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Everything Burns
When Reece Johnston was a boy, a fire destroyed his home, killing his mother and brothers while leaving him scarred for life. It also kindled something dark inside him: an irresistible attraction to flames in all their terrifying, tantalizing power. But after two failed arson attempts—and two trips to the mental ward—he was finally able to put down the matches and pick up the pieces.
With a career as a bestselling crime writer going strong, Reece is working to fix his broken marriage to Lisa and be there for their preteen daughter, Anna. He’s not just dealing with his own demons; there’s a world of deadly hurt bearing down on him in the form of the jealous rival he’s bested in literature and love, who’s determined to see Reece crash…and burn. But a guy like Reece knows how to take the heat. And thanks to his lifelong friendship with fire, he also knows how to bring it.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
1030 people are currently reading
3813 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Zandri
223 books576 followers"Vincent Zandri is one of the most acclaimed thriller writers working today!" --Publishers Weekly
“Zandri (is) a veteran wordsmith who executes quality and quantity at superlative levels.” --Book Reporter
"The story of Vincent Zandri is the story of our times."
--Business Insider
"Vincent Zandri hails from the future."
--The New York Times
“Sensational . . . masterful . . . brilliant.”
--New York Post
"...big time author..."
--Digital Journal
Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT. His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network. In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette. A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. For more go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
January 15, 2015
I seriously considered dumping Everything Burns early in the game. Reece Johnston's obsession with fire is easily understood. It was not necessary to drive the point home over and over again. His ex-wife and daughter call him "Reecey Pieces". I'm not kidding. Yuck.
The core idea was good, but it just never came together for me due to the repetition and the uneven writing. It was disconcerting to "learn" that snapping turtles have teeth. Oh, that's right. They don't. Nevermind.
The core idea was good, but it just never came together for me due to the repetition and the uneven writing. It was disconcerting to "learn" that snapping turtles have teeth. Oh, that's right. They don't. Nevermind.
July 11, 2017
There was a horrible accident: the slang wagon was t-boned by the cliche truck, and the debris scattered all throughout this book. The protagonist consistently makes resoundingly bad and improbable decisions, and every coincidence that could happen does happen. The final reveal earned a full star by itself for boldness, but I can't say it wasn't telegraphed long before. On the bright side, I got it for free, and it didn't take long to read. Unfortunately, e-books, as a medium, are highly resistant to burning.
January 26, 2015
A poor read
Kept waiting for the book to get better. Just didn't happen. The main character drove me crazy. All the characters drove me crazy. No depth to any of them. Stupid people making stupid decisions.
Kept waiting for the book to get better. Just didn't happen. The main character drove me crazy. All the characters drove me crazy. No depth to any of them. Stupid people making stupid decisions.
January 16, 2015
I had trouble reading this book and I committed myself to finishing it. The writing style did not appeal to me and the dialogue seemed forced and laced with jargon that did not sound realistic to me. I enjoyed a few appealing sections but I could not identify with the characters. There were no surprises. I enjoyed Frankie the dog the best among the characters.
January 22, 2015
It's hard for me to properly review this book without spoilers. Let's just say that I have zero intention of ever reading anything from this author again. The book is considerably bad, but equally difficult to put down - a tragic combination.
June 2, 2018
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
There are only two things in life Reece, the main character of Everything Burns, likes: himself and fire, not necessarily in that order though. While the fire part is easily understandable, as he was in a fire as a child which killed his mother and brothers, it is told to you so many times that it was annoying. Overall, Reece was a very annoying character to read about.
Strange things are happening and Reece is sure that his girlfriend's (who is also his ex-wife) ex-boyfriend is behind everything. This goes from bad to worse, as people get casually burned to death on the sidewalk without so much as a shriek. Reece wrote a popular novel, which is one of the reasons why he believes said ex-boyfriend is after him, and literally every single person he meets has at least one copy of his book and has actually read it (by far the most unbelievable part of the novel).
The writing was a bit clunky but my biggest problem was just that I really didn't like to read it. I was actively rooting for Reece to be put away. I don't think I will read more of this author in the future.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
There are only two things in life Reece, the main character of Everything Burns, likes: himself and fire, not necessarily in that order though. While the fire part is easily understandable, as he was in a fire as a child which killed his mother and brothers, it is told to you so many times that it was annoying. Overall, Reece was a very annoying character to read about.
Strange things are happening and Reece is sure that his girlfriend's (who is also his ex-wife) ex-boyfriend is behind everything. This goes from bad to worse, as people get casually burned to death on the sidewalk without so much as a shriek. Reece wrote a popular novel, which is one of the reasons why he believes said ex-boyfriend is after him, and literally every single person he meets has at least one copy of his book and has actually read it (by far the most unbelievable part of the novel).
The writing was a bit clunky but my biggest problem was just that I really didn't like to read it. I was actively rooting for Reece to be put away. I don't think I will read more of this author in the future.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 16, 2015
Vincent Zandri is the best selling author of in excess of 16 novels, and on the strength of Everything Burns it is easy to see why.
Reece Johnston is a man who is a paranoid with a capital P. He's recently got back together with his wife, Lisa, after several years apart. He's written a best selling novel and has a beautiful daughter, Anna. Everything should be perfect, but it isn't.
When Lisa heads off for a minor op, out of town for two days, Reece starts examining their life together. He's consumed by jealousy, he can't get the thought of Lisa's ex-lover, David, out of his head. A search of their house reveals various items she shouldn't have. And David has been calling the house. David is a writer also, although by no means as successful as Reece. He even owns all of Reece's books, as he admits when he turns up at Reece's house.
Worse David has hallucinations - he speaks to his dead father and the family dog. Reece is a fire addict, his family were burned to death when he was a child, kindling something deep and visceral within him, something he's been unable to shake since.
When someone breaks into Reece's house Reece is convinced it's David, but he has no proof. Then a burned body appears in his back yard and Reece has to get rid of it. Beset by doubt Reece must find out who's doing this to him and why, before they destroy everything.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced thriller that ramps up the tension with each event. It kicks in at the first page and doesn't let up. The psychological aspect is well done, Reece's doubts and issues add extremely well to the strength of the narrative. Another powerful angle is the jealousy that burns within Reece, it clouds his judgement.
A great read, highly recommended to anyone who likes their thrillers with an extra dimension.
Reece Johnston is a man who is a paranoid with a capital P. He's recently got back together with his wife, Lisa, after several years apart. He's written a best selling novel and has a beautiful daughter, Anna. Everything should be perfect, but it isn't.
When Lisa heads off for a minor op, out of town for two days, Reece starts examining their life together. He's consumed by jealousy, he can't get the thought of Lisa's ex-lover, David, out of his head. A search of their house reveals various items she shouldn't have. And David has been calling the house. David is a writer also, although by no means as successful as Reece. He even owns all of Reece's books, as he admits when he turns up at Reece's house.
Worse David has hallucinations - he speaks to his dead father and the family dog. Reece is a fire addict, his family were burned to death when he was a child, kindling something deep and visceral within him, something he's been unable to shake since.
When someone breaks into Reece's house Reece is convinced it's David, but he has no proof. Then a burned body appears in his back yard and Reece has to get rid of it. Beset by doubt Reece must find out who's doing this to him and why, before they destroy everything.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced thriller that ramps up the tension with each event. It kicks in at the first page and doesn't let up. The psychological aspect is well done, Reece's doubts and issues add extremely well to the strength of the narrative. Another powerful angle is the jealousy that burns within Reece, it clouds his judgement.
A great read, highly recommended to anyone who likes their thrillers with an extra dimension.
January 11, 2015
Review: EVERYTHING BURNS by Vincent Zandri
Fire consumes; it also cleanses and purifies--and it brands. Those who have been affected or afflicted by fire are never the same.
Take Reece Johnston, a Bestselling novelist, author of five books, and intermittently a free-lance journalist. As a child, Reece lost his mother and two older brothers in a house fire; only he and his father survived. Reese could have become pyro phobic, terrified of fire, but instead he became pyrophilic, fascinated with this element, and as a youngster still, tried to set his home alight.
Nowadays, after an eight-year separation and divorce, he and ex-wife Lisa and daughter Anna are back together, but neither safety nor continuation of life are assured. Someone or something seems determined to destroy Reece and all he purports to hold dear.
EVERYTHING BURNS is one of the most disturbing books I have ever read, over nearly 6 decades of voracious reading. Immediately it attached to my brain like a barnacle, refusing dislodgment. It's kept me awake, perturbed me during my daily routine, refused to be forgotten. With a February 1 release (I acquired my copy via the Kindle First Program), I predict it's going to be one of the Best of 2015.
Fire consumes; it also cleanses and purifies--and it brands. Those who have been affected or afflicted by fire are never the same.
Take Reece Johnston, a Bestselling novelist, author of five books, and intermittently a free-lance journalist. As a child, Reece lost his mother and two older brothers in a house fire; only he and his father survived. Reese could have become pyro phobic, terrified of fire, but instead he became pyrophilic, fascinated with this element, and as a youngster still, tried to set his home alight.
Nowadays, after an eight-year separation and divorce, he and ex-wife Lisa and daughter Anna are back together, but neither safety nor continuation of life are assured. Someone or something seems determined to destroy Reece and all he purports to hold dear.
EVERYTHING BURNS is one of the most disturbing books I have ever read, over nearly 6 decades of voracious reading. Immediately it attached to my brain like a barnacle, refusing dislodgment. It's kept me awake, perturbed me during my daily routine, refused to be forgotten. With a February 1 release (I acquired my copy via the Kindle First Program), I predict it's going to be one of the Best of 2015.
February 12, 2015
Ugh! I start a book. I keep waiting for it to get better. I find myself halfway through and decide I've already invested this much time into it might as well finish it. I can't help it. Which is why I find myself at times suffering through horrible books like this one.
This book is so so terrible. The main character is not likable at all. He makes the stupidest decisions that just make no sense at all. I never cared what happened to him. Let him burn. I don't care. The other characters are worse. I hated all of them. The story was soooooooooo predictable therefore no suspense. The only character kinda interesting was Blood, but I'm not even sure why he was a part of the story. There were so many creative ways he could have been used. Missed opportunity for bringing some life into this very dead book. And don't even get me started on all the forced uses of fire annologies. Make it stop!!! And a talking dog? (Yes, it was showing him crazy, but still...). I just couldn't wait to be done with this book. Thank God I finally am. Save yourself and pick any book other than this one to read.
This book is so so terrible. The main character is not likable at all. He makes the stupidest decisions that just make no sense at all. I never cared what happened to him. Let him burn. I don't care. The other characters are worse. I hated all of them. The story was soooooooooo predictable therefore no suspense. The only character kinda interesting was Blood, but I'm not even sure why he was a part of the story. There were so many creative ways he could have been used. Missed opportunity for bringing some life into this very dead book. And don't even get me started on all the forced uses of fire annologies. Make it stop!!! And a talking dog? (Yes, it was showing him crazy, but still...). I just couldn't wait to be done with this book. Thank God I finally am. Save yourself and pick any book other than this one to read.
September 11, 2015
I got a copy of this book through the Kindle First program. It's an interesting take on pyromania, and I couldn't put it down (seriously, I read it in less than a day). While the story can be disturbing in parts, I was mostly hit with feelings of sadness for the narrator (Reece Johnston); the sudden loss of most of his family to a house fire as a child shaped his future. The events that occur in the novel are shocking (and admittedly unlikely to occur in the 24-48 hour span the author claims), and you'll want to keep reading until you find out the truth.
March 26, 2015
Everything Burns: Vincent Zandri
Take a match and light it. Stare at the flame as it rises to the top of the match. The yellow, red and orange engulf the outer edge of the match as the flame ignites and rises. Some people mesmerized by the site of the flame. Some even feel an hypnotic pull. Others might think that this flame is an agent that arouses some type of sexual desire: an aphrodisiac. Chocolate, bananas even honey can stir up your desire as well as some powerful drugs. Look at the flame then light some more matches until the heat, the smoke and the colors envelope you until all you see and feel is the fire.
What happens when someone loses a parent to an accident at a young age due to carelessness? What happens when that young child becomes so fixated on the death that he cannot deal with the realities of life and becomes engulfed in something that will affect his life as an adult? Fire has always fascinated Reece Johnston and even as an adult still feeling the effects of what happened as a child fire, flames and the smell of ash and smoke center him and often helps to keep him calm. With matches in his pocket and striking the top, he often sets out to set something on fire and watch it burn. As the paper or object combusts, feels the heat beneath his fingers, and realizes within his mind: Everything Burns: Vincent Zandri heats up the pages of this novel with blazing fire.
Reece is the author of the best selling novel The Damned which plays an integral part in this plot as the main character in the book loves fire, sets people on fire and one line carries through this novel as a killer sets out to make Reece think he’s going crazy, set him on a personal fire within him and hopefully create a mental and physical downfall. But, when Lisa, his ex-wife, and his daughter Anna, leave to stay with her mother as she is about to undergo minor surgery, Reece cannot help but search her house hoping to learn more about David, the man that took his place until she took him back. The inferno within him causes him to search, hunt and what he finds sets him on another course to take matches along and set something ablaze.
There are three voices that come through loud and clear within this novel: Reece, David and the voice of reason, Reece’s father whose specter appears when things heat up and his mind turns to fire and he does not think things out. Jealousies rule as both David and Reece fight for the attention of one woman: Lisa and although it appears friendly at first, what happens which send burns and tingling throughout your body. Reece also has an affinity for visiting cemeteries and crematoriums.
David Bourenhem is a freelance writer and at the center of what he hopes is Lisa’s world. Friendships are there but are they healthy ones? Notes left, hope in hand and another player comes to the forefront: Rachel: Reece’s ex-girlfriend. David and Rachel were involved and notes left out and read cause more than another flame. Personal photos of Lisa light up another path of destruction as David claims they belong to him and once again we hear his father’s voice telling him to stay calm, not become Drew the character in his novel and have to reenter the mental hospital again.
“The Bestseller is a Heretic and Like all Heretics He Will Burn For His Sins,” seems to be a quote from his novel The Damned and comes up during this novel as a reminder of what someone thinks is his deceptions, lies and betrayals. But, how far will someone go to destroy Reece you just won’t believe as it starts by having Lisa’s house ransacked and the police coming and finding evidence that leads back to him. But, Reece is out of control and goes to David’s house accusing him of breaking and entering and the scene is quite telling, compelling making readers wonder just who is out of control and who is in control and has the situation in hand his way. But, that’s just the beginning as he finds a charred body on the lawn and does not report it to the police. When Lisa’s friend Olga is burned to a marshmallow crisp or blackened piece of bread, what Reece does is totally outrageous leading the police to his front door again and a sick killer enjoying his folly.
Finding himself at Lisa’s parent’s house he confronts her, wants to know more about her relationship with David and then several pieces start to fit together, things get out of control and fire is about to burn that might cost more lives.
The one constant in the story is Frankie the dog that seems to understand Reece and appears to be almost human. Talking out situations with the dog, allowing readers to understand that he is about to snap at any point makes you wonder just what will happen next. But, one man can help center him if he allows him to. Blood is a strong character and is someone that controls the drug traffic and what types of drugs are sold in his territory and no one messes with him. So, why didn’t he call him when he found the body and why didn’t he allow him to stay with him at Lisa’s house?
Detective Miller is a great character that looks into the murder of Olga, brings Reece in more than once and judging by the interrogation seems to feel he might be guilty but cannot entirely prove it. David showing up at Lisa’s house with flowers after they break up. Emails wanting to communicate with her, phone calls, personal items on her bed and then Reece finds his way to David’s apartment, tries to scare him but in reality who is in control?
The Damned: Like his character Brennen who burns college students in bathtubs! Who is behind what is happening and why is this person after Reece? Who would dump a body of a young woman in Lisa’s backyard? Who is trying to do more than Gaslight Reece? Why didn’t he call Miller when it happened? How does Blood help him deal with the situation? Lives hang in the balance when a video call to Reece says it all. Why is this person after him? What does he expect him to do and why? Who is being held captive and just how deranged is this person? Betrayals, lies and deceptions come out and an untold truth just might ruin more than one life. Writer’s block, shock therapy, four novels, destroying a career and a life, jealousies and a fire that is so powerful it will burn down everything in sight. An ending scorched with heat and an author that takes us inside the minds of two men who are different yet the same. Whose career goes up in flames? Whose life is about to end? What does Reece do when the final truths are told and he’s forced to face something in his past? What happens when EVERYTHING BURNS! Who will be there to put out the final flame? Once again author Vincent Zandri pens a novel realistic, so powerful that the reader cannot put it down until the last match is lit.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Take a match and light it. Stare at the flame as it rises to the top of the match. The yellow, red and orange engulf the outer edge of the match as the flame ignites and rises. Some people mesmerized by the site of the flame. Some even feel an hypnotic pull. Others might think that this flame is an agent that arouses some type of sexual desire: an aphrodisiac. Chocolate, bananas even honey can stir up your desire as well as some powerful drugs. Look at the flame then light some more matches until the heat, the smoke and the colors envelope you until all you see and feel is the fire.
What happens when someone loses a parent to an accident at a young age due to carelessness? What happens when that young child becomes so fixated on the death that he cannot deal with the realities of life and becomes engulfed in something that will affect his life as an adult? Fire has always fascinated Reece Johnston and even as an adult still feeling the effects of what happened as a child fire, flames and the smell of ash and smoke center him and often helps to keep him calm. With matches in his pocket and striking the top, he often sets out to set something on fire and watch it burn. As the paper or object combusts, feels the heat beneath his fingers, and realizes within his mind: Everything Burns: Vincent Zandri heats up the pages of this novel with blazing fire.
Reece is the author of the best selling novel The Damned which plays an integral part in this plot as the main character in the book loves fire, sets people on fire and one line carries through this novel as a killer sets out to make Reece think he’s going crazy, set him on a personal fire within him and hopefully create a mental and physical downfall. But, when Lisa, his ex-wife, and his daughter Anna, leave to stay with her mother as she is about to undergo minor surgery, Reece cannot help but search her house hoping to learn more about David, the man that took his place until she took him back. The inferno within him causes him to search, hunt and what he finds sets him on another course to take matches along and set something ablaze.
There are three voices that come through loud and clear within this novel: Reece, David and the voice of reason, Reece’s father whose specter appears when things heat up and his mind turns to fire and he does not think things out. Jealousies rule as both David and Reece fight for the attention of one woman: Lisa and although it appears friendly at first, what happens which send burns and tingling throughout your body. Reece also has an affinity for visiting cemeteries and crematoriums.
David Bourenhem is a freelance writer and at the center of what he hopes is Lisa’s world. Friendships are there but are they healthy ones? Notes left, hope in hand and another player comes to the forefront: Rachel: Reece’s ex-girlfriend. David and Rachel were involved and notes left out and read cause more than another flame. Personal photos of Lisa light up another path of destruction as David claims they belong to him and once again we hear his father’s voice telling him to stay calm, not become Drew the character in his novel and have to reenter the mental hospital again.
“The Bestseller is a Heretic and Like all Heretics He Will Burn For His Sins,” seems to be a quote from his novel The Damned and comes up during this novel as a reminder of what someone thinks is his deceptions, lies and betrayals. But, how far will someone go to destroy Reece you just won’t believe as it starts by having Lisa’s house ransacked and the police coming and finding evidence that leads back to him. But, Reece is out of control and goes to David’s house accusing him of breaking and entering and the scene is quite telling, compelling making readers wonder just who is out of control and who is in control and has the situation in hand his way. But, that’s just the beginning as he finds a charred body on the lawn and does not report it to the police. When Lisa’s friend Olga is burned to a marshmallow crisp or blackened piece of bread, what Reece does is totally outrageous leading the police to his front door again and a sick killer enjoying his folly.
Finding himself at Lisa’s parent’s house he confronts her, wants to know more about her relationship with David and then several pieces start to fit together, things get out of control and fire is about to burn that might cost more lives.
The one constant in the story is Frankie the dog that seems to understand Reece and appears to be almost human. Talking out situations with the dog, allowing readers to understand that he is about to snap at any point makes you wonder just what will happen next. But, one man can help center him if he allows him to. Blood is a strong character and is someone that controls the drug traffic and what types of drugs are sold in his territory and no one messes with him. So, why didn’t he call him when he found the body and why didn’t he allow him to stay with him at Lisa’s house?
Detective Miller is a great character that looks into the murder of Olga, brings Reece in more than once and judging by the interrogation seems to feel he might be guilty but cannot entirely prove it. David showing up at Lisa’s house with flowers after they break up. Emails wanting to communicate with her, phone calls, personal items on her bed and then Reece finds his way to David’s apartment, tries to scare him but in reality who is in control?
The Damned: Like his character Brennen who burns college students in bathtubs! Who is behind what is happening and why is this person after Reece? Who would dump a body of a young woman in Lisa’s backyard? Who is trying to do more than Gaslight Reece? Why didn’t he call Miller when it happened? How does Blood help him deal with the situation? Lives hang in the balance when a video call to Reece says it all. Why is this person after him? What does he expect him to do and why? Who is being held captive and just how deranged is this person? Betrayals, lies and deceptions come out and an untold truth just might ruin more than one life. Writer’s block, shock therapy, four novels, destroying a career and a life, jealousies and a fire that is so powerful it will burn down everything in sight. An ending scorched with heat and an author that takes us inside the minds of two men who are different yet the same. Whose career goes up in flames? Whose life is about to end? What does Reece do when the final truths are told and he’s forced to face something in his past? What happens when EVERYTHING BURNS! Who will be there to put out the final flame? Once again author Vincent Zandri pens a novel realistic, so powerful that the reader cannot put it down until the last match is lit.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Read
January 26, 2015For me, the best way to get through unpolished writing is to take it in small chunks. For example, many of what Zandri calls "chapters" are actually "scenes," and I read two or three of these at a time. Thus, it took me a couple of weeks to get through the book.
Having finished the work, I feel that Zandri cheated his reader's by not going into greater detail about electroshock therapy. He gave hints, here or there, about Reece not being able to write The Damned, and a few other oblique references, and maybe that technique is part of the genre--don't give too much away.
Zandri took a similar approach with Lisa and David's "affair," though Reece's speculations here did have a foreshadowing aspect to them.
Having said that, I found the end to be a gratuitous--"I gotcha, reader! I bet you didn't expect that!"
I did find it interesting that Lisa had eye surgery, making her physically (as well as symbolically?) blind. Frankie, the dog, has more character depth than does Lisa. Blood, too, is monolithic--a type inserted to serve a function (how does it come to pass that, just in time, Blood makes it from inner city Albany to the Reynolds' mansion. As readers, we deserve to know a little more about Blood.
Other characters, too, remain undeveloped, though Detective Miller's notion the books are like footprints might be one of the better lines in the novel.
I got this as a freebie from Amazon. There are so many other choices that I'm not likely to add Zandri to my reading list--Greg Iles, David Lindsey, David Baldacci, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and others.
Having finished the work, I feel that Zandri cheated his reader's by not going into greater detail about electroshock therapy. He gave hints, here or there, about Reece not being able to write The Damned, and a few other oblique references, and maybe that technique is part of the genre--don't give too much away.
Zandri took a similar approach with Lisa and David's "affair," though Reece's speculations here did have a foreshadowing aspect to them.
Having said that, I found the end to be a gratuitous--"I gotcha, reader! I bet you didn't expect that!"
I did find it interesting that Lisa had eye surgery, making her physically (as well as symbolically?) blind. Frankie, the dog, has more character depth than does Lisa. Blood, too, is monolithic--a type inserted to serve a function (how does it come to pass that, just in time, Blood makes it from inner city Albany to the Reynolds' mansion. As readers, we deserve to know a little more about Blood.
Other characters, too, remain undeveloped, though Detective Miller's notion the books are like footprints might be one of the better lines in the novel.
I got this as a freebie from Amazon. There are so many other choices that I'm not likely to add Zandri to my reading list--Greg Iles, David Lindsey, David Baldacci, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and others.
April 27, 2015
Everything Burns is a riveting psychological thriller that will give the readers goosebumps, and keep them sitting on the edge of their seats.
Author Vincent Zandri weaves a chilling tale that has enough drama, mystery, suspense, and terrifying thrills and chills that will easily captivate the reader's attention, and draw them into the troubled world of Reece Johnston.
I couldn't help but get caught up in this complex, dark, multi-layered tale. I found myself trying to figure out what would happen next as Reece's story unfolded with a gripping amount of tension, emotion, and intriguing twists and turns.
The author does a great job of describing Reece's complex history of personal demons and obsession with fire. The reader is taken on an intense roller coaster ride as the storyline gains momentum. This is a thought provoking, compelling, and very disturbing tale of pyromania that made my fear of fire that much more real ... because when you have fire ... everything burns!
Everything Burns is a seriously scary good psychological thriller that is terrifying, chilling, and fascinating, it will keep the reader engaged and guessing until the surprising conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
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Author Vincent Zandri weaves a chilling tale that has enough drama, mystery, suspense, and terrifying thrills and chills that will easily captivate the reader's attention, and draw them into the troubled world of Reece Johnston.
I couldn't help but get caught up in this complex, dark, multi-layered tale. I found myself trying to figure out what would happen next as Reece's story unfolded with a gripping amount of tension, emotion, and intriguing twists and turns.
The author does a great job of describing Reece's complex history of personal demons and obsession with fire. The reader is taken on an intense roller coaster ride as the storyline gains momentum. This is a thought provoking, compelling, and very disturbing tale of pyromania that made my fear of fire that much more real ... because when you have fire ... everything burns!
Everything Burns is a seriously scary good psychological thriller that is terrifying, chilling, and fascinating, it will keep the reader engaged and guessing until the surprising conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
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January 14, 2015
Well, all right. Let's start by saying this I got this on my Kindle First deal. For January I could pick 2 books and there were only 2 genres I liked, so this book came to me by default.
First off: if you aren't an amazing writer, don't have your main character be an amazing writer. It's super jarring to the reader when you are told how fucking amazing the first person character is at writing when he actually is a mediocre writer. I mean, I suppose you can be a best selling author and be shitty at writing, but it kind of makes me hate you. And, by the way, "I can't help but..." is a crutch phrase. This book uses it a ton.
As to the plot: I wish I liked it more. Basically there were two twists that the book could take but the entire plot was so hamfisted that either option would feel clunky and obvious. And, in the end, one twist did happen with an extra gotcha in it but that gotcha was completely random. Pulling a character, motivation, or other device out of nowhere to add surprise isn't actually surprising. There's no way a reader could have noticed that coming because it was not even hinted at before.
I am giving this book 2 stars because it was an interesting overarching idea. It just wasn't well done whatsoever.
First off: if you aren't an amazing writer, don't have your main character be an amazing writer. It's super jarring to the reader when you are told how fucking amazing the first person character is at writing when he actually is a mediocre writer. I mean, I suppose you can be a best selling author and be shitty at writing, but it kind of makes me hate you. And, by the way, "I can't help but..." is a crutch phrase. This book uses it a ton.
As to the plot: I wish I liked it more. Basically there were two twists that the book could take but the entire plot was so hamfisted that either option would feel clunky and obvious. And, in the end, one twist did happen with an extra gotcha in it but that gotcha was completely random. Pulling a character, motivation, or other device out of nowhere to add surprise isn't actually surprising. There's no way a reader could have noticed that coming because it was not even hinted at before.
I am giving this book 2 stars because it was an interesting overarching idea. It just wasn't well done whatsoever.
November 11, 2016
It may just be the genre, but I didn't find this book overly appealing. The writing wasn't great and some of the timeline didn't add up. Parts were predictable and at times the foreshadowing was over done. This is a book where you get frustrated with the main character, who seems to do the wrong thing when he is presented with the opportunity to do what's right. A number of chapters ended with "And that's when...", which felt forced and not a smooth transition.
This is one of those books too, where the main character is a supposed best-selling author. He struggled as a writer, references a great writer, and I also feel like this set up is about the actual story's author, like he's got to prove he's read the greats and wants to write like they do. But it falls short, and this book doesn't compare to someone like Hemingway.
This is one of those books too, where the main character is a supposed best-selling author. He struggled as a writer, references a great writer, and I also feel like this set up is about the actual story's author, like he's got to prove he's read the greats and wants to write like they do. But it falls short, and this book doesn't compare to someone like Hemingway.
February 7, 2015
The man can do no wrong, writing-wise. I loved the complexities of the main character, Reece, and his 'complicated' relationship with his girlfriend (who's his ex-wife) and young daughter. Although it's a bit hard to 'like' this guy, you go along, knowing he's been through a lot, having lost most of his family members when he was young. If that wasn't damaging enough, he later endured shock therapy treatments to cure him of his obsession with fire. The constant action in this book (well, in pretty much ALL of Mr. Zandri's books)keeps you up late and flippin' pages. It pays off with the on-going surprises he laces throughout. The only true pity here is that Mr. Zandri can't write faster. Another solid read and a jewel in his crown.
March 11, 2015
Reece Johnston is a best selling author who is haunted by a childhood tragedy. When he gets back with his ex-wife, his life soon spirals out of control with fatal consequences.
Everything Burns, Vincent Zandri’s marvelously enjoyable new novel, is like a lethal cocktail of Highsmith’s The Blunderer, Hickcock’s The Wrong Man and the Coen Brothers. A delirious noir -sprinkled with black comedy- which turns into a high octane thriller with more twists and turns than a corkscrew.
Everything Burns, Vincent Zandri’s marvelously enjoyable new novel, is like a lethal cocktail of Highsmith’s The Blunderer, Hickcock’s The Wrong Man and the Coen Brothers. A delirious noir -sprinkled with black comedy- which turns into a high octane thriller with more twists and turns than a corkscrew.
March 2, 2015
Burning obsession.
Dark psychological thriller, mystery. Dialog with death father and dog is little too long. For me at the beginning what Anna said solved part of the mystery.
Dark psychological thriller, mystery. Dialog with death father and dog is little too long. For me at the beginning what Anna said solved part of the mystery.
October 5, 2015
I just can not continue on in this book.
November 7, 2017
The name seemed catchy. That's why I started reading this book despite of many bad reviews. I went throw to the end just to finish it. But this book has something that you cannot just put it down as you wish.
First of all, writing style was not reader friendly. I had confusions in several places identifying characters.
During reading this book, all the time I was hoping something better to come. But that did not happen. All characters appeared more or less same crazy to me. Main character seemed too much lunatic and stupid to make a good decision.
Storyline was so predictable. That's why there was no suspense.
Only thing that I liked about this book is it's size. Crappy books should not be big.
First of all, writing style was not reader friendly. I had confusions in several places identifying characters.
During reading this book, all the time I was hoping something better to come. But that did not happen. All characters appeared more or less same crazy to me. Main character seemed too much lunatic and stupid to make a good decision.
Storyline was so predictable. That's why there was no suspense.
Only thing that I liked about this book is it's size. Crappy books should not be big.
February 7, 2017
I got this free back in 2015 and only just now finished it through sheer force of will. There are some hilariously accurate reviews of how bad this book is by other readers and I highly suggest that you check them out before purchasing this cliché-riddled, simplistic "thriller" that had me on at least 4 occasions look up from the page to say out loud to an empty room "this is SO bad!"
I could go on and on but a book this bad doesn't warrant my having to think about it any longer. If I had to focus on just one issues it would be the character, Blood, who was so useless and clumsy in his inclusion that it especially irks me. I mean, he is totally pointless and feels completely tacked on! The only explanation we get for this ex-felon gangster from the mean streets being a friend of the affluent, tortured writer, Reese, is the old "I saved his life once so now he owes me forever" cliché, which is dropped on us in a single paragraph and the quickly moved on from. He appears in maybe 3% of the book and exists, so far as I can tell, only so he can factor into the the "kills the bad guy at the last second while they discuss their evil plans" clichè, which HAPPENS TWICE BY THE WAY.
Obviously, I will not be checking out any of Zandri's other books, but I hope this one is a rare stinker of an example among many other decent works.
I could go on and on but a book this bad doesn't warrant my having to think about it any longer. If I had to focus on just one issues it would be the character, Blood, who was so useless and clumsy in his inclusion that it especially irks me. I mean, he is totally pointless and feels completely tacked on! The only explanation we get for this ex-felon gangster from the mean streets being a friend of the affluent, tortured writer, Reese, is the old "I saved his life once so now he owes me forever" cliché, which is dropped on us in a single paragraph and the quickly moved on from. He appears in maybe 3% of the book and exists, so far as I can tell, only so he can factor into the the "kills the bad guy at the last second while they discuss their evil plans" clichè, which HAPPENS TWICE BY THE WAY.
Obviously, I will not be checking out any of Zandri's other books, but I hope this one is a rare stinker of an example among many other decent works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2015
This was one of the most poorly written/edited books I've read in a while. There are way too many summaries and recaps and reiteration of information we were already given more than once, as if the author thinks the reader is an idiot, or else was just trying to fill pages. It gets downright annoying very early on.
Much of what happens, (police stuff, character behavior, scenarios) is just totally implausible or otherwise asinine.
Details don't remain accurate. For instance, early on the Reese says he does not have a drawer in Lisa's house yet, but in the second half talks about the one drawer he's been allotted. Similarly there is no mention of a basement when he first searches the house but then brings it up later on a subsequent search. Little things, but they add up with the other annoying stuff to make it seem quite sloppy.
The overall story line wasn't terrible but it wasn't amazing either, and when you add up the implausible actions of the characters and the summary, the book is overall not really worth reading in my opinion.
Much of what happens, (police stuff, character behavior, scenarios) is just totally implausible or otherwise asinine.
Details don't remain accurate. For instance, early on the Reese says he does not have a drawer in Lisa's house yet, but in the second half talks about the one drawer he's been allotted. Similarly there is no mention of a basement when he first searches the house but then brings it up later on a subsequent search. Little things, but they add up with the other annoying stuff to make it seem quite sloppy.
The overall story line wasn't terrible but it wasn't amazing either, and when you add up the implausible actions of the characters and the summary, the book is overall not really worth reading in my opinion.
June 15, 2015
While the writing itself didn't suffer from any major flaws, the plot and characterizations in the novel felt unstable. The narrator rehashes the backstory in far too many chapters and spends quite a lot of time clarifying the relationships between the three main characters (i.e., himself, Lisa, and David). Furthermore, characters often make decisions that seem senseless or not driven by anything other than the writing trap of "adding plot" when instead, motivation should lead to behaviors.
It was, however, a fast and easy read, thanks in part to the flow of language. It felt more like I was reading something in need of structural revision, rather than a completed novel. Improvement of character behaviors and more firmly establishing why the events occurred as they did (and when they did... why did the villain pick that day to do what he did?) would vastly improve this work. However, since it's already published, I imagine this novel will remain as is.
It was, however, a fast and easy read, thanks in part to the flow of language. It felt more like I was reading something in need of structural revision, rather than a completed novel. Improvement of character behaviors and more firmly establishing why the events occurred as they did (and when they did... why did the villain pick that day to do what he did?) would vastly improve this work. However, since it's already published, I imagine this novel will remain as is.
February 4, 2015
This is the first book in over a decade that I just couldn't finish. I kept hoping it would get better but instead it seemed to just repeat the same thing over and over until I wanted to die. I honestly only managed to read roughly 60% of the book before promptly removing it from my Kindle.
March 1, 2015
Real Page Turner
This book grabbed me and kept me guessing from the very beginning. I love mysteries and this book is a very different type of mystery with a rather surprising ending. Very good book!
This book grabbed me and kept me guessing from the very beginning. I love mysteries and this book is a very different type of mystery with a rather surprising ending. Very good book!
March 12, 2015
Meh. I expected more from the book description, more suspense and more twists that relate to his past. It was an entertaining read while being sick in bed, but I don't know that I would seek out more of this author's work because the writing style didn't flow. I had hoped for more.
November 27, 2015
4.5 stars. This was a Kindle First free book for me. I tend to choose books outside of my usual genres, like thrillers and suspense each month. I'm glad I did. Really disturbing!! Not for the faint of heart.
January 21, 2016
It has a little interest and a lot of redundancy. You have to realize that David is not Mr sweet and loving early in the book
June 9, 2017
This novel is a story about a man possessed by demons that have haunted him from childhood when his mother accidentally burnt down the house, killing herself and his brothers. Reese Johnston became obsessed with fire, with setting fires, with matches, with burning. He has been institutionalized. He has had nervous breakdowns. His marriage crumbled as he wallowed in writer's block and lost himself. Now he has managed after eight years to move back in with his ex, but she keeps reminding him to take his meds and is uncomfortable leaving him alone with their eight year old daughter. Can he hold it together or is he gonna fall apart again? Is he too consumed with jealousy over the guy Lisa lived with for the past eight years? Is someone plotting his downfall? With his checkered past, will anyone believe that he is not some evil psychopath or are they actually right? Although it sounds a bit like a soap opera, it's not. It's a powerful novel about a guy out in the edge trying to hold it together. It's well written, particularly once you get past the first chapter or two, and really starts charging along. It has its humorous moments when the cops compare Reese's novels to Connelly's or mention other crime fiction writers in passing. It is a hard novel to categorize as it is not purely crime fiction and not purely a psychological thriller. It is a book that could have wide appeal. Zandri has an easy writing style that fits perfectly with the pace of this novel which starts out slowly, but packs quite a charge as it gets going. In my opinion, it is well worth your time.
September 15, 2021
Everything Burns - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Does a traumatic childhood episode of being potentially burned to death in a house fire cause, (or excuse in any way), future arson attempts in retaliation for perceived or real slights or betrayals by others, (particularly those he's ostensibly emotionally connected to or in a relationship with)?
This is Master of Mystery and Suspense, Vincent Zandri's offering in his staggeringly insightful novel, Everything Burns.
Reese Johnstone is the boy rescued by his father from such a house fire, with comparatively superficial physical scarring - but life-altering mental and emotional traumas, that have disastrously resultant effects, starting in his teen years and going forward.
Would you accept the circumstances of Reese's psychiatric changes proceeded from the childhood life-threatening event and to an extent 'justified' his subsequent behaviour, (despite support and counseling, plus official involvement)?
Or would you be the condemning witness turning in such a person - who might even be a relative, friend or seemingly innocuous neighbour?
Definitely a candidate for 'Tales of the Unexpected'!
Does a traumatic childhood episode of being potentially burned to death in a house fire cause, (or excuse in any way), future arson attempts in retaliation for perceived or real slights or betrayals by others, (particularly those he's ostensibly emotionally connected to or in a relationship with)?
This is Master of Mystery and Suspense, Vincent Zandri's offering in his staggeringly insightful novel, Everything Burns.
Reese Johnstone is the boy rescued by his father from such a house fire, with comparatively superficial physical scarring - but life-altering mental and emotional traumas, that have disastrously resultant effects, starting in his teen years and going forward.
Would you accept the circumstances of Reese's psychiatric changes proceeded from the childhood life-threatening event and to an extent 'justified' his subsequent behaviour, (despite support and counseling, plus official involvement)?
Or would you be the condemning witness turning in such a person - who might even be a relative, friend or seemingly innocuous neighbour?
Definitely a candidate for 'Tales of the Unexpected'!
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