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Dr. Anja Toussaint #1
Soot Angel
When an abandoned warehouse burns down, forensic engineer and arson investigator Dr. Anja Toussaint searches for the fire’s cause. Tragically, a homeless child within has succumbed from carbon monoxide intoxication. Suspecting arson, Anja sets out to find whoever is responsible.
Her first step is following the trail of the homeless child’s family into the dangerous, drug-infested tenements. Since she also believes that the warehouse owner may be involved, Anja must break through the corporate secrecy of the city’s richest and most private law firm.
Unfortunately, her investigation unravels a deadly terrorist conspiracy that brings into play ruthless enemies from a totally unexpected quarter – leading Anja onto the high seas aboard a cargo vessel where her only hope of survival is to set the ship on fire.
Read the first chapter free at www.mapetterson.com
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 5, 2017
Soot Angel refers to the blanched, unburned outline of a body .. a body of a young child who was lost in a fire.
Anya Toussaint, arson investigator, returns in this 2nd book of the series.
This time around she's investigating an abandoned warehouse fire where people were evidently living there, no one the wiser. Anya is determined to find the arsonist.
Her investigation takes her to abandoned truck, which was stolen ... twice. She is referred to a homeless man, a hobo, who may be able to help. Then she's pointed in the direction of a dying man, an ex-government man, who knows more than he's saying.
The plot is well written; characters are credible. My only complaint (as in FIRE SIGN) is that a lot of detail about how a fire is started, the chemistry aspects, etc. read more like a textbook for those wishing to become firefighters. I found myself skipping portions to get to the meat of the story. I liked that the descriptions gave a real feel to the story, but I also think that in some areas, it was just too much.
A little more of her background is revealed, which I liked. It left me wanting to read more of her. Anya is a fascinating character. I'm really looking forward to her back story.
In this book, we also get just a glimpse of Gil Dolan, who partnered with her in FIRE SIGN. His daughter also plays a small part. I'm sure we'll see more of her in further books. The author also introduces the reader to THE IRON MAIDEN, nickname of a homicide detective. I see that it is also the title of Book 3 in this series.
I received this digital copy of SOOT ANGEL from the author's website. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Anya Toussaint, arson investigator, returns in this 2nd book of the series.
This time around she's investigating an abandoned warehouse fire where people were evidently living there, no one the wiser. Anya is determined to find the arsonist.
Her investigation takes her to abandoned truck, which was stolen ... twice. She is referred to a homeless man, a hobo, who may be able to help. Then she's pointed in the direction of a dying man, an ex-government man, who knows more than he's saying.
The plot is well written; characters are credible. My only complaint (as in FIRE SIGN) is that a lot of detail about how a fire is started, the chemistry aspects, etc. read more like a textbook for those wishing to become firefighters. I found myself skipping portions to get to the meat of the story. I liked that the descriptions gave a real feel to the story, but I also think that in some areas, it was just too much.
A little more of her background is revealed, which I liked. It left me wanting to read more of her. Anya is a fascinating character. I'm really looking forward to her back story.
In this book, we also get just a glimpse of Gil Dolan, who partnered with her in FIRE SIGN. His daughter also plays a small part. I'm sure we'll see more of her in further books. The author also introduces the reader to THE IRON MAIDEN, nickname of a homicide detective. I see that it is also the title of Book 3 in this series.
I received this digital copy of SOOT ANGEL from the author's website. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
March 7, 2015
I went straight into book two, and this one picks up where book 1 left off.
After finding book 1 a bit hasty in its short 77 pages I was anxious to read this one as its a longer book. I wanted to see what potential this author had in drawing me in again like the last one and if he could hold my attention.
He did!
Although there is more background to fires, the chemistry and science of it all and more background to fire fighters too, I must be honest, I did find it fascinating. My son who is 29 years old always said he wanted to be a fire fighter when he grew up, but he shelved that idea as he got older. But its something that I for one loved to read about because its not an easy job. Putting yourself on the line to save others. Also the team work involved has got to be united 100%.
After saying that though, I did get a bit bored in places when it dragged out more than I thought it should.
We flipped from Dr Anja Toussaint investigating to the background.
We have an intense tale of small fires being lit, she has to investigate this and get it 'sorted' before it gets bigger and encompasses an even bigger area.
She is also investigating a warehouse fire when a child was killed, this takes priority over anything for Anja. SOOT ANGEL is in reference to the child that got killed.
MY THOUGHTS
After reading book 1, this book 2 brought a smile to my face as it held all that was needed to widen out on this story in more pages than his previous one.
This also taught me quite a few things in the fire department area. A little too much sometimes I thought, but when I closed this book, I then reconsidered, because if this author is going to write any more of this series we DO need the nitty gritty of it all and how it works so we can understand the workings of it all.
This series is making a refreshing change from 'murders, bodies, killers and serial killers etc' based around the "fires" is quite interesting in itself and then the investigations behind the scenes of why it started, who started it, how was it started, where was it started, all kept my attention.
I really liked this
My thanks to M A Petterson for my copy
After finding book 1 a bit hasty in its short 77 pages I was anxious to read this one as its a longer book. I wanted to see what potential this author had in drawing me in again like the last one and if he could hold my attention.
He did!
Although there is more background to fires, the chemistry and science of it all and more background to fire fighters too, I must be honest, I did find it fascinating. My son who is 29 years old always said he wanted to be a fire fighter when he grew up, but he shelved that idea as he got older. But its something that I for one loved to read about because its not an easy job. Putting yourself on the line to save others. Also the team work involved has got to be united 100%.
After saying that though, I did get a bit bored in places when it dragged out more than I thought it should.
We flipped from Dr Anja Toussaint investigating to the background.
We have an intense tale of small fires being lit, she has to investigate this and get it 'sorted' before it gets bigger and encompasses an even bigger area.
She is also investigating a warehouse fire when a child was killed, this takes priority over anything for Anja. SOOT ANGEL is in reference to the child that got killed.
MY THOUGHTS
After reading book 1, this book 2 brought a smile to my face as it held all that was needed to widen out on this story in more pages than his previous one.
This also taught me quite a few things in the fire department area. A little too much sometimes I thought, but when I closed this book, I then reconsidered, because if this author is going to write any more of this series we DO need the nitty gritty of it all and how it works so we can understand the workings of it all.
This series is making a refreshing change from 'murders, bodies, killers and serial killers etc' based around the "fires" is quite interesting in itself and then the investigations behind the scenes of why it started, who started it, how was it started, where was it started, all kept my attention.
I really liked this
My thanks to M A Petterson for my copy
February 5, 2017
This book was an interesting read, and it included facts about fires, firefighting & evidence collection. It shared technical information, coupled with the story line, so that way it was easier to understand what the character did for their job.
I plan on reading more of these books, and I look forward to following along with the characters introduced here.
I plan on reading more of these books, and I look forward to following along with the characters introduced here.
January 13, 2018
he premise of this story is worth five stars. However, the way it's put together is disappointing for me. The great amount of space devoted to the rivalry between the rich and the poor volunteer fire fighters added nothing to the story. I was looking for some sort of 'red-herring' to add to the confusion there but it was just a little side story, like taking a rest from the real story telling. The same goes for the detailed description of the pretend fire in the Flame Mignon, the city's 'burn building' where fire officers get training. These interruptions to the main story were 'interesting and educational' but how did they contribute to the evolving drama? Again, the distressing accident involving young Kenny, the over-eager volunteer, was well described and very detailed but not relevant to the final unmasking of the antagonist and his motivation.
The author wants us to believe that Dr. Anja knows everything about arson and the amount of provided detail supports that premise. However, does that make her a good investigator?
Not in my mind. She drinks to excess but has convinced herself she's not a drunk. Then, her first real clue (the name and number for Sergeant Tweedy) is delivered to her on a platter by her boss who then goes into hiding - he hints at government involvement and doesn't want to be connected to it. Sergeant Tweedy directs her to 'The General' who is blind and deaf slowly killing himself with stinking cigars. When Anja first visits him in the nursing home he wastes her time. Out of the blue, he calls her, because he's sick of telling lies. After she's met with The General again, Sergeant Tweedy suddenly knows enough to take her to the answers but, he too, leaves her alone because he doesn't want to get involved.
Then, there's the police lieutenant she calls the Iron Maiden, and Tracie the rebellious teenager who needs some guidance, and a lecture Anja delivers on Basic Fire Behaviour, three more distractions that add nothing to the actual investigation.
The author wants us to believe that Dr. Anja knows everything about arson and the amount of provided detail supports that premise. However, does that make her a good investigator?
Not in my mind. She drinks to excess but has convinced herself she's not a drunk. Then, her first real clue (the name and number for Sergeant Tweedy) is delivered to her on a platter by her boss who then goes into hiding - he hints at government involvement and doesn't want to be connected to it. Sergeant Tweedy directs her to 'The General' who is blind and deaf slowly killing himself with stinking cigars. When Anja first visits him in the nursing home he wastes her time. Out of the blue, he calls her, because he's sick of telling lies. After she's met with The General again, Sergeant Tweedy suddenly knows enough to take her to the answers but, he too, leaves her alone because he doesn't want to get involved.
Then, there's the police lieutenant she calls the Iron Maiden, and Tracie the rebellious teenager who needs some guidance, and a lecture Anja delivers on Basic Fire Behaviour, three more distractions that add nothing to the actual investigation.
May 1, 2018
Chandlertowne. The Wild Wind River warehouse had been destroyed by a fire.
Dr. Anja Toussaint (fire investigator, forensic engineer) is there to investigate.
Creighton Calderwood (boss, Commissioner of Insurance, State Fire Marshal) & Dr. Toussaint met.
Dr. Toussaint went to see Ascentzio “Planidera” Basterra (wealthy father/grandfather).
He had invested in Chandler’s Reach housing development project, & had the Marina & Yacht Club built.
Reverend Respess sponsors a homeless shelter.
Reverend Mowbray was reading the eulogy for Howie Paysour (WWCVFD).
Amazing Grace was sung.
The other Wild Wind County Volunteer FD in attendance were: Orvis, Billy Barbee (twin), Willie Barbee (twin), Tubbs, Mr. Sammy, John Dollar, Mickey McCarver, Einstein, & Kenny Fulcher (16).
Duffy (60+, WWCVFD retired US Navy) was driving the 1971 Van Pelt Pumper (fire truck).
The Fire Lions (kids volunteer) followed close behind in the procession.
Dr. Toussaint is going to have lunch with Adelina Basterra (daughter/mother, attorney).
Chief Elbert Midyette (Abercrombie Volunteer FD) has challenged the WWCVFD to a contest.
Will the arson case get solved?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written suspense thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free the book locker; instafreebie; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Dr. Anja Toussaint (fire investigator, forensic engineer) is there to investigate.
Creighton Calderwood (boss, Commissioner of Insurance, State Fire Marshal) & Dr. Toussaint met.
Dr. Toussaint went to see Ascentzio “Planidera” Basterra (wealthy father/grandfather).
He had invested in Chandler’s Reach housing development project, & had the Marina & Yacht Club built.
Reverend Respess sponsors a homeless shelter.
Reverend Mowbray was reading the eulogy for Howie Paysour (WWCVFD).
Amazing Grace was sung.
The other Wild Wind County Volunteer FD in attendance were: Orvis, Billy Barbee (twin), Willie Barbee (twin), Tubbs, Mr. Sammy, John Dollar, Mickey McCarver, Einstein, & Kenny Fulcher (16).
Duffy (60+, WWCVFD retired US Navy) was driving the 1971 Van Pelt Pumper (fire truck).
The Fire Lions (kids volunteer) followed close behind in the procession.
Dr. Toussaint is going to have lunch with Adelina Basterra (daughter/mother, attorney).
Chief Elbert Midyette (Abercrombie Volunteer FD) has challenged the WWCVFD to a contest.
Will the arson case get solved?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written suspense thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free the book locker; instafreebie; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 25, 2017
Another good book!! Beautifully written, it has so much more going on than just a fire investigation. Anja Toussaint has to deal not only with office politics, but also with the powerful people who can pull the strings in the city. Her grit and determination are very well wrought, Her belief in fighting for the little homeless child, in being the lone voice proclaiming it an arson fire and sticking her neck out to find the perpetrators and get justice for the Soot Angel takes her to another level. The inter-rivalry between the two voluntary fire departments is definitely not- to- be- missed....an absolute belly laugh! I highly recommend this series.
July 1, 2017
An unusual book covering all the elements of a real thriller as a forensic arson investigator uses all the tricks of her trade to discover and thwart a plot to export military toxins to terrorists. Many subplots enhance the story and act to endear the reader to Dr. Toussaint. Events from her life cause the reader to quickly develop an emotional attachment. Much of the story resides in a gray area between legal and illegal. The soot angel, a white outline of a child killed in the fire, drives Toussaint to extreme measures to solve the arson and punish the man responsible. Several interesting characters are encountered as the plot progresses. Every page of this book is engrossing.
August 19, 2018
I read this immediately following Fire Angel. I found this story much more complex and enjoyable. The author greatly expanded the context in which the main character lives her life, building on the previous work and adding entirely new settings and characters whose interactions draw the reader deeper into the created world. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the author was also able to inject a welcome touch of humor into several situations. In this outing, the main character directly revealed, rather than simply implying, a few more facts about her past ... just enough to make me want to know the details of that story, too. This is a very good read.
June 8, 2019
From the description this sounds like an interesting mystery, but don’t let the synopsis fool you. There are so many random happenings that are totally up a blind alley, and most everything has nothing to do with the soot angel. I think the author just throws out that thought as though the story is concentrating on that topic, but it is just a ruse to keep you reading, hoping to learn of this tragic child. The pieces fit together at the end, but the author has a cheat sheet to bring the story back from all the random events. Too confusing to follow. Only the last chapter makes sense. Learn lots of interesting but unnecessary stuff about firefighters, it does not help move the story along.
July 13, 2017
I enjoyed the amount of things I learned about fires in this book, but the structure of the story was sometimes confusing, and the typos and occasional grammar mistakes bothered me.
November 11, 2022
A 3 to 3.5 rating from me. An interesting subject but could have been written better Dyslexic Doug thinks.
January 12, 2015
The expertise and knowledge needed by a fire investigator include building construction, chemistry, physics, fire behaviour, electricity, law, the human body and psychology. Dr Anja Toussant is a forensic scientist in name and a fire investigator by trade.
She has all these skills and is required to use them, along with a good amount of courage and bravery to establish the cause of a fire where a baby has been burnt alive (a Soot Angel)
It is not just a story of discovering the cause of the fire by a highly competent fire investigator. There is so much that weaves throughout this book including terrorism, political corruption and interference, and Anja’s own story that progresses from the first book in the series, a prequel novella, Fire Sign.
Her investigation has her dealing with a variety of evil, strange, mysterious and often just plain incompetent people.
Several stories weave throughout including a training exercise devised by Anja. The test does not just test the many skills, knowledge and fitness needed by first responders but gives Anja the opportunity to demonstrate how incompetent the battalion chief is. The inclusion of story lines like this also gives us gradual insight into Anja’s ability, personality and mysterious past.
It is also not just about professional fire fighters but the Wild Wind County Volunteer Fire Department feature in Anja’s life – “her friends provide her with sly humour, tough cheer, stout spirit and to be involved with their crude misdeeds and bold transgressions”.
Through his words, Petterson has the ability to transport the reader to beautiful and tragic scenes and be drawn into fast paced and adrenalin pumping action.
But it not just in the images created for the various scenes that Petterson’s descriptive writing has the reader page turning. When Anja is teaching a group of Fire Behaviour students she describes a wildfire blaze that in the minds of her students and in the reader becomes very real.
Petterson skilfully blends in humour when two opposing volunteer brigades compete for a local trophy and managed to bring tears to my eyes when a young probie (trainee) volunteer fire-fighter is seriously injured.
Throughout the book Petterson demonstrates his knowledge of fire and those dedicated to protecting our lives and property and his enormous respect.
I read this book as bushfires rage across South Australia where crews of volunteers, including some from my local brigade (I live in New South Wales) are battling to save lives, property and animals. Petterson’s description of the volunteer training, roles and challenges is not unlike our own volunteer fire-fighters in Australia. I can relate to all they experience.
My favourite quote in the book: “When I grow up I want to be a fireman.” To which the old hand replied. “You can’t do both son.” It’s my favourite quote because my son is both a professional and volunteer fire fighter.
I would like to also mention that a portion of the profits from the sale of the Dr Anja Toussant series is donated to one or more burn camps for children. Please take the time to read about “Anja’s Kids” on the website http://www.mapetterson.com/
This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au
She has all these skills and is required to use them, along with a good amount of courage and bravery to establish the cause of a fire where a baby has been burnt alive (a Soot Angel)
It is not just a story of discovering the cause of the fire by a highly competent fire investigator. There is so much that weaves throughout this book including terrorism, political corruption and interference, and Anja’s own story that progresses from the first book in the series, a prequel novella, Fire Sign.
Her investigation has her dealing with a variety of evil, strange, mysterious and often just plain incompetent people.
Several stories weave throughout including a training exercise devised by Anja. The test does not just test the many skills, knowledge and fitness needed by first responders but gives Anja the opportunity to demonstrate how incompetent the battalion chief is. The inclusion of story lines like this also gives us gradual insight into Anja’s ability, personality and mysterious past.
It is also not just about professional fire fighters but the Wild Wind County Volunteer Fire Department feature in Anja’s life – “her friends provide her with sly humour, tough cheer, stout spirit and to be involved with their crude misdeeds and bold transgressions”.
Through his words, Petterson has the ability to transport the reader to beautiful and tragic scenes and be drawn into fast paced and adrenalin pumping action.
But it not just in the images created for the various scenes that Petterson’s descriptive writing has the reader page turning. When Anja is teaching a group of Fire Behaviour students she describes a wildfire blaze that in the minds of her students and in the reader becomes very real.
Petterson skilfully blends in humour when two opposing volunteer brigades compete for a local trophy and managed to bring tears to my eyes when a young probie (trainee) volunteer fire-fighter is seriously injured.
Throughout the book Petterson demonstrates his knowledge of fire and those dedicated to protecting our lives and property and his enormous respect.
I read this book as bushfires rage across South Australia where crews of volunteers, including some from my local brigade (I live in New South Wales) are battling to save lives, property and animals. Petterson’s description of the volunteer training, roles and challenges is not unlike our own volunteer fire-fighters in Australia. I can relate to all they experience.
My favourite quote in the book: “When I grow up I want to be a fireman.” To which the old hand replied. “You can’t do both son.” It’s my favourite quote because my son is both a professional and volunteer fire fighter.
I would like to also mention that a portion of the profits from the sale of the Dr Anja Toussant series is donated to one or more burn camps for children. Please take the time to read about “Anja’s Kids” on the website http://www.mapetterson.com/
This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au
January 30, 2015
Soot Angel picks up shortly after the end of Fire Sign, Dr. Anja Toussaint has closed the case of the church arson’s, sadly to the demise of the arsonist along with the close call of herself and her borrowed police partner. This time however, the arsons begin to hit all over neighboring Wake County and her “home” for all intents and purposes - she must figure out who is setting those small fires to prevent a larger one being set to the likes of the warehouse fire she’s investigating in her hometown of Chandlertowne.
Her first priority though is to figure out the whys and who’s of a warehouse fire that killed a child, aka her Soot Angel. Throughout the book she’s always hot on the trail of how the fire started and why this young child was in the warehouse to begin with – sadly to discover that homelessness does not have an age requirement and that drug-induced parenting isn’t always monitored closely by DSS like we all would like to believe. During her investigation of the warehouse fire though she discovers a crate with four letters she later finds out represent a chemical agent of warfare that has the potentiality of destroying a city the size of a small country, doing more damage than just a fire alone would do. This leads her on the trail of a group of military personnel who handled this agent, otherwise known during WWII as Four Deucers, through her work she finds that a well-known real-estate family in Chandlertowne has darker intentions and a deeper political hold than she ever thought possible.
This second novel by M.A. Petterson highlights the working and training life of firefighters all over, the similarities and competitiveness seen in this book carries over into fire departments across the country. We’re given a behind the scenes look at how firefighters live, work, and compete with one another – all the while able to come together on a fire scene and be cohesive! I enjoyed that aspect of this book – but at the same time found it distracting to the main story of the warehouse fire. I was left feeling less than satisfied with how it ended – BUT at the same time I was left wanting more. The mark of a good author is one that is able to engage the reader with a well written back-story, personal relationships of the main characters and keep the story moving forward. The ability of that same author the know when to leave a story hanging for another book in a series is that much more difficult, and M.A. Petterson has managed to do just that!
Overall, four out of five stars for Soot Angel as I mentioned above the continual jumping back and forth between the Warehouse Fire and the behind the scenes life of Dr. Toussaint and the Wake County Fire Department she’s adopted is distracting – the reader is left wondering what the outcome of the warehouse fire is.
Her first priority though is to figure out the whys and who’s of a warehouse fire that killed a child, aka her Soot Angel. Throughout the book she’s always hot on the trail of how the fire started and why this young child was in the warehouse to begin with – sadly to discover that homelessness does not have an age requirement and that drug-induced parenting isn’t always monitored closely by DSS like we all would like to believe. During her investigation of the warehouse fire though she discovers a crate with four letters she later finds out represent a chemical agent of warfare that has the potentiality of destroying a city the size of a small country, doing more damage than just a fire alone would do. This leads her on the trail of a group of military personnel who handled this agent, otherwise known during WWII as Four Deucers, through her work she finds that a well-known real-estate family in Chandlertowne has darker intentions and a deeper political hold than she ever thought possible.
This second novel by M.A. Petterson highlights the working and training life of firefighters all over, the similarities and competitiveness seen in this book carries over into fire departments across the country. We’re given a behind the scenes look at how firefighters live, work, and compete with one another – all the while able to come together on a fire scene and be cohesive! I enjoyed that aspect of this book – but at the same time found it distracting to the main story of the warehouse fire. I was left feeling less than satisfied with how it ended – BUT at the same time I was left wanting more. The mark of a good author is one that is able to engage the reader with a well written back-story, personal relationships of the main characters and keep the story moving forward. The ability of that same author the know when to leave a story hanging for another book in a series is that much more difficult, and M.A. Petterson has managed to do just that!
Overall, four out of five stars for Soot Angel as I mentioned above the continual jumping back and forth between the Warehouse Fire and the behind the scenes life of Dr. Toussaint and the Wake County Fire Department she’s adopted is distracting – the reader is left wondering what the outcome of the warehouse fire is.
February 3, 2016
Soot Angel 1D by m. a. petterson 5 Stars
Dr. Anja Toussaint likes to see the site of a fire; it makes it easier to do her job. She is a 1Cforensic engineer in name and a fire investigator by trade 1D - she finds out just two things: hopefully the probable cause of a fire, and hopefully the site of origin for the fire. She is extremely qualified for her job with two doctorates: Fire Science and Psychology. She doesn't get much help from most fire departments 13 she is not in their chain of command. She works directly for the State Fire Marshal, who reports to the Governor.
Early in the book Anja sees evidence of a 1Csoot angel 1D - the remains of a child killed by a fire. From her expert opinion, the fire was not accidental. Although it is beyond the scope of her job, she searches to find the name of the 1Csoot angel 1D and give the child justice. This effort turns out to be very complex and dangerous, since factors involve other major 1Cinterested parties 1D.
The author tells of the 1CAbercrombie Fire Department 1D, and the discussion with 1CThe Postman 1D is done so well you can image yourself standing there during the discussion. An 1Cexercise 1D dealing with a possible fire scenario is described in gruesome detail, and how a fireman takes a serious injury of another fireman. This book deals with serious topics; being a fireman involves putting your life at risk to help others. The book 1Cfeels true 1D - as if the author has first-hand experience in this area.
You learn more of Dr. Anja Toussaint in this second book of the series. I believe 1CCinder Alley 1D and 1CNo-Halo Zone 1D follow in this series, but I have not located them yet. Maybe they are in development, and not published yet?
Dr. Anja Toussaint likes to see the site of a fire; it makes it easier to do her job. She is a 1Cforensic engineer in name and a fire investigator by trade 1D - she finds out just two things: hopefully the probable cause of a fire, and hopefully the site of origin for the fire. She is extremely qualified for her job with two doctorates: Fire Science and Psychology. She doesn't get much help from most fire departments 13 she is not in their chain of command. She works directly for the State Fire Marshal, who reports to the Governor.
Early in the book Anja sees evidence of a 1Csoot angel 1D - the remains of a child killed by a fire. From her expert opinion, the fire was not accidental. Although it is beyond the scope of her job, she searches to find the name of the 1Csoot angel 1D and give the child justice. This effort turns out to be very complex and dangerous, since factors involve other major 1Cinterested parties 1D.
The author tells of the 1CAbercrombie Fire Department 1D, and the discussion with 1CThe Postman 1D is done so well you can image yourself standing there during the discussion. An 1Cexercise 1D dealing with a possible fire scenario is described in gruesome detail, and how a fireman takes a serious injury of another fireman. This book deals with serious topics; being a fireman involves putting your life at risk to help others. The book 1Cfeels true 1D - as if the author has first-hand experience in this area.
You learn more of Dr. Anja Toussaint in this second book of the series. I believe 1CCinder Alley 1D and 1CNo-Halo Zone 1D follow in this series, but I have not located them yet. Maybe they are in development, and not published yet?
January 26, 2015
Soot Angel by M.A. Peterson is a very nice follow-up to Fire Sign, the first novella featuring Dr. Anja Toussaint .
Dr. Toussaint is a forensic scientist and fire investigator. In this sequel, she must solve the mystery of who burned a baby to death. Throughout the story, she encounters incompetent and inexperienced firefighters, investigators and a slew of others who make her life difficult.
Although the main plot deals with the investigation of the child's death, several other sub-plots are seamlessly woven into the main story. Dr. Anja is involved with a training exercise for first responders and it soon becomes obvious that the fire chief is the epitome of incompetence. There is also lessons to be learned throughout the novel as well as wonderfully descriptive scenes of fire catastrophes that the Dr. Anja has personally witnessed.
The writing in this book flows quite nicely and the characters come to life from the pages. This is one book that I will not soon forget and is on my list to read again. I would recommend it to those who love a good crime drama/mystery.
Dr. Toussaint is a forensic scientist and fire investigator. In this sequel, she must solve the mystery of who burned a baby to death. Throughout the story, she encounters incompetent and inexperienced firefighters, investigators and a slew of others who make her life difficult.
Although the main plot deals with the investigation of the child's death, several other sub-plots are seamlessly woven into the main story. Dr. Anja is involved with a training exercise for first responders and it soon becomes obvious that the fire chief is the epitome of incompetence. There is also lessons to be learned throughout the novel as well as wonderfully descriptive scenes of fire catastrophes that the Dr. Anja has personally witnessed.
The writing in this book flows quite nicely and the characters come to life from the pages. This is one book that I will not soon forget and is on my list to read again. I would recommend it to those who love a good crime drama/mystery.
February 7, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The thing I most enjoyed about this book besides the character of Dr. Anja Toussaint was the description of fires, their causes, and the way that Dr. Anja Toussaint works. Those were all things that I found extremely interesting and something that I enjoyed a lot about these books. I also found that the mention of fire-related tragedies that I didn't necessarily know about was intriguing.
Anja seems to be almost emotionless at times before you get those brief glimpses that let you understand that yes she's still got emotions and maybe she feels too deeply sometimes.
I did find that there were lulls between action and the plot largely seemed to be centered on Anja's life when it wasn't focused on the main plot arc. Which is fine, but it also jumped around a bit as well.
Overall, this was a good book.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
The thing I most enjoyed about this book besides the character of Dr. Anja Toussaint was the description of fires, their causes, and the way that Dr. Anja Toussaint works. Those were all things that I found extremely interesting and something that I enjoyed a lot about these books. I also found that the mention of fire-related tragedies that I didn't necessarily know about was intriguing.
Anja seems to be almost emotionless at times before you get those brief glimpses that let you understand that yes she's still got emotions and maybe she feels too deeply sometimes.
I did find that there were lulls between action and the plot largely seemed to be centered on Anja's life when it wasn't focused on the main plot arc. Which is fine, but it also jumped around a bit as well.
Overall, this was a good book.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
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March 10, 2015SOOT ANGEL is the first full-length novel featuring Dr. Anja Toussaint, a skilled forensic scientist and fire investigator. It will take all of her formidable skills to find out who killed a homeless child and foil a plot to destroy a foreign government. SOOT ANGEL gives readers a lot of detail about the lives of firefighters, which I found to be fascinating. I find Anja to be a captivating character, from her tragic past she is driven, competitive, and courageous with a wit both sharp and dry. While I did greatly enjoy SOOT ANGEL, I do wish the story had more of a linear plot. I did love the interplay between characters and how the author leaves readers wanting more by the end of the story. I’m very intrigued to see where the author will take Anja after the events in SOOT ANGEL.
April 26, 2015
Great story builder for a series
With this book being the second story to feature Dr. Toussaint I think the author did an amazing job of picking the story up from where he left off in FIRE SIGN while introducing and developing a multitude of other smaller stories within that show great promise of a continued well thought out series. Dr. Toussaint is not only a highly educated and detail oriented fire investigator but also a woman of great heart and empathy for others while at the same time a woman of great mystery in regards to her past.
With this book being the second story to feature Dr. Toussaint I think the author did an amazing job of picking the story up from where he left off in FIRE SIGN while introducing and developing a multitude of other smaller stories within that show great promise of a continued well thought out series. Dr. Toussaint is not only a highly educated and detail oriented fire investigator but also a woman of great heart and empathy for others while at the same time a woman of great mystery in regards to her past.
July 17, 2015
Well done m.a. petterson, "Soot Angel" is a book well worth reading. Though we have had other female invesigators, this one is a fire investigator and that is new. The story is complex and keeps your interest right up to the end. This is certainly a book tht most mystery buffs will enjoy.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and soon, "Tell Me about the United Methodist Church"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and soon, "Tell Me about the United Methodist Church"
January 17, 2015
powerful look at devastating fires as well as government secrets
Good mystery when it got going. I really liked the "Soot Angel" term. It was so powerfully evocative of the real tragedy in the story. The author shows a lot of growth in this book over the first one . Bothe are really good, informative, well researched and well written with lots of action.
Good mystery when it got going. I really liked the "Soot Angel" term. It was so powerfully evocative of the real tragedy in the story. The author shows a lot of growth in this book over the first one . Bothe are really good, informative, well researched and well written with lots of action.
April 6, 2015
A heated novel
One that is well versed in fires and equipment, technical tactics and strategies to start, contain and eventually extinguish them
One that is well versed in fires and equipment, technical tactics and strategies to start, contain and eventually extinguish them
June 20, 2017
I found this story interesting from the standpoint of learning about fires, the scientific methods employed in determining causes, the investigation of fires. Obviously, the writer knows her business. However, I felt as though I was attending a lecture. I never became interested in the characters. I wasn't grabbed at all. Had I been able to identify with anyone, I'd have given it 3 stars. Still, I learned a lot about all I stated above. The writing is certainly more than competent, but, I won't buy another book in this series.
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