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Behind the Fire
What if all that stood between us and hell was a match?
An ordinary couple stand accused of a heinous crime. They're the last people you'd expect to save the world. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane? Or maybe all three?
Emily and Bobby Jessup are just a sweet, ordinary couple, except they stand accused of multiple counts of first-degree arson. The small coal-mining community of Karlgarin has branded them criminals and sociopaths, and the case against them seems open and shut.
Something terrifying though led Bobby and Emily to leave their two young children with a sitter while they embarked on a crazy fire-bug spree. That something was an incredible secret they'd promised to protect.
When Emily impulsively breaks her promise while under cross-examination, a bizarre tale unfolds of the night she followed her husband and discovered the truth of his clandestine activities. These two are the last people anyone would expect to save the world. Yet, that’s what they claim. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane?
Inspired by true-life headlines, revealed in Susan May's fascinating postscript From the Imagination Vault, Behind the Fire is an engrossing novelette of the random appearances of frightening black things, and one couple's battle to protect their town from these dangerous and hellish creatures.
Fans of Stranger Things will delight in this horror thriller-with-a-twist, which is inspired by true events. From the international best selling author readers call the new Stephen King, comes a tale of horror, love and incredible bravery.
An ordinary couple stand accused of a heinous crime. They're the last people you'd expect to save the world. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane? Or maybe all three?
Emily and Bobby Jessup are just a sweet, ordinary couple, except they stand accused of multiple counts of first-degree arson. The small coal-mining community of Karlgarin has branded them criminals and sociopaths, and the case against them seems open and shut.
Something terrifying though led Bobby and Emily to leave their two young children with a sitter while they embarked on a crazy fire-bug spree. That something was an incredible secret they'd promised to protect.
When Emily impulsively breaks her promise while under cross-examination, a bizarre tale unfolds of the night she followed her husband and discovered the truth of his clandestine activities. These two are the last people anyone would expect to save the world. Yet, that’s what they claim. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane?
Inspired by true-life headlines, revealed in Susan May's fascinating postscript From the Imagination Vault, Behind the Fire is an engrossing novelette of the random appearances of frightening black things, and one couple's battle to protect their town from these dangerous and hellish creatures.
Fans of Stranger Things will delight in this horror thriller-with-a-twist, which is inspired by true events. From the international best selling author readers call the new Stephen King, comes a tale of horror, love and incredible bravery.
135 pages, ebook
First published September 2, 2013
711 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Susan May
313 books616 followersTo enjoy a Susan May starter library of two free books, join her reader's club at
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 28, 2017
I did not realise until I was reading this that it was a novella and it seemed to finish almost as soon as it started! It was a rather unusual story too, described as a thriller, but tending also towards science fiction. There were certainly aliens in there as well as a court scene with a delightful conclusion. Remembering it still makes me smile - I love it when a smarmy lawyer gets his comeuppance:)
In the manner of a short story, a lot was packed into a few pages and a lot was also left up to the reader's imagination.
It was all perfectly satisfactory and was even based on a true story. Not the aliens though.
In the manner of a short story, a lot was packed into a few pages and a lot was also left up to the reader's imagination.
It was all perfectly satisfactory and was even based on a true story. Not the aliens though.
Read
November 27, 2024this was my Susan May's second book started the same day I finished The troubles keeper. what is there to say? I loved this one too...all though it was shorter, the story was again very interesting and well written...near the end, when I realised I was almost finished, I got scared because I thought there wasn't enough time for a gran finale...but guess what? there was...
October 29, 2016
Another solid short story that captured me from the first sentence to the last.
Perfectly creepy and ghoulish, just in time for Halloween!
**There is a bonus shortie included if you haven't already had the pleasure of experiencing 'Gone'**
I have loved everything this author has penned...keep 'em coming please!!!
Perfectly creepy and ghoulish, just in time for Halloween!
**There is a bonus shortie included if you haven't already had the pleasure of experiencing 'Gone'**
I have loved everything this author has penned...keep 'em coming please!!!
November 16, 2016
A solid 4.5 stars.
Emily Jessup has always believed she has the perfect marriage. A mother of two young children, she acts as chief carer while Bobby, the husband she considers her soulmate, works hard covering variable hours at a rental depot on the outskirts of their hometown of Kalgarin - a red dust mining community in Western Australia.
However, over the course of these last several weeks, something has seemed 'off' with Bobby. Late night sojourns away from home, and not being at the places he claims to have been. As much as it pains her, Emily begins to suspect the worst. Is Bobby having an affair?
One evening, after Bobby is once again 'called away,' Emily decides to track her husband down and uncover the truth behind his actions. However, any relief at finding out her husband's loyalty to their relationship never wavered, it is quickly tempered by the revelation of what truly confronts their hometown. Fate has chosen Bobby to act as a savior to the people of Kalgarin. Their town, and maybe too the world, faces a threat of unknown proportions. Up until now he has chosen to fight alone, but the violence imparted upon these intruders was not without cost. Properties around Kalgarin lie in ruin, a result of Bobby's endeavors.
Now, even if Emily stands by her man, is there any chance of convincing their peers of the truth? An encroaching danger that may change their world forever.
Susan May knows how to write a page-turner. Behind the Fire is more of a mystery and suspense story (think Outer Limits), rather than outright horror (no torture porn here). But it is all the better for this. The novella is written with good pacing and nicely descriptive prose (without being over-flowery), and in many ways it is reminiscent of 80s Dean Koontz - by far his best years.
As I said this is a novella, and it should be noted there is a substantial amount of filler material following the conclusion of Behind the Fire, including another solidly written bonus story titled 'Gone.' There is also an interesting chapter where Susan May explains her thinking in creating Behind the Fire. This was a fascinating examination of how real-life lends itself towards creating fiction.
Overall, an original and nicely crafted novella from an author with good writing chops. If you enjoy programs such as The Twilight Zone, or fancy reading some mystery and suspense in a style reminiscent of early Dean Koontz, then you could do far worse than picking up a copy of Behind the Fire.
Emily Jessup has always believed she has the perfect marriage. A mother of two young children, she acts as chief carer while Bobby, the husband she considers her soulmate, works hard covering variable hours at a rental depot on the outskirts of their hometown of Kalgarin - a red dust mining community in Western Australia.
However, over the course of these last several weeks, something has seemed 'off' with Bobby. Late night sojourns away from home, and not being at the places he claims to have been. As much as it pains her, Emily begins to suspect the worst. Is Bobby having an affair?
One evening, after Bobby is once again 'called away,' Emily decides to track her husband down and uncover the truth behind his actions. However, any relief at finding out her husband's loyalty to their relationship never wavered, it is quickly tempered by the revelation of what truly confronts their hometown. Fate has chosen Bobby to act as a savior to the people of Kalgarin. Their town, and maybe too the world, faces a threat of unknown proportions. Up until now he has chosen to fight alone, but the violence imparted upon these intruders was not without cost. Properties around Kalgarin lie in ruin, a result of Bobby's endeavors.
Now, even if Emily stands by her man, is there any chance of convincing their peers of the truth? An encroaching danger that may change their world forever.
Susan May knows how to write a page-turner. Behind the Fire is more of a mystery and suspense story (think Outer Limits), rather than outright horror (no torture porn here). But it is all the better for this. The novella is written with good pacing and nicely descriptive prose (without being over-flowery), and in many ways it is reminiscent of 80s Dean Koontz - by far his best years.
As I said this is a novella, and it should be noted there is a substantial amount of filler material following the conclusion of Behind the Fire, including another solidly written bonus story titled 'Gone.' There is also an interesting chapter where Susan May explains her thinking in creating Behind the Fire. This was a fascinating examination of how real-life lends itself towards creating fiction.
Overall, an original and nicely crafted novella from an author with good writing chops. If you enjoy programs such as The Twilight Zone, or fancy reading some mystery and suspense in a style reminiscent of early Dean Koontz, then you could do far worse than picking up a copy of Behind the Fire.
August 19, 2016
I just passed what I thought was the halfway mark, when the title story ended. Oh, well, not the first and probably not the last time I jumped into a book without much checking beforehand. And actually, I did like the story better for it. Even in the short format I did have a few too many questions for comfort nagging in the back of my head. The actions and ludicrous theories of the main protagonist did not help in this respect. But it is a neat idea and one that - thanks to the exemplary built suspense and just the right amount of explanations - really jumpstarts the imagination. Well written and told also.
A shorter short, "Gone" follows. Not a huge shocker, but another well-told story. The rest of the book is the "Behind the story"-part that readers of the "Behind dark doors"-collection will be very familiar with. Interesting and fun feature!
And then there's quite the chunk of "Deadly Messengers", but if you liked this one and haven't read that, just go get the full one.
A shorter short, "Gone" follows. Not a huge shocker, but another well-told story. The rest of the book is the "Behind the story"-part that readers of the "Behind dark doors"-collection will be very familiar with. Interesting and fun feature!
And then there's quite the chunk of "Deadly Messengers", but if you liked this one and haven't read that, just go get the full one.
February 19, 2018
When my Kindle is off, there’s always an ad on the screen advertising some inanity or other. Seriously, most of the time there are some terrible looking romances or random crap no one should be reading. And one of the names that pops up most often is Susan May, who is apparently an Amazon best selling author. So when a freebie of hers ended up on my Kindle, I figured I’d check it out, if only to confirm a bias. Mind you, May is being compared to some first rate authors, albeit by readers reviews strictly. In fact, she may indeed reach the quality of Koontz’ work, though I wouldn’t consider that a compliment. Actually in one of the supplemental materials to this novella there’s a hilariously misspelled list of authors May’s been compared to by her fan club. Anyway…objectively this was actually quite decent. Jejune, sure, but ambitious enough, serviceable writing, nice ideas, quite imaginative, particularly the short story included. I was entertained. I wouldn’t have paid money for this, but apparently many do, May seems to be very popular. I know there are some authors who have gone the self publishing way and found serious success and acclaim, but surely there are in a minority comparing to the number of self published authors out there who just sort of thread the waters of mediocrity. May seems to be somewhere in between quality wise. I don’t understand the popularity, but don’t necessarily want them time I spent on her book either. She certainly does some very aggressive advertising. Why do these books get read, though? Is it just hoping to discover the next best thing and be able to brag about your instincts? Because there’s so much proper fiction out there, major publishers, proper editing, quality control, etc. And it’s free, at the library. Why not take advantage of such an awesome resource instead of taking chances on random things? Digression. Sorry. This one was a decent diversion. Author shows potential, though possibly unmatched by her enthusiasm. Fun enough.
August 15, 2016
I am not normally a huge fan of horror. BUT ... this author's short stories are so well-written that I get deeply involved in the reading before I realize it. And one of my big enjoyments of her writing is that she also writes a story on how she came up with this particular idea.
In Behind The Fire, she took a story out of a newspaper headline and turned it into a fascinating story.
It starts with Emily and Bobby on trial for serial arson. As Emily testifies, she decides to tell the complete truth, no matter if anyone believes her or not. The story bounces back and forth between what she's saying now and then the bigger details that she's remembering.
This is a complete novelette, less than 200 pages. It's a fast, enjoyable read. It begs to answer the question ... how far would you go to protect your family, your neighbors, your community?
In Behind The Fire, she took a story out of a newspaper headline and turned it into a fascinating story.
It starts with Emily and Bobby on trial for serial arson. As Emily testifies, she decides to tell the complete truth, no matter if anyone believes her or not. The story bounces back and forth between what she's saying now and then the bigger details that she's remembering.
This is a complete novelette, less than 200 pages. It's a fast, enjoyable read. It begs to answer the question ... how far would you go to protect your family, your neighbors, your community?
Read
September 13, 2015Another great book
I am really enjoying reading more of this author as I find her books. Each book is like opening up a box of chocolates you never know what you will get but each one is just as good as the one before and after...
I am really enjoying reading more of this author as I find her books. Each book is like opening up a box of chocolates you never know what you will get but each one is just as good as the one before and after...
October 3, 2013
I discovered this first novella by Susan May by chance, stumbling around Amazon's kindle store. (Though I must confess I do interact with Susan through social media, she was not the one to even tell me she published her first book. I don't think she's told many readers or friends that she even published a book, and I hope more and more readers discover Behind the Fire.) It's a wonderful debut in the supernatural/horror genre. It has parts of Machen, Lovecraft, and even Koontz, but updated to a current situation in a small mining town in Australia. The idea for the story came from real life, a jumping off point to create a fictional world: the case of a couple who became serial arsonists (I remember hearing about that case in the news). The story begins in the middle of a trial, both arsonists being prosecuted for their horrible crimes, and the decision one of the arsonists makes to finally reveal the truth. So begins the book, and the tale of something dark that spurs two people to make insane decisions . . . or not. Just read it. It has the requisite dread. There's also a bonus short story at the end to cap off the book, and I enjoyed that short piece about a long-married couple and their love for each other through all the ups and considerable downs---how they stayed together is the heart of the tale.
November 23, 2016
I would like to thank Susan May for giving me a free copy of this short story in exchange of an honest review.
3.5 Stars.
This short story was quite interesting and intriguing. Bobby and Emily, a very ordinary couple, face trial for serial arson. They both had a terrifying secret behind all these actions, a secret that may have terrible consequences.
I enjoyed following Bobby and Em, and it was very hard not to like them. It would be really great if this short story would be turned into a novel. I still want to get to know more about both of them and this terrible secret.
I also liked the bonus story very much, "Gone", that also would make a great story, especially with a final small detail that surprised me and intrigued me a lot!
3.5 Stars.
This short story was quite interesting and intriguing. Bobby and Emily, a very ordinary couple, face trial for serial arson. They both had a terrifying secret behind all these actions, a secret that may have terrible consequences.
I enjoyed following Bobby and Em, and it was very hard not to like them. It would be really great if this short story would be turned into a novel. I still want to get to know more about both of them and this terrible secret.
I also liked the bonus story very much, "Gone", that also would make a great story, especially with a final small detail that surprised me and intrigued me a lot!
June 20, 2016
Great book Susan
December 23, 2019
First of all, I have to say that I am a huge fan of Susan May's books and stories. I know that when I start reading one of her books, I might as well just set aside plenty of time to finish it quickly. Her books really draw the reader into the story and you just have to keep reading in order to see what happens next.
Emily and Bobby Jessup are an ordinary couple with two young children. That is, until they are arrested for being serial arsonists. What would cause them to set fire to seemingly arbitrary buildings in their small coal-mining community? Are they crazy? Or, is there something evil trying to invade their world and they are just trying to keep it away?
I love the addition of the Imagination Vault that Ms. May adds at the end of her books. I always enjoy hearing the inspiration for her stories. The fact that this one is based on a true story makes it even stranger. Every book that I have read by Ms. May reminds me of the old "Twilight Zone" TV series, leading the reader/listener on a journey into a strange, often supernatural, world.
This story ended in an unexpected way and I hope that Ms. May someday returns to Karlgarin to see what happens after the end of this story. I also enjoyed the short story "Gone" that was included in this audiobook. Once again, I would love to read more of this one, too.
The narrator, Hollis McCarthy, is the perfect fit for this story and adds a lot to the listener's enjoyment. I was given the chance by the author to listen to the audiobook version of this book, but the opinions expressed are totally my own.
Emily and Bobby Jessup are an ordinary couple with two young children. That is, until they are arrested for being serial arsonists. What would cause them to set fire to seemingly arbitrary buildings in their small coal-mining community? Are they crazy? Or, is there something evil trying to invade their world and they are just trying to keep it away?
I love the addition of the Imagination Vault that Ms. May adds at the end of her books. I always enjoy hearing the inspiration for her stories. The fact that this one is based on a true story makes it even stranger. Every book that I have read by Ms. May reminds me of the old "Twilight Zone" TV series, leading the reader/listener on a journey into a strange, often supernatural, world.
This story ended in an unexpected way and I hope that Ms. May someday returns to Karlgarin to see what happens after the end of this story. I also enjoyed the short story "Gone" that was included in this audiobook. Once again, I would love to read more of this one, too.
The narrator, Hollis McCarthy, is the perfect fit for this story and adds a lot to the listener's enjoyment. I was given the chance by the author to listen to the audiobook version of this book, but the opinions expressed are totally my own.
August 21, 2018
Thanks to the author, Susan May, for the digital copy of this novella. I've read most of her books and have enjoyed all of them. Behind the Fire is no exception. It's suspenseful and the pacing is perfect. Here characters are always developed enough to make me feel as though they could be someone I might know. But this novella is not all mysterious, scary, serious stuff like "black things" and arson. I thought the portrayal of the prosecuting attorney was hilarious and wanted to cheer when he received what he was due at the quick, perfect and satisfying ending.
As a bonus, a short story entitled, Gone, was included. I thought it was excellent and kept me guessing until the end. I have read so many newspaper articles about people disappearing and are never heard from again. It really makes me wonder if there is alien life out there and if it's possible for them to snatch people from earth.
I love the Imagination Vault where Ms. May tells us how she gets the inspiration for her stories. Fantastic stuff!!
As a bonus, a short story entitled, Gone, was included. I thought it was excellent and kept me guessing until the end. I have read so many newspaper articles about people disappearing and are never heard from again. It really makes me wonder if there is alien life out there and if it's possible for them to snatch people from earth.
I love the Imagination Vault where Ms. May tells us how she gets the inspiration for her stories. Fantastic stuff!!
May 25, 2017
Great short storie. Everyone is a little odd right? Define little. This woman figured it out when she was running around in the dark rainy streets looking for her husband. She was sorry she didn't pay more attention to what he would drone on about. Maybe she would be with him. He said it happens when the weather changes. But what is it?
August 28, 2016
I received this book when the author offered it for free on Amazon.
I usually don't care much for novellas and short stories as they always leave so many unanswered questions. This story left me with fun questions to speculate. Even though I had questions, I still enjoyed it and although I hope the author might use this a prequel it was still a satisfying read.
Bobby and his wife are on trial for being "serial arsonists". Bobby found a list of places and times and curious he discovered that at that place and time strange shadow "creatures" appeared and could cause destruction. The only way one can be stopped is by burning it.
I liked to wonder who was the man who made the list and how did he know. What were the creatures and what were they really trying to do. Could they be from another planet? Or maybe from the future coming to warn us. I found this story delightful.
I did not care for the short story "Gone" included with the novella, but it was okay.
I liked that this was a quick read that I could get through in the evening before going to bed.
I usually don't care much for novellas and short stories as they always leave so many unanswered questions. This story left me with fun questions to speculate. Even though I had questions, I still enjoyed it and although I hope the author might use this a prequel it was still a satisfying read.
Bobby and his wife are on trial for being "serial arsonists". Bobby found a list of places and times and curious he discovered that at that place and time strange shadow "creatures" appeared and could cause destruction. The only way one can be stopped is by burning it.
I liked to wonder who was the man who made the list and how did he know. What were the creatures and what were they really trying to do. Could they be from another planet? Or maybe from the future coming to warn us. I found this story delightful.
I did not care for the short story "Gone" included with the novella, but it was okay.
I liked that this was a quick read that I could get through in the evening before going to bed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2014
I can honestly say I’ve never read a book like this before and how refreshing it is to be able to say that! Susan May has managed to invent creatures/beings of a whole new kind which must be incredibly hard seeing as so many people are writing fantasy books nowadays. They didn’t have a name but they struck fear into Bobbie Jessup and his wife Emily. Where these things came from they didn’t know but they knew that it was vitally important they didn’t get out into our world and there seemed to be only one solution. Fire.
I found it gripping and couldn’t wait to read more but it felt like as soon as it started it had ended. I could have read a book twice as long as this was. I think my only real criticism would be that it ended where it did, I was ready for more. But all in all, I loved it! A 5 star book!
I found it gripping and couldn’t wait to read more but it felt like as soon as it started it had ended. I could have read a book twice as long as this was. I think my only real criticism would be that it ended where it did, I was ready for more. But all in all, I loved it! A 5 star book!
September 12, 2016
This is one of Susan May's short stories. Long or short Susan's stories are always a fabulous reading experience. In Behind the Fire you get suspense, supernatural elements, and wonderful easy to relate to characters. A thrilling read with an ending that is creepy perfect!
December 15, 2013
*** I Received this book via a LibraryThing Giveaway***
An engaging short story filled with intense scenes and imminent danger. Good book for a road trip or just a quick read.
An engaging short story filled with intense scenes and imminent danger. Good book for a road trip or just a quick read.
February 6, 2014
A great short story. The plot is great and I enjoyed the characters.I can not wait to read another of her stories.
October 19, 2014
Susan's best book to date! Absolutely exciting stuff!!
February 2, 2016
I really liked the style. I'll be reading more of her work.
June 2, 2019
When Emily becomes concerned about her husband's mysterious reasons for being away from home she decides to follow him. Could he be having an affair? What she discovers is something she would never have expected in a million years. Her 'Mr Average' husband is battling strange alien beings, 'black things', that are threatening their community. At first she thinks that he is having some sort of mental breakdown, but then she goes with him and becomes ensnared in his tortuous quest. Lives are at risk as these creatures set out to destroy certain buildings around their hometown. Bobby knows when and where these events will occur and is desperate to stop these attacks. The way to stop them seems to be fire, not just a little flame but a huge burst of fire, using whatever he can acquire to increase the ferocity of the inferno.
Why is this happening? What are these horrendous black creatures? Can two average people with not special powers stop them? This completely takes over their lives, bringing them into the spotlight in more ways than one.
The reader gets completely drawn into their lives. I really enjoyed my adventure and I want to get my teeth into yet more.
Great.
Why is this happening? What are these horrendous black creatures? Can two average people with not special powers stop them? This completely takes over their lives, bringing them into the spotlight in more ways than one.
The reader gets completely drawn into their lives. I really enjoyed my adventure and I want to get my teeth into yet more.
Great.
June 14, 2018
Behind the Fire - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A short story but an intense one! Bobby has a 'close encounter' with an alien that seems malign in purpose and chooses to do what he can to thwart the inevitable invasion, [without his wife Emily's knowledge at first] in Queen of the Night Terrors, Susan May's book.
After a seemingly innocuous start, the book tells how Bobby develops his anti-alien defence system and causes mayhem in his home town as a result. When Em becomes involved matters take a more serious turn, as the couple
end up in court trying to defend themselves before a cynical judge and totally hostile jury and lawyers...but truth will out and boy does it come out in the most terrifying and unexpected manner!
You'll have to sleep with one eye open and a flame-thrower in the bottom of the wardrobe from now on - but don't miss this fascinating what if...? tale of the unexpected. Grab your copy today and tell all your friends!
A short story but an intense one! Bobby has a 'close encounter' with an alien that seems malign in purpose and chooses to do what he can to thwart the inevitable invasion, [without his wife Emily's knowledge at first] in Queen of the Night Terrors, Susan May's book.
After a seemingly innocuous start, the book tells how Bobby develops his anti-alien defence system and causes mayhem in his home town as a result. When Em becomes involved matters take a more serious turn, as the couple
end up in court trying to defend themselves before a cynical judge and totally hostile jury and lawyers...but truth will out and boy does it come out in the most terrifying and unexpected manner!
You'll have to sleep with one eye open and a flame-thrower in the bottom of the wardrobe from now on - but don't miss this fascinating what if...? tale of the unexpected. Grab your copy today and tell all your friends!
September 30, 2019
I loved this story! It was original and engaging! A young couple in a mining town has been caught engaging in arson, have been put on trial, and admit to being guilty. But WHY? The reasoning is mind-boggling. The characters are well-written, but given in broad strokes, as this is a short story. As with all of Susan May’s story-telling, there is some tragedy, some romance, and even a touch of confusion about what makes one’s behavior “villainous”. I can’t wait to read the novel she has promised to write later that will give us more information about “the rest of the story”. The narration is top-notch, and the author's description of how the story came about made it even more interesting.
April 3, 2020
Very Interesting!
I love this author's imagination. Susan lives in Australia. She read an article in a local newspaper that was the basis for this story. The article was about a married couple that went on an arson spree. The article was at the end of the book that she sent me in return for an honest review.
I love this author's imagination and creativity. Her books remind me so much of Stephen King. I would love for some of her books be turned into movies. Her storylines are very unique. The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows smoothly. The editing is very clean. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I love this author's imagination. Susan lives in Australia. She read an article in a local newspaper that was the basis for this story. The article was about a married couple that went on an arson spree. The article was at the end of the book that she sent me in return for an honest review.
I love this author's imagination and creativity. Her books remind me so much of Stephen King. I would love for some of her books be turned into movies. Her storylines are very unique. The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows smoothly. The editing is very clean. I would recommend this book to anyone.
August 7, 2019
As a newer follower of Susan May's I have to say I really do love her imagination. She is truly a gifted author with an imagination that is close to that of Stephen King.
This was a great read, that had me drawn in from start to finish. It really makes one wonder what would happen if something like this were to really happen to us. Would there be anyone out there brave enough to do as Bobby and Emily did to save everyone? Well, I would really hope so, or who knows where the world would be.
If you are a Stephen King fan then grab this book because you will love it.
This was a great read, that had me drawn in from start to finish. It really makes one wonder what would happen if something like this were to really happen to us. Would there be anyone out there brave enough to do as Bobby and Emily did to save everyone? Well, I would really hope so, or who knows where the world would be.
If you are a Stephen King fan then grab this book because you will love it.
November 22, 2019
A great short story.
Emily and Bobby Jessup are just your average people who by accident find that it is on their shoulders to stop the dark things from taking over. Okay, this paranormal was so awesome. The author took a real event and turned it into a great short story. It will not take long to read or listen to but it is well worth the time. If you like the strange this is the book for you. Two thumbs up to Hollis McCarthy's excellent narration. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Emily and Bobby Jessup are just your average people who by accident find that it is on their shoulders to stop the dark things from taking over. Okay, this paranormal was so awesome. The author took a real event and turned it into a great short story. It will not take long to read or listen to but it is well worth the time. If you like the strange this is the book for you. Two thumbs up to Hollis McCarthy's excellent narration. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 19, 2018
Supernatural events
I read this voluntarily to review it. I do not usually read books of horror. That said, if horror and the supernatural are your preference, then Beyond the Fire would be an excellent choice. It has memorable , ordinary characters who fight for their families, friends, and town. Unfortunately, they are arrested and charged with arson. What will happen without their sacrifice? It is well-written and interesting.
I read this voluntarily to review it. I do not usually read books of horror. That said, if horror and the supernatural are your preference, then Beyond the Fire would be an excellent choice. It has memorable , ordinary characters who fight for their families, friends, and town. Unfortunately, they are arrested and charged with arson. What will happen without their sacrifice? It is well-written and interesting.
June 8, 2018
Behind the Fire is a very odd book. You are never really sure if Bobby and Em are truly heroes or just misunderstood the circumstances that they saw and experienced. Even May says she has questions about what happened prior to this book as well as after this book. Why were they chosen? These hanging questions and sparks of unsuredness is why I gave it a 4.
She also had a short story after this one called Gone. I really enjoyed that story.
She also had a short story after this one called Gone. I really enjoyed that story.
August 6, 2018
The book had an interesting even Stephen King-like plot, but the ending had me feeling the book was not finished. Not one of those gasping endings that leaves the reader breathless. This, and many of this author's books had me turning the page to see if indeed there were pages that had been torn out.
I did read this entire book and enjoyed it but the ending left me feeling as though the author simply took the easiest way out.
I did read this entire book and enjoyed it but the ending left me feeling as though the author simply took the easiest way out.
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