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Emily Slate #3
Smoke and Ashes
When FBI Agent Emily Slate discovers a series of fires are being used to cover up the murder of firefighters, she’ll need all her skills as an investigator to flush out the killer.
A string of arson cases brings Emily to the historic city of Charleston right as she’s in the middle of trying to find the woman who killed her husband. Her personal investigation will have to wait, however, because the local community is on edge, having already lost two firefighters in these tragedies.
But before she can get very far, more blazes erupt throughout the city, causing a panic within the ranks. In each one, the victim is burned alive, from both the inside and out. And at each scene, a strange symbol remains in the rubble, leaving Emily to believe they’re working with a sick and twisted individual who has their sights set on something even bigger.
With the number of fires increasing by the day, and a city in panic, Emily must race against the clock to uncover the killer before they burn the entire city down with their rage.
A string of arson cases brings Emily to the historic city of Charleston right as she’s in the middle of trying to find the woman who killed her husband. Her personal investigation will have to wait, however, because the local community is on edge, having already lost two firefighters in these tragedies.
But before she can get very far, more blazes erupt throughout the city, causing a panic within the ranks. In each one, the victim is burned alive, from both the inside and out. And at each scene, a strange symbol remains in the rubble, leaving Emily to believe they’re working with a sick and twisted individual who has their sights set on something even bigger.
With the number of fires increasing by the day, and a city in panic, Emily must race against the clock to uncover the killer before they burn the entire city down with their rage.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
1204 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 4, 2022
Holy Smoke! What a phenomenal story!
Alex Sigmore takes a mystery, and turns it into something extraordinary!
Emily Slate series is so different, not showing much of a psychological thriller that I can’t stand because it’s too near our present day reality. Still, there were a few scenes that did spike up my anxiety levels but they were tolerable. There is more suspense, mystery, intrigue, a fantastic detective work, more human, more personal and more thoughtful. It’s like trying to solve an Agatha Christie mystery, you won’t know who the villains are till the end, for much you try to guess during the read.
Alex Sigmore is a writer automatically added on my list of must reads!
I highly recommend this amazing 5* series! And I’m not biased at all because Alex Sigmore aka Eric Warren, El Maestro is the best selling author of the magnificent Infinity’s End SciFi series!
Alex Sigmore takes a mystery, and turns it into something extraordinary!
Emily Slate series is so different, not showing much of a psychological thriller that I can’t stand because it’s too near our present day reality. Still, there were a few scenes that did spike up my anxiety levels but they were tolerable. There is more suspense, mystery, intrigue, a fantastic detective work, more human, more personal and more thoughtful. It’s like trying to solve an Agatha Christie mystery, you won’t know who the villains are till the end, for much you try to guess during the read.
Alex Sigmore is a writer automatically added on my list of must reads!
I highly recommend this amazing 5* series! And I’m not biased at all because Alex Sigmore aka Eric Warren, El Maestro is the best selling author of the magnificent Infinity’s End SciFi series!
April 20, 2023
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another hit!
I like how this book opens up with Emily and Zara and some time off it doesn't last but it was kinda nice to see that its not just a work friendship. I get the feeling they both could use a friend.
They start off on a unique case that has a lot of leads but no real suspects. At least not at first. Zara gets pulled and she is not happy about it she doesn't want to leave Emily but we find that it is kind of normal that FBI Agents mostly work by themselves unless back up is needed.
This case gave me the willies, I am petrified of fire and usually steer clear of any books that have it. But this series really has invested. I will say yes we do get some fire scenes.
When things really start to heat up, Zara is called back to help. I am not going to say more ;) just that wow.. that was intense!
That Epilogue! I need book 4 in AUDIO Right NOW!!
Another hit!
I like how this book opens up with Emily and Zara and some time off it doesn't last but it was kinda nice to see that its not just a work friendship. I get the feeling they both could use a friend.
They start off on a unique case that has a lot of leads but no real suspects. At least not at first. Zara gets pulled and she is not happy about it she doesn't want to leave Emily but we find that it is kind of normal that FBI Agents mostly work by themselves unless back up is needed.
This case gave me the willies, I am petrified of fire and usually steer clear of any books that have it. But this series really has invested. I will say yes we do get some fire scenes.
When things really start to heat up, Zara is called back to help. I am not going to say more ;) just that wow.. that was intense!
That Epilogue! I need book 4 in AUDIO Right NOW!!
