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Trial by Fire: A Devastating Tragedy, 100 Lives Lost, and A 15-Year Search for Truth
In only 90 seconds, a fire in the Station nightclub killed 100 people and injured hundreds more. It would take nearly 20 years to find out why—and who was really at fault.
All it took for a hundred people to die during a show by the hair metal band Great White was a sudden burst from two giant sparklers that ignited the acoustical foam lining the Station nightclub. But who was at fault? And who would pay? This being Rhode Island, the two questions wouldn't necessarily have the same answer.
Within 24 hours the governor of Rhode Island and the local police commissioner were calling for criminal charges, although the investigation had barely begun, no real evidence had been gathered, and many of the victims hadn't been identified. Though many parties could be held responsible, fingers pointed quickly at the two brothers who owned the club. But were they really to blame? Bestselling author and three-time Emmy Award-winning reporter Scott James investigates all the central figures, including the band's manager and lead singer, the fire inspector, the maker of the acoustical foam, as well as the brothers. Drawing on firsthand accounts, interviews with many involved, and court documents, James explores the rush to judgment about what happened that left the victims and their families, whose stories he also tells, desperate for justice.
Trial By Fire is the heart-wrenching story of the fire's aftermath because while the fire, one of America's deadliest, lasted fewer than two minutes, the search for the truth would take twenty years.
All it took for a hundred people to die during a show by the hair metal band Great White was a sudden burst from two giant sparklers that ignited the acoustical foam lining the Station nightclub. But who was at fault? And who would pay? This being Rhode Island, the two questions wouldn't necessarily have the same answer.
Within 24 hours the governor of Rhode Island and the local police commissioner were calling for criminal charges, although the investigation had barely begun, no real evidence had been gathered, and many of the victims hadn't been identified. Though many parties could be held responsible, fingers pointed quickly at the two brothers who owned the club. But were they really to blame? Bestselling author and three-time Emmy Award-winning reporter Scott James investigates all the central figures, including the band's manager and lead singer, the fire inspector, the maker of the acoustical foam, as well as the brothers. Drawing on firsthand accounts, interviews with many involved, and court documents, James explores the rush to judgment about what happened that left the victims and their families, whose stories he also tells, desperate for justice.
Trial By Fire is the heart-wrenching story of the fire's aftermath because while the fire, one of America's deadliest, lasted fewer than two minutes, the search for the truth would take twenty years.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2020
113 people are currently reading
2590 people want to read
About the author
Scott James
1 book53 followersScott James is the author of TRIAL BY FIRE, the story of the Station nightclub fire that killed 100 when the rock band Great White ignited fireworks as part of its show. Since 2009 Scott's reporting has appeared in The New York Times, and he is the recipient of three Emmy Awards for his work in television news. He’s also the author of two bestselling novels, SoMa and The Sower, written under the pen name Kemble Scott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
October 31, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
TRIAL BY FIRE: A Devastating Tragedy, 100 Lives Lost and a 15-Year Search for Truth by Scott James is a new nonfiction book about the horrific fire at The Station nightclub in 2003. The author uses exhaustive research and intersperses personal accounts into a work of nonfiction that reads as easily as a work of fiction. I could not put it down!
It was supposed to be a night of fun and partying watching the hair metal band Great White perform at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island. After local warm-up bands, the lights go out and suddenly the band’s road manager sets off four large pyrotechnics which catch the foam on the back wall on fire. The foam is on all of the walls and ceiling and is as effective as gasoline at spreading the fire and within seconds the inside is filled with a black fog of smoke and the entire building is engulfed in flames.
The author takes the reader through the entire tragedy and introduces the reader through family and friends accounts to some of the individuals who died that day, some of the survivor’s stories and the families of both. Then the story follows the investigations into who is responsible, while continuing to intersperse victim’s stories. The author points out the mistakes made and reported and the series of events and decisions that led to unintended consequences and the terrible number of deaths.
I was completely engrossed in this story. (I remember the terrible story when it was on the national news, but like all other news stories, unless you were personally affected it fades from your life.) Mr. James takes the reader to the very beginning and through his research and the passage of time which separates actual facts from the hype and rush to judgement immediately after an event like this, he writes a narrative that illuminates the cascade of errors made and continues to follow survivor’s stories. I believe the author does an excellent job of illuminating the truth about the good and bad of all the major players involved in this tragedy.
I highly recommend this book!
TRIAL BY FIRE: A Devastating Tragedy, 100 Lives Lost and a 15-Year Search for Truth by Scott James is a new nonfiction book about the horrific fire at The Station nightclub in 2003. The author uses exhaustive research and intersperses personal accounts into a work of nonfiction that reads as easily as a work of fiction. I could not put it down!
It was supposed to be a night of fun and partying watching the hair metal band Great White perform at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island. After local warm-up bands, the lights go out and suddenly the band’s road manager sets off four large pyrotechnics which catch the foam on the back wall on fire. The foam is on all of the walls and ceiling and is as effective as gasoline at spreading the fire and within seconds the inside is filled with a black fog of smoke and the entire building is engulfed in flames.
The author takes the reader through the entire tragedy and introduces the reader through family and friends accounts to some of the individuals who died that day, some of the survivor’s stories and the families of both. Then the story follows the investigations into who is responsible, while continuing to intersperse victim’s stories. The author points out the mistakes made and reported and the series of events and decisions that led to unintended consequences and the terrible number of deaths.
I was completely engrossed in this story. (I remember the terrible story when it was on the national news, but like all other news stories, unless you were personally affected it fades from your life.) Mr. James takes the reader to the very beginning and through his research and the passage of time which separates actual facts from the hype and rush to judgement immediately after an event like this, he writes a narrative that illuminates the cascade of errors made and continues to follow survivor’s stories. I believe the author does an excellent job of illuminating the truth about the good and bad of all the major players involved in this tragedy.
I highly recommend this book!
November 5, 2020
4 Stars
July 19, 2020
This story about a tragedy in a club back in 2003 really got to me once I started reading it. I don’t know how you could read it and not be affected by it, really. It is so well-researched and told that you almost feel a part of things as you read along. I couldn’t help but feel for both the owners of the club, the brothers, but also the victims, those who got out, the ones who were injured and survived, the ones who perished; and the families of all of them. There was a lot to this story, it wasn’t so cut and dried and I found it fascinating. I plan to do more reading on it as I plan to find some of the other books that are mentioned about it in this book. I’ve already seen the video that was captured that night it happened by pure happenstance, and it was horrifying to see it after reading the book. It's totally haunting to watch anytime, knowing that 96 souls died in that space, with 4 more losing their battle in the hospital later.
