Wildfire

by Scott Bury

Wildfires swept across California wine country in 2017, destroying thousands of homes and businesses and killing dozens of people. Law school grad and single mother Tara Rezeck finds herself in the middle of the catastrophe. When she returns to her job at Sonoma's most prestigious vineyard, she finds her employer’s body in the ashes. The question that challenges her brains and her legal training was it an accident? Or was his body burned to hide evidence of murder?

258 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2018

About the author

Scott Bury can't stay in one category.

After a 20-year career in journalism, he turned to writing fiction. "Sam, the Strawb Part," a children's story, came out in 2011, with all the proceeds going to an autism charity. Next was a paranormal short story for grown-ups, "Dark Clouds."

The Bones of the Earth, a historical fantasy, came out in 2012. It was followed in 2013 with One Shade of Red, an erotic romance.

The Eastern Front trilogy tells the true story of Maurice Bury, a Canadian drafted into the USSR’s Red Army to face the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Army of Worn Soles, the first volume, was published in 2014, followed by Under the Nazi Heel in 2016 and Walking Out of War in 2017.

Scott Bury has been invited to contribute to three Kindle Worlds. For the Jet Kindle World, based on a character created by bestseller Russell Blake, he published Jet – Stealth: A Jet Kindle World Novella in July 2015.

The same week, he published Torn Roots: A Lei Crime Kindle World Novella featuring characters created by bestselling Hawaii crime author Toby Neal. He has since published three more Lei Crime Kindle World books: Palm Trees & Snowflakes (December 2015), Dead Man Lying (2016) and Echoes (2017).

Emily Kimelman, author of the Sydney Rye series, invited Scott to contribute to the Sydney Rye Kindle World. His answer was The Wife Line in 2016, and The Three-Way in 2017.

In between writing books and blog posts, Scott helped found an author's cooperative publishing venture, Independent Authors International. He is also President of author's professional association BestSelling Reads.

He lives in Ottawa with his two mighty sons, two pesky cats and a very understanding wife.

You can find more about Scott Bury, and contact him through his website, http://www.writtenword.ca, his blog, Written Words, and on Twitter @ScottTheWriter.

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberto, & Tara took Alan’s charred body to Barnestown.
2017, Sonoma Valley vineyard, CA. Tara Rezeck (single mother, Vermont Law School; JD, Cum laude) handed Mr. Alan DaSilva her résumé.
La Cucina, Rocky Creek Winery/La Cucina Restaurant. He hired her to help Chef Donald Bailey (55+) as a line cook.
She met Charlie (terrier mix dog), Antonio (sous chef), Miguel (plongeur), Alexandra “Alex” (housemate/wait staff), Greg (A/A, housemate/wait staff), Roberto Gonsalves (winery mgr.) & Nicole Fong (mixed Asian, Alan’s wife, Rocky Creek Winery mgr.).

It wasn’t long & everyone was tired of Chef Bailey’s attitude, he was fired.
Officer Filler (Highway Patrol) came to warn them the winds are pushing the wildfires up the valley, & you must evacuate immediately.
Nicole, Charlie (dog), Greg, Alex, Theresa Rezeck, Tara Rezeck (Honda Civic), Miguel, Antonio, Rosa, Gabriela, Toby, & the picking crew were ready to go.
Alan DaSilva (Nicole’s husband, Toyota PU), & Roberto Gonsalves (Ford F-150 PU) were getting the winery workers Mark, Amy, & Charlie ready to move out.
They were headed to Monte Rio (Russian River).
Upon arrival & checking into a motel Nichole took off to go look for Alan.

Nurse Finigan, & Nurse V. Fong were busy treating patients.
Later they all returned to the burnt-out ruined winery/housing & building structures.
Cameron Harris told Nichole Alan had been murdered.
Gary Henry (County Fire Marshal) was there to inspect the ruins.
Mike Donovan (electrician) was busy putting up new electrical boxes.
Roberto, Amy, & Mark were working at the winery.
Nichole “Nikki”, Tara, Antonio, Toby, Gabriela, & Rosa were helping with the food line.
Paul Rondeau (Alan’s lawyer) came to see Nichole.
Dr. Henry Ling (County Coroner) had examined Alan’s corpse. Blunt force trauma to the head killed him
Sheriff Mary Doyle (A/A), came to interview Nichole, Tara, & Roberto.
The eulogy, funeral, burial, & dinner was held for Alan.
Paul, & Richard Sarris Wappo Tribe counsel, Barnestown) were back to see Nichole.

Will the arson & murder mystery be solved & someone brought to justice?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, excellent black/white, colored pictures, & proper great font & writing style. A very well written who-dunnit mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free The Written Word Communications Company; 1 edition; BookFunnel; BookSweeps; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a quiet moment in this one. As I read this California is currently ablaze and I thought about the reality of this murder mystery actually happening is pretty high. A perfect opportunity for a murder and I'm sure it's happened more than we know. Our lead, Tara, is quite smart but she's caught between starting a new life and getting personally involved with her employer's business. The smoothness of the story flowed quite well and allowed me to think I knew the answer, but was quickly twisted again. I've read Bury's books before and it's fun to find names of his fellow authors as characters. This one is a quick read with suspense, a dash of romance and a little soap opera-esque vibe.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous first installment in the series where we meet Tara Reczek, a newly graduated Lawyer. Tara is desperate for a job so she goes to work for the restaurant at a Sonoma valley winery. Soon we learn of tensions at work and the tragedy of a wild fire that spreads responsible for a prominent figure in the story. Tara is curious and thrusts herself into the investigation into the winery owners death and who might be responsible. This was an intense but fast paced mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I would give it 5 stars for great story telling.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildfires are spreading in the valley where the winery is. Tara leads the employees out to safety. The owner stays behind and plans to follow the crew shortly. When the owner does not show up at the meeting location, Tara returns to the winery to find his dead body. Was it murder or an accident from the fire. This book carries you through the return to the winery after the fire to find the truth. It keeps you guessing until the final pages.

[Roger Eschbacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Scott Bury's writing and enjoyed his latest effort, Wildfire. In it we follow single mother and newly-minted sleuth, Tara Rezeck, as she struggles to solve the mystery of her employer's demise. Set in California wine country during the 2017 wildfires, this book keeps the reader guessing (as all good mysteries must), and proves, once again, that author Bury knows how to spin a yarn. Recommended. I received this book as an ARC.

[Cora Hannold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story.

The characters are well written. The author has a way of writing that it was like you were experiencing the scenery and wildfires right along with the characters.

I liked the fact that you couldn't figure out until close to the end who did it and the mystery behind it all.

I look forward to what book 2 will bring us.

[Anna Braley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time read from author. Wildfires are spreading in California.This is an amazing story.Read about a winery.Workers evacuate to safety. Except one.They return to find him dead.Was it murder? A great read.

[Lorna Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this action packed read from the start. Fires rage in California wine country, as people flee for their lives a murder is committed. Newly employed Tara Rezeck, who is brave, young and intelligent is investigating the death of her boss in fire ravaged California wine country.

[DLV · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Enjoyed this book!!
This book has realistic and diverse characters!!
There are plot twists that kept me interested to the end.
Great book for a trip or day off.

[Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange things are happening at the vineyard. Sabotage? Alan and Nicole co own the winery. Secrets? Murder? Fire...

[Marris Ellory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Wildfire, but it completely exceeded my expectations. Scott Bury crafts a suspenseful story that’s grounded in real-world tragedy without feeling exploitative. Tara Rezeck is a unique heroine not your usual hardened detective, but a young mom and law school graduate trying to make sense of chaos. The moment she returns to work and finds her boss dead in the wreckage is chilling. I was hooked. The legal angle is smartly woven in, and the uncertainty about whether it’s murder or an accident keeps the tension high. The fire isn’t just a backdrop it’s part of the danger, and Bury describes it with terrifying realism. I loved the emotional weight and realism of the story. Definitely recommended if you want a fresh take on the mystery genre with emotional depth.

[Nerina Vaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Bury's Wildfire is a tense, beautifully written mystery set during one of California's most devastating wildfire seasons. The setting is incredibly immersive I could almost smell the smoke and feel the heat and the stakes are deeply personal. Tara Rezeck’s voice is fresh and honest. She’s not a traditional sleuth, which makes the story even more interesting. The emotional toll of the disaster is woven into every page. I appreciated how the mystery isn’t just about solving a crime, but about understanding human nature in the face of disaster. The pacing dips slightly in the middle, but the ending is worth the wait. If you're into mysteries that feel grounded and real, this one is definitely worth reading. Bury manages to turn a real-world catastrophe into an engaging, layered story that lingers long after the final page.

[Luna Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about Wildfire was how it balanced multiple layers: personal tragedy, environmental catastrophe, and a murder mystery. Tara Rezeck is a compelling lead she’s a mother, a recent law grad, and now thrown into a life-or-death puzzle. The wildfire backdrop wasn’t just atmospheric; it was emotionally impactful, especially for anyone familiar with the real-life events of 2017. The mystery was intriguing, though I did find the pacing a little uneven in the middle. Still, the tension builds beautifully, and the final reveal caught me off guard. It’s clear that Scott Bury did his homework with the legal aspects and the fire disaster. A smart, emotional, and suspenseful novel that really stands out from typical crime thrillers.

[John Skyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Wildfire to be both thrilling and haunting. Scott Bury has crafted a story that feels incredibly grounded in reality, largely because of its setting. The 2017 wildfires were tragic, and he captures that devastation with empathy. Tara Rezeck is a compelling character intelligent and compassionate, navigating the trauma of evacuation while solving a mystery that hits close to home. The legal angle gave the story depth without getting too technical. I was really invested in the outcome and was surprised by a few key twists. My only critique is that I wanted just a bit more from the endingMit felt a little rushed. Still, a moving and suspenseful read that stayed with me after finishing. Definitely a standout in the genre.

[Liora Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wildfire" by Scott Bury is a gripping blend of legal drama, mystery, and real-world catastrophe. Set against the devastating 2017 California wildfires, the story follows Tara Rezeck, a sharp, determined law school grad navigating chaos as a single mother. When her employer is found dead in the aftermath, the mystery unfolds with escalating tension was it a tragic accident or something more sinister? Bury’s writing is crisp and engaging, and he captures the emotional toll of disaster with authenticity. The mix of legal intrigue and personal stakes kept me hooked. A thoughtful, suspenseful read with real-world relevance. Highly recommended.

[Maissy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildfire was a gripping read from start to finish. I was immediately pulled into Tara Rezeck’s world a smart, relatable protagonist navigating both motherhood and a disaster-stricken legal landscape. The way Scott Bury wove the real-world tragedy of the 2017 wildfires into a mystery was powerful. The atmosphere felt raw and realistic. The pacing was great, although I wish there had been a bit more character development for the supporting cast. Still, the central mystery kept me turning pages. Was it murder or just a tragic accident? That question haunted me the whole way through. Highly recommended for legal drama fans.

[Lioren Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildfire blends natural disaster with criminal mystery in a way I didn’t expect. The tension never lets up, and the setting is more than just a backdrop, it’s a looming character in itself. Tara’s journey from survivor to investigator was a compelling arc. I appreciated her grit and realism. The writing is sharp and well-paced, although I occasionally wanted a deeper dive into some of the legal intricacies. Still, the mystery element is strong, and the moral questions raised about loss, justice, and truth kept me thinking long after I finished the last page. Bury’s storytelling is rich and vivid. A strong entry for fans of legal and environmental thrillers alike.

[Mcrea Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught me by surprise. Wildfire isn’t just a mystery it’s a story about survival, grief, and finding clarity in chaos. Tara is such a believable character, someone you root for immediately. The tension builds slowly, but when it hits, it hits hard. I especially liked how the legal elements weren’t too heavy-handed. The wildfire itself is almost a character in the story, unpredictable and deadly. A few parts dragged a bit, but overall, this was a thought-provoking and engaging read. Would definitely check out more by Scott Bury.

[Ellen Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like returning to a family I’ve been following for years. What really stood out to me is how Sylvain Reynard explores the shift in Gabriel and Julia’s lives now that baby Clare is here. You can literally feel the tension between ambition and responsibility as Gabriel faces the opportunity in Edinburgh. What I loved most was how real the emotional conflict felt nobody is perfect, and both Gabriel and Julia make choices that show their vulnerability.

[Lucas Heyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Bury’s Wildfire is an intense, fast-paced mystery that blends environmental disaster with legal intrigue. I really enjoyed Tara as a protagonist smart, strong, and very human. The wildfire setting added urgency and weight to the story, and I liked how real it all felt. I was surprised by the ending, which I didn’t see coming. A few slow parts, but overall, a solid read that kept me engaged.

[Joan Waite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mysterious....

Wildfire has a well laid out plot and Scott has obviously researched wines and wine making for the book. There were a couple of "scenes" that Tara's character hinted of a male author, but overall a good story.

[Barb Krater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely lived the book. I found it very hard to put down once I started reading it. I hope there is another book to come in this series real soon.