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Jessica Blackwood #1.5
Fire in the Sky
In this compelling short story from Andrew Mayne, master illusionist and the author of Angel Killer, we see a new side to magician-turned-FBI agent Jessica Blackwood—and get an electrifying sneak peak at her next adventure, Name of the Devil.
Headstrong, sarcastic, and fiercely intelligent, Jessica Blackwood knows better than anyone how easily people can be fooled. So she's not happy about being sent to Louisiana on what appears to be a wild goose chase hinging on an elderly man's recollection of an event that occurred decades ago. Especially because her boss, FBI consultant Dr. Jeffrey Ailes, has paired her up with young, earnest rookie agent Nadine. After risking her life to help the Bureau catch the serial killer of the century, this is her reward?
As she and Nadine clash about how to handle their strange assignment, Jessica must accept that, despite her best efforts, she's having trouble moving beyond her past as the rising star in a dysfunctional family of magicians. Raised in a world dedicated to deception, her refusal to accept things at face value is one of her strengths—but is it also a weakness that could cause her undoing?
Headstrong, sarcastic, and fiercely intelligent, Jessica Blackwood knows better than anyone how easily people can be fooled. So she's not happy about being sent to Louisiana on what appears to be a wild goose chase hinging on an elderly man's recollection of an event that occurred decades ago. Especially because her boss, FBI consultant Dr. Jeffrey Ailes, has paired her up with young, earnest rookie agent Nadine. After risking her life to help the Bureau catch the serial killer of the century, this is her reward?
As she and Nadine clash about how to handle their strange assignment, Jessica must accept that, despite her best efforts, she's having trouble moving beyond her past as the rising star in a dysfunctional family of magicians. Raised in a world dedicated to deception, her refusal to accept things at face value is one of her strengths—but is it also a weakness that could cause her undoing?
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2015
609 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 8, 2021
Andrew Mayne’s series with Jessica Blackwood in the protagonist seat has something for everyone, at least with the pieces that I have read to date. Mixing the world of illusion with crime fighting, the reader is able to see something from new and unique perspectives. In this short piece, Mayne takes the reader deep into the South, where Blackwood and her temporary partner are sent to appease the complaints of a man who has been begging for FBI investigative attention. While there, Blackwood discovers much about herself and the walls she builds around herself to keep others at bay. A great bridging piece that can be read as a standalone to whet the appetite of the curious reader.
It’s hot in Louisiana, which is yet another reader why Jessica Blackwood does not want to be on a houseboat along the Mississippi. She’s been sent here, alongside her temporary partner, to handle the complaints of a man who says he saw something flashing through the sky fifty years ago. His story has developed over time, to the level of myth, and Blackwood is sure it’s something easily attributed to the weather, a meteor, or even fuelled by the tea-infused moonshine of this man in his last months of life.
However, when bantering with the woman who joined her on the trip, Blackwood reveals that she has become so used to sleights of hand and misconceptions that there is no longer anything that cannot be solved through citing misdirection. Her propensity to dismiss anything other than what can easily be explained away has Jessica Blackwood coming across as closed-minded and refusing to entertain anything other than what she already knows. Tossing caution into the balmy winds, Blackwell agrees to follow up on the story and makes a curious discovery that puts the man’s story into a new realm of wonder.
I have been enjoying the Blackwood stories and thought this short piece would complement them well. It did so, focussing less on the crime thriller from the perspective of a former illusionist, but rather peeling back the layers of Blackwood’s life in a family of magicians. Mayne offers up some great backstory and development for his protagonist, which complements the larger series well. Short and to the point, this story is highly entertaining and revealing, as the reader is asked (much like Blackwood did as an illusionist in her past) to see things not as they are, but as they might be.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a great piece that entertains as well as educates. Perhaps for that morning cup of coffee before getting started on a larger project!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
It’s hot in Louisiana, which is yet another reader why Jessica Blackwood does not want to be on a houseboat along the Mississippi. She’s been sent here, alongside her temporary partner, to handle the complaints of a man who says he saw something flashing through the sky fifty years ago. His story has developed over time, to the level of myth, and Blackwood is sure it’s something easily attributed to the weather, a meteor, or even fuelled by the tea-infused moonshine of this man in his last months of life.