I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn more about this famous case, perhaps ready for a fresh perspective, or interested in this type of non-fiction book. Just be warned that it is very heavy subject matter if you are of delicate nerves. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, the author Scott James, and publisher for my unbiased review.
I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn more about this famous case, perhaps ready for a fresh perspective, or interested in this type of non-fiction book. Just be warned that it is very heavy subject matter if you are of delicate nerves. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, the author Scott James, and publisher for my unbiased review.
October 27, 2020
TRIAL BY FIRE
BY SCOTT JAMES
I remember hearing about this tragedy vaguely at the time it happened but nothing prepared me for the abject horror the victims survivors and those that perished endured. I had seen this band Great White perform in the early 1990's and I can't remember if they used pyrotechnics at that time. In Warwick, Rhode Island on February 20, 2003 at approximately at 11:07 PM 100 people lost their lives and many more were burned so severely that they had to be put in medically induced comas. Scott James has written an informative account of what happened to start the fire that was the worst night club fire this century.
I felt reading this that the author has tried to give a balanced account as possible letting the reader decide just who was at fault and who acted irresponsibly in the aftermath. The victims and the police and prosecution were quick to criminalize the fire that broke out at the nightclub called The Station. I feel that the owners of the nightclub got a raw deal in what I read. I think that the band Great White and the member of the band that set the pyrotechnic's was more culpable than the night club owners. I feel that the owners were unfairly demonized and they had no idea that the band was going to use pyrotechnic's that set the fire. There is mention of the highly combustible foam to soundproof the nightclub surrounding the stage combined with the flames that shot 15 feet high with twelve foot ceilings was the cause of the rapidly highly inflatable fire. The fire inspector failed to illuminate that the sound proofing foam could be a fire hazard yet he was not blamed.
This is definitely a horrific part of history and my heart goes out to all of the innocent people in the club that night both the survivors whose lives were changed forever and those poor souls who perished. I also feel bad for the owners of the nightclub and don't feel like it was their fault because they had not given the band Great White permission to use pyrotechnic's during their concert. Furthermore they didn't have any idea that the foam sound proofing that they had installed was highly combustible. I think that the person who set off the fireworks was more culpable than the owners and also Jack Russell the singer of the band was never held responsible. I am basing these thoughts on the narrative of this book which is said to have used court documents and eyewitness testimony. I feel badly that such a horrible incident happened but feel that the band should have been held more responsible because they did not have permission or a fire permit and I feel like the owners were treated unfairly.
The more that I think about this horrendous tragedy the more I think it was an accident. Nobody would purposefully cause such unthinkable suffering on anybody. I don't think that the authorities should have prosecuted anybody criminally unless the blame was placed on the breaking of laws, which there were. I still love the music but feel that if there was blame placed and there was it should have equally included the fire inspector and the band not just the owners. I do think that the suffering that killed 100 people and the multitude of survivors suffered unthinkable pain but I found that the way the authorities handled the prosecutions and rush to judgement was not fair and equitable.
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, Scott James and St. Martin's for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TrialByFire #ScottJames #StMartin's #NetGalley
BY SCOTT JAMES
I remember hearing about this tragedy vaguely at the time it happened but nothing prepared me for the abject horror the victims survivors and those that perished endured. I had seen this band Great White perform in the early 1990's and I can't remember if they used pyrotechnics at that time. In Warwick, Rhode Island on February 20, 2003 at approximately at 11:07 PM 100 people lost their lives and many more were burned so severely that they had to be put in medically induced comas. Scott James has written an informative account of what happened to start the fire that was the worst night club fire this century.
I felt reading this that the author has tried to give a balanced account as possible letting the reader decide just who was at fault and who acted irresponsibly in the aftermath. The victims and the police and prosecution were quick to criminalize the fire that broke out at the nightclub called The Station. I feel that the owners of the nightclub got a raw deal in what I read. I think that the band Great White and the member of the band that set the pyrotechnic's was more culpable than the night club owners. I feel that the owners were unfairly demonized and they had no idea that the band was going to use pyrotechnic's that set the fire. There is mention of the highly combustible foam to soundproof the nightclub surrounding the stage combined with the flames that shot 15 feet high with twelve foot ceilings was the cause of the rapidly highly inflatable fire. The fire inspector failed to illuminate that the sound proofing foam could be a fire hazard yet he was not blamed.
This is definitely a horrific part of history and my heart goes out to all of the innocent people in the club that night both the survivors whose lives were changed forever and those poor souls who perished. I also feel bad for the owners of the nightclub and don't feel like it was their fault because they had not given the band Great White permission to use pyrotechnic's during their concert. Furthermore they didn't have any idea that the foam sound proofing that they had installed was highly combustible. I think that the person who set off the fireworks was more culpable than the owners and also Jack Russell the singer of the band was never held responsible. I am basing these thoughts on the narrative of this book which is said to have used court documents and eyewitness testimony. I feel badly that such a horrible incident happened but feel that the band should have been held more responsible because they did not have permission or a fire permit and I feel like the owners were treated unfairly.
The more that I think about this horrendous tragedy the more I think it was an accident. Nobody would purposefully cause such unthinkable suffering on anybody. I don't think that the authorities should have prosecuted anybody criminally unless the blame was placed on the breaking of laws, which there were. I still love the music but feel that if there was blame placed and there was it should have equally included the fire inspector and the band not just the owners. I do think that the suffering that killed 100 people and the multitude of survivors suffered unthinkable pain but I found that the way the authorities handled the prosecutions and rush to judgement was not fair and equitable.
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, Scott James and St. Martin's for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TrialByFire #ScottJames #StMartin's #NetGalley
July 19, 2020
This story about a tragedy in a club back in 2003 really got to me once I started reading it. I don’t know how you could read it and not be affected by it, really. It is so well-researched and told that you almost feel a part of things as you read along. I couldn’t help but feel for both the owners of the club, the brothers, but also the victims, those who got out, the ones who were injured and survived, the ones who perished; and the families of all of them. There was a lot to this story, it wasn’t so cut and dried and I found it fascinating. I plan to do more reading on it as I plan to find some of the other books that are mentioned about it in this book. I’ve already seen the video that was captured that night it happened by pure happenstance, and it was horrifying to see it after reading the book. It's totally haunting to watch anytime, knowing that 96 souls died in that space, with 4 more losing their battle in the hospital later.
I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn more about this famous case, perhaps ready for a fresh perspective, or interested in this type of non-fiction book. Just be warned that it is very heavy subject matter if you are of delicate nerves. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, the author Scott James, and publisher for my unbiased review.
I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn more about this famous case, perhaps ready for a fresh perspective, or interested in this type of non-fiction book. Just be warned that it is very heavy subject matter if you are of delicate nerves. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, the author Scott James, and publisher for my unbiased review.
October 27, 2020
Trial by Fire is a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of a tragedy that afflicted people from all walks of life. On February 20, 2003, the deadliest rock concert in U.S. history took place at a roadhouse called The Station in West Warwick, Rhode Island. That night, in the few minutes it takes to play a hard-rock standard, the fate of many of the unsuspecting nightclub patrons was determined with awful certainty. The blaze was ignited when pyrotechnics set off by Great White, a 1980s heavy-metal band, lit flammable polyurethane “egg crate” foam sound insulation on the club’s walls.
In less than 10 minutes, 96 people were dead and 200 more were injured, many catastrophically. The final death toll topped out, three months later, at the eerily unlikely round number of 100. The story of the fire, its causes, and its legal and human aftermath is one of lives put at risk by petty economic decisions―by a band, club owners, promoters, building inspectors, and product manufacturers. Any one of those decisions, made differently, might have averted the tragedy. Together, however, they reached a fatal critical mass.
This is a well written and thoroughly researched exploration of the chain of events leading up to the fire, the conflagration itself, and the painstaking search for evidence to hold the guilty to account and obtain justice for the victims. With newly uncovered evidence and interviews, and a narrative punctuated with the stories of some of the victims, James does a superb job of casting a critical journalistic eye over all parties involved. A compassionate, engaging and eminently readable work and investigative journalism at its finest. Many thanks to Thomas Dunne Books for an ARC.
In less than 10 minutes, 96 people were dead and 200 more were injured, many catastrophically. The final death toll topped out, three months later, at the eerily unlikely round number of 100. The story of the fire, its causes, and its legal and human aftermath is one of lives put at risk by petty economic decisions―by a band, club owners, promoters, building inspectors, and product manufacturers. Any one of those decisions, made differently, might have averted the tragedy. Together, however, they reached a fatal critical mass.
This is a well written and thoroughly researched exploration of the chain of events leading up to the fire, the conflagration itself, and the painstaking search for evidence to hold the guilty to account and obtain justice for the victims. With newly uncovered evidence and interviews, and a narrative punctuated with the stories of some of the victims, James does a superb job of casting a critical journalistic eye over all parties involved. A compassionate, engaging and eminently readable work and investigative journalism at its finest. Many thanks to Thomas Dunne Books for an ARC.
September 21, 2020
This is an incredibly moving account of a recent tragedy that killed a hundred people and injured hundreds more. The Station was a prominent live music venue that hosted various bands in West Warwick, Rhode Island. In February 2003, a band called Great White set off fireworks at the start of their set, which caused the nightclub to catch fire and literally burn down in a matter of minutes. This book details the incident with precision while honouring the victims of this horrific event. What exactly happened? Why were so many trapped inside? And who is responsible? These questions and many more are explored in detail that help illustrate what happened that night and how it could have been prevented.
Having no previous awareness of this tragedy, I was hooked from the first chapter and eager to learn what happened to survivors and those responsible. It was a heartbreaking story that provided a glimpse of the pain, anger, guilt, and perseverance that the individuals involved experienced. It seemed incredibly well researched and written, providing a balanced perspective of that night and the events that followed. Readers who enjoy true crime will not want to miss reading this book.
A gracious thank you to St Martin’s Press for offering me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having no previous awareness of this tragedy, I was hooked from the first chapter and eager to learn what happened to survivors and those responsible. It was a heartbreaking story that provided a glimpse of the pain, anger, guilt, and perseverance that the individuals involved experienced. It seemed incredibly well researched and written, providing a balanced perspective of that night and the events that followed. Readers who enjoy true crime will not want to miss reading this book.
A gracious thank you to St Martin’s Press for offering me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2023
Sad but true story!
May 19, 2020
A thorough, thoughtful, harrowing account of the Station nightclub fire and aftermath. Despite living in Boston when it happened, I was in a college student bubble so I knew of the fire generally but few of the details. I think that helped me, going in somewhat cold. The book largely exists as a way to give a thorough accounting of all "sides"--including from people who have never been formally interviewed before. Ultimately, the book is an accounting of what happened, as well as an analysis of the aftermath and how government corruption in Rhode Island, as well as high emotions in the media impacted how those responsible were held to account--or not.
James is a Rhode Island native, and he infuses the book with tons of character and context, re: the place and the people. James anchors the book with three profiles: survivors Gina Russo and Phil Barr, and nightclub co-owner (and survivor) Jeffery Derderian. Jeffery and his brother Michael, co-owner of the club, are really the central focus of the book--they were vilified by the media and victim's families, and this book is them setting the record straight. (That is not to cast any blame on said victim's families--they believed what they heard and were justifiably angry, but the media and government officials should be ashamed.)
That said, the book doesn't suffer from an abundance of bias. James is a meticulous reporter--he counters false claims (made in the media, in particular the Providence Journal) with facts from both primary sources and multiple sources. Meaning, the things that help to clear the brothers' names, in part, are straightforward pieces of evidence that were withheld from the public and deserve to be shared/known. He also is fair--negative aspects of the brothers' and other individuals are included along side positive. The book offers a nuanced understanding of what happened, particularly after the fire.
And then the survivors: I was on the edge of my seat at the beginning, as James pulls you in to interweaving stories of that night but you don't know who lived or died, or to what degree anyone was or wasn't injured. I cared so deeply about everyone, and the book made me cry multiple times, especially at the end. If you are sensitive to tragedy and graphic depictions, this book may be too much. It is a harrowing and haunting read, worth it if you can push through the horror of that night. James puts humanity on display--the good, bad, ugly, and the beautiful--the way all the best pieces of narrative journalism do. The dichotomy between survivors and victims' families, the differences in grief styles, feelings over the outcome of the trial, and the callous responses from Jack Russell himself were especially fascinating.
This book will stay with me. I highly recommend it.
James is a Rhode Island native, and he infuses the book with tons of character and context, re: the place and the people. James anchors the book with three profiles: survivors Gina Russo and Phil Barr, and nightclub co-owner (and survivor) Jeffery Derderian. Jeffery and his brother Michael, co-owner of the club, are really the central focus of the book--they were vilified by the media and victim's families, and this book is them setting the record straight. (That is not to cast any blame on said victim's families--they believed what they heard and were justifiably angry, but the media and government officials should be ashamed.)
That said, the book doesn't suffer from an abundance of bias. James is a meticulous reporter--he counters false claims (made in the media, in particular the Providence Journal) with facts from both primary sources and multiple sources. Meaning, the things that help to clear the brothers' names, in part, are straightforward pieces of evidence that were withheld from the public and deserve to be shared/known. He also is fair--negative aspects of the brothers' and other individuals are included along side positive. The book offers a nuanced understanding of what happened, particularly after the fire.
And then the survivors: I was on the edge of my seat at the beginning, as James pulls you in to interweaving stories of that night but you don't know who lived or died, or to what degree anyone was or wasn't injured. I cared so deeply about everyone, and the book made me cry multiple times, especially at the end. If you are sensitive to tragedy and graphic depictions, this book may be too much. It is a harrowing and haunting read, worth it if you can push through the horror of that night. James puts humanity on display--the good, bad, ugly, and the beautiful--the way all the best pieces of narrative journalism do. The dichotomy between survivors and victims' families, the differences in grief styles, feelings over the outcome of the trial, and the callous responses from Jack Russell himself were especially fascinating.
This book will stay with me. I highly recommend it.
May 26, 2021
A stunning tour-de-force of journalism, “Trial By Fire” by Scott James is the definitive, comprehensive story of the The Station fire on February 20, 2003 at a Great White concert.
One hundred people lost their lives that night, people who wanted to enjoy some live rock music and dance and drink with their friends. The small, working-class town was devastated by the loss of so many of their friends and family members.
Answers about what caused the fire and who was to blame were unclear and shifted often. James’s reporting and writing is phenomenal, the absolute gold standard of journalism, and he really allows the reader to delve into deep detail of that night and the aftermath.
I was a 16 year old girl when the tragedy occurred, and Great White was a band I often listened to as I discovered 80s hair metal for the first time. I wanted to teleport back to that era, the big hair, sex, guitars, and glamour of the time. I spent my free time seeking out 80s rock memorabilia on eBay, posting on an 80s themed message board called 80sXchange, listening to CDs, hiding blue eyeliner from my mom, and repeat watching of VH1 specials. I was in deep.
I remember the news of The Station fire, and connecting to AOL to read articles on popular 80s site Metal Sludge about the tragedy. It hit me hard. These were rockers out for “nothin but a good time” as the Poison song went, and 100 people between the ages of 18-46 lost their lives in a brutal way. Hundreds more were severely burned and horribly injured. KISS once sang “these are my people, this is my crowd, this is our music, and we love it loud” in a song that’s a tribute to the camaraderie and passion of rock n roll fans.
In the next few years, I’d see myriad 80s rock bands in concert: Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard, Winger, Cinderella, Skid Row, Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat, Whitesnake, Tesla, Alice Cooper, Metallica, Iron Maiden.
But I never saw Great White live.
I listen to their music - “Save Your Love” is one of my favorite songs of all time - but they are inextricably linked to the death of people I could have stood next to at shows.
Had they lived.
Had so many people not failed them. From the club owners, to the band, the band’s tour manager, the person who sold the extremely flammable foam to coat the walls of the club when the owners requested non-flammable “sound foam”, to the fire inspector who failed to notice the foam hazard. To a bouncer who may have blocked fans from exiting in the first few seconds of the blaze.
So many people failed these fans, except Scott James, whose book is a tragic, respectful, and excellent recount of the fire and everything that came after. A rare 6/5 stars for me.
One hundred people lost their lives that night, people who wanted to enjoy some live rock music and dance and drink with their friends. The small, working-class town was devastated by the loss of so many of their friends and family members.
Answers about what caused the fire and who was to blame were unclear and shifted often. James’s reporting and writing is phenomenal, the absolute gold standard of journalism, and he really allows the reader to delve into deep detail of that night and the aftermath.
I was a 16 year old girl when the tragedy occurred, and Great White was a band I often listened to as I discovered 80s hair metal for the first time. I wanted to teleport back to that era, the big hair, sex, guitars, and glamour of the time. I spent my free time seeking out 80s rock memorabilia on eBay, posting on an 80s themed message board called 80sXchange, listening to CDs, hiding blue eyeliner from my mom, and repeat watching of VH1 specials. I was in deep.
I remember the news of The Station fire, and connecting to AOL to read articles on popular 80s site Metal Sludge about the tragedy. It hit me hard. These were rockers out for “nothin but a good time” as the Poison song went, and 100 people between the ages of 18-46 lost their lives in a brutal way. Hundreds more were severely burned and horribly injured. KISS once sang “these are my people, this is my crowd, this is our music, and we love it loud” in a song that’s a tribute to the camaraderie and passion of rock n roll fans.
In the next few years, I’d see myriad 80s rock bands in concert: Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard, Winger, Cinderella, Skid Row, Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat, Whitesnake, Tesla, Alice Cooper, Metallica, Iron Maiden.
But I never saw Great White live.
I listen to their music - “Save Your Love” is one of my favorite songs of all time - but they are inextricably linked to the death of people I could have stood next to at shows.
Had they lived.
Had so many people not failed them. From the club owners, to the band, the band’s tour manager, the person who sold the extremely flammable foam to coat the walls of the club when the owners requested non-flammable “sound foam”, to the fire inspector who failed to notice the foam hazard. To a bouncer who may have blocked fans from exiting in the first few seconds of the blaze.
So many people failed these fans, except Scott James, whose book is a tragic, respectful, and excellent recount of the fire and everything that came after. A rare 6/5 stars for me.
November 10, 2020
Preventable tragedy and no justice. Decent read. The Killer Show: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert is a better read about this topic though.
October 19, 2020
I briefly remember hearing about this tragic event. It is very unfortunate that all these innocent lives were lost for some cool pyrotechnics. I can't even believe to really imagine what the survivors or rescuers endured through this whole ordeal. Although, in a way I kind of did have an idea by reading this book.
It is amazing when you think of the other music acts or events where pyrotechnics are still used. While, the safety code of buildings or arenas have improved, this does not mean that there is not still a risk. As with the Station fire; it was a combination of pyrotechnics, bad building code, and all around human disregard for safety rules. All it took was ninety seconds for hundreds of lives to be lost or injured in other words a flashover.
Taken from Wiki:
A flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of most of the directly exposed combustible material in an enclosed area. When certain organic materials are heated, they undergo thermal decomposition and release flammable gases. Flashover occurs when the majority of the exposed surfaces in a space are heated to their autoignition temperature and emit flammable gases (see also flash point). Flashover normally occurs at 500 °C (932 °F) or 590 °C (1,100 °F) for ordinary combustibles and an incident heat flux at floor level of 20 kilowatts per square metre (2.5 hp/sq ft).
An example of flashover is the ignition of a piece of furniture in a domestic room. The fire involving the initial piece of furniture can produce a layer of hot smoke, which spreads across the ceiling in the room. The hot buoyant smoke layer grows in depth, as it is bounded by the walls of the room. The radiated heat from this layer heats the surfaces of the directly exposed combustible materials in the room, causing them to give off flammable gases, via pyrolysis. When the temperatures of the evolved gases becomes high enough, these gases will ignite throughout their extent.
It is amazing when you think of the other music acts or events where pyrotechnics are still used. While, the safety code of buildings or arenas have improved, this does not mean that there is not still a risk. As with the Station fire; it was a combination of pyrotechnics, bad building code, and all around human disregard for safety rules. All it took was ninety seconds for hundreds of lives to be lost or injured in other words a flashover.
Taken from Wiki:
A flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of most of the directly exposed combustible material in an enclosed area. When certain organic materials are heated, they undergo thermal decomposition and release flammable gases. Flashover occurs when the majority of the exposed surfaces in a space are heated to their autoignition temperature and emit flammable gases (see also flash point). Flashover normally occurs at 500 °C (932 °F) or 590 °C (1,100 °F) for ordinary combustibles and an incident heat flux at floor level of 20 kilowatts per square metre (2.5 hp/sq ft).
An example of flashover is the ignition of a piece of furniture in a domestic room. The fire involving the initial piece of furniture can produce a layer of hot smoke, which spreads across the ceiling in the room. The hot buoyant smoke layer grows in depth, as it is bounded by the walls of the room. The radiated heat from this layer heats the surfaces of the directly exposed combustible materials in the room, causing them to give off flammable gases, via pyrolysis. When the temperatures of the evolved gases becomes high enough, these gases will ignite throughout their extent.
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November 12, 2021Ok so I just wrote one of the hardest reviews I’ve tackled on here and GLITCHREADS damn you disappeared it. I cannot recreate it again tonight. Just know I’m not giving a star rating on this book.
November 19, 2020
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for the finished copy of Trial by Fire in exchange for an honest review and feature! All opinions are my own!
I hadn’t heard of this tragedy but after a quick Google search (not recommended video viewing for the faint of heart) I became quickly interested. A reporter live at the scene, ironically there for a feature on safety, caught video of this rapidly unfolding horror show that created a mystery for years to come. This is an extremely readable and fast moving book for a nonfiction!
In Trial by Fire, Scott James looks at everyone’s side of the story. From the club owners to the club and band managers, the fire marshall, the foam company that sold the wrong insulation to the club owners, plus survivors, families of the deceased, and more, I feel like a really wide and unbiased portrayal of events was covered here. James even brings in Rhode Island history and legal precedents to set the scene for encountered attitudes and court proceedings. I appreciated the full disclosure elements too.
I think the most interesting part for me was how the media was so biased, and totally seems to have f**ked up a lot of the coverage and facts. The governor tried to clamp down on false information and the club owners tried to stay out of the crap slinging, but there is a really huge issue with bad media coverage and people rushing to believe it. I did learn a lot about how media works though. Another interesting part was … Well… I’m a nurse and love medical bits. I was morbidly fascinated while reading about people’s skin melting off as they tried to be pulled to safety, toxic smoke inhalation, flash points, and triage. Also the hospital coverage and burn treatments, especially the pulmonary advancements were super interesting to me. Thinking about this from a first responder perspective is truly horrifying. I can’t even imagine being inside or outside and just hearing all the screams stop, it’s too terrible to process fully
I learned a ton about everything from fire in general to safety codes, history, the legal system, and human nature by reading this book. I really highly recommend for anyone interested in true crime or investigative journalism type reads. Also there is a huge humanitarian aspect to the book and personal stories of many survivors and victims, if you enjoy a bittersweet success story.
I hadn’t heard of this tragedy but after a quick Google search (not recommended video viewing for the faint of heart) I became quickly interested. A reporter live at the scene, ironically there for a feature on safety, caught video of this rapidly unfolding horror show that created a mystery for years to come. This is an extremely readable and fast moving book for a nonfiction!
In Trial by Fire, Scott James looks at everyone’s side of the story. From the club owners to the club and band managers, the fire marshall, the foam company that sold the wrong insulation to the club owners, plus survivors, families of the deceased, and more, I feel like a really wide and unbiased portrayal of events was covered here. James even brings in Rhode Island history and legal precedents to set the scene for encountered attitudes and court proceedings. I appreciated the full disclosure elements too.
I think the most interesting part for me was how the media was so biased, and totally seems to have f**ked up a lot of the coverage and facts. The governor tried to clamp down on false information and the club owners tried to stay out of the crap slinging, but there is a really huge issue with bad media coverage and people rushing to believe it. I did learn a lot about how media works though. Another interesting part was … Well… I’m a nurse and love medical bits. I was morbidly fascinated while reading about people’s skin melting off as they tried to be pulled to safety, toxic smoke inhalation, flash points, and triage. Also the hospital coverage and burn treatments, especially the pulmonary advancements were super interesting to me. Thinking about this from a first responder perspective is truly horrifying. I can’t even imagine being inside or outside and just hearing all the screams stop, it’s too terrible to process fully
I learned a ton about everything from fire in general to safety codes, history, the legal system, and human nature by reading this book. I really highly recommend for anyone interested in true crime or investigative journalism type reads. Also there is a huge humanitarian aspect to the book and personal stories of many survivors and victims, if you enjoy a bittersweet success story.
March 24, 2022
On February 20, 2003, a band decided to set off some pyrotechnics as part of their set at a nightclub in Rhode Island. No one knew at the time that this would become one of America's deadliest fires. That Thursday night turned fatal quickly as the building burned down in under ten minutes, and tragically took the lives of 100 innocent people. Although we know who started the fire, who was at fault? The owners, the band, or the city?
This book takes a deep dive into the investigation of the fire and pays homage to the victims and survivors. We learn about what really happened that night and all those who played a part in the incident. We also find out why so many people died and why it was so difficult to escape. The book ultimately answers one of the most important questions, how could the fire have been prevented in the first place?
The book did a really good job of providing all the information on the incident without being biased, and it didn't necessarily point fingers at one specific person. We as the reader are given the chance to come to our own conclusion.
This book covers a heavy subject that will stick with you for a very long time. It's heartbreaking to read what the survivors from the fire endured that night. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for them and how they will continue to relive that pain every single day for the rest of their lives. This is a must-read for any readers in search of a moving and gripping story.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc!
This book takes a deep dive into the investigation of the fire and pays homage to the victims and survivors. We learn about what really happened that night and all those who played a part in the incident. We also find out why so many people died and why it was so difficult to escape. The book ultimately answers one of the most important questions, how could the fire have been prevented in the first place?
The book did a really good job of providing all the information on the incident without being biased, and it didn't necessarily point fingers at one specific person. We as the reader are given the chance to come to our own conclusion.
This book covers a heavy subject that will stick with you for a very long time. It's heartbreaking to read what the survivors from the fire endured that night. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for them and how they will continue to relive that pain every single day for the rest of their lives. This is a must-read for any readers in search of a moving and gripping story.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc!
November 21, 2021
First ever review
I had to stop reading because it seemed so biased towards the club owners. I then found out the author is supposedly a former colleague of one of the owners. It became obvious that he had some sort of relationship with them as all he did was portray the owners as victims. Killer show was much better and more objective. Too bad I wasted my team reading half the book.
I had to stop reading because it seemed so biased towards the club owners. I then found out the author is supposedly a former colleague of one of the owners. It became obvious that he had some sort of relationship with them as all he did was portray the owners as victims. Killer show was much better and more objective. Too bad I wasted my team reading half the book.
October 13, 2020
This book talks about the tragic fire that occurs almost twenty years ago in the station night club. I was not aware of this story, but I am glad to read the book. The 90 seconds devastating and horrific fire incident claimed the lives and injured so many people. The author did great in researching and elaborating on essential facts and information mainstream media failed to show to people. Finding who's responsible wasn't an easy task as well. There are various points that were look out and explained. And what breaks my heart even more is the effect of this traumatic experience to the survivors who found themselves enslaved with fear, anxiety and other post traumatic stress disorder. It was difficult to go back to normal and pretend it didn't happen. This book is heartrending, eye-opening and remarkably written.
Thank you, St. Martins Press for my arc
Thank you, St. Martins Press for my arc
May 4, 2020
I was lucky to get a pre-release copy of this gripping, disturbing and in a way, hopeful book. Scott James recounts the 2003 fire in a nightclub in Warwick, R.I. that killed 100 people, making it one of the deadliest fires of the 21st century. James does a masterful job of telling the stories of some of the survivors. He uses details of how they got to the club that night, how they survived the flames and toxic fumes and how they put their lives back together after the tragedy to create a novel-like, page-turning book. More importantly, he shows how politicians, in a rush to judgment and a rush to make people "pay," decided early on that the two brothers who owned, The Station, had acted criminally. Scott peels back the hyperbole and digs into the facts to show that blaming the brothers was both a simplification of the situation but patently unfair. "Trial by Fire" also indicts The Providence Journal for publishing many inaccuracies about the fire and the brothers' ownership of the nightclub and never acknowledging its mistakes. I read this book very quickly as it moved along and kept drawing me in. It's heartbreaking and gripping.
September 21, 2020
This is an incredibly tragic and and heart-breaking story of the fire that occurred at The Station, a bar/live music venue in West Warwick, RI in February 2003 where heavy metal Jack Russell's Great White was performing. Fire works were set off to start the show and they quickly ignited the soundproofing foam that had been used on the walls and ceiling to control the noise. Over 100 fans died as they tried to escape and several hundred more were severely burned and injured.
The author did a fantastic job researching and writing this story. I remember when this happened but did not live in the area so I did not hear much after the initial first few days after the tragedy. I was hooked from the first page until the very end. I was glad the author referred back to some of the survivors and how they were doing, especially Gina Russo and college swimmer Phil Barr. This story, although very sad, really needed to be told to sort out what was fact and what was fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this extraordinary story in exchange for an honest review. If I could, I would give t more than 5 stars.
The author did a fantastic job researching and writing this story. I remember when this happened but did not live in the area so I did not hear much after the initial first few days after the tragedy. I was hooked from the first page until the very end. I was glad the author referred back to some of the survivors and how they were doing, especially Gina Russo and college swimmer Phil Barr. This story, although very sad, really needed to be told to sort out what was fact and what was fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this extraordinary story in exchange for an honest review. If I could, I would give t more than 5 stars.
May 10, 2021
This is essentially two books. In the first part, Scott James does an excellent job telling the story of The Station fire. We get great histories of a wide number of the people involved. He really gives us great backgrounds of those who died and those who survived with the stories of their recoveries from both physical, emotional and, in many cases both. He does a great job telling us about how the family members of those who died have tried to go ahead with their lives.
The second part of the book, the search for justice, is just awful. Basically he is trying to blame everyone but the Derderdian brothers. He goes to great length to make sure others are blamed and they are just the poor people who happened to own the place when it burned down. His assessment of blame is not without merit. In fact it is well structured. But his inability, or refusal, to say the brothers were at fault really kills this part of the book.
A mixed bag really. Read the part about the fire, but the part about the investigation will ultimately damage a great book.
The second part of the book, the search for justice, is just awful. Basically he is trying to blame everyone but the Derderdian brothers. He goes to great length to make sure others are blamed and they are just the poor people who happened to own the place when it burned down. His assessment of blame is not without merit. In fact it is well structured. But his inability, or refusal, to say the brothers were at fault really kills this part of the book.
A mixed bag really. Read the part about the fire, but the part about the investigation will ultimately damage a great book.
September 20, 2020
I remember when this happened and this book paints a concise portrait of what happened and the tragic outcome.
A very detailed account and the justice that did not happen for the victims, survivors and their families.
This was very well written and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
A very detailed account and the justice that did not happen for the victims, survivors and their families.
This was very well written and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
October 28, 2020
This book should never have been written. The author’s “thorough” research is flawed and biased. He is clearly friends with the club owners and this book is based more on opinion than facts. I was there the night of that tragedy. This “author” was not and should be ashamed of himself for ever writing this book. Don’t waste your money or time.
August 11, 2020
This book does a good job of covering the event, the search for the truth and the aftermath. I had not heard of this devastating fire prior, but it won't be leaving my memory anytime soon.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
October 27, 2020
Do you love true crime? Scott James new book, TRIAL BY FIRE, is a true crime book that reveals who was really at fault for The Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 people and injured 100s more in the nation's deadliest rock concert.
I remember this horrific fire and the news coverage in 2003, I even remember the footage one of the survivors took from the moment the nightclub started on fire up until his escape outside where he continued to film. Great White was the last band of the night and set off gerbs (a firework that shoots off sparks) as part of the show. Within seconds of lighting these gerbs, the walls near the stage were on fire and from there the fire spread at an unbelievable rate trapping many inside who died from toxic smoke and flames.
This book was so well researched that I felt completely immersed into these events. This book really dives into how this fire started, how it spread so quickly and the aftermath for all involved- the club owners, the band and band manager, the survivors and their families and those families that lost someone in the fire.
Reading this book was eye opening but it was also really heavy to hear from all sides that were involved. Everyone was pointing fingers at who was responsible, but in reality there were so many individuals that shared the blame. And although no one set out to kill anyone that night, families who suffered wanted someone to pay. I really struggled with hearing about criminal charges being brought against the club owners because this was just a horrific accident and in my mind they will be punishing themselves for the rest of their lives knowing in even a small way they played a part in the death of 100 people. It is just devastating all around so I can never judge the families that were grieving and wanted justice.
This book was heartbreaking, but also incredibly moving to hear from the survivors and what life looks like for them now. I highly recommend this one because it gives such a detailed account and really helps the reader understand everything that happened and how everyone was affected. Trial By Fire is available 10/27/20- true crime lovers this is one you won’t want to miss. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this advance reading copy.
I remember this horrific fire and the news coverage in 2003, I even remember the footage one of the survivors took from the moment the nightclub started on fire up until his escape outside where he continued to film. Great White was the last band of the night and set off gerbs (a firework that shoots off sparks) as part of the show. Within seconds of lighting these gerbs, the walls near the stage were on fire and from there the fire spread at an unbelievable rate trapping many inside who died from toxic smoke and flames.
This book was so well researched that I felt completely immersed into these events. This book really dives into how this fire started, how it spread so quickly and the aftermath for all involved- the club owners, the band and band manager, the survivors and their families and those families that lost someone in the fire.
Reading this book was eye opening but it was also really heavy to hear from all sides that were involved. Everyone was pointing fingers at who was responsible, but in reality there were so many individuals that shared the blame. And although no one set out to kill anyone that night, families who suffered wanted someone to pay. I really struggled with hearing about criminal charges being brought against the club owners because this was just a horrific accident and in my mind they will be punishing themselves for the rest of their lives knowing in even a small way they played a part in the death of 100 people. It is just devastating all around so I can never judge the families that were grieving and wanted justice.
This book was heartbreaking, but also incredibly moving to hear from the survivors and what life looks like for them now. I highly recommend this one because it gives such a detailed account and really helps the reader understand everything that happened and how everyone was affected. Trial By Fire is available 10/27/20- true crime lovers this is one you won’t want to miss. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this advance reading copy.
November 7, 2020
This book hurt my heart so much. I remember when this tragedy happened and just wondered how?! The author did a wonderful job detailing the survivors’ & owner’s accounts, extensive research & documenting safety and regulation laws. Though sad you will some relief and hope as Rhode Island honored the victims and made changes to their concert laws. Reading the first page put everything in perspective for me, life is precious. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Scott James, and Sara Beth Haring for a gifted copy!
October 10, 2020
A pretty daring non-fiction premise: the owner of a Rhode Island nightclub where 100 people lost their lives in a 2003 fire is the sympathetic victim. I admired the author for taking this thesis on. (To be clear, that is NOT sarcasm.) The author will probably get some unpleasant mail from the families of those who were killed or badly injured in the fire and I'm sure, to this day, believe that all those responsible got off lightly.
Some surely DID get off lightly, including (1) the aging metal rocker who led the over-the-hill band whose fireworks caused the fire (never saw the inside of a courtroom), (2) the fire inspector whose neglect allowed highly flammable material to be used as soundproofing (promoted and allowed to retire on a generous pension), and (3) the newspaper that published inaccurate information about the number of people who lost their lives (corrected themselves very quietly and with great reluctance).
And don't even get me started on the politicians.
This book was a serious but fun read, although parts at the beginning, describing those trapped, injured, or burned to death in the fire, were sometimes nightmare-inducing reading if consumed too close to bedtime. The parts toward the end, when the book becomes more of a courtroom drama, are a little less gruesome.
But also nightmarish, in a different sort of way, is being caught in the gears of the justice system, as both the accused and the accusers seem to be very badly served by the way things are. Only people with a sense of low cunning and an ability to manipulate the system avoid the worse outcomes.
As I enter my seventh decade, moments when someone attempts to flatter me are becoming a little thin on the ground, so when I got an email with a unusually friendly and personal touch from a marketing person at St. Martin's Press inviting me to download a free egalley review copy from Netgalley, I chose to encourage such behavior by doing as asked. I was glad I did.
Some surely DID get off lightly, including (1) the aging metal rocker who led the over-the-hill band whose fireworks caused the fire (never saw the inside of a courtroom), (2) the fire inspector whose neglect allowed highly flammable material to be used as soundproofing (promoted and allowed to retire on a generous pension), and (3) the newspaper that published inaccurate information about the number of people who lost their lives (corrected themselves very quietly and with great reluctance).
And don't even get me started on the politicians.
This book was a serious but fun read, although parts at the beginning, describing those trapped, injured, or burned to death in the fire, were sometimes nightmare-inducing reading if consumed too close to bedtime. The parts toward the end, when the book becomes more of a courtroom drama, are a little less gruesome.
But also nightmarish, in a different sort of way, is being caught in the gears of the justice system, as both the accused and the accusers seem to be very badly served by the way things are. Only people with a sense of low cunning and an ability to manipulate the system avoid the worse outcomes.
As I enter my seventh decade, moments when someone attempts to flatter me are becoming a little thin on the ground, so when I got an email with a unusually friendly and personal touch from a marketing person at St. Martin's Press inviting me to download a free egalley review copy from Netgalley, I chose to encourage such behavior by doing as asked. I was glad I did.
November 8, 2020
This was a very interesting and compelling account of the 2003 deadly fire at The Station nightclub and live rock venue in West Warwick, Rhode Island that took the lives of 100 people and injured over 200, many severely. For some reason I do not recall this event yet it still stands as the most deadly single dwelling fire in modern American history. The author has ties to the area as well as to other journalists he had worked with in the past and was able to get information that has basically been impossible to get for the past 15 years as no trials ever occurred.
The author gives us a blow by blow account of the fire, the causes of the fire and the aftermath. He tells the story of several people who survived the fire with significant injuries and their recoveries are heartbreaking but also heroic. There was and still remains a large amount of negative sentiment over the way the government handled the prosecution of those who appeared to be at fault. I will let you decide if that is valid or not. The author did a great job bringing the story to life but it still leaves questions in my mind about that night. A solid book in the genre of true crime and historical documentation.
Thank you to NetGalley and and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author gives us a blow by blow account of the fire, the causes of the fire and the aftermath. He tells the story of several people who survived the fire with significant injuries and their recoveries are heartbreaking but also heroic. There was and still remains a large amount of negative sentiment over the way the government handled the prosecution of those who appeared to be at fault. I will let you decide if that is valid or not. The author did a great job bringing the story to life but it still leaves questions in my mind about that night. A solid book in the genre of true crime and historical documentation.
Thank you to NetGalley and and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
Trial by Fire is the horrific account of the Station night club fire that occurred on February 20th, 2003 in Rhode Island after the band, Great White
took the stage, setting off pyrotechnics in their opening act, which caught the sound proofing foam on the walls then ceiling on fire. At first, concert goers thought the fire was part of the show. Some of the crowd realized it was a real fire and began to head for the front door to exit. Many people weren't familiar with the layout of the club or exit locations. I am an avid concert attendee and after this tragedy, I will always be certain to find exits when arriving to venues.
Scott James through research and interviews, lays the facts all out.
The cause of the fire is actually shared responsibility, which the author goes into that detail. There are many chilling accounts in Trial by Fire that are extremely difficult to read and for your mind to even go there.
One hundred innocent people died due to this tragic fire. And many more are scarred forever, missing loved ones, with PTSD and physical scars.
These were people all bonding over their love of music.
My heart and prayers go out to those that lost loved ones, those burned and suffering from PTSD, the firefighters & emergency personnel and to those that put their own lives on the line by saving others.
If you'd like to read an actual burn survivor's account from the Station fire, I suggest you read, "From the Ashes" by Gina Russo & Paul Lonardo.
Thank you Net galley, St Martin's Press and to Author, Scott James for the ARC.
took the stage, setting off pyrotechnics in their opening act, which caught the sound proofing foam on the walls then ceiling on fire. At first, concert goers thought the fire was part of the show. Some of the crowd realized it was a real fire and began to head for the front door to exit. Many people weren't familiar with the layout of the club or exit locations. I am an avid concert attendee and after this tragedy, I will always be certain to find exits when arriving to venues.
Scott James through research and interviews, lays the facts all out.
The cause of the fire is actually shared responsibility, which the author goes into that detail. There are many chilling accounts in Trial by Fire that are extremely difficult to read and for your mind to even go there.
One hundred innocent people died due to this tragic fire. And many more are scarred forever, missing loved ones, with PTSD and physical scars.
These were people all bonding over their love of music.
My heart and prayers go out to those that lost loved ones, those burned and suffering from PTSD, the firefighters & emergency personnel and to those that put their own lives on the line by saving others.
If you'd like to read an actual burn survivor's account from the Station fire, I suggest you read, "From the Ashes" by Gina Russo & Paul Lonardo.
Thank you Net galley, St Martin's Press and to Author, Scott James for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
Excellent and well-researched book about the preventable tragedy of The Station nightclub fire in the early 2000s that killed 100 patrons and injured hundreds more. The author did an amazing job of humanizing everyone, even those whom others would never think of as “human” ever again. No detail was left out, and descriptions gave one a “you were there” feeling, from the events leading up to the fire, the band, the fireworks that started it, the fire itself and how quickly its devastation spread, the souls who perished, the survivors, some living with PTSD and horrific injuries to this day. The trial was neatly described as it played out in excruciating detail. Political corruption was examined closely, with more than enough blame and finger-pointing to go around and then some. The aftermath, the survivors’ struggle to become whole again, the funerals, the memorials, the charities; not one stone was left unturned, including the story of the owners. I remember the fire, and it was fascinating to read the history and how well this book treated the tragedy as a true crime event. Kudos to the author for so thoroughly and thoughtfully seeing all sides and every angle of a tragic and life-altering situation. I hope all involved learned something positive going forward. Bless all who were killed or injured or otherwise affected by this event.
Thank you to Scott James, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Scott James, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 6, 2020
WARNING: Once you start this book, you won’t put it down until you’ve finished. A must-read story that sticks, Trial by Fire, is a gripping account of corruption and courage that begins with the spark that ignited the flames in the Station Nightclub and within 90 seconds killed over 100 people and devastated the lives of countless more. Author Scott James tells the story from the perspective of survivors and loved ones and presents their stories with their raw and real emotions, from the event to the present day. His writing is intimate and thoughtful, and you come to know these people as your friends, and you’re filled with empathy and anger over what happened to them. James presents their experiences through the lens of the unbiased narrator, and he painstakingly and thoroughly investigates every detail of the nightclub fire to uncover the truth of what really happened, how the system and people failed, and who was to blame, leaving it for you the reader to close the book pondering these questions, which you will do for a long time.
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