September 16, 2022
A Hot One on the old Town
FBI Agent Emily Slate is on the biggest case of her career. And the situation is really heating up.
Called down to Georgia to investigate a different crime, she is quickly diverted to Charleston, South Carolina when a suspicious fire requires her attention.
Working on her own for the first time, Agent Slate is thrown into a rapidly escalating series of arson/murders that have an uncannily similar thread in common. The victims are all firefighters and came from the same station.
Before long, Agent Zara Foley is by her side and the two of them are frantically fighting the local Police Department to zero in on the perpetrator before more bodies stack up.
Smoke and Ashes tells a dark and dangerous story of brotherhood gone wrong. Prepare yourself to be shocked, anguished and completely swept away by the outcome.
Emily Slate's personal tale becomes more intriguing yet still unresolved as the story comes to a close, for now. I highly, highly recommend this series.
FBI Agent Emily Slate is on the biggest case of her career. And the situation is really heating up.
Called down to Georgia to investigate a different crime, she is quickly diverted to Charleston, South Carolina when a suspicious fire requires her attention.
Working on her own for the first time, Agent Slate is thrown into a rapidly escalating series of arson/murders that have an uncannily similar thread in common. The victims are all firefighters and came from the same station.
Before long, Agent Zara Foley is by her side and the two of them are frantically fighting the local Police Department to zero in on the perpetrator before more bodies stack up.
Smoke and Ashes tells a dark and dangerous story of brotherhood gone wrong. Prepare yourself to be shocked, anguished and completely swept away by the outcome.
Emily Slate's personal tale becomes more intriguing yet still unresolved as the story comes to a close, for now. I highly, highly recommend this series.
August 28, 2022
This is the third in the Emily Slate series, and starts with Emily and Zara investigating the unknown woman that Emily saw leaving at the hospital at Wright’s death, the one she now believes killed her husband. This has become the main storyline for the series, we learnt that Emily lost her husband to what was initially thought to be a heart attack, but as the story has progressed, Emily has now found out, her husband Matt may have been murdered, and she has no idea why, and the only lead is this woman.
Emily and Zara are on leave investigating the woman in their own time at the start of this book, when they receive a call for Janice, their tough, but enigmatic and fair boss, to head to Charleston. There has been a series of fires there, and the local ATF requests help. What starts out as the accidental death of one firefighter, and the brutal murder of another by being set alight in a very graphic way, soon escalates, as it becomes apparent that someone is targeting the firefighters of Charleston.
Emily State and her friend and FBI partner Zara Foley have little time to try and discover who the person is that has committed such a horrific crime. Working with a local ATF agent Farmer, who is initially skeptical of the youthful looking women, they soon realise that they have to work together before things quickly get out of hand.
But as Emily and Zara begin to dig into the investigation, all is not what it seems. When there is another fire, with another murder, just as brutal, the two agents realise that there is more going on than they first thought.
This is a compelling, action-packed thriller, intriguing for both the mystery, but also the detailed crime scenes as Slate and Foley investigate the murders.
It should be noted that there are some triggers in this book for anyone who has any issues relating to graphic violence, burn related deaths and trauma, assaults, and detailed crime scene descriptions. Being a former Police Officer, and having had some issues with flashbacks related to smell and visual associations for some of the things discussed in this book, I can honestly say that the descriptive work is exceptional, and incredibly accurate. Sigmore has researched the physical damage, smells and sounds that are associated with these types of incidents, and has provided some incredibly detailed (and graphic), descriptive content that puts you right in the crime scene.
It is incredibly well written, the ‘world-building’ is outstanding, and one of the truly extraordinary aspects of this book and series, Sigmore has made every effort to recreate his crime scenes with meticulous detail. He has also tried to make sure that his FBI and other ‘Policing’ agencies are all incredibly detailed and accurate as well.
Sigmore’s character work is just as exceptional, Slate is brilliant as the young FBI agent, still struggling with the loss of her Husband Mark, only a few months ago. With the help of her friend Zara, Slate has managed to overcome the issues she has had, but Sigmore has created this complex and in-depth character. Slate is a dedicated agent, a loving wife (widow), and a loyal friend. And once she gets her teeth into a case, she doesn’t stop. Zara is brilliant as the sarcastic side-kick, she has some of the best lines in the book. There are multiple other wonderful characters in this book, but I don’t want to give away spoilers.
If you love a good thriller, murder mystery, with gritty realistic characters, then this is an absolute must read. Sigmore is right up there with Patterson, Connelly and Baldacci, he is just extraordinary, and not to be missed.
Emily and Zara are on leave investigating the woman in their own time at the start of this book, when they receive a call for Janice, their tough, but enigmatic and fair boss, to head to Charleston. There has been a series of fires there, and the local ATF requests help. What starts out as the accidental death of one firefighter, and the brutal murder of another by being set alight in a very graphic way, soon escalates, as it becomes apparent that someone is targeting the firefighters of Charleston.
Emily State and her friend and FBI partner Zara Foley have little time to try and discover who the person is that has committed such a horrific crime. Working with a local ATF agent Farmer, who is initially skeptical of the youthful looking women, they soon realise that they have to work together before things quickly get out of hand.
But as Emily and Zara begin to dig into the investigation, all is not what it seems. When there is another fire, with another murder, just as brutal, the two agents realise that there is more going on than they first thought.
This is a compelling, action-packed thriller, intriguing for both the mystery, but also the detailed crime scenes as Slate and Foley investigate the murders.
It should be noted that there are some triggers in this book for anyone who has any issues relating to graphic violence, burn related deaths and trauma, assaults, and detailed crime scene descriptions. Being a former Police Officer, and having had some issues with flashbacks related to smell and visual associations for some of the things discussed in this book, I can honestly say that the descriptive work is exceptional, and incredibly accurate. Sigmore has researched the physical damage, smells and sounds that are associated with these types of incidents, and has provided some incredibly detailed (and graphic), descriptive content that puts you right in the crime scene.
It is incredibly well written, the ‘world-building’ is outstanding, and one of the truly extraordinary aspects of this book and series, Sigmore has made every effort to recreate his crime scenes with meticulous detail. He has also tried to make sure that his FBI and other ‘Policing’ agencies are all incredibly detailed and accurate as well.
Sigmore’s character work is just as exceptional, Slate is brilliant as the young FBI agent, still struggling with the loss of her Husband Mark, only a few months ago. With the help of her friend Zara, Slate has managed to overcome the issues she has had, but Sigmore has created this complex and in-depth character. Slate is a dedicated agent, a loving wife (widow), and a loyal friend. And once she gets her teeth into a case, she doesn’t stop. Zara is brilliant as the sarcastic side-kick, she has some of the best lines in the book. There are multiple other wonderful characters in this book, but I don’t want to give away spoilers.
If you love a good thriller, murder mystery, with gritty realistic characters, then this is an absolute must read. Sigmore is right up there with Patterson, Connelly and Baldacci, he is just extraordinary, and not to be missed.
May 22, 2023
Hop on the zip line and enjoy the ride!
When it comes to weaving an engrossing and riveting story, this talented author is 'pitch perfect'. As an artist takes a brush to a canvas, Alex takes pen to paper, creating a picture in the minds of the readers that is not only clear and succulent, but offers meaning and insight to the work in whole.
Great plot line in keeping with its genre, expert characterization... In short, a very enjoyable read from start to finish ~ bravo Alex for a job well done indeed!
When it comes to weaving an engrossing and riveting story, this talented author is 'pitch perfect'. As an artist takes a brush to a canvas, Alex takes pen to paper, creating a picture in the minds of the readers that is not only clear and succulent, but offers meaning and insight to the work in whole.
Great plot line in keeping with its genre, expert characterization... In short, a very enjoyable read from start to finish ~ bravo Alex for a job well done indeed!
July 25, 2022
This author only gets better with each iterative book in this series. The story is gripping and the characters are developing brilliantly.
Get ready for a roller coaster ride as Agent Emily Slate tracks a serial arsonist that ignites their pyres in a very unconventional way. As always, Emily has to carefully navigate the politics and red tape of local law enforcement to catch her subject. Meanwhile, she struggles with her own personal case - an incredible overreaching arc that is just as intriguing.
This was, indeed, a fantastic Emily Slate adventure, and my favorite to date.
Final Rating: 4.88792
Get ready for a roller coaster ride as Agent Emily Slate tracks a serial arsonist that ignites their pyres in a very unconventional way. As always, Emily has to carefully navigate the politics and red tape of local law enforcement to catch her subject. Meanwhile, she struggles with her own personal case - an incredible overreaching arc that is just as intriguing.
This was, indeed, a fantastic Emily Slate adventure, and my favorite to date.
Final Rating: 4.88792
December 22, 2023
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. Smoke and Ashes is an unabashedly dark journey and it's that what makes this story brilliant. And its all begins with its prologue as we meet Leon Spencer, hoping to make a career shift from the demands of working as a firefighter; when he tries to aid someone in need, the serial killer is introduced with a chilling effect. The latest case brings her and Zara to Charleston and race against the clock to find the man behind a series of horrific, vigilante murders where a certain group of firefighters are the target. Why this group of men is being murdered comes from a secret and case that on the surface seemed to not to be connected to the series of ruthless killings. What Emily, Zara and ATF agent Farmer discover is disturbing. A fast paced, visceral story that's will keep you bingeing until the end. Its epilogue deepens the mystery surrounding why Emily Slate is being shadowed by this woman. Highly recommended.
June 1, 2025
Revenge is actually a dish best served flaming hot
It’s fitting that, just as Emily sets off in search of the mystery woman she believes responsible for the death of her husband, she gets embroiled in a high-heat case involving the murder-by-immolation of several Charleston firefighters.
It’s a gripping case. I loved the way we got to get into the headspace of each victim as they encountered their killer, experiencing their confusion and terror firsthand. It was a devious touch by Alex Sigmore, making us like and loathe the various victims, while knowing unequivocally what was in store for them.
The very nature of the case forces Emily to question and confront her own motives in seeking out her husband’s killer. That dilemma was a stroke of genius. It continues to make Emily a multi-faceted individual, someone we can relate to and root for.
This book just flew by for me, an absolute page-turner.
It’s fitting that, just as Emily sets off in search of the mystery woman she believes responsible for the death of her husband, she gets embroiled in a high-heat case involving the murder-by-immolation of several Charleston firefighters.
It’s a gripping case. I loved the way we got to get into the headspace of each victim as they encountered their killer, experiencing their confusion and terror firsthand. It was a devious touch by Alex Sigmore, making us like and loathe the various victims, while knowing unequivocally what was in store for them.
The very nature of the case forces Emily to question and confront her own motives in seeking out her husband’s killer. That dilemma was a stroke of genius. It continues to make Emily a multi-faceted individual, someone we can relate to and root for.
This book just flew by for me, an absolute page-turner.
September 1, 2022
There's a serial arsonist plaguing the city of Charleston, South Carolina. As bodies of the brotherhood of firefighters start piling up ATF Agent Farmer calls in the FBI.
FBI Agents Emily Slate and Zara Foley work with Farmer trying to solve but Slate realizes that they have been murdered. Slate and Foley are thrown for a loop when they discover the real reason for the murders.
Action packed drama, mystery and suspense keep you in the edge of your seat as the case unravels. There are graphic scenes .
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
FBI Agents Emily Slate and Zara Foley work with Farmer trying to solve but Slate realizes that they have been murdered. Slate and Foley are thrown for a loop when they discover the real reason for the murders.
Action packed drama, mystery and suspense keep you in the edge of your seat as the case unravels. There are graphic scenes .
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 2, 2022
An interesting mystery.
Good characters, but some could have used a bit more polish with some background so that the readers would care about them. I loved the relationship between Emily and Zara with their banter and intelligence in working a case. The plot was clever, though I did feel that the author could have had more details in the plot. Over all, the book kept my attention. I’m interested in the other books about Emily Slate, as the author referred to past issues involving her which piqued my curiosity.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
Good characters, but some could have used a bit more polish with some background so that the readers would care about them. I loved the relationship between Emily and Zara with their banter and intelligence in working a case. The plot was clever, though I did feel that the author could have had more details in the plot. Over all, the book kept my attention. I’m interested in the other books about Emily Slate, as the author referred to past issues involving her which piqued my curiosity.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
September 6, 2022
I was introduced to this author and series through Hidden Gems ARC program and have read all the books with them. This is the third book in the series, and it does not disappoint. Emily who starts off trying to investigate on her own time but gets sent to Charleston to investigate some suspicious deaths of firefighters there. There she is working with an agent from ATF and local authorities, but there seems to be some secrets. As Emily continues the investigation, the stories unfold, and she has to work with and around others to get answers and possibly stop these fires. Great story and cannot wait to see where Emily’s story goes.