However, when bantering with the woman who joined her on the trip, Blackwood reveals that she has become so used to sleights of hand and misconceptions that there is no longer anything that cannot be solved through citing misdirection. Her propensity to dismiss anything other than what can easily be explained away has Jessica Blackwood coming across as closed-minded and refusing to entertain anything other than what she already knows. Tossing caution into the balmy winds, Blackwell agrees to follow up on the story and makes a curious discovery that puts the man’s story into a new realm of wonder.
I have been enjoying the Blackwood stories and thought this short piece would complement them well. It did so, focussing less on the crime thriller from the perspective of a former illusionist, but rather peeling back the layers of Blackwood’s life in a family of magicians. Mayne offers up some great backstory and development for his protagonist, which complements the larger series well. Short and to the point, this story is highly entertaining and revealing, as the reader is asked (much like Blackwood did as an illusionist in her past) to see things not as they are, but as they might be.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a great piece that entertains as well as educates. Perhaps for that morning cup of coffee before getting started on a larger project!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 13, 2018
A really, really short story that was perfect to read as I was sitting outside with a cup of coffee watching the cat now and then with an eye so that he wouldn't do something stupid like jumping over the fence when he's leashed because of another cat.
Anyway, this story is so short that reviewing it will take away much of what's going one. I actually read it without having read what it was about. I had just finished the first book and it was there on my kindle app waiting for me to read it, so I went for it. It's a nice little interlude, perfect if you like the books in the series.
Anyway, this story is so short that reviewing it will take away much of what's going one. I actually read it without having read what it was about. I had just finished the first book and it was there on my kindle app waiting for me to read it, so I went for it. It's a nice little interlude, perfect if you like the books in the series.
December 27, 2021
This was a short story in the Jessica Blackwood series set between book 1 and book 2. This was honestly the best Andrew Mayne story I’ve read in a while. I don’t really know when, how, or if this will play into the series as a whole; I really don’t think it will because it seemed like a stand alone story. It has an X Files type feel to it, and I honestly feel like even if you haven’t read the series you’d enjoy this short story. It was only about 17 pages so it was a super quick read, but still managed to be a complete story. Book 1 wasn’t my favorite but this short story gave me hope that book 2 would be better because it was so good.
May 23, 2018
I think with this trip Jessica learned a lot, both personally and professionally. I think what she learned will help her in the future and she might have gained a friend, if she lets herself.
May 29, 2021
Review of eBook
Magician Jessica Blackwood, now an FBI agent, finds little to appreciate in an investigation in Louisiana that bears all the hallmarks of a wild goose chase. For some fifty years, Richmond Edgar has been writing to the FBI, telling them about his experience with a strange flying object. But, dismissed as a crackpot, no one has followed up on this report.
Until now. Jessica and Nadine Cox listen to Edgar’s tale, hire a boat, and the search commences. What will they find? And how will it relate to what Edgar insists he saw that long-ago night?
This story succeeds on several levels: a glimpse into Jessica’s world and her insight into the good and the not-so-good of accepting things at face value; Nadine’s learning the ropes; the surprising plot twist. Despite an abrupt ending, this is an interesting tale that keeps the pages turning and leaves the reader wanting more.
An excerpt from “Name of the Devil,” a Jessica Blackwood novel, is included.
Highly recommended.
Magician Jessica Blackwood, now an FBI agent, finds little to appreciate in an investigation in Louisiana that bears all the hallmarks of a wild goose chase. For some fifty years, Richmond Edgar has been writing to the FBI, telling them about his experience with a strange flying object. But, dismissed as a crackpot, no one has followed up on this report.
Until now. Jessica and Nadine Cox listen to Edgar’s tale, hire a boat, and the search commences. What will they find? And how will it relate to what Edgar insists he saw that long-ago night?
This story succeeds on several levels: a glimpse into Jessica’s world and her insight into the good and the not-so-good of accepting things at face value; Nadine’s learning the ropes; the surprising plot twist. Despite an abrupt ending, this is an interesting tale that keeps the pages turning and leaves the reader wanting more.
An excerpt from “Name of the Devil,” a Jessica Blackwood novel, is included.
Highly recommended.
May 13, 2018
Can’t read the words “Fire In The Sky” without getting Deep Purple stuck in my head.
October 4, 2020
I don't get Andrew's purpose in writing this short story.
September 13, 2020
Unread shelf project 2020: “book” 54.
A very short, short story, one in which I think Blackwood learned an important lesson. Hopefully she’ll remember it in further books — and will continue to grow her self-awareness to become more, well, aware of her intimidating behavior and “scary front” that she puts on to disguise vulnerability and lack of self-confidence.
A very short, short story, one in which I think Blackwood learned an important lesson. Hopefully she’ll remember it in further books — and will continue to grow her self-awareness to become more, well, aware of her intimidating behavior and “scary front” that she puts on to disguise vulnerability and lack of self-confidence.
January 17, 2023
Two-haiku review:
On Mississippi
Old man tells of UFO
Fifty years ago
Very short story
With a moral inside it
Worth reading for sure
On Mississippi
Old man tells of UFO
Fifty years ago
Very short story
With a moral inside it
Worth reading for sure
October 22, 2015
First Sentence: A rush-strained fishing trawler glides down the Mississippi river sending a wake across the water, gently rocking the houseboat.
FBI agent Jessica Blackwood is sent off to the Bayou of Louisiana with rookie agent Nadine. An elderly fisherman claims he’d seen the crash of an alien spaceship decades ago.
There’s no question that Jessica is a character about whom one is intrigued. Having her set off against the lightness of Nadine is a wonderful contrast. It also causes Jessica to take a hard look at herself, realize the source of her own, internal darkness and correct it.
“Fire in the Sky” is a very short, delightful story. It’s fun to watch how the mystery is resolved. For those not familiar with the author and protagonist, it is an excellent introduction to a fascinating series.
FIRE IN THE SKY (Pol Proc-Jessica Blackwood-Louisiana-Contemp) – G+
Mayne, Andrew – Short Story
Bourbon Street Books – May 2015
FBI agent Jessica Blackwood is sent off to the Bayou of Louisiana with rookie agent Nadine. An elderly fisherman claims he’d seen the crash of an alien spaceship decades ago.
There’s no question that Jessica is a character about whom one is intrigued. Having her set off against the lightness of Nadine is a wonderful contrast. It also causes Jessica to take a hard look at herself, realize the source of her own, internal darkness and correct it.
“Fire in the Sky” is a very short, delightful story. It’s fun to watch how the mystery is resolved. For those not familiar with the author and protagonist, it is an excellent introduction to a fascinating series.
FIRE IN THE SKY (Pol Proc-Jessica Blackwood-Louisiana-Contemp) – G+
Mayne, Andrew – Short Story
Bourbon Street Books – May 2015
July 21, 2015
I think this added more depth to Jessica Blackstone's character, and I'm hoping to see some more of Nadine.
September 19, 2018
Not bad for a short story.
Not bad for a short story. Would have liked to read about them telling the old guy he was right. I enjoy his longer books better.
Not bad for a short story. Would have liked to read about them telling the old guy he was right. I enjoy his longer books better.
August 12, 2022
Did I miss something?
This was a good short story, up until literally the last line. No spoilers here, but the ending was so abrupt and without a sense of winding down that I turned the next page to continue reading the conversation that was taking place only to find the title of the excerpt from the next full length book (which I've already read).
I flipped back and forth a few times, trying to see if I missed some literary anticipatory cues that the end was approaching, but nope. The last sentence ends with ellipses, even! And not in a sly, satisfied way. The way that invites the other party to say something like, "Explain." Or, "Do go on." That's what I was expecting and I was curious as to the answer. Unfortunately, I was left hanging there, and it's not a cliffhanger.
Reminds me of years past when I would find a new TV series I enjoyed only to find it canceled mid-season unexpectedly, with no resolution or wrap-up, unfinished storylines, all that. This particular short story does not carry over into the next novel, so that nagging incomplete sensation will apparently remain unresolved.
Still, up until the ending - where it looked like someone just decided not to bother including a few more pages when making this digital (hmm...?) - it's a good story and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Toyed with three stars because that ending REALLY bothered me, but the story itself is good, so I opted to stay higher rather than low.
This was a good short story, up until literally the last line. No spoilers here, but the ending was so abrupt and without a sense of winding down that I turned the next page to continue reading the conversation that was taking place only to find the title of the excerpt from the next full length book (which I've already read).
I flipped back and forth a few times, trying to see if I missed some literary anticipatory cues that the end was approaching, but nope. The last sentence ends with ellipses, even! And not in a sly, satisfied way. The way that invites the other party to say something like, "Explain." Or, "Do go on." That's what I was expecting and I was curious as to the answer. Unfortunately, I was left hanging there, and it's not a cliffhanger.
