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Combustion
Detective Inspector Ronald Henderson is appalled when not one but two bodies are found, both practically reduced to ashes. It seems impossible for such devastation without burning their homes down as well. And yet, the immediate surroundings of both victims are virtually unscathed. And to add to the mystery, both were firemen—one the boss of the other.
Little Sam Turner’s dad was one of those victims, and Sam saw it happen. But from that moment on, something changes in him. Now, he is not a grief-stricken son, but someone who appears indifferent to everything. Because what caused his father’s death may not have been natural, after all; his father unleashed something and it has taken over Sam as well. Something that wants to continue where his father left off…
Little Sam Turner’s dad was one of those victims, and Sam saw it happen. But from that moment on, something changes in him. Now, he is not a grief-stricken son, but someone who appears indifferent to everything. Because what caused his father’s death may not have been natural, after all; his father unleashed something and it has taken over Sam as well. Something that wants to continue where his father left off…
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2022
16 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 15, 2024
Occult Horror!
Backstory:
Detective Ronald Henderson arrives on a scene that is baffling as a well known firefighter is dead in his house burnt to ashes. No one seems to know what happened or what would have caused his ashy demise especially when nothing else around him is burned. But then another man (a firefighter) is found dead the same way and the detective wonders if maybe they have an arson serial killer on their hands except this time there was a witness - the man's young son, Sam saw what happened.
Detective Henderson is not able to retrieve much from the boy and the more he digs trying to find out what is happened the more he seems to become stalled with finding answers. Then another body is found at the school - a student who is known for being a bully and Detective Henderson has a bad inkling that maybe it could be the boy, Sam.
When all evidence finally points to Sam, Detective Henderson is at his wit's end because Sam is no longer Sam as a demon has invaded the boy's body and it plans on bringing hellfire down literally to anyone who gets in its way!
Thoughts:
This was my second time around for this book and it was just as great as the first time I read it a couple of years ago. The story pace is fast and the deep mystery of what is happening and why just becomes the focal point of the story until it is revealed that there is a demon involved.
From the point in the story when the demon is revealed the book moves at even a faster pace and this book goes into overdrive as the pace of the story becomes faster! Keeping this book at five "Burning Demon" stars!
Backstory:
Detective Ronald Henderson arrives on a scene that is baffling as a well known firefighter is dead in his house burnt to ashes. No one seems to know what happened or what would have caused his ashy demise especially when nothing else around him is burned. But then another man (a firefighter) is found dead the same way and the detective wonders if maybe they have an arson serial killer on their hands except this time there was a witness - the man's young son, Sam saw what happened.
Detective Henderson is not able to retrieve much from the boy and the more he digs trying to find out what is happened the more he seems to become stalled with finding answers. Then another body is found at the school - a student who is known for being a bully and Detective Henderson has a bad inkling that maybe it could be the boy, Sam.
When all evidence finally points to Sam, Detective Henderson is at his wit's end because Sam is no longer Sam as a demon has invaded the boy's body and it plans on bringing hellfire down literally to anyone who gets in its way!
Thoughts:
This was my second time around for this book and it was just as great as the first time I read it a couple of years ago. The story pace is fast and the deep mystery of what is happening and why just becomes the focal point of the story until it is revealed that there is a demon involved.
From the point in the story when the demon is revealed the book moves at even a faster pace and this book goes into overdrive as the pace of the story becomes faster! Keeping this book at five "Burning Demon" stars!
April 15, 2024
The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is on Fireyah!
A book about fire. A book about fear. A book about a demon. Xanphan, the demon is a menace to the world.
James Turner is a great firefighter, but he loses his mind and his morals when he is fired from his job.
Somehow the weapon that he creates to get his revenge, is turned on himself and he is destroyed by it.
His son Sam witnesses his demise and it changes him. Which causes a change in the world.
Sam becomes the supreme focus of this story and as the story progresses, you find out that you don’t like Sam. At all.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A book about fire. A book about fear. A book about a demon. Xanphan, the demon is a menace to the world.
James Turner is a great firefighter, but he loses his mind and his morals when he is fired from his job.
Somehow the weapon that he creates to get his revenge, is turned on himself and he is destroyed by it.
His son Sam witnesses his demise and it changes him. Which causes a change in the world.