June 27, 2024
I’m obsessed w this series out of nowhere truly. This one was my favorite so far. Definitely a little more gruesome than the first 2, but I’m lowkey here for that bc I am a freak. Still petitioning to bring back Agent Coll 🤓 but I love Emily and Zara. Can’t wait to see what crime they solve next
January 5, 2023
Gripping, suspenseful and had me guessing until the end. Good read
July 7, 2024
4.5⭐️
July 9, 2024
My favorite in the series so far!! 4.5⭐️
April 8, 2025
First book by Alex Sigmore, and what a ride! Very suspenseful, twists and turns, and I could never figure out the bad guy till the end! Will definitely read #4 in this series!
September 9, 2022
Revenge or karma?
Firefighters are dying in a horrific way! Why? Who would kill several members of Station 12? How many more will die until the “firebug” is stopped?
Firefighters are dying in a horrific way! Why? Who would kill several members of Station 12? How many more will die until the “firebug” is stopped?
May 23, 2023
Fire and smoke
I enjoyed this story and liked the fewer references to previoMus stories. I like new and fresh mysteries and don't like previous unsolved ones unless it is also solved in the book I'm reading.
I enjoyed this story and liked the fewer references to previoMus stories. I like new and fresh mysteries and don't like previous unsolved ones unless it is also solved in the book I'm reading.
September 9, 2022
I’ve read the previous books in this series, it keeps getting better and I haven’t been disappointed. Emily is a wonderful and well written character. A thrilling story, with action and a mystery.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Hidden Gems , I received this review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Hidden Gems , I received this review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2023
great series
Fast paced, interesting story and wonderful characters. Emily and Zala are in Charleston to just look into a fire death. Ha, it’s murder but why and now more deaths by fire…. Love these books.
Fast paced, interesting story and wonderful characters. Emily and Zala are in Charleston to just look into a fire death. Ha, it’s murder but why and now more deaths by fire…. Love these books.
June 21, 2023
much better than book 2,
Alex was back on her “A Game” with book number 3. From the very first chapter I was hooked! Suspense, mystery, turns and twists in every chapter, and an unexpected ending! What more could you want in a mystery thriller! Can’t wait to read #4!!
Alex was back on her “A Game” with book number 3. From the very first chapter I was hooked! Suspense, mystery, turns and twists in every chapter, and an unexpected ending! What more could you want in a mystery thriller! Can’t wait to read #4!!
December 28, 2022
EDITING!!!!! otherwise an interesting tale of murder
Her search for the mystery woman suspected in at least two heart attack fatalities derailed by a bizarre set of arson deaths that turn into a serial killer unfold corruption, misogyny and betrayal of the worst sort.
Her search for the mystery woman suspected in at least two heart attack fatalities derailed by a bizarre set of arson deaths that turn into a serial killer unfold corruption, misogyny and betrayal of the worst sort.
February 7, 2023
Great mystery
The series is getting very interesting, going to the next book. If you want a great mystery read these books.
The series is getting very interesting, going to the next book. If you want a great mystery read these books.
June 15, 2023
A great book in a great series!
December 12, 2022
Emily Slate is my favorite FBI agent. She is fighting her own battles over the loss of her husband, yet she is determined to catch this murderous arsonist. I loved this book! I would highly recommend it.
January 31, 2023
Smoke and Ashes
This is a great mystery book. Each one I read in this series gets more exciting. I can"t wait to start the next book. I highly recommend this book and series.
This is a great mystery book. Each one I read in this series gets more exciting. I can"t wait to start the next book. I highly recommend this book and series.
May 20, 2024
Congratulations Alex on yet another brilliantly written book which once I started reading it I could not put it down, I Absolutely enjoyed it 😊📖
October 1, 2022
Another great Emily Slate read that kept me in the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. I had to finish. The plot was great. Twist and turns that I never saw coming. It was great having Emily and Zara together again. I love these two together. I can’t wait to see what happens in Emily’s search for the mysterious woman she’s looking for.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
May 5, 2023
Arson and murders
Agent Slate and her side kick Zara are assigned a difficult serial arson murder case in the southern city of Charleston, South Carolina.
Agent Slate and her side kick Zara are assigned a difficult serial arson murder case in the southern city of Charleston, South Carolina.
May 30, 2023
Smoke and Ashes
Another exciting mystery with several fire endings. But no explanation until the very end and another unexplained Emily does not even know about. Willbe reading the next book soon.
Another exciting mystery with several fire endings. But no explanation until the very end and another unexplained Emily does not even know about. Willbe reading the next book soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews