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Allison Coil Mystery #4
Lake of Fire
A giant wildfire is roaring through Colorado's Flat Tops Wilderness. The massive blaze is wiping out Allison Coil's precious hunting grounds, and the flames have set their sights on the beautiful ranch owned by her boyfriend's family.
Allison and longtime friend Trudy are shocked to learn that a body has been found in the fire ravaged forest—a friend who was a reclusive environmentalist with an unorthodox idea for the battle against global warming. Along with reporter Duncan Bloom, Allison burrows into an underground group of anti-government extremists. As they strike close to home and hurt those closest to her, Allison vows hell might not be punishment enough for this cabal of sinister fanatics.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
30 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Mark Stevens
7 books202 followers"No Lie Lasts Forever" was published by Thomas & Mercer in June, 2025. A sequel is due in 2026.
Lake Union published "The Fireballer" in 2023. It was my first non-mystery. It's about a pitcher for The Baltimore Orioles.
My previous five books are all part of The Allison Coil Mystery Series, set in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado.
Number one, "Antler Dust," was published in 2007 and made the best-seller list on The Denver Post. The sequel, "Buried by the Roan," was published in 2011.
The third, "Trapline," came out in 2014 and won the Colorado Book Award. "Lake of Fire," number four, was published in 2015 and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. Kirkus Review called that book "irresistible."
"The Melancholy Howl" (No. 5) was published in 2018. Kirkus Reviews called it "smart and indelible."
I’ve worked as a reporter for The Christian Science Monitor in Boston and Los Angeles, covering a variety of events and issues from the economy, commercial fishing, the environment, politics and all the colorful people and events of southern California.
I've worked for The Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post, also with the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. For six years, I produced field documentaries across the United States and Latin America.
Lake Union published "The Fireballer" in 2023. It was my first non-mystery. It's about a pitcher for The Baltimore Orioles.
My previous five books are all part of The Allison Coil Mystery Series, set in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado.
Number one, "Antler Dust," was published in 2007 and made the best-seller list on The Denver Post. The sequel, "Buried by the Roan," was published in 2011.
The third, "Trapline," came out in 2014 and won the Colorado Book Award. "Lake of Fire," number four, was published in 2015 and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. Kirkus Review called that book "irresistible."
"The Melancholy Howl" (No. 5) was published in 2018. Kirkus Reviews called it "smart and indelible."
I’ve worked as a reporter for The Christian Science Monitor in Boston and Los Angeles, covering a variety of events and issues from the economy, commercial fishing, the environment, politics and all the colorful people and events of southern California.
I've worked for The Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post, also with the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. For six years, I produced field documentaries across the United States and Latin America.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 16, 2015
Murder Most Foul as a Forest Burns, 11 Sept. 2015
This review is from: Lake of Fire (An Allison Coil Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
The forests and mountains where Alison Coil runs her hunting adventures are ablaze. Trees that have stood for hundreds of years in the area known as the Colorado Flat Tops Wilderness are exploding, causing the fires to jump to new areas, bringing even more disaster. There's been no rain and this in itself adds to the extensive damage.
Devo has a keen sense of smell, thanks to the very nature of how he lives – he is a man who walked away from civilisation and has been hiding out in the forest with a group of similar minded individuals, who have taken up life on the same scale as their ancient forefathers, as hunter gatherers. (With one bizarre exception: their everyday lives are fed directly to a reality channel!) Soon Devo discovers by literally following the smell he's picked up, that this catastrophic fire has been started for one reason only: to destroy beyond recognition the corpse he finds at the actual spot where the fire was started.
Devo will speak to no one except Alison (he's managed to stay hidden from humankind apart from the teams sent to film him) and after waiting patiently, finds Alison on her return trip from her boyfriend Colin McKee's farm where she's been helping to keep the fire at bay. He shows her where the corpse is and Alison must now get the authorities, already stretched thin on the ground, to open a murder investigation.
This isn't just any murder. What nobody realises at the beginning of the enquiry is that they are dealing with a very well organised group of secessionists.
Mark Stevens has managed to outdo his last Alison Coil mystery (which was brilliant!) In this book we have a group led by Devo calling themselves the Devolution. They are happy to live in a commune doing their hunter gathering "thing" while raking in the money thanks to their reality show.
We also have recluse Dante Soto, with his eco-friendly activists upsetting the diehards.
And then, we have this group of secessionists whose whole purpose in life is to cause mayhem. Alison, with the help of Duncan Bloom, the local reporter and her best friend Trudy's boyfriend, start to uncover some very disturbing facts. One relates directly to Alison. Is her boyfriend Colin McKee somehow involved or is he trying on his own accord, to work out if his brother is?
Thank you Mark Stevens for putting together a book that flows with totally believable characters. And for creating thought provoking plots but always coming back to what really makes these books work: the strong friendships that bind the main protagonists while they fight catastrophic events together.
One last question Mark Stevens: where's Devo? -- Treebeard
Rating: Five Stars.
bestsellingcrimethrillers.com was provided with a copy for review.
This review is from: Lake of Fire (An Allison Coil Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
The forests and mountains where Alison Coil runs her hunting adventures are ablaze. Trees that have stood for hundreds of years in the area known as the Colorado Flat Tops Wilderness are exploding, causing the fires to jump to new areas, bringing even more disaster. There's been no rain and this in itself adds to the extensive damage.
Devo has a keen sense of smell, thanks to the very nature of how he lives – he is a man who walked away from civilisation and has been hiding out in the forest with a group of similar minded individuals, who have taken up life on the same scale as their ancient forefathers, as hunter gatherers. (With one bizarre exception: their everyday lives are fed directly to a reality channel!) Soon Devo discovers by literally following the smell he's picked up, that this catastrophic fire has been started for one reason only: to destroy beyond recognition the corpse he finds at the actual spot where the fire was started.
Devo will speak to no one except Alison (he's managed to stay hidden from humankind apart from the teams sent to film him) and after waiting patiently, finds Alison on her return trip from her boyfriend Colin McKee's farm where she's been helping to keep the fire at bay. He shows her where the corpse is and Alison must now get the authorities, already stretched thin on the ground, to open a murder investigation.
This isn't just any murder. What nobody realises at the beginning of the enquiry is that they are dealing with a very well organised group of secessionists.
Mark Stevens has managed to outdo his last Alison Coil mystery (which was brilliant!) In this book we have a group led by Devo calling themselves the Devolution. They are happy to live in a commune doing their hunter gathering "thing" while raking in the money thanks to their reality show.
We also have recluse Dante Soto, with his eco-friendly activists upsetting the diehards.
And then, we have this group of secessionists whose whole purpose in life is to cause mayhem. Alison, with the help of Duncan Bloom, the local reporter and her best friend Trudy's boyfriend, start to uncover some very disturbing facts. One relates directly to Alison. Is her boyfriend Colin McKee somehow involved or is he trying on his own accord, to work out if his brother is?
Thank you Mark Stevens for putting together a book that flows with totally believable characters. And for creating thought provoking plots but always coming back to what really makes these books work: the strong friendships that bind the main protagonists while they fight catastrophic events together.
One last question Mark Stevens: where's Devo? -- Treebeard
Rating: Five Stars.
bestsellingcrimethrillers.com was provided with a copy for review.
March 29, 2019
“Nature kills as mean as man“
In some ways I wish I had gone back in time and read the series in sequence, rather than coming late to the party with book #4. Whilst it didn’t really take me long to unravel the cast of characters and establish their relationships with one another, there was obviously unfinished business going on in the background, which had been carried over from previous books and it would have been good to have been able to tie up all the loose ends. The same might be said for the ending of Lake Of Fire, which once again seemed to be a little vague in conclusions about several story threads, which were obviously lining themselves up to be continued or concluded in book #5.
Whilst even in series reading, a definitive story conclusion is purely a matter of personal preference, I can honestly say, that on this occasion this in no way detracted from the quality of the storyline, the descriptive narrative and storytelling, or the excellent character casting. Lake Of Fire works just fine as a stand alone story.
The action started right from the very first line and never really stopped until the final sentence and there were so many twists, turns and red herrings along the way, that the reading turned into something of a roller-coaster of emotions, with my loyalties being pulled this way and that.
Not coming from a hunting background, or having any allegiance to non-essential hunting in any way, shape or form, I was pleased that Allison Coil’s ‘proper’ job as a hunting guide, when she wasn’t called into service as an amateur detective, was kept pretty much in the background of the story, although her obvious tracking skills were very much in the forefront of the final chase, when I could only admire her expertise and staying power.
Mark’s writing is obviously well researched, intense and observational, with landscapes coming to life so well, that the sights, smells and sounds are almost tangible, so much so, that I could almost imagine myself there amongst the action – the silent and invisible witness to unfolding events.
Despite its beautifully crafted descriptive tones, the dialogue and narrative is surprisingly crisp and punchy, with few wasted words and the action moves along and flows at constant speed, never once feeling rushed or too hurried, despite the heightened tension and suspense as the story progresses and the disturbing direction it takes….
This isn’t just any murder. What nobody realises at the beginning of the enquiry is that they are dealing with a very well organised group of secessionists. (Just one small spoiler – but not enough to ruin the party!)
Mark’s character building and development is likewise, faultless and believable, evoking strong emotions about those I loved and those I loved to hate. To a person, his characters are all flawed and complex, carrying emotional baggage which threatens to change the direction and dynamics of the action at a moments notice. They are however, fiercely loyal and have built strong and binding friendships, which draw them to stick together, no matter how bad things get. And how could I not love a heroine who always keeps tequila handy?
Without giving away any more spoilers, I can only reveal that Allison’s loyalty is tested to the full, as one by one her friends and potential family members, all come under suspicion for a whole raft of crimes, including murder. She must sort the good from bad, guilty from innocent, those she will condemn and those she will pardon. Is her partner Colin, really the man Allison thought he was and if not, does he have the mettle to shake off the shackles of his past and make a new beginning with her?
In some ways I wish I had gone back in time and read the series in sequence, rather than coming late to the party with book #4. Whilst it didn’t really take me long to unravel the cast of characters and establish their relationships with one another, there was obviously unfinished business going on in the background, which had been carried over from previous books and it would have been good to have been able to tie up all the loose ends. The same might be said for the ending of Lake Of Fire, which once again seemed to be a little vague in conclusions about several story threads, which were obviously lining themselves up to be continued or concluded in book #5.
Whilst even in series reading, a definitive story conclusion is purely a matter of personal preference, I can honestly say, that on this occasion this in no way detracted from the quality of the storyline, the descriptive narrative and storytelling, or the excellent character casting. Lake Of Fire works just fine as a stand alone story.
The action started right from the very first line and never really stopped until the final sentence and there were so many twists, turns and red herrings along the way, that the reading turned into something of a roller-coaster of emotions, with my loyalties being pulled this way and that.
Not coming from a hunting background, or having any allegiance to non-essential hunting in any way, shape or form, I was pleased that Allison Coil’s ‘proper’ job as a hunting guide, when she wasn’t called into service as an amateur detective, was kept pretty much in the background of the story, although her obvious tracking skills were very much in the forefront of the final chase, when I could only admire her expertise and staying power.
Mark’s writing is obviously well researched, intense and observational, with landscapes coming to life so well, that the sights, smells and sounds are almost tangible, so much so, that I could almost imagine myself there amongst the action – the silent and invisible witness to unfolding events.
Despite its beautifully crafted descriptive tones, the dialogue and narrative is surprisingly crisp and punchy, with few wasted words and the action moves along and flows at constant speed, never once feeling rushed or too hurried, despite the heightened tension and suspense as the story progresses and the disturbing direction it takes….
This isn’t just any murder. What nobody realises at the beginning of the enquiry is that they are dealing with a very well organised group of secessionists. (Just one small spoiler – but not enough to ruin the party!)
Mark’s character building and development is likewise, faultless and believable, evoking strong emotions about those I loved and those I loved to hate. To a person, his characters are all flawed and complex, carrying emotional baggage which threatens to change the direction and dynamics of the action at a moments notice. They are however, fiercely loyal and have built strong and binding friendships, which draw them to stick together, no matter how bad things get. And how could I not love a heroine who always keeps tequila handy?
Without giving away any more spoilers, I can only reveal that Allison’s loyalty is tested to the full, as one by one her friends and potential family members, all come under suspicion for a whole raft of crimes, including murder. She must sort the good from bad, guilty from innocent, those she will condemn and those she will pardon. Is her partner Colin, really the man Allison thought he was and if not, does he have the mettle to shake off the shackles of his past and make a new beginning with her?
May 21, 2015
Mark Stevens's LAKE OF FIRE should scare you. Not for the raging fire that is consuming the Flat Top Wilderness of western Colorado, but for the crazies who sparked it. And for the reasons they felt justified to do so.
The approaching conflagration surrounds you. You'll feel the heat, taste the smoke, and want to scrub it off your face and rub it out of your eyes. You'll revel in Mark Stevens's painted descriptions and sharp dialogue. And most of all, you'll root for the smartest, coolest heroine this side of the Mississippi: Allison Coil. Try not to tear the pages as you turn them furiously.
This is a great book. Absolutely loved it.
The approaching conflagration surrounds you. You'll feel the heat, taste the smoke, and want to scrub it off your face and rub it out of your eyes. You'll revel in Mark Stevens's painted descriptions and sharp dialogue. And most of all, you'll root for the smartest, coolest heroine this side of the Mississippi: Allison Coil. Try not to tear the pages as you turn them furiously.
This is a great book. Absolutely loved it.
September 21, 2015
I am continually impressed with Mark's writing with each book in the Allison Coil Mystery Series.His characters are so real and believable, and you can tell he really does his research to bring the story (and the setting, which is a character in itself) to life. I particularly love that the story takes place here in Colorado, and how can you not love a heroine that always keeps tequila handy? This is a must for mystery buffs!
November 1, 2015
Lake of Fire is a well-written mystery thriller that takes place in Colorado, starts with a forest fire that Alison Coil is stuck in and has to find her way out, just her and her horse, but the fire continues to rage and it is headed to her boyfriend family's ranch. While they all race to protect the ranch, Alison finds out that a friend of hers body was found in the fire. It is quickly determined that he was murdered. Now Alison and another friend, reporter Duncan Bloom must find out the how and whys of the death of the local activist. Lake of Fire is the fourth in this series that brings back some previous characters with a mystery taking place during a raging fire that may not have been caused by lightning but by sinister people at work with their own agenda's. Alison is a strong personality who is determined to find out who set the fire and how and why her friend was murdered. With an underground group of anti-government extremist to deal with, will she be able to find out what happened or is she just putting herself and those she loves at risk?Like I said this is a well-written mystery, engaging and real characters and the writers feel for real events that make this novel an easy and exciting read. I read it in a couple of sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book!
November 8, 2015
I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know Allison Coil and Duncan Bloom, the amateur sleuths in Mark Stevens’ Allison Coil Mystery series. In Lake of Fire, the fourth release in the series, Coil and Bloom follow divergent but complementary paths as they track a gang of anti-government revolutionaries. This time out, the two smart, likable sleuths and their equally likable lovers must avoid a raging wildfire in the western Colorado wilderness while they race to stop the murderous gang members, who are bent on the violent upheaval of society.
The sights, sounds, smells, and sense of place Stevens creates in Lake of Fire are as real and palpable as his well-drawn characters.
Stevens won a well-deserved Colorado Book Award for Trapline, book three in the series. In my opinion, Lake of Fire is even better.
The sights, sounds, smells, and sense of place Stevens creates in Lake of Fire are as real and palpable as his well-drawn characters.
Stevens won a well-deserved Colorado Book Award for Trapline, book three in the series. In my opinion, Lake of Fire is even better.
September 21, 2015
This story doesn't waste any time, it jumps right in immediately to the action. Fast paced and suspenseful, this is my kind of book! Being a lover of all things outdoors, it's easy to get into this story and it held my attention to the very end. The hunt for the killer is like a spool of thread that keeps unraveling, opening more mysteries as the story is told. This is the first book I have read by this author and now I will definitely be checking out more of his work. As a Colorado resident, I really enjoy his use of landscape in this book, it makes the story become real to me. Check out this book, you won't put it down.
December 13, 2017
Mark Stevens also tackles the issues facing the new west with his novels, and in particular, he loads Lake of Fire with a bunch of them, representing the collision of a back-to-the-land reality show figure, a radical sovereign citizen-type group and a eco-guru, along with wilderness outfitters and his series protagonist, Allison Coil.
I don't typically read in mystery/action adventure genre, so I ended up wishing Mark had dug deeper into these different directions here, or saved one for another book in the series. But that probably would have happened at the expense of the pacing and tension he is so good at maintaining. In particular, I admire how he moves through an unpopulated landscape and makes it feel like action instead of scenic description.
His novels are set in my backyard, so I know that if I'm going to write anything about life in Western Colorado, I'd better read him first. He's probably already left tracks ahead of me.
I don't typically read in mystery/action adventure genre, so I ended up wishing Mark had dug deeper into these different directions here, or saved one for another book in the series. But that probably would have happened at the expense of the pacing and tension he is so good at maintaining. In particular, I admire how he moves through an unpopulated landscape and makes it feel like action instead of scenic description.
His novels are set in my backyard, so I know that if I'm going to write anything about life in Western Colorado, I'd better read him first. He's probably already left tracks ahead of me.
July 17, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
The strong female lead, Allison Coil, is the main star of this book. The character is written so well that it feels real. Her character has depth and shades and makes you connect with her instantly. The setting of the story is very well built too. While listening to the story, it feels like I'm right there. The story pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me engaged. It is fast paced thriller with lots of action. Doesn't get dull for a moment. Out-n-out entertainer.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Amy Johnson did an excellent job with the narration. The story and characters are brought to life by the perfect delivery.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
The strong female lead, Allison Coil, is the main star of this book. The character is written so well that it feels real. Her character has depth and shades and makes you connect with her instantly. The setting of the story is very well built too. While listening to the story, it feels like I'm right there. The story pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me engaged. It is fast paced thriller with lots of action. Doesn't get dull for a moment. Out-n-out entertainer.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Amy Johnson did an excellent job with the narration. The story and characters are brought to life by the perfect delivery.
July 23, 2017
This book was recommended by Village Read, a community reading project in Greenwood Village, Arapahoe County, Colorado. Although I finished it, from the first page (where appeared the first f-bomb) I was dismayed at this book as a choice for such a project.
It's a good story, but poorly written and poorly edited. Some sentences simply do not make sense, and the reader is assumed to have read previous books in the series. Character development is superficial. Perhaps Allison Coil is supposed to be an Anna Pigeon clone, but Nevada Barr writes Anna with depth and passion.
Colorado has an abundance of terrific writers. Mark Stevens is not one of them. I won't plan to read him again.
It's a good story, but poorly written and poorly edited. Some sentences simply do not make sense, and the reader is assumed to have read previous books in the series. Character development is superficial. Perhaps Allison Coil is supposed to be an Anna Pigeon clone, but Nevada Barr writes Anna with depth and passion.
Colorado has an abundance of terrific writers. Mark Stevens is not one of them. I won't plan to read him again.
August 10, 2017
I've tried to decide if I would have liked this book as much if I were not familiar with the western Colorado setting and the Flat Top Wilderness area. I do not know. This is the first of the Allison Coil series that I have read and didn't know there were three books that preceded this one when I started reading. It soon became apparent that there was missing background on the main characters.
I selected this title because a community near me named it as "The Village Read" this summer. Not sure why unless the author lives in that community.
I selected this title because a community near me named it as "The Village Read" this summer. Not sure why unless the author lives in that community.
August 20, 2018
This kind of story is right up my alley, and I loved it. I enjoy stories about apocalypse/doomsday/preppers/post-apocalyptic... and I'm also terrified by and fascinated with forest fires, so I really found this interesting. I think both the author and narrator do a terrific job, I found it interesting and kept me that way throughout. This is the first Allison Coil I've listened to, but it won't be the last. It has everything in it that I love about a story, great job!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 28, 2021
The fourth book of the Allison Coil series shows how forest fires can devastate a huge area very quickly. When Allison discovers that the fire was purposely set, she is determined to find the culprit. When a popular alternative energy leader disappears, she fears it might be related to the arson. Her friend Trudy, boyfriend Colin, and newspaper reporter and friend Duncan agree to help Allison find answers. For Trudy, in turns into a terrifying experience. Lots of suspense and interesting characters.
August 27, 2018
As with the previous book in this series, this is another mystery relevant to today's current events. It's obviously contrived to enhance the suspense, and successfully achieves that realistically. The main characters are likable and compelling.
Amy Johnson's performance is consistent. She has adopted these characters as hers. This remains a series I plan to follow.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Amy Johnson's performance is consistent. She has adopted these characters as hers. This remains a series I plan to follow.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 7, 2017
It was great to discover this mystery series. It took me a few pages to get into the prose, but then I was hooked. Great setting, strong characters and mystery plot. I'll be checking out other books in this series...
August 28, 2017
There is something for everyone here: environmentalists, survivalists, ranchers, secessionists, anti-government activists, terrorists, forest fires. Set in Colorado, by a Colorado author. Oh - a mystery solved by a strong female character. Whew!
June 27, 2017
Read this for the Greenwood Village, Village Read. There will be lots to talk about for the book discussions!
July 15, 2017
I thought the story premise had great potential but never reached it. I struggled to read more tha a few pages at a time.
August 5, 2017
Very disappointed. Perhaps I couldn't keep track of characters because it's the third in a series but this was a slow, confusing read
September 13, 2017
Great plot line and fascinating characters, but there was no ending for half of the characters that played large roles in the story.
July 2, 2016
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
From the cover: A giant wildfire is roaring through Colorado's Flat Tops Wilderness. The massive blaze is wiping out Allison Coil's precious hunting grounds, and the flames have set their sights on the beautiful ranch owned by her boyfriend's family. Allison and longtime friend Trudy are shocked to learn that a body has been found in the fire ravaged forest—a friend who was a reclusive environmentalist with an unorthodox idea for the battle against global warming. Along with reporter Duncan Bloom, Allison burrows into an underground group of anti-government extremists. As they strike close to home and hurt those closest to her, Allison vows hell might not be punishment enough for this cabal of sinister fanatics.
This is the fourth book in the series, but the first one I have read.
The author doesn’t waste time with background information-the action starts from the first page (a fire surrounding one of the main characters). I love a good mystery/suspenseful book and this one delivers. The characters are believable and some are even likeable. At first I thought the book was only going to be about a group of people living in the wilderness trying to stay away from ‘government people’. The twist in the book is wonderful. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fast paced action filled mysteries or suspense books.
From the cover: A giant wildfire is roaring through Colorado's Flat Tops Wilderness. The massive blaze is wiping out Allison Coil's precious hunting grounds, and the flames have set their sights on the beautiful ranch owned by her boyfriend's family. Allison and longtime friend Trudy are shocked to learn that a body has been found in the fire ravaged forest—a friend who was a reclusive environmentalist with an unorthodox idea for the battle against global warming. Along with reporter Duncan Bloom, Allison burrows into an underground group of anti-government extremists. As they strike close to home and hurt those closest to her, Allison vows hell might not be punishment enough for this cabal of sinister fanatics.
This is the fourth book in the series, but the first one I have read.
The author doesn’t waste time with background information-the action starts from the first page (a fire surrounding one of the main characters). I love a good mystery/suspenseful book and this one delivers. The characters are believable and some are even likeable. At first I thought the book was only going to be about a group of people living in the wilderness trying to stay away from ‘government people’. The twist in the book is wonderful. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fast paced action filled mysteries or suspense books.
October 22, 2015
There is a huge wildfire tearing across Colorado. Whole communities are fighting to save their homes and towns. But when one man stumbles on a dead body at the point of origin, all signs point to murder and arson. Then a local environmentalist is missing and his fans are fearful that the body might belong to him. Two couples team up to find out what happened to the man and who started the vicious fire. But murder isn't an issue with the person or persons they are after. So they must tread lightly or they'll be added to the list of dead.
The story started off with a large cast of characters. This was a tad confusing at first. But it quickly sorted out and the story took off. Filled with suspense and drama the entire time, the author lead the reader on a crazy path to the end. The descriptions helped set the reader into the story and I could easily picture the scenes. The characters were real and raw. The book ended with the main part of the plot tied up. But there were several loose ends left hanging. My guess would be for the next book in the series to tackle. I enjoyed the story and would definitely read another book by this author.
I received this book free of charge from Roger Charlie in exchange for my honest review.
The story started off with a large cast of characters. This was a tad confusing at first. But it quickly sorted out and the story took off. Filled with suspense and drama the entire time, the author lead the reader on a crazy path to the end. The descriptions helped set the reader into the story and I could easily picture the scenes. The characters were real and raw. The book ended with the main part of the plot tied up. But there were several loose ends left hanging. My guess would be for the next book in the series to tackle. I enjoyed the story and would definitely read another book by this author.
I received this book free of charge from Roger Charlie in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2015
Lake of Fire by Mark Stevens is an interesting read that I enjoyed. I have never read a book by this author before but this one has my interest peaked. I will be looking for his other books. Lake of Fire has an interesting cast of characters. The plot had twists and turns and kept me reading.
Allison and Trudy find themselves in a bad situation when they decide to investigate the death of their friends. They know that the fire didn’t kill him and they want to find out what happened. They find themselves in precarious situations. Will they get out of them? Or will they find out that they got themselves in way too far over their heads? Will they be able to bring their captors down? Or will they end up paying the ultimate price?
Lake of Fire held my attention. I enjoyed the main characters and some of the secondary ones as well. I liked the developing relationships throughout the book and I enjoyed the friendships as well. I would recommend the book to those who enjoy mysteries. It’s and Allison Coil mystery and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Allison and Trudy find themselves in a bad situation when they decide to investigate the death of their friends. They know that the fire didn’t kill him and they want to find out what happened. They find themselves in precarious situations. Will they get out of them? Or will they find out that they got themselves in way too far over their heads? Will they be able to bring their captors down? Or will they end up paying the ultimate price?
Lake of Fire held my attention. I enjoyed the main characters and some of the secondary ones as well. I liked the developing relationships throughout the book and I enjoyed the friendships as well. I would recommend the book to those who enjoy mysteries. It’s and Allison Coil mystery and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
October 12, 2015
When I read Mark Stevens’ Trapline, the third in his Allison Coil mystery series, I said, “This is the best one yet.” I’d apply the same to his new one, “Lake of Fire.” Maybe because I read it after a summer of fire and smoke in Montana, the book really grabbed me. In it, Allison Coil is beset on all sides—by tensions in the family of her increasingly serious boyfriend, Colin; by the thorn-in-the-side presence of a back-to-nature group within her beloved Flat Tops Wilderness, and by a wildfire rampaging through that same wilderness, where Allison makes her living as a hunting guide. Oh, and did I mention that the body of a local activist is found within the wilderness, and that fire was not the cause of death? Stevens brings back his lively cast of supporting characters, whose fully realized presence is one of the strengths of this series. In these books, you care what happens to everyone, not just the protagonist. Looking forward to the next in the series
February 4, 2016
So good
This is the fourth book in the series and each one is a jewel. I feel like I have been touring the area of Colorado in which the story takes place. Hoping there are more coming!
This is the fourth book in the series and each one is a jewel. I feel like I have been touring the area of Colorado in which the story takes place. Hoping there are more coming!
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October 26, 2015My friend Mark Stevens fourth book in his Allison Coil mystery series--he does such a good job with these--with Colorado landmarks and politics and issues. Another good job by Mark!
October 24, 2020
A murder, a forest fire, a small colony of back to nature types all bundled up in the Colorado mountain landscape. The fourth in the Allison Coil series and it did not disappoint.
April 17, 2017
This was my first Allison Coil and I loved it. What a strong female protagonist! In the story, a wildfire is burning through Colorado and destroying the precious land that Allison Coil treasures. A body is found at the epicenter of the fire, along with evidence that the blaze was started intentionally. The person who finds this evidence, however, does not want to report it to the authorities for fear of being apprehended. He finds Allison and shows her the skeleton, asking her to report it to the police.
What follows is an investigation into the suspicious death that coincides with an arson investigation. Allison and her friend Trudy are caught up in the inquiry when it becomes clear that the dead man is someone they both knew and liked. Duncan Bloom, Trudy’s boyfriend and reporter, helps them search for a reason for the murder. Their search brings them in contact with some scary, anti-government extremists who are on a mission to destroy more than the Colorado wilderness.
Stevens is a wonderful storyteller and Lake of Fire is a great mystery. I loved all of the characters but really admired Allison. She’s a strong female protagonist and an interesting and complicated character. I found the descriptions to be so accurate that I could almost feel the heat of the fire that was devastating the land. It was easy to get caught up in the story and hard to put the book down. This is a great series and I plan to go back and start at the beginning with book one.
To see a great drink pairing, check out Mystery Playground: http://www.mysteryplayground.net/2017...
What follows is an investigation into the suspicious death that coincides with an arson investigation. Allison and her friend Trudy are caught up in the inquiry when it becomes clear that the dead man is someone they both knew and liked. Duncan Bloom, Trudy’s boyfriend and reporter, helps them search for a reason for the murder. Their search brings them in contact with some scary, anti-government extremists who are on a mission to destroy more than the Colorado wilderness.
Stevens is a wonderful storyteller and Lake of Fire is a great mystery. I loved all of the characters but really admired Allison. She’s a strong female protagonist and an interesting and complicated character. I found the descriptions to be so accurate that I could almost feel the heat of the fire that was devastating the land. It was easy to get caught up in the story and hard to put the book down. This is a great series and I plan to go back and start at the beginning with book one.
To see a great drink pairing, check out Mystery Playground: http://www.mysteryplayground.net/2017...
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