Sam becomes the supreme focus of this story and as the story progresses, you find out that you don’t like Sam. At all.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 12, 2024
Combustion is an occult horror, with the creepy, possessed, child element that can make stories of this ilk very sinister indeed. It will grip you right from the beginning as a fire-fighter, James, appears to spontaneously combust right in front of his young son, Sam’s eyes.
Detective Ronald Henderson is assigned the case as more charred remains turn up, with zero explanation. The fire-fighting Father wasn’t the first to die in this fiery way (his boss did!) and he most certainly won’t be the last. Is something more sinister at play here linking these deaths?
There is a mysterious “X” symbol always left in or around the remains of each victim.
Sam has some changes in behaviour in behaviour since the death of his father. From the offset, we know there is something off about Sam beyond him grieving for his Father, whose death he doesn’t seem all that bothered by at all. Plus, he has become even more fixated on fires. Ronald doesn’t want to believe that a twelve year old boy could be behind all these horrifying deaths, but he quickly realises something isn’t quite right about Sam…
Very good. Very gripping. 5 stars.
Detective Ronald Henderson is assigned the case as more charred remains turn up, with zero explanation. The fire-fighting Father wasn’t the first to die in this fiery way (his boss did!) and he most certainly won’t be the last. Is something more sinister at play here linking these deaths?
There is a mysterious “X” symbol always left in or around the remains of each victim.
Sam has some changes in behaviour in behaviour since the death of his father. From the offset, we know there is something off about Sam beyond him grieving for his Father, whose death he doesn’t seem all that bothered by at all. Plus, he has become even more fixated on fires. Ronald doesn’t want to believe that a twelve year old boy could be behind all these horrifying deaths, but he quickly realises something isn’t quite right about Sam…
Very good. Very gripping. 5 stars.
August 11, 2022
When a firefighter finds himself with the very real possibility of losing his job, he desperately wants to protect his family and makes a rash,terrible decision: he makes a deal with a demon. But, that one decision leads to multiple deaths and ends up hurting his family much more than just a job loss.
A detective inspector is assigned to this case and the tragedies continue using fires so hot that no clues are left behind. When the signs begin to lead back to the firefighter's family, the detective is determined to find solid proof before he gets burned.
I received an ARC of Combustion in exchange for an honest review. I have read several of this author's work and while I've enjoyed them all, this one is my favorite so far. Any horror book that can actually give me a scare or two is pretty impressive, and this book did that for me. Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read!
A detective inspector is assigned to this case and the tragedies continue using fires so hot that no clues are left behind. When the signs begin to lead back to the firefighter's family, the detective is determined to find solid proof before he gets burned.
I received an ARC of Combustion in exchange for an honest review. I have read several of this author's work and while I've enjoyed them all, this one is my favorite so far. Any horror book that can actually give me a scare or two is pretty impressive, and this book did that for me. Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read!
August 11, 2022
Detective Henderson is called to the scene of a fire, but this is no ordinary fire, and, it is just the beginning of several curious occurrences in his hometown..
When James loses his job, things escalate pretty damned quickly! Demon summoning, murder, suspicious fires and possession are just the beginning!
12 year old Sam has always wanted to be a fireman, and when his Dad passes, that is exactly what he becomes, but in ways unlike any fireman before him!! Drastic and terrifying ways, with horrific consequences for anyone who upsets him.
There are some fantastically evil and nasty deaths in this story and Justin's descriptions make you feel like you're right there, living them alongside the characters, hearing, seeing and feeling every terrible moment. I found the whole book had a really chilling, creepy vibe to it the entire way through, there's just something about fire that is beautifully haunting and totally captivating, and Justin nailed it in this story! A tense heart-stopping build up from the beginning to the brilliant twist ending!
I feel this is Justin's best yet, this to me, was like a mix of Firestarter and The Exorcist, occult, supernatural goodness, he really does get better with every book he puts out there!
Justin, you're on fire!! (Not literally though I hope!)
When James loses his job, things escalate pretty damned quickly! Demon summoning, murder, suspicious fires and possession are just the beginning!
12 year old Sam has always wanted to be a fireman, and when his Dad passes, that is exactly what he becomes, but in ways unlike any fireman before him!! Drastic and terrifying ways, with horrific consequences for anyone who upsets him.
There are some fantastically evil and nasty deaths in this story and Justin's descriptions make you feel like you're right there, living them alongside the characters, hearing, seeing and feeling every terrible moment. I found the whole book had a really chilling, creepy vibe to it the entire way through, there's just something about fire that is beautifully haunting and totally captivating, and Justin nailed it in this story! A tense heart-stopping build up from the beginning to the brilliant twist ending!
I feel this is Justin's best yet, this to me, was like a mix of Firestarter and The Exorcist, occult, supernatural goodness, he really does get better with every book he puts out there!
Justin, you're on fire!! (Not literally though I hope!)
August 10, 2022
I have been fascinated with the idea of spontaneous human combustion since I saw an episode of Unsolved Mysteries featuring the phenomenon as a kid. The fact that it really happened freaked me right out! In Combustion, Justin Boote has brought my old childhood fears back to life. A kid obsessed with his firefighting father who also likes to play with matches, exploding bodies, demonic possession, this book has it all. Boote's writing is fast-paced, with action on every page. His characters are likeable (or fear-inducing!), and he keeps the reader's attention right to the last word. I've been a fan of Boote's since reading Carnivore (animals gone wild!), and I'm working my way through his library now! Combustion will stick with me for a long time... and I don't think I'll be able to eat bbq pork every again.
August 10, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Combustion. I’m a big fan of Justin’s story telling style. He packs so much in and still creates the opportunity for a fast read! This one might be my new favourite. I love fire and have always been a bit of a firebug so to speak. If you like demon possession and evil little tales with an added spark, then this one is for you!
November 17, 2022
Absolutely amazing! I really loved this book!
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading incredibly well written horror! The character development is on point! The cover is literal fire! The story is fast paced and just really good! Another hit out of the park by this very talented author!
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading incredibly well written horror! The character development is on point! The cover is literal fire! The story is fast paced and just really good! Another hit out of the park by this very talented author!
Read
August 10, 2022This book is creepy and intense. Justin has a knack for combining different horror tropes in a flawless way. Everything he writes is an instant buy from me.
A detective is investigating a body found turned to ash. Nothing else around the victim was burned. As the body count rises, all signs point to a young boy. But how can a child do this? Is there something more sinister going on?
Careful you don't get burned.
August 10, 2022
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of Justin Boote’s newest novel, Combustion, and I love it. I’ve read several of his works and he never disappoints. Combustion, like all his stories, is fast-paced, a little gory and very original. He always has a unique take on whichever subject he attacks; this time it’s demonic possession & spontaneous combustion.
Sam is a young boy that wants nothing more than to grow up to be just like his firefighter dad, an actual real-life hero. However, when his dad is laid off things go from bad to worse to awful at breakneck speed.
Combustion is my new favorite work of Boote’s. Do yourself a favor and read this story.
Sam is a young boy that wants nothing more than to grow up to be just like his firefighter dad, an actual real-life hero. However, when his dad is laid off things go from bad to worse to awful at breakneck speed.
Combustion is my new favorite work of Boote’s. Do yourself a favor and read this story.
August 10, 2022
Do you believe in spontaneous combination? Well, you should because it’s a real thing. Is it the fairytale of spontaneous combustion killing people? A disgruntled firefighter made a deal with the Devil. People are dying, being turned into ashes. Detective Ronald is determined to know why so he accepts the case. How can someone burn and leave no evidence?? Ronald knows who caused the murders, but he can’t prove it. Is it a demon ... is he going crazy... or all of the above!! Read it and find out!! You won’t be disappointed!!
August 10, 2022
i was granted the chance to arc read Combustible by Justin Boote. if you love demons and crime stories then this is definitely for you. it's a very well written, dark story of demonic possession while a detective named ronald henderson chases an impossible crime of multiple spontaneous combustion cases. the end is definitely unexpected! it releases today everyone, definitely check it out!! complete damian vibes!!
August 10, 2022
I give this Five Flaming bod... uh... Piles of Ashes ;-)
This book is on fire and may cause combustion near you. You have been warned. Muahaha...
I love demon possession stories and this book did not disappoint. It kept my fingers flying across the pages as if they were on fire to finish reading it. This story could not be quenched, and neither could the poor detective Ronald that was sent to investigate the mysterious deaths. Bodies that kept showing up had an X on them, well... what was left of the bodies anyway... Ronald was scratching his head trying to figure out why or how everything else around it had not been scorched.
The demon Xaphan, the keeper of the fires in H3ll has been summoned to earth. A bad mistake for many...
If you have Holy water, keep it handy, you might need it. Muahaha!
This book is on fire and may cause combustion near you. You have been warned. Muahaha...
I love demon possession stories and this book did not disappoint. It kept my fingers flying across the pages as if they were on fire to finish reading it. This story could not be quenched, and neither could the poor detective Ronald that was sent to investigate the mysterious deaths. Bodies that kept showing up had an X on them, well... what was left of the bodies anyway... Ronald was scratching his head trying to figure out why or how everything else around it had not been scorched.
The demon Xaphan, the keeper of the fires in H3ll has been summoned to earth. A bad mistake for many...
If you have Holy water, keep it handy, you might need it. Muahaha!
August 11, 2022
Revenge is sweet - until it isn't. People are burning into piles of ash left and right. Is it spontaneous combustion or something more sinister? This book is fast-paced and well written. It's a quick read and will keep your attention the whole time.
This book was received as an ARC.
This book was received as an ARC.
August 11, 2022
I love the way this book expertly weaves a factual mystery into a fast-paced, edge of your seat read. Spontaneous Human Combustion is a rare real life phenomenon where people literally burn to death from the inside out. The exact cause of this condition are still not fully understood. But what happens when several people in a small village suffer the same fate of SHC? Coincidence or something else? This is one of Boote’s most straightforward books, yet he still manages to bring together many sub genres of horror and crime stories. And as usual, we get an ending that is unexpected and leaves you wanting more. A great read!! I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2022
“Of course, what his Dad hadn’t told him when he had been a young boy curler up beside his father and hearing about his latest successful arrest, was the dark side of this occupation; the sights that caused the nightmares, the ever-increasing use of the whiskey bottle to drown out the terrible scenes, pretending, if only for one night, that evil didn’t walk the streets at night, disguised as a human being, or was now sitting behind a barred window in Northgate Hospital for the Criminally Insane.” Justin Boote, Combustion
The literal and figurative foreshadowing in those lines are eerily on-point for this “hot” new release from Justin Boote.
While the story centers around what’s aptly described as “something that’s been around long before man made his first tentative steps on earth - fire”…
The nuanced storytelling from each characters POV, and each of their unique voices, come together for this evil, deep, dark, murdery, thriller type of vibe that just plain worked.
What happens when humans are pushed to their limits?
How far would you go to set things right, if you feel you’ve been wronged? What will you do when the consequences of your actions go way further than you expected?
An ageless evil was invoked, and it infiltrated the most sensitive mind… “something inexplicable and unsettling. Every parents worst nightmare “.
You know what they say, “if you play with fire, you’re gonna get burned”… Are you ready to play? Read this one to see if you can handle the heat.
The literal and figurative foreshadowing in those lines are eerily on-point for this “hot” new release from Justin Boote.
While the story centers around what’s aptly described as “something that’s been around long before man made his first tentative steps on earth - fire”…
The nuanced storytelling from each characters POV, and each of their unique voices, come together for this evil, deep, dark, murdery, thriller type of vibe that just plain worked.
What happens when humans are pushed to their limits?
How far would you go to set things right, if you feel you’ve been wronged? What will you do when the consequences of your actions go way further than you expected?
An ageless evil was invoked, and it infiltrated the most sensitive mind… “something inexplicable and unsettling. Every parents worst nightmare “.
You know what they say, “if you play with fire, you’re gonna get burned”… Are you ready to play? Read this one to see if you can handle the heat.
October 1, 2022
I was lucky to read the ARC of this book. It's fast pace kept me interested and looking forward to reading more by this author.
July 22, 2023
Actual star score is 4.25.
Sam loves his father and wants to grow up to be a firefighter just like him. James, Sam's father was at work, when called out for a house fire. The two elderly people who lived in the house were rescued and on their way to the hospital when the neighbor told him that the couple had just got a puppy. James ran into the flaming house, hunted around and found the puppy hiding under a bed, he grabbed it and hurried back out. Just in time to have his picture taken by the newspaper.
Later, just before heading home, James's boss called him in and let James know that the department didn't have the money to keep him on. James was the last one hired, so he was the first one to go. Instead of heading home he went to the bar to try and figure out what he was going to do. He fully blamed his boss and as he drank more, he decided that he would get back at his boss for doing this to him, but how.
Sam loves his father and wants to grow up to be a firefighter just like him. James, Sam's father was at work, when called out for a house fire. The two elderly people who lived in the house were rescued and on their way to the hospital when the neighbor told him that the couple had just got a puppy. James ran into the flaming house, hunted around and found the puppy hiding under a bed, he grabbed it and hurried back out. Just in time to have his picture taken by the newspaper.
Later, just before heading home, James's boss called him in and let James know that the department didn't have the money to keep him on. James was the last one hired, so he was the first one to go. Instead of heading home he went to the bar to try and figure out what he was going to do. He fully blamed his boss and as he drank more, he decided that he would get back at his boss for doing this to him, but how.
April 28, 2024
I have owned a physical copy of this book for far too long! I was so happy that Justin joined our Castle Terror Buddy Read to give me the nudge I needed to finally crack the spine! A book about spontaneous human combustion sounded fun, and it was!
Due to cutbacks, firefighter James loses his job. He tries to summon demonic assistance in a desperate attempt to get revenge against his boss.
This reads like an early episode of the TV show Supernatural. Intense, yet fun. And you just can't beat a creepy kid character. Something evil has attached itself to James' son, Sam. And the evil thing whispering to Sam loves fire. Part detective story, part religious/ good vs. evil horror, this book has a little bit of everything. The ending is excellent, and I was 100% shocked by the reveal in the epilogue. Definitely recommend!
Due to cutbacks, firefighter James loses his job. He tries to summon demonic assistance in a desperate attempt to get revenge against his boss.
This reads like an early episode of the TV show Supernatural. Intense, yet fun. And you just can't beat a creepy kid character. Something evil has attached itself to James' son, Sam. And the evil thing whispering to Sam loves fire. Part detective story, part religious/ good vs. evil horror, this book has a little bit of everything. The ending is excellent, and I was 100% shocked by the reveal in the epilogue. Definitely recommend!
August 12, 2022
I read this book knowing it dealt with spontaneous combustion, and demons, and thought I'll be good. But this author describes some of these events of spontaneous combustion in such a way that they stayed with me for some time, and i have to beg off horror for a little while anyway. Some might think well then why did i give it a 5 star reviews? Because for those that aren't easily affected by these things, it's a well written book that works be readily enjoyed by those that like horror.
March 11, 2023
Combustion was the second of Justin’s books for me, and I’m now convinced he understands what scares me better than I do myself. I never gave much thought to spontaneous combustion before this book, but I damn sure will after. Mix in some possession and creepy kid vibes, both handled impeccably alongside the character development, and this book is a clear winner. Highly, highly recommended.
August 19, 2022
Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire!
::fans self"" whew, that was a blast. A superb story that starts with spontaneous human combustion and grows from there. Characters that you feel for, and devilishly, horrifying images are conjured up. I couldn't put it down until I finished.
::fans self"" whew, that was a blast. A superb story that starts with spontaneous human combustion and grows from there. Characters that you feel for, and devilishly, horrifying images are conjured up. I couldn't put it down until I finished.
August 13, 2022
Great read!
August 30, 2022
Fast paced , not my usual genre but it was an enthralling read
December 21, 2022
This was an exciting book. It was adventurous and thrilling! It kept me wanting to know more and even had me surprised!
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
February 14, 2023
This was a pretty good read. It had me invested as fuck. Even on edge at some point; which doesn't happen often!
February 15, 2023
This was a great book. I really enjoyed it and it kept me captivated through out. Good story line and unexpected twists. I definitely recommend it.
March 16, 2023
Amazing!
Combustion is a really good book. It kept me reading until the end. There are some crazy things going on in the book! I loved the book.
Combustion is a really good book. It kept me reading until the end. There are some crazy things going on in the book! I loved the book.
June 11, 2024
One of his less known stories, but not in any way less exciting or intriguing. If you're looking for a quick and fun read, pick this up!
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