murder anyone they believe stands in their way.
A riveting adventure story but hard to believe in the miraculous survival of the main characters.

[Renée Gendron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. The author submerges you in the setting from prose to politics to characters. There's a grittiness about this book that highlights the grind of life of the time. There are no easy choices, no easy path for the characters, only a desire to life and raise their child, and be together.

I love the Jack Absolute books for their accuracy and intrigue. I love this book for for its historical accuracy, moments of flash-humour/dark-humour (it's not a term, but I'm making it up for its realism set in history), and the details of setting.

I can still smell the smoke.

[The Distracted Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Twas a very good historical, swashbuckling romp through London, (and Holland) 1666!

I saw C.C. Humphreys read from a Jack Absolute book a few years ago at a writers convention (When Words Collide 2017) and developed an insta-crush. He read a saucy bit in his rolling brogue and I just melted into the conference room carpet.

His previous histories as playwright & thespian definitely shape his writing style, particularly the staging and dialogue. I noted right away the attempts to weave in language from the 17th century within our own modern use of the English language. (Nothing irks me more than authors using current slang in historical fiction; a secretary in Madmen [a TV show set in 1960’s America] said, “I’m not gonna lie,” and I almost (!) returned my Don Draper body pillow...)

This is a lighter hi-fi (is that a thing people say? Did I make that up?) that marries a plucky group of people trying to thwart yet another assassination of the King of England while surviving life in the 17th century. A crime-thriller packed with fact.

Very readable and well-researched. I think my next Humphreys will definitely be an audio book, though! *wink*

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected to enjoy reading "Fire," the 2nd book in C.C. Humphreys Plague and Fire series because I found the characters in the 1st memorable and interesting and was looking forward to continuing their acquaintance as they led me on another adventure through a potentially deadly and horrific event in London's 17th century history (Samuel Pepys even shares a few words). This was, as I had hoped, a satisfying way to make London dwellers' experiences of the great fire of 1666 "real."

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start but got more interesting as it progressed. Makes me want to read more about the fire in London England. Now I will have to read his first book, which is about the plague. I found out the author lives on Saltspring Island, off the coast of BC where I lived and worked for one year.

[Sakura Kyōfu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a difference this is to Plague. Fast pace and thrilling from the start. Just when you think it cant get any worse ..... it does and they have a huge fire to contend with. Definitely add other CC Humphreys books to my To Read list!

[Gordon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.C. Humphreys is a Toronto born writer who now lives in London, England. He not only writes novels, but plays too and is an actor who has performed on stage all around the world as well. He once was a fencer whom I had an opportunity to briefly speak with him in the fall and was happy to hear that when he did fence, he fenced the finest of the three weapons, the Sabre.

Humphreyes has written three series of books. I really enjoyed his Jack Absolute series, which were inspired when he took on the part of Jack Absolute in a play in Vancouver.

When I read the what his book Fire was about, I had to read it.

This is the second book of a new series. Plague was the first.
I found the pace of the story fast moving but sometimes the way the heavy accents were written were hard to follow. Then again, to hear them spoken out loud, they likely would be hard to understand too.

As if the desperate fight to save London from completely burning to the ground, and the flight of those trying to escape it wasn't excitement enough, put a serial killer in the midst of the story, and it becomes quite the tale!

I really enjoyed the writing and characters in this story and now want to step back and read the first book of the Captain Coke series Plague. If it is anything as good as Fire, I'll be anxiously awaiting a third Captain Coke book the same as I am await a fourth book of the Jack Absolute series.

http://www.theworldofgord.com/2017/05...

[Vontel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I read this book before; at least there are parts of the first five chapters which seem familiar. A week later, I'm going back to pick up the book again and see if that is true. Although it seemed familiar, perhaps it is from reading about many of the same characters and London in the previous book, "Plague", which is written to take place a year earlier, in 1665. I do recommend reading Plague first before this book, although it's not necessary to this one's adventures.

Good historical novel, not the first I have read about the great fire of London. Quite the yarn about Pitman and Coke and their families. It will be interesting to see what the author's next venture will be. Looking at his website, it appears that these two books stand together as a pair in the author's published works. The latest book moves into another genre of fantasy.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar historical fiction.
London, September 2nd, 1666, a great fire consumes the city; fanatics are on the hunt to kill King Charles, and two men, one a thief-taker --Pitman-- and one a former highwayman--William Coke-- are on their tail, doing everything possible to prevent a death and the spread of the fire.
Much ensues between.
Supporting cast rocks--Sarah, Dickon, and Jenny, especially--the setting is gritty and authentic.
I've been a fan of C.C. Humphreys since I fell completely in love with his historical series, Jack Absolute.
Plague (which I missed reading) came before Fire. There are recurring characters but Fire is a standalone and it is spectacular.
If you like your history rough, tough and down to earth, this is the book for you.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Plague. But I liked the atmosphere of this one more, if that makes sense.

The descriptions of what went on during the fire were well built, rife with description and details, but I skimmed through the rest of the story, kind of bored. If the author had more to say about these characters in a basically similar situation, he could have made the first book longer.

As it was, this story read a bit like this: "the next day, after the Plague was all but done in
London, these exact same characters did all the same things... only with fire this time. And that ridiculous kid ate more nuts."

[Plum-crazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good historical adventure that sees highwayman turned thief taker William Coke & his friend Pitman tackling the Fifth Monarchists who they encountered in the "The Plague". However, if like me - you haven't read that, don't worry it won't affect your understanding..& enjoyment...in the slightest.

The main characters - Coke & Pitman - are both likeable & are certainly put through their paces in this readable tale. The author does a great job of bringing to life 17th century London & in particular the terrible trauma & atmosphere that the fire created.

[Duncan Drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterclass in period-piece writing. The language, the characters, the setting; all are authentic. However, I think you have to be interested in this sort of historical fiction to enjoy the novel to its fullest. The nuance and layers inherent to the time reveal themselves most fully to someone who has some knowledge of the period.

I believe in seeking out books that I think will change my life. I don't think this one did, but it is an excellent exercise in historical fiction. 4/5

[M. Rothery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to PLAGUE. Could not put either book down and read them together as if one large novel. Timing certainly seemed appropriate, as we endure year two of this pandemic and our Province burned, leaving Lytton literally burned to the ground.
I shall continue to read my way through Mr. Humphreys incredible works.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Epic Story

This author is one of my favorites. Plague, Fire, Jack Absolute series, Vlad. His stories are based on historical events, exciting time periods, and his writing is fast paced. What's not to love. Bring it on C.C.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoy this author's writing style. The story has the feel of being written in 1666. It must have been difficult for the author to maintain this style through 300+ pages.

The historical facts were well researched. I read Plague previously and enjoyed it too.

[Wayne]

Excellent novel. Great characters and vibrant setting. Detailed gritty description of the great London fire of 1666.
You can smell the embers burning while captivated by the exploits of the heroes. Would suggest reading Plague before Fire.
Need more of this series.

[E Latham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed with this book - starts out as an interesting follow up to the excellent Plague but seems to run out of steam towards the end.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.
Great read, like the first one, Plague.

[Kara Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool and scary

[Jenknee Grabczyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a very exciting book.

[Tierah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this one, though it didn't feel as adventure-filled as Plague. Love reading stories about this period of England.

[Sally Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read

[Debbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sequel to "Plague" and I liked it about the same. Kept my interest throughout and I learned a lot about the "Great Fire of London".

[Ernest Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different

Its difficult to find a new viewpoint for a story but this is one and I enjoyed its telling. I have read both in this collection and enjoyed both

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. Solid 3.5. I usually like his stories more than this, and it's in my time period too! I can't even point to a specific thing that turned me off either. Just not his best I guess

[Jim Puskas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This second in Humphries' series about the horrific events that befell Restoration England continues with the murderous exploits of a sect of self-appointed "Saints" who sought to destroy the British monarchy and bring about Armageddon -- and centers upon the battle waged by Humphries' protagonist William Coke and his friends in trying to subdue the fanatics. Once again we see that nothing is as effective as religion in subverting men's minds and enabling them to engage in acts of extreme violence, brutality and diabolical intrigues.
This series of books is definitely not for the squeamish. I have a fair tolerance for violence and mayhem when it serves the needs of the narrative and is skillfully portrayed, but I think I've had my fill of this series.