Reminds me of years past when I would find a new TV series I enjoyed only to find it canceled mid-season unexpectedly, with no resolution or wrap-up, unfinished storylines, all that. This particular short story does not carry over into the next novel, so that nagging incomplete sensation will apparently remain unresolved.
Still, up until the ending - where it looked like someone just decided not to bother including a few more pages when making this digital (hmm...?) - it's a good story and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Toyed with three stars because that ending REALLY bothered me, but the story itself is good, so I opted to stay higher rather than low.
October 31, 2020
I give almost 3 1/2 stars
Not my favorite story by Andrew Mayne, am guessing that this short story is part of an anthology of sorts? This brief novella has heroine & protagonist Jessica Blackwood second guessing herself quite a bit; yet her again being complimented on her intelligence (however in a back handed fashion) by a coworker Jessica doesn’t seem to think much of but considers her a close friend/ally..?? Not sure of the point of this one, aside from author being asked for a contribution for an anthology.
Not my favorite story by Andrew Mayne, am guessing that this short story is part of an anthology of sorts? This brief novella has heroine & protagonist Jessica Blackwood second guessing herself quite a bit; yet her again being complimented on her intelligence (however in a back handed fashion) by a coworker Jessica doesn’t seem to think much of but considers her a close friend/ally..?? Not sure of the point of this one, aside from author being asked for a contribution for an anthology.
April 30, 2024
Very intriguing. Good Read!
What did Iike:
Who would I recommend the book to:
Why did I give the rating that I gave:
Because he book was darn good, as are all of the novels I've read by Andrew Mayne. I cannot continue to read a book that does not hold my attention. I don't have the time or the energy; hense, after about 50 pages in, if I feel that I've wasted enough of my time, I set it aside and open another.
I'd recommend Fire In The Sky to my friend, Barbara.
Thanks Andrew for this really enjoyable read👵🏾
What did Iike:
Who would I recommend the book to:
Why did I give the rating that I gave:
Because he book was darn good, as are all of the novels I've read by Andrew Mayne. I cannot continue to read a book that does not hold my attention. I don't have the time or the energy; hense, after about 50 pages in, if I feel that I've wasted enough of my time, I set it aside and open another.
I'd recommend Fire In The Sky to my friend, Barbara.
Thanks Andrew for this really enjoyable read👵🏾
August 7, 2020
UFO
Short story - About a 30 - 40 minute read.
No sex
No harsh language
No violence
Suitable for middle archers - adults
Agents Jessica and Nadine check out a dying man's improbable story of a UFO crash he witnessed 50 years ago. Unfortunately, he was the only one who saw it.
Logically it was something like ball lightening.
Yet, they investigate anyway.
Satisfying.
Recommended.
Short story - About a 30 - 40 minute read.
No sex
No harsh language
No violence
Suitable for middle archers - adults
Agents Jessica and Nadine check out a dying man's improbable story of a UFO crash he witnessed 50 years ago. Unfortunately, he was the only one who saw it.
Logically it was something like ball lightening.
Yet, they investigate anyway.
Satisfying.
Recommended.
September 11, 2022
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written mystery adventure thriller short story A Jessica Blackwood Story by Andrew Mayne. Jessica is talking 👄to an older gentleman and he tells her about a UFO landing in the Mississippi River. Her investigation leads to a Soviet aircraft. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick interesting read. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2022 👒😉💼
Another will written mystery adventure thriller short story A Jessica Blackwood Story by Andrew Mayne. Jessica is talking 👄to an older gentleman and he tells her about a UFO landing in the Mississippi River. Her investigation leads to a Soviet aircraft. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick interesting read. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2022 👒😉💼
March 30, 2018
Why did Mayne write this?
This isn't really a story, it's mostly a speech-and-thought conversation between the awed, puzzled neophyte and the cynical, egoistic burnout. It makes me sure that, though my recent acquaintance with Andrew Mayne was wonderful, I will stay far away from his Jessica Blackwood character.
This isn't really a story, it's mostly a speech-and-thought conversation between the awed, puzzled neophyte and the cynical, egoistic burnout. It makes me sure that, though my recent acquaintance with Andrew Mayne was wonderful, I will stay far away from his Jessica Blackwood character.
January 8, 2019
I had just finished book 1 in the Jessica Blackwood series & this short story was free. Blackwood is a magician turned FBI agent. For a short story, this one was long on uninteresting dialogue. Not much actually happens. Perhaps the story helps to set up book 2 in the series, but at this point I'm not particularly interested in finding out.
November 7, 2019
Characterization of two FBI women working together.
Two investigators: one bright and positive and the other negative research oriented are portrayed. The are interviewing an ailing old man about a 50 year old UFO sighting which no one takes seriously. The investigators follow it up, mostly to resolve their conflict. Reading time - one hour. Surprise endind!
Two investigators: one bright and positive and the other negative research oriented are portrayed. The are interviewing an ailing old man about a 50 year old UFO sighting which no one takes seriously. The investigators follow it up, mostly to resolve their conflict. Reading time - one hour. Surprise endind!
August 25, 2021
A really short story. Two FBI agents were sent to write a report on an old man many had disregard. He was said to have seen something however was intoxicated when it occurred.. did it or did it not happen? Overall, this short story would be good to read over coffee. You’ll probably finish it by the time you finished your coffee lol
January 24, 2023
Good short story
If you are familiar with FBI agent Jessica Blackwood then you will really enjoy this short story. Her and fellow agent decided to investigate a 50 year old story about an UFO and crash in the Louisiana bayous. This story provides a little bit of insight to Jessica's pysch.
If you are familiar with FBI agent Jessica Blackwood then you will really enjoy this short story. Her and fellow agent decided to investigate a 50 year old story about an UFO and crash in the Louisiana bayous. This story provides a little bit of insight to Jessica's pysch.
February 10, 2023
Easy, thirty minute short story read of jessica and her partner Nadine learning more about themselves, each other, and their working relationship while following up on a 50 year lead that nobody believes. Mostly dialog and no action. It is a good "look at your own motives, thoughts, and behaviors to others" kind of story. Worth the read.
October 31, 2025
A short read.
I thought the story was intriguing, so was a bit disappointed when
it just ended. Nothing about whether they caught the perp or not, nothing about figuring out what happened, or piecing clues together. We were introduced to the perp, and introduced to one of the investigators with a bit of her back story. That was pretty much it.
I thought the story was intriguing, so was a bit disappointed when
it just ended. Nothing about whether they caught the perp or not, nothing about figuring out what happened, or piecing clues together. We were introduced to the perp, and introduced to one of the investigators with a bit of her back story. That was pretty much it.
November 7, 2017
Nooooooo. Andrew Mayne say it isn't so. How can you write a Jessica Blackwood (trained magician turned FBI agent) story that is boring and has no point? Relax, y'all, it's just a short story, but unfortunately, it goes nowhere. Skip it and head for the novels that are amazing.
October 9, 2019
Mayne has written a good short story.
I get that it's a short story. If I have nothing against the short story but to me it was a paragraph in a 💡. I still love Andrew mayne 's style!😎
I get that it's a short story. If I have nothing against the short story but to me it was a paragraph in a 💡. I still love Andrew mayne 's style!😎
April 21, 2020
What Was That?
An old drunk gets to tell his farfetched story before he dies. We get a glimpse of magician and FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, her twisted background, her perspective, her introspection, and her brilliance.
An old drunk gets to tell his farfetched story before he dies. We get a glimpse of magician and FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, her twisted background, her perspective, her introspection, and her brilliance.
June 12, 2020
I can't get enough of this girl!
love the Jessica Blackwood character and this short story give more insight into the complexity of her character. Hopefully a nice Segue into the next novel.
love the Jessica Blackwood character and this short story give more insight into the complexity of her character. Hopefully a nice Segue into the next novel.
November 29, 2021
Mystery and magic
First off the book was a little short . The book left me feeling sad to have the story end so abruptly. I definitely will read more books by this author because he is a great storyteller.
First off the book was a little short . The book left me feeling sad to have the story end so abruptly. I definitely will read more books by this author because he is a great storyteller.
May 5, 2022
Good read
A good short story to entertain the reader. The author continues to impress describing details in his story and providing Jessica and her co-workers with humorous and not so humorous comments.
A good short story to entertain the reader. The author continues to impress describing details in his story and providing Jessica and her co-workers with humorous and not so humorous comments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews