What do you think?
Rate this book
Peter Clancy #5
Flamekeeper
Peter Clancy is in the US to see Stella Reimers receive a Pulitzer for the story he uncovered. As the newly-appointed news editor at her hometown newspaper, the San Francisco Daily, Stella convinces Peter to become its chief crime reporter. But Peter is tired of crime reporting, and wants to do more serious investigative journalism--hoping to earn a Pulitzer in his own name.
Using crime reporting to open doors, Peter is soon using his new informants and SFPD contacts to investigate multiple leads that might result in that big story--will it be the unsolved serial killings, the hate crimes against San Fran's gay population, or the dodgy goings-on at a new evangelist church?
As his boss, Stella wants Peter to leave some stories in the past--including her own past. When the death threats start coming in from 'the Flamekeeper', Peter is more determined than ever to join the dots. There will indeed be a day of reckoning, but not the one the Flamekeeper has planned--not if Peter Clancy has anything to do with it.
"I think Lawless is on his way to being a crime writer to watch..." The Blurb
"Peter Clancy is an amalgam of characters from crime fiction and film noir--a world-weary type" Sydney Telegraph
Flamekeeper is the fifth book in the Peter Clancy series.
Using crime reporting to open doors, Peter is soon using his new informants and SFPD contacts to investigate multiple leads that might result in that big story--will it be the unsolved serial killings, the hate crimes against San Fran's gay population, or the dodgy goings-on at a new evangelist church?
As his boss, Stella wants Peter to leave some stories in the past--including her own past. When the death threats start coming in from 'the Flamekeeper', Peter is more determined than ever to join the dots. There will indeed be a day of reckoning, but not the one the Flamekeeper has planned--not if Peter Clancy has anything to do with it.
"I think Lawless is on his way to being a crime writer to watch..." The Blurb
"Peter Clancy is an amalgam of characters from crime fiction and film noir--a world-weary type" Sydney Telegraph
Flamekeeper is the fifth book in the Peter Clancy series.
- GenresCrime
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2019
5 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
T.W. Lawless
8 books709 followersBest-selling author of the Peter Clancy series.
T.W. is the author of seven thrillers, including two Amazon Kindle best-sellers (Homecountry and Thornydevils), as well as the co-writer with Kay Bell of the murder-mystery, Furey’s War.
A new Peter Clancy book is released. It is the sixth in the series.
His wife, Kay Bell, is also a best-selling author.
T.W. is the author of seven thrillers, including two Amazon Kindle best-sellers (Homecountry and Thornydevils), as well as the co-writer with Kay Bell of the murder-mystery, Furey’s War.
A new Peter Clancy book is released. It is the sixth in the series.
His wife, Kay Bell, is also a best-selling author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 8, 2019
Peter Clancy's in San Fran this time, and he's teamed up with old gal pal Stella Reimers, who we first met in Thornydevils. I was so glad to see Stella's return: as far as I'm concerned there can never be too many strong, unapologetic, well-written female characters like her.
Clancy's become the new chief crime reporter for the San Francisco Daily and, in the best traditions of Gonzo/Clancy journalism, he's front-and-center when the s**t's going down. And let me tell you, there's plenty of that!
Long story short, it's San Fran in the time of AIDS, but it's far from maudlin. There's a lot of finger pointing, not least by leaders of the latest cult religion. Clancy's keen to solve cold-case serial killings, that everyone else would sooner forget.
Typical of TW Lawless, it's a no-holds-barred, well-crafted thriller, full of riveting characters and sassy dialogue. He weaves his own brand of irreverent humor through the book, making it a rollicking ride.
Clancy's become the new chief crime reporter for the San Francisco Daily and, in the best traditions of Gonzo/Clancy journalism, he's front-and-center when the s**t's going down. And let me tell you, there's plenty of that!
Long story short, it's San Fran in the time of AIDS, but it's far from maudlin. There's a lot of finger pointing, not least by leaders of the latest cult religion. Clancy's keen to solve cold-case serial killings, that everyone else would sooner forget.
Typical of TW Lawless, it's a no-holds-barred, well-crafted thriller, full of riveting characters and sassy dialogue. He weaves his own brand of irreverent humor through the book, making it a rollicking ride.
August 7, 2019
FLAMEKEEPER is the 5th book in the Peter Clancy series, and the first not to be set around the mean streets of Melbourne, within the context of The Truth Newspaper. A real-life sensationalist weekly paper that liked nothing better than personal scandal and a spot of stirring of the pot (some of us are likely to still remember The Truth - it folded from memory around 1995).
Clancy, and his mate Stella Reimers, are good old fashioned newspaper hacks, although Reimers has risen to the lofty heights of news editor of her hometown newspaper, the San Francisco Daily, which sees Clancy in the US, appointed the paper's chief crime reporter. He's sick to death of crime reporting, and wants to do more hard-hitting investigative work. Reimers receiving "his" Pulitzer prize, for a story of his making, rankles a bit, but these two are also old friends. Capable of even sharing a living abode (platonic) for a while, even though there's tension aplenty between them - not just because of the Pulitzer mind you. There's tension aplenty all round really - the staff of the San Francisco Daily haven't quite seen anything like Stella Reimers before, and her my way or the bloody highway toots sweet style rankles, as does Clancy's sod it, get the story and stop faffing about approach.
With this book set in the early 1970's, and the move to the US, there's a little bit of a different feel to FLAMEKEEPER than there was in the earlier books. Clancy's a tiny bit of a fish out of water, and it's fascinating to see the way that newspaper's chased stories and broke news, pre-internet and the 24-hour news cycle that plagues our existence these days. The investigation that Clancy finds himself in for this novel follows a series of unsolved murders and hate crimes against the gay population, centred around the worst of the AIDS crisis and the rise of one of those awful evangelist churches.
As the tension and the threat around the investigation rises, the tension in Clancy and Reimers friendship follows suit, and everything starts to feel like for once in his life Clancy's in way too deep, with no way out.
If you're new to the Peter Clancy series, then FLAMEKEEPER will work as an entry point, although you will find yourself wanting to go back to the start, with a quick reminder that this is a new setting for this series. It's always been one of those series that feels like it deserves a wider following, and interest though. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Peter Clancy (although I hasten to add that feeling does not come from any sense of affection for The Truth). Perhaps I'm old enough now to enjoy a bit of nostalgia.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Clancy, and his mate Stella Reimers, are good old fashioned newspaper hacks, although Reimers has risen to the lofty heights of news editor of her hometown newspaper, the San Francisco Daily, which sees Clancy in the US, appointed the paper's chief crime reporter. He's sick to death of crime reporting, and wants to do more hard-hitting investigative work. Reimers receiving "his" Pulitzer prize, for a story of his making, rankles a bit, but these two are also old friends. Capable of even sharing a living abode (platonic) for a while, even though there's tension aplenty between them - not just because of the Pulitzer mind you. There's tension aplenty all round really - the staff of the San Francisco Daily haven't quite seen anything like Stella Reimers before, and her my way or the bloody highway toots sweet style rankles, as does Clancy's sod it, get the story and stop faffing about approach.
With this book set in the early 1970's, and the move to the US, there's a little bit of a different feel to FLAMEKEEPER than there was in the earlier books. Clancy's a tiny bit of a fish out of water, and it's fascinating to see the way that newspaper's chased stories and broke news, pre-internet and the 24-hour news cycle that plagues our existence these days. The investigation that Clancy finds himself in for this novel follows a series of unsolved murders and hate crimes against the gay population, centred around the worst of the AIDS crisis and the rise of one of those awful evangelist churches.
As the tension and the threat around the investigation rises, the tension in Clancy and Reimers friendship follows suit, and everything starts to feel like for once in his life Clancy's in way too deep, with no way out.
If you're new to the Peter Clancy series, then FLAMEKEEPER will work as an entry point, although you will find yourself wanting to go back to the start, with a quick reminder that this is a new setting for this series. It's always been one of those series that feels like it deserves a wider following, and interest though. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Peter Clancy (although I hasten to add that feeling does not come from any sense of affection for The Truth). Perhaps I'm old enough now to enjoy a bit of nostalgia.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Read
June 17, 2019The Flamekeeper was a very interesting book. It was a kind a book that keeps you intrigued, I never wanted to put it down. I think something that stood out in the book that made sense the more you read it was how the chapters are named in the date and place that the story took place in that chapter. What made it such a good book, you were never confused before you go into a chapter you were able to paint a picture in your head about the setting and time in history it was taken place in. I am really interested on reading the next book to see what is in store for the characters like Claudia and peter, as well as how Stella is after her surgery, what is in story for the daily? And so on. I would most definitely recommend this book to friends and family especially my sisters because they are a part of the LGBTQ community and so all the event that transpired I know they would interested in it. I also think you chose the best state to have this take place in just everything about the story was great.
March 24, 2020
Flamekeeper is a great read that makes a parallel between the 70´s and 00´s in San Francisco. It tells a story full of prejudice, hate, fanatics in a misleading cult and crime. It also covers the life of two friends - great reporters - who will not leave a stone unturned until they reach the thruth. The story shows how much prejudice the gay community in SF suffered during the years - even or specially - from the authorities who were supposed to safeguard their well being and how the AIDS epidemics was initially so badly dealt with. One other topic that the story mentions is our mortality and how it affects our daily lives once we face it. It´s a book full of action and information and once you start reading it you don´t want to stop.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author/Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author/Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2020
This is a great book on many levels. It deals with a serial killer targeting homosexuals, fanatic religions, and Peter Clancy's induction into American culture. The characters are very realistic and have depth. The writing is clear and direct. The plot takes the reader through present and past mysteries, and through the beginnings of a romance. I hope the title doesn't throw people off because this is an excellent thriller. The ending is both exciting and heart-warming.
May 10, 2019
Another great read! Peter’s search for a serial killer, the investigation into the church, all very exciting. Beside the serious subjects, there are still plenty of humorous moments. What’s next for Peter?
July 17, 2019
Another action packed crime fiction from Tom Bell featuring protagonist Peter Clancy. The fifth in the series it leaves the reader wanting to know what next for Peter Clancy- unlucky in love? Guess we will all have to wait to see when Bell unleashes number 6. Hope it’s not a long wait.
May 24, 2019
Peter Clancy is in the US to see Stella Reimers receive a Pulitzer for the story he uncovered. As the newly-appointed news editor at her hometown newspaper, the San Francisco Daily, Stella convinces Peter to become its chief crime reporter. But Peter is tired of crime reporting, and wants to do more serious investigative journalism—hoping to earn a Pulitzer in his own name.
Using crime reporting to open doors, Peter is soon using his new informants and SFPD contacts to investigate multiple leads that might result in that big story—will it be the unsolved serial killings, the hate crimes against San Fran’s gay population, or the dodgy goings-on at a new evangelist church?
As his boss, Stella wants Peter to leave some stories in the past—including her own past. When the death threats start coming in from ‘the Flamekeeper’, Peter is more determined than ever to join the dots. There will indeed be a day of reckoning, but not the one the Flamekeeper has planned—not if Peter Clancy has anything to do with it.
This was a really great read.
A really thrilling and entertaining read
Great plot and storyline.
Really well developed characters.
An all around excellent read.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy from the author and this is my own honest voluntary review.
Using crime reporting to open doors, Peter is soon using his new informants and SFPD contacts to investigate multiple leads that might result in that big story—will it be the unsolved serial killings, the hate crimes against San Fran’s gay population, or the dodgy goings-on at a new evangelist church?
As his boss, Stella wants Peter to leave some stories in the past—including her own past. When the death threats start coming in from ‘the Flamekeeper’, Peter is more determined than ever to join the dots. There will indeed be a day of reckoning, but not the one the Flamekeeper has planned—not if Peter Clancy has anything to do with it.
This was a really great read.
A really thrilling and entertaining read
Great plot and storyline.
Really well developed characters.
An all around excellent read.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy from the author and this is my own honest voluntary review.
June 5, 2019
Although this is the 5th book of the Peter Clancy series it does well as a standalone novel. The characters are well developed and the writing is taught and not too "wordy". It's the story of a crime reporter who's work is his lover, looking for that great story that earns him a Pulitzer. After having recently moved to San Francisco with the new Daily news editor he soon finds plenty of action to help him towards his goal. I found this readable tale's mix of story and action well balanced and fast paced. I recommend this one and look forward to catching up with previous books in the series.
Thank you TW Lawless for the copy to enjoy and review.
Thank you TW Lawless for the copy to enjoy and review.
May 4, 2019
Flamekeeper is T.W. Lawless at his best. A gifted storyteller coupled with a great storyline. Flamekeeper is a “cant put it down” thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat right up to the last page.
T.W. Lawless lives up to his reputation as a world class crime writer.
T.W. Lawless lives up to his reputation as a world class crime writer.
March 30, 2020
The book was a little confusing at first as it jumped back and forth from 70s to 90s, but it didn't take too long to figure out. I had not read the previous Clancy books, but the characters were well written and the story made sense without any back history. The MC is definitely a workaholic and slightly crazy, but it fits the story. There is a good mystery and lots of action in it. I will be looking for more of T.W. Lawless' Peter Clancy books.
I was given an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review.
I was given an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review.
June 2, 2019
FLAMEKEEPER
Peter Clancy Series (Book 5)
TW LAWLESS
Review by Roy Murry, Author
This book is the second of the series I have read, and it stands alone crossing the USA and introducing new characters. Peter's self-confidence is still battling the criminal element with his investigative style.
Peter Clancy's astute cognitive thinking gets him into cliff-hanging episodes the ordinary reporter wouldn't venture. Helping an SFPD inspector, he gets inside information that evolves into front-page news and Peter very close to the criminal element.
In the FLAMEKEEPER, TW's protagonist becomes one of the main characters of his news stories because he is so close to the flame he may burn. These close encounters are thrilling enough to keep the reader involved at a good reading pace.
This novel is entertaining and keeps the reader connected. Everything I look for in a good read, page turner.
Peter Clancy Series (Book 5)
TW LAWLESS
Review by Roy Murry, Author
This book is the second of the series I have read, and it stands alone crossing the USA and introducing new characters. Peter's self-confidence is still battling the criminal element with his investigative style.
Peter Clancy's astute cognitive thinking gets him into cliff-hanging episodes the ordinary reporter wouldn't venture. Helping an SFPD inspector, he gets inside information that evolves into front-page news and Peter very close to the criminal element.
In the FLAMEKEEPER, TW's protagonist becomes one of the main characters of his news stories because he is so close to the flame he may burn. These close encounters are thrilling enough to keep the reader involved at a good reading pace.
This novel is entertaining and keeps the reader connected. Everything I look for in a good read, page turner.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews